The night hadn't ended.It had only grown quieter.Too quiet.The broken street still carried traces of what had just happened. Dust lingered in the air, mixing with the faint scent of burnt asphalt.
In the center of it all stood Goku.Relaxed.
But not careless.His eyes moved—not wildly, but carefully.Observing.Measuring.
"…This world really is strange," he muttered.
The energy in the air felt heavy. Sticky. Nothing like the clean, flowing ki he was used to.It irritated him—not physically, but instinctively.Like breathing in something impure.A few meters away, Rias Gremory watched him closely.Not his posture.
Not his expression.But his presence.
That overwhelming, controlled power…
"…You're not surprised," she said.
Goku glanced at her.
"Hm?"
"You just defeated a fallen angel," she continued, her tone calm but probing. "Yet you're acting as if this is normal."
Goku scratched his cheek lightly.
"Well… kinda is."Silence.Not awkward.
Just… heavy.Behind her, Issei Hyoudou leaned toward one of the peerage members and whispered:
"…Is he insane?"
Goku ignored them.Instead, he crouched slightly, placing his hand on the cracked ground.His fingers pressed against the surface.His eyes closed.
"…Yeah. Definitely weird."Rias narrowed her eyes."What are you doing?"Goku opened one eye."Trying to feel it."
"Feel what?"
"The world."
That answer… shouldn't have made sense.
But somehow—It did.Goku stood up slowly.
"In my world, everything's connected through ki. People, planets, even space itself."
He looked up at the sky.
"But here… it's like something else is filling that space."Rias didn't interrupt.For the first time—
She listened.
"…Magic," she said after a pause.Goku smiled slightly."Yeah. That."Another silence followed.But this one was different.Less tense.More… curious.Rias stepped forward.
"You don't belong here."It wasn't a question.
Goku shook his head.
"Nope."
"Then you need protection."
He looked at her again.This time, his expression changed—just a little.Not confusion.Not curiosity.Something sharper.
"…From who?"
That one question made the air heavier.Rias didn't answer immediately.Because the truth was simple:From everything.
"You've already drawn attention," she said instead. "What you did just now… power like that doesn't go unnoticed."Goku smiled faintly.
"Good."
That… wasn't the response she expected.
"I like strong opponents," he added.
Rias took another step closer.
"And if those 'opponents' don't fight fairly?"
"…Then I'll still fight them."
There was no arrogance in his voice.
No recklessness.Just certainty.
"…Join me."
The words came out calm.Direct.Behind her, Issei froze.
"W-Wait, President—!"
But Rias raised her hand slightly.
Silencing him.Her eyes never left Goku.
"Become part of my peerage," she continued. "I can give you status, protection, and knowledge about this world."Goku didn't answer immediately.
Instead—
He looked at her hand.Not the gesture.But what it represented.
"…That means becoming a devil, right?"
Rias didn't hide it."Yes."A pause.A real one this time.Goku scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah… I'm gonna pass."
Everyone froze.
"…You're refusing?" Issei blurted out.
Goku nodded simply.
"I don't really wanna change what I am."
No hesitation.No doubt."I'm a Saiyan," he continued. "If I'm gonna get stronger or figure this place out… I'll do it my way."
Rias stared at him.Not angry.Not offended.But intrigued.Deeply intrigued.
Most peopleWhen faced with power like hers
Would accept instantly.Out of fear.Out of greed.Out of desperation.But this man?
He refused… without even considering the benefits."…You don't even know what you're rejecting," she said.Goku smiled."Then I'll learn."That answer…Was more dangerous than acceptance.Goku looked up at the sky again.
"…Hey."
Rias blinked."Yes?"
"You know any way to travel between worlds?"
That question hit differently.
"…Why?" she asked.Goku's smile softened.Not excited.Not battle-hungry.Just… honest.
"I've got people waiting for me."For the first time—Rias saw something beyond the strength.Beyond the mystery.Attachment.
"…I see."She turned slightly.
"…Then I suppose I can't let someone like you wander around blindly."
Issei whispered:
"…President, are you seriously negotiating with him?"
Rias ignored him.
She looked back at Goku.
"…If you won't join me… then at least allow me to guide you."
Goku tilted his head.
"…Guide?"
"Information. This world. Its factions. Its dangers."A pause."…And in return?" Goku asked.Rias smiled faintly.Not manipulative.Not forceful.Just confident.
"When the time comes…""…You'll help me."
Goku thought about it.Actually thought.
"…Yeah."He nodded."That sounds fair."
But far above Kuoh Town—
Beyond the clouds—
Beyond even what Rias could sense—
Something ancient stirred again.Stronger this time.Awake.
"…A Saiyan…"
A voice echoed in the void."…How interesting."And somewhere—
Deep within the world's hidden layers—
Something began preparing.Not for war.
But for him.