opening theme:

Opening theme: Black Rover [Black Clover Opening 3]
Visuals: The camera pans from the sky down to just above Beacon Academy as a bird perches on top of the Beacon Tower's Spire as the title card Flame and Crimson flashes upon the screen. Following this, it opens up to Teams NDTSA and RWBY walking alongside each other and laughing before Weiss begins to chase Daikon for some comment he no doubt made. It flashes to a panel of JNPR, some of the other Vytal Tournament Participants and Beacon's faculty before it zooms in on Ozpin briefly.
The bridge is a compilation of the Saiyan characters and team rwby training against each other before the screen darkens with Cinder, Emerald, Neo and others smirking darkly before rushing into the screen. The chorus is a scene of the main cast fighting back against a horde of Grimm invaders before transitioning to a scene of Nova and Turuk fighting Cinder with their ki surrounding them. Nova kneels briefly and breathes in slowly as a menacing shadow of an oozaru (Saiyan Great Ape) is seen behind him as he charges towards cinder again.
The song ends with Ruby and Nova entwining their hands together as they stare at the sunset.
Chapter 25: The Saiyan Imperial Guard
RWBY: The Saiyan Chronicles
Shadows of the Past: Tarro's Revelation (Continued)
The night breeze carried the scent of distant forests as Tarro and Ozpin continued their somber conversation atop Beacon's highest tower, watching as more objects streaked across the darkening sky.
"Who else knows about Nova's true identity?" Ozpin asked, his voice low despite their isolation.
Tarro's tail tightened around his waist – a gesture of tension familiar to all Saiyans. "Only those who absolutely need to. His team, of course – NDTSA couldn't function effectively if they were kept in the dark about their leader's potential."
"Team RWBY as well, I presume?" Ozpin inquired.
"Yes," Tarro confirmed. "After the events in Tenkawa, keeping it from them would have been impossible – especially with Ruby's transformation. Team JNPR knows too; they've fought alongside Nova too many times not to notice the difference in his power compared to other Saiyans."
Ozpin nodded thoughtfully. "And beyond Beacon's walls?"
"His parents – both sets," Tarro replied, his expression softening slightly. "Ghira and Kali Belladonna have raised him since he arrived on Remnant. They've always known he was special, even before we understood what it meant to be the legendary Super Saiyan of prophecy."
"They've protected that secret well," Ozpin acknowledged. "The White Fang would have approached his power very differently had they known."
"As for his birth parents," Tarro continued, "Rhubar and Sala have been instrumental in helping him understand his heritage. When they found their way to Remnant and discovered their sons alive..." He paused, remembering the emotional reunion he had witnessed. "Let's just say they recognized the signs immediately. The power signature is unmistakable to those who know the ancient legends."
"So the secret remains contained within a trusted circle," Ozpin summarized. "But for how long? Salem has spies everywhere."
Tarro's gaze returned to the meteor-like objects still entering Remnant's atmosphere. "That's what concerns me, Ozpin. Turles may have been defeated, but he hinted at others coming – others who might recognize what Nova truly is."
"And if Salem were to learn of his identity through these new arrivals..."
"She would stop at nothing to either control or destroy him," Tarro finished grimly. "The prophecy states clearly that the legendary Super Saiyan has the power to either save Remnant or reduce it to ashes. For someone like Salem, such power would be irresistible."
Ozpin set down his coffee mug on the stone parapet. "There's something else troubling you, isn't there?"
Tarro hesitated before responding. "Nova's power is growing faster than I anticipated. The bond he shares with Ruby – it's accelerating his development in ways I hadn't foreseen. And with her transformation into a Saiyan..."
"You fear they might trigger something in each other," Ozpin surmised.
"The ancient texts speak of catalysts – events or connections that can awaken the full potential of the legendary Super Saiyan," Tarro explained. "Love is perhaps the most powerful catalyst of all. More powerful than rage, more enduring than pride."
"And more dangerous if manipulated by our enemies," Ozpin added.
Tarro nodded solemnly. "Which is why we must prepare them – all of them – for what's coming. The Vytal Tournament will draw attention from across Remnant. If these new arrivals are hunting for Nova..."
"Then the tournament could become a battleground," Ozpin concluded. He straightened his posture, decision made. "Very well. Authorize whatever training methods you deem necessary. I'll inform Glynda and the other professors to be on high alert without revealing Nova's secret."
"Rhubar and Sala should be notified as well," Tarro suggested. "Their experience fighting alongside the original legendary Super Saiyan generations ago could prove invaluable."
"Do you think they'll come?" Ozpin asked.
Tarro allowed himself a small smile. "To protect their sons? Without hesitation. Saiyans may be warriors first, but the bond between family members runs deep – especially for those raised away from the old empire's influence."
As if punctuating his statement, the largest of the falling objects crashed somewhere in the Emerald Forest, sending a visible shockwave through the trees. Both men turned toward the impact site.
"It appears our visitors have arrived," Ozpin observed calmly, though his hand tightened around his cane.
"I'll gather the teams," Tarro said, already moving toward the stairwell. "And Ozpin – perhaps it's time we considered telling Nova the full prophecy. He knows he's the legendary Super Saiyan of Remnant, but he doesn't understand what that truly means."
"The burden of knowing one's destiny can be heavier than the destiny itself," Ozpin cautioned. "Are you certain he's ready?"
Tarro paused at the doorway, his silhouette framed against the warm light from within. "No one is ever ready to learn they might be responsible for saving or destroying an entire world. But if anyone has the strength of character to bear that knowledge, it's Nova."
As Tarro disappeared down the stairwell, Ozpin returned his gaze to the horizon, where smoke now rose from multiple impact sites throughout the Emerald Forest. Whatever – or whoever – had arrived, the time for preparation was over. The battle for Remnant was about to begin, with a young Saiyan's destiny at its center.
Midnight Council: Teams Assemble
The emergency meeting room beneath Beacon Academy buzzed with tense energy as teams RWBY, JNPR, and NDTSA gathered around the large holographic display table. Professor Goodwitch manipulated the controls, zooming in on thermal images of the impact sites in the Emerald Forest.
"We've identified five distinct crash sites," she explained, her voice crisp and professional despite the late hour. "Each appears to contain technology consistent with Saiyan space pods."
Nova stood at the head of the table, his normally cheerful demeanor replaced by focused determination. At his side, Ruby looked both excited and nervous, her new tail swishing behind her in unconscious mimicry of Nova's own controlled movements.
"Five pods," Turuk muttered, standing close to Yang whose golden tail was now wrapped properly around her waist after their earlier training. "That's more than just a scouting party."
"It's a hunting party," Scarlett concluded grimly. "The question is, what – or who – are they hunting?"
All eyes briefly turned to Nova, though no one voiced the obvious concern. Those in the room knew his secret, but the weight of it seemed heavier now with unknown Saiyans landing so close to Beacon.
Daikon, the technological expert of team NDTSA, studied the readings with a frown. "These energy signatures... they're much higher than Turles and his crew. Whoever these Saiyans are, they're in a completely different league."
"Can we identify them?" Blake asked, her cat ears flattened with concern for her adopted brothers.
"Not yet," Professor Goodwitch replied. "But Professor Koizumi should be joining us shortly with more information."
As if on cue, the elevator doors slid open, revealing Tarro and Ozpin. The Saiyan professor's expression was grim as he approached the table.
"I've analyzed the pod configurations and energy signatures," he announced without preamble. "These are not ordinary Saiyans. They're the Imperial Guard."
A tense silence fell over the room.
"What exactly is the Imperial Guard?" Weiss finally asked, voicing what many were thinking.
"The elite warriors who serve directly under the Saiyan Royal Family," Rhubar's voice answered from the doorway as he and Sala entered the room. Nova and Turuk's birth parents moved with the fluid grace of experienced warriors, their tails wrapped tightly around their waists in formal military style.
"Mom, Dad," Nova acknowledged, his expression brightening slightly at the unexpected arrival of his birth parents.
Sala moved to stand beside her sons, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. Despite her relatively small stature compared to most Saiyans, her presence radiated power and authority. "The Imperial Guard only deploys for missions of the highest priority. If they're here on Remnant..."
"Then they're looking for something extremely valuable to the Empire," Rhubar finished, his stern features set in a concerned frown. "Or someone."
Again, unspoken awareness passed through the room as gazes flickered toward Nova.
"Do they know?" Ruby asked quietly, her hand finding Nova's under the table. "About who Nova really is?"
"It's hard to say," Tarro responded. "The legend of the Super Saiyan is known throughout Saiyan culture, but most consider it just that – a legend. Only the royal family and their closest advisors know the full prophecy and would be able to identify the signs."
"Which means we need to proceed with caution," Ozpin interjected. "These Imperial Guards may simply be here on a different mission entirely."
"Yeah, right," Yang scoffed, her eyes briefly flashing red. "Five elite Saiyans just happen to crash-land near Beacon right after Turles gets his butt kicked by Nova? That's one heck of a coincidence."
"Yang's right," Jaune spoke up, surprising some around the table. "We should prepare for the worst-case scenario. If they are here for Nova, what's our plan?"
Pyrrha nodded in agreement with her team leader. "Beacon isn't equipped to withstand an assault from five elite Saiyan warriors."
"No," Rhubar agreed, "but we are." He gestured to himself, Sala, and Tarro. "Three full-blooded Saiyan warriors with decades of combat experience."
"Plus two teams of huntsmen-in-training with Saiyan blood," Nora added enthusiastically, bouncing slightly on her toes. "And team JNPR, of course! We may not have fancy tails, but we can still fight!"
Despite the tension, several smiles broke out around the table at Nora's characteristic enthusiasm.
Nova finally spoke, his voice steady and resolute. "We don't hide. We don't run. If they're here for me, then I'll face them." He looked around at his friends and family. "But no one fights alone. That's not how we do things at Beacon."
Ruby squeezed his hand supportively, her silver eyes shining with determination. "Together."
"There's one more thing you should all be aware of," Tarro said, his tone causing everyone to focus on him again. "The Imperial Guard doesn't leave witnesses. If they're here on a classified mission, they'll consider everyone on Remnant expendable."
"Then we have no choice," Turuk said, stepping forward. "We intercept them before they reach populated areas."
"Agreed," Ozpin nodded. "Teams will deploy at first light. Professor Koizumi, Mr. and Mrs. Belladonna, and Mr. and Mrs...." he hesitated, looking toward Nova and Turuk's birth parents.
"Just Rhubar and Sala is fine," Sala said with a small smile.
"Very well," Ozpin continued. "Our Saiyan allies will coordinate the response. Get some rest while you can, students. Tomorrow, we make contact with our visitors."
As the meeting broke up, Nova hung back, catching Tarro's attention. "Professor, there's something you're not telling us, isn't there? About why the Imperial Guard would be looking for me specifically?"
Tarro exchanged a glance with Rhubar and Sala before sighing. "You're right, Nova. There is more to the prophecy of the legendary Super Saiyan than you've been told. And I think it's time you learned the whole truth."
The four Saiyans, along with Ruby who refused to leave Nova's side, moved to a quieter corner of the room. The time for secrets was over. If Nova was to face what was coming, he needed to understand exactly what it meant to be the legendary Super Saiyan of Remnant.
Battle Plans and Hidden Truths
As the meeting room began to empty, Ozpin raised his hand to gather everyone's attention once more. "Before you rest, we need to establish our contingency plans. If negotiations with the Imperial Guard turn hostile, we must be prepared."
The teams regrouped around the holographic display, now showing tactical positions throughout the Emerald Forest and the approaches to Beacon Academy. Ghira and Kali Belladonna had also arrived, their expressions grave as they took positions beside their adopted sons.
"First," Rhubar began, his military bearing evident as he assumed tactical command, "we need to understand what we're dealing with. The Imperial Guard operates in specific formations."
He manipulated the display, highlighting the five crash sites. "Typically, a five-member Guard unit consists of a commander, two assault specialists, a reconnaissance expert, and a strategic coordinator. Each member will have a power level significantly higher than Turles and his crew."
"How much higher?" Yang asked, her newly awakened Saiyan instincts bristling at the challenge.
Sala's expression was grim. "Conservative estimate? Five to ten times stronger than what you faced in Tenkawa."
The room fell silent as the implications sank in.
"Which is why," Tarro interjected, "we cannot allow this to become a straight fight. If negotiations fail, our only advantage is teamwork and intimate knowledge of the terrain."
Ruby stepped forward, her silver eyes flashing with determination. "What about the fact that I'm... different now? My Saiyan blood combined with my silver eyes – could that help?"
"It could," Sala acknowledged, studying Ruby with interest. "But it's untested. We don't know how the combination will manifest under extreme stress."
Nova moved closer to Ruby, his protective instincts evident. "She's not going anywhere near the front lines until we understand her new abilities better."
"Actually," Aiko spoke up shyly, surprising everyone, "Ruby's been progressing faster than any new Saiyan I've ever seen. Her s-silver eye heritage might be accelerating her adaptation."
Blake looked between her adopted brothers with concern. "What's our formation going to be? We can't just charge in hoping for the best."
Jaune, displaying the tactical thinking that had made him team JNPR's leader despite his initial inexperience, moved to the display. "We should establish multiple fallback positions. If we're forced to retreat, we lead them away from populated areas."
"Agreed," Pyrrha nodded. "But we'll need someone fast enough to serve as bait if necessary."
"That would be me," Scarlett volunteered immediately. "I'm the fastest flier among the younger Saiyans."
"No," Turuk countered. "If they're here for Nova, they might try to capture any Saiyan they encounter for interrogation. We can't risk losing you."
Yang crossed her arms, her golden tail bristling. "So what's the actual plan? We can't just wing it against opponents this powerful."
Daikon, who had been quietly analyzing the technical readouts, looked up from his tablet. "I might have an idea. These Imperial Guard pods – they're still transmitting data back to wherever they came from. If I can hack into their communication systems..."
"You could feed them false information," Weiss finished, her tactical mind immediately grasping the implications. "Make them think we're somewhere we're not."
"Exactly," Daikon confirmed. "But I'd need to get close to at least one of the crash sites."
Ren, speaking for the first time since the meeting began, offered his insight. "Nora and I could provide cover for a reconnaissance mission. Our experience with stealth operations could be valuable."
Nora bounced excitedly. "Ooh, and if things go bad, I can make really big explosions to cover our retreat!"
Despite the tension, several people smiled at Nora's enthusiasm.
Ghira, who had remained silent during the tactical discussion, finally spoke. "There's something else to consider. If the Saiyan Empire is actively hunting for Nova, they may have agents within the other kingdoms. The Vytal Tournament could be compromised."
"Which means we need to consider canceling it," Ozpin said reluctantly.
"No," Nova said firmly, surprising everyone. "That would only confirm their suspicions that something important is here at Beacon. We proceed as planned, but with additional security measures."
Kali placed a gentle hand on Nova's shoulder. "Are you certain, dear? The risk..."
"The risk is the same whether we hide or not," Nova replied. "At least this way, we control the battlefield."
Ruby moved to stand beside him, her tail unconsciously curling around his – a gesture of support that didn't go unnoticed by the Saiyan adults in the room.
"The bond between them is growing stronger," Sala observed quietly to her husband.
Rhubar nodded. "Which could either be our greatest asset or our greatest vulnerability. The prophecy mentions a catalyst..."
Tarro overheard and addressed the room. "Speaking of the prophecy, there are aspects of Nova's heritage that you all need to understand before we proceed."
All eyes turned to Nova, who looked uncertain. "What haven't you told me?"
"The legendary Super Saiyan isn't just a powerful warrior," Tarro explained carefully. "According to the ancient texts, they're a bridge between destruction and creation. Their power can either save worlds or destroy them, depending on the choices they make and the bonds they form."
"Bonds like the one with Ruby?" Blake asked, her feline instincts picking up on the implications.
"Precisely," Rhubar confirmed. "The prophecy speaks of a 'silver light that guides the golden fire.' We believe Ruby's silver-eyed heritage and her new Saiyan blood make her Nova's destined partner in more ways than one."
Ruby blushed deeply, but didn't step away from Nova's side. "So... my transformation wasn't really an accident?"
"On some level, Nova's power recognized something in you," Sala explained gently. "The transfer of Saiyan blood was instinctive – his legendary status calling to its counterpart."
"Great," Yang muttered. "So my little sister is cosmically important too. No pressure there."
"Which brings us back to our immediate problem," Turuk interjected, trying to refocus the discussion. "How do we handle first contact with the Imperial Guard?"
"We establish a neutral meeting point," Ozpin decided. "The amphitheater ruins in the Emerald Forest. Open ground, multiple escape routes, far from civilians."
"Who makes contact?" Jaune asked.
"I will," Nova said immediately.
"Absolutely not," Ruby, Rhubar, and Sala said simultaneously.
Nova looked between them with surprise. "But if they're here for me—"
"Then we don't hand you over on a silver platter," Scarlett interrupted. "We send a representative first. Someone who can gauge their intentions."
"That should be me," Tarro volunteered. "As a fellow Saiyan and Beacon faculty, I have the authority to speak for the academy."
"And I'll go with him," Rhubar added. "They'll respect the presence of another full-blooded Saiyan warrior."
"What about the rest of us?" Weiss asked, though her eyes briefly flickered toward Daikon as he continued analyzing the Imperial Guard's technical specifications on his tablet.
"Positioned at strategic points around the meeting site," Turuk answered. "Close enough to intervene, far enough to avoid immediate detection."
Yang stepped closer to Turuk, her golden tail swishing playfully behind her. "So you'll be watching my back out there?" she asked with a teasing smile, deliberately invading his personal space just enough to make him uncomfortable.
Turuk's face immediately flushed red, his own tail stiffening with nervous energy. "I... well... that is..." He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Everyone will be watching everyone's back. That's how team formations work."
"Uh-huh," Yang smirked, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction. "But you'll be watching mine specifically, right? Since we're partners in this whole 'newly awakened Saiyan' thing?"
"Y-Yang," Turuk stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, "you can't just... say things like that during a tactical briefing."
"Why not?" Yang asked innocently, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. "I'm just making sure my training partner has my back. Nothing wrong with that, is there?"
Scarlett watched the exchange with barely concealed amusement, while Nova just shook his head at his brother's obvious discomfort. Even Rhubar and Sala exchanged knowing glances – it was clear to any experienced Saiyan that Turuk's feelings for Yang ran much deeper than simple camaraderie.
Meanwhile, across the tactical display, Weiss found herself stealing glances at Daikon as he worked. Despite herself, she was impressed by his technical expertise and the quiet confidence with which he approached complex problems. When he looked up and caught her watching, she quickly looked away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"The communication frequencies are more sophisticated than I initially thought," Daikon reported, seemingly oblivious to Weiss's attention. "I'll need to modify my equipment to handle the encryption."
"How long will that take?" Weiss asked, her tone perhaps more interested than strictly necessary for tactical planning.
Daikon looked at her with surprise – it wasn't often that the Schnee heiress showed genuine interest in technical matters. "A few hours, assuming I can access the proper components. Though I suppose someone with your family's resources might know where to acquire advanced signal processing equipment on short notice."
"I might," Weiss replied coolly, though there was something softer in her expression. "The Schnee Dust Company maintains several research facilities that could have what you need."
"You'd... help me with that?" Daikon asked, genuine surprise in his voice.
Their usual rivalry seemed to dissolve for a moment as Weiss nodded. "If it helps protect everyone, then yes. Though don't expect me to make a habit of it," she added, her tsundere nature reasserting itself.
Daikon's usual stoic expression softened slightly. "Thank you, Weiss. I... appreciate it."
The moment stretched between them, noticed by Blake whose feline hearing picked up the subtle change in their tone, and by Ruby who was learning to sense emotional shifts with her developing Saiyan instincts.
Aiko raised her hand tentatively, breaking the various romantic tensions in the room. "S-shouldn't we have a signal? In case things go wrong?"
"Good thinking," Pyrrha agreed. "What's our go-signal if negotiations fail?"
Ruby stepped forward, her silver eyes gleaming with newfound confidence. "Leave that to me. If things go bad, you'll know."
The way she said it, with quiet certainty and a hint of power that made the air shimmer around her, convinced everyone that Ruby Rose was no longer the same girl who had entered Beacon Academy months ago.
"Alright then," Ozpin concluded. "Teams will deploy at dawn. Get some rest while you can – tomorrow, we discover whether the Saiyan Empire comes as friend or foe."
As the meeting dissolved, Nova caught Ruby's hand, pulling her aside. But they weren't the only couple seeking a private moment.
Yang deliberately bumped into Turuk as they gathered their equipment. "So, training partner," she said with a sultry smile, "want to walk me back to the dorms? You know, to make sure I don't get 'lost' on the way."
Turuk's tail nearly betrayed him by wagging, but he managed to keep his composure. "Yang, you've lived at Beacon for months. You know the way to your dorm."
"Maybe," Yang shrugged, stepping even closer so their faces were inches apart, "but maybe I just want the company of a certain handsome Saiyan who's been worried about me."
Turuk's breath caught, and for a moment, his carefully maintained control slipped. His voice came out softer, more vulnerable. "I have been worried about you. What happened in Tenkawa... seeing you lose control like that..."
Yang's teasing expression softened as she saw the genuine concern in his eyes. "Hey," she said gently, reaching up to touch his cheek, "I'm okay. We're okay. And tomorrow, we're going to kick some Imperial Guard butt together, right?"
Despite himself, Turuk leaned into her touch slightly. "Together," he agreed quietly, his usual stoic mask completely gone.
Across the room, Weiss was gathering her own equipment when Daikon approached her hesitantly.
"Weiss," he said, his usual confident demeanor replaced by something more uncertain, "about earlier... thank you. For offering to help with the equipment."
Weiss paused in organizing her gear, not looking at him directly. "It's nothing. Just... practical cooperation."
"Is it?" Daikon asked quietly, stepping close enough that only she could hear. "Because it felt like something more than that."
Weiss finally looked up at him, her blue eyes meeting his steady gaze. For a moment, the competitive antagonism that usually defined their interactions was nowhere to be found. "Maybe it was," she admitted quietly. "Don't let it go to your head, Daikon."
He smiled – not his usual smirk, but something warmer and more genuine. "Wouldn't dream of it, princess."
Instead of her usual indignant response to the nickname, Weiss just shook her head with what might have been fondness. "Just... be careful tomorrow, alright? We'll need your technical expertise intact."
"I'll be careful if you will," he countered.
Their moment was interrupted by Blake clearing her throat meaningfully. "Are we interrupting something?" she asked with a knowing smile, having witnessed both romantic exchanges.
"No!" Weiss said quickly, her composure returning as she busied herself with her equipment again.
Yang, still standing close to Turuk, grinned over at her teammate. "Just some pre-battle... coordination."
Nova caught Ruby's hand, pulling her aside from the various romantic tensions filling the room. "Are you really ready for this? I know your transformation has been overwhelming..."
Ruby squeezed his hand, her tail intertwining with his in the gesture that was becoming natural for them. "I'm scared," she admitted. "But I'm not the same person I was before Tenkawa. And whatever comes next, we face it together."
Nova smiled, leaning down to press his forehead against hers – a Saiyan gesture of affection and trust. "Together," he agreed.
Around them, their friends and family prepared for what could be the most important negotiation in Remnant's history. The fate of their world might rest on whether the Imperial Guard had come as hunters or as something else entirely.
RWBY: The Saiyan Chronicles
Imperial Shadows: The Guard's Deliberation
Deep within the largest of the crashed pods, five figures stood in formation around a holographic tactical display. The emergency lighting cast harsh shadows across their faces, revealing the distinctive features of the Saiyan Imperial Guard – elite warriors whose power signatures far exceeded anything Remnant had yet encountered.
Commander Zephyr, a tall Saiyan with silver-streaked black hair and a battle-scarred face, studied the energy readings with calculating eyes. His crimson cape bore the royal insignia of the Saiyan Empire, marking him as one of the few warriors authorized to act with the Crown's direct authority.
"The energy signature detected three days ago was unmistakable," he announced, his voice carrying the authority of decades in command. "A Super Saiyan transformation – but the readings are... unusual."
Lieutenant Frost, the unit's reconnaissance specialist, manipulated the display to show energy pattern analyses. Her ice-blue hair was pulled back in a severe military style, and her pale eyes reflected the cold efficiency that had made her the Empire's premier scout. "The power spike was consistent with legendary status, but there are anomalies in both the ki signature and the duration of the transformation."
"Anomalies how?" asked Sergeant Blaze, the larger of the two assault specialists. His muscular frame was covered in ritual scars that marked him as a veteran of the Empire's most brutal campaigns. Unlike his companions, he seemed eager for action, his tail lashing with barely contained aggression.
Frost highlighted specific data points on the display. "First, the initial transformation lasted significantly longer than historical records suggest should be possible for a newly awakened legendary warrior. Second, there are traces of unfamiliar energy types woven throughout the ki signature."
"Unfamiliar how?" Commander Zephyr pressed.
"I've never encountered anything like it in our databases," Frost admitted. "It's as if the legendary power has somehow merged with something native to this world."
The fourth member of the group, Sage, stepped forward. As the unit's strategic coordinator, his role was to analyze patterns and predict outcomes. His lean build and scholarly appearance set him apart from his more physically imposing companions. "There's also the matter of the secondary energy signatures we detected during the same time period."
"Secondary signatures?" Zephyr's attention sharpened.
"Two additional Saiyan power sources underwent significant changes during the same temporal window," Sage explained, calling up new data. "Not transformations to Super Saiyan status, but definite evolutionary leaps in their ki development."
The fifth member, Corporal Venom, spoke for the first time. The assault specialist was smaller than Blaze but radiated a more dangerous aura – his specialty was infiltration and elimination rather than direct combat. "That suggests either a mass awakening event, or..."
"Or the legendary Super Saiyan's power triggered changes in other nearby Saiyans," Sage finished. "Which would be unprecedented."
Commander Zephyr processed this information, his tactical mind weighing possibilities. "How many Saiyans do we estimate are on this world?"
"Difficult to determine precisely," Frost replied. "The background energy of this planet interferes with long-range scanning. Conservative estimate would be six to eight individuals, but there could be more."
"And the native population?"
"Technologically advanced but physically weak," Venom reported. "They appear to use some form of energy manipulation called 'Aura,' but it's nowhere near Saiyan power levels. They would pose no threat to our operations."
Blaze cracked his knuckles eagerly. "So we locate the legendary Super Saiyan, confirm their identity, and bring them back to serve the Empire. Simple."
"Nothing about this situation is simple," Zephyr corrected sharply. "The Crown's orders were very specific – we're to investigate and confirm, not engage unless absolutely necessary."
"But Commander," Blaze protested, "if the legendary Super Saiyan has truly awakened, they represent either the Empire's greatest asset or its greatest threat. Surely we should secure them immediately."
Sage shook his head. "The strategic situation is more complex than that. If this legendary warrior has formed bonds with the local population, attempting forcible extraction could trigger the destructive aspect of their power rather than the protective one."
"Explain," Zephyr commanded.
"Historical analysis of legendary Super Saiyan manifestations shows a clear pattern," Sage began, calling up ancient texts on the display. "Those who were isolated or betrayed by their companions invariably became destroyers. Those who formed strong emotional bonds with others became protectors. If we want a legendary Super Saiyan who serves the Empire rather than destroys it..."
"We need to approach this carefully," Frost concluded. "Win their loyalty rather than compel their service."
Venom's expression was skeptical. "And if they refuse to serve? The Crown won't accept 'no' for an answer."
"Then we assess the threat level and act accordingly," Zephyr replied grimly. "But first, we need more information. The energy readings tell us a legendary Super Saiyan exists here, but not who they are or what their current capabilities might be."
Blaze gestured toward the pod's exit. "The academy where the energy spike originated is only a few kilometers away. We could have our answers within hours."
"No," Zephyr said firmly. "A full Imperial Guard deployment would be seen as an act of war by the local authorities. We need a more subtle approach."
"Subtle?" Venom asked with dark amusement. "Commander, with respect, subtlety has never been the Guard's strong suit."
"Then we'll have to learn quickly," Zephyr replied. "Frost, what can you tell me about the local power structure?"
The reconnaissance specialist called up cultural data. "The world is divided into four kingdoms, each with their own military forces. The academy where the energy spike occurred – Beacon – appears to be a training facility for their elite warriors. It's run by someone called Ozpin, who has an unusually high energy signature for a native."
"Unusual how?"
"Hard to quantify, but there's something ancient about his energy pattern. Not Saiyan, but definitely not typical for this world's inhabitants."
Sage nodded thoughtfully. "If their warrior academy is led by someone with unusual power, they may be more prepared for Saiyan-level threats than we initially assumed."
"Which brings us back to the question of approach," Zephyr mused. "We need intelligence on the legendary Super Saiyan's identity and capabilities without revealing our own strength or intentions."
"I could infiltrate the academy," Venom offered. "My abilities would allow me to gather information without detection."
"Too risky," Frost countered. "If they have experienced Saiyans among their ranks, they'll detect an unknown Saiyan presence immediately."
"Then what do you suggest?" Blaze asked impatiently.
Commander Zephyr was quiet for a long moment, studying the tactical display and weighing options. When he finally spoke, his decision was made. "We send representatives. Two of us, openly approaching under the pretense of diplomatic contact."
"Diplomatic contact?" Sage raised an eyebrow. "What kind of diplomacy involves the Imperial Guard?"
"The kind that allows us to assess the situation firsthand while maintaining plausible deniability," Zephyr explained. "If the legendary Super Saiyan proves cooperative, we can claim to be ambassadors exploring potential alliance. If they prove hostile..."
"We claim to be advance scouts warning of a larger threat," Venom finished, understanding the strategy.
"Exactly. Either way, we gain the intelligence we need while keeping our true mission classified."
Frost considered the plan. "It could work, but we'd need to choose our representatives carefully. They'd have to be strong enough to survive if things go badly, but restrained enough not to escalate the situation unnecessarily."
"I volunteer," Blaze said immediately.
"Absolutely not," Zephyr replied without hesitation. "Your approach to problem-solving involves far too much property damage."
"Then who?" Sage asked.
Zephyr looked around at his team, considering each member's strengths and weaknesses. "Frost and I will make contact. Her reconnaissance training makes her ideal for information gathering, and as commander, I have the authority to negotiate if necessary."
"What about the rest of us?" Venom inquired.
"You maintain overwatch positions around the meeting site. If this is a trap, I want multiple escape routes and covering fire available."
"And if we encounter the legendary Super Saiyan directly?" Sage pressed.
"We observe and report," Zephyr stated firmly. "Under no circumstances do we engage unless they attack first. The Crown's interests are best served by a living, cooperative legendary Super Saiyan, not a dead one."
"Understood, Commander," the team responded in unison.
Frost began preparing her scouting equipment. "When do we make contact?"
"Dawn," Zephyr decided. "That gives us time to establish positions and ensures we approach during daylight hours – less chance of being mistaken for hostile infiltrators."
As the Imperial Guard began their preparations, none of them suspected that their targets were also preparing for first contact. The stage was set for a meeting that could determine not only the fate of Remnant's legendary Super Saiyan, but the future of an entire world caught between the ambitions of an empire and the bonds of friendship that had made a young Saiyan choose protection over destruction.
The dawn would bring answers – but whether those answers led to peace or war remained to be seen.
To be continued in Chapter 26: Negotiations & The Vytal Festival part 1