In the present world, everyone waited anxiously within Zeno's palace. The battle should have concluded quickly once the Omni-King engaged—yet after such extended time, there'd been no response whatsoever.
If the gods felt anxious, the mortals were utterly lost.
The surviving universes possessed many masters, but what transpired now exceeded their comprehension entirely.
"Ancestor," Supreme Kai Shin finally ventured, unable to bear the uncertainty any longer. "Could we... observe the current situation?"
Old Kai produced his crystal ball. "Let me see..." He waved his hands, conjuring an image.
The God of Destruction Realm appeared first—one of the universe's apex domains. The dark side's invasion poured in from here, a corrupted tide slowly submerging everything. Grasslands, lakes, sacred trees—all eroded bit by bit. When positive and negative forces collided, both simply dissolved, returning to zero.
The Supreme Kai Realm showed identical devastation. Vast domains had been embezzled. The sanctuary existed no longer.
"Even the God of Destruction Realm and Supreme Kai Realm are falling..." Shin swallowed hard, sweat beading across his forehead. "If it spreads to the lower realm..."
Kibito's eyes widened, repeating two words like a mantra: "Sanctuary... sanctuary..."
The other deities wore equally grim expressions. Though they couldn't see their own universes, the situation was undoubtedly similar. The entire multiverse was being corrupted.
"It's over! It's over! Everything is OVER!" Champa trembled violently. Without Vados for support, he couldn't even find stable footing. Panic consumed him.
"BE QUIET!" Beerus's voice cut through the hysteria. "It's not over yet. Trust the Grand Priest and the others." His eyes blazed with conviction. "Besides, we still have the Dragon Balls."
"But the Dragon Balls couldn't affect that world—"
"We'll find a way!" Beerus's aura flared. "I refuse to believe everything will truly be destroyed!"
The God of Destruction radiated tremendous majesty. His divine authority manifested fully for the first time in ages.
Raditz remembered their first meeting—Beerus had been overwhelming, filled with dominance and power. In his mind, the deity had become synonymous with gluttony and endless sleep. But now, facing true crisis, Beerus displayed the dignity befitting his station.
"Lord Beerus is right," Goku added, jumping forward. "I think so too—"
GRRRRRROWL.
A discordant stomach rumble suddenly echoed through the sacred palace, immediately changing the atmosphere.
"Goku... your stomach is growling at a time like this, really..."
Vegeta's face flushed. His own stomach answered with equally loud protest.
Saiyan appetites were bottomless pits. After such fierce battle, hunger was inevitable. The dual rumbling made even Beerus consider a feast.
"Hey," the God of Destruction said, his tone shifting toward practicality. "Instead of wasting time here worrying, why not go to Earth for a meal?" He looked at Raditz. "What do you think?"
Raditz met his gaze, understanding the unspoken question. "Of course, Lord Beerus." He turned to address the assembly. "Lord Champa, and everyone from the other universes—if you don't mind, why not visit Universe Seven as our guests? You can sample our world's finest cuisine."
"Yes! Let's go!" Champa agreed immediately, his previous panic momentarily forgotten.
"Visit the Seventh Universe?"
"Ah, what a rare opportunity."
"But... at this critical juncture, is it really appropriate?"
"Lord Raditz has offered." Arak, Supreme Kai of Universe One, spoke with measured calm. "I have no objection. We can't formulate strategies here anyway. And if we must fight... we should eat properly first to maintain our strength."
Discussion rippled through the assembly. Eventually, everyone agreed to Raditz's proposal.
Staying together was wisest now—traveling to Universe Seven provided mutual support. Additionally, Jiren, Toppo, and the other Pride Troopers were genuinely curious about the Seventh Universe. They wanted to see what kind of world could nurture a race like the Saiyans.
Under Raditz's guidance, everyone transported to Earth.
The prosperous, warm planet was filled with beautiful, peaceful scenes—exactly the kind of world the Pride Troopers had dedicated their lives to protecting. This living proof of what they fought for left them momentarily speechless. They fully believed it was devotion to guarding such lands that made Son Goku and his allies so powerful.
People from all universes admired Earth's magnificent scenery while simultaneously attracting the planet's defenders. A group of Saiyans—along with Krillin and other warriors—rushed forward to investigate.
They'd sensed Goku and the others' ki, but many powerful unknown auras were mixed in as well. Natural caution prevailed until Raditz explained. Then everyone immediately understood and extended warm welcomes.
The assembly gathered in Capsule Corporation's vast courtyard. Drinks and food had already been prepared for a celebration.
Bulma simply hadn't expected guests from other universes. She hurriedly ordered staff to prepare twice the normal amount.
Across the lawn, people from all universes began enjoying delicious food. The atmosphere shifted from oppressive dread to genuine relaxation. Even if only temporary, everyone had begun appreciating the moment's beauty.
Champa ate with desperate intensity, as if worried he'd never taste anything again.
Caulifla and the other Universe Six Saiyans encountered unfamiliar ingredients with childlike excitement—"What's this?" and "What's that?"—while Yamcha enthusiastically explained each dish. Master Roshi even attempted flirting with a female warrior from Universe One, provoking bursts of laughter.
The seemingly harmonious picture was truly just everyone celebrating four universes' survival together.
Of course, there were exceptions. Jiren and Hit hadn't touched any food. They simply stood on the grass, observing everyone quietly. Vegeta's eyes kept drifting toward Bulma's pregnant belly while he mechanically continued eating meat, expression blank.
Raditz reclined in a chair, occasionally raising his cup, then setting it down again. He stared at the sky. Time felt impossibly long.
"Dad!" Rukon dragged Tumat forward, face bright with joy. "Did you win?!"
"Of course we won." Raditz managed a smile. "Auntie Tights will write a novel about it for you to read. It'll be wonderful."
"Really?!" Rukon pumped his fist. "I wish I could've competed! When I get stronger, I want to fight against masters too!"
Raditz picked up his growing son, studying the young, still-innocent face. He smiled gently.
Then he saw Zangya approaching, her expression concerned.
"What's wrong?" She settled beside him quietly. "Everyone's eating and drinking, praising Earth's food and laughing... but you seem preoccupied. Like you're not truly happy." Her eyes searched his face. "Is there some additional condition for the surviving universes?"
"You saw through me." Raditz smiled helplessly. "It's not an additional condition. It's a crisis—more terrifying than anything we've faced." His voice dropped. "I don't want them to know. Even if they knew... it would be useless."
"Can't I know either?"
Raditz took Zangya's hand, his grip gentle but firm. "Let's go to the amusement park as a family. We still have time." His smile carried desperate warmth. "Let's enjoy ourselves like ordinary people. No flying. No sensing ki. Just... normal. How about it?"
"But everyone's here together. It seems rude for us to leave—"
"It's fine." Raditz's voice carried strange finality. "There will be other chances in the future... or rather..."
His final words came out barely audible, thin as a mosquito's whisper:
"...let's say goodbye."
He looked across the courtyard at everyone gathered there—friends, allies, warriors from across the multiverse. His throat worked silently, swallowing words that couldn't be spoken aloud.