Since the decision had already been made, Yuujin and the others immediately took action, and everyone entered the Hyperbolic Time Chamber once again.
The Tournament of Power was set to begin in two days, which meant they had two full years inside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
Using these two years, Yuujin, Gokumi, and Vegea could further enhance their Super Saiyan 4 strength, and maybe even develop one or two new powerful moves.
Sharuru's Golden Form had also been pushed to its limits over the years; perhaps with this opportunity, she could evolve into her next stage.
Besides that, Broly, Chi-Chi, Android 18, Dark 18, Buu, and Android 21 and the other girls would also use this time to improve their strength as much as possible, giving them greater chances at the Tournament of Power across the multiverse!
Although Yuujin had great confidence in their current strength, he would not underestimate the other universes' fighters—especially Son Goku, Vegeta, and the others from Universe 7, the original protagonists and destiny's chosen ones of the Dragon Ball world.
For those people, turning the tide mid-battle was as easy as drinking water. Unless someone held utterly overwhelming power that no amount of breaking through their limits could overcome, defeating them would be extremely difficult.
However, Yuujin also had his own pride. After spending decades in this world and going through countless hardships and efforts, he had reached his current level. He didn't believe himself to be inferior to them in any way.
Yuujin was eagerly looking forward to it—looking forward to facing those so-called protagonists head-on. He wanted to see who was the real main character!
While Yuujin and the others were training intensely inside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, over at Zeno's Palace, the pre-tournament exhibition match between Universe 7 and Universe 9 had ended.
Represented by Son Goku, Son Gohan, and Majin Buu, Universe 7 defeated Universe 9's "Trio of Danger"—Basil, Lavender, and Bergamo.
Not only that, Goku also accepted a challenge from Universe 11 and fought Toppo, the hot-blooded, justice-loving leader of the Pride Troopers.
Both of them showcased powers that shocked even the gods, and their battle only ended when the Grand Priest personally intervened to stop it.
"Toppo, you really surprised me! I didn't expect such a powerful warrior from another universe,"
"I can't wait for the real tournament. Let's fight with everything we've got then!"
Goku, excited after a satisfying fight, cheerfully extended his hand to Toppo.
"Hmph, I won't shake hands with an enemy," Toppo coldly replied.
"I don't want to make an evil man like you happy, but know this—Universe 11's strongest warrior isn't me. It's my comrade, Jiren the Gray."
"Your strength is about equal to mine. You absolutely won't defeat him."
Snorting, Toppo leapt back to his side.
Toppo deeply disliked Goku, whom he saw as the main cause of the universes being thrown into crisis, and immediately returned to his team.
"Jiren the Gray..."
Unbothered by Toppo's attitude, Goku muttered the name with sparkling eyes, filled with anticipation.
As a Saiyan who only knew and loved fighting, facing stronger opponents only made him more excited.
Although he felt guilty about putting the whole multiverse at risk, gathering all the greatest warriors across the universes for a tournament was simply the best thing ever!
Floating back to his team, Goku was welcomed by Gohan and Mr. Satan, while Beerus harshly scolded him.
This hopeless battle-maniac was still smiling and laughing even when the universes were on the verge of annihilation. Even worse, he was casually making friends with opponents from other universes. Beerus was absolutely furious!
Having long since gotten used to Beerus' temper, Goku just laughed it off, until the Grand Priest spoke again:
"Everyone, with this, the exhibition matches are officially over."
"Next, I will begin constructing the official tournament stage, which will take a little time."
"In the meantime, each universe's Supreme Kai and God of Destruction should finalize their respective team rosters. Except for Universes 1, 5, 8, and 12, which have been exempted by Grand Zeno, all other universes must participate on time."
"So aside from the four exempted universes, eight universes will battle… competition will be intense."
Even though they had mentally prepared, many Supreme Kais and Gods of Destruction still sighed deeply.
Only one universe could win the Tournament of Power. That meant out of the eight competing universes, only one would survive—while the others would be erased!
"No, there aren't just eight universes participating,"
"Besides you all, Universe 13 will also be joining this Tournament of Power," the Grand Priest said, glancing over the gods.
"Universe 13?!"
"Weren't there only twelve universes left?!"
"Did Grand Zeno create a new universe?!"
The sudden revelation left all the Supreme Kais and Gods of Destruction in shock.
Another universe besides the twelve they already knew of—Universe 13!
"I didn't create it," Zeno said, laughing as he kicked his small legs from the throne.
"It just popped up on its own, hehe~"
"A universe that created itself?"
"Yes. Universe 13 recently came into existence on its own. Currently, it has no Supreme Kai or God of Destruction," the Grand Priest explained.
"Following Grand Zeno's decree, their strongest life forms will choose their own representatives to compete."
"And let me remind you: don't underestimate Universe 13 just because it's newly born. On the contrary, it houses many strong warriors who will certainly be formidable opponents."
Hearing the Grand Priest's explanation, all the Supreme Kais and Gods of Destruction grew visibly more serious.
"Universe 13… if even the Grand Priest warns us, we'd better be cautious."
"The competition was already tough, and now there's a whole new universe to deal with."
"Damn it, no matter who we face, our universe will survive no matter what!"
Reactions varied among the universes, but no one flinched.
This was literally a matter of life and death—who cared if there was a 13th or even a 14th Universe? They would fight with everything they had!
Sweeping his gaze over the crowd, the Grand Priest smiled slightly, especially when his eyes lingered on Son Goku, flashing with a mysterious glint.
When he had traveled to Universe 13 to deliver Grand Zeno's decree, he had seen quite a few interesting individuals. When the Tournament of Power officially began, Goku would surely be very, very surprised upon seeing them!
To be continued...
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