"Smart choice."
Withdrawing his aura, the Grand Priest's expression also softened.
He had a fairly good impression of Yuujin. After a moment of thought, the Grand Priest added:
"Although it hasn't been officially announced yet, I can inform you all in advance."
"The most outstanding participant in this Tournament of Power will be awarded the Super Dragon Balls as a prize."
"Super Dragon Balls?"
"The Super Dragon Balls originate from Universe 6 and Universe 7. They are similar to the Dragon Balls from your universe, but their power far surpasses that of ordinary Dragon Balls. They can summon the Super Shenron and grant any wish on a universal scale."
"Those Super Dragon Balls seem way more powerful than our Dragon Balls. With such a generous reward, we might really consider participating in this Tournament of Power."
"However, any universe that loses in the tournament will be erased by Lord Zeno."
"..."
The women, who had just started to show some interest, fell into a deathly silence again after hearing the Grand Priest's words.
"What the heck, that Lord Zeno of yours from the 28 universes is way too tyrannical! Just casually deciding to erase our universe!"
Unable to hold back her anger, Bulma spoke up.
Forcing them to participate in some tournament was one thing, but threatening to erase their universe whether they declined or lost was simply too much!
The Grand Priest secretly shook his head. He no longer wished to explain to these mortals.
Lord Zeno is the supreme and most powerful deity overseeing all universes. Whether creating or destroying a universe is entirely within Lord Zeno's rights — how could that be considered tyranny?
"I have conveyed Lord Zeno's will to you all. Please be prepared to participate in the tournament on time."
"Additionally, an hour from now, there will be a preliminary match between Universe 7 and Universe 9 at Lord Zeno's palace. If you're interested, you may come with me to watch."
"A preliminary match between Universe 7 and Universe 9..."
Yuujin was a little tempted but ultimately restrained himself.
"Grand Priest, we will not be attending the preliminary match."
"Next, we need to finalize our participants and make other preparations."
Shaking his head, Yuujin replied.
"I understand."
"Then I shall take my leave for now. I will return to escort you once the tournament officially begins."
After a slight nod, the Grand Priest said no more. He politely gestured to everyone, then disappeared into a spatial vortex behind him.
"Thank goodness that guy finally left."
"Even though we couldn't sense any aura from him, standing before him was still unbearably oppressive."
"Yeah, same here. That Grand Priest must be an incredibly powerful expert!"
After the Grand Priest left, everyone finally relaxed their tense nerves and began chatting.
In truth, it wasn't just them — even Yuujin felt the same. In front of an existence like the Grand Priest, any living being would instinctively feel pressure.
"Yuujin, are we really going to participate in that Tournament of Power?"
Bulma asked, and the other women also turned to look at Yuujin.
"Yeah, we have no choice."
"In front of existences like Lord Zeno and the Grand Priest, we don't even have the right to refuse. After clashing with the Grand Priest earlier, Vegea should understand this better than anyone."
Yuujin said, and everyone's gaze naturally shifted to Vegea.
With a cold snort, Vegea said nothing, tacitly agreeing with Yuujin.
Everyone's expressions grew somewhat grim. Since becoming deities and masters of their universe, it had been a long time since they last felt so thoroughly suppressed.
Honestly, having their lives — and even the fate of their entire universe — controlled by others was extremely unpleasant.
Yuujin understood how they felt, but there was nothing he could do.
The Grand Priest was still manageable, but Lord Zeno was practically a bug-like existence — the ultimate suppressive force of this world — almost impossible to surpass.
And by "impossible to surpass," it wasn't just about raw power, but about Zeno's very existence.
Fortunately, Yuujin remembered that in the original Dragon Ball Super, Lord Zeno was portrayed as pure and innocent. He wasn't truly intent on erasing all universes; the Tournament of Power was more of a trial for the various universes.
Meaning, they didn't need to overthink it. They just needed to prepare well, fight to their fullest, and win!
"Everyone, there's no need to be disheartened. Our opponents aren't Lord Zeno or the Grand Priest — they're the other universes. As long as we defeat the other universes' participants and win, everything will be fine."
"Exactly! If our opponents are just fighters from other universes, there's no reason for us to lose!"
"As long as we win, not only will our universe survive, but we'll also obtain the Super Dragon Balls that can grant any wish. In a way, we might even come out ahead!"
"I wonder what kind of experts the other universes will send. I'm really looking forward to it."
After Yuujin encouraged them, the mood among the women lifted. They began chatting excitedly, and the atmosphere became much lighter.
Indeed, there was no need to be so nervous. Though they couldn't yet rival beings like Lord Zeno or the Grand Priest, they certainly wouldn't lose to the participants from other universes!
As long as they could win the Tournament of Power, everything would be fine!
"Yuujin, which people do you plan to send to participate in the Tournament of Power?"
Tights asked from the side, and everyone else also fell silent.
After all, the Tournament of Power concerned not just themselves but the survival of their entire universe. Naturally, the participants needed to be the strongest.
Sweeping his gaze over the gathered women, Yuujin quickly made his decision.
"Each universe must send ten participants. So, it'll be me, Gokumi, Vegea, Chi-Chi, Broly, Android 18, Dark Android 18, Sharuru, Buu, and Android 21."
Yuujin announced, and none of the women seemed particularly surprised.
The names he listed were currently the ten strongest individuals in their temple — and in their entire universe. Naturally, they were the most suitable candidates to face the other universes in battle.
"Bulma, Tights, Launch — we'll be entering the Hyperbolic Time Chamber for the next two days to further improve our strength before the tournament."
"Understood. You can go without worry; leave things outside to us."
"Gotenno, Trunksia, and Celipa, you'll also come into the Time Chamber with us for training. Try to raise your strength as much as possible. While we're at the Tournament of Power, you'll be responsible for protecting our home."
"Yes, Master!"
"Got it, Dad!"
To be continued...
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