Chapter 13 - His Challenger

 

Mitarashi and Goku Black faced one another in midair, poised to begin. Below them, Broly stood at the edge of the crater beside Nia, both watching with eager anticipation.

Without hesitation, Goku Black struck first.

His fist shot toward her face, but Mitarashi effortlessly slipped to the side. She caught his wrist in a firm grip, using it as leverage to launch a counterpunch. Goku Black twisted away just in time, only for Mitarashi to drive the palm of her hand into the left side of his ribs, sending him skidding through the air.

The blow barely fazed him.

He immediately rushed back with another straight punch. Mitarashi calmly redirected his arm with a gentle motion, seized his bicep, and drove her elbow into the side of his neck.

The impact echoed through the sky.

"I never knew Miss Mitarashi was such a formidable fighter," Nia murmured in amazement.

Broly simply smiled, silently enjoying the spectacle.

Annoyed at being outmaneuvered, Goku Black unleashed a relentless barrage of punches and kicks at blinding speed. Yet every strike was either caught, deflected, or blocked with effortless precision.

The moment an opening appeared, Mitarashi seized it.

Her uppercut connected squarely with his chin, launching him into the air in a complete flip.

Throughout the exchange, the gentle smile on her face never faded.

Frustration finally got the better of him.

With a snarl, Goku Black hurled a volley of pink ki blasts toward her.

Golden energy suddenly enveloped Mitarashi's fingers, extending into elegant blade-like claws around her nail guards. With graceful swings of her hands, she sliced every blast cleanly in half while weaving effortlessly through the explosions.

He continued firing.

She continued advancing.

Within the blink of an eye, she appeared directly before him.

Before he could react, her golden nail guards slid beneath the collar of his gi, hooking around the opening. She yanked him toward her, their faces inches apart.

A powerful punch crashed into his face.

Then came a swift series of elegant backhand strikes.

Finally—

Headbutt.

The collision made Goku Black groan as stars momentarily filled his vision.

Mitarashi released him only after planting a solid kick into his stomach, followed immediately by a spinning flying kick across his cheek that sent him tumbling backward.

For the first time, the God of Destruction realized something unbelievable.

She was not only more skilled than Broly—

She was stronger.

Grinding his teeth, Goku Black's frustration erupted into power.

A violent surge of pink and violet energy exploded around him.

His ebony hair transformed into a brilliant rose pink, while his dark irises became cold silver-gray.

Super Saiyan Rosé.

His speed multiplied instantly.

This time, Mitarashi could only cross her arms to shield herself as his flurry of attacks rained down with overwhelming force.

Satisfied after forcing her back, Goku Black extended his left hand and formed his signature pink ki blade.

Without hesitation, he thrust it through his own palm.

From the wound emerged his legendary weapon—

The Scythe of Sorrow.

He spun it confidently before pointing the enormous blade toward Mitarashi, fully intending to tear open space-time itself.

But just as he prepared to swing—

The scythe vanished.

"...What?"

His eyes darted around in confusion.

Then he saw it.

Mitarashi was calmly standing several meters away...

Holding his scythe in one hand.

She admired the weapon almost curiously before twirling it effortlessly around her fingers. The massive divine weapon spun with impossible grace, as though it had always belonged to her.

Her movements resembled a dance.

Elegant.

Precise.

Beautiful.

For a brief moment, she looked less like a Kai...

...and more like the Goddess of Death herself.

With a single fluid slash, she tore open space-time.

The familiar dimensional rift appeared.

From its darkness emerged countless copies of Goku Black.

But instead of attacking her—

They surrounded her.

Several stood before her like loyal guards.

Others shielded her back.

Some gently embraced her protectively, forming a living wall around her.

Fifteen empty-eyed copies silently defended the Kai of Time.

Goku Black froze.

"No..."

Those clones should have obeyed him.

Mitarashi gently reached up and caressed the cheek of the copy embracing her.

Her fingertips slowly traced from beneath his eye to his chin before she withdrew her hand.

Then she looked directly at the real Goku Black.

Smiling softly...

She raised one finger toward him.

It wasn't a threat.

It was a command.

Instantly, every clone dissolved into brilliant divine energy.

The entire mass merged into a colossal comet of pink light that rocketed toward Goku Black.

The impact struck him square in the chest.

BOOM!

His body blasted through four ancient trees before crashing into the side of a mountain.

Stone shattered.

Trees splintered.

The mountain partially collapsed around him.

Silence followed.

As the dust settled, Goku Black lay buried beneath broken rock and shattered trunks.

His body ached.

His pride hurt even more.

He stared blankly upward, too stunned to process what had just happened.

Every warning he had given Mitarashi before their match echoed mockingly inside his mind.

Moments later, she landed softly beside the crater.

Still holding his scythe, she approached him quietly before lowering herself onto one knee.

Without saying a word, she respectfully extended the weapon toward him with both hands.

Goku Black snatched it away.

The scythe dissolved into pink particles as he reverted to his base form.

Mitarashi quietly waited for his anger.

Instead...

"You fight better than Broly," he muttered.

He pushed several rocks off himself before looking up at her.

"Are you certain it was Broly who defeated the Great Devourer?"

"Fuuja was weaker than you are, my lord," Mitarashi corrected gently.

He leaned forward, resting both elbows on his knees.

"It seems I underestimated you."

His lips curled into a grin.

"The way you fight..."

"...like a seasoned warrior."

His curious eyes studied her carefully.

"Are you truly a Kai? No ordinary Kai fights the way you do."

"My long existence has taught me many things, my lord," Mitarashi answered as she gracefully sat beside him.

Her smile remained as calm as ever.

"Aren't you upset?" she asked softly.

Goku Black chuckled.

"Upset?"

"I'm thrilled."

He looked at her with genuine admiration.

"You are a Kai of Time capable of defeating a God of Destruction."

"You excel at housework."

"You are an exceptional caretaker."

"And you are a wise adviser."

He folded his arms with satisfaction.

"You are far more talented than I ever imagined."

"I am honored by your praise, my lord."

She lowered her head in a respectful bow.

"Miss Mitarashi!" Nia exclaimed as the pair returned home. "You defeated Lord Black without even breaking a sweat!"

"I honestly didn't expect that either," Broly admitted with a laugh.

As everyone celebrated the match, Mitarashi noticed dark bruises forming across Goku Black's shoulder, ribs, and chest where her strikes had landed.

"Oh my..."

Her expression immediately shifted to concern.

"My lord, I need to treat your injuries."

Without waiting for permission, she gently pressed her fingers against one of the bruises.

"I caused these. Please allow me to care for them."

She carefully guided the bewildered destroyer toward the living room.

"Nia," Mitarashi called, "please bring me a bowl of ice water and a clean towel. I need to prepare a cold compress."

"Right away!"

The princess hurried off.

"Really, you don't need to do this," Goku Black protested as Mitarashi eased him onto the sofa.

"They'll disappear on their own."

"I caused the injuries," she insisted.

"It is only proper that I treat them."

Moments later, Nia returned carrying a bowl filled with ice water, a neatly folded towel draped over its rim.

Mitarashi dipped the towel into the chilled water, wrung out the excess, folded it carefully, and gently pressed it against the bruising on Goku Black's chest.

He hissed softly through his teeth.

"...I may have fractured one of your ribs," she murmured anxiously.

"You didn't," Goku Black assured her.

"Your attacks were meant to disable me, not kill me."

She looked down sadly.

"Even so... I only intended to disarm you, yet I still left you bruised."

For a moment, Goku Black simply watched her.

Those same delicate hands—

Hands capable of defeating him—

Were now tending to his wounds with remarkable gentleness.

"My lord," Mitarashi said quietly, "after this, you should rest. Otherwise, the bruising may worsen."

Goku Black blinked.

"So... you're telling me I'm supposed to lie here all day?"

"Yes, my lord."

She smiled warmly.

"It is the best course of recovery."

From the corner of her eye, Mitarashi noticed Nia treating Broly's bruises much less delicately—simply pressing ice cubes directly onto them while the Saiyan winced dramatically.

Paying them little attention, she returned her focus to her master.

With a resigned sigh, Goku Black finally gave in.

He rested his head against two soft throw pillows.

Without missing a beat, Mitarashi gently spread a light blanket over him.

He looked at her in confusion.

"So you won't catch a chill while you rest," she explained with her usual sweet smile.

Goku Black wasn't sure whether he should appreciate the gesture...

...or cringe at how thoroughly she had begun treating him like a patient.

Meanwhile, Zamasu, Tatsu, and Winsu arrived on Natto's planet.

"So this is the place you want me to guard?" Winsu asked the Supreme Kai, keeping his hands clasped behind his back.

"It is not only the planet that requires your protection," Zamasu replied. "The Namekian who resides here is equally important."

"I hope the Namekian and I get along," Winsu said with an eager smile.

The three flew toward Natto's dwelling.

Tatsu stepped forward and knocked firmly on the wooden door.

"The Supreme Kai has arrived!" he announced loudly.

Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing Natto. Seeing the three Kais standing before him—Zamasu in the center, Winsu to his left, and Tatsu to his right—the Namekian immediately fell to one knee, bowing his head in respect.

"Greetings! Welcome to my humble home, Supreme Ka—"

He paused, realizing he did not know the deity's name.

"Zamasu," the Supreme Kai supplied with a faint smile.

"I welcome you to my humble home, Supreme Kai Zamasu," Natto finished respectfully.

"Rise, Namekian," Zamasu said gently. "Lord Black and I have agreed to provide you with a personal bodyguard after learning that your Dragon Balls were recently used for malicious purposes."

He extended a hand toward the Kai beside him.

"Allow me to introduce North Kai Winsu."

Winsu stepped forward with a warm smile.

"He will serve as your guardian from this day forward. While protecting both you and the Purple Dragon Balls, he will also oversee the Northern Cluster from this planet."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Natto," Winsu greeted, extending his hand. "I hope we'll live together peacefully."

"The honor is mine, Lord Winsu."

Natto accepted the handshake gratefully.

After a brief moment, Natto glanced back toward his small concrete home before looking at Winsu again.

"However... my dwelling is rather small. I fear there won't be enough room for the both of us, especially if you require an office to perform your duties."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Winsu replied cheerfully. "I'll simply build my own house beside yours."

Reaching into the small brown drawstring pouch hanging from his belt, Winsu pulled out a single golden nut.

Walking a short distance beside Natto's home, he knelt and dug a shallow hole with his fingers before gently placing the nut inside. After covering it with soil, he dusted off his hands and casually returned to the group.

Natto and Tatsu tilted their heads in confusion.

"What exactly did you plant?" Natto asked timidly.

"My house," Winsu answered with an excited grin.

No sooner had he spoken than rays of golden light burst from beneath the ground.

The earth trembled.

A massive tree rapidly sprouted toward the sky, its enormous trunk rising beside Natto's home. Thick branches stretched outward as windows naturally formed within the bark, while a sturdy wooden door emerged from the trunk itself.

Roots gently intertwined with the foundation of Natto's house without damaging it, creating a connecting doorway between the two dwellings as though they had always been one.

Natto stared in complete astonishment.

"...Amazing."

His eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Your home blends perfectly with the surroundings... and it even connects to mine."

Winsu scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"It makes visiting each other much easier."

Zamasu smiled with satisfaction.

"It appears everything has been settled."

He turned toward Winsu.

"We shall leave the rest to you."

"Yes, Supreme Kai."

Winsu bowed respectfully.

"This is a wonderful planet. I believe I'll enjoy living here."

Natto also lowered his head in gratitude.

With nothing left to arrange, Zamasu and Tatsu bid the two farewell before taking flight, disappearing into the heavens.

As they journeyed back across space, Tatsu finally spoke.

"Master... will Lord Winsu truly be all right living there? Since Natto survives on water alone, wouldn't it be rather lonely for Winsu to brew tea when the Namekian can't properly enjoy it?"

Zamasu chuckled softly.

"Namekians can drink tea," he corrected. "They simply require more water than most beings."

"I see..."

Tatsu nodded in understanding.

The Supreme Kai looked ahead as stars drifted past them.

"Let us simply hope Winsu succeeds in protecting both Natto... and the Purple Dragon Balls entrusted to his care."

There was quiet satisfaction in his voice as the two Kais continued their journey home.

“Do you know who wished upon these Dragon Balls?” Winsu asked as he arranged his belongings inside the tree house.

“I haven't yet, but we can ask the dragon,” Natto suggested.

“Do we need the Dragon Balls for that?” Winsu asked curiously.

“No,” Natto replied, reaching into his gi. “I have a small stone figurine of the dragon. You only need to pour something hot over it to activate it.”

He held out a tiny crimson figurine, small enough to fit in the palm of a toddler's hand. Winsu blinked as he stared at it before a thought suddenly crossed his mind.

It works like a tea pet...

Smiling to himself, he heated a kettle of water and added fragrant tea leaves as it came to a boil. He carefully placed the figurine on a tea tray before slowly pouring the steaming tea over it. As the warm steam enveloped the tiny statue, it twisted and gathered together until the translucent spirit of the dragon emerged from the mist.

Meanwhile, back on Goku Black's planet, the Destroyer God was peacefully dozing on the sofa, comfortably wrapped in blankets while quiet chatter drifted in from outside.

On the porch, Mitarashi and Nia sat together removing beans from their pods while Broly trimmed the ornamental shrubs a few feet away.

“What does the Demon Realm look like?” Nia asked curiously.

“It resembles the universes and planets we know,” Mitarashi explained, gently popping another bean from its pod. “The difference is that the realm is divided into layers according to one's power and origins.”

“You've been there?” Broly asked.

“I came from the Demon Realm,” Mitarashi replied with a gentle smile. “All beings with pointed ears like mine either originated there or descended from those who did. My race, the Glinds, eventually left the Demon Realm and were appointed as the Kais who oversee the multiverse.”

She continued shelling beans as she spoke.

“Most beings there rely on latent magic rather than ki or energy control. Because of that, civilization has stagnated for ages, leaving much of the realm barren.”

“Does it have a ruler?” Broly asked while clipping another branch. “A king? A god?”

“A Demon King,” Mitarashi answered. “Though I no longer know who currently holds that title after King Dabura was slain in Universe Seven.”

She smiled faintly.

“I only learned of his death after Lord Black destroyed the planet whose people summoned demons to serve them.”

“I wonder how long they'd been doing that,” Broly said thoughtfully.

“They kept it hidden,” Mitarashi explained. “They claimed the demons were their ancestors, even though the planet was originally inhabited by ordinary mortals with no demonic blood.”

She paused before adding,

“Mortals pretending to be gods... that is what truly disgusts Lord Black. He simply wants mortals to understand their place and respect the boundaries set before them.”

“I mean...” Nia chimed in, “if I were in Lord Black's position, and a place became that corrupt, I'd probably destroy it too... then rebuild it.”

“In destruction comes creation,” Mitarashi said with a knowing smile. “Is that what you mean?”

“Yes! Exactly!” Nia replied enthusiastically.

Having finished shelling the beans, Mitarashi gathered them into a wooden bowl and carried them inside to prepare for boiling. Nia swept away the empty pods while Broly returned to trimming the bushes.

As Mitarashi passed the living room, she glanced toward the sofa.

Goku Black remained fast asleep, comfortably nestled beneath his blankets with one arm resting behind his head. A peaceful smile crossed her lips before she quietly continued into the kitchen.

A few minutes later, she returned to the porch carrying a broom to help Nia finish cleaning.

The princess suddenly leaned close and whispered into her ear.

“Do you think Lord Black is handsome?”

Mitarashi blinked in surprise and simply smiled without answering.

Nia wasn't satisfied.

“Do you think Lord Black is handsome?” she asked again.

“Well...” Mitarashi replied awkwardly, “many mortal women have begged him to marry them or take them as concubines.”

“But you,” Nia insisted with a mischievous grin. “Do you think he's handsome?”

Before Mitarashi could respond, Nia dramatically declared,

“Because I think Lord Black is hot!”

“H-hot?” Broly asked, confused. “Is... is that a good thing?”

“Yes!” Nia laughed, her feline tail swishing happily. “It means someone is really attractive and has a beautiful, muscular body!”

Broly scratched his head.

“Could I... be hot?”

“You could be, Fish Food!” Nia answered confidently.

“Could be...?” Broly repeated with uncertainty.

Mitarashi couldn't help tilting her head in confusion.

“Answer the question, Miss Mitarashi!” Nia whined, tugging gently on the Kai's sleeve. “Do you think Lord Black is handsome?”

“Lower your voice,” Mitarashi whispered. “You'll wake him.”

“Oh, come on! It's only a yes or no question! Just answer it!”

The princess dramatically shook Mitarashi by the shoulders.

“That's right.”

A familiar voice interrupted them.

“Do you find me handsome?”

Goku Black stood quietly in the doorway with his arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face.

The three froze.

Broly nearly jumped out of his skin, accidentally dropping his pruning shears onto the ground.

Nia, however, wore the widest grin imaginable.

She leaned toward Mitarashi and whispered excitedly,

“Answer the question, Miss Mitarashi! Lord Black's asking you himself!”

With an embarrassed sigh, Mitarashi gently pushed the princess aside before turning toward her master.

He waited silently for her answer.

Meeting his dark eyes without hesitation, she smiled warmly.

“Yes.”

“You are handsome, my lord. There is no question about that.”

She paused briefly before adding softly,

“It doesn't matter whether you're apricot or olive.”

The words caught him off guard.

Apricot... or olive...?

His brows knit together before realization dawned on him.

She wasn't referring to skin color.

She meant alive or dead.

Whether he was Goku Black... or Zamasu...

Whether he wore an apricot complexion or olive skin...

She saw him.

Not merely the body he inhabited, but the person within it.

“Apricot or olive?” Nia asked, scrunching her nose in confusion. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“Alive or dead,” Goku Black answered calmly.

“Ohhh...” Nia nodded slowly.

“That's... both sweet and kind of morbid.”

Goku Black simply ignored the comment before looking toward the princess.

“So... what are you making for lunch?”

“Oh!” Nia brightened immediately. “We're making bean soup! I also want to try a few new recipes.”

A faint smile appeared on the Destroyer God's face.

“I'll be looking forward to it.”