Chapter 8 - Forming Bonds

Three years had passed, and Goku Black had become a far better God of Destruction than he had been when he first assumed the role. Princess Nia had also improved greatly as a cook and was now allowed to return home at the end of every month to restock her kitchen supplies. Occasionally, she even brought back seedlings and seeds to cultivate fruits and vegetables on the god's planet.

To Mitarashi, however, the years seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. During that time, she learned more about her master's interests, habits, and temperament. She had become so familiar with him that she knew exactly what pleased him—and what did not.

One morning, Goku Black was awakened by the sound of hammering and cheerful chatter outside his dwelling.

Still groggy, he sat up and rubbed his eyes before parting the white curtains covering his window. Through the glass, he spotted Mitarashi and Nia constructing a swing beneath a nearby tree. The wooden seat hung from a sturdy branch, large enough for a single person.

Curious, Goku Black slipped on his robe and house slippers before making his way downstairs.

When he reached the front door, he opened it quietly.

Leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, he simply observed.

Mitarashi stood atop one of the tree's branches, carefully securing a thick rope around it. After testing several knots and ensuring they were secure, she looked down at the excited princess and gave her a thumbs-up.

Nia's face immediately lit up.

She hurried onto the swing and pushed herself forward with her small feet. The swing moved, but only slightly.

Meanwhile, Mitarashi remained perched on the branch, keeping a close eye on the rope and knots.

"Ugh! I want it to go higher, but my legs aren't strong enough!" Nia complained, stomping her feet against the grass.

"You need someone to push you."

A familiar male voice spoke from nearby.

Both Nia and Mitarashi turned toward the source.

There stood Goku Black, casually approaching them with his arms crossed.

Upon seeing him, Nia immediately stepped off the swing and bowed.

"Good morning, my lord."

Mitarashi floated down from the tree and bowed as well.

"Good morning, my lord. Did our noise disturb your rest?"

"No."

Goku Black glanced at the swing.

"I should have expected to wake up once I heard the two of you building something in the front yard."

His gaze lingered on the newly installed swing.

"If you want it to go higher, you need someone strong enough to push you."

Nia's eyes sparkled.

She climbed back onto the swing and looked hopefully at Mitarashi.

"Can you push me?"

"Of course."

Mitarashi stepped behind her.

At first, she pushed gently.

The swing began to sway.

Then it rose higher.

And higher.

Soon, Nia was soaring through the air.

"This is awesome!"

Her delighted laughter echoed throughout the yard.

Mitarashi smiled as she continued pushing.

"Hold on tightly," she warned. "You might go flying."

Goku Black watched the two from beneath the tree.

A faint smile formed on his lips.

Eventually, the swing slowed and came to a stop.

The princess hopped off and immediately turned toward Mitarashi.

"Your turn!"

Mitarashi blinked.

"Ah, that's alright—"

"No!"

Nia grabbed her hand.

"You helped build it! You deserve to try it too. It's fun!"

"I think I'll pass."

"Why?"

Mitarashi awkwardly laughed.

"I'm heavier than you. You probably won't be able to push me high enough."

As she searched for excuses, a grin slowly appeared on Goku Black's face.

He began walking toward them.

"There won't be any problem pushing you."

Mitarashi immediately stiffened.

She turned her head.

The god stopped directly behind the swing.

"Because I'll be the one doing it."

Mitarashi looked up.

The grin on Goku Black's face was nothing short of ominous.

He cracked his knuckles.

Then his neck.

"My lord..." Mitarashi said nervously as she gripped the ropes tightly. "You really don't have to do this."

"Too late!"

Nia declared excitedly.

"Lord Black is in charge now!"

"That's right."

Before Mitarashi could protest further, Goku Black gave the swing a powerful push.

The swing surged upward.

Higher.

Higher.

For a brief moment, it felt as though she had been launched toward the heavens themselves.

As she reached the peak of her ascent, time seemed to slow.

Above her stretched the purple sky and the drifting clouds of the planet.

A strange feeling stirred within her heart.

This feels familiar...

The warmth I once felt centuries ago...

With someone I shared a deep connection with...

The thoughts surfaced unbidden.

Again and again, Goku Black pushed the swing higher each time she returned.

Unlike Nia, who had laughed and cheered, Mitarashi remained silent.

She simply surrendered herself to the sensation.

The wind brushed gently against her face.

Her white, wavy hair danced through the air as she rose and fell.

She closed her eyes.

For a fleeting moment, she felt at peace.

Behind her, Goku Black was enjoying himself far more than he expected.

A rare laugh escaped him as he continued pushing the swing.

Yet eventually he noticed something.

Mitarashi had not said a single word.

Curious, he gave the swing one final push.

When she descended, he stepped forward and caught her by the waist to stop her momentum.

The moment his hands touched her, Mitarashi's eyes snapped open.

Her thoughts shattered.

A sudden rush of forgotten emotions surged through her mind.

A distant memory.

A familiar warmth.

Someone else had once held her like this.

Someone whose face she could no longer remember.

Yet the feeling remained.

And for the first time in centuries, that forgotten memory threatened to return.

Mitarashi's eyes opened instantly.

She turned toward her master but remained silent.

"Did the swing make you dizzy?" Goku Black asked, a hint of concern crossing his face as his brows furrowed. "You've been awfully quiet."

"Ah, no, my lord."

Mitarashi quickly composed herself and stood from the swing.

"It's simply been a very long time since I last sat on one. The experience felt... new to me, despite being something I once enjoyed long ago."

She spoke calmly, unwilling to cause her master any concern.

"Just don't throw up in front of me."

Goku Black spoke sarcastically before turning away and heading back toward the house.

"Nia, prepare breakfast."

"Will do!"

The excited princess immediately marched back toward the dwelling.

Mitarashi clasped her hands over her abdomen and slowly followed behind them.

Then she stopped.

Her thoughts drifted back to what had happened moments earlier.

It was the first time her master had ever touched her.

She had no problem tending to him, assisting him, or caring for him physically. Such duties were expected of a personal attendant and caregiver.

Yet being on the receiving end of that touch felt entirely different.

A strange feeling settled within her chest.

Unworthiness.

The hands that had caught her belonged to a God of Destruction—a divine being she had sworn to serve.

Some irrational part of her believed she did not deserve such care from him.

She closed her eyes.

Slowly, she inhaled.

Then exhaled.

Again.

And again.

Only when her thoughts finally settled did she continue walking toward the house.

When she entered the dining room, she found Goku Black already seated at the table.

To her surprise, Nia was serving his tea.

Normally, that responsibility belonged to her.

"What took you so long?" Goku Black asked, mild annoyance evident in his voice.

Mitarashi smoothly offered an excuse.

"A stone became lodged between the sole and heel of my boot. It took a moment to remove."

Goku Black narrowed his eyes slightly before taking a sip of tea.

"I prefer having you serve my tea."

He placed the cup down.

"That has been our routine for the past three years."

"Forgive my negligence, my lord."

Mitarashi bowed lightly.

"My lord, you could always switch between me and Miss Mitarashi sometimes!" Nia suggested cheerfully.

"No."

The answer came immediately.

"I've grown accustomed to Mitarashi's way of serving me."

He paused.

"Though if circumstances require it, I don't mind. You're quite capable of preparing tea as well."

Nia beamed proudly.

Then a sudden memory crossed her mind.

"Oh! I just remembered!"

Both looked toward her.

"One of the planets we visited thought Miss Mitarashi was your wife!"

The moment those words left her mouth, Goku Black sprayed tea across the table.

"Cough—!"

He nearly choked.

Mitarashi blinked.

Nia froze.

"AND THAT IS ONE OF THE MANY REASONS I DESTROYED THAT PLANET!"

Goku Black slammed his cup down.

"Other than the fact that they were summoning demons from the Demon Realm and using them as slaves," Mitarashi added casually.

The room fell silent.

Then Mitarashi thoughtfully looked toward the ceiling.

"Though, come to think of it..."

She tapped her chin.

"What would it be like if Lord Black met a powerful and beautiful woman and eventually married her?"

Goku Black stared at her.

"I find mortal women completely uninteresting."

His expression darkened.

"They are mortal, after all."

He crossed his arms.

"If I were to choose a wife, she would have to be as powerful as I am. Divine. Capable. Someone who shares my ideals."

An intimidating aura seemed to fill the room.

Nia nervously raised a hand.

"So... someone like Lady Heles from Universe Two?"

"She's weak."

The answer came without hesitation.

Mitarashi chuckled.

"That's not what she told me. I recall her calling you cute after the last Divine Assembly."

"So what?"

Goku Black rested his chin on his hand.

"I don't like her."

His annoyance was becoming increasingly obvious.

"Why are you two even asking me this?" he demanded.

He pointed accusingly at both women.

"Do I look like someone who needs a wife?"

"That's not what I meant, my lord!" Nia quickly defended herself.

"I just think it would be interesting if you had one."

"Besides," Mitarashi added, "many people find you attractive. Mortals and gods alike."

Goku Black groaned dramatically and threw his hands into the air.

"What is it with women throwing themselves at me?"

He leaned back in his chair.

"I'm a God of Destruction. A warrior. Not some fashion model."

"Well, that's simply how things are now, my lord."

Mitarashi smiled.

"Especially after what happened with the planet you spared. Many civilizations practically worship you. Some even send tributes in your honor."

"Oh!"

Nia suddenly snapped her fingers.

"That's right! The Mohai Empire from Planet Monyi should be sending their annual tribute today. I heard they're delivering some of their premium meats."

Goku Black immediately looked interested.

"Premium meats?"

"They're excellent for barbecuing and curing," Mitarashi explained.

Nia nodded enthusiastically.

"They're really good!"

Mitarashi turned toward the princess.

"Then after lunch, go collect the tribute. They already know you."

"Got it!"

Nia saluted dramatically.

"I'll head there right after lunch!"

For the first time that morning, Goku Black looked genuinely pleased by the conversation.

The prospect of premium barbecue meat had succeeded where discussions of marriage had failed.

A knock echoed through the house.

Since she was closest to the door, Mitarashi answered it.

Outside stood Tatsu.

He offered a respectful bow before stepping inside. Once invited in, he immediately bowed again to Goku Black, who was still finishing his breakfast.

"What brings you here?" the God of Destruction asked.

"Lord Black, Master Zamasu wishes to see you. This morning, he discovered a suspicious planet and would like your opinion on it."

Goku Black finished the last bite of rice from his bowl.

"Very well. I'll head there after breakfast."

As Tatsu waited, Mitarashi noticed the worried expression lingering on his face.

"Tatsu, is there something else you'd like to tell us?" she asked gently.

Tatsu hesitated.

His eyes drifted toward Goku Black.

The god set down his bowl and looked directly at him.

"Speak."

The command was simple but firm.

Tatsu swallowed.

"My lord... I've noticed that Master Zamasu has been growing weaker lately."

Goku Black's expression immediately darkened.

Tatsu continued.

"Even simple tasks seem to exhaust him. Whenever he uses the Universal Orb to observe planets or monitor celestial phenomena, there are times when he suddenly collapses."

Mitarashi frowned.

"Has he been injured?"

"No."

Tatsu shook his head.

"He always claims he's simply tired from creating the replacement planet for those mortals. But that was over a week ago."

His voice trembled slightly.

"He keeps insisting he's fine, but... I don't think he is."

Silence filled the room.

Goku Black clenched his jaw.

"He may be overworking himself."

The irritation in his voice was unmistakable.

"If he keeps this up, he might end up killing me as well."

Tatsu blinked.

The god sighed.

"We share the same life force. If something happens to him, it affects me too."

He stood from his seat.

"I'll knock some sense into him when we arrive."

A few moments later, Goku Black, Mitarashi, and Tatsu arrived on Zamasu's planet.

The moment they appeared, both Goku Black and Mitarashi felt something unusual.

The atmosphere itself felt different.

Heavier.

Almost oppressive.

The feeling lingered in the air like a distant storm.

Neither spoke of it.

Instead, they continued toward Zamasu's dwelling.

Inside, they found complete chaos.

Books, scrolls, papers, and records were scattered everywhere.

Several drawers had been left open, and piles of documents covered nearly every available surface.

In the middle of the mess stood Zamasu, frantically searching through yet another stack of ancient records.

Goku Black walked over and tapped him on the shoulder.

"What is all of this?"

His annoyance was obvious.

Zamasu jumped slightly before turning around.

To his surprise, he found a concerned yet visibly irritated Goku Black standing behind him.

"I'm searching for records left behind by previous Supreme Kais," Zamasu explained.

He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"They contain references to a planet I need you to see."

Goku Black crossed his arms.

"How important is this planet?"

"I'll show you."

Zamasu motioned for everyone to follow him.

Together, they entered the Observation Hall.

At the center of the chamber floated the Universal Orb—a colossal divine artifact capable of displaying anything within the universe.

Mitarashi and Tatsu remained at a respectful distance while the two gods approached the orb.

Zamasu raised both hands.

A flash of white light illuminated the room.

The orb activated.

"Show me," Goku Black said.

Zamasu began manipulating the display.

Galactic superclusters appeared before them.

Then entire galaxies.

Solar systems.

Nebulae.

The image zoomed closer and closer until it finally settled upon a single planet.

The world was shrouded in darkness.

Its surface appeared lifeless.

Abandoned cities stretched across barren wastelands.

Not a single sign of civilization remained.

It looked like a dead world.

Goku Black raised an eyebrow.

"You called me here to look at a dead rock?"

His sarcasm was immediate.

"No."

Zamasu shook his head.

"That's not what concerns me."

He gestured toward the planet.

"At first glance, it appears abandoned. But the more I observed it, the stranger it became."

The image zoomed closer.

"Those structures aren't artificial."

"What do you mean?"

"They aren't buildings."

Zamasu pointed toward a massive tower.

"It appears they're biological."

The image is magnified again.

Suddenly, the "tower" revealed itself to be something else entirely.

A giant spike of flesh.

Farther away, similar structures emerged from the ground.

Some resembled tentacles.

Others appeared like massive roots or veins stretching across the planet's surface.

Tatsu grimaced.

"Ugh."

He rubbed his arm.

"It looks like a planet-sized octopus."

A shiver ran down his spine.

"That's horrifying."

Mitarashi narrowed her eyes.

Then a thought struck her.

"Could it be... the Great Devourer?"

Both gods immediately turned toward her.

"The Great Devourer?" Zamasu repeated.

"The one from the legends?"

"It's only a theory," Mitarashi admitted.

She stepped closer to the orb.

"An organism of this size should be impossible."

Her gaze remained fixed upon the dark planet.

"Unless it truly is the Great Devourer."

The room grew silent.

Mitarashi continued.

"Unlike ordinary lifeforms, it does not consume physical matter such as rock or minerals."

She pointed toward the planet.

"It feeds on energy."

"The energy of worlds."

"The energy of stars."

"The energy of living beings."

Her voice grew more serious.

"It often attaches itself to planets and slowly drains their cores until nothing remains."

Zamasu listened intently.

"I've encountered records of it before," Mitarashi continued.

"Across thousands of years, it has been linked to the deaths of entire galaxies and stellar clusters throughout multiple universes."

Even Goku Black's expression became more focused.

"The last confirmed sighting placed it in Universe Seven."

Mitarashi folded her arms.

"However, after Lord Beerus awakened from his long slumber, the creature likely felt threatened."

A grim look crossed her face.

"Beerus is more than capable of hunting it."

She stared directly at the monstrous planet displayed within the orb.

"So if my theory is correct..."

Her voice lowered.

"...it fled."

The room fell silent.

"And now," she concluded, "it may have found refuge in Universe Ten."

"How ominous!" Tatsu yelped in fear.

"But can I destroy it?" Goku Black asked firmly.

"The problem is that whenever it's threatened, it tears through timelines and universes to escape its pursuers," Mitarashi explained. "In doing so, it leaves rifts in space-time behind, making it extremely difficult for Gods of Destruction to track. It is even capable of evading detection from the Omni-King himself."

Goku Black remained silent for a moment.

"But can I destroy it?" he repeated insistently.

"Yes, you can," Mitarashi answered. "However, you must be careful not to reveal your power level to it."

Zamasu looked toward his counterpart.

"Can you conceal your energy well enough, Black?"

"I can. Don't worry about it."

Goku Black reassured him with a pat on the shoulder.

Back on his planet, Goku Black sat upon his throne, contemplating the task that lay ahead.

Moments later, Mitarashi arrived carrying a freshly brewed cup of tea in a porcelain gaiwan. She carefully placed it into her master's hands before returning to her usual posture, her hands clasped neatly over her abdomen.

"Could that creature be connected to Zamasu's condition?" Goku Black murmured while staring into his tea. "Tatsu said he's been growing weaker."

Mitarashi shook her head.

"I don't know whether such a creature could affect a Supreme Kai's health."

"If that's the case," Goku Black said after taking a sip, "then I should destroy it immediately before Zamasu grows any weaker."

"That would be the wisest course of action, my lord."

A few days later, Mitarashi teleported both of them to a safe distance from the mysterious planet.

They floated silently in space, carefully suppressing their divine energy.

Once satisfied, they descended.

The world that greeted them was bleak.

An abandoned city stretched across the horizon, filled with crumbling skyscrapers and ruined structures. Every surface seemed painted in shades of black, gray, brown, and crimson. Above them hung a dying white dwarf star, its fading light casting an eerie glow across the dead landscape.

In the distance stood a colossal tower-like structure.

Its tip emitted a faint blue glow.

Like moths drawn to a flame, their attention was immediately captured.

The two began moving toward it.

After several minutes, Goku Black stopped walking.

"Mitarashi."

"Yes, my lord?"

"Does this thing have a weakness? A vital organ? Some soft spot I can stab?"

Mitarashi frowned.

"I have no idea, my lord. Forgive my lack of information."

Goku Black sighed heavily.

"The simplest solution would be to erase this entire planet with Hakai."

His eyes narrowed.

"But if I do that, it will immediately alert the creature and ruin any chance of catching it off guard."

Mitarashi remained silent.

Instead, she searched the surrounding ruins for clues.

Eventually, something caught her attention.

A symbol.

Carved into the side of a crumbling wall.

Her eyes widened.

The rune was familiar.

She had seen it before.

Long ago.

Yet she never expected to encounter it here, especially in connection with a creature such as this.

She stepped closer.

A thousand fragmented memories stirred in the back of her mind.

What was the connection?

Why did this symbol feel so important?

As she struggled to remember, Goku Black's patience finally ran out.

Without warning, he raised his hand and formed a sphere of Hakai energy.

The dark-purple orb crackled violently in his palm.

The immense destructive power immediately disturbed the atmosphere.

Before Goku Black could release the attack—

The tower reacted.

A crimson light erupted from its peak.

A violent pulse of energy exploded outward in all directions.

"What—?!"

Goku Black's eyes widened.

The Hakai sphere instantly destabilized and evaporated before his hand.

Then came the scream.

A horrific, ear-piercing shriek echoed across the planet.

The sound was unlike anything either of them had ever heard.

It sounded alive.

Angry.

Hungry.

The ground shook violently beneath their feet.

Buildings collapsed into dust.

The sky itself seemed to tremble.

Without hesitation, Mitarashi leaped behind Goku Black and pressed her palms over his ears.

The scream intensified.

Wave after wave of vibrations tore through the landscape.

Entire city blocks disintegrated.

The two attempted to retreat—

But suddenly Goku Black stumbled.

His knees buckled.

His vision blurred.

His body felt impossibly heavy.

He dropped to one knee.

"My lord!"

Mitarashi immediately wrapped one of his arms around her shoulders and supported his weight.

The scream continued for several more agonizing minutes before finally fading away.

When silence returned, they found themselves in an open area far from the collapsing ruins.

But a far greater problem now confronted Mitarashi.

Goku Black could barely stand.

His face had become pale.

Cold sweat ran down his skin.

His breathing was shallow and uneven.

"My lord?!"

Panic entered her voice.

"What is wrong?!"

Goku Black attempted to speak.

His lips trembled.

His eyes struggled to remain open.

With immense effort, he forced out a few broken words.

"Must..."

He swallowed painfully.

"Keep..."

Another breath.

"The..."

His vision dimmed.

"Balance..."

His body suddenly went limp.

"My lord!"

He collapsed into Mitarashi's arms.

"No!"

She frantically shook him.

"My lord, what do you mean?!"

Her voice echoed through the dead world.

She tapped his face.

His shoulders.

His chest.

Anything to wake him.

Nothing worked.

Desperately, she checked his pulse.

Steady.

His breathing.

Normal.

He had simply lost consciousness.

Yet that frightened her even more.

Clutching her unconscious master tightly, Mitarashi cast one final glance toward the distant tower.

The crimson glow atop it still burned.

Watching.

Waiting.

Then, without another second of hesitation, she teleported them away from the cursed planet and the monstrous entity lurking within it.