Frieza's grand invasion had collapsed completely, restoring peace across the entire universe.
On Earth, Beerus alternated between savoring exquisite delicacies and indulging in various entertainment—he'd developed a particular obsession with motion-controlled gaming systems. The God of Destruction had essentially taken up residence on the planet. With seven days remaining before the Universe Tournament, he'd rationalized this extended vacation as "supervising training preparation."
But beyond Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza, two candidate positions remained unfilled for the tournament roster.
Raditz found himself in genuine distress—though admitting the reason might invite mockery. There were simply too many powerful warriors to choose from.
Considering individual strength, Gohan had achieved his Mystic state. With his prodigious talent, under Whis' guidance, independently reaching Super Saiyan Blue didn't seem impossible. That would give them four competitors approaching divine-tier power.
But... Piccolo and Super 17 also possessed remarkable capabilities. One wielded an immortal body with infinite resurrection capacity, the other possessed unlimited stamina—making either formidable in prolonged battles. Moreover, both warriors operated above Super Saiyan 3 levels. Though they might struggle against Hit specifically, they'd undoubtedly dominate other opponents with ease.
Then there were powerhouses like Tarble and Majin Buu. Oh, and Tapion definitely qualified as elite-tier.
His wife Zangya had grown close to Super Saiyan 3 strength. If she genuinely wished to compete, Raditz felt confident he could train her even stronger before the tournament. Should Zangya express interest in fighting, he'd never object to her participation.
Beyond all these candidates, Raditz remained particularly hesitant about deploying Broly—that man represented devastating, overwhelming force. After the Universe 6 exhibition battles, Broly had improved exponentially. His current power had surpassed measurable Super Saiyan 3 levels, steadily approaching Super Saiyan 4 territory.
"All top-tier combat power... this is genuinely troublesome." Raditz sighed, hands gripping the rooftop railing as his brows furrowed with concentration.
Sometimes, excessive excellence created its own problems. Compared to Universe 7's current roster, Universe 6's supreme warriors appeared pitifully limited. From Raditz's analytical perspective, only Hit qualified as a genuine master-class opponent.
Though that scarcity simplified Universe 6's selection process considerably—no agonizing deliberations required.
"Hey, Raditz! It's been half a day—haven't you decided yet?"
Beerus' voice suddenly carried from the lawn below. The God of Destruction was devouring a roasted lamb shank while enjoying the latest fighting game alongside Emperor Pilaf and young Trunks. His attention toward Raditz seemed purely accidental—he'd happened to glance up and spotted the Saiyan on the rooftop.
"The choice isn't easy. All candidates possess suitable qualifications."
"Then just draw lots randomly." Beerus waved dismissively between bites. "Didn't you say Universe 6's fighters can't defeat Goku? We now have three warriors at equivalent levels—there's nothing to fear."
"True enough... very well, I'll select randomly."
Raditz deliberated briefly, then flipped the candidate list face-down. He pointed randomly, selecting Super 17 and Gohan through pure chance. However, Android 17 politely declined the invitation when Raditz extended it—apparently content with his ranger duties protecting wildlife. The final roster spot transferred to Tapion instead.
Coincidentally, reports of Tapion's spectacular defense of the Saiyan homeworld had just reached Raditz's attention. He'd been planning to summon the hero for discussion anyway.
Thus, the five-warrior quota finally crystallized, allowing pre-tournament preparation to commence in earnest.
Seven days represented significant potential for improvement when utilized properly. Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza had reached stages of physical refinement that rendered further Hyperbolic Time Chamber training counterproductive. Meanwhile, Gohan and Tapion partnered to enter that dimensional space together.
Whis accompanied Gohan, providing instruction on the fundamental essence of Super Saiyan transformation—guiding him toward achieving the form through his own power rather than ritual.
Raditz shadowed Frieza constantly, ensuring the tyrant couldn't orchestrate any treacherous schemes. Since Frieza couldn't access the Lookout's sacred grounds, the quartet traveled to a desolate planet for intensive preparation.
The barren world basked under harsh sunlight, its environment wildly unforgiving—oscillating between extreme cold and scorching heat. Yellow sand and infertile soil dominated the landscape. Sparse vegetation struggled for survival. No intelligent life inhabited this wasteland.
Frieza surveyed the surroundings with a contemptuous sneer. "Hmph, I'm intimately familiar with this environment type. This barely qualifies as training. Have you ever experienced Hell? That realm proves a hundred times worse than this pathetic landscape."
"Forget Hell—I'm uninterested in your suffering." Raditz smiled with casual dismissal. "However, I've endured similar trials myself. I can guarantee the Destruction God Realm's tests prove more terrifying than Hell's torments."
Frieza's smug expression evaporated instantly, his face darkening with barely suppressed rage.
"Enough posturing. Let's begin immediately." Vegeta refused to waste time on pointless verbal sparring. He assumed combat stance, energy already beginning to circulate.
"Hohohoho, such enthusiasm! I'm genuinely curious—what drives you to train so obsessively?" Frieza planted hands on his hips, showing zero intention of serious preparation. He merely wanted to complete Beerus' mandatory assignment. Victory or defeat held no personal significance.
If he truly committed to intensive training, it would only be to eventually defeat these insufferable Saiyans!
"I intend to become the strongest warrior in the universe, Frieza. You fundamentally don't understand Saiyans." Vegeta's contemptuous reply dripped with dismissal, paying the tyrant no respect whatsoever. "Kakarot, let's start already!"
"Really? The strongest in the universe?" Frieza's laughter suddenly erupted as he advanced toward Vegeta with predatory grace. "Well then, allow me to serve as your opponent. I've already fought Kakarot, but I haven't properly assessed your strength yet... Prince Vegeta!"
Those final two words carried unmistakable mocking inflection, striking Vegeta's raw nerves with surgical precision.
Their respective energies exploded simultaneously from opposite sides of the training ground. Raditz couldn't help touching his forehead in exasperation. Frieza truly never stops causing problems wherever he goes. Eventually, he'll need to be permanently eliminated.
Still, Goku and Vegeta currently needed suitable sparring opponents—and Frieza undoubtedly represented the perfect candidate for pushing their limits.
"Kakarot, come practice with me. Let Vegeta and Frieza work together."
"Hmph, how delightful." Frieza's smile widened with genuine pleasure at this arrangement.
Vegeta snorted coldly, expression radiating pure disdain.
Frieza tilted his head with seemingly casual motion—then in a fraction of a second, he accelerated with preemptive strike, hammering Vegeta's abdomen with devastating force. The powerful impact made Vegeta expel saliva violently, his body bending like overcooked shrimp.
"I'm returning the favor!" Through searing pain, Vegeta clenched his teeth with iron determination. Before Frieza could capitalize on advantage, Vegeta's counterpunch pierced the tyrant's midsection with equal brutality.
His fist also drove through Frieza's abdomen—the golden emperor spewing acidic bile with an undignified cry.
Within mere seconds, both warriors had exchanged devastating blows, dealing proportional damage. However, this opening exchange also allowed them to properly gauge each other's capabilities. Simple punches contained earth-shattering power—their strength genuinely existed at equivalent levels.
Raditz observed their clash, then turned to Goku with anticipatory focus. "We should begin as well."
Goku's face lit with pure joy, immediately dropping into combat stance, eagerness radiating from every fiber of his being.
Meanwhile, inside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber's otherworldly dimension...
Gohan trained with extreme dedication under Whis' expert guidance, absorbing profound teachings delivered in rapid succession.
"Strike quickly, and receive attacks with equal speed."
"Experience yourself first—only then can you properly perceive your opponent's intentions."
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