Part 11, Chapter 1: Time to Strike Back!!

Ugh...

He's coming to! Shallot, can you hear me?!

Thank goodness! I was starting to worry you'd never wake up...!

It wouldn't have been surprising. He did take on both Zamasu and Black after all.

B-Bulma... J-Jaco... Goku...Gohan...you're here too?

Wh...Where are we?

Kami's Lookout.

Kami...?

That's right! His real name is Dende and he's this Earth's guardian! But unfortunately, he's...

He went to hide somewhere safe. If something happens to him, we can forget about using Earth's Dragon Balls...

T-That voice!

Since it was unoccupied, we've taken the liberty of using this place as our new base of operations.

Lord Beerus! Whis! You're alive?!

Yep, that's the face! I was relieved to see them too!

Hmph. As if I would be taken out by such a puny attack.

Tch. If that's the case, then why the hell didn't you come find us sooner?! We were worried sick!

I-It's not our fault! We had a lot on our plates too, you know!!

What happened to everyone else there?!

Cabba...Gohan...Trunks...and...!

No need to worry. They're not with us here, but they are all alive and well.

That includes Giblet, too.

F-For real?!

Just before the land of ice was blown to smithereens, Whis stepped in and protected everyone.

That's incredible...!! Whis, you're the best!!

He he... I do what I can.

So then...where is everyone?!

We'll get to Cabba and the others later, but for now...

I have a message for you from Giblet!

A message from Giblet...for me?!

"I'll do what I gotta do. You too, give it all you got and do what you gotta do."

...That's what he told me!

...He really said that?

Yep! Well, he did also say you don't need to be told to give it your all...!

...

Guess I can't argue with that! He's really got me pegged!

Shallot, I'm asking just to be on the safe side, but you do know what it is you 'gotta do', right?

You betcha! I gotta beat the crap outta Zahha and stop him! That a good enough answer for ya?!

Ha ha, I suppose that will suffice! It seems you're finally thinking clearly. I'd say you're ready for your next mission...

Next mission? What are you...?!

First, we spar!

Huh?! Spar?! That's the mission?!

Don't be foolish. There's something I want to be sure of before I send you off again... I need to assess your Ki!

M-My Ki...?

Don't think about it too much! Just go with the flow like usual! Ok, I'm ready when you are!

You're no good. Just go watch from the side.

What?! I can't just sit back and watch, Beerus!!

Enough! Knowing you, even if it's just sparring, you'll definitely go overboard!

Umm, well... Then, who am I fighting?

Me. I've been looking forward to going 1-on-1 with you, Shallot!

What? So it's okay for Gohan to fight, but not me?!

Exactly. He's not as big a fool as you, so he won't overdo a simple sparring match.

He he, I don't mind fighting Gohan!

I was curious about that power of yours... Power that's different from Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan God!

Ever since you took down Majin Buu...I've wanted to try going all out against you too, Shallot!

I need to get stronger and become a shield for everyone...!

I don't need to tell Gohan, but don't forget, this is not a real fight, Shallot.

I got it already! Here I come Gohan!!

Hah...!

You guys really are something!

Especially Shallot. He gets stronger every time you take your eyes off him.

Yeah...! After sparring like this, I can really tell how amazing Shallot is...!!

...Ha ha!!

(Now that they mention it... I am going head-to-head with Gohan...)

(I've definitely gotten way stronger than before!!)

Well, let's call it a day then.

I agree. Any further than this and you'll be going "overboard"...

...? "Overboard"...?

How many times do I have to tell you what this sparring match was for?!

A-Ah, right...!

I knew you'd forget! Why did I even bother telling you?!

I said sorry!! Ha ha!

So, how was it, Lord Beerus? Did you figure anything out about Shallot?

I did indeed. Watching him fight, I was able to confirm my suspicion...

(Without a doubt, I sense something in Shallot that's also present in the Omnificence Crystal...)

(...Although I suppose that's to be expected, seeing as the crystal was brought to completion using Shallot and Giblet's Ki...)

Hey, Shallot, you were attacked by another of Zahha's goons, right? Besides Black and Zamasu, I mean.

Huh...? Oh yeah! He said he was gonna kill me... Or was it capture me...? It's tough to keep track!

Hmrm...

(...What I still don't get is why Shallot is being targeted even after the crystal has been completed...)

Hmmm...

Damn it! I'm missing something here... We need more information if we're going to figure this out!

W-Wait a sec! That's it?! That's your big conclusion?!

Shut it! ...But yes, for now, there's nothing more to be said. More importantly, Whis...

Understood. Although, before I inform Shallot of his next mission, let's recap what we know so far.

It seems like everyone's already met Lord Champa. Did he tell you about the Omnificence Crystal?

He did. It's something like a failed version of the Super Dragon Balls that Zahha tampered with, right?

Precisely.

The crystal is similar to the Super Dragon Balls in that it possesses the power to grant wishes.

Yet it is not quite the same. It is in fact believed to be superior, although it is also not without its liabilities.

Lie abilities?! What kind of power is that?!

It means it's got a downside. Boy, you could do with a few less sparring sessions and a few more grammar lessons...

What makes it superior is that it doesn't have a hibernation period. Put simply, it can grant wishes non-stop with no downtime.

In the land of ice, Zahha used the crystal to nullify Lord Beerus and Goku's attacks one after another.

Y-You can't be serious?! You mean you get infinite wishes?! There's gotta be some sort of universal law against that?!

That's not the only unique feature of the crystal... Allow me to explain its largest drawback.

...!

There is almost certainly a "price" to pay for each wish...

If that weren't the case, I think it's safe to say that Universe 7 would already have been wiped out, wouldn't you agree?

I guess you're right...

Wait!!

Hm hm... My goal... Why, that would be...

TO ANNIHILATE THIS UNIVERSE!!

Zahha's whole reason for creating the crystal was to...

Yes. He created it with the single purpose of destroying the universe...

And yet...here we all are.

T-That's right! So in other words, Zahha hasn't got what he needs to achieve his goal!!

Ha! So in OTHER words, we can rest easy knowing Zahha won't be destroying anything anytime soon! Phew!!

But...what exactly is the "price" of using the crystal?

I believe I may have the answer to that question, but...

Grrr...

Before we get ahead of ourselves, Shallot, would you care to spar with me for a light round or two?

What did you just say?!

Woah! For real?! Amazing timing too! That conversation was getting way too complicated and I'd pretty much zoned out!!

What's the deal here?! Now there's gonna be MORE sparring?!

Ho ho! I simply thought that experiencing it for myself might provide some insight into the "price" the crystal requires.

Huh?

Aaand back to more stuff I don't understand... But if Whis says he wants a sparring match, that's all I need to know!

...Urgh!

Hm... You've certainly improved, but you have yet to learn how to wield all your power.

Hey, Whis, what's going on?! You just keep dodging, and you're not even tryna hit me back!!

My apologies. But if I took an attack, or landed one on you, we may have unintentionally been aiding Zahha.

Huh...?

So...what's the deal? I think I'm starting to understand how Shallot feels...

Continuing where I left off, this may be exactly how the price to use the Omnificence Crystal is paid.

...?

I believe the Omnificence Crystal demands energy... Specifically, the energy generated when fighting.

Wh?

Perfect! Splendid! The energy is building up!

But as you saw earlier, he was merely a puppet to be used and disposed of once he finished collecting energy.

I-I see! So that's why Babidi and Giblet were so hell-bent on gathering energy while they were being brainwashed...

For now, it's just a hypothesis. However, if I'm right, we are all in very real danger right this very moment.

The Omnificence Crystal is complete, but Universe 7 hasn't been destroyed yet...

And the Tournament of Time is still ongoing... Do you understand what this means?

Uhh... There isn't enough energy yet, so the wish can't be granted... But...

...Every time the participants fight, they generate more and more energy...

So...if this keeps going and Zahha gets all the energy he needs...!!

His wish will be granted, and this universe will be erased from existence...

I suspect letting us live was also part of his plan...

After all, he wants us to fight back. The more we resist against him, the more energy he can gather...

...

Did he forget who he's dealing with?! As if we'd keep playing his silly games...!

If we can't fight back, how are we supposed to stop him?!

Oh, we'll fight back, that's for sure. But if we draw things out too long, we'll be playing into Zahha's hands...!

And that's why our battle will be short, but decisive!

We'll start gathering forces right away... And then we'll storm Zahha's hideout!

I think I get it! You lost me in the middle again somewhere, but long story short, we all take down Zahha together!

Exactly! And that's why we need to get ready. Shallot, Bulma, Jaco, listen up! Here's your mission...

You've made quite a few allies in this era, haven't you?

Yeah, we sure have!!

Go and recruit as many of them as you can!

So our mission is to gather our allies? Aw man... I was looking forward to getting to fight someone!!

You haven't changed a bit, huh?! This might not be the most exciting mission, but try to show some enthusiasm!!

Cabba and the younger Gohan and Trunks have already left and started their search.

Please go ahead and join them.

I've really missed those guys! We've got some serious catching up to do!!

Heh heh heh... I hope you're ready, Zahha...

It's time to strike back!

Alright then! Looks like I'm heading out for a quick trip round the world!

Jaco and I will sit tight here at Kami's Lookout. If anything comes up, we'll let you know!

For sure! We've got Goku and Gohan with us, so nowhere could be safer!!

Huh? Sorry to burst your bubble, but we got our own things to do, so we'll be taking off pretty soon.

W-What?! You're kidding?!

Of course he's not. We were just talking about how time is of the essence.

We need Goku to locate Zahha.

He's most likely hiding out somewhere while his underlings collect energy for him.

Now that you mention it... You got any idea why we can't sense Ki from far away anymore?

I'd bet that's the handiwork of Zahha and that pesky crystal of his.

Tch. Is there anything he can't do...?!

It would seem not...

As long as he has enough energy, he can bring people back from the dead, grant eternal life, even change the fabric of the universe...

T-That's insane! I can't even imagine that much power!

To tell you the truth, finding Zahha right now will be like finding a needle in a haystack. We don't even have a good place to start...

For all we know, he could have escaped to a completely different realm of his own making.

A different realm...

...? What is it, Bulma?

I think I know where Zahha might be!!

Frieza vanished into a mysterious hole?!

That's right. I bet that hole is a portal to a different place. And if it was made by Zahha, he might just...

...be there too! Whoa, Bulma, you really are a genius!!

I see... So Zahha has created a way to "teleport" to his hideout!

This could work in our favor... With that information alone, we'll be able to narrow down our search!

All right! We'll leave finding Zahha to you three then.

Huh? Three? Goku is one...and Gohan makes two...but who's the third?

Me.

W-What?! Hit?!

How long have you been standing there?!

After consulting with my "previous client", I'm here to be of service.

I figured finding Zahha would never be a simple task, so I borrowed his services.

Ahem! Why don't you try showing me a little gratitude for once in your stinking life, Beerus!!

L-Lord Ch...Champa?!

Tch! Can't you go two minutes without being the center of attention?!

What was that Beerus? You'll have to speak up! Just remember, I can un-lend Hit anytime!

Grr...! Get off your high horse! You haven't forgotten the Tournament of Power now, have you? You owe me!

...! Hmph! I haven't got a clue what you're blabbering on about!

W-Wait a sec! Hit's "former client" was Lord Champa all along?!

Yup, it was me!! I should also mention that it was me who had Hit give Shallot that beating he was overdue!

W-What?!

You were starting to get way out of control. But a good beating from Hit sure did the trick! You can thank me once Beerus' turn is over!!

Don't give me that crap!! Just who do you think you are?!

I'm a god of destruction, boy!!

S-Sorry to interrupt... But does that mean that it was also you who sent Hit to rescue Shallot when he was fighting Zamasu and Black?

Actually, that one was me.

...?! Goku?!

We were also pretty desperate to find you too after what happened in the land of ice...

But we had other things that needed taking care of. So when I bumped into Hit, I asked him to find and protect you!

Put simply, I was working at the behest of several clients at once...

Now do you see the logic behind my actions?

Y-Yeah, I think I'm starting to piece it all together...!

Regardless, for now, we need to focus on Zahha...

Unravelling the mystery of this hole in space-time will surely lead us to him. Goku, Gohan, Hit. Don't let me down.

That goes for Shallot and everyone else too. Give it everything you got an...

...Em...er...

Huh...?! A transmission?!

...gency...! Emergency!! Please, listen!!

Mai?!

W-What's going on?!

No-one's here either...

Not being able to sense Ki from afar is making this so difficult!

At this rate, we'll never be able to find any allies, let alone strong ones...

We can't even be sure if anyone we know is still alive after what happened...

...

...They're alive, I'm sure of it!

They're probably off fighting somewhere right now as we speak! Plus, I bet you they're way stronger than when we last saw them too!

Yeah, Cabba's right!

...

(These fights just keep getting more and more intense... And everyone around me keeps getting stronger too!)

(Which means I've got no choice but to do the same...!!)

Sadly, I don't have time to finish you off myself. You're already groveling, so how about you stay that way. Permanently.

...

...Gah...h...!

(I...I'm sorry, Master...! We were only able to hold him off for a few minutes...)

(When we're reunited with everyone... When I'm reunited with Master...I'll be stronger than ever before!)

Oh yeah, and Cabba... Shouldn't we tell Mai and everyone else about, you know, Zahha...?

...Right. They need to know the truth.

But to be honest, I'm still wrapping my head around it all. I'm not quite sure what to say...

...

But hiding the truth won't do anyone any good either...

For now, let's head back to base and take a breather!

We haven't been back for a while. Those guys might be starting to worry about u...

...gency...! Emergency!! Please, listen!!

...! The transmitter...?!

It sounds like...Mai?!

Return to base immediately!

We're under attack! I repeat, we're under attack!!

W-What did she say?!

Nail and the others are holding... but...only...matter of... Soon... in trouble...!

T-The transmission cut out!! Gohan! Cabba! What do we?!

Damn it! Just as we decide to go back to base...! Who could've done this?!

We gotta get back there...NOW!!

T-This can't be?!

The base... I-It's been destroyed?!

B-But...Mai...Nail...the others?!

They're all...

...!!

Nail!!

Those wounds...!! Are you okay?!

L...Look out...! They're still...h-here...

"They"?!

...! Watch out!!

Kya ha ha!! You've got some fight in you...

So it was you who destroyed our base?! Just who are you?!

I don't suppose saying I'm a tournament competitor would suffice?

Grrr!!

Gohan! Trunks! I'll deal with this guy!

...!

Just before he fainted, Nail said "they"! There are still more of them out there!!

You two look for any survivors and protect them at all costs!!

G-Got it! Watch out for yourself, Cabba!!

Hah, so you choose to fight alone? Quite the confidence you have there...!

...

(Confidence? I sure could use some of that... But...!)

Confidence has nothing to do with it...This is just what I have to do!!

Daaa!!

Ughh?!

(I can do this! He's strong alright... but one-on-one, I can take him!!)

Tch. Just when I thought I'd gotten stronger since coming to this era...

I guess you don't survive this long by relying on sheer luck alone.

I can see how you and your friends managed to kill Lord Boujack...!

...?!

You see, every being on this planet is my prey! I'll crush every last one of you with my own hands!

Tch! Another obstinate weakling... Why can't you just learn your place already!

I'll smash every one of you rats into the ground!

D-Did you just say...Boujack?!

Who are you...?!

Curious, are we? I suppose there's no harm in me telling you myself...

But do you really have the time to spare? If I were you, I'd be more concerned about your little friends!

What?!

Gyaaah?!

That voice! It sounded like... Trunks?!

Sounds like one little rat already bit the dust! Kah hah hah!

D-Damn you!!

Guh...uhh...?!

Trunks!!

He he he! Looks like you're next, kiddo!

Grrr!!

Not on my watch!!

Huh?!

Cabba!!

You'll pay for what you did to Trunks!!

That's the spirit! Give it all you got, weakling!!

You asked for it!!

Don't go forgetting about me now...

...?!

Well, well, looks like we can pick up right where we left off... two-on-two!!

You're on!!

Ughh!! Y-You filthy brats!!

This is proving more troublesome than anticipated...!

Stand down already!! You must realize you don't have a chance of beating us!

Heh. I've gotta hand it to you, you put up a good fight.

But this little playdate is over!

What?!

Ho ho ho! Looks like someone got a bit too cocky!

...?!

Wroahhh!!

Gahh...?!

U-Ughh...?! W-What is...th...

Keh heh heh! Child's play!

A-Arghh?! W-What's happening?! I-I can't...move...?!

You're not going anywhere thanks to our barrier. And you can forget about trying to resist!

The more you struggle, the more energy drains from your body! Mwa ha ha!

W-What did you...say?!

Ugh...!

Y-You think this will stop us...?! We're gonna wipe the grins off your stupid faces!!

Huh?!

Oh ho ho!

It's futile!

I-It can't be... Dark Ki...?!

(It's getting...t-tighter...?! I can't break free!!)

Tch. To think we'd have to go this far to take you down...

You worthless runt!!

Gyaaah?!

G-Gohan?!

Gahhh...!

Heh, that's it! It's time for you to take a little nap!!

N-Nooo!!

Now then, Cabba, was it? Are you gonna play nice?

Grrr!

Pah hah! Now maybe you're being too harsh!

After all, from what Rilldo gathered, this little twerp can't do much other than get rescued by his friends!

...!! W-What?!

Heh heh! We know everything there is to know about you!

You're completely useless alone! Your only special move is calling for help! Pwah ha ha!!

?!

(All right! We're sure to keep the city safe until Master comes back now!)

Um, Master?

Hm?

Be safe!

You got it!

Y-You're wrong... I...I've come all this way, trying to get stronger...!

Well, I hate to be the one to break it to ya, but you're just as weak as you always were!

Y-You take that...back!!

Haaa!!

Ughh?!

As it stands, you'll continue losing power and eventually die...but what would be the fun in that?

I want to see you suffering, writhing in pain. When you mess with the Hera Clan...

...you pay the price!!

Gyahh!!

Wroahh!!

Hyaah!!

Ughh?! Gahhh!!

A-Aaahh!

Pah, he snaps like a twig! He really is useless...

There's no way this kid defeated Zangya, let alone Lord Boujack!

Enough of this. Let's finish him off for good.

Fine. There's still so much more fun to be had after all...

That leader woman scurried off with a bunch of other worthless insects, remember?

Oh yeah... Even pathetic weaklings like them should be able to provide us with at least some energy.

M-Mai...

...!

A-Are she and...the others...alive?

Ho ho! I wouldn't waste my time worrying about them if I were you.

Hya...Hyaaa!!

Wroahh!!

Huh?

Well, would you look at that! He's still got a little fight left in him after all!

(I-If I go down here...everyone will be in danger!)

(M-Master is alive...but I don't know where... This time, there's no one else coming... It's up to me!!)

Well, you've done more than enough for now. Grab those two and get some rest in the city!

I'm done getting pep talks and being rescued by Master!! I'll do this myself!!

Hyuunn!!

Gyah?! A-Aaahh?!

Your final stand was just as pitiful as all those before it.

Unghh... I-I failed...

Don't look so sad. You'll have plenty of company in the afterlife soon enough...

...!

Huh?!

Bujin?!

Tch! Who's there?!

Haaa! Haaa!

N-Nail?!

Cabba! Are you still with me?

N-Nail...!

Tch. You were supposed to be dead!

Grrr!

I'm sorry...this is all I can do. I've got nothing left to give...

N-Nooo!! Don't do it, Nail!! Get out of here!!

Cabba... ...Good luck.

Shallot, Cabba! ...Good luck.

...!!

Stay out of our way, scum!!

Gyaaahh!!

A-Aaaahh!!

Pah. Looks like you got to live a little while past your expiration date...

N-Not like this... N-Not again...

Somebody saved me...again...!

Have you finally realized now? That is what it means to be weak! Hya ha ha!!

...

I feel bad for the other chump. Giving up his life so this worthless wimp could live an extra minute or two!!

We've finally got you all to ourselves. No more pesky do-gooders to save you now!

F-Fine...

...?

Fine by me! 16...Nail...

I'm constantly getting saved...!

...And relying on other people's strength!! All because I can't do anything alone!!

Huh?!

Wroahhh...!!

W-What's hap...

DAAAAAHH!!!

I-It can't be?!

My days of being rescued are over!! From here on out, I'll fight my own battles!

This time... I'll be the one doing the rescuing!!

Haaa!!

Gwahh?!

T-This twerp...?!

Hyaah...Haaa!!

Ughh!

(W-Where did all this power come from?!)

Don't waste your breath on any apologies. They won't make a shred of difference!!

Ughh?!

Oi, Gokua!! You better not be as scared as you look right now!!

Pull yourself together! This is nothing more than a cornered beast making a desperate last stand!

But it won't do you any good! Huff and puff all you like, but there's no way you can win against us!!

You're wrong!!

...?!

I will win... I must win! Not for my sake, but for everyone's...

I'm finally gonna step out of Master's shadow...and fight with everything I've got!!