Kuzuku laid beneath the rubble in base form as he watched Jiren stand there seemingly unaware of his presence. He didn't take his eyes off him for a second, feeling that if he were to do so then it would cause him to be knocked off somehow. He gritted his teeth as he waited for the pride trooper to pass by and whispered to himself, "He's strong. I don't think he was even trying to eliminate Kale because if he did then he would of done it all ready. It looks like he hasn't noticed my presence yet so maybe...no if I were to confront him now then it'd be too risky as I don't know what he is truly capable of. I should regroup with the others befor-". His murmuring was caught off when he noticed several Ki blasts coming right at him from above. Kuzuku quickly blew the rubble off himself and leaped into the air, dodging the array of red Ki blasts. Jiren looked at Kuzuku who landed on his feet. It didn't take long for Toppo to land next to him, his red Ki emitting like smoke from his fingers from firing his justice flash.
"I flushed out a sneaky mice for you, Jiren," Toppo informed.
Kuzuku looked at the two warriors, sweat trickling down his cheek but he stayed calm despite the situation. Toppo glared daggers back at him and then turned to his ally, "Jiren, let's go. I've assigned several warriors to take care of this one along with the two girls. We need to rest and conserve our stamina.". Jiren didn't say a word and vanished away from Kuzuku's sight.
"Oi, where do yo-," Kuzuku was about to speak until he was caught off by Toppo who unleashed his Justice Flash. Kuzuku quickly crossed his arms and blocked the onslaught that went on to push him through various rubble. Toppo stopped firing and disappeared from the battle, leaving Kuzuku to crash into rock after rock until he came to a complete stop by colliding into a wall. He gasped for air before his feet hit the ground. The Saiyan could definitely feel that one on his arms, indicating that the rumors on Toppo weren't just rumors after all.
"Tch, at least I didn't have to fight them both at once," Kuzuku muttered.
"Hey!" A voice cried out. Kuzuku turned around to see Caulifla standing in front of Kale who seemed to have recovered and returned back to normal.
"Talk about the devil's luck. To think I'd find you two again," Kuzuku noted.
Caulifla glared at him and got into fighting stance, "I see that you come for revenge after Kale had just got done thrashing you around huh? Well if you want to get to her then you have to get through me first!". Kuzuku looked confused for a second until he fully understood what she was getting at.
"What? Why would I want revenge? Don't get me wrong, she's strong and has an unbelievable potential but despite her hidden power, all she manage was to get rid of a few aching cramps that I've had for a while," Kuzuku assured.
Caulifla narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "Are you implying that you were holding back, even when you were endanger of getting killed when Kale went berserk?". Kuzuku cracked his neck as he thought of something else for a split moment.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that. I did use more power than I expected though. I can still fight perfectly fine now so...," Kuzuku stopped his sentence, only to deflect a Ki blast into the air when he turned around. A smirked formed on his face as he saw five warriors dressed in red and black standing before him on top of a rock formation.
"I think we'll be able to take care of these guys pretty easily," Kuzuku continued.
Casserale, a well known figure in universe 11, stepped forward with confidence, "You are quite perceptive, Universe 7's Kuzuku. You saw that sneak attack quite well.".
"It took some time to sense you guys. I had to search pretty hard for any shifts in Ki due to the lack of it in this environment," Kuzuku smirked.
Casserale chuckled at his explanation on how he found them, "I see, so you possess that acute of Ki sensing. Such skill could only be achieve through great awareness and concentration. Now to get down business, by the orders of my sworn comrade, Toppo, we shall eliminate you three at once!". Kuzuku took a stance and got ready for action.
"Looks like we have to call it truce for now," Kuzuku groaned.
Caulifla looked at him angrily for a split second, "What do you mean truce? I still have a score to settle with you! This is the tournament of power right, so give me one good reason why I should help you?!"
"Tsk, because if you don't then you two might as well jump off the ledge right now. This is the best option we have. Think about, if I were to fight all five of them then my stamina would be wasted and I won't be able to save you or your friend from elimination. With your current strength, you won't be able to take all five of them on with their coordinated attacks and will eventually lose. Assisting me in this fight will benefit both sides. You and your friend will be able to continue in the tournament while I don't have to waste my stamina," Kuzuku explained.
Caulifla thought for a moment before asking, "How do you know if they are as strong as you think they are?"
"Because that is part of their plan. They'll use tactics to either restraint me or force me to exert more of my stamina. I remember what their leader said. He told that Jiren guy to conserve his strength for later, meaning that they are planning to target the toughest fighters that they currently are aware of and waste their stamina on petty battles only to finish them off later. It flatters me though that they would target me first and I feel stupid for falling for such an obvious trap," Kuzuku answered with a small smirk.
Casserale looked at the Saiyan with an impressed expression, "He's more intuitive than I thought. He's figured out our plan with just a little bit of information provided.". Caulifla looked at Kale, giving her a small smiling.
"Kale, rest easy here for a while, kay?" Caulifla ordered softly. Kale nodded as she watched her sister walked up to the universe 7's Saiyan side.
"Alright, then I guess we'll call it truce for now...let's just take care of these bastards quickly," Caulifla said.
"You two seem pretty confident that you will prevail in this fight," Casserale noted.
Kuzuku chuckled, "Heheheheh, there are two reasons for that. One that implies to the both of us and the other is something entirely different.". Caseserale raised an eye brow at the comment.
"We're both Saiyan so these type of situations are kinda exciting for the both of us and the second reason...," Kuzuku paused his sentence as he instantly maneuvered around the general, shocking him with his speed.
"You guys missed one factor and that is calculating on what I am truly capable of!" Kuzuku shouted, jamming his fist right into the general's thigh and rocketing him to the ground. Kuzuku smirked before Tupper attempting to deck him across the face. Swiftly, Kuzuku blocked the punch, however, it apparently had more weight behind it in which it sent him flying towards the ground. The universe 7 Saiyan skidded his feet against the ground as he looked up to see a large tornado picking up various rocks that were the hardest substance in the multiverse.
"Is that all? Haaaaaaaaaah!" Kuzuku asked before firing a energy wave at the tornado. The wave collided with the giant wind structure, struggling to overcome the powerful winds. Kuzuku felt that it was futile and stopped firing, leaping into the air to dodge a stray rock that was meant to crush him. Eventually he traveled high enough to see through the top of the tornado and caught a glimpse of Zoiray spinning in the center. Kuzuku was about to dive in until he got hit by stray debris. He groaned a bit before realizing a energy attack coming his way. Quickly, he dropped down into the storm, avoiding being sliced in two. Zoiray looked up and saw that the Saiyan was falling towards him and stopped spinning all together in order to jump out of the way, allowing him to land on his feet. Kuzuku looked up to see various large rocks of debris about to collapse all over him. Without a second thought, he extended his hand towards it with a blank yet focused expression.
"Quantum Breaker!" Kuzuku unleashed his light blue energy wave, this time larger than it normally was. The attack incinerated the debris into nothing but ash before is disappeared all together. Kuzuku watched as his three opponents reassembled in front of him.
"Three on one...? Hmph, I like those odds there," Kuzuku said, cracking his knuckles as well.
"I wouldn't get cocky if I were you! Now Justice Saber!" Casserale snapped, generating two yellow Ki blades on his hands. Kuzuku raised an eyebrow as he was having a serious case of deja vu right now. Casserale rushed at him with both blades in hand, unleashing a onslaught of strikes that were easily being dodged. Kuzuku soon was able to see an opening and deflected his arm to the side before kicking him firmly in the gut. The general gasped for air as he was flown backwards. He landed on his feet as he retracted one of the Ki blades and turned it into a large energy ball.
"How about this! Justice Bomber!" Casserale roared, throwing the sphere at the Saiyan. Kuzuku landed on a rock and extended his hand out to block the attack. It exploded upon contact, seemingly hitting it's target successfully in which it caused Casserale to chuckle a bit until the dust revealed the Saiyan to be unscathed. He gritted his teeth out of frustration as he stared at his opponent.
"So, you use you energy to make weapons that are versatile in battle? It's too bad that I've become quite adapt to fighting opponents who use such a tactic such as generating weaponry," Kuzuku smirked.
Meanwhile, Caulifla was unleashing a barrage of punches at the fighter known as Kettol who seemed to not be struggling on dodging her attacks. Caulifla was starting to get annoyed, she would transform but that would only play into their hands and deplete her stamina faster as the fight dragged on. Out of frustration, she went in for a roundhouse kick in which the frog like pride trooper leaped backwards to avoid the attack. Caulifla growled after another missed hit, "Tch, slippery bastard...".
"You should pay more attention to your surroundings, otherwise you'll end up being eliminated before things get fun," Kettol warned, pointing towards the sky. Caulifla looked up to see that she was surrounded by various blue Ki orbs that were emitting electricity every few seconds. Kettol motioned them to attack, the orbs rushing Caulifla from all sides. She had no choice but to cross her arms and brace for impact. The spheres rained on her like an actual rain shower, exploding collectively and damaging their target greatly.
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Caulifla screamed in agony, so loud that her protege heard her cry. Kale felt tears begin to formulate but she tried her best to be strong.
"Sis, don't worry I'm comi...!" She was cut off abruptly when she felt trapped in a dimensional cocoon. She looked up to see a women dressed in the same outfit, her name was Cocotte.
"Sorry but you're going to have to wait here. Don't worry, your turn will come soon after my comrades finish off your friend and that other warrior," Cocotte informed. Kale was beginning to panic, banging against the sphere that binds her desperately.
Kuzuku heard the sounds of Caulifla's scream again, the explosion from afar generating winds that was enough to blow his hair a bit. Kuzuku was still dealing with the three fighters in front of him, weary about their move. Casserale rushed straight at Kuzuku with his Ki blades in hand once more. The Saiyan went on the defensive, parrying each hit as he advanced backwards. Casserale's mechanical eye glistened, "Now Tupper!". With his command, Tupper sprung out from the ground below as his general jump backwards in order to get out of the way. Kuzuku was caught off guard, inevitably walking right into their trap. In one fell swoop, the Saiyan was trapped in a bear-hug hold with arms wrapped around his neck and legs wrapped around his waist. Kuzuku groaned a bit as Tupper's grip tightened as time went on.
"Sh...Shit! Get off!" Kuzuku spat until he felt an immeasurable amount of weight on his body. He looked backed as Tupper was now covered in rock and his body glowing with red around him.
"So, you can manipulate your weight huh? Gragghhhh!" Kuzuku groaned as Tupper's weight increased even more.
The rock-like Pride trooper chuckled at his predicament, "About time you figured it out. A little too late due to the predicament your in. General, this is your chance!".
"Right! Zoiray, let's finish this!" Casserale ordered. Zoiray smirked smugly before performing his tornado technique. The general smiled, generating a long energy whip that wrapped around the tornado, creating a energy tornado that contained destructive force. The attack was approaching further and further with each passing second. Kuzuku was trying to move but with his arms and legs being restricted, he knew that he wouldn't break free in time. But, in the middle of him contemplating on what to do, two energy wave passed by him and clashed with the tornado, dispersing it instantly and forced Zoiray to jump backwards.
"Who would dare...!" Casserale snarled at the fact that his strategy was interrupted. Kuzuku looked back to see his saviors.
"Kuzuku, are you alright?!" 21 concerned, standing beside 17.
The Saiyan's face lit up like a Christmas tree, "Yeah, thanks to you!". 17 stepped forward, his expression still devoid of much emotion. He was calm and collected the whole time and not showing any sign of backing down.
"I think it's about time for you to get rid of that extra weight. It must be uncomfortable," 17 suggested.
Kuzuku smirked at the suggestion, "Yeah, you're right. I think he's been kinda clingy anyways!". The Saiyan let out a roar, his Ki erupting just enough to startle Tupper. Kuzuku started to break free with sheer force, the arms and legs around him losing their grip overtime. Eventually, Tupper couldn't hold on any longer and lost his grip, allowing the Saiyan to be free before he was thrown over his shoulder. 21 then extended her hand out and fired a energy wave that sent the rock man flying passed his comrades and through several rocks.
He looked down to see the vast void below him in a instant, "Oh no! Araggghhhhhhh!". Tupper screamed in fear as he was plunging into the void before getting teleported back into the stands. Casserale looked frustrated as he was now in a three on two situation. He watched the Saiyan dust his hands off and turn towards him with a smug smile.
"One down, two more to go," Kuzuku said, now with 21 and 17 at his side. Casserale could feel sweat pass down his cheek from analyzing the situation.
"Zoiray, get ready to regroup. We'll have to formulate another formation to take down these three," Casserale ordered.
Zoiray nodded, "Yes sir!". With upmost haste, Zoiray proceeded to spin at rapid speeds, creating winds strong enough to cover both him and the general. Kuzuku was about to rush at them but he was too late as the winds dispersed, revealing that they were gone already.
"A strategic retreat? They couldn't have gone far...," Kuzuku muttered. He turned towards 21 and 17 who seemed to be waiting for him to make a decision.
"Thanks again for the help you guys. They couldn't have gone far so we should track them down before they come up with some other strategy," Kuzuku insisted. With that, the three split up to hunt their opponents down, little did they know that they were after someone else.
Now, Onto Caulifla's Condition
Caulifla performed a series of flips, evading the barrage of Ki blasts that were coming at her. One of the explosions were enough to blow her backwards, forcing her to skid her feet across the ground in hopes to slow herself down. She stopped right in front of Kale who was watching with tears in her eyes. She felt helpless, almost to the point where it was going to consume her. Kettle landed next to Cocotte who was smirking at their progress. But, their moment was interrupted when a tornado crashed down next to them, revealing Zoiray and Casserale together. Casserale was relieved that at least one part of their plan was going well, "Everyone, new plan, we'll take care of these two first and think of another strategy later."
"What happened to Tupper?" Kettle asked.
Zoiray hissed, frustrated at the lost of his comrade, "They got him, we've misjudged their strength and were careless.".
"Tch, damn it! I swear we'll avenge him as soon as we are done with these two! Cocotte, maximize your zone!" Casserale ordered.
"Right!" She replied, raising her hand in the air and emitting her energy in pulse. Caulifla looked up with curiosity as to what she was doing. Her surroundings were turning into whitish purple as she and her adversaries were encased in a barrier. Outside, Kuzuku quickly noticed what was going on and leaped onto a pillar to get a better view of the dome structure. Goku soon followed up and found himself standing next to the Saiyan.
"Kuzuku you alright? What is that?" Goku asked.
Kuzuku awed at the structure, "I'm doing fine. I don't know what but if I have to guess, it may be some sort of barrier.". After he said that, he tried firing several Ki blasts at it, hoping to destroy it but it seemed invulnerable to regular blasts.
"Looks like we are going to have to hit it very hard...," Kuzuku added. Goku tried sensing any Ki signatures inside with his instant transmission but it was futile. He didn't sense a single thing, no matter how hard he searched.
"Instant Transmission seems to not be working as well. I can't even get a signature no matter how much I concentrate," Goku informed.
Kuzuku quickly realized what exactly it was, "If what you say is true then that would mean it's a self- made dimension that is closed out from the outside world. ". The two agreed on that assumption and decide to wait for someone to exit.
Back inside, Caulifla dodged several Ki blasts from Kettle but one of the explosions damaged her from behind, tumbling her to the ground. She slowly got up, gasping desperately for air from all the damage she's taken. The first thing she saw was Casserale's facial expression, it was deadpanned while watching the spectacle. He unfolded his arms from watching the sight before him, "What a shame that it's come down to this. As a warrior myself, I'm normally unwilling to use such tactics to win a fight, however, this is a tournament for survival and if I must use such a detestable strategy then so be it. Zoiray! Finish her so we can move onto the next target!". Zoiray saluted before performing his tornado technique. Caulifla hissed, dashing right at the approaching tornado and unleashed a barrage of punches in hopes to stop it. With each clash, electricity spewed out but the small little effect didn't contribute much as Caulifla was instantly blown back towards her trapped protege.
"Sis!" Kale cried, worried for her safety.
"Kale...," Caulifla murmured, getting up off the ground hesitantly. Kale blinked a few times, noticing that a smile crept onto Caulifla's face. The winds grew stronger and stronger by each second, breaking the ground and causing debris to levitate in the air. Caulifla looked up to see several rocks heading towards her and fired a barrage of Ki blast's to counter them. Smoke clouded her vision for a second until the tornado blew the smoke away. Caulifla looked back, giving Kale an comforting look.
"I'll protect you no matter what...You're my protege after all, right? So sit tight, this won't take long," Caulifla assured with a smirk. Kale was stunned watching Caulifla dash at the tornado once more. The brave Saiyan tried her best to counter the tornado with her barrage of punches but it worked to no prevail. She was instantly rocketed into a pile of rocks. Kale felt tears run down her cheek as her sis was getting up slowly once more. Caulifla, clinched her arm, watching Zoiray move towards her once more.
"I hate this...I hate myself being so helpless! I hate that since is getting hurt because of me! I hate who I am!" Kale screamed out of frustration, her Ki erupting into a yellowish-green aura and turning her hair into the same color it was when she became berserk. Everyone looked back to see that the orb that Kale was trapped in had shattered into pieces, revealing her to slightly taller. Her build had a increase in muscle mass yet smaller compared to her berserk state and her hair was slightly green. She looked at herself, shocked that she managed to transform and remain aware of her state.
Caulifla ran over to her with a happy expression plastered all over her face, "You did it Kale! You finally transformed without going crazy! Your energy seems to be in control as well!". Kale looked at her with confusion before smiling, causing Caulifla to giggle. Their moment was interrupted when they heard the pride troopers assemble all together.
"Damn it! It doesn't matter, all she did was change her hair color! Let's finish them off now!" Casserale demanded. They all charged their attacks with each Ki sphere having a different color.
"United Justice Stream!" They roared in union, unleashing a energy wave that combined into one and turned orange.
Caulifla transformed into a Super Saiyan as the two powered up, "Let's go Kale! We'll show them our combine power! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!". The two fired their respective energy waves, one being red and the other yellow. The two waves clashed, generating powerful gusts of winds and kicked up dust. Neither side was backing down for a second, both giving it their all. The pride troopers roared in union, putting all of their strength into the wave and pushed back the Saiyans attack. They were gaining ground, even causing Kale and Caulifla's feet to skid slowly.
"Kale, unleash everything you have! You're my friend, and it will stay that way, got that!" Caulifla said. Kale felt a tear about to leave her eye before screaming with even more power. Her Ki turned green and the pupils on her eyes faded as her muscle mass grew.
"What!" Casserale shouted, seeing that Kale had reverted to her strongest state. Her energy wave turned green as she roared at the top of her lungs. Caulifla couldn't help but smirk at her protege's progress.
"That's it Kale! Unleash every ounce you got left and I will do so as well! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Caulifla encouraged, transforming into a Super Saiyan 2. They both screamed together as their waves merged together into a red and green spiral. The pride troopers looked in shock, seeing that their attack was beaten. The Saiyans wave came towards them too fast, leaving them unable to block. The four pride troopers screamed in agony as the blast engulfed them and pushed the group into the dimensional barrier before breaking right through it. From the outside, Kuzuku watched as numerous rays of energy begin to seep through before destroying the structure, allowing the wave to extend fully out of the ring. Vermoud looked to his right, seeing four pride troopers land next to him as the wave disappeared.
"Tch, we're down to four fighters left," Cae muttered.
"It doesn't matter, let them have their little victory. As long as we have Jiren...Then no one in this tournament stands a chance," Vermoud assured.
Cae chuckled and regain composer, "You're right, I keep forgetting. Jiren's power is unrivaled.". Kuzuku and Goku landed on the lower ground and waited to see who would emerge out of the smoke. They could hear their footsteps draw nearer, eventually revealing Caulifla and Kale still transformed. Caulifla smirked at the sight of the two Saiyans.
"Sorry, but we got to them first. We knocked off all four of them," Caulifla said.
Kuzuku smirked and crossed his arms, "Oh, well that's good for you. Hey, you sure she is okay in that state. I don't want to be thrown around again by my leg."
"Kale? She's fine! She's got her awesome and cool power under control! Isn't that impressive!" Caulifla bragged. Kale attempted to smile at her compliment before deforming. She was about to fall but Caulifla caught her in a nick of time, bring her arm over her shoulder to make it easier to carry.
"Looks like she tired out. Probably because the form she was in takes up too much stamina," Goku noted. Caulifla moved Kale onto her back and turned to walk away before giving the Saiyans from universe 7 one last glance.
"Are you really just going to let us go?" Caulifla asked.
Goku gave her a goofy grin and answered her question, "Why not? You and your friend their showed some promising power! Besides, you sort of helped Kuzuku in a way by getting rid of those fighters for him."
"Eh, he's sorta right, besides, I still think you two could get even stronger. We'll meet again and from there, our real fight starts! How about that?" Kuzuku smiled. Caulifla eyes widened, unconvinced at the situation.
She smiled at the two and started to walk away, "Alright, I trust you! Don't blame me if it comes back to bite you later.". With that, Caulifla quickly rushed into the smoke to find someplace to hide and recover. Kuzuku and Goku smirked before walking off to find their next challenge. From here, the tournament would only continue with more battles to come.
A/N: Fun Fact, I thought I had this updated yesterday but apparently my oblivious self forgot lol.