Goku looked around the crowded bleachers with wide eyes. He couldn't believe that so many people came to compete in the Tournament! There had to be millions of people here! Everyone was chatting amongst their own groups. Along with several humans, there were beings from other planets in Universe Seven. The Saiyan couldn't help but speculate about their different abilities.
After getting to their original meeting spot, Goku saw a lot of people, but not this many! Supreme Kai was there to explain all of the rules to the contestants.
"Good afternoon, everyone!" The Deity grinned at the contestants in today's Tournament. "I'm very excited to see all of you here for this Tournament. I am going to go over the rules of today's match before we depart." Supreme Kai looked around the room, watching everyone's eager faces. "Are there any questions before I get started?"
A young man in green raised his hand. "Where exactly is this Tournament going to be? I don't see a stage here?"
"Very good question." Smiling, Kai answered it to the best of his ability. "As I said, we are going to depart from here and meet the other contestants. Since this Tournament is a very large one, several planets with life in this Universe are going to compete. The stage is set in a place called the Null Realm. It is a perfect place for fighters to use as much of their strength as they please without destroying anything."
The awes of shock were apparent. The room erupted in mumbles, even some cheers and yells. The deity at the front of the room chuckled, clearing his throat to gain everyone's attention once again. They motioned towards another person who had a question.
"What is the Null Realm? I've never heard of that before."
"Another great question!" Supreme Kai beamed towards the crowd. "The Null Realm is a place in the middle of the Cosmos. This is where Tournaments of Power have been held since last year. Before that time, there was no purpose for the space, since it was completely void of anything. Like I said before, it's a place where strong beings can be as strong as they wish. Since there won't be a threat of blowing something up, everyone can go all out."
"Who is holding this Tournament? Why are they getting the entire Universe together?" A man in red asked.
Supreme Kai's eyes widened, unsure of how to answer this question. "The Tournament was the idea of an Earthling. His love of battle and training was the catalyst for us to begin this festival. I unfortunately wasn't privileged with that knowledge. They wish to remain private at this time. However, the audience members will be very respected individuals in this Universe. Please give them the same kindness, as they have a direct hand in the Tournament of Power."
Goku looked up with a raised brow. It wasn't like the Supreme Kai to lie. However, the Saiyan knew it probably wasn't wise for every human to know there were deities out there that could wipe out Universes in the blink of an eye.
Once all questions had been answered, Supreme Kai began. "From this location, we will set off to the Null Realm. There, we will meet the other contestants in the Tournament. The preliminary/first round will consist of a Battle Royale. Every warrior will compete against one another at the same time! One on one battles are possible, but they won't be your main focus until the end of the Tournament."
"There are a few guidelines that must be followed during the Preliminary round. No flying, however any creature that is born with wings is permitted to utilize them. The use of restoratives are banned from this Tournament. Killing is also forbidden. If it is found out you disobeyed the rules, the consequences will be instantaneous."
Goku's eyes widened, knowing exactly what Supreme Kai was talking about. The Omni King's wouldn't hesitate to obliterate someone who didn't follow the rules of their games.
"During the Battle Royale, time passed will be reflected by the center beam on the stage." The Deity continued. "Each tick of the timer will reflect three minutes of battle passing. A total of fifty ticks will pass during the Preliminary Round. Once the round is over, whomever is left standing on the platform will move on to the second round!"
"Once the Preliminary round is finished, everyone will be taken back to their original meeting places. Contestants that reach the next stage of the Tournament will have two weeks to prepare. When the time is up, the finalists will meet at the same meeting spot, as not to get confused. The rules and stipulations of the second round will be announced at the next meeting."
Seeing how many contestants were participating made Goku's blood pump even faster. He could feel his adrenaline adding to the excitement and anxiousness he was feeling. The Saiyan wanted nothing more than to get on that battlefield and show the contestants what he was made of.
Looking around him, Goku noticed his partner's face. As he focused on her, the warrior could feel her nerves about being away from their son. Not only that, his mate was actually worried that she wasn't going to do well in the Tournament.
Princess? Is everything okay? Rubbing her shoulders gently, Goku placed all of his attention on Ellery.
I guess I'm just nervous. The Saiyan woman admitted to her partner. Not only am I nervous about Tarro being watched, I can't stop shaking the fact that I don't know how strong I am compared to all of these people. What if I can't make it to the second round?
Goku's eyes widened, unaware that his partner had been feeling this way. It had been a long time since feelings of inadequacy bubbled up inside of Ellery. It used to happen a lot in the beginning stages of their relationship. Looking down, the Saiyan noticed his mate's hands shaking. The Saiyan clapped his hands together outside of hers, causing her to jolt in surprise.
In battle, thinking about those kinds of things will only cause you to lose. Goku stated in a calm voice. When in the middle of a fight, you can't think about how strong the other competitors are. This causes you to lose focus, and begin wondering how much power they have left. Instead, you should be focusing on your strengths, and finding weak points in their defense.
It's no different than you and I training back at home, there's just a lot more people! A light chuckle escaped the warrior's lips.
That's easy for you to say, Kakarot. You've been training your entire life.
And you are one of the strongest people I know. Goku's words rang through Ellery's mind. She gasped as she turned around to see a beaming smile on her partner's face. The expression radiated happiness. You've been training with me since we've gotten together. That combined with how centered you are with your own energy makes you a threat to anyone on this battlefield.
Kakarot… Ellery beamed as she turned towards her partner, tears threatening to break free.
"Good Evening everyone!" The High Priest bellowed throughout the Null Realm, silencing all the contestants in the room. "I am very pleased to see the high turnout for the second Tournament of Power. I knew Universe Seven wouldn't disappoint in bringing many contestants for the Omni King's enjoyment!"
"Thank you!" Zeni and Zeno cheer from behind the Grand Minister. Although the beings of Universe Seven were briefed about the "high-profile beings'' that would be observing the Tournament, nothing compared to seeing them in person.
"We look forward to watching these battles!"
"Please, use every ounce of strength and wits today!"
'You're going to need them!"
The Omni Kings were much smaller than most people imagined. Even Yamcha was a little perplexed on why Goku and Vegeta were standing at full attention.
"I will make this quick, knowing all of you are eager to begin." Raising his arms, the High Priest used his powers to bring the two stages into view. "Since there are so many of you, we will have to split you into two seperate groups."
Murmurs began around the bleachers once again. Goku could hear all of his friends questioning what was going to happen.
"Two stages?" Krillin muttered.
"How will they split up a group this large?" Gohan wondered.
"I wonder if Goku or Vegeta will be on the same stage as me.." Yamcha began trembling.
The Grand Minister waited for the murmurs to quiet down before he continued. "Underneath each of your seats, you will find a colored card. Please pick it up now."
Reaching under their chairs, Goku and Ellery each pulled out an orange and blue card. Looking around, they noticed everyone else pulling out similar colored cards from their seats. Vegeta was holding a blue card, while Gohan and Piccolo both held Orange cards.
"That color is specific to you. The contestants with the Blue cards will be on Tournament Stage A. While the Orange card holders will battle on Tournament Stage B." The Grand Minister continued. His hands raised once more, moving each warrior to their designated space.
Goku, Goten, Trunks, Gohan, Android 17, Piccolo, and Tien stand next to one another on Platform A. As the group looks around at the other contestants, they wonder how their friends are going to fare on the other side. There were several large men on Platform A. While they looked intimidating, Trunks and Goten didn't seem bothered at all. In fact, the two were nearly jumping around with excitement.
As he gazed around the stage, the youngest Saiyan competing began to get excited. "I wonder how strong the guys from other planets are!"
"There's only one way to find out!" Goku chuckled happily. "This is awesome! Now Vegeta won't be here to hog all of the fun!"
"It'll be us taking away your fun, Goku!" Trunks declared as he looked at his best friend. "Goten and I are going to knock most people out of the ring!"
"Yeah we are!"
The warrior laughed at the two boys, loving their enthusiasm. It was likely that the two would erase a lot of the competition. However, Goku made a promise to his son's mother that he wouldn't make it to the second round. Glancing at his son, Goku began to pat his head. "You two are going to do amazing. I wish you the best of luck!"
On Platform B, Android 18, Krillin, Ellery, Vegeta, Master Roshi, and Yamcha eyed the competition. The Saiyan Prince couldn't help the smirk that erupted on his face. Looking at his younger sister, he pats her on the back. "Looks like I'll finally get a chance to see what you're made of."
"Isn't the goal to get rid of the rest of the competition?" Yamcha rubbed the back of his head. "You can't be gunning for your own teammates."
"It's every person for themselves out there." Ellery mentioned with a small smile. She looks at her brother, punching him in the shoulder playfully. "While I hope we don't cross paths, know that I won't hold back."
"It'll be interesting to see what Kakarot's been teaching you." The Prince grinned.
The Grand Minister gazed over the two platforms, satisfied with the division of the candidates. While he didn't know how several of them fought, enough of the strong fighters were split up between the arenas. It'd be a great spectacle. Looking back at the Omni Kings, he waits for their command. "I believe we're ready to begin whenever you are, sires."
"Hooray!" Zeni clapped.
"Let's get this Tournament started!" Zeno ran to their seat, watching as their companion followed. The two quickly turn on their GodPads, allowing them to see both stages at once.
Nodding towards the Omni Kings, the Grand Minister turned back to the contestants. "Alright everyone! On my count, the second Tournament of Power will commence."
The energy in the Null Realm completely changed. As everyone waited in anticipation, the tension could be sliced with a dagger.
The High Priest beamed, raising a hand into the air. "BEGIN!"