"Will Universe 6's next competitor please enter the ring!" The host's voice carried across the arena with mounting urgency. "Universe 6—your next fighter!"
Hearing the pressing call, Cabba steadied his resolve and drew a deep, centering breath. "Lord Champa, I'm going."
"WIN this round for me!" Champa clenched his fists with such fury his knuckles whitened, his expression practically cannibalistic. If they lost this match as well, he'd certainly explode with volcanic rage.
Caulifla, who typically enjoyed teasing Cabba mercilessly, grew uncharacteristically serious at this critical juncture. She offered genuine encouragement.
"Cabba, you need to perform well. Don't embarrass our Sadala Defense Force."
"I know. I especially don't want to disappoint Master Raditz with a poor showing." Cabba managed a wry smile despite his tension. "It would've been better if Kale could have come..." With a light sigh, he launched himself onto the arena platform.
Kale had declined participation due to crippling stage fright, while Renso couldn't attend because of mission obligations. Otherwise, fielding four Saiyans might have improved their odds considerably. Our chances would be better, Caulifla thought with frustration.
Universe 7's strength exceeded all projections. Thus far, Tapion hadn't moved even slightly—relying entirely on the monster summoned through his ocarina. Was this disdain for his opponents? Or did Tapion himself lack substantial combat ability?
"Hey, Cabba! Don't fight that creature—attack Tapion directly!" Caulifla shouted toward the ring as sudden inspiration struck.
This reminder proved strategically sound, exposing Tapion's critical weakness. Indeed, Hirudegarn represented a Super Saiyan 3-level threat, but Tapion's personal strength remained comparatively modest. Even extensive Hyperbolic Time Chamber training couldn't match natural Saiyan combat prowess.
Upon hearing Caulifla's tactical advice, someone in Universe 7's section reacted with concern.
"Raditz, Tapion could be in trouble now." Zangya clutched her husband's arm, brow furrowing with worry.
"It's fine. This round will conclude shortly anyway."
"I never intended Tapion to solo multiple consecutive matches—especially against a Saiyan opponent. Let Saiyans battle Saiyans." Raditz's mysterious smile only deepened Zangya's confusion.
Meanwhile on the arena floor, Cabba assumed combat stance, addressing Tapion directly. "Seems your weakness has been exposed. Honestly, I suspected as much earlier. However, breaking through your summoned guardian's assault won't prove easy. Let's begin!"
"Unnecessary. Master Raditz instructed me to forfeit when facing a Saiyan opponent."
Speaking in tones only Cabba could hear, Tapion raised both arms in surrender.
Just as everyone held their breath in anticipation of battle's commencement—focused intently on the impending clash—this sudden move shocked the entire assembly.
"Has he exhausted his energy already?"
"No way! He's voluntarily forfeiting?!" Discussion erupted throughout the spectator sections, nobody comprehending the reasoning.
"What's this about, Raditz? Your arrangement?" Beerus detected the manipulation immediately, demanding explanation.
This time Raditz didn't bother concealing his strategy, admitting openly: "I wanted to give other opportunities to fight. Otherwise things become monotonous, don't they? I believe you're more magnanimous than Lord Champa, so I'm extending Universe 6 a courtesy. Otherwise their defeat appears excessively one-sided."
"Hmph. Naturally I'm more generous than Champa! Fine, fine—let them off easily this time." Beerus waved dismissively, satisfaction evident in his tone.
Champa experienced simultaneous surprise and relief, immediately praising Cabba with exaggerated gestures—dancing like an excited child. Vados, perceiving everything with angelic clarity, stood nearby smiling but offering no commentary.
Cabba found the situation even more bewildering. Even knowing his opponent's weakness, successfully exploiting it wouldn't guarantee easy victory. In other words, Tapion might well have won regardless—yet he forfeited? Master Raditz's arrangement? Cabba's gaze found Raditz in the stands, met by an encouraging smile.
"Wait—before you leave, can I ask something?" Cabba stopped Tapion before his departure. "What's your ranking among Universe 7's warriors?"
"Me? I'm the most common one." Tapion replied with casual dismissiveness.
He spoke truthfully. Numerous spectators present could likely counter his abilities. Without Hirudegarn's overwhelming support, he wouldn't even qualify for arena participation.
But these words struck Cabba like physical blows, his face draining to ashen pallor instantly.
The most COMMON one?!
Cabba's scalp prickled with existential dread. His eyes swept toward Gohan, Goku, and Vegeta—warriors radiating power that made the air itself feel heavy. What exactly ARE these people...
"Due to Universe 7's Tapion forfeiting, Universe 6 wins this round! Next competitor, please enter!"
Gohan launched himself skyward, landing in the arena's center with practiced grace. He wore the Turtle School's traditional gi, his short hair and energetic demeanor projecting quiet confidence and heroic bearing.
Over recent years, Gohan had dedicated tremendous effort to cultivation without slacking. At this moment, he genuinely ranked among Universe 7's finest warriors. If angered, his power escalated dramatically beyond even these impressive baseline levels.
"Gohan, you've got this!"
Chi-Chi and Goten cheered loudly from the stands. Piccolo and Goku watched with obvious concern mixed with pride.
Cabba didn't dare show carelessness, immediately assuming combat stance, preparing for engagement.
"So you're also a Saiyan?" Gohan didn't rush into battle, offering friendly greeting first.
"Uncle arranged for me to fight you—truly careful planning." Gohan smiled with genuine warmth. "I've heard about you. Since we're both Saiyans, let's settle this the proper way."
With that declaration, Gohan's aura suddenly erupted. His belt fluttered skyward, undulating like a spiritual serpent. With a sharp cry, golden energy refreshed his entire form—black hair instantly rendered brilliant gold, dazzling radiance flickering with infinite power.
Super Saiyan!
Cabba startled at Gohan's transformation, left with no choice but matching evolution.
"HAH!" With equivalent cry, Cabba's energy flooded through his entire body, erupting with golden brilliance. Flames of power burned like living fire around his form.
"Let's go!"
"Right!"
Both warriors smiled—the knowing acknowledgment of evenly matched opponents finally meeting in worthy combat.
In the next microsecond, both figures blurred toward each other and vanished completely. Only lightning and sparks marked their high-speed movement, accompanied by explosive detonations. The atmosphere churned chaotically, mighty impacts continuing without cessation.
BOOM!
The arena shook violently, fracturing cleanly down the center. The host fled in undignified panic, retreating to safer distance to avoid collateral damage.
Debris and dust filled the air as overwhelming auras swept across spectators. Gohan and Cabba finally reappeared—their crossed punches having carved deep trenches before their respective positions. Golden light blazed brilliantly, sharp luminescence interweaving with rising airwaves that hammered the fractured ground.
"HAAAAAAAAH!" Cabba seized initiative, attacking first with explosive intensity.
He unleashed a frightening offensive, pressuring Gohan with relentless fist strikes. Every ounce of strength poured forth—each cell's power pushed to absolute extremes. Wave after wave of devastating blows tested Gohan's defenses.
Gohan fought while retreating, palms constantly waving defensively to block the intensive assault. He maintained distance from Cabba, carefully observing fighting patterns and tactical approaches.
Everyone watched the match with rapt attention, blood boiling with excitement. As expected—Saiyan versus Saiyan produces the most thrilling spectacles! The back-and-forth exchanges electrified the atmosphere! Even Beerus and Champa couldn't contain their enthusiasm, shouting excitedly in support of their respective fighters!
"SON GOHAN!"
"CABBA!"
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