The Following Day...
It was sunny outside, rare for this time of the year. Well, it was probably because of the location since it was in the middle of nowhere. Only a small island resided in the vast waters with a pink house that was in the center. The waves crashed on the shore, the waters splashing all over the sand and making it moist. The owner of the house, better known as the former master of martial arts that trained a being that saved the planet on numerous occasions was sitting on a lounge chair, reading one of his magazines. His sunglasses reflected an image of a tail waving around. Roshi simply turned another page but stared at the young man who was sitting on his grass. That young man was Kuzuku who was meditating pretty hard as of right now. He was here training his mind to prepare for the tournament mentally. Roshi sniffed before clearing his throat, "You won't be able to focus your mind if you keep worrying about possibilities. Empty your anxieties and focus on what happens before you. If you were to go up against someone who has the ability to disrupt the mind or mess with your senses then you'll have no chance in winning."
Kuzuku scrunched his eyebrows before taking a deep breath. He exhaled calmly, letting his body loosen up a bit. He paid attention to the air around him and the Ki that flowed with it. His mind eventually became serene, clear of any interruptions. He tried his best to engrave this feeling into himself before getting up from his spot. Roshi couldn't help but look at the young man who had just finished some morning mental training. Kuzuku had come to him looking for training that was able to prep him for things such as mind control and illusions in which he must admit, it was worth the time. Kuzuku turned to face the old man and gave him a smirk, "I think I've mastered this mental training. Thanks a lot for the help master Roshi!"
"Uh huh, Now get off my island, I am trying to read here!" Roshi scolded. Kuzuku snickered before taking off, leaving the old man to enjoy his magazine in peace. The Saiyan couldn't help but admire the old man's knowledge though. He was what one would describe as a true master in the arts of fighting. He probably had an endless amount of techniques and skills to throw off his opponents despite him being considerably weaker than most fighters in the universe. I mean, he did train Goku, Krillin, and Yamcha to where Goku would pass down his turtle style to his kids and later Gohan would teach him the same style with a mixture of his own. Kuzuku even developed his own fighting style which only added to his arsenal but he couldn't compare himself to someone like Goku just yet. Someone who had numerous ways to throw off his opponent with just sheer hand to hand combat while ever so slightly creating a million of other possibilities along the way. It was simply a wonder to watch him fight at times and Kuzuku wanted to be closer to his skill. As the Saiyan's thoughts rambled on, he made his way over to where Gohan was. He seemed to be meditating as well, his Ki emitting ever so gently. The half-breed seemed to be trying to work on his Ultimate Form. Kuzuku couldn't help but awe at his master though he had moved away from Gohan's teachings, he will always be his teacher. The Saiyan looked a bit closer, his Ki seemed to flicker into a different color that he couldn't make out.
"What was that?" Kuzuku whispered. Gohan scrunched his eyebrows, hoping to push past his limits but failed in the process, his Ki dispersing as he gasps for air. Kuzuku was worried and flew directly towards him, hoping that he was hurt in any way. Gohan quickly noticed Kuzuku land in front of him, offering him a hand. Gohan smiled and took the offer, hoisting himself off the ground.
"Thank you, Kuzuku. What brings you here?" Gohan asked.
"Oh, uh...I was wondering if you wanted to get in some last minute sparring, you know for old time sakes," Kuzuku answered, nervousness clouding his voice as he chuckled softly.
"Still the same as always..." Gohan thought.
Kuzuku stopped laughing and decided to ask a particular question, "Say Gohan, what sort of training were you doing. It didn't look like any other meditation training I've seen."
Gohan sighed, "To answer your question Kuzuku, I visited the Elder Kai yesterday to see if I could become even stronger. He mentioned that I had already reached my full potential and the only way for me to surpass my current limit is for me to access something that had been hidden inside. He described it as a mixture between that of my Saiyan genes and my Ki when I turn into my Ultimate form. A state where he calls it an 'alteration'."
"Really? Then that's all the more reason we should spar right?! I can push you to enter that so-called form of yours," Kuzuku enthused.
Gohan looked at him with shock before smirking, "Thank you Kuzuku, for taking it upon yourself to help me reach my goal though it's kinda ironic in a way."
"What kind of goal are you talking about?" Kuzuku asked, tilting his head to the side.
Gohan let out a muse chuckle before answering his question, "Well, I wanted to achieve an Ultimate form that no Saiyan has acquired before. Something similar to your Grand Super Saiyan 4 and my father's Super Saiyan Blue. That is my goal, to separate myself and create my own path."
"I see, then let us get started shall we?" Kuzuku said, leaping back to gain some distance. Gohan couldn't help but laugh a little at how things have changed. He remembered when Kuzuku was just a novice despite being a natural and that he would be the one training him. Now, Kuzuku had surpassed him and is now trying to help his teacher the same way in hopes for him to surpass his limits. Gohan got into a stance, thrilled at the thought that crossed his mind. Kuzuku slowly got into a stance as well.
"Alright, here we go!" Gohan shouted, the two rushing at each to begin their long day of sparring.
After Quite Some Time Passing
After some last minute preparations and training, the time had finally come. So far, Vegeta, Zugo, Hudo, Piccolo, and 21 were at the meeting spot with Beerus, Shin, and Whis. They waited patiently for the rest of the team to arrive in which their long wait was rewarded when two figures appeared before them. They looked over to see who it was, revealing Kuzuku and Gohan to be slightly damaged. 21 was the first one to run over to see if Kuzuku was right but stopped when Kuzuku gestured that he was fine. Piccolo walked towards them with a smirk across his face, "You two have a lot of nerve coming late."
"Sorry Piccolo. We just had a last minute spar before we got here. It was a good thing we had senzu beans or we would have been exhausted," Gohan laughed. Kuzuku snickered with him and turned to Whis.
"Hey Whis, mind fixing us up a bit? Kinda don't wanna head to the tournament with torn clothes," Kuzuku requested.
Whis cupped his chin and smiled, "As you wish". The angel raised his staff into the air before commanding the staff to materialize new clothes that were the exact same ones that they had before. Kuzuku gave him the thumbs up until someone landed behind the group, alerting the team members of his presence. Kuzuku pondered on how he didn't manage to sense his approach. The man who appeared before him looked vastly similar to 18 but had black hair without the side bang. He wore a white and dark green shirt that said "MIR" on it while wearing an armband that said ranger. His gloves were black and his jeans slightly covered his shoes. Piccolo walked over to greet him as if he knew him personally.
"Long time no see, to think that we went from nearly killing each other to allies is something that even I didn't expect," Piccolo greeted.
17 simply smirked calmly, "Yeah, how funny life can be. You guys are lucky that Goku had informed me about the tournament. I see some new faces which goes to show that the times have definitely changed. Though Vegeta is still around."
"Piss. Off." Vegeta grunted. 17 took first glance at Kuzuku and 21, analyzing the two as if they were an endangered species. 17 quickly caught on and walked over to the two.
"You must be Kuzuku and the pink girl must be that bio-majin experiment from the old man. 21 isn't it?" 17 said.
Kuzuku didn't know what to make of this guy but judging from his appearance and the similar emotionless expression he makes is a dead give away that this guy is indeed 17. Kuzuku simply shook his hand, "You guessed it but how did you know about us?"
"Come on, my sister couldn't stop mentioning you two. Something about a wedding and how you both always stuck your neck out for others. Especially 21 who is a famous scientist after all. By the way, the names 17," 17 explained, shaking his hand.
"I see, so even 18 can be a bit talkative at times. That means you already know about Zugo and Hudo as well," Kuzuku assumed. 17 nodded his head, confirming his assumption to be right.
"Then welcome and thank you, 17," Kuzuku smirked. As soon as he said that, he felt Goku had returned with potentially the last member since he heard sounds of teleportation nearby. Everyone turned around, only to be shocked at what they were seeing. Quickly, everyone became on guard, not believing what they were seeing. Side by side but glaring at each other, were Goku and Frieza approaching the group. Kuzuku noticed that the evil tyrant has a halo over his head, illustrating that he was still dead but that didn't change the fact that this bastard will be their teammate. Frieza took a look at Kuzuku once more and smirked devilishly.
"I thought I'd never see you again, boy," Frieza said with a mocking tone.
Kuzuku gritted his teeth but smirked, "Yeah, the feelings mutual. Goku, did you have to pick him of all people?"
"He was about the only one I could convince. Cell was being restricted into a lower level of hell in which Yemma didn't allow me to enter in, Kugeki was nowhere to be found which was odd and that Aereos guy was definitely no go according to your book along with the history you two share. I was only able to convince Frieza since he was the easier one to get to and the only one King Yemma allowed me to see," Goku said.
Kuzuku rubbed his chin for a moment, processing the words he had just said. He would say recruit his father or Bardock, assuming that Goku didn't take that into account yet. But, if they wanted the best chance to survive then they had to work with Frieza. Even if it is unbearable. Kuzuku lowered his guard and walked towards the frost demon and looked down on him, as if he was giving him a warning, "If you try anything funny then I'll make it my personal mission towards sending you back where you came from.". Frieza chuckled, confusing the Saiyan until he punched him hard in the gut, knocking some wind out of him.
"I don't take orders from you nor anyone. I am simply here to do a little job that requires to get my hands dirty so I can be revived. Once that happens we are enemies, understand?" Frieza smiled evilly. Kuzuku formed a smile on his face and returned a punch to his gut as well, implying that he is far stronger than the last time they had fought.
"Crystal," Kuzuku muttered. Frieza pulled away displaying obvious pain but soon a smile when he was caught looking over at Vegeta.
"Oh, and how could I forget my second favorite monkey? Shall I greet myself to you? I mean, we haven't seen each other in a long time," Frieza teased.
Vegeta scuffed at his feign sincerity, "Try that little sneak punch shit on me and I will send you flying into the sun."
"Oh my, scary as usual I see but I may ask you, do you still cry like a bitch?" Frieza mocked, causing Vegeta to nearly pop a vain but calmed himself down and bared with the sight of seeing him. Everyone soon heard the sound of Whis's staff flashing, signaling that it was time. The team was now solidified to be Goku, Kuzuku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Zugo, Hudo, 17, 21, and now the tyrant himself, Frieza. They all huddled around Whis before a bright light engulfed them.
"Remember everyone, if we are going to fight individually at times then remember to back each other up and rely on teamwork," Gohan insisted. With that said, everyone was transported into the sky before disappearing completely from the inhabitants of Earth's line of sight.
In The World Of Void
Team Universe 7 arrived at the main arena where all the other universes were present. The world they were in was infinite in size but devoid of any life. The stage was large as they stood in one of the many spots that resided in it. Kuzuku couldn't help but look around, somewhat marveled by his surrounds, "Say Whis, I was just wondering since we can only eliminate a fighter via knocking them off the stage, wouldn't that prove to be difficult since everyone could just fly?"
Whis laughed at his question, knowing the answer was rather simple, "You could say that but in this tournament, all fighters will have the ability to fly removed from their arsenal.". As soon as he said that, Goku leaped into the air to test his theory and short found out that the angel was indeed telling the truth. The hero of Earth landed back on his feet with a look of understanding of what was going on.
"He's telling the truth, we can't fly," Goku confirmed.
"That's right but those who's biology allows them to do so are allowed to fly," Whis added.
Kuzuku couldn't help but laugh nervously, though he wasn't concern at all, "Well that's good to know, just means we have to be a little more careful. Besides, I'm sure everyone knows air dancing pretty well so even if we can't fly, we can stay in the air for a long time."
"Then you all should have nothing to worry about, also to make things fairer, you all will experience the same weight of your natural home planet thus evening the odds," Whis added. The gang then heard footsteps approach them, causing the Saiyans to turn first.
"Master?! How have you been Master Vegeta!" A boy with similar hair to Gohan but was shorter called out. He wore armor that seemed to resemble the old model of Vegeta's.
"Don't call me, Master in front of these cretins," Vegeta said, slightly embarrassed. Kuzuku was confused at the friendly greeting from some unknown stranger but he could sense that he was indeed one hundred percent Saiyan.
"Oh, Cabba it's been a while hasn't it? I can tell that you've improved over the years!" Goku greeted until he heard three more pairs of footsteps approach them. Two being females who had the same kind of energy as Cabba and one was a purple man who wore a cloak, his red eyes seemingly peering into his opponents soul.
"Hit! I've been urging to fight you again!" Goku smirked, his Saiyan pulses tingling to get this tournament started. Vegeta couldn't help but notice the two girls behind Cabba. One had long, wild yet spiky hair while the other had her hair in a ponytail with a single bang on the side of her face. She seemed nervous but Vegeta could tell she was indeed Saiyan.
"Cabba, tell me, are these two Saiyans?" Vegeta asked.
Cabba perked up before answering his question, "Why yes Master Vegeta! The one in the harem pants is Caulifla and the one behind her is Kale.". Goku let out a giggles of excitement.
"Wow so more Saiyans from universe 6? It's nice to meet you guys for the first time! We're Saiyans from universe 7, the names Son Goku!" Goku squealed like a child at a candy store.
"Universe 6? So that means this Hit guy is the one Goku mentioned to me one time? Something about his ability to time-skip," Kuzuku thought, finally catching on what was happening. Goku extended out his hand for a handshake until Caulifla swatted it away rudely.
"Caulifla!" Cabba scorned.
"Zip it Cabba! I don't need to be buddy-buddy with someone of a opposing universe even if they are Saiyan! We are in a tournament to decide who is the strongest," Caulifla spatted. Goku merely laughed which caused Kuzuku to smile. Typical Goku, not getting angry or upset when someone disrespects him.
"That's a good mindset you have there! It's almost just like me!" Goku chuckled. Caulifla didn't take her gaze off the Saiyan from universe 7. Cabba was hoping to ease the tension in the air but was distracted when he saw Kuzuku, mainly because he had a tail.
"Uh, Master Vegeta, who is this with you? He has a tail and seems to be friends with you...well that's obvious since he is your teammate after all," Cabba asked.
Vegeta smirked at his interest in Kuzuku and complied to answer his question, "I'm glad you asked. Meet the remaining member of universe 7's Saiyan race. He's pretty much the only one that kept his tail and I wouldn't underestimate him. He is slightly stronger than me for now and is slowly catching up to Kakarot in power.". Caulifla's attention was diverted to what Vegeta had said and examined the Saiyan he was boasting about. Kuzuku step forward, gaining the eyes of everyone before introducing himself.
"Hi, it's my pleasure to meet everyone. My name is Kuzuku and I hope we all get to fight each other in the tournament," Kuzuku smiled.
Caulifla scrunched her eyebrows, glaring at the Saiyan, "Get real! Obviously I'm going to defeat you all! None of you come close to beating us!". Kuzuku was about to say something until the three Saiyans of universe 7 sensed something large appear in the ring. It wasn't just them but also the entire team sensed something powerful. Everyone except for Frieza but you get the point. In a flash of light, the members of team universe 11 appeared. Toppo was among them with a person who resembled Beerus a little stood beside him. But the most stand alone guy was the person in the middle. A tall man who had gray skin and eyes that resembled a hypothetical alien. He wore the similar red and black out as his team and had a glare that said something about him. Caulifla couldn't help but laugh in ignorance.
"What's wrong, cat got your tongue?" Caulifla mocked. Kuzuku's mouth was left agape, not believing the amount of power that this guy had and his speed was almost unbelievable. Why you may ask? Because without most of them realizing it, aside from Hit, Goku, Vegeta, and Kuzuku, Jiren was already behind all three Saiyans from universe 7. Caulifla was confused for a moment until she realized what had happened, startle a bit from the realization. Jiren was merely standing behind them, as if he got closer to gauge his opponents.
"I see...so Toppo wasn't lying about your strength...but you're all far from where I stand," Jiren mumbled before instantly returning back to his universe. The three of them stood frozen, unable to get over his ability to bypass them before they could even react. Kuzuku's agape mouth soon turned into a smirk before he began snickering, gaining the attention of universe 6's Saiyans and assassin. Goku and Vegeta smiled as well, feeling the exact same way Kuzuku was feeling.
"So that's Jiren...what amazing strength and skill. I can't even get mad that he got the jump on us before the tournament began, in a matter of fact, it's exciting. Caulifla was it? You asked if I was speechless? You are so confident in your strength that you are sure that your team will win. That doesn't make me...no us afraid, in fact you fueling our determination and will to fight. Team universe 7 is ready and I can honestly tell you this...I can't wait for this tournament to start!" Kuzuku enthused with a shout. His Ki erupted, alarming the other universes of his strength. Jiren looked at the group...no universe 7 as a whole. How could a universe have such a low mortal level but yet gain the attention of everyone fighting in the tournament? It was simple really, mortal levels didn't matter to them but their strength together and individually was what made them strong. He scrunched his eyebrows, making them his target to get rid of during the tournament. The respective Kai's, Angels, and Gods of Destruction all flew to their respective stands as the Grand Priest floated near the two Omni Kings her was waiting with thrills edging them on. Each universe took their spots, separating each other a fair amount of distance, everyone stretching and preparing for what was going to take place. Grand Priest smiled, more excited than he thought before raising his hand in the air.
"I am sure that your respective gods have told you all about the rules. Just a reminder that the tournament will be 48 minutes long so without further to do...Let the Tournament Of Power, Begin!" He declared, signaling the battle for survival and breaking their limits to being!
A/N: Originally this chapter was suppose to be posted yesterday but I accidentally fell asleep before posting it LOL. Anyways, the Tournament of Power is now on its way!