Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Supreme Kai Zamasu surveyed the elegantly arranged table, adorned with an array of delectable dishes, beneath the comforting shade of his favorite tree upon the Sacred World. The late afternoon sky bathed everything in a warm, golden hue, while gentle breezes stirred the delicate seed pods of the surrounding trees, painting the air with a vibrant collage of yellow, white, and red. With a faint smile, he adjusted the folds of his deep blue tunic, harboring a glimmer of hope that this gathering would see his lower Kai exhibit a minuscule amount of decorum, rather than descending into the antics of mere mortal children.

He observed as his attendant, Yuna, methodically traverse the length of the table, carefully positioning tablets adorned with the emblem of the Tenth Universe at each designated place setting. The symbol, a green circle intersected by three vibrant zig-zags, was purportedly crafted by Rumsshi, their formidable God of Destruction, eons ago, symbolizing his reverence for strength and martial prowess. Despite Zamasu's private reservations regarding its artistic merit, one did not dare contest the design favored by a Destroyer, and thus it endured as a testament to Rumsshi's dominion over their universe.

Yuna knocked over several glasses of water as she hummed jovially and walked around the table. She blotted the messes in turn, each time having to readjust her glasses up on her nose. Zamasu sighed, exhausted just watching her. “Yuna, do you require assistance?” He yelled. Yuna continued her humming and cleaning, oblivious. “Obaachan!” He yelled louder.

“Hmm?” Yuna looked up at her handsome employer and smiled. “Did you say something, Lord Zamasu? I’m finishing up now!”

Zamasu shook his head in exasperation. He hadn't requested an attendant, but had been "voluntold" by the elders back on World Core to become Yuna's employer. She had aged out of her position as a lower Kai in Universe 8, but with no other openings for a retired Kai, she was transferred back to her Core planet. News had spread about Zamasu's completion of his training in Universe 10, leading the elders to deem him the perfect candidate to be "informed" about the supposed law mandating that all new Supreme Kais must have an attendant for their first one thousand years. Conveniently, they had Yuna ready to fill the role. Unwilling to retire in spirit, Yuna had made everyone else's business her own, prompting the elders to eagerly arrange her transfer. While Zamasu knew no such law existed, he didn't want his first impression to be argumentative with his own elders, particularly with his old mentor, Gowasu, now among them.

Yuna was a nuisance most of the time and had no problem calling Zamasu out on his hypocrisies, which although he didn’t appreciate, he tolerated; for now.

“I have a good feeling about this meeting,” Yuna patted Zamasu on his shoulder after finishing her table setting. “I think they’re finally starting to adjust to your leadership style .”

Zamasu nodded, though he couldn't muster the same optimism as Yuna. In truth, he was growing increasingly frustrated with the way the early stages of his tenure were unfolding. "If things don’t start improving, I may need to make the first of several difficult decisions very soon," he remarked, his voice tinged with steel. "And rest assured, it won't be well-received," he added through gritted teeth, activating his own tablet to review the day's agenda..

Yuna offered a reassuring pat on the back, sensing Zamasu's growing agitation. "Well, you’re doing a great job, I think. Certainly have more energy than anyone I’ve worked with before," she remarked, though she observed him with concern as he seemed to brush off her compliment, a habit he often displayed regardless of who praised him. "The rankings will be in our favor this time, go easy on yourself..." she continued before pausing and snapping her fingers in front of his face, finally capturing his attention. "And them. Be NICE to your fellow Kai today," she admonished with a wag of her finger, before adjusting her glasses and returning to her set-up duties.

Zamasu couldn't help but scoff, feeling yet another of Yuna’s criticisms. Why was it he couldn’t seem to get away from these stuffy old Kai and their need to say whatever was on their mind? First Gowasu, now Yuna. He shook his head again in growing anxiety as he continued to mull over his tablet and read over his goal for today’s meeting one more time: getting his World Kai to finally properly use a standardized assessment tool that could more consistently rank the mortal levels in their quadrants.

One of Zamasu’s first acts as the newly appointed Supreme Kai of Universe 10, was to not only increase the discourse between his lower Kai, himself, and their destroyer, Rumsshi, but to ensure that they were all on the same page about which planets were thriving, which needed help, and which were on the chopping block. He personally found it to be impossible to elevate the mortal levels of U10 with every Kai and Destroyer in business for themselves, and so, the “Professional Universal Betterment Sessions” (or, PUBS, as the West Kai loved to call them, much to Zamasu’s annoyance) were created.

Through these sessions, Zamasu endeavored to implement a new Universal Screener for Universe 10, a process devised by Ogma of Universe Five. This method held the promise of elevating any universe's ranking by at least four spots when faithfully executed. Zamasu had opted to spend the final quarter of his training with Ogma, engaging in an independent study to understand the specifics of how she consistently maintained one of the most favorable universes according to the Omni King's rankings.

Zamasu held a deep respect for Ogma and her dedication to strengthening her universe. He often felt a stronger philosophical connection with her than with Gowasu. They engaged in many lengthy conversations over tea, sharing similar beliefs about what constituted a robust cosmos. However, they did diverge slightly on what Zamasu termed the "mortal problem." While Ogma agreed that certain mortals could lower a universe's rank and should be swiftly dealt with, she emphasized the importance of fostering a close relationship with one's Destroyer to mitigate such issues.

“Oh Yuna…send out one final alert to Kusu to wake up Rumsshi please,” he loudly yelled out again to his near deaf attendant, as he bitterly remembered Rumsshi not showing up at his last request.

Yuna offered a wave before departing to attend to her duties, just as the lower Kai of Universe 10 began to teleport in. Universe 10 was unique in the multiverse, as Zamasu permitted his Kais the freedom to utilize Kai-Kai, or instant transmission, as needed, provided they kept a small chi signature mapping device on their person at all times. Zamasu had commissioned this technology from Universe 3 toward the end of his apprenticeship. Universe 3 was renowned for their technological prowess, and Eyre was more than willing to assist the legendary Kai fighter, Zamasu, with what essentially amounted to his dissertation to complete his Supreme Kai training. Despite initial opposition, the elders had been thoroughly impressed with Zamasu's solution when he presented his proposal to them, much to Gowasu's surprise.

“Why do you want them to have such access to you, Zamasu?” Gowasu would say with curiosity. “You should be out of your lower Kai’s reach, unless you decide it’s necessary to see them.” He’d wag a stern finger. “Mark my words, you will have a hard time making difficult decisions and asserting your authority should you close that necessary distance between yourself and your lower Kai.”

Zamasu disagreed. He wanted to say that the fact Universe 10 vacillated between eighth and tenth place out of twelve evidence that Gowasu’s method just might not work the best, but held his tongue out of reverence. He would have his chance soon enough to put his ideas into practice.

As the first of the lower Kai of Universe 10 zapped in, Zamasu put down his tablet and straightened himself with a stern look on his face, as if his seriousness could somehow neutralize the circus that was about to begin.

First, and always early, to arrive was Zamasu’s favorite—the South Kai, Aoume. Aoume was a transfer from Universe 7 during the Great Famine, a period when Universe 10’s Kaiju trees had become sterilized by a rogue Kai who had defected to the Demon Realm and literally brought the entire Other World to its knees. Jilted and jaded, he grafted a parasite into the entire Kaiju grove, ceasing all generation of new Kai in Universe 10 for several millennia. It eventually crippled Universe 10’s ability to staff its vacant posts, as there was no cure save for pruning off the corrupted branches little by little, year after year..

Gowasu was a young Supreme Kai during the Great Famine, and often liked to talk about this volatile and quite scary time early in his tenure. He depended on the other universes to supply Universe 10 with Kai, and Aoume was one of those transfers.

“Good evening Lord Zamasu.” Aoume waved and bowed politely to Zamasu, who smiled and nodded his head in turn. Aoume twitched his antennae and adjusted his large dark sunglasses on his yellow noseless face, as he took his seat next to Zamasu, which Zamasu always requested he did.

Anyone observing would notice that Aoume did not look like the other Kai he shared a table with. Unlike Universe 10, whose Kaiju only bear one type of fruit, Universe 7 bears two. A bit stricter about the hierarchy of its deities, Universe 7 has a god's job ceiling determined at birth, depending on whether they are born of a golden fruit or a non-golden one. The deities produced from these fruits look vastly different from one another, with Aoume being from the latter.

Initially, Aoume was a bit of a curiosity in U10, as Kai would venture by, or find excuses to drop in on his planet just to observe him. Eventually a cruel term had arisen in reference to Kai like him - “unripened.” Gowasu banished the term early on and enacted severe penalties on anyone he had evidence used the word in reference to Aoume, even in casual conversation.

Over the millennia, Aoume proved to be extremely competent, hard working, and loyal. Like Gowasu before him, Zamasu felt that Aoume was just built differently than the fussy, high maintenance Kai of Universe 10, and with no aspirations of anything greater than his current post genetically wired into him, he knew his place and worked it well.

“How have you been feeling, Aoume?” Zamasu asked as he took his seat and Yuna came around to pour tea. He was growing concerned that Aoume was beginning to age out a bit, and he couldn’t afford to lose his most veteran Kai at this point.

Aoume pushed his glasses up and waved his hand from side to side. “Eh, I’ve got a lot of life in me yet, no need to worry about me sir.”

Zamasu nodded approvingly as Aoume continued. “But YOU might need to slow down a bit, if you don’t mind me noticing.” He folded his hands as he looked intently at the Supreme Kai. “This here is a marathon, not a sprint your Lordship. You might flame out before I do at this pace.” He leaned back in his chair. “We just met as a group it seems not too long ago. Surely you’re tired.”

Zamasu dropped his smile. Only Aoume was permitted to speak so openly to him like that without repercussion. “Do not be concerned for me, worry about yourself. The faster you all learn this new system, the less stress it will be on me subsequently.”

He had confessed to Aoume that between every meeting he personally calibrated each Kai’s planet assessments against his own. Each Kai was only responsible for their quadrant - Zamasu would then go in and assess every planet again himself afterwards - every last one- and then give personal feedback regarding where each Kai needed to improve.

Aoume held his hands up in defense. “I apologize Zamasu.” He knew the remark was not aimed at him. He consistently calibrated within statistical relevance of Zamasu’s own assessments regularly. It was the others Zamasu was trying to get up to his standards, with difficulty.

As if on cue, the West and North Kai came in exactly on time, together. Brother and sister duo, Kosumosu and Hanakotoba, known as Kosu and Hana, bowed in unison and took their seats.

Born of the same Kaiju tree during the same age and adorned with floral names, the attractive dusky purple and rose gold Kai regarded each other as siblings. Both were newly released off a long probation, instilled by Gowasu, when Hana was found to be transferring mortals around her sector unauthorized, with Kosu’s assistance. It was then that Zamasu resolved he would be more involved in his lower Kai’s affairs, when he was Supreme Kai, so they did not feel so emboldened to make such reckless decisions.

“Evening Zamasu. Yuna. Aoume.” Kosu gave a wave to each and proceeded to hunt for food on the table. “Psyched for another riveting PUBS meeting so soon, Supreme Kai!” He said cheerfully in Zamasu’s direction.

“If only you could translate all that enthusiasm into better scoring accuracy, Kosu.” Zamasu arched his brow as he watched Kosu attack the divine food spread like it was prey.

Kosu laughed. He had known Zamasu for a long time, back when he was just the North Kai himself. It was an adjustment getting used to him as his superior now, a difficulty Kosu often tried to diffuse with humor. “Ouch! You got it Zamasu.”

Aside from her initial bow, Hana did not greet anyone and avoided Zamasu’s gaze entirely. She was still upset about how the last meeting concluded.

“Hello Hanakotoba.” Zamasu said with an icy tone. “It’s very impolite not to acknowledge your colleagues.” He folded his arms. “Or your Supreme Kai.” He and Hana had trouble seeing eye to eye on many planet indicators and she often made that everyone else’s problem.

“Yeah, Hanakotoba.” Kosu tugged on her long white hair with a mouth full of food, emphasizing her full name, which she hated. “Acknowledge me.”

Hana flicked a crumb in his direction so it bounced off his forehead. “Aoume, can we switch seats, please?”

Aoume laughed as Zamasu’s eyes widened as he shook his head a definitive “NO.”

“Sorry, love.” Aoume shrugged his shoulders.

Hana pouted as she looked at the center of the table and panicked. “Yuna, I said no flowers please next time!” She shrieked as she gestured to the flowers arranged in the center of the table, and could feel her eyes starting to water and itch. Ever since the lavish ceremony celebrating Gowasu's retirement and Zamasu's appointment as his successor—where Hana had inadvertently ruined Zamasu's entire recitation of the oathe of the Supreme Kai with her sneezing (Kosu always teased her, claiming he overheard Zamasu vowing never to forgive her for it)—she had been determined to maintain a generous personal distance from anything floral. Especially considering her already strained relationship with the Supreme Kai, which seemed on the verge of fracturing completely.

Yuna patted Hana on the head and grabbed at the center pieces, hitting her square in the face with a bouquet as she gathered them in her arms.

As Hana started her sneezing fit, the last of the four quadrant lower Kai, the relatively new East Kai, finally appeared.

“I’m here, I’m here!” A very young, bright red-headed and blue skinned Kai came sprinting to the table.

“Relax man, you’re right on time.” Kosu said as he clicked his chopsticks between mouthfuls of noodles .

Kasai grabbed the chair on the other side of Zamasu and sat down, out of breath, suddenly wondering why everyone was staring intently at him.

“Oh!” He forgot to bow. He popped up and knocked his chair back as he did. “Good evening Lord Zamasu. Aoume. Kosu. Hana. Yuna.” He did an individual bow to each Kai separately, turning himself like the hands of a clock as he did.

“Hey it’s ‘Kosumosu.’ Respect your elders.” Kosu pointed at him with his chopsticks with a glare. “I’ll need you to try that again….”

“Enough Kosu.” Zamasu cut him off. “Kasai, please move down two seats.”

Everyone went silent and looked at each other. Hana sneezed.

“Those are for Lord Rumsshi and Kusu, young man.” Yuna shouted out what everyone was thinking, as Kasai complied with the request.

“If they show up.” Hana snickered as she wiped at her nose and stole a look at Zamasu, whose grey eyes burned back at her with ferocity. She lowered her own in a silent apology and sneezed again.

In an instant, the room erupted into a symphony of various arguments. Kasai voiced his frustration, complaining that he didn't understand the assignment from the last meeting and feared he would fail today's as well. Hana chimed in, lamenting that Zamasu was too stringent with his assessments of mortal levels. Kosu's voice rose above the fray as he yelled at Hana for perpetually dragging him into trouble. Aoume interjected, asserting that they were all too young to grasp the true gravity of their responsibilities and urging them to show more respect to Zamasu. Meanwhile, Yuna remained composed, humming softly as she poured tea, while Zamasu charged his chi into his right hand, a silent indication of his growing impatience.

-when a piercing roar suddenly rippled through. Every Kai grabbed at their ears and braced against the ferocious sound.

"That's better," Rumsshi interjected, seizing a moment of respite as the Kai collectively nursed their temples from the earsplitting trumpet of Universe 10's God of Destruction. "Zamasu, what kind of ship are you running here? Is this some sort of joke?" he demanded, surveying the bickering table of Kai with a disapproving "tsk." "And you wonder why I often ignore your requests to participate in these meetings." With a glare directed at his Supreme Kai counterpart, Rumsshi took his seat. "Stop wasting my time."

Zamasu could feel his chi rising even more as he was being insulted, his subconscious very eager for a fight, as Rumsshi equally stared him down.

"Go ahead, Kai," Rumsshi interjected, rising to his feet once more and fixing Zamasu with a narrowed gaze. His frustration with the new life link was evident; he longed for the days of Gowasu's more hands-off approach. This new arrangement resulted in constant interruptions for meetings and destruction requests, a far cry from what he preferred. If it weren't for Kusu's constant mediation, reminding Rumsshi of Zamasu's youth and ambition to elevate Universe 10 in the Omni King's rankings, he might have resorted to drastic measures out of sheer spite by now.

“Hi everyone!! I’m so happy to see you all again!” Right on cue, Kusu popped up between the two and did what she did best, which was diffuse the situation between the two gods. She took her seat next to Rumsshi and tapped his arm so he would sit back down. Aoume blushed and gave her a shy wave hello, which she playfully returned. “Sorry we’re late Zamasu! Please go ahead, we’re all listening to you!”

Zamasu stood with his hands gripped tightly on the edge of the table, and with his head lowered between his arms in a moment of temporary defeat. He took the moment to breathe deep and suppress the desire to drop kick the teeth out of almost everyone at the table before he finally collected himself and spoke.

"As you are all aware, the Omni King's rankings come out soon. Lord Rumsshi and I will be traveling to see Lord Zeno and the Grand Minister in a few weeks' time, along with the other eleven universes, to see where we fall," Zamasu informed the gathering, allowing a moment for any questions. "Our last ranking was ninth out of twelve," he continued, observing the lack of reaction among his audience. "What do you all think about that?" He scanned their faces, finding them mostly blank. With a sigh, he continued, "Unacceptable, in my opinion!" His gaze hardened as he locked eyes with each Kai. "We can do far better than that, and we have been working tirelessly to rectify our standing since I assumed the role of your Supreme Kai."

Rumsshi “hmph’d” and shook his head disapprovingly, which Zamasu noted in the corner of his eye and ignored.

"Today is the day we've been working toward. We have one last opportunity to elevate our total mortal level before the rankings are locked in," Zamasu proclaimed, snapping up his tablet and activating the screen, prompting the accessory ones on the table to follow suit as each Kai dutifully picked them up to follow along. "We've been diligently focusing on learning how to balance our sectors better, but our attention has primarily been on evaluating informal indicators of mortal health, such as geosphere activity and overall biodiversity richness of the planets they inhabit." He raised his finger dramatically before bringing it down with a loud tap. "Today, we evaluate the mortals themselves."

A murmure went through the group. Kasai raised his hand anxiously.

“Zamasu, I’m still not clear though on the geology part from last session.”

“Duh dingus.” Kosu threw a piece of bread at him. “If the planet’s nuclear core is weakening, it’s going cold and the atmosphere will start to change dramatically in a pretty short time.” He then made a chopping motion with his hand. “That’s called the chopping block for that planet.”

“Maybe.” Zamasu interrupted. “Though you are mostly correct, a lot of other indicators come into play, such as the size of the planet, volume of planet’s hydrosphere, strength of the greenhouse gases, and advancement of the mortals all ready there.” This is what he was trying to train his stubborn Kai on. “You are all so used to ignoring small details and it shows in your sloppy work.”

“It’s ok Kasai, you’re doing your best, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” Hana said sharply while looking at Zamasu.

Kasai shook his head. He didn’t want to be caught in the middle, he just wanted to ask his question.

“Listen up,” Aoume barked. “Lord Zamasu can teach you all these skills, but he can’t make you all care.”

“Zamasu doesn’t care about anything except rankings.” Hana shot back.

“Enough!” Zamasu finally raised his voice. “Hana you will bite your tongue before you speak to me in such a way! You can be replaced.” He waited until she respectfully nodded and looked down. “You can all be replaced.”

Everyone grew silent as they pretended to read their tablets. Rumsshi started laughing.

“Yes Rumsshi, what is it that amuses you?” Zamasu looked up to the sky in exasperation.

“Oh nothing much, just looking ahead at your scoring rubric for the mortals.” He tapped the screen with his trunk. “You do know you actually need mortals in your universe to have a mortal level ranking?” He laughed again. “Or am I to kill them all according to this?”

"I knew it!" Hana exclaimed, shooting up from her seat and pounding her fists on the table. "You've set the cut score too low!" Her arms folded defiantly across her chest. "I refuse to do this. I won't condemn my mortals like this." She sneezed, again and wiped her nose. "It's barbaric. As Kai, our duty is to aid them whenever possible, not simply sentence them to destruction by Rumsshi because they don't meet some arbitrary assessment criteria."

Everyone looked at each other and than at Zamasu, who’s face was flushed with anger.

“How come we never talk about that? How we can better help our planets instead of just ranking them indiffere-.”

“Hanakotoba-“ Zamasu walked over to where she stood and stared down at her. “A word, please.”

“Ooooh…” Kosu ribbed his sister before Zamasu shot his hand out and lifted him up by the scruff of his robe.

"You'll be on the chopping block next, West Kai, if I hear one more word. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem," Zamasu's tone carried the sharp edge of authority.

Kosu scowled and returned to his screen after Zamasu dropped him.

Rumsshi laughed at the scene. “Don’t worry sweetheart, come find me later and we’ll go over your list together in private,” he yelled to Hana as Kusu wagged a finger at him disapprovingly.

Aoume shook his head and began his task diligently, tapping a 1,2,3 or 4 for each of the scoring categories on Zamasu’s rubric for the first three mortal dwelling planets in his sector. These younger Kai hadn’t seen enough dark times to understand the important work that was being done here. They’d save every last living organism if they could, not realizing it was misplaced empathy in the grand scheme of the universe.

Kosu just sighed. He enjoyed working with his sister, but he had a feeling she would not be coming back to the meeting and feared she’d be gone for good soon.

Hana pushed out her chair and followed Zamasu respectfully until they were far enough out of earshot of the others. He stood tall in front of her as she stared down at her feet. The absolute insolence of his lower Kai talking back to him like that, in front of everyone, was beyond absurd. Another hangover from Gowasu’s laissez-faire regime he was exhausted trying to correct.

“Your bleeding heart is becoming a hemorrhage, Hanakotoba, and I'm growing weary of both it and your impertinence," Zamasu stated firmly, crossing his arms. "Perhaps this position isn't a good long-term fit for you." He paused, awaiting her response—typically a rebuttal, an apology, or a series of excuses.

"So transfer me." Her gaze fell to the ground, her eyes betraying a profound sadness. "I don't think I can do this anymore."

Zamasu could feel his face flush at her unexpected answer. "That can be easily, and quickly, arranged... if that is what you wish," his voice remained cold and calculated. He observed her expression, registering the hurt in her eyes at his equally unexpected response.

“Whatever it’ll take to get to the top I suppose!” She snapped back before immediately clapping her hands over her mouth realizing she sounded like an angry child, and had finally gone too far. She quickly turned and teleported out, not wanting to deal with the retribution she was due.

Dumbfounded, Zamasu stood in silence for several moments before turning away from the now-vacant spot where the North Kai had been. He couldn't afford to dwell on her departure now; he had a meeting to conduct and a disgruntled Rumsshi to work with still. As he made his way back to the others, he was pleasantly surprised to find everyone diligently engrossed in their work, each Kai focused intently on their tasks. Rumsshi had his eyes closed, seemingly in a moment of rest, while the others furiously tapped away on their tablets. Colorful flashes danced across their faces, matching the numbers they inputted into each category with precision.

All looked calm, save for Kasai, who had a frown and a furrow on his face, as he was being assisted by Kusu, who was looking for something to do while Rumsshi cat-napped.

“Oh!” Kusu saw Zamasu. “Zamasu! Something odd is going on with the East sector over here.”

Of course there was. Kasai always had a problem. Zamasu tried to have patience but the young East Kai just wasn’t able to hang with the rest of them and he was growing tired of having to do his own job and Kasai’s. "What is it? Is the screen frozen? Did you glitch it out?" Zamasu's tone was laced with impatience. He rolled his eyes as he held out his hand for Kusu to give him the tablet.

“No- the mortals in sector e6.234, they’re…gone.” Kasai tried not to show the panic in his voice. “I swear I didn’t do anything, I was just uploading it to the rubric when the numbers starting plummeting.”

Zamasu snatched the tablet and began running his own diagnostics. “Probably a glitch,” though he didn’t believe it. Divine technology such as theirs did not fail. The chaos in the cosmos would be unimaginable if even 0.01% of their tech was unreliable; however, the alternative was equally disturbing in this case. “Hmm. Skip over it for now, finish the other planets and leave it with me.” The numbers already appeared to have stabilized since his first glance, it was probably nothing. He handed it back to Kasai who looked like he was going to be sick.

“Yes Zamasu.” Kasai prayed it didn’t happen again and bring any more unwanted attention to himself from the agitated Supreme Kai.

“Zamasu, would you like me to complete the North Kai’s sector for you?” Aoume pushed his glasses up as he completed the South’s assessment in record time. “I’m happy to take it off of your plate.”

This was why Aoume stood out above the others. "Absolutely not!" Zamasu snapped, his hand extended as he made Hana's tablet vanish into thin air. "I will deal with her later. She will complete her own assessment," he declared firmly, his thoughts echoing with the threat of transferring her if necessary.

“Aaaand done.” Kosu did a final tap with a flourish of his wrist. “Somebody want to wake Rumsshi up so we can wrap this up?” Kosu said irritably. He was keen to talk to his sister.

Kasai sighed audibly and began to sweat. He was no where near done.

Kusu nudged Rumsshi who promptly awoke with a snort. “They’re ready your Lordship!”

Rumsshi looked around disorientated for a moment. “Let’s see how much work you’re putting me to do this time.” Rumsshi grumbled as he opened his screen and saw all the planets that scored below the cut score scroll down….and down…and down even further…. “This is a joke isn’t it Kai? Is this all four sectors?”

“Two, actually.” Aoume gestured to Hana’s empty seat and Kasai sweating buckets trying to finish his sector up.

“Oh so you scared the little fire-cracker off? She has a point you know. I don’t know how much longer I will tolerate you Kai having a say in my job.” He looked at the list again. “Preposterous. This will take me forever.” He gestured to Kusu. “We’re leaving.”

Zamasu could say nothing. Without his destroyer’s cooperation, this whole process was for nothing. “Do as you wish with that list Rumsshi- it is merely our assessment. You have the final call.” He narrowed his eyes. “Remember though, you’re a part of Universe 10 also, should these rankings determine more than just our personal merit as Gods. I for one feel safer near the top.” He reclipped his potara that he suddenly felt loosen on his right ear. “But that’s just me.”

Rumsshi growled and stomped off, Kusu behind waving to everyone. “Goodbye all! It was a lovely time, I hope to see you all again soon!” She truly meant it.

After the meeting had officially ended, and his lower Kai all departed, Zamasu spent the evening trying to forget every moment of the past few hours. He told Yuna any interruption, save a black hole swallowing Universe 10 atom by atom, would be met with such suffering it would be legendary even in Hell.

The East Kai's tablet emitted slow, rhythmic chirps and clicks as Zamasu held it in his hand, updating with mortal vitals for Sector e6.234 every few seconds. Each chirp seemed to signify a death, while each click represented a birth, creating a morbid symphony reminiscent of a radioactive counter. The numbers had stabilized after their earlier erratic episode, but they never fully recovered, leaving Zamasu increasingly skeptical that it was merely a technological error.

"E6.234, what's happening with you that we can't see? Where did 15.3 billion of your mortals disappear to?" Zamasu murmured, sinking deeper into the hot spring that bubbled up at the center of Sacred World's Temple. With the tablet held just above the steaming water, he lazily observed the planet indicators scrolling across the screen. Having just finished cross-referencing the South, West, and East sectors, he attempted to relax, but his mind remained preoccupied with the mystery of the East sector; however, what he truly craved was a good fight—a prolonged battle that would allow him to channel his nervous energy, frustration, and anger into a devastating chi blast, obliterating something, or someone, entirely. Then, he could refocus on the affairs of Universe 10.

Recalling Rumsshi's earlier challenge, Zamasu smirked at the thought of the looks on his Kai's faces as they watched their Supreme Kai engage in combat with their Destroyer. Perhaps they would think twice about speaking back to him after witnessing his prowess in battle

He let out a sigh and set the tablet aside on the rocky edge against which he was leaning. The almost boiling hot water of the spring would have to suffice in lieu of a battle. This, he admitted to himself, was the hardest part of the job—not the pace or the pressure, nor the stress of navigating the hills and valleys, but the long stretches of flat nothingness in between. He couldn't deny feeling disappointed that the East Sector glitch was seemingly much ado about nothing.

Determined to delve deeper into the matter after his soak, he resolved to visit the observatory afterwards. Perhaps it was the beginning of a cataclysmic mass extinction event, though he prided himself on typically staying ahead of such crises. Nonetheless, the timing seemed perfect, especially in case Rumsshi decided not to address any of the items on his destruction shopping list, truth be told.

Zamasu breathed in the steam and closed his eyes, finally feeling himself relax and slip into a meditative state, which was near impossible for him to do these days, when the silence was interrupted by the loud introduction of an instant transmission, made even louder, as it reverberated off of the ceramic and stone of room.

"WHAT IN THE H-" Zamasu abruptly sat up in the water, his hand instinctively reaching for the cloth he had draped over his eyes. As he pulled it away, he was met with the sight of Hana, her back turned to him as she searched the room in confusion. When she finally turned around and caught sight of her indecent Supreme Kai, her eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed dark violet. With a gasp, she slapped her hand over her eyes and swiftly spun around, unable to bear the awkwardness of the moment.

"Ooooh my Kami!" Hana shrieked in horror. "I am so sorry!" With a trembling hand, she held out a small blinking fob in her right hand. "I just came back for my tablet! I didn't want to bother you, so I used the tracker you gave us in case we lost it, hoping I could just grab it and go! I thought it was still outside or something."

Hana peeked between her fingers down at her feet, slowly sidestepping to the edge of the spring to reach out her other hand. "I'm not looking, I swear!" she yelled. With her hand extended over the water, she waved it back and forth, beckoning for her tablet as if she were a runner reaching out for a baton in a relay race.

Zamasu stared at the scene in silent horror. Please tell him his lower Kai was not- she was NOT- unannounced in his private quarters right now. This wasn’t happening. He could hear Gowasu laughing at and scolding him from a billion light years away. Somehow, someway, Gowasu knew this was happening, Zamasu just knew it.

“Sorry sir, is it in here? My tablet I mean.” She took a peak at the fob which was glowing a steady red, indicating it was.

Zamasu snapped out of his shock snd frantically searched around the steamy room for Hana’s tablet, finding it right next to the East Kai’s, to his great relief. He snatched it and waded over to where Hana’s hand wagged in the air.

“Also I just wanted to say I’m sorry,” Hana continued nervously and much too loudly for the generous acoustics in the room. “Please don’t transfer me. I’ll finish my sector tonight, I don’t want to quit. I just get frustrated and think maybe sometimes we might talk about some of my ideas or something, I have some and-“

Hana felt the wet tablet slip into her hand. She grabbed it and spun around as she dried it off with the pink sash tied around her black Kai robes. “Thank you sir, again I just want-“

“Hanakotoba!”

“Yes?”

“OUT.” He lifted his arm out of the water and pointed towards the exit. “NOW.”

“Oh! Yes, sorry, I’m going right away.” She gave a small bow and spun around again, ready to transmit out.

“-Hana.”

“Yes?”

“After you get back to the North, you’re suspended from instant transmission until further notice.”

“Oh…ok. Yeah, that’s fair I guess. I understand sir.”

“Oh- Hana.”

“Hmm?”

“If you ever tell Kosu, or anyone else..if you EVER mention this…”

"I would never!" Hana said hastily, though she hoped he didn't notice her struggle to stifle a laugh. "I'm very sorry again, Zamasu. Good night!" With a sly smile, she vanished in a flash of light, leaving behind an ear-piercing exit that echoed through the room.

Zamasu held his breath, allowing himself to be enveloped by the water for a moment, as if hoping to wash away the events of the day entirely. When he emerged, ready to exit the spring, he was abruptly jolted by the explosion of the East Kai's tablet. The chirping sounds became so rapid that they melded into a single, sustained note. His heart sank as he observed two new sectors, in addition to the first, displaying rapidly depleting mortal populations across several planets.

“One is a surprise, two a coincidence, three a pattern.” Zamasu thought to himself as he grabbed the tablet, dressed, and headed to the observatory.

….

Chapter Text

Outside in the stone quad of the Temple, Zamasu paced nervously in a tight circle, his agitation evident in the tense movements of his body. His hands were clenched behind his back, fingers intertwined in a nervous gesture. Lost in thought, he stared intently at the ground beneath him, as if searching for answers amidst the stones. Yuna observed his pacing with a mixture of concern and curiosity, her gaze tracking his movements like that of a wary spectator observing an angry tiger pacing its cage.

“I’m still sure it’s nothing, Sir.” She tried to say reassuringly. He stopped and looked at her.

"Yuna, exercise your intellect, if you would," Zamasu implored, his tone tinged with frustration. "Over fifteen billion mortals across five planets, disappearing, reappearing, then vanishing once more, yet remaining invisible to my investigations." He had dedicated the last several hours to uncovering the whereabouts of the missing mortals, but more questions remained than were answered. "How does one lose fifteen billion mortals?" he exclaimed to himself, his arms raised in exasperation as he slapped his sides in frustration.

“Perhaps we should alert Lord Rums-“

“NO!” Zamasu snapped as he invaded Yuna’s personal space threateningly. “Don’t you dare. I will just as soon die trying to fix this myself.”

Yuna sighed and shook her head as the lower Kai began returning.

“Yo. Supreme Kai, you called?” Kosu blinked in, followed closely by the East and South Kai.

“Yes. I need you all to be working on your sectors taking every vital every couple of minutes until we can figure out what’s going on.”

“What’s going on exactly, again?” Kosu scratched his head. He couldn’t remember much of anything except the bickering from earlier.

“The East is missing a few billion mortals.” Aoume reminded Kosu.

Kasai popped up anxiously. “Zamasu, I’ve been running my diagnostics all evening after the meeting. I saw that-“

“They left again and then came back, yes.” He finished for him. “But they’re not showing up on visual scan.” He looked around. “Where is the North Kai?”

Kosu suddenly perked up and looked around also. “I just talked to her earlier!” He had in fact convinced Hana not long ago to apologize and make amends to the Supreme Kai, and beg for her job back. She should’ve been back by now, though. “I’ll go get her. Be right back.”

Zamasu clenched his teeth suddenly remembering her suspension. “No! I’ll go. I suspended her instant transmission.”

Kosu looked irritated. “C’mon Zamasu, what? That’s harsh.” Hana hadn’t mentioned a suspension earlier. “What did she even do that was so bad?”

"You will keep silent unless you wish to join her," Zamasu shot back defensively. He felt a twinge of shame at the pettiness of his actions regarding her suspension, now that he was on the other side of it. Without further explanation, he teleported away.

The North’s planet was a wasteland when he arrived. As soon as Zamasu transmitted in, he was greeted with smoldering burning rocks, leveled ground and a thick dark energy signature left behind. He instantly readied for a fight, swelling his energy to an exponential level very quickly.

He walked around surveying the extensive damage and began to get anxious as he picked through the rubble looking for Hana. What was he even looking for? Her, or her dead body? Surely she wouldn’t be so stupid as to allow herself to get captured or killed because she chose this moment to actually follow one of his suspensions. That was very un-Hana like. She had to have transmitted out to safety, any rational Kai who knew instant transmission would, given the clear danger that swept through here.

“Hanakotoba!” He yelled, when he suddenly spotted her shadow in the distance, to his great relief. He flew over to her, furious, and ready for an explanation. Hana turned towards him with a surprised look on her face, as if she was seeing him for the first time in her life.

“Wait…” She stopped and pointed at him after considering him for a moment. “YOU’RE the Supreme Kai of this timeline?” She laughed uproariously. “How perfect! So no Gowasu then?”

Zamasu sneered. “Hana, are you mad?”

She cackled again as she began to untie her pink sash, and remove her heavy outer robes, so she was wearing just the outfit underneath. “Of course, this may be a bit messy if you don’t cooperate.” She pushed up the sleeves on her shirt. “You will be a tougher kill if we need to get rid of the destroyer.”

Zamasu clenched his right hand, channeling his energy to form a chi blade. The situation felt utterly absurd. Hana, threatening to kill him? She could barely land a hit in combat, she barely passed the exam necessary to qualify for a Kai in the first place. She also only completed the minimum training required of an employed Kai for her annual professional development requirements every year. Fighting was not her forte. Nevertheless, he steeled himself for whatever confrontation lay ahead. Whether he would incapacitate her or worse depended entirely on how much resistance she put up.

Hana put her hands on her hips and flicked her long white curls behind her shoulder. "Of course, I'm fairly certain you'll come around once we let you in on the secret," she added confidently, a smirk playing on her lips. She pushed her bangs out of her eyes as she pulled out a silver ring and put it on her thumb. "Supreme Kai or not, I know you don't truly care about this universe—its inhabitants, mortals, or even your lower Kai," she accused, her tone dripping with disdain. Hana gestured to herself as her hair fell into her eyes again. Annoyed, she grabbed it in her left hand, and twisted it upwards, as far as it would go, as a blade of light appeared on her other hand. “The only thing you really care about, is what they’ll say about you.” Hana cut her long hair off with a single slice of her chi blade. "Trust me, aligning with us will bring you greater satisfaction. In fact, I'll extend a courtesy and dispose of this one once our task is concluded," she asserted, her newly shorn hair unveiling a deep purple Potara earring in her right ear. "In my timeline, I eliminated her long before my training approached completion," Hana remarked with a shrug, feigning a semblance of remorse.

Zamasu stood still, rendered speechless by Hana's cruelty. Though her words held a bitter truth, they were unforgivable in his eyes. And what did she mean about her own timeline? He planted his feet firmly on the ground, assuming a fighting stance, prepared to confront the North Kai. Prepared to confront Hanakotoba.

Hana observed Zamasu's hurt confusion with a smirk, her demeanor unapologetically cruel. Without hesitation, she raised her arm, charging a chi blast. "But I'm not concerned about that at the moment. Let's first gauge the strength of the Supreme Kai version of Zamasu," she taunted, before unleashing a devastating blast in his direction. Zamasu felt the searing heat singe the side of his face as he narrowly managed to deflect the attack. The power behind the blast was immense—it could have genuinely inflicted damage upon him. Where had she learned such a technique? Anger flared within him as he redirected his focus back towards her.

“That’s it!” She beckoned him as she crossed her arms in front of her and then brought them down with a cut, a two ring iridescent barrier of light forming behind her. “Let’s do this.”

Zamasu’s mouth hung open for a moment, almost certain he hit his head and would soon wake up, knocked out cold somewhere. This couldn’t be happening.

He was shook back to life, though, as Hana swung her chi blade and charged at him from the air, the sound of metal on metal clanging as Zamasu blocked her swing with the exact same weapon, knocked back a bit from the force of her attack. He stepped a foot back to brace himself. He was not expecting her to be that strong.

Hana swung around with her other fist, which he parried, as she smiled, rolled forward and swung her foot around under his boots, knocking him right off his feet to the ground.

"You know, I had intended to vacate this vessel at the earliest opportunity once I confirmed the success of the transfer," Hana remarked. She resumed her offensive, launching a series of attacks that Zamasu barely blocked and parried. "But females possess remarkable agility," she admitted grudgingly. Zamasu attempted a punch, but was intercepted as Hana seized his arm and delivered a punishing round kick to his gut, causing him to double over in pain, clutching his side. "There is indeed considerable potential here," she conceded, as she leaped into the air, unleashing a blast directly above him.

Zamasu endured the remnants of her attack, though he evaded the worst of it. Despite his efforts, it seared off part of his robes and left his skin tinged with violet streaks of blood. Without hesitation, he retaliated with a blast of his own, catching Hana off guard. She struggled to deflect it, her stamina visibly waning. Zamasu could sense her weakening.

Enraged, Hana charged with an iridescent glow and flew straight at Zamasu, grabbing the sides of his tunic and flying him top speed towards the base of a small mountain. Zamasu laughed and easy wrapped his hands around her small wrists and swung her around just before they crashed, forcing her to take the brunt of the collision, disintegrating her barrier of light, though they both took hefty blows.

Observing her fighting style, Zamasu noted an unusual disparity. She fought with the strength and aggression typically associated with males, and there was an inconsistency in her movements, as if she habitually overestimated her size and power. It was becoming increasingly clear to Zamasu that this wasn't simply Hana behind those eyes.

As his own stamina began to wane with the fading adrenaline, Zamasu ascended, distancing himself from Hana. Meanwhile, she regained her bearings after striking her head against the rocky surface. With determination, she sprinted through the air above him, gathering an immense surge of chi. Raising her arms, she conjured intricate patterns of light that coalesced into razor-sharp blades, unleashing a torrent of destruction upon Zamasu. Despite the onslaught, he managed to evade the assault, although his surroundings crumbled in the wake of the attack.

“Damnit all!” She yelled as she looked at her hands. “This girl’s body can’t hit the broad side of a Temple!” She observed Zamasu trapped, but relatively unscathed in the rubble below. She flew down.

"Well, I'm finished," she declared as she dropped down in front of him, her appearance bearing the marks of battle – torn clothes and streaks of violet blood marring her rose gold skin. "Not bad. Not great, but it's about what I expected from a Supreme Kai who spends his days lounging in luxury and watching screens."

Zamasu seethed as he struggled to free himself from the remnants of the planet’s rocky landscape as well as what was Hana’s home.

Hana regarded him with a hint of admiration as he struggled to free himself. "You know, looking at you now, I'm actually quite proud," she admitted. Spotting an intact bottle of goracha amidst the rubble, she poured herself a drink and raised the glass. "You're the first, and only, Zamasu I've found who managed to achieve the original dream," she remarked, her eyes narrowing with approval as she surveyed him.

"And I must say, I do look absolutely marvelous as a Supreme Kai," she added with a playful smirk, swirling her drink before raising it in a toast. "Oh, what the heck. Maybe it's the feminine energy talking, but I'm so proud, I could just kiss you." With that, she grabbed him and planted a long, generous kiss on his lips before lightly smacking the side of his face and bursting into laughter.

“While this has been amusing, I must go retrieve my original body," She threw the glass down so it shattered. “I have to say the fact that your lower Kai know instant transmission did take us by surprise, we weren’t prepared for that little detail and it set us back some, well done.” She looked over her shoulder. "Where do you suppose my body has fled to, by the way? It'll be with your other lower Kai, most likely."

Zamasu sneered. “It’s a big universe.”

“Yes, it is. Though I guarantee they’re all hiding in plain sight. I bet all your Kai are at the Sacred World.” She smiled. “Waiting for you to return. They trust you, don’t they?” She rubbed her hand along her mouth in thought. “Yes, their mighty Supreme Kai….we can use that to our advantage. Going to pay Gowasu a little visit- he’s still alive isn’t he?”

Zamasu didn’t answer.

Hana shrugged. "All those antiquated, retired Kai, clinging to their imagined significance," she mused darkly. "I shall grant them an ordeal that will echo in their screams for eons." She smiled as she waved, winked, and disappeared.

Covered in dust, blood, and torn from the fight, Zamasu returned to the Sacred World where his Kai awaited, just as Hana had predicted. He required Yuna's immediate aid to heal his wounds. Anticipating their shocked expressions upon his return, he instead encountered uncomfortable silence and averted gazes. Despite his obvious need for assistance, he was met with slack-jawed stares. "Why are you all standing there gaping?" he demanded, struggling to catch his breath between coughs. "Where is Yuna?"

“in Universe Eight, she said it was urgent. But uh, Zamasu…” Aoume started nervously.

“WHAT.” He growled.

“Hana…” Kasai began

A look of panic washed over Zamasu’s face. “Where is Hanakotoba?”

“She’s here…” Kasai started nervously. “Sort of.” He looked at Aoume for back up.

Aoume fixed his glasses and walked up to the Supreme Kai ready to explain when a voice shrieked from inside the Temple. “No no no no no no!” It screamed. “How did this happen?”

“I’ll let you see for yourself.” Aoume stepped back as Zamasu knocked him aside and ran to the door, the other Kai following suit.

He gritted his teeth, ready to admonish Hana for her inexcusable and indefensible display of aggression earlier; however, as he approached her, intending to deliver the rebuke, he suddenly froze in his tracks. A cold sensation washed over him as he observed Hana standing there, gazing at her reflection. It was him—or something that looked almost exactly like him. His mouth dropped open in astonishment.

It was his body, and his voice, echoing hauntingly as if in an empty room, yet clearly bearing Hana’s cadence and inflection. "WHAT is going on!" Hana cried, near hysterical. She tugged at her dark grey gi and the generous amount of spiky white hair atop her head in frustration. A red Potara dangled from her left ear. "It’s like a million degrees in this body! And can all the voices PLEASE stop yelling at me!" she wailed, covering her ears as she finally spotted Zamasu lurking near the doorway. "Zamasu! Fix this! You’re the Supreme Kai! I’m going mad!" She rushed over to him, grabbing at his torn robes and shaking him violently. They were exactly the same size. Zamasu stared back into his own face, his own cold grey eyes. He had no answers. The alternate Zamasu suddenly started tearing up. Watching himself cry was disturbing, to say the least.

“Whoah!!” Kosu suddenly broke the tension as he entered the room and looked back and forth between both Zamasu’s. “NO WAY. This is WILD!” He began laughing hysterically. “Hey Hana, you’ve achieved your dream, you’re finally as pretty as Zamasu!”

Hana released the Supreme Kai and stormed over to her brother. “Shut up, Kosu!” She roared as she reached her fist back and blasted him with a punch that sent him flying across the quad. Hana looked at her fist nervously. She felt like she barely hit him at all. She ran over to him and the two started arguing as she helped him up.

Aoume walked up to the Supreme Kai who had yet to say a word. “Thoughts?” He eyed the beat up, disheveled god. “Clearly you had your own close encounter, as well. Did you see the real Hana?”

Zamasu swallowed hard. "I’m not completely sure what I saw, or who is in the real Hana," he admitted, his brow furrowing as he glanced at Aoume. "But I think… it was… me?" His mind raced back to the brutal words of the other Hana, how the entity inside her seemed to know him better than he knew himself. "Him... her." He gestured towards Hana, who was desperately trying to get the hang of controlling the other Zamasu's body and failing miserably. "Whoever was in that body is now in control of her."”

Aoume let out a small cough as he surveyed Hana trapped in the alternate Zamasu. He had a hunch, at the very least, to what might explain the altered look, taking into consideration the few comments Hana had made during her hysterics; the incredible heat, the voices, the increase in effortless raw power. “I don’t think it’s entirely you.” Aoume twitched his antennae. “I think that version of you, wherever it’s from, is merged with someone else.” The single potara, of course, refuted his claim, as a successful fusion should be wearing both earrings, but most of the observations pointed in that direction by his calculations.

Zamasu's mind fuzzed out again as he took in Aoume’s comment about fusion. He unconsciously grabbed at his own Potara, ensuring they were both still there. In the background, he heard Hana arguing inaudibly with Kosu before turning her wrath on Kasai. Was that what he sounded like when he disciplined them? She then stormed back over to Zamasu and pulled at him again, lifting him a bit off his feet.

“And why are you so damn sweaty all the time, it’s disgusting!” She cried out a final wail of despair as she threw him aside and stormed out of the Temple.

Chapter Text

World Core stood as the epitome of sanctity across the cosmos. Unlike the individual Kai planets, including the Supreme Kai's own Sacred World, World Core remained an enigma to mortals throughout recorded universal history. Its purity and divinity were unparalleled, encapsulated within a single structure that embodied the essence of Shinjin existence. Layer upon layer of security safeguarded its sanctity, ensuring that its treasures remained untouched. What lay within was deemed too precious, too vital for the very fabric of the universe's creation and maintenance. While each of the twelve universes boasted its own World Core, they were delicately interconnected through the threads of time, facilitating seamless communication and the swift transfer of Shinjin between realms as needed.

To describe it as merely beautiful would be an injustice. The planet exuded an ethereal charm with its perpetually soft pink skies, crystalline sweet waters, and gentle breezes carrying hints of vanilla. Like all sacred worlds, it boasted moons of varying sizes scattered across the sky, resembling distant stars. Nestled within this idyllic setting was a modest metropolis, home to the Shinjin who resided there. Towering over the city were the colossal Kaiju trees, revered for bearing the fruit that would eventually develop into the aspiring gods—the Kai—of the multiverse. Not every Shinjin would ascend to the esteemed role of Kai; some remained at World Core, while others sought positions in Other World. Yet, all emerged from the towering Kaiju trees, their feathery leaves and roots intricately intertwined with the very fabric of the universe.

The Kaiju held authority over the appearance and temperament of every Shinjin it nurtured, and also maintained meticulous genetic records of all past and present individuals. This meticulous documentation extended particularly to those who forged profound bonds of love, whether as mentors, parental figures, siblings (considered familial ties within the same tree), friends, or, on rare occasions, in relationships akin to lovers. While many Shinjin perceived themselves as unique entities, some were unaware that their genetic makeup was actually a blend of two or more existing Shinjin, expertly combined by the Kaiju to potentially create a stronger, more resilient Kai.

The Kaiju diligently strove to refine its fruit with each passing season, aiming to imbue every successive generation with a heightened capacity for love, wisdom, and compassion—qualities deemed essential for effective Gods of Creation, or Kai; however, as is customary for any orchard, there were occasional rotten fruits and unfavorable years. Though regrettable, such occurrences were deemed necessary for maintaining balance within the universe. Typically, these undesirable fruits were promptly harvested and dispatched to their respective domains.

Two figures walked down a stone path next to each other, that cut through the Kaiju groves on either side, towards the most important infrastructure in the entire universe. Universe 10’s, Divine Institute of Cosmic Academics (or DICA, for short), a place of higher learning where every Shinjin grew, studied, and were eventually sorted out for their future occupations. A guard sat in front of the DICA, with a complex energy security barrier behind him. He was a small red man, with a shirt tie, and two small horns on his head, recently transferred from U10’s Recently Deceased Souls Station. He sat behind a large desk with a touch screen on its top, feet propped up, reading a magazine of what appeared to be of mortal nature. The approaching duo cast a large shadow over him as they walked up to the gate.

“Yes- names, business?” He asked lazily as he thumbed through his magazine without looking at the visitors. He sipped a dark drink from a mug afterwards, for good measure of his lack of caring what their answers would be.

“Universe 10’s Supreme Kai and North Kai, Zamasu and Hanakotoba.” A deep, echoing, male voice responded.

The guard spit his drink out and spilled the rest on his desktop as he struggled to quickly sit up. Had he just heard that correctly? He adjusted his glasses and took in the images of the two regal looking Kai in front of him. It was indeed, Zamasu, in his dark blue Supreme Kai cut tunic and green Potaras, though he looked slightly more filled out and with wildly different hair than he remembered; and next to him, the lovely former DICA instructor, and now North Kai, Hanakotoba, also in her formal attire.

“Ah shi…” the guard almost cursed, before catching himself as he blotted his spilled drink on the desktop, with the bottom of his shirt. “Lord Zamasu!” He stopped his cleaning frenzy for a moment to pay respect, and bowed deeply. “Forgive me, you…”

“Are we not on your list?” Hana said sweetly, as she cocked her head to the side.

“Uhh no..” The guard wiped the sweat from his eyes under his glasses as his hands flew over the desktop, checking all available records and notifications for the day.

Zamasu crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently, as he took note of a group of young Shinjin students beyond the gate on the other side, gawking at him. They’d never seen the Supreme Kai in person before! They whispered to each other and pointed in his direction. One bold one gave him a small shy wave. Zamasu smirked and threw a wink in their direction, reducing them to a puddle of giggles and blushes.

“I am so sorry, please just…give me a moment.” Two small blinking red lights had caught the guard’s attention. He adjusted his glasses again before turning his gaze upward to the two Kai with a frown. Zamasu and Hana snuck a look at one another in the corner of their eyes.

“Is there a problem?” Zamasu purposefully audibly cracked his knuckles. “I trust you won’t be keeping us waiting another moment, if you don’t want to be transferred back to Snake Way by the end of the day.” He narrowed his grey eyes threateningly.

The guard wiped his brow of the dripping perspiration. His security system had identified a weak mortal energy signature emanating from not just one, but both of the Kai in front of him. He didn’t believe it, but his orders were very clear in this scenario. “Yes, please, just let me ask someone real quick, it’s the darndest thing but..” He hovered his finger over a button consisting of a picture of two white diamonds flanking an orange square.

It was the best kept secret in the universe, that every World Core had its own Destroyer, life-linked to the most senior elder Kai, and he was available all day, every day, at the push of a button. World Core Destroyers were very serious Gods of Destruction, with iron clad work ethics, unlike their lazy universal brethren, who slept and slothed most of their idle time at the bottom of the cosmos. Mortals trying to get through on World Core were considered acts of war against the Gods, and was one of the few conditions that qualified for immediate destruction. The guard swallowed a lump in his throat as he considered the Kai in front of him- Zamasu- the highest ranking God in the entire 10th Universe. If the computer was wrong about its assessment of the supposed Supreme Kai, it would cost the guard his eternal soul.

“If your next move isn’t to open that gate, I will do it myself with your dead hand after I snuff out whatever pathetic life force glues you together.” Zamasu growled as he advanced forward. Hana put her hand on his chest to push him back and waved her finger.

“Might we speak to Elder Gowasu?” She smiled as she crept up into the guard’s personal space. “Please? I’m not sure why your little computer is blinking, but I assure you we are here on official business.” She gestured towards Zamasu. “I mean, he’s the Supreme Kai.” She dropped her smile. “Don’t make him angry.”

The guard let out a deep breath. “I’m so sorry, but…”

“Zamasu?”

All three parties looked beyond the gate to see the good fortune of Gowasu just happening by.

“Hello, Master Gowasu.” Both Kai bowed and exclaimed at exactly the same time. Hana mentally scolded herself immediately afterwards when Gowasu looked at her with a puzzled expression. Right. He was not her master. What she just did made no sense. She had to remember better who she was trying to impersonate.

Gowasu’s eyes trained up to Zamasu with a small bit of shock at his appearance. “Seems we have some catching up to do!” He laughed and walked over to the gate. “Well, what is the hold up, let them in already!” He scolded the guard.

The guard took one last look at the warning, and feeling defeated, pressed the override button and opened the gate.

“Can you do anything with that body?” Kosu asked his sister as she stared down at her cup of tea Yuna had just poured for her, with a stressed expression on her face.

“No…I don’t know…maybe?” She sighed and put her hand to head. “I don’t know. There’s a lot going on in here.” She trained a look at the Supreme Kai. “I don’t know what happened to you, but your body is a real mess .”

Zamasu seethed with frustration as he listened to the North Kai's complaints, voiced in his own tone. It was an insult to what should have been the greatest gift bestowed upon them by the opposing side. Yet here she was, wielding his power with all the finesse of a child with a toy. She showed no dedication to mastering it, no respect for its potential. If only he knew the mechanics behind the transfer, he would seize that version of himself for his own without hesitation.

“Hana, please recount the events once more. Explain precisely how this transfer occurred," Zamasu requested, his said with impatience. "And ensure that you omit no detail, regardless of its perceived insignificance. Every aspect of this event may hold crucial," he added.

Hana let out a small scream of frustration into her hands. “I told you! You put out the call for us to meet you, but I waited because you said I wasn’t allowed to do Kai-Kai anymore.” She glared at him. “I was actually trying to be respectful of you!” She crossed her arms. “Suddenly you- well, me - appeared and I thought you came to escort me.”

“And nothing concerned you about his appearance?” Aoume asked thoughtfully. This was the part he couldn’t understand.

Hana looked down. “I mean yes, it didn’t look or feel quite like our Zamasu, but I was in so much trouble already today, I ignored it.”

Zamasu shook his head and put his fingers to the corner of his eyes. Any other day- any other Hana- and none of this would’ve happened. The dominos of the universe were sometimes maddening when they decided to fall.

“He told me that he needed me to help him with something. Next thing I knew, he hit me hard and knocked me out.” She looked very uncomfortable discussing that part. “When I came to, I immediately transmitted out of there, it couldn’t have been more than a few minutes or so. I don’t know what happened between the time I was hit and when I awoke.” She looked like she wanted to cry again. “I’m sorry.”

As frustrated as he was, Zamasu agreed with this part, remembering his discussion with the other Hana. She originally didn’t intend to keep the body swap, and admittedly claimed she was surprised by the transmission. She most likely flew into a rage after and started leveling the planet looking for her original body, the merged Zamasu Hana was in now. A very Zamasu thing to do, he thought shamefully.

Kasai, who had been very quiet the whole time, finally spoke up. “Your earring, Hana. Do you remember it? Was the other Zamasu wearing one?”

Hana pulled the red Potara off her ear.

“It’s not green like our universe’s Potara.” Kasai added with a shrug. “Just a thought.”

Aoume nodded in agreement. “That’s actually a great observation, Kasai.” It had slipped by his notice earlier, as he was focused on the number of potara and not the quality.

Zamasu perked up finally remembering what seemed like an insignificant detail at the time. “After the other Hana cut off her hair, there was a purple Potara in her ear.”

Hana snapped her head up, her eyes wide with shock. "HE CUT OFF MY HAIR?" she exclaimed, rushing over to the Supreme Kai, tea spilling everywhere as she shook him. "How short? What do I look like?"

Zamasu grunted, slapping her hands away and pointing at her face, which mirrored his own. "You should be more concerned about your potential as a Kai, rather than your physical appearance," he retorted sharply. "You need a brain that cares about fighting, not just looks!" He shoved her back, asserting his personal space. "After this is over, I'm tripling your annual training requirement. I've seen what you're capable of." He stopped there, refusing to admit aloud that he had lost their recent fight.

Crushing her green hand around the red Potara, Hana felt a surge of anger coursing through her. She was upset at the situation, tired of Zamasu's constant criticisms, and overwhelmed by the sensations in her new body. The oscillation between feeling like she was dying one moment and experiencing euphoria the next was impossible to bear. With a scream and a burst of hot pink energy, she released her frustration, the power surging upwards and outwards in a dazzling display.

As the energy subsided, Hana looked at her hands, which were still glowing with an iridescent light. She took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. That felt great.

The other Kai stood with their mouths open in silent awe.

“Hana, you could possibly be the strongest being in Universe 10 right now.” Kasai said with wonder. “I bet you could take on Rumsshi.”

Zamasu turned a nasty look at the East Kai and felt sick with envy at the awesome display of power emanating from a version of him, that was not him. It wasn’t fair.

Kosu bravely approached the chi-charged Hana, his arm outstretched as he reached for her. Embracing Zamasu wasn't exactly his idea of a good time, however, he could sense his sister's gentle spirit still lingering within. She was clearly traumatized and in need of comfort. As Hana felt Kosu's touch, she began to power down, her breathing slowing as she regained control. With a grateful sigh, she threw her arms around her brother, finally finding solace in his kindness.

Aoume observed the unfolding situation with a critical eye. If he were in Zamasu’s position, his first move would have been to summon Rumsshi, knowing the danger of a rogue Potara fusion wreaking havoc among the lower Kai and endangering planets. The situation called for swift intervention and cooperation with a Destroyer, yet Zamasu hesitated, unwilling to do either. His lack of both physical strength and emotional maturity left him ill-equipped to manage the crisis.

Aoume saw clearly that Zamasu’s arrogance and jealousy towards Hana clouded his judgment, preventing him from acting as a compassionate and effective leader. Yet, pushing Zamasu too hard might only worsen the situation. Instead, Aoume weighed a more diplomatic approach—one that could potentially defuse the tensions without feeding into Zamasu’s insecurities.

“What about contacting World Core and getting in touch with Gowasu?” He put his arms behind his back. “He might know something about different uses of Potara that we’re not considering.”

Zamasu suddenly felt his heart hammer in his chest. Gowasu! He had forgotten entirely the threat made earlier to kill him and the other elders. He teleported out without a single word or explanation.

“Should we follow?” Kosu asked, still consoling Hana, while trying very hard to ignore the fact it was Zamasu laying in his arms. “It would be easy to chi lock onto wherever he went to.”

Auome shook his head. “No, unfortunately until Hana learns how to make her body better cooperate with her intentions, she’s a liability, not an asset.” After what they just witnessed her do, the last thing they needed was their opponents getting the merged Zamasu’s body back into more capable hands. “We should stay here, for now. Safety in numbers.” He resolved he would also later communicate with his Kai contacts in Universe 7. Maybe they had some ideas about what to do, or at least, maybe Hana could hide there until they had a better handle on the situation.

For security purposes, it wasn’t possible to teleport directly into the DICA. All chi signatures got pushed outside the main gate, no matter how strong their divinity, or who they were emanating from, including the Grand Minister himself, should he ever visit. This cost Zamasu precious minutes as he raced through the open gate and past the empty security desk, towards the blasts that were emitting and shattering through the windows from the inside. He counted three different, very powerful, chi signatures. He suspected the Zamasu inside Hana for sure, the World Core Destroyer, Cori, most likely was the second - who was the third? Judging by the feel of it, he had a sick hunch that once he arrived, there would be a total of three Zamasu’s inside.

The Supreme Kai ran against the tide of Shinjin that were still frantically exiting the large building. The fight couldn’t have been going on for too long then, if not everyone had evacuated, he noted. He ran up the large staircase that was in the main foyer towards the blasts that were dashing across the hallways, tearing through the chandeliers, destroying strips of rock across the side of the walls, and blowing holes out the other side.

As he approached the top, there was a sudden lull in the action. It was eerily quiet. Broken glass cracked under Zamasu’s boots as strained to see amongst the dust and darkness that was settling in the midst of the new quiet. Cori emerged out of the darkness and wreckage, his paw outstretched, a Hakai charged, ready to fire. He was an exceptionally large, powerful, stark white canine formerly from Universe 9, many millennia ago. He had thick fur and red eyes. He flicked his tail anxiously as he walked right past the Supreme Kai without acknowledgement, and cornered his prey on the other side.

Zamasu quietly stalked the white wolf, not wanting to break his concentration. What he was hunting, finally showed through the darkness. First, just the glow of their chi blades cut through the settling dust, and then their shadowy figures began to show clear. Hana and another Zamasu each held an elder Kai, Gowasu being one of them, close to their chests, their chi-blades searing against their throats. Cori stopped but a foot in front of them, his eyes darting from Kai to Kai, looking composed, but secretly panicking.

The merged Zamasu snickered. “Well, well, well, Destroyer. Eeny, meeny, miney, moe- which one of us to Hakai? Only you know.”

Hana laughed. “If you choose wrong, you’ll be destroyed, too.”

Cori growled, baring his massive sharp white canines. He had no idea which of the damn old fools was his life link. It could be neither of them. There were so many of them here, because these old stubborn Kai refused to move on to the Other World. And they all looked alike to him. It had to be one of the two here - he knew Gowasu from his retirement celebration he was forced to attend not too long ago. But was he the oldest? Not even the old Kai themselves knew. They argued daily about who had more seniority, as they swapped war stories at tea time. He looked at the young, green Kai who held him - Zamasu was his name, right? He was the new Supreme Kai, he was at that party too. His speech was terrible, if Cori recalled. Couldn’t even hear it through all the sneezing and coughing in the background. If he Hakai’d him, Rumsshi wouldn’t exactly be having the greatest day of his life either. He sniffed the air in frustration.

“So much for your wise choice in successor there, Gowasu. How long did you train him for? Just to kill you in the end?” He was stalling for time.

Gowasu felt the heat of Zamasu’s blade on his neck. He didn’t care what Cori said, this imposter was not his former apprentice. He could feel it. “Feel free to destroy us, Cori. This one is not the Supreme Kai.”

Hana laughed. “You old fool. He can’t - he doesn’t know if you’re his life link, or this one-,” she hoisted up the old teal Kai in her arms higher, “-is. He’s got a 50/50 shot though. That’s pretty good odds!” He would have to choose one to destroy, or have to let them all go. No matter his choice, he risked destroying himself in the process. Hana added insult to injury. “Of course, we can make the choice for him if he doesn’t want to.” She grinned wickedly as the old Kai cried out in pain as her blade singed his skin a bit.

The real Supreme Kai watched from the darkness, not wanting to make his presence known, just yet. Why didn’t they just kill the old Kai and be done with Cori? Why play games? Zamasu slowly charged his chi, hoping it would get lost in the extreme emotions that were flying around in front of him. There must be something they still needed, or otherwise they would’ve made their move by now.

As if on cue, Hana lifted her dark lashes up to gaze behind Cori’s shoulder, and her black eyes shone at what she saw. “I was beginning to think you had abandoned us.” She called out to the darkness. “But you’re finally here.”

Cori knew he shouldn’t look. It didn’t matter what was behind him, only the impossible scenario in front deserved his attention. But he did. He turned his head for just a moment, just quick enough to see another Zamasu behind him to his great shock, when the two other Kai simultaneously threw Gowasu and the other elder at Cori, distracting him, and then teleported out with a quick salute to the Supreme Kai.

Cori let out a loud howl as he flipped over a nearby table, punched the wall, and then grabbed a surprised Zamasu by his robes and dragged him outside.

“Cori! Stop this at once!” Gowasu chased the pair outside after collecting himself from his own fall.

The Destroyer lifted Zamasu into the air and slammed him down onto the security desktop, the same one that had detected the mortal signatures earlier. He crushed his face into it a little harder than necessary, just for good measure. Zamasu clenched his teeth and struggled under the incredible power of the white wolf. It was useless.

Cori watched a white light blink on the indicator as Gowasu finally managed to catch up, albeit out of breath. “There. 100% divine.” He said between breaths. “See? Not one of them. Release him.”

Cori growled, enraged at the situation and the semi-mortal Kai who escaped him, who only did so, in his opinion, with help from the real Zamasu. He was out of luck now that they were gone from World Core. His jurisdiction over the situation was over, and it was now, once again, the problem of the Supreme Kai. He begrudgingly picked Zamasu up and placed him on his feet.

“Get your Universe in order, Kai!” He yelled at Zamasu as he pointed at his face and loomed large over him.

Zamasu scoffed. “You didn’t seem to be doing so hot yourself in there, from where I was standing.” He crossed in arms. “In fact, it seems that I helped solve your little conundrum.”

Cori bared his teeth. “I will not be erased by the Omni King because they gave the keys to the cosmos to a spoiled child!” He raised his fist. “Figure it out!” He barked, before swishing his tail and knocking Zamasu out of his way as he stormed back towards the building.

Gowasu watched Cori exit completely before making his way over to his former apprentice, who looked agitated, humiliated, and genuinely lost. A serious conversation was in order regarding what in good god’s name just happened in there; but he knew Zamasu too well, and knew he had to try to pull him back from the ledge before he could engage with him in such a way. When Zamasu thought clearly, he was efficient, methodical, and even wise; however, he was still prone to wild swings in emotion, and when that happened, he acted unpredictably, and in the sole protection of his ego. A little levity was in order so Zamasu didn’t feel what just happened was his failure, even if it was. He clapped Zamasu on the back and chuckled. “Not so easy is it? And you used to worry you’d be bored as the Supreme Kai.”

Zamasu regarded him in the corner of his eye. “How can you make jokes after what just happened? After what you just saw?”

“What?” Gowasu laughed. “This? They’ll fix this by tonight. You’re already here, so there’s no need for them to alert you to what is going on. And do you think after several millennia, that was the first time my life was ever threatened? I was Supreme Kai for longer than you’ve been alive.” He put his hand on Zamasu’s back. “It’s a weird universe. Not even an imposter you trying to kill me can rival some of the inexplainable things I’ve seen in the cosmos.” His trust that the Zamasu in front of him had nothing to do with what just occurred was iron clad.

Zamasu just stared at the ground.

“You know, there were bets against you finishing your apprenticeship.” Gowasu said suddenly very seriously.

Zamasu finally acknowledged him with a wounded look.

Gowasu nodded. “Many were certain you were too volatile, and were bound to do something eventually that would blow up in your face.” He laughed a little and put his arm around the Supreme Kai and shook him encouragingly. “I had to constantly tell them that Universe 10 would eventually have not only the strongest Supreme Kai in the multiverse, but the wisest.”

Zamasu gave a small huff. He wasn’t feeling any of those qualities presently.

“Well, anyway, you proved them wrong. You will again.” He stepped back. “You’ll do the right thing.”

Zamasu let out a heavy sigh. He didn’t even know where to begin with telling Gowasu about what was going on. “What did they want?” Was all he could manage to ask.

Gowasu knit his brow. “The one that looked like the North Kai wanted to know where the universal Potara were kept.” His own ears were bare now that he was retired. “Considering the one that looked like you already had a pair from Universe 10, I can only imagine they were after the sets kept here from the other eleven universes.”

Zamasu perked up. It was like Kasai had guessed. “They didn’t find them, did they?”

Gowasu shook his head. “No. Despite their seeming hubris during the fight, it’s my opinion that nothing in there went according to their plan. All they wanted was the Potara, and to get out. Even my death would’ve been quick and silent. And Cori was certainly an unwelcome surprise.” He gestured to the security table. “A proactive guard was helpful in that case.” Gowasu looked at the white blinking lights confirming both he and Zamasu’s divinity. “Disturbingly, they had a partially mortal signature. Do you know where they were from? And why they looked you and the North Kai?” He did note Time Rings on their hands. “That they even made it as far as they did means our security here has to be updated.” He omitted the part where he was the one who authorized their entrance.

“Can Potaras from opposing universes be used for merging?” Zamasu rudely interrupted. He thought for a moment and then clarified his question. “What would happen if an earring from ten was used with an earring from say eight?”

Gowasu considered the question. “I’m not sure, exactly. Why?”

Zamasu sighed. “I believe that’s what this is all about.”

“Experiments have been done in the past trying to unmerge fused Kai using different Potara configurations. But as far as I know, that is ancient history, as old as Potara fusion itself. I’m not sure if there’s even any record of it. It certainly wasn’t successful, as it’s accepted knowledge that Potara fusion is generally permanent.”

Zamasu thought of the switched Hana’s. It had to be right. Potaras from other universes swapped instead of merged. The question was, could you switch back? Not even Hana was sure about that, per her own confession. It seemed the Zamasu inside her was using this timeline, this Universe 10, and the lower Kai here, as his proving ground for rogue Potara use, before using them for something bigger. Zamasu clenched his teeth and fists in anger at the thought. The other Zamasu also clearly considered him weak of both character and strength, to not have left immediately once he saw him as Supreme Kai of this timeline. Well, on that he’d be wrong.

But what was there to gain in exchanging in the first place? Zamasu shot up. “Master Gowasu, perhaps you should leave the Potaras with me? They will never suspect that they’re right under their noses. Right in front of them is the safest place.”

Gowasu wasn’t so sure. He hesitated, especially considering Rumsshi was not as likely to show up at first call if things went south. He looked hard at his former apprentice. As Supreme Kai, he could technically demand them regardless of his opinion. That Zamasu even asked, was just a show of respect. Zamasu was in charge, despite the elders here pretending, or wishing, otherwise. “Alright Zamasu. Let’s go. They’re in the vault.”

They walked in silence back into to the disheveled academy

Chapter Text

Universe 7’s Sacred World was much nicer than 10’s, in Hana’s opinion. It wasn’t as bright, or hot. It had a lot of mountains and rivers, which U10 lacked, possessing instead mostly long stretches of flat grassland. U7’s trees didn’t shed and make her sneeze, also. Which speaking of, she was enjoying the shade of one while drinking tea with the Supreme Kai of this universe, Shin, and was trying to ignore the look of confusion and horror he just couldn’t shake from his face, although he was trying.

Hana stared at Zamasu’s reflection in her tea. She knew she was making Shin very uncomfortable, but he wouldn’t tell her why- it puzzled her; after all, Zamasu wasn't a repulsive figure, quite the contrary. Yet, the atmosphere remained oddly tense. "I appreciate your hospitality, Shin. I hope my presence isn't causing too much inconvenience. It wasn't my intention to intrude like this," she murmured into her tea cup, suddenly not thirsty.

Shin snapped out of his stare to respond.

Shin's attempt at a smile faltered slightly as he poured more tea, his expression holding a hint of unease. "Yes, Universe 7 does seem to attract its fair share of unusual events," he admitted, with a touch of apprehension. "Your arrival certainly adds to that reputation." As he recounted his initial doubts about Hana's story in his mind, Shin's brows furrowed with lingering uncertainty. "I must admit, I had my reservations at first, given our history," he confessed, his gaze flickering briefly towards Hana. "But King Kai assured me of the truth of your situation." Curiously, this wasn’t the Universe 7 that the South Kai had originally contacted, much to the King Kai of this timeline’s surprise. It made sense once Shin was made privy to the situation, and realized there was a Time Ring involved, though it obviously bothered him why his Universe 7 was tethered to it.

Hana smiled- King Kai- the her, the North Kai, of this Universe. He looked like Aoume, she heard all of the lower quadrant Kai did here.

“For the benefit of both our Universes, it’s best you stay here until your Supreme Kai can get a better handle on things.” Shin stopped himself there. Zamasu was the Supreme Kai in her timeline. Shin couldn’t quite bring himself to say his name out loud in regards to that title. Not after everything he did.

As Hana observed Shin, she couldn't help but contrast his demeanor with that of Zamasu's. Despite their shared title of Supreme Kai, they seemed worlds apart in temperament. Shin's kindness and openness stood in stark contrast to Zamasu's stern and often judgmental nature. Being in Shin's presence instilled a sense of calm and safety in Hana, a feeling she rarely experienced around Zamasu. It was strange to think that despite Zamasu's immense power, she felt more at ease with Shin.

Hana also appreciated Shin's genuine interest in mortals, something she rarely had the opportunity to discuss with Zamasu. The Supreme Kai's disdain for mortals was well known, and he rarely entertained Hana's fascination with them. Reflecting on her past transgressions, Hana felt fortunate that she hadn't been caught shuttling mortals around her sector while Zamasu held the title of Supreme Kai. The consequences would have undoubtedly been severe, far worse than the slap on the wrist Gowasu had given her.

She thought for a moment about what Shin had just said, and looked up at him curiously. “What do you mean given our history? Do you know our Supreme Kai?”

Shin hesitated, grappling with the weight of what he knew. It was a burden he wasn't sure he should share, especially given the complexity of their situation. The memory of Zamasu and Black's reign of terror, which ultimately led to the erasure of that timeline by Zeno, was a heavy one to bear. Hana and the others were from an alternate timeline, unaware of the horrors that had unfolded elsewhere. Was it his place to tell her? The thought churned in his mind as he carefully considered his response.

"It's nothing," Shin lied, poorly. "Just a minor inconvenience, really. This universe has its fair share of strange occurrences, so body swap problems aren't entirely unheard of." He hoped his vague explanation would suffice, concealing the deeper truth that lingered beneath the surface.

Hana crossed her arms. “I don’t believe you,” she said sternly. It hurt her to think it, but she wouldn’t be surprised if Shin said Zamasu had done something awful.

Shin softened his gaze. “Well - Hana, is it? - Please remember, the Zamasu I’m talking about, is not your Supreme Kai. They are not exactly the same individual.” It was wrong of him to plant a seed of doubt in her mind about her Supreme Kai. Her timeline’s Zamasu did nothing wrong. Yet. “I don’t know how much you really want to know about all this anyway. It’s not appropriate.”

Hana grabbed at the sides of the table. She could feel herself getting upset again. Angry. She tried to push the feeling down, but she wanted to know the story. “What if knowing something from back then could help us now?” She had a feeling Shin knew exactly what was going on with her timeline. “You have to tell me!” She sprang up and grabbed him by his collar.

Shin put his hands up to try to soothe the riled up Kai, whose iron grip he was caught. What if Hana didn’t have control of that body? She looked agitated. He didn’t need an out of control fused Zamasu tearing his Sacred World up. “Ok, ok.” He watched as she powered down and relaxed. “The long story short, is that the Zamasu you are presently in, is a Potara fusion.”

“We guessed that much.” Hana cut him off.

“As I was saying…he’s a Potara fusion between a Zamasu from one timeline, and another Zamasu, from a different timeline, who took control- like what happened to your body- of a powerful mortal named Son Goku.” Shin looked at her very seriously.

Hana paused, processing the Supreme Kai's words, before erupting into uncontrollable laughter. "Zamasu? Inside a mortal's body? Oh, come on now, you must be joking," she managed between fits of laughter. "Zamasu and mortals? That's like oil and water." She wiped away tears, her laughter gradually subsiding. "You should see how many he tries to get Rumsshi to obliterate regularly” The idea of Zamasu in a mortal's body? Over his dead body. “I just can't imagine it.".

Shin sighed. That was her take away? Just as well, he thought. “Anyway, separately, they killed an obscene amount of mortals, leveled planets, and completely destroyed that timeline, before finally fusing.” He gestured towards Hana to emphasize his last point. “The timeline was so corrupted, that the only solution was for the Omni King to erase it from existence- all beings, planets, stars, gods, multiverse…gone.”

Hana was enveloped by a heavy blanket of sadness. Zamasu had done that? But they were Kai—Gods of Creation. They were meant to embody love and compassion; they were tasked with creating, nurturing, and safeguarding the universe. How could a Kai even conceive of something so destructive? How could they harbor such thoughts? Suddenly, she felt profoundly uneasy, more so than usual in her current state. She now understood why Shin was uncomfortable with her. In Zamasu's form, she represented nothing but death and sorrow to him. The fight couldn't be considered a victory if it led to the erasure of an entire timeline. Until now, Hana had been gradually coming to terms with her situation, but now a rising panic gripped her chest; she desperately longed to return to her own body.

Shin noticed her discomfort, and still worried she might be volatile, put his hand on her arm for comfort and comradery. “Remember, it seems your Zamasu is wired differently. Or at the least, has components of his environment that are making a big difference for him. Don’t associate him with what I just told you.”

“You don’t even know him.” Hana was on the brink of tears.

“I don’t have to. He’s a Supreme Kai. He wouldn’t have made it that far if he couldn’t show the necessary attributes of one.”

Hana considered his statement thoughtfully. Her timeline’s Zamasu was intense, a little arrogant, and very stubborn, but she wouldn’t describe him as cruel.

“I’d advise not to give up on him, or he might set down a destructive path again.” Shin realized a bit too late his biggest mistake in this, and that was turning Supreme Kai’s Zamasu’s support system, his lower Kai, against him.

“Alright. I won’t. We won’t.” Hana grumbled.

“Ok. Well, all this aside, unfortunately what concerns me now, is that I’m afraid there’s more than one alternate Zamasu running around your universe.”

“What do you mean? Like, more than one me?”

“Yes. It didn’t occur to me when I first heard of your situation, but upon reflection, Zamasu was able to make copies of himself after he fused, right before the end. Even if only one managed to escape Zeno’s erasure, he could multiply and eventually infect an entire universe. Yours.”

“Like a virus.” Hana said out loud.

Shin nodded in agreement. “Although I’m happy to allow you stay here if you like for a little while to rest, I’m afraid I have to change my mind and ask you to leave sooner then later. In hindsight, this was a mistake. I can’t risk you, or that Time Ring you’re wearing, attracting the other copies here. There are incredibly powerful fighters in Universe 7, and if what happened to you, happened here again on an even larger scale, it would be a disaster of unimaginable proportions.”

It was during the silence that followed Shin’s decision, that they both felt it. Hana picked her head up and looked behind her in her seat. “NO.” Shin said out loud. “He wouldn’t dare!” He stood up and kicked his chair back, looking around frantically.

What was first a mere shadow in the distance, quickly increased in size as it flew in at a speed so great, it caused a large draft of wind and dirt to nearly blow away the unsuspecting Kai when it finally stopped short in front of them.

Shin and Hana coughed and waved at the air to dispense the dirt around them. Shin couldn’t see the perpetrator through the dust, but he didn’t have to.

“GOKU! NO! Leave immediately!” He yelled between coughs.

“Aww c’mon Supreme Kai, I just came to say hi!” Said a jovial voice that was beginning to take form as the air returned to normal.

Hana could sense it was a mortal that was upon them, and something felt oddly familiar about him, though she didn’t understand yet why. And wasn’t Goku the name from the story? She was so fixated on the part where Zamasu destroyed an entire timeline she couldn’t remember now.

Shin looked at the mortal in front of them, now clear as day, angrily. “Not a coincidence you chose today, I suspect, Goku! You are to leave, NOW!” He pointed in the direction of where he flew in from. It had to be King Kai that tipped him off, probably innocently, but not the first misstep he made regarding Goku’s noncompliance. He was going to get the ear splitting discipline of a century, when he, no Elder Kai, was done with him.

The mortal just ignored the Supreme Kai, walking up to Hana with a grin on his face, trying to hold back laughter. “No one is going to believe this!” he sang, putting his face inches from Hana’s and looking into Zamasu’s grey eyes. She crossed her eyes as he brought his finger towards her face and landed on her nose. “BOOP!” The mortal was in hysterics. “Oh man, I want to get Vegeta here, it’s almost not fair to him!”

“Not going to happen, Goku!” Shin entered himself between the two and created distance between them. “Because you’re leaving, NOW, and not saying a word! Let the Kai handle this.”

Goku crossed his arms, smiled, and cocked his head to the side. “Like you did last time? Oh, and that’s right, you defeated Majin Buu too, I forgot.” He turned towards Hana. “I get hit in the head a lot.”

Hana observed in awe, momentarily tuning out the argument between the mortal, Goku, and Shin. His aggressive entrance had initially surprised her, but now, having a chance to observe him, she came to a conclusion. He was quite a remarkable mortal! She sensed immense power within him, far beyond what he displayed outwardly. His true strength seemed to lie beneath the surface, waiting to be revealed. He was undeniably fascinating, and she felt a growing eagerness to meet him

“Hello! Goku, is it?” She yelled to get his attention, as he squabbled with the Supreme Kai.

Goku immediately turned in her direction. “No way! That’s his voice too! You sound just like him!” He ran up to her as a child would a shiny new toy. “Hey do me a favor and say, ‘You filthy mortal, I will eliminate you!’ “

Hana paid no mind to Goku's comment, instead seizing the chance to assess him. She got a little too close for comfort, causing him to freeze as she scrutinized him from head to toe. At one point, she even grabbed his hair and then placed her hands around his chest, testing his strength. Goku awkwardly scratched the back of his head as he endured her inspection. Leaning over to Shin, who stood nearby, he whispered, "Hey. This isn't really Zamasu, right? Because this is making me uncomfortable.”

Shin shook his head. “No Goku. It’s not really him. There’s another Kai inside, as I’m sure you were told, because I know you would never purposefully come here to start a fight.”

Hana, stood up and brought her face close to his, as he did to her before, and gave him a hard stare for a moment. “Why do I feel like I know you?” She questioned. She felt like his chi was so familiar, and she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“Oh!” Shin jumped up. “This is the mortal from the story. Technically, he’s half of you.”

“Just my body!” Goku snapped back quickly at Shin. “I’m not really in there with you, that’s all Zamasu.”

Hana nodded, still not quite able to fully process everything she learned today completely, and satisfied with her inspection, finally backed up from the Saiyan, and then bowed politely to him. “I’m Hanakotoba, the North Kai of Universe 10. You can call me Hana, though.”

Goku hesitated for a moment, taking in the visual of one of his greatest enemies, bowing to him in respect. He wanted to laugh again if it didn’t feel like it was messing with his mind so much. He thought about the name. “Wait, are you a boy or a girl?” Hana sounded kind of girlie to him, but the voice was Zamasu’s.

Shin smacked his own forehead in frustration. “She’s a girl, Goku. There are female Kai out in the universe.”

With that Goku exploded into a fit of laughter again. “Zamasu’s a GIRL!” He stopped and thought for a moment. “Wait, where’s your body?” he asked Hana. He knew the answer already, but wanted to hear it, out loud, in Zamasu’s voice.

“The Zamasu that was inside here has my body.” Hana didn’t see what was so funny about this.

Goku gave one more uproarious laugh, thinking about how furious Zamasu must be trapped inside this poor girl’s body. “Man, this day keeps getting better and better, whew.” He collected himself, and bowed back politely to Hana. “I was going to ask you for a fight, but I think that might not be respectful because you’re a girl?”

“AND THERE IT IS!” Shin yelled as he reached up and grabbed Goku by his gi and started leading him away. “Thank you Goku, Hana is pleased to meet you, I’m glad we could make your day. Now go home, you don’t want to be late for dinner.”

Hana gasped. She didn’t want him to leave. It had been a long time since she was so close to a mortal, since before her suspension, really, and she was growing fond of him. Plus, he could probably help, considering both his history with the situation as well as that incredible power she was certain he possessed. “Wait! Maybe he can help us.” She grabbed Goku’s arm and pulled him back from Shin.

Goku was in full agreement of this. “See Supreme Kai? I can help.”

“NO.” Shin was adamant as he grabbed Goku’s gi again and tugged him.

Hana pulled him back further. “You said there might be hundreds of Zamasu’s running around! We need help!”

Goku gawked in excitement. “C’mon Supreme Kai! You know I’m leagues stronger now! I can take them! Don’t make me beg!”

“Hana, you don’t know the full story. I must insist Goku stay here, as far away from your universe, and your Zamasu, as possible.”
Shin pulled Goku off his feet a bit with a hard tug.

Hana narrowed her eyes, and gave Goku one more pull towards her, winning the tug-of-war, as he crashed into her. “You said our Zamasu was different. That he might not do the same things the others did. And you know what? I believe he’ll do the right thing as Supreme Kai. He cares about us, and his universe.”

Goku felt like a ton of bricks just crashed onto his skull. “Wait, hold up- Zamasu is Supreme Kai of your timeline?” Now he was definitely not taking no for an answer.

“Yes.” Hana answered. “And he’s a good one too, he’ll be happy for the help. I know he will, I have a feeling.” She looked at Shin sternly. “I say the mortal comes.” She was starting to grow tired of everyone dumping on Zamasu, including herself. He wasn’t perfect, but he was her Supreme Kai, and deserved her loyalty.

Shin sighed and shook his head. “You’re asking me to gamble the future of our respective timelines, on a feeling, Hana?”

“What’s the alternative Supreme Kai?” Goku interjected. “Let it get out of hand, and then the Zamasu’s bleed out to our universe and our timeline? I’ll be respectful, I’ll just help.”

Shin looked at Goku with a scoff at his last sentence.

“I’ll take responsibility for him, Supreme Kai.” Hana said with hopeful eyes.

Shin considered his crossroads. Goku was right, as dimwitted as he could be sometimes, he usually was about these things. They were going to need help. And who knows, with Hana’s chi signature and Time Ring stamp here now, his timeline might already be marked as the next target. It’s possible he already doomed his universe by agreeing to let her stay. “Promise me you’ll contact Rumsshi. He has to be in on this.” It would give him peace of mind to know the Destroyer was involved.

Hana put her hands together as in prayer, bowed, and nodded in agreement.

Goku grinned and picked up Shin and cracked him with a hug. Hana gasped at a mortal handling a Kai so flippantly, as well as how Shin seemed to not be phased by it. She laughed, and remembering Goku’s comment earlier, did her best Zamasu impersonation. “Hey filthy mortal, unhand that Kai with your sinful hands! You should bow down to the god that made you!”

Goku lost it again. “Hey that was pretty good!” He looked at Shin, who looked nonplused. “C’mon that was pretty funny Supreme Kai, lighten up. It’s going to be fine.”

Shin wasn’t so sure. He watched Goku and Hana laughing together as if she wasn’t trapped in the body of an extremely dangerous and deadly fighter. One that could impact multiple universes and timelines, should things get out of control again; and more importantly, a fight that Goku technically could not add as a win to his overall record, despite his confidence in handling the situation this time around.

“Supreme Kai!” Hana yelled as she came trotting over. She bowed deeply and respectfully towards him. “Thank you for your temporary sanctuary. And for trusting me with the truth.”

He forced a smile. “You’re very welcome. I’m just sorry we didn’t meet under better circumstances.”

“That’s what I wanted to ask you!” she said excitedly. “When this is over, and I have my own body again, can I come back sometime? I’d like you to meet the real me, and I want to hear more of your stories about the mortals here.”

Shin nodded. At least she was confident this would be over soon. Hubris might be a necessary ingredient in this fight. “Fine by me. But you’ll have to clear it with your Supreme Kai, he’ll have to escort you with his own Time Ring.” He looked at her hand that presently had one. “When this is over, I mean.”

“Oh.” Hana tried not to show too much disappointment on her face. “Well, we’ll see then, I guess. Zamasu doesn’t like us asking for a lot of time off from our sectors, usually.” She turned her head abruptly to the sound of Goku yelling for her, before she could ask if maybe Shin wouldn’t mind asking Zamasu for her, on her behalf.

“Let’s go Hanasu!” Goku was yelling and waving her over impatiently as he stretched.

HANASU! Hana laughed out loud. It felt so good to laugh, she felt like it had been so long since she felt genuinely uplifted. She did one more quick bow to Shin before joining Goku, full of excitement, that she just might’ve saved the 10th Universe

Chapter Text

Zamasu blinked in back to his Sacred World, a box full of Potara richer, but physically worse for the wear. He was absolutely exhausted. He tucked the elegantly sealed box, containing the Potara sets from each universe, under his arm, as he made his way into the Temple, and tried his best to process everything that had just transpired in such a short amount of time.

His figure cast long, silent shadows as he strode down a narrow, dimly lit corridor. Strips of sunlight intermittently cut through the dusty hall, creating a play of light and shadow. Coming to a stop at the end, he closed his eyes and entered a state of deep concentration. With focused intent, he honed in on a specific energy signature required to gain access to the most secure room in the entire Tenth Universe—his bedroom. Personally sealed by Rumsshi and equipped with a scrambled energy signature lock, it could only be accessed by Zamasu himself through instant transmission. His full chi signature and both Universe 10 Potara served as the keys. It was Rumsshi's assurance that the Supreme Kai had the safest refuge in the cosmos when needed. Moreover, it housed some of the universe's most secure artifacts, now including the multiverse Potara.

Satisfied with the Potaras' security inside a small vault in the back of his room, he removed one of his own Potara, which hung from his right ear, before transmitting back to the main Temple. As he walked down the darkened hall, he paused at the sound of hushed voices coming from one of the side rooms. It was Kosu and Kasai, laughing. Immediately, his blood pressure spiked at the thought of his lower Kai enjoying themselves while he shouldered the burden of the entire universe. With a mix of frustration and indignation, he laid his hand on the door, preparing to tear it open and confront them.

Entering the room with a burst of energy, Zamasu found his suspicions confirmed as the West and East Kai visibly startled at the sound of his voice. "Ah, so this is what my esteemed Kai are occupied with while I'm embroiled in a battle with the Destroyer at World Core," he remarked with a touch of exaggeration. His gaze swept over the scene, noting Kosu and Kasai huddled around a large screen amid scattered food. "And it seems you're also indulging in my amenities," he added with a sneer.

“Zamasu!” Kasai jumped up and bowed immediately. “Sir? You got into a fight with Cori?” he said, half hoping the Supreme Kai would take it as flattery.

“We were gonna clean, Zamasu, relax.” Kosu said between mouthfuls of food, still watching the screen, sitting with his back against a low table. “We didn’t know where you went, what were we supposed to do while we waited?”

Zamasu flicked off the God Tube with a snarl. "I don't know, Kosu, what could possibly be more important than wasting away your time on God Tube like children!" He turned his attention to Kasai. "Have you even bothered to figure out what's happened to your mortals yet?"

Kasai shook his head. “No, Sir.”

He turned towards Kosu. “Where is the North Kai?” He demanded.

“She has a name.” Kosu said crossly. “You could be a little nicer to her.”

Zamasu glared at the West Kai but backed down. “Alright. Where is Hanakotoba. It’s important.”

“Not here!” Kosu answered quickly with a grin as he put his arms behind his head.

Zamasu leaned down so he was eye to eye with him. “Well, where is she, Kosumosu?” He said slowly.

Kasai spoke up. He greatly disliked like the tension that usually occurred between the Supreme and West Kai. “Aoume took her to the 7th universe. We didn’t know where you went. He thought it would be safer for her. And us.”

Zamasu clenched his fist furiously around the loose Potara he was holding as he surveyed the two lower Kai back and forth. "Not one of you had the sense to wait for my return before making such a reckless decision? How do you expect me to switch with the North Kai if she's not even here?"He started to yell.

Kosu's disbelief turned to anger, evident in the narrowing of his eyes. "Hold on a moment," he interjected, holding his hands up in protest. "You were planning to ask her to switch again? After everything she's been through already?" He approached Zamasu, crossing his arms in a show of defiance. Despite Zamasu's higher rank, Kosu stood his ground, his broader frame making him appear slightly taller than the Supreme Kai. Though Zamasu may have had the upper hand now, Kosu couldn't help but recall their earlier days when he could easily outmatch Zamasu in a fight, whether through physical combat or energy blasts. "You can't be serious. Why?"

Zamasu scoffed. If Kosu couldn’t grasp the simple logic required to comprehend that his sister wasn’t capable of wielding the weapon she possessed, Zamasu wasn’t going to be the one to spell it out for him. “If she wants to retain the title of Kai, she must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices in the name of her universe,” he replied coldly.

Kosu paused, swiftly processing all possible scenarios in his mind. "Okay, let's say you switch. You now possess that far more powerful version of yourself, and she becomes you. What then? How will she reclaim her body? The one trapped in her doesn't want you; it wants the body she's currently in, which will be yours." He refrained from voicing the unspoken implications—that Hana's fate depended on Zamasu agreeing to be only a temporary steward of the Potara fusion, or that the other Zamasu would need to accept the Supreme Kai's body as a consolation prize. Either way, Hana would lack control over her own destiny.

Kosu watched Zamasu’s mouth draw into a tight line. He was right, and he knew it. Whether or not he cared was the real question. Kosu sighed and shook his head as he started back towards Kasai. He didn’t need another suspension, and Hana clearly needed him around to make sure someone was thinking about her in all of this. “Just, try and think beyond solving this yourself with brute force, Supreme Kai.” He emphasized the title. “You can always call Kusu and wake up Rumsshi, for one.”

"Enlighten me, Kosu. What could you possibly know about being a Supreme Kai?" He disregarded the mention of Rumsshi, feeling he had dealt with enough Destroyers for one day. "Besides the fact that you'll never be one." His patience, rooted in their shared history, was wearing thin. There were countless other Shinjin, more powerful and respectful, who would leap at the chance to become the West Kai of Universe 10.

Kosu turned around about to answer back when a slow clapping sound was heard out near the quad.

"Now, this is quite the spectacle! Painful and disturbing, yet somehow, still entertaining."

All three Kai darted out to the sound of Hana’s voice. Zamasu quickly reattached his earring just in case his hypothesis regarding the universal Potara was correct.

Hana sauntered near the entrance of the Temple, casually leaning against the frame with her arms crossed. “I was hoping to catch you alone,” she remarked, locking eyes with the Supreme Kai, “but I’ll be the first to admit it’s rather pleasant to see everyone again. It's been quite a while since I killed you all.” She continued forward, halting in front of Kasai. “Except you. You're a new addition. Either the South Kai or East Kai, if I had to wager. Both those sectors were overseen by decrepit old fools long overdue for retirement.”

Zamasu immediately assumed a light fighter’s stance. Despite Hana looking visibly torn up from her earlier scrap with Cori, it seemed to have done nothing to diminish her energy level. He couldn't help but notice she now felt considerably stronger, emanating more of his own energy signature. If he had his eyes closed, he would’ve guessed it was himself standing there.

"I'm afraid I prematurely congratulated you," she remarked, redirecting her attention towards Zamasu. "Wish I could retract that kiss. It's rather painful watching you struggle to manage your lower Kai like that. Seems the price for achieving Supreme Kai status is allowing the Elders to drain you of your dignity. What a shame. I can assist you in reclaiming what you've lost, if you desire. The offer remains, though time is running short."

Kiss? Kosu appeared visibly uncomfortable, his gaze fixed on what appeared to be his sister. Despite his discomfort, he bravely positioned himself behind the Supreme Kai, assuming a fighter's stance in solidarity.

"It's not really her, remember Kosu," Kasai said quietly, breaking the tension. Both Kai looked at Zamasu, who was speechless. It was him. An alternate version of him, but still him. He had said so himself.

“Don’t even bother attempting to fight, Kosu.” Zamasu finally spoke, feeling their gaze, and their suspicion. “You won’t even sniff at landing a single hit.”

“"Ah, a vote of confidence from your Supreme Kai, Kosumosu?" Hana's gaze shifted towards the West Kai. "But he speaks truth, does he not? You always did display a certain laziness, chasing after mortals instead of honing your skills. Easily killed, in case you were wondering." Her eyes darkened as she looked down at herself. "Hanakotoba posed a bit more of a challenge; lacking in strength, but crafty nonetheless. Yet she fell swiftly once within my grasp." Her attention suddenly swept across the room. "And where, pray tell, is the North Kai? She possesses something I require."

“She’s no where you can reach.” Kosu said cold and low, trying to keep composed. “There’s twelve universes, take your first pick.”

Hana paused and flashed a devilish look at Kosu. "She's not truly your sister, you understand that, don't you?" Her tone dripped with venom. "The entire Kaiju family tree nonsense—it's merely a feeble attempt at culture, concocted by some lonely Kai ages ago who sought kinship with minimal effort. They lacked true imagination and simply pilfered from the first mortals they happened to observe."

Hana observed Kosu's face contorting with a mix of hurt and confusion, and she feigned sympathy. "'Oh, if it brings you comfort, Kosu, it might actually break my heart a little to see your expression as I kill you with her body. You do hold such affection for her." She reached out, but Zamasu swiftly intercepted her wrist, pulling her away with a sharp tug.

"Don't listen, Kosu," Zamasu intervened, his attention fixed on Hana's once warm black eyes, now mirroring his own cruel gaze. Even he couldn't ignore the profound discomfort etched on Kosu's face, and he pitied his old rival in that moment. "She's weaving half-truths with blatant lies to sow despair." Despite himself, Zamasu couldn't shake the realization that his alternate self's words cut exactly as he would have intended to deeply wound the West Kai

Hana just smirked, shrugged, and jumped right to the chase, as she tried to wriggle her arm free from Zamasu’s grip. "Did you retrieve the Universal Potara from Gowasu? Is it in your room? That's where I would have stowed it."

Both Kasai and Kosu looked at Zamasu, who tried to keep a steady face.

"I'm not entirely sure what you're referring to," he muttered quietly.

"You seem to have most of the answers already," she accused, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Gowasu likely agreed to let you bring them here from World Core for safekeeping, under the guise of responsibility, when in reality, you're just eager to utilize them for your own purposes." She smirked knowingly. "Just in case, right? Just in case the earring from Universe 10 and the one your dear real Hana wore weren't the perfect match to facilitate the switch." Her expression turned mocking. "Gowasu's misplaced trust strikes again. It's not a matter of if, but when."

Zamasu clenched his teeth and started to increase his power.

“You’re intelligent enough to know when you didn’t read the fine print. I was counting on that, in case you had any ideas about fighting us.”

Kosu burned a look at Zamasu, who had nothing to say.

"You believe you'll excel as the captain of that much more formidable version of yourself. It's a shortcut to advancement on the game board," Hana remarked, a hint of mockery in her tone. She glanced once more at Kasai. "We've been here for quite some time, you know. Surprisingly inconspicuous, if you ask me. We were conducting our investigations, burning through mortals as we pleased, and then obliterating them afterward." She playfully pinched Kasai's cheek. "But now it all makes sense. An inexperienced East Kai and a naive Supreme."

Zamasu surged his chi upward in a sharp blast, determined not to be caught off guard again. Kosu followed the Supreme Kai, and Kasai, though reluctant, finally joined them after observing the two more experienced fighters complete their pregame. This would be his first real fight.

“That’s the spirit.” Hana outmatched Zamasu’s energy easily with her own power up. Her immortality was also starting to finally feel in tact. She was worried for a little bit. She did a cursory scan for the Potara box, just in case it was in plain sight, as she darted a look between the three Kai in front of her ready to pounce. She twisted her Time Ring with a smirk. “I have friends too, you know. And they’re easy to call.”

As Goku, the South Kai, and "Hanasu" returned to Universe 10, Goku couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu. Though it was a different timeline, the Sacred Realm felt eerily familiar, with that unsettling sensation creeping into his bones once more. It was as if the planet itself disapproved of his presence. Unlike Shin's planet, this one gave off a palpable aura of disapproval. Despite his earlier confidence, being here now sparked a subtle but nagging doubt in his mind. And on top of that, he hadn't even met this timeline's Zamasu yet. What if he made the same mistakes again?

Hana did her own deep sigh of anxiety as the three walked quietly, towards the Temple, which seemed eerily quiet, as they ambled down the hill towards it.

“What should I say again when I first meet Zamasu?” Goku made both Kai jump a little with his loud voice interrupting the thick silence. He was trying to remember all of the details in the etiquette crash course he was given earlier. He was determined not to screw up. Both Kai assured him that while their Zamasu did have an intolerance of mortals in theory, he had never been personally aggressive towards them in practice.

Aoume laughed. “First, introduce yourself. Bow deeply, and lower your head. Do not look him in the eyes. Then say, ‘I am eternally grateful and humbled to be here in your Sacred Realm, and make your acquaintance, Supreme Kai of Universe 10.’ “

“Do not use his actual name!” Hana added quickly. Goku’s constant, casual, use of “Zamasu,” like he was an old friend, concerned her. “Refer to him only as ‘Supreme Kai’.” She had seen Goku give Shin this courtesy, so he was capable of being considerate, if he wanted. “Oh, and please, please, please,” she stopped in front of the Saiyan, folded her hands in front of her face, and looked at him pleadingly with Zamasu’s grey eyes. “Whatever happens, do NOT touch him!”

Goku scratched his head in deep thought. “Ok…but that might make it hard to fight him.”

“Why are you planning on fighting him?!” Both Kai shouted in alarm at the same time.

“No, I only mean if I have to! If he doesn’t like me.”

Aoume intervened, reassuring Goku, "You won't have to worry. Zamasu will make his intentions very clear before it reaches that point, and we'll ensure you're escorted out safely, I promise." Though he didn't have all the details, Aoume had heard the heart-wrenching tale of the Zamasu that Hana was entangled with. It was deeply troubling, but from what he understood, that Zamasu was much younger and still in the early stages of his Supreme Kai training. Aoume was confident that their Zamasu would exercise the necessary restraint with Goku, behaving according to his rank, regardless of any personal feelings.

“You’ll be OK.” Hana smiled and put her hand on the Saiyan’s shoulder, keen to switch the subject. She was quickly learning that comprehension, and retention of detail, was not Goku’s strength, and it was best to quit before he confused himself. “How about you refresh my memory, now, on how to fight in this thing?” She gestured toward herself. Truthfully, she was feeling more in control of Zamasu’s body as time went on, but at the same time, was losing the ability to channel the fantastic power it held when she first switched in.

Goku grinned. After his etiquette lesson before they left Universe Seven’s Sacred World, he was given a chance to share his own personal expertise with the Kai. “Just remember to K.I.S.S.!” Goku said enthusiastically.

“Keep It Simple, Stupid!” Hana said in her best Zamasu voice. She had to admit, Goku’s fighting instruction more then made up for his lack of inherit IQ. She had learned more from him in 20 minutes, than 1000 years of Kai based training.

“Inch by inch is a cinch, yard by yard is hard. Focus on doing the few things you know really well, and maximizing them with Zamasu’s natural physical capabilities.” He had observed Hana attempting a few techniques she claimed she was proficient in, and quickly concluded she was both inexperienced and poorly trained, though she showed some potential if she truly cared to improve.

Hana playfully mimicked firing a chi blast. "POW! You're dead, other Zamasu!" Then, a more serious tone crept into her voice. "Hey Goku, try not to hurt my real body too much if you can?" It was a concern that hadn't crossed her mind until now, faced with the imminent prospect of encountering herself in a battle. "I need something intact to return to." She chuckled nervously, but beneath the laughter lurked the terrifying reality of being trapped as a fused version of Zamasu for the rest of her very long life.

“Oh.” Goku looked at her curiously. She didn’t know. “That won’t be a problem, you’re immortal.”

“I am?” She pulled at her dark grey tunic and looked at Aoume with a puzzled expression.

“You mean the Zamasu in Hana’s body is immortal?” The South Kai clarified.

“Right, yes!” Goku corrected himself. This whole thing was confusing, he kept forgetting he wasn’t actually speaking to Zamasu every now and then. “The Zamasu that was in Hana’s body now, but is now in her real body, is immortal.” Did that make sense? he thought.

Aoume lifted his glasses. This was a major detail that no one thought to mention until just now? “Immortal? Are you sure?” This entire situation just elevated to a whole new, much more concerning, level if so.

“Positive. Zamasu can’t be killed. He multiplies too if parts of him are blasted off.”

Hana examined her green hands, then hesitantly felt around Zamasu's chest, as if searching for clues about his inherent immortality. Finding no answers there, she returned to her original question. "Wait, so am I immortal then?" she asked, her tone tinged with uncertainty. Had that intense, almost euphoric sensation she initially experienced been a sign of her immortality? It had faded now, but the memory lingered.

Goku crossed his arms. “Well, are you? I’m pretty sure you’d know something like that.”

Aoume swiftly considered the available evidence and formulated a hypothesis. "I think the real question is whether the immortality resides in the body itself, and if so, whether it will retain that immortality when inhabited by a different spirit," he mused aloud. "Alternatively, it could be the spirit that holds the key to immortality. In that case, does it confer immortality to the new body?" He paused, pondering further. "And if it's the spirit that matters, how long does it take for full integration of mind, spirit, and body?"

Hana and Goku both looked at him blankly. She leaned over to the Saiyan and said quietly, “Yeah, he’s really smart.” She thought she understood what the South Kai was trying to communicate, and guessed she’d find out soon enough.

Aoume was about to question Goku on what he felt was the goal of Zamasu infiltrating this new timeline was, when a series of blasts suddenly erupted from the Temple.

“Looks like the party came to us!” Goku exclaimed, doing nothing to hide his excitement as he took off down the hill.

“Goku! NO! Wait!” Both Kai shouted in unison, as all of their etiquette lessons flushed down the drain within a matter of seconds, before their eyes.

Inside the Temple, chaos reigned supreme. Hana immediately opened fire, blasting a hole through the side of the main corridor, revealing the outside quad. Zamasu wasted no time in taking the fight outside, but Hana persistently tried to lure it back in, aiming to destroy the Temple and expose its hidden secrets in the process. Zamasu pursued the possessed North Kai relentlessly, firing blasts and attempting to strike with his chi blade. He noticed that his alternate self had mastered Hana’s body to its full potential, proving impossible to catch and engage with hand-to-hand combat. What's more, she seemed completely unharmed by every blast he directed at her. It was infuriating; Zamasu remembered being able to inflict damage during their initial encounter. Doubts crept into his mind—was he more fatigued than he realized, causing his aim to suffer, or were his blasts simply weaker in comparison? Frustration welled up within him, evident in his increasingly aggressive, sloppy, fighting style. <\p>

Zamasu paused mid-air, taking a moment to catch his breath as Hana momentarily vanished from his sight. He scanned the area for his backup and spotted the inexperienced Kasai on the ground, vulnerable to attack. Just as Hana prepared to unleash a devastating blast on the East Kai, Zamasu intervened, unleashing a barrage of energy blasts toward his alternate self. Hana deflected the attack, and Kasai narrowly avoided the brunt of the assault, but Zamasu could feel his energy reserves dwindling. The effort had taken its toll, leaving him bitterly aware of the cost of his actions as he looked down at his inexperienced lower Kai from above.

Hana appeared suddenly in his peripheral vision, looking fresh and ready for round two. “Kosu get her! Block her!” Zamasu yelled at the West Kai, who was not having the greatest showing himself. Whether he was tentative to throw an attack, due to not wanting to hurt what look liked his sister, or was just considerably out of practice, he completely wasted an opportunity to trap the North Kai along a side wall where both Kai could’ve ambushed her afterwards.

Hana gritted her teeth and fired at Kosu, landing the blast square in his chest and getting around to his other side. Zamasu swore to himself, then flew down and managed to cut her off, where they locked eyes for a brief moment before finally engaging hand to hand. They wielded the same weapon as before and clashed chi blades, while trying to knock the other out of the air with various counter assaults.

“I can’t tell if you’re just doing this for show, or if you genuinely don’t want what we have to offer.” Hana effortlessly kept moving her head out of the way of Zamasu’s strikes before throwing a few counters of her own. “You can easily have one of the fusions, if thats a sticking point for you.” She said as she trapped his blade between her hands and threw him to the side where she caught him with a knee. “The original intent was not to kill you, but it will be inevitable if you continue to persist with this delusion!” She wiped a few strands of sweaty hair out of her eyes. “Anyway, the Eastern sector is already infected, even if you did manage to somehow stop me here.” She had a wild look in her eyes as the Supreme Kai collected himself from his gut check and refused to take the bait.

Zamasu wiped the violet blood off his cheek, his gaze fixed firmly on his alternate self. It was unmistakably him, seething with fury from within Hana's form. What vexed him most was his exclusion from the plan. The Zamasu within Hana assumed he would readily abandon his universe, handing over the multiverse Potara to continue his destructive path. But for what purpose?

“What could you possibly have to offer me that I don’t already possess?” Zamasu's smile was fading as he ignored the growing pain in his side. “I am the Supreme Kai. I have attained all that I desire. You lecture me, yet you're the one trapped in the body of a lesser Kai, playing for time.”

“And how has this skirmish fared for you? You're hopelessly outmatched, and deep down, you realize it. You're the one buying time. Even now, you're stalling.” Hana's tone dripped with hatred. “Supreme denotes the apex, the zenith. Nowhere else to ascend.” Her expression shifted from blank to a faint smirk. “Yet here you stand, beneath me, both figuratively and literally. Is that not the epitome of 'Supreme'?” The smirk faded into seriousness. “You know that if you persist with your current stance, death is inevitable. I warned you earlier. I can't risk the intervention of the Destroyer if you refuse to aid in his obliteration first.” She raised her hand in a final gesture. “This is your last opportunity. Your last chance to elevate yourself and transcend your current limitations.”

Zamasu hesitated. Just for a few slow deep breaths. But then held his palm out as a dark purple and black chi blast began to grow. He tried to think of something verbose to say, something that matched how above this desperate version of himself he truly felt, despite his impending defeat. “Get out of my universe.” Were the only words he could form.

Hana shook her head with a "tsk," then ascended to a safe distance, charging a large yellow and orange sphere. Starting small, it rapidly inflated to an almost comical size. “I really don’t want to do this to you. I was hoping you’d help us perfect divinity, perfect the universes. Give yourself the means to truly use the keys you control as Supreme Kai.” She narrowed her eyes. “But you’ve exposed yourself to be as gutless as the mortals you pretend to care for. You’re a disgrace.” She raised her hand up higher in preparation to launch. “This hurts me too.”

Zamasu could feel the radiative heat spewing like hot wind from the massive attack Hana held up in her delicate hands as he gazed helplessly upwards at it. He caught the West and South Kai below in the corner of his eye bravely standing their ground below, in solidarity with him. The blast cast an infernal glow behind the North Kai, reflecting her untamed beauty, and echoed the desperation in her eyes. With a slight recoil, she prepared to unleash the devastating blow, but then hesitated. Something had caught her attention, and she began to frantically scan the surroundings. "No!" she exclaimed, as a resounding voice rang out from behind, its source obscured by the brilliance of the energy bomb shining above.

“Hey Supreme Kai, you might want to get down!” It yelled.

Zamasu plummeted from the sky, crashing to his knees in exhaustion. Filled with adrenaline, he didn't question the origin or intent of the command directed at him. As he hit the ground, his gaze shot up to witness a magnificent blue-white streak of power tear across the sky, striking the North Kai point-blank. Her own attack dissipated, absorbed by the stronger force that slammed her into the Temple wall, causing it to crumble and bury her beneath the rubble.

With a quick turn, Zamasu caught a fleeting glimpse of the new assailant before Hana exploded from the debris in a burst of iridescent light. She was injured, her torn clothes and bloodied skin revealing the extent of the damage inflicted by the invader's single shot. Clutching her arm as if it were broken, she collected herself amidst the outpouring of her energy.

"Nothing has changed, Goku!" she screamed into the air. "History will repeat itself, though you might not!" She clenched her teeth as Zamasu watched her body begin to repair itself right before his eyes. He wasn’t sure what he was witnessing. His first guess was immortality, but he had never encountered anything truly immortal. It was all just theory and speculation. Even though Kai could live for eons, they could be easily killed physically; they weren’t immortal.

The fighter wasted no time. He didn’t speak or reply to the North Kai’s threat. In a streak of blue he immediately engaged with her hand to hand, rushing her as her wounds continued to repair themselves. By the time they were in the thick of it, her torn blood soaked clothes were the only evidence she had been injured at all. The strange fighter had no problem landing strikes, though had to take a few hits himself in order to achieve them, and seemed keen to keep the fight in as close contact as possible.

Kosu and Kasai ran over to Zamasu and helped him to his feet as the fight waged on overhead. Kosu stared at the fighter in the sky with an impressed look on his face. He whistled. “Wow, who is he?” Kosu looked at Zamasu, who was barely holding himself up with an arm snaked around the West Kai’s neck for support. “I think he’s a mortal, if you want my opinion.”

With the rush of imminent death finally subsided, Zamasu narrowed his eyes and properly assessed the mysterious fighter. He temporarily disengaged from the fight and observed the interaction between the mortal and the Zamasu inside Hana. It was unmistakably a mortal. Zamasu was certain of it, both by appearance and sensation. This mortal seemed to have some familiarity with him, engaging in conversation with the North Kai. While the mortal had remarkably been winning the fight thus far, he had also been wreaking havoc on the Sacred Realm and Temple. Continuing his assault would lay bare all of its secrets. With resolve, Zamasu released Kosu and charged up once more to rejoin the fray. This mortal had just declared war on him, in a manner reminiscent of the other Zamasu inhabiting Hana's body.

“Wait no! Zamasu! Don’t go up there!”

Hana and the South Kai came rushing in what remained of the quad.

Zamasu’s eyes widened at the sight of himself. “You chose NOW to return?” He angrily snapped at Hana. He looked back up at the fighters above before returning his attention to Hana. “You’re going to get caught! You’re useless here, get out!”

Hana went to reply but suddenly felt her Time Ring begin to singe, like a branding iron, against her skin. She quietly shrieked as the other Kai observed her struggle, and tried to pull it off her finger, but it sunk into her green flesh as the heat caused it to expand, making it impossible to remove. She cried out in audible pain.
…..

Goku grinned as he broke away from the initial skirmish, taking a momentary pause in the battle. "Well, hello there, Zamasu. You seem to have undergone a bit of a transformation," he remarked, eyeing the real Hanakotoba for the first time. He couldn't help but notice, though, the unmistakable expression of hatred, reminiscent of his old adversary on her attractive face. "I'm not entirely sure if we should continue fighting or perhaps head out for dinner together," he quipped with a hint of jest.

Zamasu's smirk widened within Hana's form. "Thank you for the hospitality, Goku. It's always a pleasure," she replied with a touch of sarcasm. "As for your offer, I'm afraid mortals aren't exactly my preferred company," she chuckled dryly. "But let's not digress. Nothing has changed. This will still have to end the same way, if you want it to end at all. You can't beat us," she declared firmly, crossing her arms in defiance. "I'd wager my immortal life that you didn't even think to bring that little Zeno button anyway. If you even still have it."

Goku narrowed his eyes. He did not have the Zeno button, it could be on the bottom of a laundry basket with Chi Chi for all he knew, but he was still confident this would turn out differently. “That’s ok. I won’t need to erase the timeline, just you.”

“We’ll see.” Hana smiled as she wrapped her one hand around the other and squeezed iher fist around her Time Ring. She powered up a bright flash around it. “Escaping erasure did take its toll on my memory though. Enlighten me- about how many were there of me, right before the end?” Steam began to rise between her fingers where the ring sat absorbing her energy. “That is, if your primitive brain can even count beyond one hundred.”

Chapter Text

It started with one, then two, then a pause. It then erupted to five, nine, fifteen, until it was too overwhelming to count. Some hovered in the air like low hanging rain clouds, while others elegantly splashed upon the ground. Both the planet and the Temple seemed to pulsate with an awareness of the impending devastation, mirrored by the apprehension etched on the Supreme Kai's face, as he stood frozen in awe. Goku's gaze hardened as the atmosphere became saturated with the chi of over a hundred enraged fusions. Their corrupt energy permeated the air, like the curious unsettling scent of an ocean, right before a hurricane.

The Supreme Kai nervously glanced around like a child trapped in a funhouse mirror maze, panicked that every direction led to more dead end reflections of himself. The incoming Kais all bore the same eerie resemblance to the peculiar version Hana was trapped in, adorned in sinister robes with wildly styled hair. It did not escape his notice that they bore a striking similarity to the blue-haired mortal hovering above them. Gritting his teeth, enlightenment dawned; he finally grasped the significance of Zamasu in Hana's body repeatedly referring to "us." His encounter at World Core now seemed like a distant memory, and he chastised himself for overlooking the presence of the other Zamasu alongside the one inside Hana there. This attack, at least to some degree, had warning signs, and he should have anticipated it.

The Zamasu in Hana released her grip on her ring, once satisfied with the numbers. She went to speak when she noticed one of the copies acting suspiciously. Whereas the others kept still as an ominous Terracotta Army, this one was causing a commotion next to the Kai of Universe 10. She first narrowed her eyes in scrutiny and then let them slip wide. His ears were bare, he was standing next to the Supreme Kai, and trying to get his burning ring off. It was the real Hanakotoba. Her Zamasu was the missing body. She quickly turned her head back and glared at the Saiyan before her, while shifting her eyes to the side every few moments, to keep her target in her crosshairs. Goku stood like an insurmountable wall between her and her bounty. She unconsciously fussed with her purple Potara, still clipped into her right ear.

As Goku watched the number of Kai swell, he realized he hadn’t factored in that Zamasu had been here a while, and had already made the necessary preparations needed to begin his new campaign in this timeline. It didn’t seem like him to operate so patiently in the shadows in such a way, after his last spectacle. He looked down at the Universe 10 Kai below. Could any of them fight? Zamasu, the Supreme Kai version, older, with more training reps under his belt, was most likely the only one who stood a remote chance of walking out of this alive. The North Kai, who was frantically pulling at her hand for some reason, only if she could tap into her fused Zamasu’s cells, and draw out what latent power was still left behind in his body. He doubted it though. The others he did not know, save the South Kai, who was far too old to fight at all. The darkish purple Kai, with the teal sash, looked strong and capable, but most Kai leveled out around regular Super Saiyan, at most. And he was a lower Kai, so even that might be a stretch. The nervous looking short red-haired one looked like an adolescent, so more likely a liability than a help. Goku hefted a heavy sigh and turned back towards his old enemy.

"That's quite the trick," he remarked, acknowledging the smoldering Time Ring with a nod. Zamasu frequently executed extraordinary feats, sometimes even beyond his own comprehension. Goku was eager for any information that could aid in the upcoming fight, and Zamasu was always willing to divulge his secrets to those curious enough to ask.

“Indeed,” she paused in mutual admiration between her and the clones. “We are bound by time and space. Our endless hedonic hunger for justice knits us together.” She smiled as she held up her ring. “We’re both one and many. Like wasps. Have you ever watched wasps protecting their hive, Goku?” She quickly scoffed at her own question. “Of course not. That would require a degree of intellectual curiosity, a guaranteed anomaly for your barbaric Saiyan brain.”

Goku ignored the comment about his intellect. It would be the first of many during the long dogfight ahead, it wasn’t worth dignifying Zamasu with a response so early in the game. Instead he focused on the last comment. “Alright, so how many are you now?”

Zamasu smiled and launched into a lengthy response. Goku's mind drifted to his prior encounter with the cunning Kai and his surprising multiplication technique just before the battle's end. Were those duplicates truly genuine? He never had the chance to test them in combat, leaving them shrouded in mystery, the sole unpredictable element in the current situation. It was conceivable that each one was a distinct entity, yet equally plausible that their vulnerability lay in their interconnection, hastily pieced together as Zamasu himself hinted. If this were the case, he could potentially exploit their mutual dependence, turning them into architects of their own demise. A smile played on his lips as Zamasu continued his verbose response to a simple question.

“You know what, maybe I’m not as smart as you, Zamasu,” Goku suddenly cut him off mid sentence, “but I do know one thing my first Master taught me many years ago.” He grinned. “Multiplying and dividing aren’t the same thing. Which one are you, I wonder?“

Goku noticed just the slightest twitch of Hana’s face after a long angry pause, as Zamasu answered. “Whatever implications you're entertaining, Goku, rest assured they will soon unravel as naively misguided," Zamasu asserted with an air of certainty. She glanced at the fusions, who in turn looked at her. Most of them suddenly transmitted out, leaving only a small handful behind. “This will suffice to bring about your destruction, along with the feeble gods of this timeline, leaving this Sacred Realm to be plundered to my utter satisfaction." Her energy suddenly began to swell exponentially as she gave a look of furious resolution. "Why assemble an army when one explosive can conclude the conflict?"

“Division.” Goku resolved, as he powered up. He had called Zamasu’s bluff, and the Kai was determined to prove him wrong, even if it was a risk. The first battle was mental, and Goku had won. “Hey Universe 10 Kai, I hope you’re ready!” He yelled to the waiting gods below.

The Supreme Kai craned his neck, as if hoping to eavesdrop on the private conversation between the mortal and his other self. Aware that the impending battle was imminent, he turned to his subordinate Kai. He seized Aoume and Kasai by their robes, while turning his gaze towards the North Kai. "You find cover until I call for you," he instructed firmly, well aware of Hana’s poor track record with following orders. He then motioned towards the West Kai. "As for you, prepare yourself for combat." Kosu nervously rolled up his sleeves and managed a feeble thumbs-up. Hana glanced at Kosu as Zamasu disappeared. Kosu quickly averted her gaze.

“Hey….sis.” Kosu said sheepishly to her.

“Hey?” Hana raised her eyebrows at her suddenly awkward sibling. “What’s the matter with you Kosumosu?” She put her hands on Zamasu’s hips. “We might all be dead in a few minutes!”

Kosu struggled to find the words to express how the Zamasu inhabiting her body had deeply unsettled him earlier, so he remained silent. He reasoned that he could sort out his feelings in Otherworld after their inevitable deaths. "Just be careful. Don't switch back with her unless it's absolutely necessary," he finally spoke, his gaze softening. "Zamasu is correct. You're a liability in this situation."

Hana regarded him in the corner of her eye as she felt for the red multiverse Potara she had clipped to the inside of her waistband, for safekeeping- just in case. “I’m staying here, Kosu. You won’t change my mind. That mortal up there helped me a bit with my fighting. You might need me.”

Kosu couldn't contain his amusement, letting out a snort followed by a hearty laugh, drawing the attention of several nearby Zamasus. In his opinion, Hanakotoba possessed many admirable qualities, but fighting wasn't one of them. "Need I remind you," his tone teasing, "that it took you three attempts to pass the technical fighting portion of the King Kai certification exam?" He suspected that inhabiting Zamasu's body was inflating her confidence. "And let's not forget that you only landed the job because the other candidate was caught being a bit too friendly with the mortal women on planet Kayf," he added with a smirk.

Hana scoffed. "That's ancient history. I've improved since then," she asserted, clenching her fists tightly, attempting to tap into the deep reserves of power she usually drew from within Zamasu's body, but finding them strangely depleted. "And let's not forget, you're the one who encouraged me to apply for this position. I didn't ask for any of this," she retorted, frustration evident in her voice. She tried once more to connect with the boiling energy that typically coursed just beneath Zamasu's skin, but came up empty-handed. "You just focus on yourself!" With that, she snapped and stormed off, leaving Kosu behind.

"Hanakotoba!" Kosu shouted after her retreating figure, but she refused to turn back. "You're going to get yourself killed," he muttered to himself, feeling the weight of the approaching fusions' gazes as Hana blended in among them. He let out a nervous puff of air from his cheeks. It had been ages since he'd engaged in a genuine fight. When was Zamasu coming back?

"I'm not sure what you're waiting for, Goku. It's your move," Zamasu declared, wearing Hana's smirk. "I declined your offer for a more civil resolution earlier, so it seems we'll have to settle this in the more traditional, brutal fashion."

Goku flicked his eyes downward, scanning the ground in search of the Supreme Kai's return. He had sensed him leaving earlier with two others, but hadn't returned yet. He couldn't afford to stall for time any longer. "Just one more thing," he began, "I believe I've earned this request."

Hana’s face fell impatiently. “What now. A god doesn’t owe a mortal anything and I’m growing impatient.”

“I want the first of you. The original Zamasu to be the one I get to fight in the end. Not one of these fakes. I think I’ve earned that much.”

She smiled. "They're all authentic, as you'll soon find out. But anyway, you already have him," she remarked, pausing briefly to reflect on the complexity of her current situation. "In a manner of speaking." She chuckled lightly as she wielded her blade. "I apologize if this form disappoints you, Goku. I can't say I made the wisest choice myself, but another Kai was necessary to test the limits of the Potara. Although this outcome wasn't our intention, its implications are profound."

That’s all I needed to know, Goku thought.

"I'll do my best to make this worth your while, I promise," she vowed, crossing her heart with her free hand. "But let's not prolong this any further. I've grown tired of your stalling tactics." Her gaze flicked to the side, spotting Hanakatobo concealed nearby in the shadows, simultaneously blending in with the others while attempting to remain unnoticed.

When the Supreme Kai finally returned, it was to mayhem. Each fighter was embroiled in their own battle. Zamasu's attention was drawn to Kosu first, observing him as he mostly dodged and evaded attacks, with little chance to counterattack. The disparity in skill between him and the two fusions pursuing him seemed insurmountable. Zamasu narrowly avoided a blast that came dangerously close to where he stood, witnessing Kosu's descent to the ground before swiftly taking flight.

“Zamasu!!” Kosu yelled as he zipped by. “I can’t hit them!”

Zamasu watched Kosu’s pathetic fight and made a solemn vow that if they managed to survive this trial, he would meticulously review all of his younger Kai's combat records and drastically escalate their training, even if it required his personal supervision. This situation was undeniably humiliating.

He followed Kosu upwards and spotted the mortal, witnessing him entangled in mid-air with the one inhabiting Hana's body, along with another fusion. Their movements were so swift that it was challenging to discern the exact sequence of events. Zamasu felt a pang of discomfort at the sight of a mere mortal contending with two of his own kind, while he, the Supreme Kai, struggled against just one—especially as it was the one hindered by Hanakotoba's physiology. Such power shouldn't be accessible to anyone lacking divine status. Part of him was curious to meet this mortal, yet he harbored a faint hope that the mortal wouldn't survive, sparing him the need to reconcile with someone who, in Zamasu's view, had already accrued a lengthy list of transgressions.

Zamasu then scanned the chaotic scene around him, searching for any sign of Hana's fusion. He quickly realized it was challenging to distinguish her amidst the flurry of activity and myriad of identical twins. She could be blending in seamlessly, perhaps even actively engaging in the attacks alongside the other fusions in an attempt to conceal her identity; however, such cunning and aggressive behavior seemed ill suited for the typically sensitive North Kai, even with the protection of his own body. Zamasu had instructed her to leave, but refrained from forcibly relocating her in case her body could serve as leverage if needed. He was confident that she wouldn't come to harm, at least not at the hands of the other Zamasus.

Lost in his observations, Zamasu suddenly became acutely aware that the two fusions nearest to him had abandoned their pursuit of Kosu and were now closing in on him. As if sensing the impending danger to the Supreme Kai, as well as the havoc being wrecked upon the Temple and the planet itself, the Sacred World sprang into action, manifesting its own counterattack. Partly sentient in its own right, like all planets within the Kai realm, the Sacred World responded with a defense mechanism. In an act of self-preservation, it conjured an unexpected lightning storm and a torrential downpour, anticipating the potential for fire or other collateral damage resulting from the ongoing conflict. Aware of the precious secrets hidden within its depths, essential for the creation and maintenance of the universe, the planet was determined to protect them at all costs. This sudden turn of events added insult to injury for the fighters, who now had to contend with not only their opponents, but also the discomfort posed by the inclement weather, and the challenges presented by the colligative properties of water affecting the accuracy of their attacks.

Finding himself engaged hand to hand, Zamasu quickly deduced that the fused versions of him were incalculably strong, but not infallible. There was a back and forth to their fighting that curiously felt almost like level playing ground. They also preferred to slug it out with their fists, instead of taking to the sky with aerial attacks, the latter being his experience with Hana’s version. He was able to dodge and parry most of what came his way, but many of his own offensive strikes were met with hard blocks followed by counters of their own. The fusions felt like brick walls to him whenever contact was made, and any damage that snuck in through sheer luck was a purple paper cut on their quickly self healing skin. They had a mischievous nature about them also, as they tag teamed in and out of the fight with others nearby tormenting the other Kai or destroying the planet.

Soaked and losing steam, the Supreme Kai finally managed to land his blade squarely in the side of one of the fused Zamasus' necks, causing a deep searing of its skin. He grinned triumphantly, only to recoil in disgust as the skin reversed in time, healing the wound even as the blade continued to sink in. In retaliation, the fused Zamasu swiftly returned the favor, causing a sharp yelp of pain to escape Zamasu's lips as the collar and left side of his tunic burned away. His green skin tore open, exposing raw flesh to the open air. An arm snaked around his neck while another locked him in place against the chest of another fused version of himself, whike he dealt with his wound. It snickered quietly and taunted him, sending shivers down the Supreme Kai's spine as he heard his own lilting cadence echoed back at him.

“Greetings, Supreme Kai.”

Zamasu noted the sarcasm as he felt the fusion press on his neck and force his head and chest down.

"Bow down before the true deities of the multiverse..”

The second assailant approached from the front, swiftly wielding his blade. Zamasu, feeling frustrated, countered by launching a blast from his hand behind him, using it as a distraction. Seizing the opportunity, he landed a solid uppercut under his attacker’s chin as he spun around, loosening the grip. The fusion created some distance, and paused, its cold, dead, silver eyes fixed on him. Despite their bravado, Zamasu just couldn’t help but notice their lack of seriousness in this confrontation, reminiscent of the peculiar antics he had witnessed on World Core. As the ambient light fluctuated from darkness to brilliance, with each lightning strike momentarily illuminating the fusions like specters lurking in a child’s closet, Zamasu seized the pause in the battle.

"If that's the pinnacle of power the true gods of the multiverse can muster, I find it rather underwhelming," Zamasu remarked with a smirk.

The Zamasus crossed their arms in unison. "You've yet to witness our full potential.” One of them spoke.

The two elegantly posed their hands in a flourish, about to make good on their promise, when they suddenly stopped and looked upwards towards the sky and then their Time Rings.

Goku found himself barely treading water against his two adversaries. The Zamasu inhabiting Hana's body surged forward with remarkable speed and agility, launching slashing attacks, and chi blasts, amidst the torrential rain. Each blast she unleashed scattered across the sky, illuminating the darkness like a dazzling array of small colored lights as they refracted through the raindrops. She executed these intricate aerial maneuvers and attacks, while the other Zamasu seized every opportunity to close in for hand-to-hand combat. At one point, he hurled a block of katchin through the darkness, narrowly missing Goku's skull as the Saiyan evaded it during a fortuitous flash of lightning, which briefly illuminated the scene; however, the projectile found an unfortunate target, crashing through the rear of the Temple and leveling a section of it to the ground.

As Goku fought, he couldn’t help but notice inconsistencies in their power, just as he predicted. He noticed that Hana’s Zamasu, the original Zamasu, felt almost the same in terms of amount of chi as the last time, but here, he was stunted significantly due to the limitations of the North Kai’s physical attributes. While his spirit represented a vast reservoir of energy, Hana's body lacked the means to effectively channel it, akin to a massive reservoir with no outlet pipes; while the other fusion appeared to have the necessary infrastructure in place, yet it lacked the deep wellspring of chi to draw from. Goku couldn't help but wonder if other copies suffered from the same curious defect. If only he could engage more of them in combat to find out. Despite their differing issues, both versions shared the infuriating trait of immortality. Neither Hana's incarnation nor the other fusion hesitated to harm each other in their relentless pursuit of Goku, rendering them exponentially more challenging to deal with.

Goku ascended through the driving rain, glancing upward to see both Zamasus hovering ominously above him with outstretched hands. Bracing himself for an impending attack, he heard the North Kai’s voice.

“Regrettably, Goku, our purpose transcends mere combat. While engaging you was an amusing diversion, our true intent lies elsewhere.”

The fusion standing next to her added with a sneer. “You’re in our way.”

Goku wiped the water out of his eyes. He pulled his hands at his sides and began to charge a large blast. “Sorry. You’ll have to go through me. No other choice.”

As the Zamasu within Hana reached for her ring again, charging it just as before, a sudden shriek echoed from below as Hanakatobo flushed herself out of hiding, an ivoluntary reaction to the burning on her hand. Goku, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected sound, turned his gaze downward. In that short moment of distraction, his concentration faltered, leaving him vulnerable to a powerful seismic blast initiated from the Kai from above. The force of the explosion sent him crashing to the ground, where he landed heavily on one knee, and pounded the ground with his other hand, causing the earth to tremble beneath him. As he rose to his feet, he found himself surrounded by five more fusion copies, a consequence of his brief lapse in focus.

Hana observed the chaotic scene unfolding near one of the dilapidated walls of the Temple. Everyone seemed deeply engrossed in their own struggles. Kosu was somehow managing to walk between the raindrops of death at every turn. Goku soared above, demonstrating the immense potential she had suspected he possessed. Zamasu appeared to be teetering on the brink of disaster as he attempted to avoid getting himself and Rumsshi killed with one misstep.

Her gaze shifted to her own body, which she finally spotted, suspended in the air and under the control of another version of Zamasu. It wielded formidable fighting power, as it fought Goku, stirring within her a twinge of jealousy for what she longed to be but knew she could never achieve. She attempted once more to channel her Zamasu’s energy she had recently tapped into, but it proved futile. All she felt were the shallow remnants of her familiar meager fighting potential. In that moment, Hana realized she was truly of no use to anyone. Resentment swelled within her as she wondered why Zamasu had left her here, vulnerable, instead of taking her to safety like he had with the South and East Kai. Amidst her frustration, there was a silver lining, though: the fusions seemed to be ignoring her.

A sudden seismic blast erupted, momentarily paralyzing everything. Her Time Ring flared up again, eliciting another cry of surprise as she hurried out of her makeshift shelter, the rain steaming off the burning ring. A flurry of fusions suddenly materialized all around, particularly converging around Goku who had crashed nearby. Ignoring the growing pain in her hand, she made a motion to jump to his aid before realizing it was a laughable intention on her part. Suddenly aware of her vulnerability out in the open, she turned to leave, only to find herself flanked by her own body, and another fusion, as they dropped out of the sky.

“Hello, Hanakotoba. Leaving so soon?”

Hana backed up into the fusion behind her, finding herself trapped with no escape. Despite her new predicament, she couldn't help but be consumed by the surreal experience of seeing herself through someone else's eyes. Anger coursed through her veins; the version of Zamasu within her had subjected her body to considerable strain, evident by the state of her torn clothes, and blood stains, though strangely, there was no visible blood on her skin. She gaped at her shorn white hair. It was as bad as she thought it would be.

“The Potara, Hanakotoba. With haste, preferably.”

Hana felt the fusion behind her grab her arms and hold her in place.

“I am willing to cooperate with you and perform this switch without dramatics. My next move will be by force.”

Hana watched herself perform Zamasu’s signature move, channeling her energy into her hand to form a blade. “You wouldn’t damage your own body. Even you’re not that petty,” she said confidently.

"It’s of little consequence. We’re both immortal. You by proxy. Me by design," Zamasu remarked, his tone brimming with condescension. "Come to think of it, what a divine and generous gift I have bestowed upon you, North Kai. I had to be exceedingly clever to earn my immortality, while you merely stumbled into greatness. As you always do."

Confused, Hana asked, “Then why threaten me at all, if I can just regenerate?”

Hana watched as a wicked grin crawled across her own face. “Because there is excruciating pain before the relief; which, I’m certain, you couldn’t endure.

Hana's hand shook as she reached for the Potara in her waistband. She unclipped it and held it up. She felt the hands behind her tighten in anticipation, and watched her own eyes grow wide on the face in front of her. She smiled briefly before throwing it onto the ground, and smashing her boot down. It made a sound of shattered glass. “Whoops.” She badly desired to give in to the switch, but she knew its implications at this moment, and that now was not the right time.

She watched the lips curl upwards on her face into a sneer. “You waste of divinity! Procuring that wasn't easy! My threats to you remain unchanged, and it alters your destiny none."

Hana attempted to respond, but before she could utter a word, she felt the fusion's arms wrap around her in a rear naked choke, squeezing tightly. Stars danced before her eyes as she struggled to draw in a breath. She witnessed the Zamasu in her body reach for something behind her head—the fusion's Universe 10 Potara on his left ear.

"I am not entirely certain what will occur if we employ this earring instead of the one you discarded." The green Potara dangled from her fingers. "However, I believe the outcome will be comparable. Nevertheless, despite its initial curiosity, your physiology has worn out its welcome and I cannot endure another moment in your feeble body. It is a risk worth taking."

Goku found himself in a grueling battle against the troop of Zamasu clones that had surrounded him, each exhibiting varying degrees of power. While some proved stronger than others, none matched the energy potential of the original Zamasu inhabiting the North Kai's body, as Goku predicted ealier. As the fight carried him further from the central conflict, he glanced up at one moment, after distracting his assailants with a blast, and caught sight of the North Kai's dire situation in the distance. It had to be her against the wall, why else would a fusion be threatened by the female Zamasu?

A blinding ball of energy suddenly engulfed them, momentarily obscuring them from his view. Squinting through the residual light, Goku witnessed one of the fusions, and the female Hana clutching their heads in apparent distress, then, as if awakening from a daze, they shook off the confusion; however, the female North Kai's demeanor shifted abruptly, her expression morphed into one of fear as she suddenly jumped back and managed to unleash a powerful blast. The energy tore through the air, skimming the face of one of the fusions before striking the other squarely in the chest, sending it crashing into the wall behind him. Goku felt a punch hit him in the side of the face, another consequence of his shifted focus. He desperately tried to lure his fight back towards the center of action, a bad premonition stirring in his gut.

Zamasu seized Hana by the neck, pressing her against the crumbling Temple walls with a sickening crack as the back of her head collided with a loud smack. He tore off the 10th universe Potara still dangling from his left ear, pulverizing it into fine powder in his hand before discarding the sparkling remnants like fairy dust onto the ground. With a swift motion, he snatched the purple Potara from Hana and stowed it away for safekeeping, ensuring that switching bodies would no longer be an option for her.

A deep gash marred his face from Hana's recent attack, oozing violet blood and exposing layers of burning, sensitive tissue beneath. Lost in his fury, he failed to notice that the wound was not immediately healing itself, or that the other fusion was still knocked out. As Hana faintly opened her eyes, regaining consciousness from her brief concussion, a profound frown creased Zamasu's features.

"I'm experiencing déjà vu, Hanakotoba," he sneered. "We’ve been here before. Can you feel it too? Can you hear your past self, screaming in abject fear, across the ripples of time?" With a pink flash, his blade manifested around his right hand. "It wasn't simple, though, last time. You were clever enough to evade me initially, anticipating my intentions. But eventually, your fortune waned when you couldn't resist saving that mortal.." He taunted, as he prepared to strike. "Do you want to know what you said to me? Right before I killed you?”

Hana pulled at Zamasu’s hand around her neck, which was wrapped just tightly enough to ensure she was uncomfortable, but conscious. She opened her eyes for a moment and peered over his shoulder, at the fight raging on in the background. The Supreme Kai was fighting off two versions of himself at once. They were taunting him, though she couldn’t make out their words. Her eyes opened wide in alarm to his situation, as the sudden blistering heat of Zamasu’s blade entered into her side and through her body, nailing her to the wall behind her. As every nerve in her body was abruptly taken prisoner, she turned her attention from the surrounding fight towards the exponential pain of her imminent death. She felt blood pool in her mouth and trickle out, as frightened tears streaked involuntarily down her cheeks.

“You said you knew what I really was.” Zamasu said, as he released her neck and drove the blade in deeper and turned his hand sideways, preparing to cut her in half. A strained grunt escaped the North Kai as she grimaced, pressing herself against the wall behind her, her nails clawing desperately for relief from the pain. Zamasu wiped the tears clinging to her eyelashes with his thumb, pity evident in his gaze as he lifted her face upward. With a sense of finality, he gave her a deep, lingering kiss, ending her futile struggle for survival that he could no longer bear to witness. "It’s regrettable I’m no longer in there with you, to share my immortality. Thank you, though, for lending me your body. It was quite enlightening," he smirked with her fresh blood smeared across his mouth before drawing his hand back like the hammer of a gun.

Hana braced herself for the inevitable. Then, in a sudden reversal, the familiar rush of euphoria surged within her, just as when she first was in Zamasu’s body. Her senses, once screaming with pain, were now comfortably numb, as the sensation enveloped her from head to toe. Seizing the momentary surge of strength, she swiftly raised her hand under her captor's arm, unleashing a powerful blast of hot pink energy across the quad towards one of the Zamasus threatening the Supreme Kai. The blast struck its target, igniting upon impact and forcing him out of the fight. The Supreme Kai glanced over his shoulder in search of his savior, but saw only the backs of the nearby fusions and the blue-haired mortal engaged in battle in the near distance, exchanging blows and energy blasts. Did that mortal just save him? After a moment’s hesitation and a suscipcious glare, he turned back to face his remaining assailant, resuming the fight.

Hana turned a triumphant gaze towards her own Zamasu, a satisfied smile on her lips as she observed the aftermath of her actions; however, her momentary triumph was short-lived as the wave of immortality that had briefly enveloped her dissipated as quickly as it had arrived. With an audible growl and a sneer, Zamasu launched into his final assault, a slow transverse cut across her middle, as Hana’s ensuing screams were swallowed by the noise and chaos all around.

“Hold on, North Kai!” Goku exclaimed as he appeared nearby. He had been fighting his way back over since witnessing her ill-fated attempt to attack the fused Zamasu that had switched with her; he was sure that was what he witnessed. With a final instant transmission, he materialized directly behind Zamasu, swiftly wrapping his arm around his neck and pulling him, along with his blade, forcefully towards the ground. It was a risky maneuver, but any attack from the side risked the blade completing its deadly job. As Goku successfully diverted Zamasu's attention away from the North Kai and towards him, Hana crumpled to the ground in a pitiful heap, awaiting the fickle immortality to return again, if it even would.

"NO!" Kosu had helplessly witnessed much of his sister's torment from the sidelines as he struggled with his own battle. "Damnit, Hana!" He fired himself up and, to his surprise, suddenly began to land blows on the Zamasu standing between him and his dying sibling. It was as if the tide had suddenly turned, with the green Kai inexplicably becoming increasingly vulnerable to his attacks. Despite the fury he felt at witnessing his sister's death, Kosu didn't feel any stronger, yet he managed to land a few hits, causing some mild damage that was lingering on their bodies and earning some much-needed points for his team; however, his Zamasu retaliated fiercely, pushing him further away from Hana, whom the West Kai desperately tried to reach.

Kosu caught sight of the Supreme Kai in his peripheral vision, seemingly faring much better as well, as he launched a powerful blast that pushed his sole remaining assailant away, granting him a temporary respite. Was he also experiencing a stroke of luck at that moment? Kosu briefly considered calling out the Supreme Kai's name, but the thought of drawing the attention of the other Zamasus made him hesitate. Instead, he opted for a more indirect approach. "Supreme Kai!" he yelled, knowing that with the presence of the mortal, Zamasu was likely to respond. Zamasu's head snapped in his direction, and without a moment's hesitation, he flew towards the crumpled form of Hana, guided by a subtle gesture from Kosu.

Zamasu landed next to her, his pristine white boots tainted with the violet hue of her blood pooling beneath her. His stomach churned with dread as he feared she might be dead. In that moment, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions surged within him - fury towards her for once again ignoring his orders, yet a profound sense of devastation at the mere thought of her absence from their makeshift family. With a mixture of anger and tenderness, he lifted her arm over and around his neck, securing her limp form over his shoulder while gently pinning her legs to him with his other arm. Hanakotoba was a Kai, a deity deserving of a peaceful passing. He resolved to ensure she met her end in such a manner.

As he prepared to depart, a faint grab of his tunic caught his attention, causing a spark of hope to flicker within him. Glancing briefly at the Zamasu responsible for her condition - the one engaged in a viscious battle with the blue-haired mortal - Zamasu closed his eyes in concentration. With a swift transmission, he vanished from the Temple in a flash.

Chapter Text

Kasai observed Aoume pacing restlessly in Zamasu’s room. There was no way in or out for either of them, even if they wanted to leave. Only Zamasu and Rumsshi held the keys, and the death of either was a two for one sale. He wasn’t sure what would happen then. Did the divine energy protecting the room just vanish with its keeper, allowing their escape, or would they perish with it? The thought of the latter wriggled deep in his mind.

He tapped his foot impatiently as he attempted to distract himself from the growing tension by admiring the opulent surroundings. As a God, he had once considered his own amenities exceptional, feeling blessed upon his ascension as the East Kai, especially as young as he was; however, the luxury he now witnessed in Zamasu’s room surpassed anything he had ever imagined. What Kasai and his fellow lower Kai enjoyed as quadrant world Kai seemed meager in comparison to the lavishness that defined the Supreme Kai’s everyday life.

Zamasu’s room, beyond its luxurious amenities of plush furniture and exotic teas, seemed to possess a life of its own, a reflection of the Supreme Kai's personal concept of relaxation. Zamasu favored a deep connection with nature, and the atmosphere here was curated to his idea of perfection. Despite its sealed-off nature, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views of lush green forests, complete with the gentle sensation of wind caressing the leaves and the scent of pine permeating the air. Above, the night sky bled into the room itself, making the ceiling appear to reach into the heavens; it was impossible to detect where the room ended and the enchantment began. Two bright moons shone against a backdrop of dark hues, boasting a canvas of stars, their faint glows trailing like a celestial brushstroke inside a galaxy’s tail. Kasai admired in silent awe, though he couldn't shake the feeling that he and Aoume were intruders, lingering here and glimpsing a part of the Supreme Kai that no one was ever meant to see.

Aoume finally ceased his pacing and gravitated towards various intricately locked cabinets lining the perimeter of the room. The physical locks were merely ornamental, however, and devoid of true functionality; it was the potent chi locks that safeguarded the universal treasures within. These locks repelled intruders like a magnet repels its same pole, daring anyone to get too close. Within these cabinets lay the artifacts essential for creation, ranging from the recently acquired multiverse Potara to ancient relics now deemed obsolete; however, each held significance in the grand tapestry of creation. Ironically, these curiosities of creation were safeguarded by the God of Destruction himself, who had designed the locks, while the Supreme Kai maintained them with meticulous care and devotion.

Kasai sank deeper into the wicker-esque chair he occupied, attempting to reconcile the serene interior that encapsulated them with the palpable chaos and fear seeping in from the outside world, to little avail.

The South Kai also sighed in frustration. What was happening out there? He accepted the reasoning behind Zamasu’s decision to place them here, with no way to enter it was the best assurance at least two Kai from the current regime would be alive at the end ,still, he felt a great unease. He stared at the panic button for Rumsshi. It would be so easy to call him. The Destroyer was known for ignoring his life link regularly, but there was no denying a panic call from the Supreme Kai’s private room, when his death meant your own.

Kasai noticed him looking at the button. It seemed like such a ridiculous means for a consequence so serious. Amidst all their divine technology and sophisticated artifacts, it was a single button that held the power over their God of Destruction. "Should we press it?" he asked, swallowing nervously.

"Thinking about it," Aoume responded, his own nerves evident in his voice. As time dragged on, he leaned towards the belief that it was better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for Zamasu's permission.

Slicing through the existential tension lingering between the two Kai, was the sudden echoing crack of instant transmission. Zamasu materialized, tattered and injured, rain-soaked, with the metallic scent of wet blood wafting off him, and the lifeless form of the North Kai draped over his shoulder. Without uttering a word, he stormed past Kasai and Aoume, and gently laid her on the bed before swiftly turning to leave. Glancing over his shoulder, he spoke, not quite addressing either Kai, but almost to the room itself. "She's dying," he informed, before promptly transmitting away.

Zamasu deliberately took the long route through the temple's winding halls, carefully observing the extensive damage before returning to the fray. Should they meet their end, he felt compelled to offer a heartfelt apology to the sacred establishment, which had been a sanctuary for the Supreme Kai for countless eons. In Universe 10, their luxurious indoor domain was a departure from the norm amongst most of the Supreme Kai of other universes, and was whispered about unkindly in their private meetings, mostly out of jealousy; however, it was a tradition that Universe 10 held dear, and was considered a direct extension of the Sacred Realm itself.

Zamasu, in his unwavering dedication to tradition and duty, felt a profound empathy for the temple's suffering, and shook his head in both anger and sadness as he ran a bloodied hand down a crumbling wall. The Sacred World seemed to join in the chorus of his silent eulogy with bright flashes of lightening and thunder that roared angrily in the background. While the physical structure could be rebuilt, Zamasu knew the scars in its energy signature would endure, like how a torn piece of paper mended with tape is never quite whole again. He felt he somehow failed this sacred place, and his ancestors that traversed its halls for millions of years.

A cross beam of exceptional light suddenly streaked by in his periphery and brought him back from his temporary mourning. He felt a tug in his gut, like an electron being pulled towards its opposite charge. It could only mean that Rumsshi was about. Zamasu flew out to the ensuing battle, both enraged and relieved that the God of Destruction had somehow managed to find his way to the fight.

Outside, Rumsshi was indeed in the midst of the battle. He trumpeted his Battle Roar uproariously, paralyzing most everyone in place, and then unleashed a beam that sliced through everything in its wake, which included another side wall of the Temple as it skirted by two of the fusions, narrowly missing them

Goku, exhausted and grateful to see the Destroyer, immediately disengaged from his fight with the original Zamasu, who had struck down the North Kai and who still sported an open scar in his face, and flew over to stand next to a weary Kosu in an effort to visibly align himself with the side of the virtuous Kai. Kosu paused to get a good look at the mortal responsible for saving his sister, and who possessed a fighting ability unlike anything he’d witnessed outside of Rumsshi.

Feeling the weight of his stare, Goku subtly shifted his gaze to acknowledge Kosu from the corner of his eye. A small nod from him prompted a smile from the West Kai.

Rumsshi looked around in confusion, finally observing the situation in its entirety as we walked in to a silent audience. He had his hand outstretched ready to destroy, but there were Zamasus everywhere. Which one was his life link?

Sensing the reason behind the Destroyers hesitation, the original Zamasu began to chuckle as he swiftly teleported and reappeared behind the Supreme Kai, seizing him in a move reminiscent of his actions inside the DICA on World Core. He held a blade up to his throat. He looked down at the Supreme Kai with a wild look in his eyes.

"You have a few choices," he echoed with a calm yet sinister tone. “Remove your Potara and merge with me. Or perish.”

Fuse? Zamasu sneered in thought. It was only possible to fuse once, and didn’t the multiverse Potaras switch bodies? It was unsettling to see himself fall so far from grace in his own madness. He also guessed what was staying his hand and prompting the request. This alternate version needed the Potara, and it was unlikely to happen if he and Rumsshi were dead.

He reached up and grabbed both his earrings and crushed them with a flash of chi in both hands. He smirked. "I've told you before," he declared, "I consider you on par with the worms that crawl on their stomachs for their supper."

A brief look of panic flashed across the fusion’s face as a rouge attack struck nearby cleaning off the torso of another fusion nearby. Rumsshi snapped his head around in panic. Goku and Kosu gave each other a triumphant look and a hand shake in the distance.

Rumsshi felt his heart blip for just a moment upon seeing what looked like his life-link meet its end, but upon feeling no difference in his chi, immediately charged a Hakai and went to attack the others.

The original Zamasu, holding the Supreme Kai in his grasp, observed his fallen brother with a mix of curiosity and anticipation; however, as time passed, his expression shifted to one of growing concern. Zamasu sensed his captor gradually loosening his grip, and the fusion touched his own face, as if only just becoming aware of the wound marking it. In a swift motion, he transmitted away, with the others following suit just before Rumsshi could unleash his full fury.

Zamasu sank to his knees as the clouds gradually dispersed and the rain ceased, signaling the end of the immediate danger. In that moment, he felt disconnected from himself, as if he were merely an observer. Rumsshi, Kosu, and the mortal seemed like fleeting shades passing by, barely acknowledging his presence. He exhaled a heavy sigh, directing it towards the ground below, the only entity in proximity willing to lend an ear to his troubles.

“Zamasu!” Rumsshi’s bellowing voice suddenly echoed loudly as he stood near where the fusion had been torn apart, its ashes and remnants scattered about. Kusu stood nearby and waved her hand in the air as if trying to feel for something tangible but invisible. “Now, Zamasu! We have a big problem, Kai!”

Zamasu grabbed onto his knee and began to slowly lift himself up when he felt Kosu grab him under his arm and swiftly pull him roughly upright.

"Where is Hana?" He yelled, panic evident in his voice, as he grabbed at the Supreme Kai's torn robes. Zamasu swiftly brushed his hands away and attempted to shove his way past the West Kai. As he walked past, he glanced at Kosu in the corner of his eye, contemplating what to say about his likely deceased sister. He huffed, and when he turned forward again, he stopped dead in his tracks, nose to nose with the mortal.

His hair, once blue, was now black, and he curiously avoided meeting Zamasu’s gaze, fixating instead on his chest. With a deep breath, he awkwardly bowed, his arms pinned to his side. He was standing too close, and the Supreme Kai instinctively took a step back to avoid the mortal's unruly black hair from touching him, as he lowered himself down. He was undoubtedly the most peculiar sight Zamasu had ever beheld.

“I am expertly grateful and humiliated to be here in your Sacred Realm, and make your recognition, Supreme Kai of Universe 10. “ The mortal stumbled through his odd greeting, yelling loudly at his feet.

Zamasu stood in stunned silence, his gaze fixated on the bumbling mortal before him. This intruder, who had arrived uninvited, helped in the desecration of his sacred planet, and wielded power that defied divine order, remained an unwelcome reminder amidst his mounting list of troubles. As he observed the Saiyan, he also reluctantly recalled the pivotal role he had played in the skirmish, fighting the rogue versions of himself, and executing a blast that diverted Zamasu’s second assailant's attention, and eventually afforded him a fleeting chance to attend to the fallen North Kai. He struggled to reconcile those actions with the immediate repulsion he was feeling upon reflection of his other transgressions, chief among them the sacrilegious act of a mere mortal daring to stand in his divine presence in the first place.

“Damn.” The mortal shook his lowered head and swore softly. “No, that’s not right,” he chastised himself. He finally snuck a glance upwards and met the Supreme Kai’s eyes. “Can I try that again?” He said with a sheepish smile.

Zamasu blinked several times in disbelief and then teleported away.

Despite the barrage of problems swirling outside, only one remained Zamasu's top priority. Upon materializing in his room, he instantly sensed that the North Kai still clung to life, and the room confirmed that observation. His last instructions to the divine dwelling had been to ready itself for her impending death, and to offer her a serene passage as she departed. This meant the dwelling would scour Hanakotoba’s heart and soul, seeking to create the most tranquil setting imaginable for her. As Zamasu surveyed the transformed ambiance, a smile crept across his face. It couldn't have been further from his own conception of peace.

Instead of the tranquil forests, the surroundings shifted to a loud and turbulent ocean seaside. Zamasu had never particularly been fond of oceans. They were magnificently unpredictable, bullying and shoving themselves around planets, holding themselves as the sole guardians of climate, oxygen, and ancient monsters created by equally ancient Kai over a billion years ago. Their salt sprayed through the air disrupting the natural chemistry of all phases of matter, and their waves were as capable of swallowing carefully curated continents into their depths just as easily as crushing them with towering tsunamis. The sand was irritating, the heat unbearable, the trees narrow and uninspired, and the birds loud and guttural. Its sole beauty resided in its palette, the vivid teal hue of the waves absorbing the golden yellows and fiery reds of the setting sun above, offered the North Kai the serenity her soul sought.

Though it wasn't his cup of tea, Zamasu wasn't surprised that the ocean setting soothed the boisterous and passionate Hanakotoba. All of the Shinjin born of her particular harvest, including Kosumosu, were aptly named after flowers, embodying their passionate brilliance that, much like their namesakes, burst open on trees as swiftly and brilliantly as they fell. Their beauty fleeting yet intense. He found solace in knowing that he could offer her this tranquil respite, perhaps in what could have been her final moments alive.

He eyed Kasai and Aoume nearby, who abandoned their roles as sentinels and parted ways so Hana could be seen on his bed. She lay with her face turned towards the ceiling, eyes closed in a strained-looking sleep. One arm dangled over the side, fingertips brushing against the crumpled heap of her tattered outer robes strewn askew on the floor. Despite the sheen of perspiration glistening on her skin, evidence of an internal struggle, her breathing remained deep and steady. The space around her bore dark stains of black- oxidized blood- a morbid looking ink blot against her rose gold complexion. Her garments bore the marks of scorching around the entry point of the blade leaving a vivid, angry wound exposed. Despite its raw appearance, it was evident that many layers of her connective tissue were already loosely knit together. She had somehow just barely been spared a permanent journey to the Otherworld.

Zamasu approached her with cautious steps, as Aoume respectfully stepped aside when he reached her side. His eyes swept up and down her form several times, lingering on the gaping wound. It seemed impossible that she could still be alive. No one could mend themselves that swiftly, not after the savage assault she had endured. Not even a God could pull that off.

“I’ve been observing her, Sir.” Aoume said, all but reading the Supreme Kai’s mind. “I believe it’s the latent immortality that was still in her body cells, courtesy of your alternate self, before he left.”

Zamasu did not speak but turned and looked at the South Kai giving him his full attention.

“The mortal, if you haven’t met him yet,”

Zamasu twitched slightly at this mention.

“Alerted us to the immortality right before we arrived on the scene. You - well your other version- is immortal, apparently.”

Zamasu looked again at Hanakotoba rising from the dead before his eyes. "So, what you're suggesting is that his immortality managed to permeate the North Kai's physical form deeply enough to leave behind a lingering trace?" Him, Zamasu, immortal. Now that was something else entirely. He had suspected he was witnessing immortality when he fought the fused versions of himself, but this was the confirmation he needed.

“The effect is temporary, by my observations.” Aoume sighed. “It comes and goes. When it does show, its duration has been shorter and wait between them longer, as time goes on.” Aoume looked at a small watch he kept, that had various times from different planets of interest in the Southern sector scrolling about its face. It had been a long while since a phase had shown itself. He could tell when they did, because Hana would suddenly sit up, alert and communicative while it washed over her, only to be replaced by what both he and the Supreme Kai were currently witnessing. “I think she’s plateaued though. The rest will be up to her.” Every passing moment saw her cells releasing entropy into the universe, carrying away the immortality it was bound to, as her vulnerable chi flowed back to replenish the newly emptied spaces. It was the spirit that fed the physical system.

Zamasu nodded absently, only half hearing the South Kai’s assessment of the situation. He was too overwhelmed by its implications at the moment to absorb it fully. He gently picked up Hana’s hand, which was draped over the edge, and held her wrist, feeling for her pulse. Running his thumb through the beads of perspiration on her skin, he noted with concern that she was cold. Kai were normally very cool metabolically as a rule, but her temperature indicated she wasn’t out of the woods yet.

She opened her eyes just a slit at his touch, and then wider once she realized it was him.

“Zamasu!” It came out as hoarse ragged whisper. She slowly propped up on her elbows. She was ecstatic to see him alive after watching him almost get cut down.

Aoume turned away, allowing the Supreme Kai a private moment with his North Kai. Zamasu tenderly held Hana’s face in his hands, their foreheads coming together in a gesture of endearment typical amongst Shinjin. “Your safety was my responsibility as the Supreme Kai, and I failed you. Forgive me.”

Hana, in a show of bravery, countered with a mortal hug, wincing slightly as she sat up to embrace him fully. Despite Zamasu's strong, vocal, disdain for Kai emulating such primitive mortal acts of affection, he accepted her gesture, understanding its significance to her. She was relieved as he relaxed into her arms. In ten thousand years she was certain he would never again hold her as infinitely dear as he did in this moment. She willed her broken body more present, in order to preserve the details in her memory.

She cinched him a bit tighter in preparation for what she was about to say. “It’s important for you to know that the mortal, when you meet him, he’s the one who saved me.” She felt Zamasu’s muscles tighten, as expected, at the mention of Goku, though he did not directly respond.

“I am eternally relived you’re still with us, Hanakotoba.” He said softly instead, changing the subject, as he stole a cursory glance at the chopped bob she was given by the other Zamasu. “Though the haircut you were given is most unfortunate,” he joked with a smile, when he finally pulled away and helped her lie back down. “In case you were wondering.”

Hana initially frowned but then gave a small strained laugh. His sense of humor was so rare it was a gift in itself when he showed it.

Aoume cleared his throat, signaling the end of the moment. "Excuse me, Sir," he began, "with your attendant gone, I wouldn't mind seeking hospitality from Universe 7 again.” He assumed Zamasu was made aware that they had been there, and it would be a little tricky to get the timeline right, but he was confident he could figure out which one was the one they travelled from with their version of Goku. He could even ask Goku for some large, universal event, like a cosmic monster or threat, that would differentiate his time and age from all others. “They have attendants who could provide healing, and the North Kai endeared herself another visit in the future.”

He gestured towards Hana, who quickly averted her gaze from Zamasu's. It was evident that they had discussed this matter beforehand, with Hana too nervous to broach the topic with Zamasu directly. “Minus that Time Ring, of course, if possible,” Aoume added, noting the Time Ring on Hana’s hand. "The Supreme Kai, Shin, apparently was not fond of it in his Universe and Timeline."

Hana suddenly noticed the Time Ring on her thumb and offered it to Zamasu.

“I am aware of Shin, Aoume,” Zamasu said defensively. He inwardly cursed Yuna as he reluctantly took the ring and slid it onto his own finger. He hadn’t seen her since the end of the meeting, which felt like eons ago. With the North Kai's life hanging in the balance and Yuna, the sole Kai with the clearance to heal, taking an unauthorized sabbatical, what more leverage did he need to finally convince the Elders that she should permanently retire? Their Core planet had instructors and student healers, but no one who could attend to a case as severe as Hana’s. The necessity of sending one of his Kai to another universe for care and protection felt humiliating.

"Perhaps Kusu wouldn't mind offering her gifts to the North Kai," Zamasu mused, though he knew the answer before the words escaped his lips. The North Kai wasn't merely injured; death lingered as a distinct possibility. Healing her would demand a moral stance that the Angel couldn't risk, not at the expense of her own existence. It wouldn’t be fair to make her say so out loud.

He internally sighed as he watched Hana suddenly become preoccupied with the torn hem of her shirt, nervously pulling at the threads. Having asked for her forgiveness, he understood that such requests often demanded a subsequent act of penance. Allowing her to journey to another universe, where she could heal her traumatized body and psyche away from him and the madness of Universe 10 at the moment, would serve as his atonement, and a mark of his sincerity.

“Alright.” He said finally, noting Hana’s eyes immediately dart up with a glint of happiness as he spoke. "I shall have Kosu accompany her and you a bit later, so that he may return back here with the ring,” Zamasu declared. “I expect you to report back to me regularly.”

The South Kai internally panicked. By his estimate, Zamasu hadn’t properly met Goku yet, and both he and Hana had promised the Saiyan they would be around to run interference between him and the Supreme Kai if necessary. What they both knew about the Saiyan and Supreme Kai’s prior dealings in another time had to be handled carefully. It was a high-wire act of delicate balance, where one misstep could lead to a bone-crushing fall.

“Are you sure that’s wise Sir? Aoume tried to hide his nerves. “There’s more information, such as the immortality, that I could share that might be of use to the situation.”

"Of which you said the mortal informed you," Zamasu said suspiciously. "He is the one who holds the spring of information, does he not? I will handle him and extract whatever pertinent information he holds myself. You will tend to the North Kai. Ensure she is healed and does not make a spectacle of herself subsequently." Hana was inarguably attractive and had a reputation as a flirt and attention-seeker, especially when she felt emboldened. Universe 10 didn’t need anymore negative press at the moment.

Hana wrinkled her nose and knit her brows together in offense of his last statement, but didn’t have the energy to challenge what he meant. Clearly the moment between them was over.

“Am I understood?” Zamasu ended the debate with authority, shifting his gaze back and forth between them.

Aoume and Hana locked eyes for a moment. “Yes, Supreme Kai.” He said. He prayed Goku behaved and managed to endear himself to Zamasu in their absence.

“Thank you, Supreme Kai,” Hana added. She hefted a heavy sigh before sinking back down to rest, the adrenaline from Zamasu’s visit finally fully dissipated.

Zamasu turned to Aoume. “I will return later to escort both of you to the Western Sector. Kosu will then transport you from there, equipped with all necessary provisions to shuttle you to the appropriate time and space." Zamasu bitterly just remembered that the North Kai’s own planet was in as bad shape as his own.

“Thank you Lord Zamasu.” Aoume bowed, and then quickly remembered to ask about the timeline. “Oh, please, if possible, ask the mortal about his particular universe- something of great significance that might help me locate where he belongs in time so that I might call ahead.” He wiped his glasses of the steam that had formed from his anxiety. “It’d be rude to just drop by uninvited again.”

Zamasu paused uncomfortably at the thought of having to converse with the mortal like he was a trusted ally. He looked at Hana and then sighed. “Fine.” He then turned towards Kasai, who had been attempting to blend into the background. "East Kai, you’ll be accompanying me. We must personally visit the Eastern Sector." After he dealt with the mortal problem waiting for him outside.

Chapter Text

Zamasu stood at the edge of one of the Temple's caved-in walls, pausing next to three large freestanding pillars near the main entrance. Despite the crumbling infrastructure around them, they stood erect like guards on display, carved from smooth black marble with intricate cut-out designs featuring a myriad of characters, with the center one holding a faintly glowing yellow orb. Mistaken by many as mere ornate decorations, Zamasu knew better—they were the physical embodiments of the three pillars of Supreme Kai governance, each adorned with the following words carved onto their tops: Balance, Prosperity, Compassion. These were known throughout the multiverse as The Trine Sanctums, reflecting their role as symbols of a harmonious trio of guiding principles.

In every corner of the multiverse, each Sacred World featured their own Trine Sanctums in a unique location: some atop rocky mountain peaks, some near springs of clear water, others on gravity-defying floating islands resembling rain clouds, or, as in many of the universes, just simply near a special tree that evoked memories of a Supreme Kai’s own beloved Kaiju. In each manifestation, these pillars stood as timeless symbols of Supreme Kai wisdom and governance, echoing across the cosmos.

While all universes revered and safeguarded their pillars, Universe 10 boasted a special feature: the ability to house them adjacent to a solid structure. On regular days, when the Temple remained intact, a large smooth stone wall flanked these pillars. Twice a day, under the perfect angle of the ambient sun and moonlight, the shadows of the seemingly random symbols revealed their secret message, showcasing their true quality. They displayed the universal Oath of the Supreme Kai, readable only to those versed in the Divine Tongue, and it said:

“Guided by the principles of justice, harmony, and enlightenment, the mission of the Supreme Kai is to safeguard the balance and prosperity of the universe. Through diligent stewardship, strategic planning, and compassionate leadership, I will strive to foster the growth and development of all sentient beings, while upholding the cosmic order. With unwavering dedication, I pledge to protect the sanctity of life, nurture the evolution of civilizations, and ensure the preservation of peace and prosperity across the cosmos, for the benefit of all."

Many mornings found Zamasu standing next to the message, quietly absorbing its wisdom, as he sought to center himself against doubts or anger. Recalling his personal "Ascension Rite," he remembered speaking the oath aloud in front of all the current serving Kai, relevant other Shinjin, Destroyers, and Angels of the twelve universes, as well as the Grand Priest and Omni-King themselves, during the opulent affair known as the Supreme Kai Investiture Ceremony. Such occasions were rare, as Supreme Kai seldom changed hands, and for Zamasu, it was one of only a handful of instances in his long life, thus far, where he encountered individuals from outside Universe 10.

During this rite, with hands shaking, he spoke the oath (amidst Hanakotoba’s insufferable sneezing in the background) on a high platform, with Gowasu by his side. The Divine Luminary Orb, a cosmic sphere containing the “primordial essence” -a swirling, radiant energy imbued with the core spirit of Universe 10’s creation, from the very first moments of its Big Bang- was passed from mentor to apprentice, signaling the end of Gowasu’s reign. This orb would sit proudly atop the center pillar in Universe 10, for tens of thousands of years or more, until Zamasu passed it along to his own future apprentice. Against a kaleidoscope of infinite stars and a vibrant geomagnetic storm dancing like ribbons of ethereal light, the ceremony took on a solemn atmosphere, as the multiverse itself came alive and whispered its blessings upon the passing of the cosmic guard.

Zamasu recalled a murmur spreading through the audience, as jealous Kai commented on the Orb’s golden appearance, symbolizing Universe 10's status as a creation of Zeno himself, rather than the result of an accidental collision with rogue antimatter that sparked universes 2, 3, 5, 9, and 12. Rumors circulated that the Omni-King was growing weary of managing so many universes, leading to some disdain towards those holding the coveted golden status.

Zamasu tried to tune out the vapid comments and focus, as he held the orb to his forehead, speaking the Divine Tongue into it:

"Ynomrah ssorca eht somsoc: gnitcetorp efil, gnirutrun snoitazilivic, gnivreserp ecaep."

This act sealed his chi entirely with the very fabric of Universe 10, and officially connected him to Rumsshi, until his death, or chosen retirement. With a final snap, as Gowasu clipped the second Potara onto his apprentice, Universe 10 officially belonged to Zamasu, the new Supreme Kai.

He remembered Gowasu placing a supportive hand on his trembling shoulder, with a smile.

“Zamasu, may you lead with wisdom and compassion, and may the light of your guidance shine brightly across the cosmos," Gowasu said, his voice filled with pride and confidence, as Zamasu stood completely still, suddenly uncertain for his long unwritten future ahead of him, and the weight of his new life growing heavily in the back of his mind.

He did not remember much else after that moment, as the solemn evening transitioned into a boisterous celebration. The air filled with the sounds of drinking, dancing, and laughter, as deities of all ranks, from every edge of the multiverse, mingled and exchanged pleasantries —a party likely not meant to happen for at least another fifty thousand years. Amidst the revelry, Zamasu found himself swept up in the joyous atmosphere, grateful to put off his newfound responsibilities that awaited him as the new Supreme Kai, for just one more magical evening.

Zamasu contemplated this enchanted night, his thoughts drifting to a happier moment, amidst the vast destruction surrounding him, and the deep uncertainty that he held about what to do going forward. His North Kai lay clinging to life, nearly dead in his room. The Potara, which had been Gowasu’s for over a million years, vaporized in a matter of moments by his own hands. The still unanswered puzzle of his alternate, immortal, selves, desperate for claiming rights to his artifacts, while destroying his planets and precious creations for an unknown cause; and, amidst it all, a mortal, nonchalantly conversing with his colleagues, other deities, seemingly oblivious to his sacrilege. Zamasu narrowed his eyes in anger and set off towards the distant figure, determined to defend the honor of all divine beings, and uphold the sacred oath he had taken.

Chapter Text

Zamasu emerged from the Temple and stepped into the bright light outside. He surveyed the damage, which was extensive, but not permanent, and would be swiftly fixed once the call went out for assistance to their Core Planet. He needn't even handle this himself, as the partially sentient Sacred World most likely had already sent out a distress beacon when it created the maelstrom.

He observed the mortal in the near distance, under a large tree a bit away from the crumbling infrastructure, deeply engrossed in conversation with the West Kai, though he couldn’t hear their lively conversation. Despite his knowledge of Kosu's extensive interactions with mortals, including direct engagement on their planets during the mortal seeding operation that led to his and Hana's suspension, he felt a deep sense of unease witnessing his old friend conversing nonchalantly with one face-to-face. No Kai should appear so comfortable engaging with mortals in such a manner. As he began a furious stride toward them, noting Rumsshi and Kusu blur by in the corner of his eye, he hoped they wouldn't bother him until he had finished addressing this next item on his priority list.

"Zamasu!" Rumsshi's voice echoed angrily in his direction.

Zamasu halted abruptly and cast his frustrated gaze to the sky. One never ignored a Destroyer.

"Yes, what is it, Rumsshi?" He pivoted on his heel and strode over various piles of rubble towards the God of Destruction. He approached the smoked fusion on the ground, courtesy of the mortal and his new best friend, Kosumosu, and felt a wave of reluctance wash over him. Dealing with this situation felt sickening, the image of his own annihilation disturbing, and it ranked third on his list of priorities at the moment.

Kusu and Rumsshi exchanged a glance as they watched Zamasu cross his arms with a huff of annoyance.

“Oh, I'm sorry, Kai, are we interrupting something more important than the very fabric of time being torn open in your universe?" Rumsshi poked at him with his trunk.

Zamasu's arched an eyebrow. "I am still piecing together this puzzle, and indeed, you are interrupting a matter of significance. The mortal over there holds information crucial to our situation. Excuse me."

As the Supreme Kai turned to leave, Kusu tapped her staff loudly on the ground. A soft, radiant light, suddenly enveloped the area where the slain Zamasu had fallen. It shimmered and faintly glowed, spreading out wispy illuminous tendrils, that appeared to emanate from the center.

“This is what I see,” she said with a hint of concern. “Immortality.”

Zamasu stood still, his grey eyes gaze fixed upon the soft dancing light. It appeared so delicate, and yet within it was a power so profound. It was truly a duality. “Yes, I was just made aware, actually,” he said quietly, as his eyes tracked the swirling essence and his thoughts went back to the North Kai’s brush with death.

“So then you know why we have a problem.” Rumsshi added again, with frustration.

Zamasu thought about Rumsshi's question. Immortality was outside the normal workings of universal order, which explained its rarity and the limited knowledge surrounding it. Only beings as formidable as Zeno, or those of comparable power, possessed the capacity to bestow such a powerful universal anomaly onto a once vulnerable being.

"Well, yes, it will certainly complicate our efforts to resolve our multiple 'me' problem," Zamasu said with a bit of levity.

"Immortality is time travel, over and over again," Rumsshi harshly interjected. “As Supreme Kai, I trust you understand the implications of that all too well.”

Kusu nodded and jumped in. “What looks like healing is actually the individual stepping outside the normal temporal space. Every moment is technically a paradox, as they continually revert back to a past form.”

Zamasu felt his heart quicken. Time travel to the past was forbidden. “If what you say is true-“

“We don’t want to draw any attention to ourselves, or our universe.” Rumsshi growled. “The Omni King would not approve.”

Zamasu's gaze continued to contemplate the swirling radiant light, still illuminated by Kusu's staff. Its persistent presence hung heavy in the air, refusing to dissipate, despite the passing moments.

"It lingers," Kusu remarked, her words echoing Zamasu's thoughts. "Its essence is like a cosmic oil slick, gumming up the works of the universe. The Sacred Worlds can neutralize this over time, but not regular planets." She ran the tip of her staff through the tendrils, momentarily disrupting them before they quickly settled back into their original spot. "Though it's the dose that makes it poison," she added.

"Which means no destroying the physical bodies of these things anymore," Rumsshi added grimly. "As much as I'd like to eliminate you several times over…” he quietly muttered under his breath

Kusu looked sympathetically at Zamasu after Rumsshi's comment. He was trying his best, and this problem was a tall order for even the most experienced Supreme Kai. "Lord Rumsshi is right," she concurred, her tone gentle. "If more of these entities are slain outside of here, and an immortality plume is released, it could irreversibly disrupt the functioning of your universe."

Zamasu scoffed at Rumsshi's poor attempt at humor at his expense, but did not retaliate. “Why aren’t new Time Rings created then?" he inquired impatiently. “Shouldn't a new timeline be forged each time an immortal being reverts to a past form and a paradox is created?" He paused, contemplating the implications of his question before continuing his thoughts aloud. “A new Time Ring for every time an immortal being calls upon its gifts….every second, even, as immortal beings never age, never move forward in time." He looked up with a bit of panic. “But that is not so, so how can what you say be true?”

"That’s the other issue.” Kusu remarked, tapping her staff again to make the light disappear. "The universe's only defense against a contagion such as immortality is trapping the being in an infinite loop. Infinite loops serve to prevent the creation of new Time Rings. Each new timeline created simply absorbs into one large temporal space, ensnaring the being within. They are destined to relive their own time loop over and over again, usually after a cataclysmic event occurs, that should’ve ended their life—they will go on, but always meet the same fate, and then reset, over and over, no matter where they go."

Zamasu noticeably gasped at this. “And what of the new universe they now occupy?”

"Collateral damage," Kusu said sadly. "You'll have to find out the story of these other versions of you, Supreme Kai. What loop your universe just entered in without choice. And how it will end."

Zamasu turned his attention towards Goku in the distance. It seemed he would have to endure his presence for some time in order to get to the bottom of this crisis.

Noting his gaze, Kusu inquired, "What universe is he from?"

"Seven," Zamasu replied with a sigh, "but from a different timeline than our present one." He displayed the Time Ring on his finger. "Procured from one of the copies."

Rumsshi's expression hardened. "I don't like the feel of that. It's got a black signature."

"It's tethered to a specific moment of time—a temporal anchor for these immortal beings. Something terrible happened. Be careful with it.” Kusu cautioned before turning with Rumsshi to leave.

Zamasu flashed an annoyed expression. "Where are you going, Rumsshi? Abandoning your quickly deteriorating universe in favor of a nap?"

"Investigation is the job of the Supreme Kai. And you're diving into deep waters on your first real assignment; don't screw it up," Rumsshi shot back before departing.

Zamasu lamented at the retreating figures. He simultaneously felt both the weight of the entire universe bearing down on him and the sensation of being consumed by it. Kusu was playing with fire with the level of assistance she had just provided, and would most likely not offer any more pertinent information freely. Rumsshi, meanwhile, seemed determined to maintain plausible deniability should the universe meet an untimely end. Zamasu felt profoundly alone, burdened by the immense responsibilities and lack of true resources available to him.

"Call me when you figure out a way to safely deal with these things," Rumsshi's departing words echoed, as he and Kusu teleported out in a beam of light.

"That's the question, though, isn't it?" Zamasu pondered aloud. How did the mortal manage to kill the physical body of a supposedly immortal being? And further, how was he to neutralize the immortality inside so it didn’t contaminate the universe afterwards? It was a conundrum—it’s own infinite loop of questions without easy answers.

Goku shifted his gaze towards Zamasu and the Destroyer conversing in the distance, as he attempted to engage in his own conversation with Kosu. The friendly West Kai had pledged a debt to him for saving his sister, and was now talking his ear off, though Goku was only half listening and trying his best to respond to his questions appropriately. Zamasu would regularly look over at them, and each of his glances in Goku’s direction only heightened the Saiyan’s nerves for round two of their introduction. Goku was certain he had already completely botched his first impression.

“-and how did you get divine energy?”

“Hmm? What?” Goku only vaguely heard the question.

“Your energy, while you were fighting- you know, blue hair and all,” Kosu pulled at his own thick mess of spiky white hair for dramatics, “it’s divine energy.” The West Kai then leaned in and whispered his next sentence. “You didn’t hear this from me, but our Supreme Kai over there is not a fan of mortals emulating the gods, he’s going to drill you on it.” He ended with a smirk and a slap on Goku’s back. “Might want to get your story straight.”

Goku thought hard about his response, aware of the delicate balance he needed to strike between honesty and appeasing Zamasu. "Well, you know, just training hard and staying focused," he replied with a sheepish grin, opting for a vague answer. It was a terrible lie.

“And incredible luck, I guess?” Kosu cocked his head and gave a suspicious smile. Mortals did not fall upwards into divinity just because they worked hard. Goku was purposefully leaving out details. “Ok, go with that if you want.” He ended with a shrug. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you if he snaps.”

Goku rocked nervously on his heels as he watched Rumsshi and Kusu disappear, with Zamasu finally beginning to walk over, accompanied by another Kai who had just emerged from the Temple.

“Kosumosu.” Zamasu voice rang deep and commanding as he walked up with Kasai in tow. “You will be escorting your sister and the South Kai shortly to Universe 7.”

Kasai stepped up from behind Zamasu and surveyed the disheveled fighters around him, suddenly feeling a pang of shame at being left behind. His gaze settled on Goku with a soft gasp. He had never seen a mortal up close before.

“Oh, the North Kai- she’s ok?” Goku interjected with genuine concern. He had been wondering what happened to Hana after he pulled the fused Zamasu off of her.

Zamasu walked past Goku, ignoring his comment.

Kosu was desperate to physically shake Zamasu down and also ask about Hana, but composed himself to set a good example for Goku. He gave a quick bow and was careful to address Zamasu formally, hoping the Saiyan would pick up on his proper mannerisms. "And how is she, Supreme Kai?"

"She's….alive." Zamasu replied slowly, surprised by Kosu’s uncharacteristic decorum. "Though she requires more assistance than we can presently give here."

“Yes, Supreme Kai, thank you, I understand. Universe 7, I will go with haste to assist the North Kai.” Kosu acknowledged with a deep bow, then gave a hard shove to Kasai to bow as well. Kasai snapped out of his trance and shot a look of confusion towards the West Kai. They needn’t bow after every sentence.

"Kosu, how many times did you get hit in the head?" Zamasu questioned skeptically, thoroughly confused now by the West Kai's unusually polite demeanor. Surely he wasn't showing deference to the mortal.

“Whatever do you mean, Supreme Kai?” He said stiffly.

Zamasu rolled his eyes and finally landed them on Goku. The moment he had been dreading had arrived. “And you, mortal-“

Goku stood upright and bowed awkwardly. He observed Zamasu carefully, without looking him too directly in the eyes. While it was undeniably the Zamasu he remembered, there were subtle differences. He couldn't quite pinpoint it—it wasn’t that he looked older- perhaps "wiser" was the right word? This Zamasu carried himself with more confidence, and less arrogance. Despite his torn clothes and roughed up exterior, he exuded a sense of authority similar to the other Supreme Kai that Goku had encountered. This realization eased some of his nerves. The Kai before him held the same intensity, but this wasn’t the exact same Zamasu.

"Yes, Supreme Kai, Sir," Goku managed to stumble in reply.

Ignoring the awkwardness of the response, Zamasu hesitated as he mulled over the various things he wanted to say. Thoughts swirled in his mind like waves crashing on the shore, only to recede again. A whirlwind of emotions churned within him—anger, curiosity, and, begrudgingly, a hint of respect for the assistance this mortal had provided him during the fight. Hana’s revelation, as well, that it was he that had saved her, was forcing him to acknowledge the significant impact this mortal had on recent events, despite his other transgressions. After a lengthy pause, Zamasu settled on a stern command, "You will only speak when spoken to, while here.”

"You got it," Goku nodded, then grunted in frustration, realizing he had immediately broken the first rule, as Kosu slapped his hand over his own face in frustration in the background.

"And regardless of the circumstances of your appearance, you will clean yourself up. You look utterly unfit to be here, in the presence of gods and this Sacred World," Zamasu added, gesturing disdainfully at the Saiyan’s disheveled appearance.

Goku looked down at his torn clothes.

“C’mon Zamasu, we all look rough.” Kosu finally entered the conversation in Goku’s defense. “And you could ask him his name, also.”

The Supreme Kai flashed Kosu a stern look as he finally looked down and observed his own appearance critically. He had been so absorbed in the recent events, he hadn't even noticed his own torn robes and injured, exposed skin, rendering him equally unfit to be in the Sacred Realm. Just as he was about to materialize a new outfit, his attention was abruptly drawn away by the sudden trio of nearby instant transmissions.

“Right over there!” A group of miniature Shinjin-like deities, Celestials, suddenly appeared in a sequence of flashes. They were smallish gods, with translucent, luminous, skin adorned with cryptic cosmic symbols. They rushed over to the Supreme Kai, jostling each other as they came to a stop in front of him. These beings were the divine architects of the universe, intricately connected to its very fabric. They possessed the ability to infuse cosmic energy and magic into the physical structures they built. Unlike regular Shinjin, who grew as fruit on the Kaiju with their destinies not predetermined, Celestials grew as nodules on the roots, each tasked with a singular job- to build enchanted, functional, fabulous dwellings for the Deities of Universe 10.

“You called, Lord Zamasu?” One of the workers nearest the front whipped out a hammer from his divine tool belt for effect.

"I trust you are capable of discerning the problem here yourselves," Zamasu stated flatly to the diminutive beings, just as a chunk of roof fell off the nearly destroyed Temple, joining a waiting pile of rubble below. The Sacred World had indeed called on them itself during its moments of distress, as it did Rumsshi.

“We’ll get right on it!” The Lilliputian leader waved the other Celestials towards the Temple.

“Oh and please take care of any biological remnants as well.” Zamasu yelled after them, remembering the slain copy of himself.

"Shall we send it to CRICK for analysis?" Suggested one of the architects, referring to the Cosmic Research Institute for Celestial Knowledge. It was standard protocol that any foreign biological material found anywhere in the Sacred Realm be sent to CRICK for possible contamination analysis.

“No!" Zamasu sharply responded, causing the Celestials to step back in surprise. He didn’t need anyone on their Core Planet getting wind of Universe 10’s immortality contagion. "No need," he softened his tone after seeing their startled response. "Everything is fine, just please dispose of it." He paused again before adding, "Oh, and please visit the North Kai’s planet, it is also in need of repair."

The Celestials turned and shrugged. As long as the order came from the Supreme Kai, it was fine to deviate from CRICK protocol. Less work for them.

"You got it. Sacred World Temple, then the Northern Sacred Realm." With that, the group proceeded towards the Temple, chatting merrily as they got out their tools.

Goku marveled at the sight in front of him. It was always fascinating to witness the cosmic secrets of the universe unfolding in real time. He wished he could express his delight at watching the little beings steadily working on rebuilding the Temple, but he kept his excitement contained, mindful of the stressed looking Zamasu in his periphery. Equally striking to him was the realization that this Zamasu truly was the Supreme Kai. He had only met the apprentice version a few times before he went on his killing spree, and the contrast between the two Kai continued to grow wider in his mind.

“Those things need a raise.” Kosu joked, finally cutting through the silence.

Zamasu scoffed at Kosu's comment. Celestials worked tirelessly, and their ironclad work ethic was ingrained genetically, all without complaint. He wished he saw these traits more often in his lower Kai, who often demanded more perks for far less work. Returning his focus to Goku, he finally found the words he wanted to say to the mortal; however, before he could utter a syllable, another interruption tumbled through: an obnoxiously loud, rolling growl emanating from the Saiyan.

“What…was that?” Kasai said naively, when the noise finally dissipated.

Goku gave an embarrassed look and clutched his stomach, indicating his massive hunger. Trying to break the unbearable silence that followed his gesture, without breaking Zamasu’s first rule, he offered an awkward grin and scratch of his head.

"I think he's waiting for you to give him permission to speak," Kosu noted, struggling to hold back laughter.

Zamasu recognized the mortal pangs of hunger when he saw them, possessing sufficient understanding of their physiology; after all, mortals were creations wrought from the imaginations of the Kai themselves. It was moments like these, though, that reinforced to him why, in the end, they were of so little use to the gods. A Kai’s primary focus of overseeing and maintaining balance in the universe always overshadowed any primitive needs, allowing them to channel their energy towards their divine duties without distraction. The idea of basic necessities, such as hunger, interrupting a cosmic crisis like the one they were dealing with, mildly infuriated him.

All divine beings needed physical sustenance, but not with the same frequency as mortals who burned through their lifespans at warp speeds. The Kai, for instance, had a metabolism so efficient that they could transform nearly all chemical potential energy into cellular work with minimal heat waste. This meant they were very discerning about the food they did consumed, preferring small portions of the highest quality ingredients from the most pristine planets, as they did not engage in the act of eating very often.

Divine energy also played a crucial role in the Kai's ability to transcend primal needs. Divinity wasn’t merely a status symbol; it fundamentally altered the physiology of its holder. It changed how an organism interacted with the universe, allowing them to tap directly into the laws of thermodynamics that governed it. This energy enabled divine beings, Kai or otherwise, to absorb sustenance directly from the entropy emitted by all planets and its organisms as they cycled through their biochemical and geochemical processes. Thus, Kai could go very long stretches without physical nourishment, sustained by the universe itself.

From a god’s perspective, this ability also allowed them to reorganize the thermodynamics of their universe to a more balanced state, simply by existing. A mortal in close proximity to a Kai would immediately feel a chill as the ambient temperature dropped significantly, evidence of this intersection between divinity and physics. It was for this reason that divine energy was not something to be wielded lightly, nor was it something mortals should obtain or use without understanding the profound implications it had on their interaction with the very laws the governed the cosmos.

Zamasu carefully selected his next words in light of these aspects of mortality and divinity. He had to make himself abundantly clear. Each word had to convey not only his authority, but the depth of his disdain for the current situation, while also hinting at the necessity of cooperation. Goku and the other Kai waited patiently and respectfully, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

“Mortal, your presence here is intolerable.” He finally spoke without interruption. “The very air you breathe is an affront to this sacred realm, and your misuse of divine chi is nothing short of blasphemy. Your aggression against this sanctum, unforgivable.”

The atmosphere suddenly grew heavy and uncomfortable as the Supreme Kai spoke, the weight of his words pressing down on everyone present. Kosu began to pace nervously. He was so hopeful that Zamasu would prioritize his duties as Supreme Kai over his personal biases, but he wasn’t off to a good start. Kasai also shuffled from foot to foot, as Goku remained perfectly still, listening intently, ready for whatever action he might be forced to take next.

"However- despite these transgressions, which we will address in turn, in due time, I will grant you —" he paused, narrowing his eyes, "—what is your name?" He thought the Sourh Kai had mentioned it, but he couldn’t remember.

"Oh, uh, Son Goku," Goku replied, caught off guard by the question and sudden shift in tone.

"Very well, Son Goku.”

“Just Goku, is fine.”

Zamasu stared.

“Sorry!” Goku coughed nervously and then fell silent.

“I will grant you six graces while you exist in this realm. Three for saving the life of the North Kai, as well as three for my own."

Goku cocked his head to the side at this last line. He didn't recall anything specific where he had assisted Zamasu in his fight. “Oh- sure, of course.” He was a bit speechless, except for one question. “Excuse me though- what’s a grace?”

Kosu quickly stepped in, making direct eye contact with Zamasu. "Think of it as a favor, Goku." The West Kai was proud of the Supreme Kai for his sudden change of heart, but also aware that he might retract everything if sufficiently annoyed by Goku’s ignorance. "Like a special allowance for something you need," he further explained.

"Oh, so it's like a wish?" Goku asked, tempted to make a joke about the Dragon Balls, but held his tongue.

Zamasu's expression hardened. "No, not like a wish. Wishes are the naive longing of children, hoping for something magical," he explained, with a touch of frustration. "A grace, however, is a special privilege granted at a god's discretion—an intentional act of benevolence or mercy, reflecting divine authority and judgment." He smirked. “Mine, in this case.”

Goku nodded slowly, trying to grasp the gravity of Zamasu's words. He still didn’t quite understand. “So is it ok to ask what these six graces are?”

Zamasu's gaze remained stern. "The first grace is your continued existence in this Sacred Realm.” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “I have been informed that you possess information crucial to our current predicament, which warrants your first grace."

Kosu and Kasai exchanged nervous glances. Whatever was transpiring outside of what they already knew must be of grave importance for Zamasu to tolerate the presence of a mortal in the Sacred Realm for an extended duration of time.

“The second shall be proper attire. As already stated, your current appearance is disgraceful and unworthy of divine presence. The third will be the provision of sustenance. I am not unaware that your physiology requires frequent nourishment to function adequately during your stay.”

Goku listened intently. "And the other three?" he asked, curious but respectful.

Zamasu paused and closed his eyes, as if contemplating a weighty decision. “The remaining three graces will be revealed as needed, contingent on your help, actions, and respect for this realm's sanctity."

Goku nodded again, and flashed a look at Kosu who quietly mouthed, “say thank you,” and motioned for him to bow.

“I understand, Supreme Kai, thank you. I'll do my best to honor these graces and not cause any trouble." Goku bowed and noticed Zamasu's agitated expression soften, if only slightly.

Following his declaration, Zamasu looked out at his fellow Kai, who were looking back at him. Kasai appeared more relaxed, while Kosu’s smile and expression conveyed deep gratitude and admiration. It was nice to feel their affection for a change. He also recalled the surprising comfort of Hana's earlier embrace, which had felt like a balm, soothing the troubles that smoldered beneath his skin, if only for a moment. The burden of responsibility that came with his position often weighed heavily on him, with no easy means of relief. In these rare moments of camaraderie, it reminded him that even gods need solace and support from their peers.

“See that you do, Son Goku. The fate of my universe might depend on it."

With that, he materialized a glowing crystal ball and prepared to fulfill his first three graces, hopeful that Goku had more to offer than mere combat skills and blasphemies. Developing an effective immune response to the immortal contagion would require more than brute strength; it needed true insight. Zamasu hoped his trust wasn’t misplaced.

Chapter Text

Seeking to make good on his first three promised graces, as a respectable God should, Zamasu materialized a crystal ball in his hand, its surface glowing with a deep luminous light. He turned towards Goku and asked, "Tell me, from which planet do you hail? I wish to observe the types of food indigenous to your world." The crystal ball began to shimmer, ready to reveal the culinary delights of whatever planet was at Zamasu’s beckon.

“Oh wow, no way!” Goku exclaimed in initial disbelief, his eyes wide with excitement. He scratched his head, taking a moment to consider this request. “Man, there’s so much good food on Earth…but then again, there are a lot of other planets out there I don’t even know about that probably have some pretty amazing stuff too. It kinda seems like a waste of a wish- I mean grace,” he flashed an apologetic grin, “to ask for food I can get back home, you know?”

He paused, deep in thought, tapping his chin as he weighed his options. “Hmmm…I remember the feast on Planet Yardrat. That was pretty tasty! And then there was the food on King Kai’s planet, but I already had that a bunch of times…Hey, Zamasu, do you know any planets with really delicious food that I haven’t been to?”

Zamasu’s mouth dropped open. He looked around at the other Kai, as if unsure that Goku’s question and casual tone were actually aimed at him. Did the mortal truly have the audacity to address him so informally, after his strict declaration of rules? Or were his ramblings simply those of a starving madman?

Goku’s enthusiasm was palpable as he continued to brainstorm and talk out loud to himself. “I mean, if I’m gonna use up one of these graces, it should be for something really special, right? Something I can’t normally get. There’s gotta be a planet out there with the best food in the universe.”

Zamasu walked up to Goku and roughly grabbed the collar of his torn gi. “Are you incapable of comprehending the gravity of our situation?” His patience was wearing thin. “I granted you these graces not for trivialities, but to assist you in aiding our efforts to resolve this cosmic predicament!” He shouted. “This is not an act of charity, nor is it meant to indulge your whims. Every grace I bestow has a purpose, a strategic significance in the grand scheme of our plans. Do not mistake this as benevolence for generosity’s sake. Your absolute cooperation is a necessity, not a choice- choose a planet, NOW.” He was already beginning to regret his decision to indulge this mortal.

Kosu, who was watching from the side, immediately tagged into the conversation. He skillfully snatched the crystal ball from Zamasu's hands with a mischievous wink. "Allow me, Supreme Kai," he said smoothly, turning toward Goku with a broad grin, stealing his attention. "You're in luck, Goku! Culinary delights across the cosmos are my specialty. I didn’t get suspended for playing by the rules and lounging around on the Western Sacred World for twelve hundred years, you know!"

Kosu's eyes lit up as he began to describe the culinary wonders of different planets to Goku, as the Saiyan’s eyes also lit up with anticipation.

"You wouldn't believe the incredible foods from across the 10th Universe! Take Xenthara, for example, where you can savor Flamefruit—a fiery, crimson fruit with a tangy, spicy kick that invigorates your senses. Glowing Moss Soup is a luminescent green stew, with a sweet, earthy flavor — and the Stardust Crystal Cakes are delicate, shimmering delights that tingle on your tongue.” Kosu waved his hand around the crystal ball as he spoke, inviting bright vivid images of each delectable food described, as Kasai stifled a laugh — the West Kai sounded like a bad advertisement on God Tube.

“Planet Auroraxis has Nebula Berries, and Skyfish Fillets,” Kosu continued, “and then there's Terravine, with Rockmelon— sweet and juicy — and Earthroot casserole, hearty and savory!”

“Hmmmm.” Goku scratched his head in thought, his senses completely overwhelmed. It all looked so good, it was hard to decide.

Zamasu flashed a deep frown at Kosu as he ran through the menu options. Not only was he indulging the antics of the mortal, but he was also displaying behavior most unfit for a Kai. Kosu’s firsthand knowledge of these cuisines stemmed from his inappropriate dalliances on various worlds — living amongst the mortals, eating their food, and enjoying their hospitality, all with Hanakotoba tagging along as his sidekick. It had not escaped Zamasu's notice that Kosu had developed an insatiable appetite for mortal pleasures ever since, like a drop of blood in a shark tank. Zamasu deeply disapproved of this reckless indulgence, seeing it as a stain on the dignity of the Kai.

He had only permitted Kosu and Hanakotoba to return to their posts after their suspensions because he couldn’t afford to have three of his quadrants filled with inexperienced new Kai. The realms needed stability, and as much as Zamasu detested Kosu’s behavior, the West Kai’s experience was invaluable. Hana was less essential, being fairly new to the job at the time, as she replaced Zamasu when he began his apprenticeship, but Kosu’s continued tenure was contingent on her being welcomed back, as well. The sight of Kosu openly sharing his sins so easily with Goku grated on him, a constant reminder of the compromises he had been forced to make.

Kosu tapped his foot as he waited for Goku to sort through all the images in the crystal ball and make a decision. “Of course, you might just prefer your own planet’s cuisines in the end, which is perfectly fine too.” He glanced at Zamasu, who had just turned his attention to Kasai to ask a question. Seizing the moment, Kosu leaned down towards Goku and whispered, “I also know the planets with the most beautiful mortal women, if that’s a grace you’re interested in. You’d do quite well on Talaris, I imagine.” He winked, then quickly grew serious. “Though, I’m actually not sure if Zamasu would approve of that, come to think of it.” He shrugged casually. “But I can always ask for you.”

Goku shot up, his face turning a deep shade of red. “No, no, thank you, I’m good. I’m married!” He laughed nervously, trying to brush off the suggestion.

Kosu chuckled to himself. Marriage was such a mortal construct. If a Kai ever chose to marry, they’d be bound to their partner for tens of thousands of years. No thanks. Transient pleasures were far more appealing than such eternal commitments when you lived for several millennia. "Just thought I’d offer," he said with a sly smile. "Focus on the food, then."

Zamasu's gaze remained intense as he allowed Kosu to continue to handle the situation for now. He sighed impatiently as Goku continued to mull over the catalog of food being presented to him. His gaze swept over the group, taking in their disheveled appearances. He suddenly remembered the second grace he had promised. Clearing his mind, he envisioned the three of them in clean, new outfits. For Goku, he chose a Kai outfit in shades of blue and gray, finding his predominantly bright orange gi a distracting and jarring color.

The Supreme Kai closed his eyes and focused on the details until they were crystal clear in his mind. With a flash and imperceptible nod, their clothes were transformed, now clean and presentable. Goku, momentarily distracted by his new outfit, gave it a quick pull and then frowned. He had always thought the elaborate outfits the Kai wore looked heavy and constricting with their layers and sashes, and now he knew he was right. If he was expected to fight again at any point, he worried this would dampen his performance. Zamasu noticed his displeased look.

"Is there a problem, Son Goku?"

"Well, it's just... these clothes are kinda hard to move around in," Goku admitted, trying to keep his tone light.

Zamasu's eyes narrowed with disdain. "This is not a fashion show, mortal, nor is it a playground. You are in the presence of Gods, and you will dress accordingly. Your discomfort is insignificant compared to the honor of standing on sacred ground. You will show the proper respect while here."

Kosu stepped in, attempting to diffuse the tension once again before Goku inadvertently insulted the Supreme Kai further. “Let’s focus on the task at hand, Goku. You’ll manage just fine for now- if the outfit becomes a problem, you can always adjust it later. I’ll help you,” he said with a reassuring smile. “Now, have you decided on your cuisine?“ He noted Zamasu in the corner of his eye looking increasingly agitated with the situation. “Don’t want to keep the Supreme Kai waiting much longer!”

Goku, still frowning slightly, shifted his attention back to the images. “Yeah, yeah, you’re right,” he muttered, trying to hide his discomfort. “I’m just not used to all these layers. Ok- do you think I could try a little something from all these planets? And dessert from Earth? Or is that too hard to do?”

Hearing the last part of Goku’s comment, Zamasu strode over with furious steps. Did this mortal truly believe that obtaining items from multiple planets across the multiverse was beyond his capacity as Supreme Kai? The audacity was infuriating. “If your choice is made, wait over there,” he commanded, gesturing toward the large table typically reserved for his PUBS meetings. He took a moment to compose himself, as he watched Goku and the others make their way over. This mortal had no idea of the divine power at his disposal, nor the extent of his capabilities as Supreme Kai.

Goku turned his attention to the smaller Kai trailing behind him as he walked up the hill toward the table. He hadn't spoken yet, but the fiery-headed Kai had been staring at him intently since he arrived.

“Hey man!” Goku said, waving to Kasai. “Are you a Kai too, or just one of the helpers?” He recalled Kibito, and remembered that not all deities that looked like Kai were necessarily Gods.

Kasai looked up, a bit perturbed by the comment. It was bad enough that he was mostly ignored by Zamasu and the older, more boisterous and experienced quadrant Kai, but now the mortal was assuming he was an attendant? His eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to mask his irritation.

"I am indeed a Kai," Kasai responded, his voice steady but with a hint of annoyance. "I oversee the Eastern Quadrant, ensuring balance and order just as my counterparts do in their respective domains." He straightened up, trying to project an air of authority despite his small stature.

Goku scratched his head, sensing the tension but not fully understanding its source. "Oh, sorry about that. Nice to meet you,” he said with his usual cheerful demeanor, hoping to smooth things over.

Kasai's expression softened slightly. Despite the mortal's blundering ignorance, his earnestness was a bit charming. "Nice to meet you too, Goku."

When Goku turned his attention back toward the table, it was laden with all the succulent wonders he had seen inside the crystal ball. Exotic fruits with vibrant hues glistened like jewels beside steaming plates of perfectly roasted meats, their juices shimmering under the light. Delicate pastries, intricate in design and filled with rich creams and sweetened fruits, sat alongside bowls of fragrant soups and colorful salads. Fine crystal china and porcelain tea sets adorned the table, each piece a work of art. The competing aromas, which should have canceled each other out, instead harmonized like instruments in an orchestra—each distinguishable yet contributing to a full, symphonic experience.

Goku’s eyes, as large as saucers, reflected his disbelief and sheer delight at the feast before him. This was, without a doubt, one of the top moments in his recent memory.

Zamasu slid up behind Goku with his arms crossed, a wide smile of self-satisfaction on his face. “Your third grace, I hope, is more to your specifications than the second,” he said smugly, taking his seat at the head of the table. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of pride and condescension, clearly pleased with the spread he just created.

Kosu gestured grandly to the table, his own mouth watering slightly at the spread. “Enjoy, Goku! The 10th Universe’s most exquisite culinary wonders!”

Goku, barely able to contain his excitement, nodded vigorously. "Thank you! This looks amazing!" He immediately began to dig in, savoring each bite with an enthusiasm that was almost childlike in its purity.

As Goku reveled in the feast, Zamasu watched with a mixture of amusement and disdain. He would let the mortal indulge in his third grace for now, but soon it would be time for Goku to uphold his part of the bargain and divulge what he knew about this crisis, and how he came to know it. He reached for an ornate teapot and poured himself a cup of Tranquilmoon tea, a rare blend known universally for its soothing properties. The delicate lavender like aroma wafted up from his cup, mingling with the other scents in the air. He took a measured sip, feeling a hint of serenity wash over him.

Despite their metabolic self-sufficiency, if Kai did have a singular primitive pleasure in their long lives, it would undoubtedly be their indulgence in luxurious teas from across the universe. Beyond merely satisfying a physical craving, the act of brewing and savoring tea held profound cultural significance for them. Each sip was a ritual, a moment of serene contemplation amidst the chaos of their cosmic duties.

During tea-drinking moments, Kai found solace and rejuvenation, allowing them brief detachment from their heavy divine responsibilities. Tea served as a reminder of simple pleasures amid their grand existence, offering moments of tranquility and insight, amongst the vastness of eternity. The swirling aromatic leaves formed a bridge between their elevated perspective and the beings they swore to serve, revealing the essence of their souls and deepest intentions with each brimming cup they brewed.

Kosu paused for a moment in the midst of his own enthusiastic attack on the food, his voracity nearly rivaling that of the Saiyan next to him. With his mouth still full, he suddenly blurted out, "Hey, what about Hanakotoba and Aoume?" The thought had just struck him—it seemed wrong not to invite them to enjoy the company, if not the food, at least. Especially if Hana wasn’t up to eating yet.

Zamasu's serene moment was interrupted by Kosu's outburst. He sighed, setting his cup down with deliberate care. Truthfully, he was uncomfortable at the thought of the North Kai’s use of immortality, now that he was aware of its dangers, and was putting off thinking about or seeing her again until it was time to escort her to Universe 7. "I don’t believe the North Kai would be up for such exertion just yet," he replied coolly. "We have more pressing matters to discuss than to extend further hospitality."

Kosu frowned but didn’t press the matter further, and returned to his meal with less enthusiasm. Goku, however, perked up at the mention of the South and North Kai. He was eager to see them again. “Hey, I’d actually really like to see them too,” he said earnestly. Goku wanted to show them how he hadn’t messed up his meeting with the Supreme Kai, and he was also getting nervous about the inevitable conversation regarding his past and what he knew about the Zamasu infiltrating this universe. He had hoped that Hana and Aoume could help guide him through it.

The West Kai looked up suddenly with a mischievous smile. “Perhaps they could grace us with their presence, Supreme Kai?” he suggested hopefully.

Zamasu gave him a hard look. “Graces are at my discretion.”

Goku glanced down at his meal. The momentary distraction of delicious food was a welcome reprieve, but he knew the real challenge—preventing this Zamasu from descending into darkness—was still looming ahead. He needed help. What could he say to convince Zamasu to let the other Kai join them?

It was Kasai who finally spoke up. “Zamasu, Aoume was talking a lot about immortality earlier. He thinks he knows how we can possible get them mortal,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “Something about physically altering their temporal spaces in time.” He nervously drank his tea afterwards. Kasai rarely spoke up like that, especially in opposition to the Supreme Kai’s directives.

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed as he contemplated Kasai’s words. In a flash, without a word, he teleported away, leaving the others in stunned silence. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances around the table.

Kosu swallowed a large lump of food and turned toward Goku. “He does that a lot.”

Goku sat quietly for a moment, lost in rare reflection. What was he doing here? Why did he think he could pull this off? What had initially seemed like a lighthearted adventure, sparked by meeting the North Kai inside Zamasu’s body, was now derailing into chaos. The food was suddenly losing its appeal and his robes were itchy. Had he overstepped? The gravity of the situation was starting to weigh heavily on him, casting a shadow over his usually unshakable confidence, as Zamasu reappeared, the North Kai draped between him and Aoume for support.

”Hana!” Kosu nearly toppled everything around him as he kicked his chair back and rushed to his sister, taking over as her support. She gave a strained smile to her brother as he helped her to the table. With a flick of her eyes towards Goku, she tapped Kosu, indicating she wanted to sit next to the Saiyan.

Zamasu held up four fingers towards Goku, indicating his fourth grace granted, before returning to his seat. His critical eye remained fixed on Hana as he watched her settle into her own. She was significantly better since he last saw her, as he had feared. Her deep wound had mostly healed, now a messy scar of painful gnarled tissue; however, she still looked physically exhausted, almost ill, which was most unusual for a Kai. Her remaining immortality clung to her like a lingering demon, a possession she couldn’t entirely shake, rendering her like a record skipping in place- unable to move forward or completely back in time.

After assessing her condition, he took a moment to consider her appearance. Her burnt, torn clothes and generous amount of exposed skin were most indecent for sacred ground; however, covering her wound with clothing might cause discomfort, and Kai attire was always modest, tight, and heavy, particularly the quadrant Kai's uniform. These uniforms were elaborate, with layers of rich fabric and intricate designs symbolizing divine authority. For over a hundred thousand years, it had been tradition to wear no less than ten pounds of clothing (less for females) to always remind themselves of the heavy burden of divinity they bore as Gods. Each quadrant also had bright sashes that bore the symbol of the King Kai displayed on their chest. In Universe 10 these sashes were pink for North, teal for West, white for South, and yellow for East. Zamasu tried, but couldn't imagine any uniform that balanced necessary decorum with Hana's required comfort, so with a frustrated sigh, decided to let her be.

”It’s been a very long time since her last wave of healing.” Aoume said, noticing Zamasu’s stare, as he took his usual seat next to him. “I do believe it’s mostly gone now, though it’ll leave a permanent mark on her physiology, most likely. An oil stain can be washed, but the fabric's fibers will always remain marked by the damage.”

Hana took her seat and turned towards the Saiyan. "Hello, Goku." She placed a hand gently on his arm in greeting, not wanting to disturb his eating, before reaching for a nearby teapot and pouring herself a cup. Unlike Kosu, she didn’t find much enjoyment in indulging in mortal foods, though she had her fair share over the years. To her, their past dalliances amongst the mortals were strictly business—she was always, first and foremost, a Kai. She wrinkled her nose as she struggled to swallow the intensely bitter tea she had just poured—Xenovar Brew. Hailing from the mist-shrouded planet of the same name, it was not a tea one drank for pleasure. Hana made a face into her cup until the realization of its strong regenerative and medicinal properties came to the forefront of her mind. She quickly looked up at Zamasu with affection, appreciating the thoughtful gesture of bringing her this potent elixir; however, his attention remained elsewhere, lost in his own thoughts, oblivious to her gaze.

She choked down the rest of her tea before turning back towards Goku. “I’m glad to finally meet you as myself.” She glanced at his new Kai outfit, courtesy of Zamasu. He looked uncomfortable, but handsome—almost as distinguished as a God. “You clean up nice.” She playfully tugged at his Kai robe and hesitated, searching for the right words. What do you say to someone who risked their life to save yours? "Thank you. For saving my life," she began. "You could have died, and I'm practically a stranger to you. I don't know how to express how much that means to me. I'll never forget it." The words felt inadequate compared to the immense gratitude she felt inside.

Goku smiled. “You’re welcome. I’ve been on the receiving end of that exact blade before in another timeline, so I knew the pain you were in.” He laughed nervously.

Kosu suddenly choked on his drink, pounding his chest with his fist in a series of coughs. A deathly silence fell over the table as all eyes shifted from the Saiyan to Zamasu, who stared back with a mix of horror and confusion.

“You mean a blade like the one that struck the North Kai?” Aoume interjected quickly.

Goku felt his face flush. Did he really just let everything slip with one sentence? “Uh, yes, a blade like that! I’ve been in a lot of fights where energy weapons like that were used, it’s a really easy common technique!”

Hana dropped her face into her hands and groaned, feeling the weight of the blunder. Goku had not just made every single one of Zamasu’s suspicions realized, but also just insulted him further.

”No—“ Zamasu stood abruptly, pushing his chair back with force. His eyes blazed with fury and suspicion. From the start, when he had first witnessed Goku conversing with the possessed North Kai, he knew something was amiss. This mortal knew more than just casual details about immortality. “You said that blade. My blade.” His voice low, but angry, as he glared at the Saiyan. “You dare come to my timeline, my Universe, my Sacred World, and withhold information from me? Or worse—twist it into something more palatable to protect me from the truth, while my entire universe hangs in the balance?”

Both the Saiyan and the Supreme Kai stood up, their chairs pushed back in their wake. Their eyes locked, burning with intensity, invisible chi flashing between them, neither one willing to back down.

“I came here to help,” Goku finally said, his voice steady and unwavering. “To try to correct my own mistakes that might have contributed to what happened in another timeline. I’m not here to deceive you or make things worse. We’re on the same side, Zamasu.

“Zamasu, you should hear him out,” Hana suggested cautiously, though the Supreme Kai’s eyes never wavered in her direction, leaving her unsure if he even heard. “He has information that can help us; we can’t afford to ignore it.” She nervously bit her lip. “Though it might be a hard truth for you to hear.”

Aoume nodded in agreement. “This situation is unprecedented, regrettably. It involves the both of you, in another time and space.”

Zamasu shifted his gaze suddenly between the South and North Kai. "Both of you knew something of importance and failed to inform me immediately? Is this correct?”

Kosu interjected sharply, "And when exactly should they have told you? Before, during, or after Hanakotoba was stabbed?"

Zamasu shifted his gaze darkly in his direction for a moment as Hana looked down in shame, apologetically.

Aoume exhaled. “I am to blame. I had ample opportunity to reveal everything earlier when you checked in on the North Kai, and I chose not to.”

“I am surprised at you South Kai.” Zamasu’s voice shifted from anger to disappointment . “You didn’t trust me to handle the truth? And worse- you withheld vital intelligence from your Supreme Kai to protect a mortal?” Zamasu's gaze flickered from Goku to Hana, then to Aoume. His jaw tightened as he wrestled with his pride and the gravity of their situation before turning to Kasai. "It appears, East Kai, that you are the only one at this table who hasn’t failed me in some capacity." His voice was icy, each word a dagger aimed at those around the table. Kasai sank low in his chair, feigning interest in his now cold cup of tea.

Zamasu silently materialized a small, ornate box and placed it gently on the table. The box, crafted from rich mahogany, was adorned with intricate gold markings that hinted at the fusion reactions creating birthing stars. The swirling designs seemed to move under scrutiny, changing course when observed again—a testament to the box's mystical nature. Inside lay the Multiverse Potara, their aura of power resonating through the wood and sending mild pulses of electricity that interrupted the natural rhythm of any nearby heartbeat.

Inside, each of the twelve earring sets rested in their own unique slot, separated by short partitions of shiny iridescent Vibrium—a cosmic material capable of absorbing the magnetic attractions and repulsions of these powerful artifacts. The earrings appeared eerily alive, whispering to one another in a loud, indecipherable chorus, beckoning their neighbors to stay away while simultaneously drawing their own pair closer. Each set gleamed with brilliant colors spanning the spectrum, designating the universe to which it belonged. Zamasu reached for the green pair in the tenth slot; they seemed to come alive at his touch, exalting in their selection—before he promptly snapped the box shut.

Still silent, he affixed the Potara onto his ears and disappeared in a flash, leaving the box behind.

Kosu sighed audibly and swirled his chopsticks through the remnants of his rice dish, his frustration loud and clear. The Supreme Kai vanished yet again in a huff, keeping his plans a secret from everyone.

The Hall of Eternity was a testament to divine craftsmanship, a room where the very fabric of space and time seemed to bend to the will of its occupant. Located at the heart of the Temple (and therefore, unharmed) and hidden from sight save for those capable of instant transmission and wearing a full-power Potara pair, it was a vast, circular room with high, vaulted ceilings that shimmered with a soft glowing light. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting the creation of the universe, the rise and fall of civilizations, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Distant echoing chants of ancient Kai rituals created an ambiance of reverence and awe.

At the center of the room stood a large, crystalline orb resting on an ornate pedestal. Known as the Time Sphere, it was a luminous globe that seemed to contain swirling galaxies within its depths when at rest. It radiated a gentle, pulsating glow, casting an otherworldly light and terrifying shadows across the room. This artifact allowed the Supreme Kai to peer into alternate timelines and distant realms, observing events as they unfolded in the past, present, and future. Plush, violet cushions lined the floor, providing a place for the Supreme Kai to sit and meditate while observing the events within the Time Sphere. Tall, slender columns of shimmering crystal extended from floor to ceiling, resonating with the energy of the room and amplifying the clarity of the visions.

It was in here that Zamasu could watch the unfolding of history, the consequences of choices, and the ripple effects of actions across the multiverse. It was a place of great power and profound insight, where he could gaze into the heart of existence itself and seek the wisdom needed to guide his realm. As he transmitted in, the atmosphere was serene yet charged with anticipation, as if the room itself was aware of the monumental events he was about to bear witness to.

He twisted the Time Ring upon his finger, feeling a powerful energy radiating from the Time Sphere as it suddenly responded to its presence. The Sphere seemed almost sentient, pulling at the ring like an invisible hand, greedy for the secrets it held from across the dimensions of time. He knelt on one of the plush cushions in front of the Sphere, closing his eyes and running his fingers over the ring’s intricate textures and designs, coaxing it to surrender to the room’s impulses. He couldn’t trust his dishonest Kai and the wretched mortal to be truthful with him. It was time to invoke his right and duty as Supreme Kai, to bridge the vast expanses of time and space. He opened his eyes narrowly once he felt the ring finally release its energy signature to the sphere, and peered at the images now flashing on the globe.

"Very well then. Let us uncover the truths too taboo to be divulged to me outright," Zamasu muttered to himself, his words reverberating through the chamber like the whispers of the ancient Kai, reflecting their unease about what was about to be revealed.

Chapter Text

Zamasu sighed in exasperation. In his eagerness to find the images relevant to his problem, he had assumed the room would be able to read his heart and show him exactly the point in time he needed. Instead, he found himself at the beginning—at least 20 billion years of universal history to sift through. Time Rings recorded all history, not just the most impactful moments.

With an exasperated huff, he lay back onto the plush pillows, sinking into their comforting softness, and stared up into the dark, empty infinity of the ceiling. From the corner of his eye, he watched the formation of that timeline’s Universe 10 unfold. Stars ignited and galaxies swirled into existence, each celestial body finding its place in the grand tapestry of the cosmos. The comfort of the pillows and meditative nature of the images greatly tempted him to close his eyes and drift into sleep, away from the torment of the Time Ring and his thoughts.

As he lay there in contemplation, the intricate dance of creation gave him an unexpected pang of nostalgia, and reminded him of his youth, when he had initially struggled to grasp the complex physics of the cosmos. While all Shinjin are naturally skilled mathematicians, it had taken Zamasu longer than his peers to master the equations that built the universe. He recalled the countless hours spent in contemplation, trying to understand the delicate balance of forces that shaped the cosmos. Frustrated, and feeling left out amongst the "mathletes,” who ran circles around him during their Cosmic Alchemy lab practicals, he had compensated for his academic failures with an enhanced focus on his prodigious talent in combat, where he excelled far beyond the others, and continued to do so well into his adulthood.

Despite his initial struggles, with the help of a patient and dedicated tutor—in the form of primitive recordings he stumbled upon, featuring an extremely brilliant mortal who was under scrutiny for his deep understanding of the cosmos—Zamasu eventually caught up to the rest of his cohort. This mortal, tasked with educating much less brilliant students, had conveyed his knowledge in such a palatable way, that eventually Zamasu was able to finally master the complex equations of creation. He was not altogether pleased that a mortal was born who rivaled the Kai in terms of intelligence, but would always, in this case, be eternally grateful towards him.

As Zamasu continued to watch the fusion reactions and cosmic dust aggregates form rocky planets in various solar systems, he felt a longing for those simpler times as the weight of his current burdens crept back. Knowing that he needed to press on to watch the events relevant to his predicament, he sat up again and refocused his mind, this time even deeper, willing the sphere to jump to the time specific to his needs—bypass the epochs and eons, the birth and death of stars, and the rise and fall of countless civilizations across the cosmos. It was difficult work, evidenced by the beads of sweat forming on his face—he hadn’t succumbed to such a deep state of inner consciousness since he was an apprentice just learning how to manipulate the Time Sphere. Slowly though, the images began to speed up, whirling through time at an accelerated pace. The room filled with a kaleidoscope of light and shadow as ancient histories played out in rapid succession.

Despite the scenes bleeding into each other, Zamasu eventually caught a glimpse of something familiar as it whizzed by. He paused and reversed the scene until it became clear: it was the mortal, Goku, though he looked different and, most absurdly, was wearing a single Potara earring. Zamasu stared at the figure on the screen, a mix of dread and anticipation rising in his throat. Despite the uncanny resemblance, he could feel the unsettling energy emanating from him across the echoes of time, and it felt different than the Goku presently on the Sacred World; it felt eerily familiar, in fact. Knitting his brow, and taking one last hard look at the darker Goku, he willed the Sphere to move forward again, and watched the horrifying events that unfolded next, like a nightmarish film.

Cities lay in ruins, their once-bustling streets now littered with debris and the remnants of civilization. The sky was darkened by smoke, and the cries of the suffering echoed through the air. Goku, with a sinister smile, effortlessly cut down innocents, his power overwhelming and merciless. The Supreme Kai stood up in panic, feeling deceived. He had been assured earlier by Goku that although he had sins to atone for, he was on his side, but the gruesome images he now watched told a vastly different story. There was no forgiveness for this level of destruction upon the sanctity of the cosmos. Had he just unwittingly invited a demon into his own home?

The images began to clip erratically as his emotions spiraled out of control, causing the Time Sphere to follow suit. What he saw now resembled a disjointed slideshow—horror scenes playing out in staccato—rather than a coherent movie. Zamasu, too shocked to realize he wasn’t getting the whole story, watched as the scenes jumped chaotically, out of order. He watched the continued bloodshed, and as Goku suddenly abruptly paused for a moment, as another figure materialized beside him; an apprentice-dressed Zamasu smirked and watched with cold detachment, his eyes gleaming with a twisted sense of righteousness, until he joined in the chorus of death and destruction.

The Supreme Kai felt almost drunk as he witnessed himself on the screen, partaking in the desecration of divinity and the perversion of his sacred duty to protect and guide. He recalled his many past conversations, first with Gowasu and then with Ogma, when he was filled with doubts and anger, often feeling that cleansing the universe of mortals, the main taproot of evil, was the only way to preserve it. In those moments, he had often contemplated the radical path of eradicating mortal life to prevent further corruption and chaos.

Through their guidance, though, he eventually realized that eradicating all mortals would never balance a universe inherently driven by mathematical chaos; it was a fool’s errand, and a new source of evil would always take a new form and replace the old. Though he still believed mortals were the main source of evil, he came to understand there were more harmonious ways to mitigate the corruption they introduced into the cosmic equation.

The Zamasu in the Sphere, however, had chosen to follow the extreme path—wreaking havoc, annihilating mortals indiscriminately, and claiming it as divine justice. The hypocrisy was staggering; he had become the very evil he professed to eradicate. The Supreme Kai paused the Sphere and stared into this Zamasu’s empty grey eyes—he felt a deep sadness and pity for this Zamasu’s wasted potential, and all of the missteps and presumed loved ones who failed him along the way, helping to solidify his dark path. He projected a deep loneliness that could be acutely felt, despite being only a mirage within an enchanted artifact.

As the Supreme Kai steeled himself against the violent scenes, and accepted his corrupted self’s role in them, he thought it couldn't get any worse—until it did. The massacre wasn’t relegated to just the lower planets, and soon shifted to bloodshed in the Sacred Realm, showing the brutal killing of the Kai in that timeline across the entire multiverse. The Time Sphere displayed images of Kai being hunted down, their serene faces contorted in fear and pain. Their once-sacred realms, places of tranquility and wisdom, were reduced to ruins, stained with the blood of their divinity. Each fallen Kai represented a loss of balance and harmony in the universe, a blow to the very fabric of existence. It was one thing to slaughter mortals, and despite the Supreme Kai’s own frequent criticism of his peers, it was an unthinkable sacrilege to turn against and kill other divine beings.

Zamasu frequently turned his gaze away during these moments, unable to bear the sight of such blasphemy. His stomach churned, and he felt a profound sorrow and rage welling up inside him. The sight of divine blood being spilled by their own kind was a horror he could barely comprehend. These were his kin, his fellow protectors of the universe, and to see them butchered by an alternate version of himself was a torment beyond words. His heart ached with a deep, existential grief.

The images suddenly clipped again and then flashed through several more scenes of the same devastation as before: villages burning, landscapes scarred by energy blasts, and the terrified faces of mortals who had no chance of escape. It was a brutal and unrelenting massacre. The Supreme Kai felt his blood drain to his feet, stars filtering in front of his eyes, and a buzzing sounded in his ears. He sat down before he fainted. He continued to watch in horror as Goku and the corrupted alternate Zamasu obliterated entire populations, the destruction and chaos spreading like a plague.

So this was why the others had tried to keep the truth from him. Was this the infinite loop that Kusu had spoken of? A relentless cycle where he and this mortal would now always be destined to embark on a bloody, purposeless rampage together? An eternal recurrence where their paths, no matter the circumstances, would inevitably lead to destruction and chaos? The concept was horrifying—a predestined dance of death and devastation, repeating endlessly across the tides of time. The very thought sent a shiver down his spine. He clenched his fists, an instinctive reaction to the idea that his fate was inescapably entwined with such carnage. This was not the path of a true Supreme Kai. The misuse of divine power was a grotesque mockery of a God’s sacred role.

Zamasu felt unable to watch any longer. He turned away as Goku and the corrupted Zamasu stood in the air, amidst the destruction they had wrought, their gleaming eyes and choking laughter a chilling contrast to the horror around them. He had seen enough, and anyway, knew how this ended—with their fusion. His initial observation that the fusion resembled Goku was correct, and it all made sense now, including the wavering unstable immortality the North Kai had both spoken of and experienced firsthand. The fusion was a diluted solution. One of them was immortal, the other not. The thought of actually watching his permanent merge with this horrific mortal was more than his heart could bear.

As the timeline continued to play out, he ignored it and closed his eyes. He remained in a meditative state for what felt like an eternity, imagining himself sitting on the sidelines as the images he had just witnessed passed him by. He tried not to engage emotionally with them so he could better come up with appropriate next steps. As he sat in inner darkness, and as the images outside rolled to a sudden swelling crescendo, a painful snap suddenly jolted the back of his mind. He gasped, his concentration shattered, and looked up to see the screen had gone black.

Nothing—this was most unusual, as time never stopped, and so neither should the story the Time Ring held. Despite the pounding headache he now had, Zamasu tried to move forward in time again, desperate to see where his universe came into play in this horror movie now that the worst appeared to be over. But it was futile; the sphere only replayed the beginning of the initial Big Bang. A cold fear consumed him as he realized this was direct evidence of the infinite loop, a symptom of the disease caused by the immortality. His universe was now entangled with this timeline, trapped in the cyclical torment of the cosmic loop the Angel had spoken about. The cold grip of despair filled him as he willed the Time Sphere to shut off.

Zamasu wiped the sweat from his brow and sat for a moment in the quiet darkness. Waves of fury and shame oscillated through him. He felt a burning rage for what he had just witnessed and at Goku, who dared to enter his universe and attempt to rectify something no god had the power to forgive. Then came the deep shame—shame that his fellow Kai believed him too weak of character to resist the temptation to replay his part in this infinite loop, shame that the fused Zamasu, the one from the Time Ring, felt the same about him.

The thought that both his peers and his corrupted self saw him as inherently flawed, incapable of resisting the allure of such devastating power, gnawed at him. They doubted his resolve, his integrity, and his strength, convinced that he would easily join the path of destruction without question. This perception of inherent weakness in his character was a heavy burden, one that pierced his core and left him questioning his own worth and resilience. Had he ever given them reason to doubt him? Could they be right? Was he truly incapable of resisting the same dark path that the other Zamasu had taken?

He knew his weaknesses. He knew he was strict, stubborn, judgmental, and by all means, often not the most open to others, but to his knowledge, he had never been cruel. At least not from his perspective. The idea that his inherent nature could lead him to such darkness was a tormenting thought.

As he sat there, he wrestled with the storm of emotions raging within him. The anger whispered temptations, urging him to fulfill their darkest fears, get in contact with his other self, and go on a rampage. How good it would feel to unleash his powerful wrath and prove that their doubts were justified. Take over the entire multiverse….yet, another part of him, the part that had taken the oath to protect and guide, urged the more difficult but righteous path—to rise above, to swallow his pride and prove them wrong. He could be a powerful Supreme Kai who could fix his universe, break the infinite loop, and restore true justice.

But was it even a choice? Would he always be destined to fall into darkness? Was it even possible he could choose to rise above it despite his dark predispositions?

The foreman of the Celestials wiped his brow on the back of his arm as he and his crew finished placing the last large stone on a new sitting fountain, an upgrade to the Temple’s quad outside. The Supreme Kai had said nothing about restoring everything to exactly the way it was before, and the foreman took this singular opportunity to jazz up the old shack with some new modifications he had admired from other Celestials across the multiverse. Critics might scoff at God Tube, but the DIY multiverse architecture videos were a game changer. He stepped back and admired his hard work.

The new fountain was a masterpiece of Celestial craftsmanship (if he did say so himself), fashioned from brilliant shimmering stone that caught the light and sparkled magnificently. It was circular in shape, with wide, flat stones around the perimeter (perfect seating for visitors). In the center, two large wolves were intricately intertwined, clearly locked in a fierce fight. One wolf was crafted from smooth black onyx, its dark surface contrasting beautifully with the cascading water that flowed down its body; the other wolf, made from white marble. The two created a striking balance of light and dark as the animals clashed in the sunlight. Smaller streams of water split off all around the fountain, creating a display that was both dynamic and serene. The entire structure radiated a sense of grandeur and elegance, worthy of the Supreme Kai's Temple.

“I can’t wait for Lord Zamasu to see the work we did here,” he mentioned to another worker nearby who was wrapping up his tools. “I’ll bet he’ll be so impressed he’ll put in a good word for us with the Elders themselves!”

The Supreme Kai was notoriously stingy with compliments, but the foreman was certain that even Zamasu would take pause and admire the exquisite quality and hard work the Celestials had put in. They had not only repaired the Temple's structural integrity and installed the magnificent fountain, but also added several new features: an expanded spa area, an entertainment hall, and a chamber of reflection designed with serene still water pools for soul-searching and introspection.

“Could use a few more vacation days,” he added with a chuckle, imagining the Elders' approval.

“Well here’s your chance to find out.” The other worker adjusted his glasses on his face and pointed at Zamasu with his hammer as he came stumbling out the main door into the bright light.

Both Celestials smiles quickly faded as the Supreme Kai shuffled towards them like a drunken fool who had just lost an intense bar fight. He appeared to be disorientated or sick — or both. It was hard to tell.

“Supreme Kai!” The foreman shouted as both Celestials ran over to him.

“Hey!” The other Celestial reached up and snapped his fingers in front of Zamasu’s face, but it garnered no response. “Lord Zamasu! Are you OK?”

The two looked at each other as Zamasu continued to stare off into space.

“Is he sick? Should we get someone?”

The foreman shrugged.

“I’ll go get one of the other Kai over there.” He gestured to beyond the entrance where Goku was giving fighting lessons to Kosu and Kasai up the hill. The two apprentices were fully engaged in the lesson, mimicking Goku’s swift and precise movements, while Aoume and Hana watched from the shade of a tree, occasionally whispering and nodding in admiration. Goku’s voice carried across the grounds, as he shouted encouragement and corrections for the complex series of strikes and blocks he was demonstrating.

The foreman turned to his coworker.
“Alright, you do that, I’ll stay here with the big gu—“

Before he could finish, Zamasu's eyes rolled back, and he collapsed, falling to the ground with a heavy thud. The foreman and the worker rushed to his side, their earlier excitement replaced with concern. The tranquil sounds of the newly installed fountain contrasted sharply with the panic in their voices as they called for help - their shouts echoing across the Temple grounds.

Zamasu found himself standing on the edge of a vast, desolate landscape, the sky a swirling vortex of dark clouds and crimson lightning. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and blood. He tried to move but his feet were anchored into place by some unseen force, forcing him to watch helplessly as the army of merged Zamasus unleashed unrelenting chaos upon the world below. With sinister grins, the fusions indiscriminately destroyed cities, obliterated nearby mountains, and annihilated entire screaming populations with a flick of their wrists, reveling in the destruction.

As he stood frozen in shock, one of the fusions turned his malevolent gaze toward him. "Join us, Supreme Kai," he beckoned, his voice echoing through the chaotic realm. "Together, we can rid the multiverse of its impurities and truly reign supreme."

Zamasu's heart pounded in his chest as he struggled with his emotions. The sight of such wanton destruction, carried out by a version of himself, was tormenting; yet, he felt the pull of the dark power, the allure of the Potara earrings that the fusion wore. Desperately, Zamasu shook his head, hoping this was a nightmare from which he could wake.

Suddenly, a surge of energy erupted, and the merged Zamasu began to defuse in a grotesque and painful fashion. The swirling, magnetic energy that held the fusion together started to unravel violently. The once cohesive being began to split down the middle, the two halves struggling against the force tearing them apart.

In a surreal display, the upper body of the fusion twisted and stretched, revealing the distinct forms of Zamasu and Goku within. Their faces contorted with strain and agony as the energy surged, forcing the fusion apart. Goku grinned maliciously through the pain, while Zamasu’s expression was one of shock and dismay. The dreamscape around them seemed to pulse with the power of their separation. The sound of the fusion cracking apart filled the air — like a dry bone slowly snapping lengthwise.

As the process neared completion, the forms of Zamasu and Goku became more defined, until finally, with a blinding flash and a shockwave that rippled through the dream world, they stood apart, panting and disoriented. Goku, regaining his composure, held out one of the Potara earrings with a sinister smile, urging the Supreme Kai to join him and embrace the dark path that lay ahead.

"Take it," he urged. "Embrace your true destiny."

The Supreme Kai looked at the earring, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. The dream felt all too real. He could feel the immense power that the earring promised — he began to reach out for it.

“Zamasu — wake up!” Goku's voice suddenly changed, sounding strangely concerned as he pulled back the Potara earring.

The Supreme Kai halted his reaching hand in confusion.

“Zamasu, please wake up!” The dark Goku’s face suddenly also softened, turning to one of genuine concern as he grabbed Zamasu’s robes and shook him.

The dreamscape began to dissolve, the chaotic landscape fading into a blur. The concerned Goku's voice echoed, “Wake up, Zamasu!” The Supreme Kai’s vision blurred, and he felt himself being pulled from the dream, reality slowly taking hold as he awoke.

The face that slowly appeared before him was monstrous — a grotesque mixture of features from everyone Zamasu knew. As he fluttered his eyes open, he reached a trembling hand to touch the intense, growing pain on the side of his head. The face seemed to blend the distinct traits of some of the lower Kai and Celestials, with Gowasu’s likeness unsettlingly prominent among them.

“Ow…” he groaned as he struggled to sit up. He delicately touched his head, then quickly withdrew his hand as a sharp pain shot through him.

“Zamasu! You’re okay!” The North Kai exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. “Oh, thank Kami!” Her embrace was tight and heartfelt, and Zamasu winced again as the inertia of the hug pushed him back, rattling his still aching head. He instinctively put his hands behind him to brace himself from falling backward.

As his vision continued to clear and his consciousness fully returned, the monstrous face began to split and separate into distinct entities. The familiar figures of the South Kai, the Celestial Foreman, and, strangely, Gowasu, emerged, each one now clearly defined and surrounding him with looks of concern while the North Kai maintained her embrace around his neck.

Aoume peeled Hana off of him as he and Gowasu each grabbed an arm and helped him to his feet. Nauseous and drenched in a cold sweat, he wobbled a bit, and sat down on the new fountain to collect himself, grateful for the cool mist that drifted off the cascading slips of water.

He stared at the new fountain and then at Gowasu, his mind struggling to piece together his surroundings. “Master Gowasu? What are you doing here?” he asked, bewildered. He didn’t remember seeing the fountain or Gowasu before his episode. He must have hit his head harder than he thought. He felt disoriented, unable to recall exactly how he had ended up here.

Gowasu placed a reassuring hand on his former apprentice’s shoulder. “You’re in no condition to discuss anything right now. Rest and recover first, and we’ll talk when you’re ready.”

“Oh!” Hana quickly dug into her pocket and produced a small bean. “Here, eat this,” she said. Goku had offered the bean, an extraordinary medicinal item called a Senzu Bean, which could instantly revitalize even the most drained individual. He only had two, but insisted the Supreme Kai should have one of them. They had collectively agreed that Goku should not be present when Zamasu woke up, or tell him the true origin of the Senzu Bean.

Zamasu eyed the bean suspiciously before glancing up at Hana.

“Oh, just eat it, it’s safe. It’s from my secret stash,” she said with a wink. Given her eccentric nature, it was a believable enough lie.

Zamasu hesitated for another moment, then popped the Senzu Bean into his mouth and chewed. Almost immediately, a surge of energy coursed through his body, healing his wounds and clearing his mind with startling clarity. His vision sharpened, and the lingering pain vanished.

In an instant, everything he had witnessed in the Time Sphere came rushing back to him. The horrific images, the wanton destruction, and the twisted version of himself all flooded his consciousness. His heart pounded with a mix of fury and dread.

His eyes blazed with anger as he shot to his feet. "Where is Goku?" he demanded, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. His thoughts were consumed with the betrayal and chaos he had seen, and he was determined to confront Goku about the dark timeline that he saw.

“This ‘Goku’—” he pointed at the Saiyan who was still training the two other Kai in the distance. “—he is not who he claims to be. He is responsible for unspeakable horrors. He must be brought to justice!” Zamasu declared.

Everyone turned in the direction of Zamasu’s finger. In the distance, Goku laughed, his voice warm and encouraging. “Great job! Now you’re getting it!” he shouted to the two lower Kai, his demeanor completely at odds with the malevolent figure Zamasu was trying to paint.

Gowasu sighed and stepped forward “Everyone, could you please give me a moment with the Supreme Kai?”

He stared back at their blank expressions.

“Alone.”

The group grumbled lowly before bowing to Gowasu and dispersing. Aoume lingered nearby, hopeful to eavesdrop, while Hana chased down the Celestial foreman, bugging him for new additions she wanted on her Sacred World.

“Zamasu, sit,” Gowasu said, settling onto the stone seat next to the fountain and patting the space beside him. A Time Ring glinted on his second finger. He had felt the pulse of the Time Sphere as it drifted through the vast currents of the cosmos, all the way to his timeline. He recognized the dark energy signature it was reading, aware of its significance. He was entangled in its whispers, hearing his name and his sins spoken aloud like viscous teenage gossip.

Zamasu!” Gowasu snapped suddenly, as the Supreme Kai refused to comply to his request.

Compelled by the Ring’s haunting chorus, he had followed the energy signature here to confront the Supreme Kai who was foolish enough to activate an unknown Time Ring and dig up the rotting, fetid memories of Zamasu and Black. Gowasu had anticipated it would be another version of himself; the truth, however, was almost more than he could handle, as he stared at his old apprentice.

There he was — Zamasu, the Supreme Kai of Universe 10 in this timeline — standing tall and resolute, embodying the wisdom and strength that Gowasu had always seen in him and had hoped to cultivate in his own failed version. This Zamasu was bearing the weight of his divine responsibilities with a dignity that made Gowasu profoundly proud, and despite the familiar torment and inner conflict he saw even now in his eyes, there was a determination — not emptiness — that made Gowasu's heart swell with a complicated mixture of pride and sorrow. Sorrow for what could have been in his own timeline had he chosen the truth over comfort when it came to admitting his apprentice’s faults.

After the erasure of the timeline, and witnessing the destruction of his apprentice, Gowasu felt unbearably heavy with the weight of his own sins and missteps, feeling that eternity itself wouldn’t be long enough to atone for the part he played. The pain of what had happened had shattered his heart into a million brilliant, fiery fragments, scattered like stars across the cold emptiness of the cosmos. Each passing day diminished them little by little, one by one, leaving him believing he would forever be divided, fading, and never again whole; however, seeing this Zamasu as the Supreme Kai, with an opportunity to guide and support him in ways he had failed his old apprentice, gave him a glimmer of hope that perhaps he could at last find some redemption and peace.

Gowasu stared intensely at Zamasu, who finally flicked his gaze in his direction and at last sat down.

Gowasu let out a relieved sigh. “Tell me, what did you see in the Sphere?” He had been briefed earlier by the lower Kai and Goku, whose presence here was a welcome sight, in his opinion. The recent troubles that plagued their universe and timeline were disturbing, to say the least. Evil never rests.

Zamasu gave a look of shock. “How did you know I activated the Time Sphere?” He demanded. He was under the impression that such divine activities were kept secret in the sacred realm, a privilege of the Supreme Kai.

Gowasu chuckled. “Everyone within a multiverse radius could feel the energy you released, if they were listening. Visions are often seldom what they seem, though, and they can be misleading,” he added gently. He had a feeling that Zamasu didn’t know the whole story, judging by his visceral reaction to Goku. It was likely that he had seen only fragments of what had happened, filling in the gaps with his own assumptions and now unwavering in his incorrect analysis. A very Zamasu thing to do.

“With all due respect, Master Gowasu, I am quite certain of what I saw. There is no other interpretation,” Zamasu asserted.

“Hmm.” Gowasu knew this would be difficult.“Zamasu, you must understand that the mind can play tricks, especially when viewing events out of context. The Goku you know, the one training your Kai as we speak, is not the one responsible for those horrors.”

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. Was his own Master now also keeping the truth from him? “How could you possibly know something like that?” Zamasu demanded, his voice filled with frustration and hurt. “And why would you keep it from me?”

Gowasu sighed and raised his hand, showing the Time Ring glinting on his finger. “Zamasu, I know your interpretation is incorrect because I was actually there. I am not the Gowasu you know from this timeline. I am the Gowasu who mentored one of the Zamasus responsible for those atrocities.” He paused, waiting to see if his words elicited a response, but there was only silence. “And, as I said before — the Goku you know, the one here now, is not the one responsible for those horrors.”

Zamasu thought his head felt better after the Senzu Bean, but the confusion swirling in his mind told a different story. The Potara and Kai outfit Gowasu was wearing made sense now, but the rest was baffling. “One” of the Zamasus? Plural? He had seen only one.

“Then who is, if not him?” Zamasu asked.

“The one you saw committing those atrocities is an impostor, a twisted possessed version of Goku from another timeline. He is known as Goku Black,” Gowasu explained, his voice heavy with the weight of the truth. “I say is because he technically lives on as half of the Potara fusion of yourself, which I was told you have already met.”

Zamasu looked taken aback, struggling to process this revelation. “Goku…Black?”

“Yes,” Gowasu continued. “Black is the result of an alternate version of yourself using the Super Dragon Balls to switch bodies with Goku. It is you, Zamasu, who has committed those crimes, not the Goku you have just met. This is why the vision was so unsettling—it was your own actions you were witnessing.“

Zamasu looked stunned, his mind reeling with the revelation. He had missed all of this in Time Sphere. He wondered if the Sphere was also trying to protect him from the truth. “So, the Goku I saw causing those horrors… was actually me?”

“Yes, this other version of you believed that mortals were the source of all evil and corruption in the universe. Consumed by this belief, he decided to eradicate all mortal life. By switching bodies with Goku, he gained incredible power and began his crusade of destruction,” Gowasu explained carefully. “Side by side with a second version of himself, whom he had recruited and who had wished for immortality.

Zamasu's mind reeled with this final revelation, feeling as if the ground had been pulled from under him.

Gowasu pressed on. “It’s crucial for you to understand this, Zamasu, so you can avoid making the same mistakes.”

Zamasu sat in silence. The realization that he alone was responsible for the atrocities, and for bringing the immortality contagion and infinite loop to his universe now, was crushing.

Gowasu could see the turmoil etched on his former apprentice’s face. “I sense though that you are a noble Kai, one who earnestly desires to uphold righteousness and justice, despite the turmoil within your heart.” He put a hand on his shoulder. “Their fate is not your own.”

Zamasu barely processed Gowasu’s consoling words as his thoughts swirled in a chaotic storm of guilt and despair. He thought of Kusu’s warning and swallowed the panic in his throat. He had one more unanswered question. “The Time Ring ended suddenly and started over.” He looked at Gowasu with fear. “What happened?”

Gowasu set his mouth in a firm line. “The entire timeline was erased by the Omni King,” he said gravely. “The situation became so dire that there was no other option. Goku, the one you know here, fought bravely alongside his friends to stop the chaos. They did everything they could to save that timeline, but in the end, it was beyond redemption. The Omni King had to intervene and erase it completely.”

Zamasu’s heart sank even further, if that was even possible. He looked at Goku in the distance, jovially training the lower Kai, with a measure of jealousy. The thought that Goku had fought valiantly, trying to preserve life and order, while his future selves wrought only destruction, was a bitter pill to swallow.

Gowasu, recognizing that look of resentment and envy, squeezed his hand tighter on his shoulder. “The future is not set in stone, Zamasu. You have the power to change your destiny. Recognizing your potential for destruction is the first step toward preventing it. Use this knowledge to guide your actions and strive to become the Supreme Kai who protects and nurtures the universe, rather than one who seeks to destroy it.”

Zamasu looked up at Gowasu, the weight of the truth still heavy on his heart and clearly reflected in his eyes. “Yes, Master. I will try.”

Gowasu sighed. How many times had he heard that empty promise from Zamasu? He looked up at the fountain, his eyes drawn to the intertwined wolves. Wolves were Zeno’s favorite creation, admired for their power, cooperation, and the musical harmony of their relationship with celestial bodies. Their presence spanned the multiverse, with each Kai ensuring they existed in some capacity within their respective universes. Gowasu reflected on how the wolves' success lay in their reliance on the relationships within their pack, trusting each other to elevate one another’s weaknesses. An idea began to form in his mind.

In the past, it had been an echo chamber of only him and Zamasu. He refused to allow anyone else into their inner sanctum, as was the tradition for Supreme Kai training, even though his apprentice had shown every sign of needing another perspective, another voice that might have helped him see a better way. This time, he would make sure to change that.

“South and North Kai,” he called out, noticing both Kai creeping about, trying to listen in. It felt strange to be ordering around different versions of his own former Kai, and he couldn’t help but smile to himself at the oddity of the situation.

“Yes, Lord Gowasu?” Both Kai said in unison as they trotted over eagerly and bowed.

“Tell me — what do you think of this fountain?”

Both Kais gazed upwards in awe at the masterfully carved, brilliantly shining lupine forms.

Zamasu lowered his head, staring at the ground, his silver hair cascading in front of his eyes as he tried to hide.

“Well , wolves are universally revered as the Omni King’s chosen symbol of his divine authority.” Aoume said resolutely. “And the light and dark clearly symbolize the eternal struggle between good and evil.”

“Very good. But the wolves are equal in strength and stature—what determines which one will win?” He turned to the North Kai who should know the answer. “Hanakotoba?”

Hana looked at Gowasu and then at the fountain. As a former instructor at DICA, the parable of the dark and light wolf was the first lesson Shinjin younglings were taught in philosophy and ethics. She had told the story so many times that she could recite it in her sleep. She turned a deeply compassionate gaze towards Zamasu, as he stared at the ground, burdened so much by the heavy truth he had just learned.

“The one that wins is the one you feed.” She finally answered. She noticed Zamasu's gaze quickly lift from his feet to Goku in the distance. It was clear he had heard their conversation.

Gowasu placed a comforting hand on Zamasu’s shoulder again, who jumped a bit in surprise and gazed up at him. “This is why it is important for you to stay grounded, Zamasu, and to always seek wisdom and guidance from others when you’re unsure. Your potential for good is immense, but so is your capacity for destruction. Be mindful of which one you nurture, for the other will inevitably wither away.”

Zamasu huffed deeply and stood up. He turned to leave towards the Temple to meditate, sulk, and feel sorry for himself—but then he stopped. He would not let fury dictate his actions. That was the message Gowasu was trying to convey, and he realized he was slipping right back into his old habits. He glanced at the three Kai, who were watching him intently, as if they had bets on his next move. Then, he looked at the wolves, their forms a reminder of the power one has over emotions and experiences. If he didn't stop this now, it would never end. He could be a powerful Supreme Kai, worthy of his title, if that was the narrative he fed.

He switched his gaze back to Goku, who was joking with his Kai. Straightening his posture, Zamasu walked briskly past Gowasu towards the laughing group as they attempted to emulate the Saiyan's attacks.

“Excuse me, Sir.”

Zamasu suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked down.

The Celestial foreman materialized a tablet and handed it to Zamasu. “Sorry to bother you, especially considering—" he glanced at the other Kai, “—everything you have going on right now, but I do need your verification. Admin policy and all,” he said with a sniff.

Zamasu sighed. Even the Supreme Kai couldn't override certain HR policies. He tapped a few checkboxes and then placed his palm squarely on the screen. “Your discretion in the matters you witnessed today is essential,” he said, flashing a stern look as he handed the tablet back.

“Oh, of course. I didn’t hear a thing about you going on a bloody genocidal rampage in another timeline, nor its inevitable erasure by Lord Zeno,” he said, making a zipping motion across his mouth. “My lips are sealed, Supreme Kai.”

He bowed to Zamasu, who continued his trek toward Goku. Suddenly, he called out again. “Oh! Wait! I need your authorization on this—a new addition request from the North Kai. We’re headed there now.” He handed the tablet back to Zamasu. “I can't tell if she's serious or not.”

Zamasu read the project proposal and examined the rough blueprint drawn by Hana. “A water park with slides cascading into sparkling, multi-colored pools…a section dedicated to interdimensional games and contests, where mortals and deities can compete in whimsical challenges?” He looked up from the tablet, his face flushed with irritation. “Absolutely not!” he declared.

“That’s what I thought. Have a good day, sir.” He bowed and transmitted away, leaving Gowasu laughing at the situation and the disgruntled look on Hanakotoba's face. Watching Zamasu handle such mundane duties as Supreme Kai, Gowasu felt a few more shards of his broken heart come together. He had half a mind to visit their Core Planet in this timeline and congratulate its Gowasu on accomplishing the impossible.

Zamasu, though, took a deep breath and steadied himself. He continued his march out the Temple and up the hill. “Son Goku!” he called out, his voice loud and firm.

Goku paused and turned to face him, a nervous expression crossing his face. Kosu and Kasai scattered, leaving the two parties to face each other at the top of the hill. He had been distracting himself with the training, but had kept a watchful eye on the situation in the quad. It was fortunate that Gowasu had shown up to intervene just in time.

“I have decided to bestow upon you your fifth grace—an opportunity for redemption,” Zamasu declared, standing nose to nose with the Saiyan, arms crossed.

Goku’s face went stern, trying not to show too much anticipation. This was unexpected. “What do you mean?”

“A real chance to rectify your loss against my alternate selves,” Zamasu clarified. “Together, we will confront the darkness that arose from our combined actions. You admitted you played a small part in this, and while the details are not my concern, I seek to find a way to set things right.”

Goku nodded, struggling to contain his excitement at the prospect of a second chance. His heart raced with anticipation. “I won’t let you down. Let’s do this together.” He reached out his hand.

Zamasu arched an eyebrow at the gesture and then looked at Goku with a smirk. “You wish to shake my hand, an honor not lightly given,” he said with a hint of amusement in his voice. “But I suspect you’d rather I reserve your final grace for something even more momentous.”

Chapter Text

RUN:// Cosmic_Adjudication_Network_(CAN)

**Note all entries are sent and viewable by Lord Zeno in the Celestial Archive System (CAS) for up to 5,000 core celestial years **

User: EKKasai
Password: ************
System: Report Query (Status: Complete)
Universe: 10
Current Supreme Kai: Zamasu
Current God of Destruction: Rumsshi
Quadrants with Active Overseers (Kai):
North (Inactive, Status: Unknown)
South: (Active)
East: (Active)
West: (Active)

Planet: Verdexia

Universal GPS Coordinates:
•Universe 10
• Sector: Eastern
•Galaxy: Synthara
• Star: Solariath- G-type main sequence star (G2V)
•Planet: Verdexia
•Coordinates: E10-SY-32.8472, 15.2849, 74.3921

Description/Field Notes:
Data Type: Qualitative

Verdexia, in the Eastern Sector of Universe 10's Sythara Galaxy, is a small planet once rich in resources but now marred by the Viroxi's destructive industrial practices. At its peak, the Viroxi numbered about 3 billion total as a species. The sprawling metropolis is marked by advanced technology and severe environmental degradation. Recently, the mortal population has sharply declined, dropping by 500,000,000 in the past week, due to unknown causes. The cause of the genocide seems to vanish as quickly as it appears. Many of the remaining cities are on lock down due to this. The current population stands at about 1.5 billion left, highlighting the planet's escalating crisis.

Digitally Signed: EKKasai

Vital Indicators:

- **Climate:** Poor
- **Biodiversity Loss:** High
- **Biogeochemical Cycle Stability:** Poor
- **Average Mortality Rate of Viroxi:** Extremely High, extinction event likely
- **Ocean Health:** Very Poor
- **Atmosphere Health:** Poor
- **Likelihood for Serious Epidemic:** High

Recommendation:Refer to Destroyer for elimination

Submitted by: KAS-10X-4729
Authorized by: ZAM-10X-8147

On the planet Verdexia, located in the Easrern sector in one of the tails of the spiral Synthara galaxy, a bustling alien metropolis thrives amidst a landscape once full with plentiful resources. The city itself is a chaotic blend of towering skyscrapers and industrial complexes, all interconnected by a maze of transit tubes and hovercraft lanes. Neon lights and holographic advertisements illuminate the streets, where purplish-skinned mortals, known as the Viroxi, go about their daily lives.

The Viroxi are a fairly advanced species, their technological prowess shown in the sophisticated machinery and infrastructure that dominate their cities; however, this progress comes at a steep cost. Their insatiable appetite for resources has led to aggressive and unsustainable practices, resulting in sustained violence against their planet and each other. Each year, Verdexia's resource overshoot day arrives sooner, signaling an ever-worsening crisis. Despite the obvious signs of environmental degradation, the Viroxi continue their destructive ways, driven by a combination of greed and a disregard for the long-term consequences of their actions.

A young Viroxi child, her purplish skin glistening under the city’s neon lights, abandoned her distracted parents’ side for a moment, to chase a small cat-like creature. The animal, with its sleek fur and glowing eyes, darted between two large buildings, leading the child down a dark, narrow alleyway. Merrily, she laughed and squealed as she reached out to grab its tail, the creature always just a beat out of her excited grip.

As she giggled and turned a corner, she collided with something solid and unyielding. Stumbling back, she looked up and found herself face-to-face with a figure unlike any she had ever seen. The figure towered over her, his presence both imposing and otherworldly. His thick, spiky, silvery white hair reached up to the sky, tinged with iridescent grey and red, as grimy chemically polluted air whisked through it. His eyes, a piercing shade of grey, gazed down at her with a mix of curiosity and cold detachment. His bright green skin was a stark contrast to the dark grey, regal tunic he wore, which was trimmed in red and black, and added to his imposing presence.

The child, frozen in place, could only stare back in awe and fear. The alley seemed to grow quieter, the distant hum of the city’s lights and bustling activity fading away as she became acutely aware of the inherent danger within the being before her. The merged Zamasu tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied her, as if trying to comprehend the innocence and naivety that led her to this unfortunate moment.

With a cold, unfeeling tone, he spoke softly to her. “Do you understand the gravity of this moment, child? Your curiosity has brought you to a crossroads far beyond your comprehension; yet, this encounter was not by mere chance. It is the culmination of your species' recklessness, an intended eventuality centuries in the making.” He paused, a small smile briefly flickering across his face, only to fade when the child remained unresponsive.

“You are a mere mortal, standing before a God. Can you grasp the reality of this? Of what is to come?"

The child stared up at him as she nervously fiddled with the hem of her shirt, seemingly not comprehending the weight of his words.

Zamasu sighed and continued. “You must understand why you must die. It is not out of cruelty, but necessity. Your existence, and that of your kind, is a blight upon this cosmos. Your species has wrought destruction and imbalance, and for the greater good, this must be rectified. Your death is a small but essential step in restoring harmony to the universe. Sacrifices must be made for the greater good, and unfortunately, you are part of that sacrifice.”

He kneeled down, placing his hand tenderly on her head, his dispassionate eyes meeting hers. “Take solace in the fact that your end will serve a purpose far greater than your life ever could. This is the reality you must accept.”

He stood and raised his hand, a faint, glowing energy gathering around his fingers. The air around them grew thick with power, the alley's shadows deepening. "This moment, child, is not just your end, but a new beginning for the universe. Remember this, as you fade away."

As the energy in Zamasu's hand grew brighter and more intense, ready to fulfill what he saw as his righteous duty, the small cat-like creature darted back into the alley. The child's eyes shifted from Zamasu to the animal, and without hesitation, she lunged forward, scooping it up into her arms.

The child's attention was fully absorbed by the creature, her face lighting up with a pure, innocent joy, as she cradled the small animal. Oblivious to the impending danger, she softly murmured to the cat, who purred and nuzzled back, both completely unaware of the gravity of the situation.

Zamasu watched this tender interaction with a brief flicker of something akin to regret, but his resolve quickly hardened. The energy in his hand continued to grow, casting a harsh light over the dark alley. He knew what had to be done, even as the innocent scene before him contrasted starkly with the act he was about to commit. The cosmos demanded balance, and he was its enforcer.

The Supreme Kai transmitted onto Verdexia, arriving on the outskirts of one of the last major thriving cities, Nexara Prime, which had been recently sealed off due to the ongoing genocide crisis. He glanced at Kasai’s tablet, disregarding the abysmal vital indicators and noting the mortal population had decreased by over 500,000,000 within a week’s time.

Hovering in the air, he ran a pair of Universe 5 Potara earrings through his fingers, their smooth magnetic surface radiating a warm soothing energy that calmed his increasingly anxious nerves. Angrily, he observed the cityscape below, trying to keep his true purpose for being here at the forefront of his mind. The chaotic sprawl was a testament to the Viroxi’s destructive ways, and he recalled how his studies during his apprenticeship had led him to grapple deeply with the nature of mortals such as these. The stark contrast between their technological advancements, self-destructive behaviors, and denial of the connection between the two, always deeply unsettled him.

Normally, these observations would consume his attention, as he pondered how mortals constantly sought inner peace while their actions caused external harm—a contradiction that defied the very principles of balance and harmony. But not today. He had another purpose for visiting Verdexia. He was certain that what he truly sought would soon find its way to him, if the numbers he saw and the energy signatures he felt were accurate. It was just a matter of time.

As he rubbed his watery eyes, irritated by the thick chemical residue in the air, he heard a faint popping sound coming from the dark alleyway below. Initially, he hoped it was the sign he was looking for, but after several minutes passed without it repeating, he dismissed it as a backfiring hovercraft gasket.

Zamasu returned to his thoughts when suddenly, the sound returned, this time with a series of bright, luminous blasts that lit up the narrow alleyway like fireworks in the night. The flashes of light cast eerie, dancing shadows on the grimy walls, making the dark corners light up with a menacing glow. The air vibrated with the intensity of each blast, and the smell of burnt ozone filled the air.

Moments later, a chorus of terrified screams pierced the air, echoing through the alley and reaching his ears. The sheer panic and desperation in those cries solidified his hopes. This was no ordinary disturbance; it was the sign he had been waiting for. He watched intently, his heart pounding with anticipation as the chaotic scene below unfolded. As he observed, the East Kai’s tablet began to vibrate as the mortal count ticked lower every few seconds, confirming the unfolding devastation.

The night sky over Nexara Prime was alight with chaos as several fused Zamasus unleashed their wrath upon the city. Their forms, towering and formidable, moved through the streets with a terrifying grace, their silhouettes glowing with an unearthly iridescent light. The sounds of collapsing buildings echoed through the metropolis like the final groans of glaciers calving into the ocean, disappearing forever.

Each Zamasu wielded immense power, their hands crackling with energy as they indiscriminately targeted everything in their path. The ground shook with every step they took, and the air vibrated with the force of their attacks. Bolts of energy shot from their fingertips, reducing skyscrapers to rubble in mere seconds and wiping out hundreds of mortals in an instant. These were the fortunate ones, spared the excruciating deaths of searing blasts or the intimate strike of a blade to the gut or throat.

The Viroxi, frantic, ran in all directions, their faces contorted in terror. Parents clutched their children, desperately seeking shelter from the onslaught, but there was no escape from the merciless Gods. The once bustling streets were now scenes of pandemonium, filled with screams of panic and the wailing of those trapped under debris.

One Zamasu hovered above the chaos, his arms outstretched as he summoned a massive ball of energy. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled it toward a cluster of fleeing Viroxi, obliterating them in an instant and leaving a smoking crater in their place. Another Zamasu swept through the sky, raining down blasts of destructive light that carved through buildings and sent large chunks of flaming debris crashing to the ground.

The city's neon lights flickered and died, leaving the streets illuminated only by the growing, consuming fires, and the destructive light show of the Zamasus. The once vibrant heart of Nexara Prime was now a war zone, its technological marvels reduced to smoldering ruins, the resources that once built it now returned to the scorched planet. Amidst the devastation, the Viroxi's cries for mercy went unanswered, their city laid to waste by the indiscriminate fury of the fused Gods.

The Supreme Kai sat in a small café, his expression carefully composed as he watched the scene of destruction unfold through a shattered glass window with strong distaste. Across from him sat another version of himself—an amalgamation of his past self and the one known as Goku Black, as he was now aware. His pristine face now bore a small, permanent silver scar, courtesy of the North Kai. The café was dimly lit, the flickering light from a small smoldering fire of debris outside the only source of illumination, casting eerie, formidable, shadows on their faces.

A Viroxi female, the cafe owner, stood trembling next to them, awaiting their order. Her purple skin was pale with fear, and her eyes darted nervously between the two figures. The Supreme Kai could see the reflection of the chaos outside in her wide eyes—the explosions, the towering figures of the Zamasus, and the panicked citizens.

The air inside the café was thick with tension, mingling with the acrid bitter smell of smoke and blood that seeped in from the outside. The low hum of distant screams and collapsing structures provided a haunting soundtrack. The Supreme Kai, despite his inner turmoil, maintained a façade of calm, knowing that any sign of weakness would give away his true intent and could be exploited by the dark figure across from him.

"Tea," he finally said, his voice steady but devoid of emotion, dismissing the owner with a wave of his hand. She nodded quickly and turned towards the fusion. “And you…sir?” Her voice trembling.

The merged Zamasu leaned back and flashed a smile. "I will have a cup of Mornathian brew," he said, referring to an exotic coffee known for its rich flavor. "And bring me the finest pastries you can muster amidst this chaos.” He looked to the Supreme Kai apologetically, "I am, regrettably, frequently beholden to my partially mortal cells."

He turned his gaze back to the trembling owner, his smile morphing into a smirk. "You should feel honored. While the others face indiscriminate death, you have the privilege of using your God-given talent one final time. Prepare a meal worthy of the divinity that appears before you now, and consider it your final tribute, a testament to the fleeting beauty of mortal creation before it vanishes forever."

The owner, still visibly shaking, nodded and hurried to fulfill the order, leaving the Supreme Kai and the fusion in the oppressive silence of the dimly lit café. The flickering light highlighted the contrasting expressions on their faces—the Supreme Kai's forced calmness and the twisted satisfaction on the face of his darker counterpart, who ran a pair of multiverse Potara through his fingers— a gift given in good faith by the Supreme Kai, and a sign of his intended cooperation. The destruction outside continued unabated, as the Supreme Kai contemplated what to say next.

“You truly believe this destruction is necessary?” He finally asked, with genuine curiosity.

The fused Zamasu leaned back, his eyes glinting with a mix of satisfaction and amusement. “Mortals are the root of all chaos. Their existence brings imbalance and corruption to the universe. Our actions here are not just acts of destruction, but of purification.”

The Supreme Kai frowned. “I used to think there was a way to guide them, to help them find a path of balance and harmony.” He looked out the window for a moment before continuing. “I understand now that perhaps I was naive.”

The darker Zamasu’s smirk widened. “Naivety is a trait common among those who seek to protect mortals. But you see, they cannot be guided. Their nature is inherently evil, their capacity for denial—their ability to exist in two contradictory states at the same time — their tragic flaw that cannot be overcome.”

The Supreme Kai lifted his eyes at this, realizing they shared the same thought. Naturally, they would—there were three versions of him at the table.

“They can recognize the destruction they cause and yet continue on as if nothing is wrong.” The fusion said with a scoff.

Zamasu restrained a condescending smile at the hypocrisy of his counterpart’s statement, as he sat tranquilly despite a horde of screaming Viroxi running past the window, barely outpacing a scorching beam of light that trailed them from above.

“This inherent flaw renders them incapable of achieving true balance. It’s like trying to live in two separate realities simultaneously, all the while convinced you are whole. By eliminating them, we restore the divine order.”

The Supreme Kai sighed softly. Finding little else to contribute, he continued to agree, hoping to keep the conversation on his counterpart's terms. “I wanted to believe in the potential for good within them. But now… now I see that your actions may indeed be the only way to achieve true peace.” The words tasted like acid rising up in his throat.

The other nodded approvingly. “Embrace this understanding. It is through our divine will that the universe will find its true balance. The eradication of mortals is not an act of cruelty, but a necessary step towards a perfect world.” He gripped his hand over the Potara tightly and made them disappear. "I am truly pleased that you have come to understand and witness our divine work firsthand."

Zamasu nodded as another stretch of silence befell the two.

Suddenly, the cafe owner emerged from the darkened kitchen with their orders, causing both Kai to jump slightly in their seats as the quiet was abruptly shattered. Her hands trembled so much that she nearly lost her grip on the tray. After composing herself, she carefully placed it down in front of them, desperately trying to steady herself and hide her fear. The Supreme Kai tried to mask the pity he felt. While mortals like these might not deserve much, they didn't deserve this.

As he shifted his attention to the table and reached for his cup of tea, he marveled at the spread, which in many regards, rivaled the banquet he had created for Goku. In the center stood the large mug of Mornathian brew, releasing a rich, aromatic steam that rose up to the ceiling. Surrounding it was an assortment of pastries—golden and flaky, filled with vibrant fruit preserves and creamy custard centers—arranged like an edible floral bouquet, and dusted with a fine layer of powdered sugar resembling soft snowfall. It all looked impossibly delicate and delicious.

The merged Zamasu's eyes gleamed with appreciation as he looked at the spread. "Ah, see now this is truly impressive," he said, his tone almost reverent. "Despite the turmoil, you have perfected the gifts bestowed upon you by the Kai who created you. Your mastery of this craft is nothing short of divine, and your ability to maintain such excellence under pressure is a true testament to your creators' grace."

He took a sip of his coffee, savoring the flavor, and then sampled one of the pastries, closing his eyes in delight. "Exquisite," he murmured, opening his eyes to meet hers. "Such talent, such finesse. What is your name?”

The owner spun the empty tray like a ship’s steering wheel nervously between her hands. “Aeloria ”

“Well, Aeloria, this is a fitting tribute to the Gods. You’ve done the impossible and forced me to think marginally better of your species.” He reached out, gently brushing his fingers against her hair in a gesture of admiration. Aeloria froze. Zamasu’s touch, though seemingly gentle, was filled with an unsettling intensity that made her fear for her life even more. She closed her eyes and steeled herself against the anticipated pain of her inevitable demise, as the fusion’s twisted smile grew wider, relishing her fear.

After the moment passed, he brushed her off dismissively. “You may go. We will summon you if we require anything further.”

Aeloria, still trembling, dared to ask, "Aren't you going to kill me?"

Zamasu’s smile remained, his eyes cold. “I am feeling generous today. Your end will be swift and painless. But not yet.”

Aeloria managed a weak smile, clearly uncertain how to react. She took a step back and remained silent, too frightened to move or speak.

The fusion’s smile faded. "Careful now, you’re testing my generosity. You should be showing gratitude towards a God who has chosen to show you mercy."

Aeloria remained in her frozen pose — how did one express gratitude in the face of such terror?

Zamasu watched as the fusion leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing, as he whispered to the frightened woman and summoned a glowing blade around his right hand. “Kneel and express your thanks, mortal. Your silence could be mistaken for defiance, and I might reconsider my mercy."

Terrified, she swiftly dropped to her knees, the tray cutting through the eerie quiet with a loud metallic clang as it hit the ground and spun briefly before coming to rest. She bowed her head low. "Thank you, Sir.” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Zamasu's expression softened slightly, a look of cold satisfaction spreading on his face as he relaxed the chi around his hand. "Better," he said icily. "Now go — before I change my mind."

Aeloria scrambled to her feet and hurried away, her steps unsteady as she disappeared into the darkened kitchen behind them.

The Supreme Kai observed the entire exchange quietly, a mix of curiosity and skepticism flickering in his eyes, mirroring the flames of the fires smoldering around them. Watching his counterpart’s interaction with the mortal woman, a troubling doubt that had first formed while observing the chaos in the Time Sphere now solidified in his mind. Was the Zero Mortal Plan truly about purification, or was it merely an exercise in flaunting their power?

Surely there were far more merciful ways to rid the universe of mortals and achieve the goal of rebuilding a more balanced cosmos? Utilizing the Destroyers more, for one. The display of dominance and cruelty here though seemed excessive, almost indulgent. In his estimation, their path to a perfect universe failed because it was driven by an underlying desire to exert control and inflict suffering, rather than a genuine pursuit of cosmic harmony.

“So, tell me,” the fused Zamasu began suddenly, making the Supreme Kai jump a bit, as he took another sip of his brew. “Why the change of heart? Why have you truly decided to partake in our divine cleansing at last?” He looked up from his cup as the tendrils of steam formed a sinister curtain in front of his face. “Although, we knew you eventually would.”

The Supreme Kai’s eyes hardened. “Goku.”

“Ah, Goku.” The fused Zamasu nodded, a smug satisfaction in his eyes. “It’s always Goku, isn’t it? He’s the one that tipped the scales the first time.”

Zamasu watched his fused counterpart continue to eat and drink in bliss as he conversed, taking another bite of a delicate pastry and savoring its flavor with an almost serene pleasure. Disgust washed over him at the sight of these banal mortal acts to which his counterpart was now a slave. As he sipped his tea and glared over the top of the cup, he felt a deep sense of gratitude that he hadn’t actually exchanged bodies when it was in the possession of Hanakotoba.

"What precisely about him made you change your mind?" the fusion inquired, leaning back in his chair with a deadly seriousness, having finally finished his meal, at last.

“He challenged the authority of the gods, disrupted the natural order, and defied divine will with his very existence. He wielded power that no mortal should possess, and he used it recklessly, disrespecting the sanctity of the divine realm,” the Supreme Kai listed, his tone heavy with frustration. This part was still true in his opinion.

“Indeed,” the fused Zamasu replied, savoring the moment of hearing yet another version of himself arrive to same conclusion. “Goku was more than just a thorn in our side. He was a symbol of mortal defiance, a testament to their inability to understand or respect the divine order. His power was a direct affront to the gods, a challenge that could not go unanswered.”

He leaned forward, his expression furious as he tapped the table angrily with his finger after every phrase for dramatic effect. “Every time he defied us, every time he showed his reckless disregard for the divine order, it only reinforced the necessity of our plan. His actions highlighted the inherent chaos and corruption within mortals!”

The Supreme Kai nodded and noted uncomfortably that he was finding it easier to lie as their conversation dragged on. He hoped it wasn’t a sign of his true intentions coming out. “It’s ironic, isn’t it? Goku, who supposedly fought and obtained his power to protect and save others, ended up being the catalyst for a plan to eradicate all mortals.” He forced a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Yes, it is ironic,” the fused Zamasu continued, his voice calmer but still intense. “But it’s also fitting. Goku’s own actions brought about the very judgment he fought against. His defiance sealed the fate of all mortals.”

The Supreme Kai looked down at the table, the once delicately arranged pastries now reduced to crumbs, consumed by the same voracious need the fusion detested in the mortals he despised. The irony was not lost on him. "And so, the Zero Mortal Plan became the only viable solution. Not out of malice, but out of necessity," he said, still maintaining the facade. "I understand this now. I didn't before."

"Precisely," the fused Zamasu agreed. A heavy silence fell between them, the only sound the distant rumble of thr continuing destruction outside.

The Supreme Kai's gaze wandered to the back of the café, where Aeloria could be seen in the dim light, huddled in a corner. She was crying softly, looking at photos on an electronic tablet, likely memories of a life that was about to be cruelly cut short.

Noticing the direction of his counterpart's gaze, the fused Zamasu's eyes gleamed with dark amusement. "Have you ever killed a mortal before?" He asked, his tone deceptively casual. It just occurred to him this benevolent Supreme Kai version of himself might have never felt the intoxicating rush of a successful execution. “If not, this would be an excellent opportunity for you to show your commitment to our cause."

The Supreme Kai's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions as he processed the request. Kill a mortal? No — but he had come close. Once.

It was during one of Gowasu’s lessons, after a particularly heated debate about whether mortals were worthy of the protection and guidance the Kai provided. They had observed the planet Barbari, home to primitive, violent beings who had only recently evolved. Zamasu was disgusted by their barbaric ways, watching them fight and mercilessly beat one another without reason.

“Let’s go one thousand years into the future.” Gowasu turned and said, as he flashed the Time Ring on his finger.

Zamasu scoffed. One thousand years was like ten seconds in terms of biological evolution. “We might as well go five years, Master. In fact, at their intelligence level, I’m not sure even ten thousand years is enough time to see progress.”

Gowasu frowned. "This isn’t their test, Zamasu, it’s yours.” He handed him one of his Potara earrings. "Remember, your first instinct—the initial voice you hear in any situation—is not your true self. It is a mixture of your biases, weaknesses of character, self-doubt, and all the misunderstandings of your life experiences converging into one.” He watched as his apprentice clumsily clipped the earring on. “Sometimes this voice may seem just, and it can be; however, more often than not, it contradicts divine justice and the path to true balance."

Gowasu paused, observing the familiar smug expression of youth and hubris settle on his apprentice’s face.

“If you pause, though, Zamasu,” he continued, “—just a moment longer than your instincts tell you to—you will hear a second voice. That one is your true self within, the one that corrects the errors of the first and speaks from your heart, free of all biases and judgments.” He extended his fist in commencement of their Time Travel. “You must learn to listen and trust that second voice, Zamasu.”

Zamasu sighed and rolled his eyes as he touched his fist to Gowasu’s and declared, “one thousand years!”

In a flash, both Kai disappeared and found themselves on a rocky outcrop, observing the Barbarians, now one thousand years later. Below them, the primitive, barbaric inhabitants were engaged in a brutal and chaotic fight. The air was filled with the sounds and smells of violence and bloodshed, and the sight of mortals savagely beating one another for no discernible reason.

Zamasu frowned, shaking his head in disappointment. "This is the truth, then. These mortals haven’t changed one bit," he said, his voice filled with contempt. "In fact, it may have even gotten worse!” He exclaimed. He watched as the Barbarians tore at each other, their savage nature on full display.

"So it would seem.” Gowasu said calmly, horrified by the brutality before them, but keen not to entertain Zamasu’s comments too much.

Zamasu's eyes narrowed, his disdain growing. "Why have you brought me here, Master? “ He turned towards Gowasu with a look of frustration. “I am convinced now, more than ever, that such mortals have no place in this universe," he declared, his tone cold and resolute. "Such ugly mortals..."

“Hmm.” Gowasu sighed, still patient for the anticipated moment to arise.

As the Kai continued to observe the violent chaos below, a group of Barbarians suddenly noticed their presence. With primal roars, they charged up the rocky outcrop towards Zamasu and Gowasu.

Zamasu's eyes narrowed, and with a swift motion, he unleashed a pulse of chi, pushing the attackers back and sending them sprawling to the ground below, their roars of anger echoing as they tumbled down. One particularly aggressive Barbarian shook his head and managed to recover quickly. He charged back up the rocky cliffs, lunging at them again with his weapon raised high.

Zamasu turned his attention to the creature, his eyes cold and detached as he raised his hand with eerie calm, his palm glowing with deadly energy. Every movement was precise, the air crackling with power as he prepared to end the Barbarian’s life without a second thought, seeing it as nothing more than an obstacle to be removed. The creature's wild eyes met Zamasu’s unflinching gaze, recognizing the lethal intent behind it. Poised for the final, devastating blow, Zamasu exhibited no hesitation or doubt—only the cold, calculated execution of what he believed to be divine justice.

"Enough!" Gowasu shouted, stepping between Zamasu and the Barbarian. He grabbed his apprentice by his tunic and shoved him firmly out of the way against a large rock, his voice firm. "Pause, Zamasu! This is not the way of the Kai!”

Zamasu heaved heavy breaths as his anger flared—Gowasu had never laid hands on him before or ever shown any outward aggression —but he just could not strike his master in return, just couldn’t bring himself to do it. He clenched his fist, continuing to breathe heavy as his eyes burned with frustration.

What felt like eons was actually mere seconds before a more evolved and intelligent Barbarian suddenly appeared. He swiftly intervened in a similar fashion to Gowasu, chastising the attacker. "Enough of this madness!" he commanded, in their guttural roaring language, pulling the aggressor away. The aggressive Barbarian roared his displeasure, but reluctantly obeyed, casting a final angry glare at the Kai before retreating with the more evolved Barbarian.

Zamasu, still trying to even out his breathing, felt himself shaking from the intensity of the encounter. As Gowasu released his grip on his apprentice and held his fist out to signal their return to the Sacred Realm, Zamasu steadied himself, the tension in his muscles gradually easing. The raw energy of the moment lingered though, and the weight of what had almost transpired pressed heavily on his mind. Taking a deep breath, Zamasu touched Gowasu's fist, ready to leave the chaotic scene behind and return to the safety and serenity of their realm.

“Are you alright, Zamasu?”

Once back in the Sacred Realm, Gowasu turned to Zamasu and placed a gentle hand on his back for reassurance.

Zamasu took another breath before straightening himself and adjusting his clothes. His tunic suddenly felt unbearably tight across his chest, constricting his breathing. After a moment, he nodded. "I am fine," he said, though his voice still held a hint of strain.

Gowasu paused, contemplating Zamasu's reaction and perceived readiness to reflect on such an intense experience. After a moment, he nodded and asked, “What was the lesson?"

Zamasu was silent for a moment, his anger subsiding as he reflected on the events. "I didn’t truly want to strike him, but I felt I had no other choice," he admitted, the first voice whispering violence and urging him to act. "That initial instinct, the urge to eliminate the mortal —that threat — it was overwhelming."

Gowasu nodded thoughtfully. "And what about the pause, Zamasu? What did you experience in that moment?"

Zamasu took a deep breath. "In that brief pause, I felt the conflict between my initial instinct and a quieter, more rational voice. It was as if my true self was trying to break through, urging me to see beyond my biases and disgust for mortals." He stopped, then added with a slight, wry smile, "though I must admit, I never expected you to physically intervene.” His smile broadened. “That certainly gave me reason to pause."

Gowasu laughed heartily. "Well, it seems I still have some life left in me yet. What do you think, maybe we should spar sometime, huh?” He said with a wink.

Zamasu raised an eyebrow, giving him a look that clearly said, "You’re kidding, right?"

Gowasu chuckled again. "You see, Zamasu, that pause, that hesitation you felt, was the second voice I spoke of. It is your true self, free from bias and rash judgment."

Zamasu looked down, contemplating.

“And what about the second lesson?”

Zamasu looked up. “Second lesson?”

Gowasu smiled gently. "Because you paused, you not only saw that there were more evolved and intelligent mortals, but you also witnessed that even the ones who attacked might have the potential to be reformed. Killing the Barbarian might have robbed them of that chance for growth and redemption."

Zamasu nodded slowly, the realization dawning on him. "It's a chain reaction of balance."

"Precisely," Gowasu affirmed. "Every action has a ripple effect. By pausing and listening to that second voice, you allow the possibility for balance and harmony to unfold, even in the most chaotic of circumstances."

Zamasu stood quietly, absorbing the lesson. It was a moment of growth, a seed of understanding planted in the midst of his frustration and anger. The path to true balance was not through destruction, but through patience and understanding—a lesson he would carry with him, even if it was threatened to be overshadowed at times by his darker inclinations.

The fused Zamasu continued, breaking the Supreme Kai’s moment of past reflection. “Consider it a gesture of goodwill for your cooperation and the Potara." He gestured towards Aeloria, who was oblivious to their conversation, lost in her sorrow and her memories.

The Supreme Kai felt a cold knot form in his stomach. He forced himself to keep his expression neutral as he responded, "You want me to...?"

"Yes," the fused Zamasu interrupted with a hint of annoyance. "As I said, it would be a fitting demonstration of your dedication to our cause. A symbolic act to show you truly understand and support our mission."

Zamasu hesitated, but then raised his hand, Aeloria appearing through his spread fingers like a jailed prisoner. He knew he had to maintain the appearance of cooperation at all costs. This mortal would have to be sacrificed so that the rest of the universe may survive. A powerful pulse of light began to form in his palm. He decided against his blade, it felt too intimate; a blast provided the distance he needed to make it less personal. He sucked in a deep breath and steeled himself against the grim act he was about to commit.

As he prepared to unleash the blast, a sudden explosion rocked the café, collateral damage from a rogue, poorly targeted aerial attack. The force shattered the remaining windows and sent debris flying, the sound deafening. Both the Supreme Kai and the fused Zamasu instinctively shielded themselves from the impact.

In the chaos, Aeloria saw her chance. She sprang to her feet, adrenaline overcoming her fear, and dashed toward the back exit. The fused Zamasu's eyes narrowed with anger as he noticed her movement.

"She's trying to escape," he hissed.

The Supreme Kai, feeling a wave of relief and good fortune wash over him, took a step back, his mind racing. The unexpected explosion had given Aeloria a fleeting chance, and he silently hoped she would get far enough away that he wouldn't be expected to fulfill his part in this massacre. He feigned confusion from the blast to explain his hesitation in completing the task, glancing at the fused Zamasu, who was already preparing to pursue.

"Let her go," the Supreme Kai said, placing a hand on his counterpart. "There is no escape. Her end will come soon enough."

The merged Zamasu gave an initial sneer in her direction before finally acquiescing. He shrugged Zamasu’s hand off of him and seemed to contemplate the situation for a moment, staring intently at the Supreme Kai. “The plan has changed now that you’re involved.” He said finally, as he stepped out of the destroyed cafe and took to the air.

Zamasu followed him to a floating platform, the remnants of a once animated holographic billboard, now dark and silent. Below their feet, the city lay in utter devastation—a graveyard of buildings, bodies, memories, and dreams. An entire species, nearly erased.

He glanced at his counterpart, who stood with arms crossed and a stern look on his face. The smoke-filled air whisking violently through his silvery white hair.

“What is the plan?” he finally dared to ask, hoping his trust was earned.

“A multiverse free of impurities. A chance to shape it in the way we know will bring true balance.”

Zamasu rolled his eyes imperceptibly, barely stifling a sigh. He hated to admit it, but talking to himself was a bit of a predictable bore. “And how do we plan to achieve that?" He paused, glancing down at the ongoing terror below. "Aside from the obvious, of course."

The fusion smiled, still looking at the ground. “The details are murky, but with you here now, we can begin pushing the limits of fusion.” He turned and looked at the Supreme Kai with a serious expression, re-materializing the multiverse Potara.

Zamasu chuckled darkly. “You can only fuse once,” he said, crossing his arms. “Perhaps Goku’s cells are affecting your intelligence.”

The fusion's smile didn't falter as he ignored the comment. “But we are gods, and the rules can be bent to our will,” he replied smoothly. “As you've already seen, Potara from different universes can surpass any limitation—different universes, different rules. They exhibit co-dominance, allowing both to express their power equally. This leads to…interesting results when neither can establish dominance .”

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed at this explanation. “Indeed, the interaction of the Potara from different universes was an intriguing experiment to witness.” He thought of the mess with Hanakotoba. “But I only saw an exchange occur.”

The fusion nodded, his smile returning. “Ah, my dear counterpart, the key lies in the nature of the spirit taking part, as the North Kai so graciously helped us discover. Did she make it, by the way?” He turned with a smirk.

Zamasu met his eyes. “Yes, there was lingering immortality, but it has since dispersed.”

The fusion looked away again, his gaze cold. “Another lesson we learned the hard way.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “When the spirits are the same, a being can fuse as many times as desired using contrasting Potara.” His expression darkened as multiple fusions tore through the air. “A situation that, I assure you, has never been encountered or experimented with until now.”

Both Kai remained silent for a while as Zamasu absorbed the new information, his mind reeling with the implications. The concept of limitless exchange and fusion, exploiting the power of contrasting Potara from different universes, opened up possibilities he hadn't previously considered.

“And what of the Destroyer?” The fusion asked, his voice cutting through the tension in the air.

Zamasu had anticipated this question. "Rumsshi is well aware that he cannot kill immortal beings. In a display of utter denial and pride, he retreats for the moment, hoping to shift the blame onto my shoulders if the inevitable occurs."

The fusion flicked his attention quickly in his direction with a sly smile. “Ridding you would eliminate that threat entirely.” He raised his hand as energy began to swirl around it forming a blade.”

The Supreme Kai returned the sentiment. “You could do that, but you've stayed your hand in the past, which leads me to believe it's not your true intention.” His smile widened further. “Besides, whatever your grand plan is, aside from using my universe as your proving ground for it — I alone am in possession of four very critical items that could make your life even easier. You need me.”

The fusion locked eyes with the Supreme Kai and gave a cold, satisfied smile. "So you get it now."

Zamasu feigned a dark, sinister smile and nodded. He had pieced it all together rather quickly—the unspoken agreement his counterpart believed he would uphold. The Supreme Kai had the necessary Potara, a vulnerable body, a matching spirit, and another version of Goku.

As if on cue, they turned their gaze from each other to the chaos and destruction below. Several fused Zamasus suddenly rose into the air, their glowing figures silhouetted against the burning cityscape. They extended their hands upwards, and their energies began to merge, forming an enormous, pulsating sphere of power.

“I do have one small favor to ask though,” Zamasu said as the glow of the growing blast illuminated the intense features of his counterpart, who turned a side eye towards him in acknowledgement. “The Omni King will be conducting observations soon in preparation for the next multiverse rankings. I suggest after your tour of Verdexia, to put a stay on your mission as to not arise his suspicion and any subsequent retribution until we can solidify our next moves.”

The heat intensified, and a hot wind swept through the area, carrying the acrid scent of burning debris. The ground trembled as the energy orb grew larger and more unstable. The sheer force of their combined power was almost too much, causing the air to vibrate with intensity.

“He’s going to eliminate the universes that are the lowest ranked.” The fusion said as he turned towards the Supreme Kai. “Another reason why we must move quickly.” He thought for a moment, grappling with the request. “Alright, I agree. But the details of how to procure Goku must be made soon.”

Zamasu nodded and turned his attention to the rising finale, the crescendo, the inevitable end of Nexara Prime, and several million more Viroxi.

With a final, synchronized motion, the fusions released the massive energy blast with a flourish. It descended upon the city with a blinding flash, leveling everything in its path. The impact created a shockwave that radiated outwards, reducing everything first to fire and then to dust, several hundred miles outwards, and leaving a colossal crater in the once bustling city’s center.

As the light faded, the overwhelming heat dissipated, and the hot wind died down. A profound silence settled over the ruins as the stars began to faintly appear through the already dissipating chemical haze of the once-thriving industrial city. A cool wind joined in this chorus. The once busy metropolis was now a barren wasteland. The Supreme Kai and the fusion Zamasu stood in the stillness, observing as the first signs of nature began to reclaim its place; the faint chirping of insects, who were deep in the ground, broke the silence as they rose up out of the ashes of the blast, signaling the start of the planet’s slow but inevitable recovery.

Zamasu felt the tablet inside his tunic tremble against his chest, near his heart, as it rapidly ticked down the number of Viroxi to closer to zero.

Chapter Text

The Celestial Archives of Anthurium, situated at the heart of World Core, serve as an extension of the Divine Institute for Cosmic Academics (DICA). These archives house the entirety of known knowledge across the multiverse, alongside the collective wisdom of the Kai. At the core of this repository are advanced quantum computers, operating faster than the speed of light, which store and process the intricate mathematics and physics of creation itself, to ensure that every aspect of the universe is meticulously documented. Young Shinjin, who aspire to become Kai, have the unique opportunity to visit the archives and practice creating their own miniature cosmos using these divine devices, honing their skills in the delicate art of cosmic creation.

Approaching the Celestial Archives, visitors are greeted by an awe-inspiring sight. The exterior, constructed from luminescent crystal, glows softly with an inner light, directly tapped from the cosmic energy that sustains World Core. This energy is harnessed from the magnificent groves of the ancient Kaiju trees, whose roots delve deep into the cosmos itself, drawing upon its primal forces. The Kaiju trees not only power the archives, but also symbolize the enduring connection between knowledge and the living essence of the universe.

Inside, the vast interior unfolds like a starry night sky, with shelves that stretch infinitely into the ether. These enchanted wooden shelves spiral upwards and outwards, filled with books bound in materials that shimmer like stardust, their covers seemingly woven with threads of pure light. The magical books update in real time, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of the universe, ensuring that Shinjin scholars have access to the most current information regarding Universe 10. Floating platforms of translucent crystal glide silently, transporting both patrons and books alike, helping each to find one another amidst the vast interior.

At the heart of this enchanted space lies the Luminary Well, a source of liquid light flowing with the supposed essence of pure knowledge. It is said that those who drink from the fountain gain profound insights, opening their minds to the universe's mysteries, and perhaps even marking them as a future Kai. Among Shinjin younglings, it is a rite of passage to dare one another to take a sip from these waters without attracting the attention of the ever-watchful Elders who quietly patrol around. This daring act symbolizes both the thirst for knowledge and the courage to seek it, vital traits for any aspiring would-be God.

Zamasu stood near the Luminary Well after teleporting in, reeking of smoke from his recent excursion and, to the acute Shinjin nose, fear. As he took a step forward, an alarm blared, and a swarm of security workers surrounded him, wielding their mortal chi detection wands. Frustration etched on his face, he extended his arms, enduring their meticulous scanning from head to toe. One worker caught his angry gaze and swallowed nervously.

“Sorry Supreme Kai.” He stammered with a smile. “After you — after last time, we have to triple check your divinity status.” Cori’s panic button was prominent amongst the features on the wand. “You understand, I trust.”

Zamasu cleared his throat of the chemical residue and soot still lingering from his scouting mission on Verdexia but did not interrupt them from their tasks.

“All good!” The lead security worker tilted his hat, signaling the group to bow deeply in unison. “Welcome back to your Core planet, Lord Zamasu—hopefully with less excitement than last time.” He met the Supreme Kai's gaze, who responded with a curt nod before continuing through the main vestibule toward the archives.

As Zamasu walked through the grand library, the reaction from the various patrons — students, residents, workers, and teachers among them — was immediate. They stopped in their tracks, eyes widening, and gasped or whispered among themselves. Some blushed deeply and waved, while others bowed respectfully, their gestures a blend of awe and reverence, treating him as if he were a living legend.

A young student approached hesitantly, blocking his path, clutching a book to her chest. “Supreme Kai Zamasu, it’s an honor to see you in person,” she stammered, her eyes shining with admiration as she bowed respectfully.

Zamasu offered a strained smile. “Thank you. Continue your studies diligently,” he replied, patting her on the shoulder before moving on.

Next, an elderly Shinjin resident walked into his path and bowed deeply. “Lord Zamasu, your wisdom and strength inspire us all. May you continue to guide us with your light.”

Zamasu nodded respectfully.

A group of workers carrying stacks of scrolls suddenly paused and bowed in unison from the side of the aisle. One of them, braver than the rest, spoke up. “We’re here because of your efforts, Supreme Kai! Your work ensures the archives remain a beacon of knowledge.”

“I am merely a guardian of this knowledge,” Zamasu replied over his shoulder. “It is your dedication that keeps these archives alive.”

As he continued on, a teacher nearby caught his eye and offered a respectful nod. “Supreme Kai, your presence here is a reminder of the path we all strive to follow. Thank you for your guidance.”

“Thank you,” Zamasu replied, trying to keep his voice sincere. “It is the collective effort of all of us that will lead Universe 10 to true enlightenment.”

After the last ambush, he quickly hurried his steps until he was clear of the line of admirers, and then ducked behind a bookshelf and let out a long relieved sigh. While he appreciated the admiration, it still made him slightly uncomfortable; the attention was both gratifying and unsettling, as a part of him felt still too new to the title for such outward displays of affection from strangers. It gnawed at him, especially after the horrific scenes he had just witnessed, but was powerless to stop.

With a final soft sigh and dart of the head to look for more patrons nearby, he continued to move with purpose through the aisles, where the shelves stretched infinitely into the starry void above. The soft, ambient glow from floating orbs strategically placed to brighten the darkness of the towering books illuminated his path, casting an almost divine light on his already imposing presence. Despite his composed exterior, the harrowing events at Verdexia clung to him in deeper ways than just his clothes, and he felt like a duck paddling madly underneath, trying not to drown, despite a serene surface. His recent turmoil was morphing into palpable anger. He was here to find whatever ancient knowledge existed on Potara and immortality, as small as it might be. Every second lost was another one closer to his timeline’s inevitable erasure.

Determined to find the exclusive artifacts section, where he was to find some of the only information on long forgotten restricted topics and ancient objects, he wandered deeper into the library, but soon realized he was lost. The grand structure’s intricate layout, with its spiraling shelves and endless passages, had disoriented him. Frustration began to set in as he turned another corner and found himself in yet another unfamiliar aisle.

“Lla timmad!” He swore in the ancient tongue, as he clenched his jaw in frustration and turned around to see a very elderly Shinjin in the near distance, who appeared to be arranging books. Relieved to see someone who might assist him, Zamasu approached him, assuming he was a worker.

"Excuse me," Zamasu began, his tone authoritative yet polite. "I need to find the exclusive artifacts section. Could you guide me?"

The elderly Shinjin turned slowly, and Zamasu immediately sensed something different. His skin was a silvery color, devoid of whatever colorful protein his skin cells once held in their youth, and his black eyes held an intense ancient wisdom. His presence exuded a quiet but immense power - and he was very, very, old. He smiled slowly as his eyes lingered on Zamasu’s Potara.

“Why if my eyes don’t deceive me - if it isn’t the Supreme Kai.” He replied with a small slow drawl as he clutched the books he held to his chest for support with one hand and flicked Zamasu’s left Potara on his ear playfully. “Kind of young aren’t you? Which one are you now?”

Zamasu sucked in an angry breath. How dare this old Kai touch him so flippantly—and worse, not even recognize him beyond his title. Such disrespect was intolerable.

Noting his rising anger, the worker smiled mischievously. “What I mean is, what number Supreme Kai are you - after me, that is.”

Zamasu felt his blood run cold. This really was no ordinary worker. His mind raced through the list of Universe 10’s past Supreme Kai. There weren’t many, but there were enough that Zamasu had to work backward from Gowasu, mentally trying to match faces and names lifted from his textbooks and various artifacts that showed their likeness.

The old Kai maintained his wry smile as he watched the Supreme Kai frantically try to piece together 20 billion years of history. “Take your time. I'm sure you've got enough on your plate as it is.”

"Wait..." Zamasu finally said in awe, suddenly bowing deeply. "Forgive me, I didn’t recognize you at first — Supreme Kai Joko."

“Former, Supreme Kai,” Joko nodded slowly, a gentle smile forming on his wrinkled face. "Indeed, I am. I've witnessed the flow of time in this universe since it was cool enough for planets to form,” he chuckled. “I didn’t even have my own Sacred Realm back then. Not like you spoiled Kai these days. Supreme Kai and the Destroyers lived together long ago, for an early universe is a turbulent one requiring a delicate balance of destruction and creation.” He wagged his finger in Zamasu’s face. “Now that was real divine work back then!”

Zamasu smiled, intrigued. “How old are you exactly?”

Joko's eyes twinkled with ancient wisdom. “Old enough to know that if you’re looking for the exclusive artifact section, you’ve got your own balancing act going on at the moment." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "That section holds knowledge that can be both enlightening and perilous. What do you seek, young Supreme Kai?"

Zamasu hesitated, the weight of his dilemma pressing heavily upon him. "I have a few... problems at the moment," he finally admitted, his gaze drifting to the myriad of books. "I'm not sure even the collective wisdom of the multiverse can solve them."

Joko, sensing the cryptic nature of Zamasu's words, scanned the shelves as he put away the last of the books. He then reached for his cane, which leaned against the shelf, and braced on it. "All problems have a solution, young Kai," Joko said, his knowing smile never wavering. "You just need to ask the right questions to find it.”

Zamasu studied the old Kai carefully. “How does one kill an immortal being?”

Joko chuckled and “tsk’d” softly, shaking his head. “Ah, see, that’s what I mean. That is not the right question, my friend, and as long as you continue down that path, you will find only frustration.” He tapped his cane lightly on the ground. "The right question can lead to the unraveling of the most complex mysteries. Focus on understanding the nature of immortality, not the destruction of the being who possesses it.”

Time. Zamasu thought, knitting his brow.

“Exactly," Joko added with a wink, noticing Zamasu's wary expression as he read his mind. "But before we get into that, humor an old Kai and walk with me. This quiet place is a perfect sanctuary for someone as ancient as I am, but I do miss the occasional good conversation." He looped his arm through Zamasu's for support, and they began a slow, meandering stroll through the maze-like aisles. "I'd like to know more about you. Tell me, what do you consider to be your greatest strength as a Kai?"

Zamasu considered the question thoughtfully. Throughout his life, he had been praised and promoted primarily for his prodigious fighting abilities and outstanding power level. He stood up straight, his pride evident. "I am an accomplished fighter," he said confidently, his voice resonating with conviction. "My combat skills and power are unparalleled among the other Gods, and they have always been the cornerstone of my strength as a Kai." He grew quiet, a shadow crossing his face as he suddenly thought of Goku—a mere mortal—whose power far surpassed his own.

“Hmm. An unusual trait to be proud of for a Supreme Kai, but not without its merit," Joko mused, patting Zamasu’s arm. He deliberately ignored the shift in energy emanating from him —a sudden wash of envy and anger. "We'll get there," he added reassuringly. “So tell me, since you take such pride in it, which is fine — why do you enjoy fighting?”

Zamasu stopped and looked at Joko, a question forming in his mind. Did he actually like to fight? He had never truly considered it. He was undeniably skilled at it—it came naturally to him, bringing opportunities, admiration, and a sense of self-worth. He had convinced himself that it was paramount for Gods to maintain their battle prowess as a measure of their superiority over those they created. Yet now, faced with Joko's words, he found himself questioning his beliefs.

Joko chuckled. “All those things you're thinking—you fight to win. He let go of Zamasu's arm and waved his hand dismissively. "You play finite games with yourself and others. It's a recipe for disaster," he said sharply. "For you, for those who care about you, and for your Universe.”

Zamasu stopped and looked at the old Kai angrily, respect keeping his tongue in check and preventing him from lashing out.

“Now don’t give me that look,” Joko tapped his cane sharply. “There is too much at stake to protect your feelings. You won’t feel anything at all once this timeline gets erased.” He pointed the tip of his cane between Zamasu’s eyes. “It’s time you started facing these uncomfortable truths about yourself.”

Joko glared at him for a moment before pulling back his cane, resting on it once more as his gaze softened. “Why do you hate the mortal?” He lifted his brows in a playful manner. “The one currently in your realm, facing his own uncomfortable truths, as we speak, actually.”

Zamasu’s mouth dropped open. “Enough! You can’t possibly know all of this, you crazy old Kai!” he rasped in a loud whisper, trying not to draw the attention of two students lurking nearby.

Joko’s smile faded as he quickly snatched out his hand and grabbed Zamasu’s earlobe, pulling him down towards him.

“Ow!” Zamasu grimaced angrily.

“Now you listen here! I am as old as this universe itself. What I can and can’t do is beyond your comprehension!” He let go and watched as Zamasu nursed his ear with a frown. “I’ll ask again—why do you hate the mortal?”

Zamasu huffed before answering quietly, his voice laced with disdain. “He possesses power no mortal should wield. He commands divine chi without understanding or respecting its true significance. He is a glaring reminder of the Kai's failure to prevent their creations from surpassing them.”

“Let’s address each of those in turn,” Joko said, grabbing Zamasu’s sleeve again as they continued to walk. “I told you that you play finite games—you play to win. When you do that, you’re bound to reach a limit—a self-imposed one—when your competition inevitably wanes. Those who play to win focus only on their past achievements and must constantly remind others of what they’re up against.” He glanced at Zamasu, who looked down in contemplation. “Sound familiar?”

Zamasu chuffed a response, unwilling to fully concede.

“The mortal plays an infinite game. He plays to keep the game going. Every challenge he meets is an opportunity to grow, to play again. For him, there is no end in sight, no point where he says, ‘I am the best, I am finished.’ Because that would mean the end of the game.”

Joko’s gaze softened. “You see, Zamasu, that’s the difference. The mortal’s strength lies not in his power, but in his endless pursuit of growth. His journey never ends, and that’s why he surpasses even the Gods who set limits on themselves.”

Zamasu furrowed his brow in confusion—when had he mentioned his name to the old Kai? But as the weight of Joko's words sank in, he closed his eyes, a sense of shame washing over him as he confronted the uncomfortable truth.

Joko patted his arm. “He will always best you in this matter. However, it is not too late to shift your mindset now that you’re aware. Point two—he doesn’t understand this power you feel he shouldn’t possess.” He stopped, pointed his cane around a corner to indicate they should move in that direction, and then flashed the cane once more in Zamasu’s face. “Young Kai, you are the Supreme Kai. You are a master of divinity, and with it, you create, you watch, you guide, and you teach. You can’t undo his ability to use divine chi, so show him how to properly wield it. It might just be the difference between success and defeat in your upcoming battle.”

Zamasu seemed less enthusiastic about his role in this matter but conceded. “Yes, Supreme Kai,” he replied a bit bitterly.

“Chin up—who knows, you might find a new sense of self-worth in sharing and teaching that which you are the master of.” Joko gently lifted Zamasu’s chin with his cane for effect, prompting the Supreme Kai to rub his chin with a small smile beginning to appear.

“Last point—Lord Zeno has been conducting rankings, hasn’t he?”

Zamasu nodded. “Another source of stress added to my pile.”

“Well, not many remember—in fact, only one: me—but the Omni King once held a multiverse tournament among the mortals to decide which universes were worthy of staying. It was a decathlon of sorts, with one category being battle. The losing universes were erased.” He scanned Zamasu’s face for a response.

“How do you feel about your mortals now? Surely allowing them to gain as much intelligence and power sounds a bit more palatable?”

Zamasu shrugged. “Still, it doesn’t negate our creations becoming more powerful than us.”

“Us? My dear boy, no mortal can best a Destroyer. And while I can’t fix all the pieces of your heart in this one conversation, I will say you should meditate very hard on your role as Supreme Kai and your place within it.” He sighed deeply. “That being said, we are here—the exclusive artifacts section.”

Zamasu looked around, realizing they were right back where they started.

Noting his confusion, Joko chuckled. “Right in front of you the entire time, right back to the beginning, which is where most solutions lie. So—what is the question you seek an answer to?”

Zamasu closed his eyes again in thought. “How to disturb time so that immortality cannot function properly.”

“There you go.” Joko reached up and placed a gentle hand on the side of Zamasu’s face. Then, glancing at an old watch clipped to his tunic and raising his eyebrows in surprise at the time, he asked, “By the way, have you ever gone through all those cabinets in your room?”

Zamasu smiled, another thing Joko shouldn’t be aware of, considering he never had a room.

Joko's eyes twinkled mischievously. “You might be surprised what you find. Time and gravity were bears to deal with in the beginning. Black holes forming at the center of galaxies were quite the nuisance to the time continuum.” He waved to Zamasu as he began to walk away. “We made a lot of trinkets to try to deal with the time flux locally. Just a thought. Sometimes the answers we seek are hidden right in plain sight the whole time.”

Zamasu watched Joko slowly amble down the end of the aisle before calling out to him. “Wait!” he yelled, before the ancient Kai turned the corner. “I suppose thanks are in order. You won that tournament for Universe 10, I assume?”

Joko burst out laughing. “That tournament never even happened! Clearly, someone didn’t pay attention during their history classes.” He ribbed, a playful smirk on his face.

Zamasu’s face fell into a disgruntled expression.

“But it made for a good lesson eh? And sounds like something the Omni King might do?” Joko winked and then disappeared around the corner.

Goku stepped into one of the Temple’s newly added chambers and let out an echoing, “Whoa!” followed by an impressed whistle. “What is this place?”

He hopped across a few stepping stones that stretched over a large expanse of water, each step echoing softly in the serene space. Reaching a bordered circular pool of crystal-clear water, he stared down at his reflection. The image looked impossibly real, as if his reflection stood on the other side of a different realm rather than just being mirrored light. Intrigued, he reached his hand down to touch what seemed like another dimension, but his fingers only broke the surface of the water, sending ripples across and distorting his reflection.

Goku smiled as he pulled his hand up, watching the shimmering beads of water roll down his fingers and drip back into the pool. He looked up. The chamber itself was a marvel. Soft, ambient light filtered through large ornate stained-glass windows that spanned the walls, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the walls and floor. The still water pools reflected the intricate illustrations upon the colorful windows, depicting past Supreme Kai overseeing the growth of lush planets and vibrant life forms, the likeness of Gowasu being among them. The air was filled with a subtle, soothing fragrance, enhancing the sense of calm and introspection. Goku stood there for a moment, mesmerized by the tranquil beauty.

Gowasu gave a small smile as he watched the Saiyan look around like a child in a candy shop. He had always dreamed of having a Serenity Sanctum in his own Temple, and felt a slight pang of jealousy that Zamasu now had one to use whenever he desired. He chuckled silently to himself, imagining how the Supreme Kai would react to a mortal using it before him—or at all, for that matter. But that didn’t matter now. If timed correctly, Zamasu would never know.

The Supreme Kai was away, across enemy lines, convincing them of his insurmountable hatred of mortals, in order to earn their trust and devise their next step. Gowasu felt it imperative to use Zamasu's absence wisely, which meant guiding Goku toward self-reflection to ensure that past mistakes would not be repeated.

Gowasu cleared his throat, it’s sound echoing loudly off the smooth stone walls, drawing Goku’s attention. “This is the Serenity Sanctum,” he began. “It’s a place designed for deep reflection and introspection. Here, you can face your inner darkness and confront your weaknesses head-on. The stillness of the water and the tranquility of this space will help you connect with your true self.”

Goku looked around, still in awe. “So, I’m supposed to just sit and think?”

Gowasu nodded. “Precisely. Meditation is not just about finding peace; it’s about understanding yourself, acknowledging your flaws, and working to overcome them. You have great strength, Goku, but true power comes from knowing your limits and pushing beyond them with wisdom.”

Goku scratched his head, a bit skeptical. “I don’t know. I’ve never been that good at this kind of stuff. Shouldn’t I be training instead?” Goku thought of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Something like that would be much more appropriate in his estimation.

Gowasu shook his head. “That’s exactly why you must try. Facing your inner darkness is just as important as any physical training. Only by confronting your weaknesses can you truly grow stronger.”

Goku nodded slowly, absorbing Gowasu’s words. He moved to one of the still water pools, sat down cross-legged on a large stone, and gazed into the crystal-clear water below. His reflection stared back at him, still lifelike in its clarity. He adjusted his clothes slightly. He was grateful the old Kai had shared his reservations regarding his second grace and had provided him with a lighter, more comfortable gi, though he did keep Zamasu’s chosen color scheme and added the symbol of Universe 10 on his chest and back, marking Goku officially as one of its protectors.

Goku smiled and tried to clear his mind, but then wrinkled his brow in frustration. His mind immediately went to a random thought about Chi-Chi, wondering if she was worrying about whether he’d remembered to fix the door handle like she asked, and how mad she’d be when she found out he was here instead. “How should I start exactly?” He asked meekly.

Gowasu watched him struggle for a moment before speaking again. "To begin, reflect on why you truly fight. Is it always for noble reasons, to protect others, or do you sometimes fight out of pride or ego?” He walked to the edge of the water and turned a hard gaze at the Saiyan. “You must understand, I unwaveringly support Zamasu in this struggle, and part of that means you must humble yourself before him. Acknowledge your faults just as much as you showcase your physical strength. Balance is key."

Goku frowned, his mind working through Gowasu’s words. It sounded all well and good, but how would he know what he was supposed to find? “Ok, but, how will I recognize the answer?"

Gowasu smiled gently. "The answer will look different for everyone, Goku. The sanctum’s reflections are like echoes of your soul, showing you what you need to see. You'll recognize it when it appears. It will reflect your deepest truths and compel you to face them."

Goku nodded, taking a deep breath as he prepared to confront his inner self. He stared into the still waters, ready to face whatever truths emerged from his reflection. Why do I fight? Why do I fight? He squeezed his eyes shut and repeated the question to himself like a mantra. Nothing. He sighed and opened his eyes — and gasped. To his surprise, his reflection now had its arms crossed with a prominent frown on its face.

Goku blinked, taken aback. "Hey now, what... what's going on?"

His reflection narrowed its eyes. "Go ahead, answer your own question. Why do you fight, Goku? Is it really always to protect others?"

Goku frowned, trying to understand. "Of course it is! I fight to keep everyone safe."

The reflection scoffed. "Do you really believe that? You never fight out of pride or ego? To test yourself? Never let an opponent go in hopes of coaxing out their full power later on for you to try to surpass?”

Goku hesitated, searching his memories.

The reflection shook its head, a bitter smile on its face as it vanished and images playing out like a home movie replaced its likeness. "Think about Vegeta. You didn't spare him out of kindness and mercy. You spared him because his power thrilled and excited you, even though it scared you. You wanted to face and surpass that strength, even if it meant putting others in danger.”

Goku's gaze dropped. He never thought of it like that. “I... I wanted to test myself against him again. But that decision worked out ok for everyone in the end?” Didn’t it?

The reflection continued, unrelenting. "And Frieza? You didn't try to spare him out of mercy or kindness, but out of pity. You wanted him to know that he was so pathetic, he wasn't even worth the effort to kill. You wanted to utterly humiliate him at his best.“

Goku's face fell. "I told myself I thought he could change, but... you're right. I did want him to see how far beneath me he was."

“What about your son? You pushed Gohan into fighting Cell, believing that he could surpass his limits and defeat the android. This decision was driven by your pride in Gohan’s potential and your desire to witness his power. Ironically, it led to your own death, traumatizing your family, and stealing years of your presence from them that didn’t have to be lost.”

Goku could feel his anger rising. “There was no other way to defeat Cell! I wasn’t strong enough, and I knew Gohan was!”

The reflection's eyes narrowed as it momentarily returned. “You weren’t strong enough? Or you didn’t want to be?”

Goku fell silent. He would never know the answer to that question.

The reflection's eyes gleamed with sudden intensity as it shifted, revealing more recent failures. "And Black? You could have ended him in your early fights if you had taken him seriously. Instead, you held back three transformations, wanting to assess him, to toy with this curious version of yourself. Because of your hesitation, he wreaked havoc. Think of the trillions of lives lost, the untapped potential of that erased timeline—what it could have been if you had just gone full power when he first appeared."

Goku clenched his fists, his heart heavy with the weight of that mistake, but not willing to take the full fall. “Now wait a minute! I never meant for any of that to happen! I can’t be entirely responsible for the actions of others!” He’d had enough. He stood up and looked around, seeking the exit, but the surroundings had changed. They were in a void. Just him, the water, his reflection, and deep darkness.

The reflection's expression remained stern. "Intentions mean nothing if your actions cause harm. You need to confront this part of yourself. This part that hesitates, that prides, that desires to fight and surpass at all costs- that led to casualties you could have prevented - can prevent, in the future.”

Frustrated, Goku angrily ran his hand through the water, disturbing the reflection. The image began to ripple and distort normally, but then started to rise up, emerging from the water as a solid form.

The apparition was a watery hybrid, a grotesque blend of Goku's features and liquid translucence. Its body shimmered with an eerie glow, its surface constantly shifting and undulating like water. The creature's eyes were dark and deep, reflecting Goku's own but filled with a stern, relentless intensity. Water dripped from its form, creating small puddles at its feet, and its movements were fluid yet unnervingly precise. The reflection-turned-entity seemed ready to confront him in physical form.

“If you won’t confront these parts of yourself in your mind, you’ll do so for real!”

It lunged at Goku, who instinctively jumped back, readying himself for a fight.

"Your reckless drive has to be faced," the apparition said, its voice echoing eerily. "Only then can you truly understand the balance you need."

The two clashed, their movements mirroring each other. The chamber's quiet dark atmosphere was shattered by the intensity of their battle. Each strike sent droplets of water spraying through the air, the watery apparition flowing and shifting with every move. As they fought, Goku felt the weight of his past decisions bearing down on him, every blow a reminder of his inner conflict and the times his pride had led him astray.

At the edge of the pool, Gowasu stood observing Goku quietly with a serene expression. To him, it appeared as if Goku was merely sitting quietly in deep meditation. The intense battle was invisible to him, unfolding entirely within Goku’s mind, although the sweat beading on his forehead and his troubled expression gave away the struggle he was facing within. The power of the Sanctum was drawing out Goku’s inner turmoil, forcing him to confront his deepest conflicts.

"Lord Gowasu!" A frantic Kosu suddenly shouted as he appeared at the edge of the water, nearly tripping and falling in.

"Good heavens, West Kai, what is it?" Gowasu said sternly. He glanced at Goku, who remained in deep concentration. "Keep your voice down. If you pull him out of his trance too soon, it could be disastrous."

“Yes, but—"

"What could be so important that you felt the need to barge in here like this?" Gowasu hissed in a loud whisper.

"Forgive me, but the Supreme Kai has returned," Kosu replied, watching the color drain from Gowasu’s face. "Early."

Gowasu's eyes widened in panic as he glanced back at Goku, who was still deep in meditation. "This is bad timing..."

Kosu chuckled. “Bad timing? Zamasu is going be furious. We have to get Goku out of here."

“Or stall.” Gowasu's mind raced. "Alright, I'll go meet the Supreme Kai and try to delay him. Kosu, stay here and make sure Goku isn’t disturbed. If he wakes up now, it could ruin everything."

Kosu nodded and gave a salute. "Understood, Lord Gowasu. I'll do my best to keep things under control."

Gowasu rolled his eyes at Kosu’s antics. At least the West Kai never seemed to buckle under pressure. With one last worried glance at Goku, Gowasu hurried out of the chamber, his heart pounding.

Goku's fists connected with the apparition, causing waves to ripple across its body, yet it reformed instantly, striking back with force. The water splashed onto the floor, creating small pools that reflected the ongoing struggle. Each dodge and counterattack sent arcs of water cascading around them to create a surreal, almost otherworldly scene. The fluidity of the apparition's movements made it a challenging opponent, constantly adapting and shifting like the very water it emerged from.

With every exchange, Goku felt his resolve hardening, determined to overcome not just the physical manifestation before him but the inner turmoil it represented. The battle raged on, water flying and splashing with each intense motion, as Goku fought to master the darker parts of his nature. How do you win against water? he wondered, feeling his energy waning. He wasn’t sure it could be beat, and this wasn’t a battle that could be won by sheer power. Transformations wouldn't help.

"I won't let my pride control me anymore!" Goku shouted, pushing back against the apparition with renewed determination.

The apparition's expression remained stern and it continued to out pace and retaliate effortlessly. "Prove it."

Goku's frustration mounted. He prepared to launch another attack but then stopped in his tracks, lowering his head in humility. “I can’t always control everything. I do want to get stronger, but I also want to protect. I want to be the one everyone can depend on when all other options are gone. If what you say is true—how can I balance both? How can I know when it’s right to push my limits and when it’s better to act quickly and decisively?”

The reflection's gaze softened slightly, and then it began to rise up, its watery form shifting and flowing. Suddenly, it surged forward, washing over Goku like a wave. As the water enveloped him, Goku felt a profound sense of surrender, accepting his faults and the truth of his inner conflict. The liquid form seemed to merge with him, not as an adversary but as a part of himself that he finally acknowledged and embraced.

In that moment of surrender, Goku felt the weight of his pride and past mistakes lift, replaced by a clearer understanding of his purpose and the balance he needed to find. The water receded, leaving him standing alone in the chamber, drenched but feeling a profound sense of clarity and peace. As he looked around, the void began to dissolve, the darkness giving way to the familiar surroundings of the Serenity Sanctum. He glanced down at the pool of water, now calm once more. His reflection stood there with a serene smile, mirroring his newfound clarity.

“Protecting others and getting stronger aren’t mutually exclusive, Goku. But you must learn to balance your drive for strength with the responsibility that comes with it. Understand that your actions, even with the best intentions, have consequences. Recognize the moments where holding back isn’t a virtue but a failure."

Goku took a deep breath. "I get it. I do. But how do I change? How do I make sure I don’t make these same mistakes again?"

The reflection leaned towards the surface, its eyes locking onto Goku’s with intensity. "By remembering this moment. By listening to the part of you that speaks of caution and this new wisdom, not just power and pride. Only then will you truly grow stronger, not just as a fighter, but as a protector."

Goku nodded slowly, allowing the lesson settling in his heart. "I understand. I’ll do better. I promise."

Goku stood alone by the still water for a moment, his reflection now calm and resolute. He took a deep breath and sat down quietly upon the stone, feeling a sense of peace and clarity. The reflection in the water was just that again—a normal reflection, mirroring his newfound inner calm.

Suddenly, without warning, he felt cold water engulf him, and he woke up suddenly. He found himself submerged, the tranquility of the sanctum replaced by a disorienting underwater silence. Goku flailed for a moment, trying to get his bearings, realizing he hadn’t been awake but in a deep trance the entire time.

Before he could react, a strong hand grabbed him and pulled him to the surface. Goku gasped for air as he was hauled out of the water by a frantic, apologizing Kosu, who had knocked into him accidentally as he clumsily made his way over to rouse him from his trance. Coughing and sputtering, he looked up, his vision clearing, only to see the furious face of Zamasu glaring down at him from behind Kosu’s form.

Zamasu's eyes burned with anger, his jaw clenched tightly. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded. He turned his attention to Kosu, his rage flaring at the sight of Goku invading his personal home. “How dare you allow this mortal into my sanctum! This level of familiarity was never part of our agreement!”

Kosu took a step back, unsure whether to show reverence for Goku’s sake or challenge Zamasu like he usually did. Then he narrowed his eyes angrily. "So we’re back to ‘this mortal,’ huh?” Kosu decided on the latter. “You have no idea why we —“

Zamasu cut him off with a sharp wave of his hand. "You have no authority to make such decisions, West Kai! Mortals have no place in such a sacred realm like this.”

Goku, still drenched and trying to regain his composure, stood up slowly. “Supreme Kai, wait. I was just—"

"Just what?" Zamasu cut him off, turning his fierce gaze on Goku. "Trespassing? Defiling this sacred space with your presence?"

Gowasu teleported in, his face pale with worry. "Zamasu!” Calm yourself, please. There is a reason for Goku being here."

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed as he considered the Saiyan in the corner of his eyes. "A reason? What possible reason could justify this intrusion?"

Gowasu took a deep breath, stepping forward awkwardly over the stepping stones. "Goku needed to confront his inner turmoil, to understand the balance he must achieve in order to rectify his past mistakes and show humility for the generous opportunity you have given him to do so. The Serenity Sanctum was the perfect place for this." He scanned the Supreme Kai’s face for any wavering in expression. “It was my call alone to allow him here.”

Zamasu paused for a moment in contemplation, the words of his prior conversation with Joko slowly trickling in as his immediate anger abated slightly. "That may be. But you compromised the sanctity of this place for a mortal’s self-discovery?" He stared at the freshly disturbed waters, his expression darkening. "Son Goku has polluted this chamber with his mortal chi, sullying the divine waters for eternity. Have you lost your mind, Gowasu?"

Kosu, feeling resolute, stepped in, hoping Goku was smart enough to play along and follow his lead. "C’mon, Zamasu, please." He turned towards the Saiyan. “Goku has shown remarkable growth, haven’t you?” He emphasized the last part, shooting Goku a meaningful look.

“Hmm?” Goku caught Kosu’s glance and quickly agreed. “Oh, yes!” He bowed awkwardly to Zamasu, not knowing what else to do. “I’ve faced my faults and emerged stronger!”

Zamasu glared at Kosu, then back at Goku. "You speak of growth and strength, yet all I see is a disrespect for our ways. You, mortal, have no understanding of what you meddle with."

Goku met Zamasu’s intense gaze, determined not to back down. "I understand more than you think, Supreme Kai. I didn't just fight a giant water monster to be told otherwise."

Zamasu raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear on his face. "A water monster? Are you out of your mind, mortal?"

“Let him prove himself, Zamasu.” Gowasu’s voice echoed. “Let him show that he has learned what the sanctum has to teach, and that it was worth the disturbance to its divine purity.” He gave a hard look at the Supreme Kai along with a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Zamasu’s face held a troubled look beyond his annoyance at what was unfolding presently. “Surely your universe is worth that much to you?”

There was a long, tense silence. Finally, Zamasu sighed, his anger tempered. He glanced at the stained glass depictions of the Supreme Kai adorning the sanctum, each image a reminder of the ideals he was meant to uphold. His eyes lingered on the last pane, an empty, clear glass, meant to be filled with his legacy when he retired, a testament to his memory and achievements for eternity — if he was found worthy. Joko's words about acceptance and collaboration with Goku echoed in his mind.

"Very well," Zamasu said, turning his gaze back to Goku. "But understand this, Son Goku. Your presence here is tolerated, not welcomed, and tolerance alone does not grant you the right to be in this sanctum.”

Goku remained silent for a moment before speaking up. "I understand, Supreme Kai. I know I have a lot to learn about your ways and this place. But I'm here to grow and become stronger, not just in power but in understanding."

Zamasu turned sharply, his tunic billowing slightly as he walked away. "We will conduct this measure of perceived self-growth—“ he turned back with a hard stare, “— outside." He looked up at the stained glass window depicting a young Joko, his brilliant blue skin in stark contrast to the dark black of the early cosmos, his arms outstretched, orchestrating the formation of planets and stars like a conductor guiding an orchestra. “I actually have something to share with you as well, Goku, something that might shed some light on your path."

Zamasu smiled and turned towards Gowasu. “I encountered former Supreme Kai Joko earlier,” he said, closing his eyes in thoughtful contemplation. “In the archives, while I researching our predicament. He was most enlightening.”

Gowasu cocked his head like a curious dog. “Zamasu, I am still concerned about your fall earlier and the impact it had on your head. Joko passed to the Other World several billion years ago. He would be nearly 17 billion years old, if he were still alive. All his legacies
and effects are contained in a single cabinet in your room.”

Zamasu’s grey eyes widened in distress.

Gowasu pondered Zamasu’s upset expression for a moment, sighed, and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Zamasu, the universe sometimes has a way of communicating in times of great need. It is most unusual for it to do so, but it seems the the cosmos itself has taken a side in this struggle—and it is on your side.”

Zamasu continued to silently look at Gowasu, confusion and curiosity mixing in his gaze.

Gowasu continued. “The universe may have manifested in a form you would accept and understand. It is possible that what you experienced was it guiding you through Joko’s image, providing you with the wisdom you needed at this crucial moment.”

Zamasu stared into the distance, his mind racing. “The universe... it chose to communicate with me through …a dead Supreme Kai?” It seemed absurd to him.

Kosu laughed and slapped Zamasu on the back. “Yeah cosmic ghosts! Let’s have a séance and ask them what I should eat for dinner next.”

Zamasu shot him an annoyed look.

Gowasu smiled gently. “Thank you Kosu for that bit of levity. Indeed. It seems even the cosmos recognizes your potential, Zamasu. Trust in the guidance you have received, and use it wisely.”

Zamasu considered Gowasu’s words, his gaze lingering on Joko’s image in the stained glass one last time. Moments later, with an echoing snap, he teleported out, releasing the palpable tension in the air.

As soon as he was gone, everyone in the room exhaled a collective sigh of relief.

Kosu laughed nervously and put his arm around Goku’s neck, pulling him down playfully. “Nice job, mortal. That could’ve been a lot worse, actually,” he said, glancing towards Gowasu. “That was fairly tame. For Zamasu, anyway,” he shrugged with a smile.

Gowasu nodded. “This is a rare opportunity. The universe itself has taken an interest in Zamasu’s path.” He looked towards Goku sternly. “If you and he are to succeed, you must learn from each other. Balance must be maintained, and that means understanding both the divine and the mortal perspectives.”

Kosu playfully cinched Goku’s neck tighter, who grinned and gave a small nervous laugh. “Hear that mortal? Time to go to divinity school!”

Chapter Text

Goku and Zamasu stood facing each other in an open field, the air around them crackling with anticipation. The sun was high in the Sacred Realm, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The wind rippled through the high grass, pulling seed pods off the branches of nearby trees and drifting them around the fighters like billowy white waves.

“Ready, Supreme Kai?” Goku asked, a friendly smile on his face. Gowasu had suggested this sparring match as a way for the two to achieve a greater sense of balance. Goku had already done his part by admitting what he learned in the Sanctum: that his journey towards obtaining God chi was a long road lined with emotion, pride, and mistakes, contaminating its essence. To truly be worthy of it, he would have to better himself and strive to become a true source of strength for others.

“Excellent, Goku,” Gowasu had said with a nod of approval as the three of them walked from the Temple towards a quiet clearing, after Goku’s meditation. “And perhaps you could show the Supreme Kai how to turn unwanted emotions into directed, usable power?” He glanced at Zamasu with a stern look. “A particular strength of all mortals.”

Zamasu remained stoically silent, both then and now, his gaze cold as he looked at Gowasu momentarily and then back to Goku. He had emotionally prepared himself to teach the mortal how to properly maximize God chi and master divinity, but through a sparring match? This felt beneath him, and filled him with a gnawing anxiety. "Let's get this over with. We have more important things to do than spar.” His fused counterparts weren't going to stay retreated for much longer, and he was no closer to devising a true way to stop them. Time was running out, and this sparring match felt like a frustrating diversion.

Goku chuckled. “You might find it more beneficial than you think.” He had been contemplating how to approach this fight differently than the last time he faced Zamasu for the first time. Previously, he had been trying to gauge his strength and determine if his chi was similar to Black's. He went in too hot, humiliating the Kai, leading to the erasure of an entire timeline. This time, he planned to approach it more like a pot of gently boiling water—Zamasu would feel the heat in the end, but hopefully he found enough success along the way to find their spar at least marginally beneficial, before he realized he was being cooked to death. "Let's go!”

With that, they both launched into action. Goku’s movements were fluid and fast, while Zamasu’s were precise and calculated, yet less aggressive than his alternate self, in Goku’s early assessment. Their fists collided with such force that the ground beneath them cracked, and the air around them seemed to ripple with each strike. Goku delivered a rapid series of punches, each one creating a burst of wind that rustled the nearby trees. Zamasu countered with swift, pinpoint blocks and kicks, each impact generating a sharp, resonant shockwave that echoed through the clearing. Their clashes sent waves of energy radiating outward, causing the very air to hum with the intensity of their battle.

Despite their initially equal volley, Zamasu's frustration began to show early on. Goku's deliberate restraint was grating on him. His movements became more erratic, his strikes more forceful but less precise, often missing their mark or hitting Goku's elbows and edges, ricocheting pain back at him. He clenched his jaw and scowled, his patience wearing thin. “You’re holding back, Goku! Fight me seriously!” he shouted, the frustration clear in his voice. This battle felt beneath them both.

Goku dodged another particularly fierce but ill aimed punch. He nodded, deciding to turn up the heat just a bit. “Alright, if you insist.”

With a burst of energy, Goku transformed into Super Saiyan, his hair turning golden and his aura flaring with intense power. Zamasu’s eyes widened slightly, but he quickly steeled himself. This transformation was less than what he saw earlier and was still within his own ability to best.

"Not enough to defeat me, not yet,” Zamasu muttered before charging his violet aura and attacking at Goku with a new vigor.

The intensity of their sparring increased dramatically. Goku unleashed a flurry of attacks, each one faster and stronger than the last. Zamasu countered with a standing seismic wave that sent the Saiyan flying backwards, temporarily knocking him off his game.

At one point, Goku launched himself into the air, firing a series of energy blasts down at Zamasu.The Kai dodged and deflected them with fast, but elegant movements, then retaliated with a powerful blast of his own that he charged to his side and threw upwards and out with a dramatic push. Goku crossed his arms to block, the force pushing him back but not breaking his stance.

Zamasu used the moment to close the distance, engaging Goku in a rapid exchange of close-quarters combat. He concentrated all of his chi into his hand and launched a series of strikes at the Saiyan, each one radiating intense heat and forcing Goku to dodge to avoid getting singed and sliced. Their strikes and feet moved in a blur, each trying to gain the upper hand. Goku swept Zamasu’s legs out from under him, but Zamasu twisted in mid-air, landing gracefully and immediately launching back at Goku with a fierce uppercut that sent him flying.

Goku quickly recovered, somersaulting in the air and landing on his feet. He was impressed with this version of Zamasu so far. He definitely was less powerful but a bit more patient than other versions, which led to more strategic fighting. “You almost had me there!” he said, grinning.

Zamasu’s frustration was evident, but there was also a hint of satisfaction. “You have no idea how irritating that grin of yours is,” he retorted, charging at Goku again.

Goku met Zamasu head-on, their clash creating a shockwave that flattened the grass around them. They exchanged rapid-fire blows, neither giving an inch. Goku jumped back and raised his hands, forming a familiar stance.

“Kame...”

Zamasu’s eyes widened, remembering the destructive power that move held earlier and what it did to his planet. “You wouldn’t dare...”

“Hame….”

“HAAAA!” Goku shouted, releasing the powerful energy wave. Zamasu braced himself, forming a barrier to absorb the impact. The ground shook as the Kamehameha collided with Zamasu’s defense, creating a blinding flash of light.

Zamasu grimaced against the heat of the attack, feeling its immense pressure as it absorbed into his protective orb. When the light finally faded, he stood tall — slightly panting, but still resolute.

“Hey, you’re much better than the other version I fought of you,” Goku said, genuinely impressed.

Zamasu scowled, it was a hollow compliment, and he felt his anger and frustration wash over him in a messy mosaic of emotions he couldn’t organize.

Goku, noticing Zamasu’s reaction, powered down and stepped closer. “Listen, Gowasu wants you to learn from me, so let’s do this. I can see you’re holding back a lot of negative feelings. Let me show you how to turn those emotions into power.”

Zamasu narrowed his eyes. “Gowasu is not always wise. Emotions are a weakness, a mortal folly. True divinity requires judgment and action free of all emotion. Letting emotions control you is beneath a Kai of any rank.”

Goku nodded. “I get that, but emotions are a part of who we are, and — “ he paused while looking sternly at the anxious looking Zamasu, “it seems a part of who Gods are too.” He didn’t need remind Zamasu that he erased an entire timeline because he couldn’t effectively deal with his emotions. “If you can control them instead of letting them control you, they can become a powerful tool. Watch.”

Goku closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a slow exhale. When he opened them, a fierce determination replaced the usual warmth. “You need to find the balance between control and consumption.” He noticed Zamasu tilting his head in confusion and paused to think. “You want to control your emotions, but not so much that they disappear, and not so little that they consume you.” He laughed awkwardly. “Does that make sense?”

“No.” Zamasu said as he closed his eyes and crossed his arms impatiently.

Goku stood still for a moment, concentrating, then suddenly let out a powerful roar. In an instant, his hair turned more golden and then suddenly blue, as his aura flared with intense energy. “This is me channeling my emotions into a controlled transformation.” He yelled over the crackling aura and dramatics. “Well, I can control it now, but at first, the first time I went Super Saiyan, it was only fueled by raw anger.”

Zamasu watched intently as the transformation took place, the sheer power radiating from Goku almost incalculable as he suddenly felt the atomic construct of the universe willingly shift and drain into the divine chi that now replaced the Saiyan’s mortal one. “And that is why you taint it!” He shouted over the deafening siren of the power boost. “That divinity would allow itself to be commanded by something so infantile, so — mortal — is what I fail to understand!”

Maybe it’s not to be understood,” Goku shrugged, lessening his energy to a soft rumble. “If the universe allows it, it can’t also be against the universe, can it?” He held his hand up to his chin in thought. “What’s that word I heard used with time travel.” He chuckled and closed his eyes nervously. “It might have even been you who said it. Like when something can’t both be true and not true at the same time.”

“A paradox.” Zamasu said flatly. The mortal had a point — as much as he hated to admit to himself.

“Yeah that’s it!” Goku grinned. “Try it.”

Zamasu hesitated. It still felt beneath him. He swallowed a lump in his throat, his literal pride, before continuing. "I would rather at this point Goku, while you are in this divine state, share my wisdom with you. It is imperative to correct your sloppy misappropriation of divine chi before it further disrupts the fabric of my universe."

Goku ran his hand through his blue hair. It was true; he didn’t really understand it. He just knew the advantages it provided.

Zamasu observed Goku’s intense scrutiny of himself. “Can you even articulate the difference between divine and mortal chi?” he asked, icily.

Goku shook his head. “No — but I know what it feels like. It feels like I’m suddenly a sponge, soaking up energy from a large pool.” He threw a couple of loose punches into the air. “But it only lasts so long. The longer I use it, the faster I lose it.” He turned and laughed at his rhyme.

Zamasu allowed himself a small, approving smile. “Not a bad comparison, mortal.” He walked toward Goku and held out his hand. “Now, power down to your regular golden form.”

Goku nodded and dropped down to Super Saiyan, immediately feeling the shift. It was like an exhaust fan reversing its direction, going from drawing air in to blowing it out. The sudden rush of energy ebbing away from him felt hot as he watched it his golden aura drain away from his body and towards Zamasu’s outstretched hand. “Are you - absorbing my energy?”

“Not exactly,” Zamasu said. “I’m drawing in your wasted potential energy, the energy that isn’t usable to you.” He turned his open hand into a tight fist. “This is divinity’s greatest advantage, as you do not emit chi but absorb it, making you invisible save to other divine beings.” Zamasu squeezed his hand tighter, his eyes focused and concentrating on his closed fist. When he finally relaxed and opened it, a tiny translucent sphere wobbled just above his open palm, it shimmered with a soft, iridescent glow, its surface undulating gently.

“Whoah.” Goku gasped wide eyed as he came an eyelash’s length away from the primitive life form and tapped the sphere with the tip of his finger. He watched in delight as it responded to his touch with a soft jump in the opposite direction.

Zamasu smiled smugly. “I’ve taken your chaotic energy and brought order to it, creating life from what you discard. This is creation in its purest form. True divinity at its maximum potential.”

“No way!” Goku exclaimed, scrutinizing the newly formed matter one last time before grinning madly at the Supreme Kai. “Are you going to teach me to do that?”

“Absolutely not!” Zamasu snapped. He swiftly snatched his hand away, closing his fist and reabsorbing the sphere back into his palm. “The creation and manipulation of matter is a sacred art reserved for the purely divine, not those who are merely transient to our essence.”

Goku grumbled and slouched a bit, powering down to his base form in defeat. “Then why show me?”

“Because I can show you a technique that allows you to utilize the chaotic energy around you to create matter internally, thereby extending your energy reserves. Instead of merely being a sponge, as you put it, in which you will inevitably become saturated, you will learn how to wring the energy back out after absorbing it. This is basic mastery of divine chi.”

Zamasu sat cross-legged, prompting Goku to follow suit facing him. “You’ll need to go divine again for this,” he said flatly, his lack of enthusiasm evident. “Where we are going to confront and eradicate my counterparts, you will need to maintain a divine state indefinitely—or perish.” The ideal location had come to him as a whisper from above, a reward he half suspected from the universe itself for humbling himself before Goku, as it requested. It was a place to lure the enemy that functioned on disrupted time. And it was no place for a mortal.

Goku initially smiled broadly but then furrowed his brow in concern. “Alright. But where exactly are we going, and why is it so dangerous?”

Zamasu took a deep breath, his expression darkening. The wind seemed to shift in accordance with the Supreme Kai’s internal struggle, picking up and rippling through the grass with renewed force around the two warriors. The sky above them darkened slightly, as if responding to the gravity of Zamasu’s words. “We are heading to an abandoned planet called Eclipsia, a world slowly being torn apart by a black hole. The immense gravity of black holes disrupts time itself. This disruption should be sufficient to take us outside the usual temporal constraints — and render my counterparts’ immortality nonfunctional.”

The trees on the Supreme Kai’s planet rustled with an eerie whisper as Goku absorbed Zamasu’s words. The air grew heavier as if the atmosphere itself was bracing for the confrontation to come. Zamasu’s plan hung heavy in the air, making the divine realm feel tense and foreboding.

Goku’s eyes widened slightly after processing the Supreme Kai’s plan. “That sounds incredibly dangerous. Why would they — you — ever agree come to such a planet?”

Zamasu’s gaze hardened. “When I encountered the other versions of myself on a planet called Verdexia, they lacked any coherent plan. They were merely reenacting their previous timelines, caught in a loop of their own making. With one notable exception—they intended to strengthen their fusion by adding one more. You, Goku.”

Goku folded his arms and met Zamasu’s silent gaze, feeling a growing unease about the situation. So much of their success depended on trusting this Zamasu and his word—his word about what to expect, and his word that Goku would be safe if he followed his training. “I still don’t understand why they would agree to go there if it would mess with their immortality. What’s in it for them?” Goku asked, his suspicion growing. This was beginning to feel like a trap to him.

Zamasu sighed softly, sensing the Saiyan’s growing unease. Given their history, he understood the doubt. “You’re what’s in it for them. The gravity of the black hole will begin to dismantle your mortal body. The process is almost imperceptible at first, but it accelerates quickly. Divine beings are shielded because our chi opposes the black hole's pull; however, mortals will be disintegrated, torn apart, atom by atom. They would agree to meet us there because you would be unable to oppose them.”

Goku stood up quickly. “No way!” He waved his hand dismissively before clenching his fist. “I’m sorry, Supreme Kai, but you’ll have to come up with another plan. This sounds outrageously stacked against me.”

Zamasu stared hard, anger simmering in his temples. "Cowardly mortal. You are free to leave if you wish, but there is no other alternative. I am offering to train you to sustain your divinity indefinitely, to shield your mortal body from the inevitable dangers we will encounter."

Goku paused for a moment, then sat back down. He wasn't a coward. He had to set things right after his previous failure, no matter the risks. “Alright — maybe. But I have a lot of questions that need answers before we begin.”

Gowasu watched from a distance as the Saiyan and Supreme Kai sat facing each other, conversing and sharing, their energies harmonizing as they balanced their mortal and divine centers. He had always hoped for a moment like this, where two beings from different realms could come together in mutual respect and understanding, learning from one another.

Seeing Goku and Zamasu finding common ground and complementing each other’s strengths filled him with a bittersweet sense of fulfillment. It was a vision he had long cherished for his own Zamasu, a harmony he had wished his own apprentice would achieve. He sighed, thinking of the disastrous events that occurred instead.

He turned from the pair, feeling the pull of his Time Ring. His presence here was beginning to lose its welcome. He desperately hoped he had done enough to ensure at least a fighting chance for this timeline, even though he might not be around to see its success to fruition.

Chapter Text

Under the infrequent twilight sky of the Sacred Realm, where the usual rich gold transformed into a dark blue-violet gradient, and the numerous moons, scattered like bright pearls, shone brilliantly in the growing darkness, Zamasu stood at an ancient hearth in the center of a stone pavilion. This was a Sacred place, where many of his ancestors had once also stood.

Nestled in a secluded, lush garden surrounded by a clear spring and towering trees—whose leaves, already silver, now appeared painted with stardust—the pavilion was open on all sides, allowing a gentle breeze to flow through, carrying the scent of blooming exotic flowers.

Despite the luxuries of his Sacred Realm’s Temple, Zamasu, like all Kai, preferred being outside, immersed in and connected to nature and the carefully curated creations of his ancient ancestors. The natural beauty of the flora and fauna of the Sacred Realm offered a serenity the indoor luxuries in the temple could never match in his mind. More importantly, it nurtured and inspired his innate desire to create, fueling his unconscious primal drive as a Kai.

The garden itself was a paradise of vibrant colors and delicate fragrances. Large intricate flowers bloomed in abundance, their petals forming a stunning mosaic of whites, blues, purples, and golds. Some flowers glowed faintly, encouraged by the growing darkness, casting a gentle bioluminescence that added to the magical atmosphere. Delicate vines of star jasmine climbed the trees and pavilion, filling the air with their sweet scent as they stretched upward, desperate to touch the cosmos above that inspired their name. A stream that meandered through the garden seemed to capture and hold the moonlight, making the water appear like liquid silver as it flowed gently towards a serene pond filled with shimmering alien fish.

As the moonlight bathed the landscape in a magical glow, Zamasu carefully prepared his tea at the hearth, savoring a rare moment of tranquility before facing the storm that was looming on the horizon. As he measured and prepped the leaves, he mused that if there was one skill he valued nearly as much as his fighting prowess, it was his mastery of the sacred art of tea making.

In Kai culture, passed down from the ancient Supremes to the modern Kai today, tea making symbolized the harmony and balance that the Kai strive to maintain in the universe. Each element of the process, from the selection of herbs and leaves, to the steeping and stirring, reflected the delicate balance of cosmic forces and the individual Kai’s ability to wield them with precision and grace.

Some Kai, in their haste, rushed the process, lacking the mindfulness needed to center their emotions and focus on a singular task. As a result, their tea was often bitter, weak, and watery, mirroring their hurried hearts and restless spirits. On the other hand, those who became too obsessive with the process produced tea that lacked authenticity. Their brews were technically perfect, each note flawlessly played, but devoid of true feeling, leaving the drinker unsatisfied despite its apparent perfection.

Like the cosmos itself, masterful tea required a balance of capriciousness and meticulous attention to detail. The end result held the unique essence of the Kai who prepared it, reflecting their inner harmony (or lack thereof). When done with perfect balance, the tea became more than a drink; it was a manifestation of the Kai’s own spirit and mastery of the cosmic forces.

Zamasu allowed himself a small smile as he engaged in this ancient practice, mindful of the lingering fear in the back of his mind that this might be the last time.

He carefully measured out a mixture of pastel herbs and sage green leaves, each pinch added with meticulous precision yet infused with a touch of spontaneity, their fragrant aroma mingling with the sweet scent of the blooming flowers carried by the wind. The spring water, heated to the perfect temperature, steamed softly on the hearth, as he poured it into a delicate porcelain teapot, that sat atop a carved wooden table of ornate fish and birds, allowing a moment of improvisation in the gentle swirl of his pour. The balance of precision and creativity in his movements were always a reflection of the harmony he sought to maintain in the cosmos as its Supreme Kai

As Zamasu waited for the tea to steep, he gazed at the sky, hoping to imprint its beauty in his mind. Gowasu had departed earlier, leaving him feeling abandoned at his most desperate hour. Adding to his frustration, the North Kai had joined Gowasu, just as she had promised.

Feeling his disappointment and anger beginning to swell as he remembered the dispassionate goodbyes, he tried to focus instead on Gowasu’s parting words, and how they might play out into their final plan.

“Please, Zamasu!” Hanakotoba pleaded, her voice shrill with desperation. She folded her hands in front of her bowed head, shuffling anxiously from foot to foot. “Don’t make me beg!”

Zamasu grumbled, his eyes narrowing as he watched the North Kai grovel shamelessly. A large rodent-like creature, with sleek cream fur and a long, bushy tail, was draped comfortably around her shoulders. Its impressive glowing red eyes peered at him, ready to assess his desicion. The creature chittered softly at the Supreme Kai, who responded with a look of disgust, his lip curling slightly at the sight of the North Kai’s chosen pet companion, while Hanakotoba's plea hung in the silence, awaiting his response.

“Have Kosumosu look after your...pet…while you are away,” Zamasu suggested with a wave of his hand, clearly irritated as well as anxious to clean up and relax after his sparring session, rather than deal with this nonsense. Hana had ambushed him about her pet after his lesson with Goku, having struck a deal with Gowasu at some point to escort her to the Seventh Universe, clearly in a rush to depart.

Truthfully, the Supreme Kai was more annoyed by Hanakotoba's determination to leave, especially since she seemed perfectly fine to him now. When she was on death’s door, her desire to retreat to safety was understandable, but now, with only time needed for her full recovery, the risk of her exposing their current issues further elsewhere seemed unnecessary.

Additionally, her actions had made him question her fitness for her position as Kai more than once. She seemed to have lost her confidence, choosing to flee when she should be standing by her universe, ready to fight, or at least do her part as the North Kai. Vocalizing these concerns, however, only made her more determined, as she continually doubled down and reminded him of the promise he made to her. She remained adamant about leaving.

“What?” Hana looked up at him with a look of shock. “You’re NOT serious! Have you forgotten Kosumosu’s unfortunate track record with pets? His planet is practically a small graveyard because of his irresponsibility!” She angrily put her hands on her hips. “You know his new pet right? Rocky? A literal pet rock because it’s the only thing that can’t perish?”

Zamasu rolled his eyes. It was customary for lower Kai to keep a pet or two for companionship on their often isolated planets. He fondly recalled his own pet pig, Pochi, whom he had taken with him to the North Planet after an unfortunate accident in the Genesis Lab, where a student had permanently created non-functional wings on him. Pochi was more than just a pet; he enjoyed playing Cosmic Chess with Zamasu — always playing as white — as they listening to music together on cool nights. The bond they shared brought a rare sense of warmth and comfort to Zamasu’s otherwise solitary existence as the North Kai, as Gowasu was a relatively absent Supreme Kai.

He grumbled and stared into the brilliant red eyes of Hana’s companion, Kawaru — a Curios. This shape-shifting organism, the last of its species, had been illegally smuggled by the North Kai from its planet just before a mass extinction-level asteroid event, and remained her loyal pet ever since. Curios were highly intelligent, capable of understanding conversation and exhibiting high emotional intelligence, making them responsive and excellent companions to their owners. Their shape-shifting ability allowed them to take on uncanny renditions of various forms they encountered during their long lives.

Despite this ability to mimic any organism perfectly, however, its distinctive, glowing red eyes always gave it away, no matter the guise. Zamasu found the creature deeply unsettling; its piercing eyes and unpredictable transformations never failed to unnerve him.

North Kai huffed, her eyes narrowing. “You’re just being difficult. It’s not like I’m asking you to do anything complicated. Just feed and keep an eye on him. He’s very low maintenance.”

As if reading the Supreme Kai’s frustration, Kawaru suddenly jumped off Hana’s shoulders and into the air, transforming into a perfect replica of Zamasu himself. Hana laughed, her amusement growing at Kawaru’s uncanny mimicry of the Supreme Kai. Zamasu grimaced at the sight of the creature's red eyes replacing his usual grey, making the imitation even more unsettling.

The Supreme Kai sighed deeply, finally turning away from Kawaru with a sense of defeat. His resistance was waning, and the urgent need to focus on saving his universe far outweighed arguing with Hanakotoba any further. "Fine, your beast may stay here until you return," he conceded reluctantly, his shoulders slumping as the words left his mouth.

Hana's face lit up with joy at his unexpected answer. “Oh!” She jumped up and clapped happily. “Thank you, Zamasu!“

Before he could say another word, Hana caught him off guard by rushing up to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug, pulled him in close, and planted a grateful kiss on his cheek. He stood there flushed and speechless, surprised by her unexpected sudden display of affection.

“Kawaru won’t cause any trouble, I promise!” She jumped back with a smile as she then hugged her pet. “Won’t you?” She said sternly, as she pulled away and pointed her finger at him as he nodded in response. “He’s only a pest when he’s hungry,” she said quickly as she turned back to the still stunned Zamasu. “Just don’t forget his feeding times, or he’ll remind you in his own way.”

Zamasu, flustered and unsure how to respond, just nodded stiffly as he watched Hanakotoba wave and transmit away, leaving him standing there with her very odd pet, feeling a mix of irritation and bewilderment.

Momentarily losing sight of his new ward, he snapped back at attention and glanced around frantically looking for the Curios, aware he could have taken the form of a limitless number of organisms. “Where are you, you nuisance?" Zamasu demanded, as he suddenly felt a light pressure on his shoulder.

Turning, he found Kawaru, now in the exact form of Goku, leaning on him with a smug expression. The Curios had spent the morning playing an endless game of one-sided tag with the Saiyan before he had retreated for meditation. Goku had asked Kawaru to transform into a monkey, and couldn't contain his delight at rehashing his very first divine lesson from King Kai, as he chased the Bubbles look-alike around.

As Zamasu sneered at the Curios’ uncanny clone of the mortal, Kawaru mimicked Hanakotoba’s actions, quickly leaning in to hug him tightly and planting a kiss smack on his lips.

Zamasu practically roared in anger as he jumped back, frantically waving his arms and hands around as if trying to chase away a rogue bird. "Enough of this nonsense!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the clearing. "I am not here to be mocked by these imitations and games!"

Kawaru, still in the form of Goku, held him in an unyielding tight hug, as Hana had done to him. Zamasu pushed him away forcefully. "Release me at once!" he demanded, his eyes blazing with fury. Kawaru finally released the Supreme Kai with a mischievous chirp, promptly transforming into a large bird and soaring away.

Zamasu watched in exasperation as the creature flew off. "Won't cause trouble?" he muttered to himself, wiping his mouth, and trying to regain his composure. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his tunic and narrowed his eyes at Gowasu in the distance, who seemed to be holding court, as he made his way towards him.

The old Kai was about to activate his Time Ring, while Hana grinned like a fool, fumbling with his borrowed Potara that she was clipping onto her right ear. Suddenly, he paused and looked back curiously. “Just a final thought, Zamasu," he said, gazing at the shiny black-steel infinity loops of his ring. “ Black is a paradox.” He shifted his gaze towards Goku, who caught his eye with a slight jump. “You and Lord Beerus saw Zamasu kill me, did you not, before the Angel rewound time and intervened?” Gowasu's eyes deepened with emotion as he recalled the painful erasure of his apprentice by the Destroyer.

Goku nodded as Kawaru flew in, landing gracefully on his shoulder and transforming back into his preferred rodent form. The creature nestled comfortably around the Saiyan's neck, as Goku smiled, scratching behind Kawaru’s ears affectionately. “Yeah,” he said, his expression turning serious. “Beerus wanted to be absolutely sure that Zamasu was truly corrupt before he struck down a fellow God.”

The Supreme Kai looked towards the ground, a mix of irritation and shame flickering across his face at the mention of his personal destruction. His jaw tightened, and his fists clenched subtly.

“And the impetus for you, Goku, sparring with Zamasu in the first place, was because Black came to your timeline and challenged you directly, correct? And you wanted to compare their energy signatures?”

Goku felt a slight twitch of his face as he thought of the Serenity Sanctum’s chastisation of him during that fight. How he could’ve ended everything in that moment had he just tried. To alleviate his nerves, he reached back to pet Kawaru again, who graciously leaned his head into Goku’s hand like a cat. “Yeah, we had a hunch they were the same,” he shrugged.

“So how can all of this be true simultaneously?” Gowasu concluded resolutely, nodding firmly as if the implication were obvious. “I hope you all now understand why time travel is considered a mortal sin of the greatest magnitude.”

Goku and the Kai exchanged silent, puzzled glances, clearly confused by the revelation.

Gowasu shook his head and flashed his Time Ring. “Black is held together by the Time Ring of that timeline itself. It’s the only thing keeping his essence stitched together. He’s a paradox, a mere echo of reality. He was, is, and will always be just a passing shade. He shouldn’t — doesn’t — exist.”

“How lonely that must be.” Aoume murmured quietly to no one in particular, after Gowasu’s words had time to settle. “Feeling the absence of one’s soul.”

Everyone looked at Zamasu in the corner of their eyes quietly, gauging his reaction, as the South Kai continued.

“It’s unimaginable, really, existing as an emptyshell, a bottomless pit. Constantly trying to fill the void, yet always aware of its endless darkness as you shovel in the infinite hollow assurances you sell yourself.”

Goku folded his arms, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. “Yeah, well he sure felt real,” he muttered, the memory of Black’s attacks and the chaos they wrought flashing in his mind. The panic and rage felt all too vivid. Easy for Gowasu to make such a claim now, with the clarity of hindsight.

Zamasu finally looked up, in agreeance with Goku, and clearly irritated by the cascade of events: Gowasu's departure, Hana's eagerness to leave, the tale of his destruction, and now this seemingly discrete new piece of information that appeared untethered to the larger problem.

“A useless fact!” He shouted a bit more harshly than he intended towards his master. “Are you suggesting we destroy the Time Ring?” Zamasu felt his own version of the ring lay heavy on his finger. “It's impossible to do. Besides, each fusion copy has its own. There could be hundreds, if not more.”

Gowasu looked at his old apprentice sharply, unappreciative of both his and Goku’s bitter remarks. “I didn’t say my revelation would solve all of your problems, only that time holds the potential to help solve your particular problem in more ways than one.” He twisted his own ring upon his finger, signaling his readiness to depart. “You’ve been focusing entirely on the immortality aspect, but there’s two separate beings involved in the fusion whose individual stories should not be ignored.”

Turning to Hana, who stood eagerly by his side, Gowasu said, “It’s time to leave.” He tried to push aside the heaviness that had settled over him after the conversation, marring what he had hoped would be a more affectionate goodbye from everyone—especially Zamasu, whom he feared he might never see again in the confines of his own timeline, where every last atom of the Kai was erased from existence.

As he prepared to activate the Time Ring, Aoume stepped forward. “Farewell, Lord Gowasu,” he said softly, bowing respectfully. “May your journey be safe and your wisdom guide us in your absence.”

Goku, arms still folded but with a softened expression, nodded. “Take care, Gowasu. And thanks for everything.” He smiled as Kawaru jumped down from his shoulders and into Hana’s arms for a final goodbye, who sniffed and shooed him back towards the Saiyan.

Zamasu, standing a bit apart from the others, gave a deep, respectful bow but remained silent. In truth, he needed more than Gowasu’s reassurances, he needed his presence; yet, he found himself unable to express this, if he was even aware that feeling was brewing deep within him in the first place, much to the detriment of both their hearts.

After giving a small wave goodbye, Kosu suddenly felt for something inside his tunic and perked up. “Wait!” He quickly ran up to Hana, handing her something discreetly while whispering into her ear. He had already said his goodbye to his sister earlier, and was now trying to jam the impending, crushing loneliness of her absence into a tight ball in the pit of his stomach, where he wouldn’t have to acknowledge it.

Hana wrinkled her nose in confusion at the gift and the message.

“Tell the me there in the Tenth, if you see him, that the other one is in the blue teapot. He’ll understand,” Kosu said with a mischievous grin, only to notice everyone staring at him curiously.

Gowasu sighed, the West Kai could always be counted on for levity no matter his timeline. With a final nod to his old apprentice, who returned the gesture with a gentle crease of concern between his brows, he activated the Time Ring, and he and Hana vanished into the shimmering light.

Goku stretched his aching muscles upwards, prompting Kawaru to spring up in surprise and dash away, as the residual energy and scent of Gowasu’s transmission finally dissipated from the area. Zamasu’s divinity lesson hadn’t left him sore necessarily, but rather feeling like jelly—every muscle, sinew, and connective tissue tenderized down to their individual cells, as he learned how to transform chaotic energy into a more ordered usable form.

Zamasu had been a surprisingly patient teacher; however, their lesson reached a natural limit due to Goku’s inability to both fight and convert chaotic energy simultaneously. Much like how a dog must stop to pant to expel heat, whereas humans can sweat while working, Goku, as a mortal, found it impossible to generate usable energy from his divine chi while actively engaging in battle. To do so required intense concentration, of which Goku just couldn’t master with his mind so focused on actually fighting.

Observing Goku’s struggle, Zamasu couldn’t resist a smug response. “You see, Goku, this is the fundamental difference between a Kai and a mere mortal like yourself. We can involuntarily convert chaotic energy while engaging in physical work, a skill that is evidently beyond your reach.” He smirked, his superiority clearly visible as he continued, “It’s no wonder mortals can never truly grasp the essence of divinity.”

Goku, not one to back down, retorted. “Maybe so, but that’s gonna be a real problem in our fight. I’ll need time to charge up my energy. So while you’re showing off your divine tricks, don’t forget—you’re still going to have to hold them off by yourself until I can fight again.”

Zamasu’s expression darkened at this revelation. “Again, mortal. This time, focus on feeling the energy permeate every cell of your body. Acknowledge it fully and let none escape your awareness. Maximize the surface area of its entrance.”

Goku reflected on the last lesson, feeling every cell in his body give a collective sigh of defeat, as thirty trillion microscopic white flags waved simultaneously. His entire being seemed to be begging for food and sleep. He walked towards Zamasu, who looked irritated following Gowasu’s departure, and curtly asked for what he knew would be perceived as mortal weaknesses. "Hey, Supreme Kai, any chance I could get something to eat again and maybe a place to sleep?"

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed as he sighed in frustration, vexed by the constant necessity of accommodating such weaknesses. “You may rest, but you will not set foot in my temple. There’s a patch of grass over there,” he said, pointing dismissively.

Kosu, overhearing the exchange, approached with a friendly grin. “Goku, you’re welcome to rest on my planet. I can offer you some proper hospitality,” he said with extra emphasis while staring daggers at the Supreme Kai.

Zamasu scowled and folded his arms. “No mortal should set foot in any structure on any Sacred Realm, West Kai.”

Kosu chuckled, shaking his head. “C’mon Zamasu. You’re completely delusional if you think I’ve never brought a mortal to my planet before.” He ended with a stern look towards the Supreme Kai. “And look — the fabric of the universe remains intact!”

Zamasu’s scowl deepened, but he remained silent. With a dismissive wave of his hand granting permission, he turned and walked away towards his garden, his own sanctuary, for some much-needed rest.

Zamasu continued to sit on his comfortable cushion in the pavilion, cradling his porcelain tea cup in his hands, as Kasai leaned forward, his red hair extra vibrant and his young face animated with excitement as he regaled the details of his long investigation that began with looking into the missing mortals in his quadrant. Zamasu was grateful for the East Kai’s intrusion, truthfully, as the quiet and contemplation, a usual comfort, was beginning to grate on him.

"During my investigation of the Eastern sector," Kasai said shakily, his voice a mix of urgency and pride, "I uncovered that my predecessor had illegally interconnected all the planets.”

Zamasu set his tea cup firmly on the table. The interlocking, or “rooting” of planets was highly discouraged, borderline illegal, and was always to be documented. “Are you sure? Itazura made no mention of this before you took over?” He narrowed his eyes at Kasai who began to look nervous.

“No Sir, it took some digging.” He swallowed a lump nervously as he turned on an old data pad that belonged to his predecessor, its screen flickering as he tried to access the information within. “But the good news is this rooting system created a false alarm among some planets, making them report missing mortals due to a cosmic chemical signal they couldn't ignore, linked as they were to planets that actually lost their populations."

Zamasu leaned back in his chair, thinking about this revelation’s implications, and reached for his cup of tea. Just as he was about to take a sip, he noticed small bubbles rising to the surface, and he held it back, scrutinizing it closely. A large insect suddenly popped its head out, prompting the Supreme Kai to grimace and fling the cup onto the table. The insect flew up, revealing its glowing red eyes.

“You nuisance!” Zamasu shrieked, continually swatting at Kawaru in the air, missing each time as the Curios darted gracefully in opposite directions.

Kasai watched the chaotic scene unfold with amusement, trying to suppress a smirk at the Supreme Kai’s unhinged reaction.

With a mischievous glint, Kawaru transformed into his rodent form and scampered onto Zamasu’s shoulder. He hissed loudly and then grabbed a mouthful of Zamasu’s mohawk, pulling painfully.

“You blasted rat!” Zamasu snapped, ready to fling him off — but he paused, recalling Hana’s comment about how "hangry" Kawaru could get when not fed on time, as well as her personal tongue lashing if she ever found out he hurt her beloved pet. Reluctantly, he materialized a large biscuit, which Kawaru snatched out of his hand and ate frantically, before demanding another.

Zamasu sighed, resigning himself to let the Curios stay on his shoulder as the shape-shifter greedily devoured biscuit after materialized biscuit. The Supreme Kai stared blankly ahead, enduring the crumbs that flew everywhere, landing on his head, hair, and clothes.

As Kawaru ate his fill, he eventually gratefully wrapped his bushy tail around Zamasu’s neck, nuzzled the side of his face, and napped. Kasai, struggling to contain his laughter, couldn’t help but be entertained by the unusual sight of the Supreme Kai turned into a makeshift perch for the mischievous creature.

"However….” he continued, choosing to ignore the disheveled and disgruntled looking Zamasu in front of him, “I managed to reprogram this root system. Now, instead of sending out false signals, it tracks chi, allowing us to monitor the fusion's movements across the entire Eastern sector in real-time."

Zamasu nodded, impressed. Kasai’s brilliance in technology was truly exceptional, and why he was appointed as Itazura’s successor at such a young age. A thought suddenly came to him.

“Could you root the rest of the quadrants to this system?” It was a risky move but it would be dismantled quickly once their problem was resolved.

“Of course,” Kasai's eyes sparkled with pride as he bowed his head, pleased he could assist the Supreme Kai, at last.

Zamasu sat back in his chair, a triumphant look on his face. He anxiously rotated the Time Ring around his finger as the final details ran through his mind. Rumsshi had instructed him not to call until he had figured out how to handle the situation, and now he was confident that the time had come, having just fit the last piece of the puzzle into place.

After allowing Goku a few more hours of rest on the West Kai’s planet, it would be time to pay himself another visit and end this charade once and for all.

Chapter Text

High above the open ocean on the distant planet Miridion, in the eastern sector, two fused Zamasus hovered, their gaze fixed on the vast expanse of water below, as the vulnerable mortals in the distance mulled about on the serene shore like tiny ants, unaware of the clear and present danger above them.

"The Supreme Kai requested us not to administer justice with our own hands," one of the fusions finally spoke, breaking the silence.

“But he did not prohibit us from aiding the planets in seeking their own retribution against those who have desecrated them." The other quickly added with a sly grin.

A dark smile curled on both their faces. There was a loophole in the Supreme Kai’s directive, and they intended to exploit it fully. Driven by an unseen force, they felt compelled to complete their eradication plan, as if the very essence of their being demanded it, like dogs chasing cars that lead to no where.

"Let the hydrosphere be the instrument of their judgment," the first fusion declared in a low voice, raising his hand toward the water. A small ball of energy coalesced in his palm, which he first scooped upwards and then quickly hurled down toward the lolling waves below. It glowed with a brilliant light, piercing the surface of the ocean with a dazzling flash, before being swallowed by the depths.

For a moment after, the sea was calm. Then, a massive swell began to rise from the point of impact, first climbing vertically toward the heavens, before spreading outward in all directions. The once serene waves transformed into towering walls of water, surging toward the distant shores with unstoppable force.

“Empowering the very elements they have abused — the ultimate poetic justice," the other Zamasu remarked, watching the burgeoning tsunami race towards the shore, with a look of satisfaction. "This is true cosmic balance at work.“

As the colossal waves advanced, the two Zamasus fell silent, arms crossed, high in the skies above, their hearts filled with a twisted sense of fulfillment. They had set the stage for the planet's vengeance, and soon, the mortals would reap the consequences of their sins.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, pink hue across the serene beach. The sound of the waves, gently lapping against the shore, provided a rhythmic backdrop as a man and his dog enjoyed their evening ritual of playing fetch. The man, smiling, threw a stick far down the beach, and the dog, a lively liver-colored puppy, dashed after it with boundless energy in front of a line of beachgoers sitting in chairs or resting on towels, admiring the fiery sky brought on by the sinking sun.

The beachgoers, initially captivated by the puppy streaking by them, suddenly turned their attention to a brilliant streak of light falling from the sky. It arched gracefully before diving into the ocean below, creating an eerily beautiful display. The light shimmered against the dusky red sky, casting a surreal glow over the water. The beach fell into a hushed silence as everyone watched in awe, fingers pointing and sunglasses lifted. The gentle waves, briefly illuminated by the otherworldly phenomenon, seemed to hush in anticipation, before finally returning to their natural colorless state.

Just as the dog reached the stick in the gentle lapping shore, snatching it up in his jaws, something unusual happened. The waves, which had been steadily washing ashore, suddenly forcibly pulled back, retreating further than usual, revealing the rocks and benthic organisms normally regularly submerged. The dog stopped in its tracks, ears pricked up and alert, as it stared in the distance. The carefree atmosphere suddenly turned tense, as the crowd jumped from their chairs in panic, sensing the strange new whisper of the tide, as a large wall of water faintly took form in the distance.

Kasai jumped as he felt the sudden rumble of his neatly tucked tablet against his chest. It had been quiet since Zamasu returned it to him after his trip to Verdexia, but now it was signaling a massive loss of mortals somewhere in his sector, yet again.

He quickly tapped into the database. “Miridion,” he murmured, watching the planet’s stats scroll rapidly. “Tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions. Perfectly normal cataclysms,” he continued to mutter. With a few more taps, he accessed the root system he had set up and gasped, feeling his heart sink. He looked up at his fellow Kai in alarm, waiting for a good moment to disrupt their task at hand.

Nearby, Aoume and Kosu were rummaging through a variety of trinkets scattered on the ground before them, each one either an ancient relic or an outdated tech item from a past Supreme Kai. Encouraged by Joko’s spirit, Zamasu had opened all of the cabinets in his room for his lower Kai to sift through, and gave them the task of organizing and labeling everything. Especially important was identifying anything that might be of use in disrupting temporal space, as Joko suggested there might be.

Among the artifacts were old Time Crystals, now almost pulverized to a fine dust, once used by a former Supreme Kai to occasionally manipulate the flow of time when the early universe would frequently fold back on itself upon encountering pockets of intense gravity. There were also Chrono Rings, predecessors to the more advanced Time Rings, their copper-like surfaces dull and green with oxidation and age, but still faintly pulsing with residual energy. An ancient Planetary Forge also lay among the items, its deep basin designed to help shape and stabilize new planets. Though its once-brilliant core was now dim and cracked, it still hummed with a faint trace of its former power.

Kosumosu, growing increasingly frustrated, wiped his brow after scrutinizing an old amulet. After deciding it was worthless, he threw it onto a pile of other dented and dingy items that had no use or place now. He threw his hands up in exasperation. “Why did no Supreme Kai ever bother to look at these things before now? This is taking forever!” He said with a huff.

Aoume, appointed by Zamasu as the substitute Supreme Kai during his impending absence, and proudly wearing his old apprentice Potara earrings, examined the dusty, intricately carved amulet that Kosu had tossed aside. He gently blew on the surface, causing sparkling specks of dust to scatter. “Everything here is so outdated,” he remarked. “Even if they could help, I doubt most of these relics would still function properly.”

Kosu picked up an ancient Celestial Compass next, its once-clear glass now foggy and etched with age. “Tell that to Zamasu,” he muttered, turning the compass over in his hands before tossing it behind his head, another new addition to the growing junk pile.

Kawaru, in the form of a regal black wolf reminiscent of the one carved into the Temple fountain, had been watching nearby with keen interest. As the compass sailed through the air, he saw his moment to engage, and leapt up and caught it mid-flight, his red eyes gleaming with mischief. He trotted over to Kosu, his black tail wagging furiously, and dropped the compass at his feet, eager for a game of fetch.

Kosu, who normally would be up for any sort of antics to get him out of a delegated work task, was not feeling in the mood given the loss of Hanakotoba coupled with the tension of the current events. “Not now, Kawaru!” he snapped, bending down to snatch the compass away. Kawaru lifted his ears and tilted his head to the side for a brief moment in confusion of Kosu’s rejection, before tugging playfully at his pant leg, trying to convince the Kai to play with him.

“Stop it, you pesky…whatever you are!” Kosu shouted, trying to shake Kawaru off his leg, as the determined creature only tugged harder, his playful nature undeterred. The West Kai’s frustration grew as he wrestled with the stubborn Curios, trying to free his pant leg from his tightly closed jaws. “Hana, wherever you are, you owe us for having to deal with this creature of yours!” He grumbled loudly in annoyance to no one.

Kawaru gave one final hard tug, digging his paws into the ground while Kosu pulled his leg in the opposite direction. The force sent both Kai and Curios tumbling backward. They emerged dazed from the fall, with Kawaru shaking his head and spraying drool everywhere. Spotting an ornate box nearby, that resembled his biscuit container, he seized the new opportunity. He snatched up the box and bolted, leaping over Kosu with his newfound prize.

“Hey! Get back here!” Kosu shouted, scrambling to his feet.

Aoume, seeing the commotion, swiftly intervened. He darted forward and grabbed the box from Kawaru’s jaws, with only a minor tug needed, just as he tried to run off with it. “Not so fast, you little thief,” he scolded, waving him away after a stamp of his foot. “Shoo!”

Kawaru, feeling miffed, snuffled at the air and kicked dirt behind him with his back paws. With a final soft growl, he took off towards Goku in the distance, disappearing from sight.

Aoume shook his head as he wiped the drool off the box. He took a moment to examine its decorative top and side latch. Though now rusted, he could tell it had once glimmered with extraordinary power and beauty. His eyes widened as he examined the ancient writing carved onto the side and then carefully opened the top. Suddenly, excitement bubbled in his voice. “I think we finally might have something here,” he exclaimed.

Kosu, still dusting himself off, hurried over. “What is it?” he asked, peering into the box.

Aoume held up a pair of primitive Potara earrings, as old as Universe 10 itself, and as black as deep space. A faint hum indicated their power still active, despite their advanced age. Each earring contained a tiny, collapsing star at its center, pulsating with a mesmerizing light that seemed to distort the space-time around it. “These could be helpful to disrupting temporal space,” he said, his face lighting up with hope as he lifted his sunglasses to see more clearly. “The immense energy from these collapsing stars could potentially manipulate the very fabric of time itself.” The stars within the earrings swirled and flickered as the South Kai twirled the earrings in the sunlight, their gravitational pull visible as a slight warping around the earring's center.

Kosu’s frustration suddenly melted away, replaced by a growing excitement. “Well, it’s about time,” he said with a grin, as Kasai came up from behind, about to spoil the happy moment with his bad news.

“Sorry all.” The East Kai said sheepishly as he slinked up. “I think it might be time,” he added quietly, as he gestured to his data pad and the rapidly depleting mortal numbers, as all three turned towards the silhouette of the Supreme Kai in the distance.

Away from the commotion of the lower Kai’s treasure hunt, Zamasu and Rumsshi stood alongside Goku, who was still visibly struggling to master the intricacies of God chi. Zamasu observed Goku critically, his arms folded across his chest, while the God of Destruction stood next to him, insisting on joining the session after being woken up.

"Goku, you must focus!” Zamasu yelled, his voice carrying an edge of impatience. “To wield God chi properly, you need to seamlessly convert the wasted energy into useful matter and store it for later use — it has to be done simultaneously!”

Goku, beads of sweat forming on his brow, attempted to follow the instructions. They’d been at it again all afternoon, following a series of steps designed to increase his involuntary focus abilities slowly. He first locked into the sensation of internalizing and converting the chaotic energy while at rest. Next, he walked, trying to hold onto the process, then flew, threw punches and kicks in the air, and dodged chi blasts from Zamasu. However, once he engaged in close combat with the Supreme Kai, he found himself unable to maintain the flow. The God chi drained from him like water through a sieve, with nothing to replenish it. The chi flickered around him, unstable, until he finally dropped from God form to Super Saiyan, and then to his base. Goku dropped to his knees and pounded the ground with his fist. “Dammit!” he yelled in frustration as he stood up. “Let’s try it again.”

Rumsshi stepped forward, his deep, gravelly voice providing a counterbalance to Zamasu’s frantic impatience. He wasn’t particularly fond of the situation and shared Zamasu’s skepticism about a mortal wielding God chi; however, he knew that investing energy upfront would save him work in the long run. “You have to relax, Saiyan. Feel the energy within you and let it flow naturally. Don’t force it. Remember, the essence of God chi is harmony.”

Kusu chimed in, with her comforting, and optimistic melodic voice. "Goku, think of it like breathing. It should be as natural and continuous as inhaling and exhaling, without thought.”

“Easy for you to say,” Goku muttered, nodding as he took a deep breath and tried again. Throughout his training, he had realized that Gods could partition their attention in multiple directions simultaneously without losing focus on any single task. This ability, essential for monitoring the entire universe, was like a pizza divided into slices, each functioning independently yet still part of the whole. It allowed them to perform many tasks effortlessly and with utmost clarity—a mental hurdle Goku feared he might never overcome. Zamasu had mentioned more than once that this might be a limitation of his mortal physiology. “If I just had more time to train, I know I could get it!”

Zamasu sighed. "Time we do not have!” He snapped. “I’ve said it already, this is the fundamental difference between Gods and mortals. You cannot simply stop and start; it must be a continuous flow."

Rumsshi scoffed. “This is your great plan, Kai? I thought you said you had it all figured out.” He watched as Goku went through his progressions, only to falter once again. “All I see is a malfunctioning mortal who’s going to get ripped apart by a black hole the moment he loses his divinity.”

Zamasu glanced down, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. It was hard to disagree with the Destroyer's assessment. “The universe itself has dictated these circumstances,” he said, lifting his gaze sternly toward Rumsshi. “Do you really think I would waste my time on a mortal if there were any other choice?”

Rumsshi shook his head as Goku walked up to the Gods with defeat and exhaustion written all over his face. "Listen, I get all this in theory, but doing it is another story. I have to stop and focus to turn energy into matter once the fighting really gets rolling. I can't do both at the same time, I’m sorry.”

Kusu looked at the Saiyan with a hint of pity. It would be so easy for her to bestow upon him the ability to partition his focus better. Just a — poof — tap of her staff to that adorable scruffy head of his. But that wasn’t how this worked. “What about a diversion?” she suggested with a gentle smile toward Zamasu. “If he can’t master divinity right away, you’ll need to buy him some time to wield it effectively.”

Zamasu opened his mouth to retort to the Angel’s absurd idea when he felt a sudden tug at his waist. He looked down to see two big red eyes staring up at him hungrily; a large wolf had grabbed the edge of his tunic in its mouth and was pulling. It was Kawaru. Zamasu sucked in a deep breath, trying to ebb his annoyance of his pet sitting responsibilities, when the sight of the Curios sparked an idea in his mind.

Reaching into his tunic, Zamasu pulled out a biscuit, which he kept on hand at all times now, and held it just out of Kawaru’s reach as he bent down. "Do you want this?" he asked, waving it enticingly. Kawaru’s tail wagged furiously as he eyed the treat and attempted to snap it out of the Supreme Kai’s hand.

"Not so fast!” Zamasu smirked, pulling the biscuit back and gesturing towards himself. "Transform into me."

Kawaru tilted his head, clearly confused. Zamasu repeated the gesture, pointing to himself again. "Come on you beast, transform into me."

Rumsshi chuckled, shaking his head. "Zamasu, have you lost your mind?"

Zamasu ignored Runsshi’s comment as Kawaru growled in frustration, eyes darting between the biscuit and the Supreme Kai. He tried to paw at the treat, but Zamasu kept it out of reach. "Focus, Kawaru! Transform into me."

After a moment of intense concentration, with a flash of energy, Kawaru transformed into his impeccable replica of Zamasu.

Rumsshi’s laughter died in his throat, replaced by a look of astonishment. "Well, I’ll eat my words. That’s impressive."

Zamasu smirked again, tossing the biscuit to Kawaru who transformed back into a wolf and snatched it out of the air, chomping furiously. “Excellent. You grasped that quicker than I expected,” he remarked, grateful the Curios turned back into a wolf so he needn’t suffer seeing himself shamelessly devour a pet treat. He turned towards the others, confidence renewed. "Our diversion.”

Kusu walked over to Kawaru and knelt down in front of him. “What a marvelous creature!” she laughed, scratching Kawaru under his chin. The delighted Curios thumped his hind leg against the ground in response.

“Hey, hand me one of those!” Goku called out, wiping his brow as he trotted over. “Kawaru — transform into me,” he said, pointing to himself.

Kawaru snapped his head in Goku’s direction. Now understanding the game, he transformed into an exact replica of Goku, though still sitting like a dog on the ground. Goku snickered and tossed him a biscuit. This time, Kawaru maintained his Saiyan form as he ravenously devoured the treat, crumbs flying everywhere.

Zamasu sidled up next to the Saiyan with a sly smile. “Not much different from how you actually eat, mortal,” he said, giving Goku a playful nudge with his elbow. Kawaru, having finished his snack, transformed back into his base rodent form and scurried up to perch on Goku’s shoulder to relax.

Goku burst out laughing at the comment. It was the first time that Zamasu had shown a sense of humor towards him. “I can’t argue with you there!” he chuckled, savoring the rare moment. Then his expression turned serious. “This could work, though,” he said thoughtfully. He had played with Kawaru enough to know the Curios was crafty and could play a mean game of tag, even if it only bought Goku a few precious minutes. A thought occurred to him, though. “Hey, how will you keep him safe? I thought you had to be divine to nullify the effects of the black hole?”

The thought had crossed Zamasu's mind. He could already picture Hanakotoba, her face contorted with rage and anguish, shaking him hysterically. Her black eyes would be wide with fury, her voice shrill and accusing as she screamed about how he had let her beloved Kawaru perish in such a brutal fashion.

“Underground. And small," Zamasu stated with authority, trying to convince himself, as well as Goku. "He will have to remain underground when not assisting us. He’ll be safe there; the tearing is slow and progresses from the surface downward."

A heavy silence fell over the group before Rumsshi finally spoke. “Shall we proceed, then?” He turned towards Zamasu. “You are absolutely certain, Kai, that they are interconnected and that what affects one will affect the others?”

Zamasu nodded. “Yes, I am certain. The scarring on their faces and the strange vulnerability they exhibited after the body switch are not mere coincidences. They operate as a hive mind. Once one is compromised, the rest will be as well. This interconnectedness is their greatest strength, but it is also their most significant weakness. By targeting one, we can render all their immortality null.”

“And you—" The Destroyer turned his deathly stare towards Goku. "Are absolutely certain you can prevail if their immortality is removed?" Rumsshi's orders kept him away from the central fight, as he alone possessed the power to obliterate entire planets effortlessly if they were overrun with the clones. It was an enormous risk, and he was even less pleased that one of Beerus’ mortals would be assisting them. "Knowing you've trained with Lord Beerus makes me uneasy. I fear you'll decide to take a nap halfway through and doom us all," he remarked, poking Goku with his trunk.

Goku chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’m not planning to take any naps. Besides, I learned a few things from Beerus other than sleeping.” His expression turned serious. “With the Supreme Kai’s help, I’m confident we can win.”

Zamasu regarded Goku out of the corner of his eye at the compliment with a mix of skepticism and approval. “You just keep working on perfecting your mastery of divinity, mortal. Every second counts—seconds could be the difference between success and total erasure for us all.”

“Supreme Kai!” The lower Kai suddenly called out from a distance, cutting through the conversation as all heads turned in their direction.

Aoume handed the pair of ancient Potara to Zamasu, as he bowed respectfully “We found these among the artifacts. They’re incredibly old.”

Kusu walked up and levitated the Potara with her staff before reaching out and examining them with a discerning eye. “These are ancient indeed,” she remarked as she trailed her finger over their glassy onyx colored surface . “Their power is immense, with the star inside them still drawing energy at its core.” She handed the Potara back to Zamasu. “These could certainly make time flow interesting for the wearer. And imagine the possibilities of any fusion that might occur!” She gave a playful wink towards the Supreme Kai with her last remark, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Zamasu’s face contorted with a mix of flustered indignation and disgust. “Fuse?” he snapped, as he gestured sharply towards Goku, recalling the undignified behaviors of his fused counterpart on Verdexia. “The very thought is repugnant! I will not stoop to such an act of desperation.”

Goku, visibly offended, but not surprised, crossed his arms and shot back, “Hey, I’m not thrilled about the thought either! Do you think I want to fuse with someone as uptight and self-righteous as you? I’d rather take my chances on my own than be stuck with your attitude.” He gave Zamasu a challenging look.

Kusu laughed, enjoying the ruffled reactions to her suggestion. “Oh, come now, Zamasu. It’s just a thought. But you must admit, the potential is intriguing. The power you could wield together, it would be a much easier win to secure. Plus —“ She pointed to the earrings in his hand. “I almost guarantee it’s not permanent. Those earrings’ concept of time is so slow, it barely exists at all. I’m not sure how fleeting it would be, but it wouldn’t last very long once your energies unravel for even just a moment .”

“Never,” Zamasu quickly retorted. “I will not entertain such a disgraceful notion.” His eyes still blazed with intensity, clearly unsettled by the mere suggestion, when he felt a small burning sensation on his finger. He twisted the Time Ring and tried to ignore the prickling sensation, as Kosumosu nudged Kasai to show his data pad.

Kasai, eyes wide, nervously approached the Supreme Kai and brought up the data on his tablet. “Excuse me Sir— I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m certain your counterparts are at it again, and the next planet to be targeted is Miridion,” he announced. “The root system shows massive amounts of your chi and inexplicably large numbers of natural disasters and mortal deaths.”

Zamasu’s expression darkened, as his eyes tracked the digital information. “Those fools are still pursuing their Zero Mortal Plan, despite my explicit instructions to cease!” He twisted the Time Ring again in search of relief as the prickling sensation continued to grow.

“What is it?” Goku turned towards Zamasu with concern, noticing his discomfort. He gasped and his eyes widened in sudden recognition, recalling how the Zamasu in the North Kai’s body called the others to the scene.

The ring’s heat grew unbearable as it suddenly expanded in size, searing Zamasu’s skin with a relentless fury. He winced, trying to pull it off, but it was futile.

"Supreme Kai! Get that ring off, now!" Goku shouted, grabbing Zamasu's sleeve and wrenching his hand upwards. He didn't really know why he was doing it, but he felt compelled to act, desperate to do something that might help.

The burning sensation finally reached a crescendo, and before Zamasu could react further, he was abruptly enveloped in a blinding flash of light and transported away.

High above the chaos, the two fused Zamasus stood on the rooftop of a towering building, observing the tsunami as it devoured the city below. The destruction was almost surreal: streets transformed into raging rivers as buildings crumbled like sandcastles under the relentless force of the waves. Vehicles were swept away, colliding with debris in a chaotic dance of ruin. Like Verdexia, the air was heavy with the bitter scent of destruction, punctuated by the desperate screams of those trying to escape the watery deluge.

A man, clinging desperately to the side of a building, looked up at the Zamasus with pleading eyes. “Help me!” he cried, his voice barely audible over the roar of the water, as he seemed not to mind, or even register, their wild alien looking forms. The Zamasus exchanged a cold glance. One of them raised a hand and blasted the side of the building, missing the man by a hair’s length, but causing him to lose his grip and be swept away by the torrent.

“The eradication of mortal sin is necessary,” he said loudly, but indifferently, towards the man as he drifted away, swallowed downwards into the dirty rushing depths.

As the water surged through the city, the two fusions stood in contemplative silence, their Time Rings singeing their fingers—a call to arms for the other copies to arrive and continue their misappropriation of natural disasters for the advancement of their mortal genocide. The screams and destruction below rose upwards to the safety of their lofty perch above, as the waves crashed relentlessly through the city, consuming everything in their path and sealing the city's fate. Gradually, the noise diminished to pitiful moans and cries until finally, the heavy silence of death enveloped the entire area.

In a flash of light, Zamasu, Goku, and Kawaru teleported in onto a nearby rooftop, falling on top of one another unceremoniously as the sudden change of gravity on the new planet took them by surprise. Zamasu winced as he pushed Goku’s torso off of him.

“Get off of me, you oaf,” Zamasu grumbled, shoving Goku to the side. “This is hardly the time for such indignities.”

Goku chuckled, dusting himself off. “Sorry. Guess we need to work on our landings.”

Kawaru, who hitchhiked atop Goku, managed to shake himself off and look around, his ears perking up at the devastation surrounding them as he sniffed into the air. The Supreme Kai’s face twisted in anger as he took in the destruction and scarring of the planet Miridion, now a wasteland, marred by relentless waves and rubble.

“This is intolerable,” Zamasu muttered, his eyes blazing with fury as he felt his Time Ring finally cool down. The data from Kasai’s tablet suddenly all made sense. “My counterparts have exploited a loophole, continuing their Zero Mortal Plan under the guise of natural disasters. They’ve wreaked havoc on this planet, all while maintaining the facade of divine justice.”

Goku nodded grimly, only half listening to Zamasu’s remark as his attention was focused on scanning the ruins for survivors. “We need to find those trapped in the wreckage. There’s still time to save them.”

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed. “Our priority is to confront my counterparts and put an end to this madness once and for all. The suffering of the mortals here is secondary.”

Goku shot him a fierce look. “Secondary? But they’re innocent! We can’t just leave them to die!” Goku argued, his voice desperate.

“For how long will you continue your rescue mission? And how many must be saved before your mortal conscience is appeased?” Zamasu snapped. From his point of view, a few thousand casualties couldn’t compare to the infinite life forms—both present and potential—that would be lost if they ran out of time and the Time Loop ran its course. It was useless trying to get a mortal to understand this higher perspective though. “We don’t have time for such distractions. Every moment we linger here—”

A desperate cry for help interrupted their argument. Goku immediately turned towards the sound. “Feel free to get started without me,” he said, shooting Zamasu a fierce look. “Assuming you can handle them by yourself, that is.” Without waiting for a response, he jumped off the roof, Kawaru following close behind as he turned into a bird.

Zamasu clenched his jaw in frustration but followed suit, rushing toward the source of the cry.

As Goku and Kawaru descended, they saw a woman and her son trapped in a partially collapsing building, with rushing waves rising rapidly around them. The woman clutched her son tightly, trying to keep his head above the water. She spotted the Saiyan and reached out to him in desperation.

“Hold on!” Goku yelled over the rushing water.

Zamasu dropped in next, observing the scene with a heavy sigh. “This is a waste of time, Goku! We should be confronting my counterparts.”

Goku ignored him, focusing on the trapped family as he flew down. “I won’t just leave them!”

Zamasu grumbled but moved to assist, hoping to speed the process along. He hovered just above the rushing water, raising his hands to stabilize the structure with a large swell of energy, while Goku blasted away the debris blocking their path. He reached the woman and her son, lifting them both up with a single arm and onto his torso where she promptly grasped her hands around his neck. “Hold on tight!” he yelled, as he continued to blast away the falling debris with his free hand. Zamasu’s energy barrier was beginning to falter under the massive collapsing structure.

“Supreme Kai, I need you to hold on just a bit longer!” Goku shouted, desperation in his voice as he tried to get the family to safety.

Zamasu clenched his teeth and raised his hands higher, channeling his energy into a powerful blast of purple light. He extended his barrier to encompass the entire structure, which threatened to collapse at any moment. “Move it, mortals!” he shouted, straining to maintain the barrier as the building groaned under the pressure.

The child, terrified and crying uncontrollably, clung to Goku’s gi furiously as his mother tried to soothe him. Sensing the child's distress, Kawaru swooped down and transformed from a bird into a small, fluffy kitten. He nuzzled against the boy, purring softly. Gradually, the child's tears stopped as he began to pet Kawaru, finding comfort in his feline presence.

Goku smiled at the scene, relief washing over him as he lifted the family above the Supreme Kai and out of the collapsing building. As soon as Zamasu exited and released his energy shield, the structure folded in on itself like a house of cards and was swept away by the murky, rushing waters below.

The group landed on a high, stable rooftop. Zamasu crossed his arms defiantly as soon his boots touched. Goku gently set the woman and her son down. “We’ll have to leave you here,” he said, unsure if she understood him. The woman glanced at the water below, then closed her eyes and turned her face to the still sinking sun, a look of gratitude spreading across her features as she basked in its warmth.

She set her son down, who was still cuddling Kawaru, and walked up to Goku and Zamasu, bowing her head gratefully. She reached out and gently grabbed Zamasu’s hands, tears of relief in her eyes.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Zamasu snapped, recoiling immediately, offended by her touch.

I think she’s just showing thanks Supreme Kai, relax.” Goku interjected calmly, as he offered his hands to the woman.

She placed Goku’s hands to her forehead in an intimate gesture of gratitude for her species. Goku smiled warmly, meeting her eyes, letting her know it was alright.

She then turned to Zamasu and reached for his hands again.

The Supreme Kai hesitated, the absurdity of creation meeting creator stirring unease in his stomach. For thousands of years, he had existed without ever having to meet the mortal designs of the Kai, and now, for the third time in a universal blink of an eye, he was forced to reckon with such a cosmically incongruous act. He flicked his eyes towards Goku momentarily, feeling the weight of his judgment—and uncomfortably realized that it mattered.

Reluctantly, he extended his hands. The woman carefully took them and placed them to her forehead, her affection and gratitude evident. Zamasu, still visibly uncomfortable, allowed her to complete the gesture before gently pulling his hands away. In the background, Goku smiled, clearly pleased by the interaction.

The woman stepped back and scooped up her son who released Kawaru, her face full of relief and appreciation at the acceptance of her thanks. Zamasu crossed his arms and closed his eyes, his stern expression slightly softened. "We should move on," he muttered, a slight flush on his face as he glanced at Goku, clearly eager to find any excuse to leave the scene.

Goku nodded, understanding. "You're right. We've done what we can here." He turned to the woman once more. "Stay safe," he said with a reassuring smile, again still unsure if she understood him.

As they turned to leave, they both felt it before they saw it—a hot pang of energy through their minds, a sinking feeling in their hearts, and a ripple of fear down their spines. Kawaru, now a large black wolf again, growled audibly by their side. They turned around and saw the pink blade, pulsating with energy, cleanly piercing through the woman’s torso. Indifferent silver eyes under a crop of white spiky hair, shone brilliantly behind her in the growing darkness. Silent tears fell down her cheeks as she frantically looked for her child despite her immense pain, who she had dropped, and was now gone.

“The Gods grant life —“ the fusion smirked, as he grabbed the woman by her hair at the top of her head and drove his blade upwards, through her heart. “And I am the one who takes it away.” With a dismissive flick of his wrist, he released her hair and let the woman’s body slide off his bladed hand and into the dark waters below. “Thus speaks Lord Zamasu.”

Goku’s face contorted with rage, his fists clenching as his energy flared around him, immediately going Blue. “You monster!” he shouted, his voice trembling with fury. “They were innocent! They were all innocent!”

The fusion's expression remained cold. “Innocent?” he retorted with a sneer. “Once again, Goku, we find ourselves debating the merits of such a claim. Let’s not waste our breath on words. Let's settle this with our fists.” He charged a brilliant halo of energy that glowed ominously in the night. “This is divine justice—the eradication of an irredeemable flaw in the cosmos.”

His gaze shifted to the Supreme Kai, who stood as a shadow against the darkened sky, waiting for a sign or motion to indicate their plan to capture Goku was still in motion.

The Supreme Kai, however, remained silent, his mind fixated on the woman’s eyes and her last desperate look. A flicker of pity crossed his stern features, a rare moment of empathy piercing through his hardened exterior. He processed the scene in silence, feeling the pain of his creation as acutely as his own for the first time. The mortal had rubbed off on him, he reluctantly realized.

But as pity dissolved into a simmering rage, he steeled his expression and met the eyes of his counterpart, and nodded, as he knew was expected of him. He had to play his part in order to end this.

Goku, his energy still flaring, and trying to bank away as much excess energy as possible fromhis divine chi while still stationary, squared up for the fight. Kawaru, sensing the danger, became a tiny bug and immediately crawled into Goku’s hair for safety, prompting the Saiyan to itch his head.

“Zamasu, I need you to have my back, just like we planned,” Goku called out, eyes never leaving the enemy.

But when his command was met with silence and he glanced over his shoulder, there was nothing but empty sky — the Supreme Kai was gone. Suspicion immediately flashed across Goku’s face as his stomach sank. “Did he double-cross me?” he muttered under his breath, just as a fist cracked him in the side of the face, sending him toppling off his feet.

The fused Zamasu smirked, sensing the turmoil, as he watched Goku right himself in the air and shake off the strike. “Seems you’re all alone, Goku. How fitting.”

“Guess I’ll just have to take you down myself,” Goku growled, clenching his fists.

“Like last time, I suppose?”

The fight erupted in a flurry of motion. Goku launched himself at the fused Zamasu, their energy blasts crackling and hissing as they collided. The attacks illuminated the darkened sky, casting dramatic shadows against the receding waters below.

Goku flew in close, landing a powerful uppercut to the fusion’s gut, prompting him to double over in pain. As the fusion clutched his stomach, Goku followed with a roundhouse kick to the side of his head, knocking him out of the sky and into a nearby building, where he disappeared into the rubble.

Sensing something amiss after a few moments of no movement, Goku powered up slightly and yelled into the void below him. “I know you’re not that easy to take out!” his voice echoed through the quiet, watery graveyard as he scanned the area for any movement.

Cutting through the dark silence, the Supreme Kai suddenly appeared next to Goku like a shark gliding through water, startling him. Goku spun around furiously, raising his fist defensively. “Where were you?” he demanded angrily.

Zamasu stared blankly at the Saiyan, unmoved, as he removed one of his Potara earrings. At that moment, his fused counterpart rose from the rubble with a sneer, scattering the remnants of the buildings into the air and sending debris splashing into the waters below. “Is this the extent of your power, Goku?” the fusion taunted, his voice echoing against the now empty buildings. “Perhaps we overestimated your worth, thinking you could be a fitting addition to our divine union.” He glanced at the Supreme Kai, who smirked in response, a cold, knowing look in his eyes.

Goku faltered, his energy dipping momentarily as confusion crossed his face. Had he heard that threat correctly? Why bother training him then? And wouldn't Zamasu have mentioned such a plan? Panic began to rise in his chest as he glanced at the Supreme Kai, who seemed unsettlingly complicit. The thought of betrayal gnawed at him. Could he trust Zamasu, who now appeared to be siding with his fused counterpart?

Goku flared his divine chi, but it was unstable, flickering as his heart sank. His anxiety was making it difficult to concentrate and tap into his training from earlier. He was in trouble.

He met eyes with Zamasu, whose glance momentarily shifted sideways as two more fusions appeared, surrounding Goku. Their eyes gleamed with malice as they closed in on him.

Goku heard a cold, commanding voice behind him. “Enough stalling. It’s time. Use the multiverse Potara to transfer bodies. Let’s make this mortal truly understand his insignificance.”

Goku felt his heart pounding as the two additional fusions pounced on him, their expressions filled with grim satisfaction. One grabbed Goku’s arms, holding him in place with an iron grip, while the other sneered down at him with a blade threateningly close to his chest.

“You’re out of your league — again.” The one in front taunted.

A hush suddenly fell as the Supreme Kai approached with an air of authority, parting the other fusions like a split sea as they showed deference towards him. He held a Potara earring in his hand, his face a mask of cold determination.

Zamasu could see doubt creeping into Goku's eyes, as he struggled fiercely and his confidence waned, his God chi subtly flickering on and off. He flashed the Potara, their gleaming black surface glinting like the star trapped within. He met Goku’s gaze, and then shifted it towards the earring, hoping the Saiyan would recognize them as the ancient Potara from earlier—ones they weren't even sure worked properly, let alone should be trusted for such an important task.

It was a subtle moment of recognition—a flick of the eye and a nearly imperceptible dip in energy as relief washed over Goku. He had understood the hint; however, the moment did not go unnoticed. The fused Zamasus suddenly exchanged sharp glances between the two, eyes narrowed, as the one nearest to Goku turned his blade from the Saiyan to the Supreme Kai.

Humiliated and disappointed, he snarled, “I should have known you were weak, unworthy of our divine plan.” He ran his hands through his hair, scratching a sudden itch, and then grabbed Zamasu by the collar and pulled him inches from his face, their identical grey eyes locked in a fierce stare.

Except they weren’t exactly identical. In color, perhaps, their silvery grey was still the same, reminiscent of mist rising from the ground on an autumn morning — but not in quality. Zamasu noted with a condescending smirk that he could see his reflection in his counterpart’s eyes—a mark of a mortal. True Kai eyes were ink black, made of thick, indestructible proteins that could withstand millions of years of potential biological warfare—impenetrable to disease and degradation. Even Zamasu’s unusual grey variant held the same deep, absorbent opaqueness. But mortals had thin, translucent proteins that reflected back their inherent weakness, mirroring the world around them, as Zamasu saw now to his satisfaction, in his fused self.

Zamasu next grabbed his counterpart’s hand, pulling slightly, knowing he couldn’t win but wanting verification of another suspicion he had about these fusions. “Your arrogance blinds you,” he mocked, feeling the lukewarm touch of his counterpart. The ice-cold refreshment of divinity was gone, replaced with a tepid warmth. It was appropriate for his watered-down state. “Get your mortal-tainted hands off me. You thought I would stoop to your level? Pathetic.”

He looked past his counterpart’s shoulder at Goku, just out of reach. The fusions seemed to sense his intention and increased the distance between them with their presence.

“All this time wasted when we could’ve been rid of the Destroyer from the start,” the fusion growled, moving to strike the Supreme Kai. He flashed his blade and held it to Zamasu's throat, but then began shifting his shoulder up and down uncomfortably, trying to relieve a sudden, relentless itch on his back. His steely gaze faltered, a grimace of discomfort crossing his face as the crawling sensation momentarily broke his concentration. His eyes quickly darted behind him to see what was causing the awful feeling, but he saw nothing.

Zamasu, seeing the fusion's discomfort, tried to hold back his laughter as two small red eyes quickly peered his way before scurrying across the fusion’s shoulder blades, unnoticed. “You call yourselves the one true God, yet you are nothing more than a farce. Partially mortal, tainted, and forever unworthy of true divinity. You will never be what you claim to be.” He goaded, trying to keep the attention on him.

His words struck a nerve though, as the fusion’s rage intensified. His energy swelled in a brilliant display of light — and then dissipated as quickly as it arrived, as a tiny mouse — Kawaru — ran down his arm.

“What in the… get this filthy creature off me!” the fusion shouted, shaking his body frantically in an attempt to dislodge the tiny intruder. Kawaru, however, easily slipped through the front seam of his tunic and scurried up and down the inside of his tight-fitting shirt, his cold little paws scampering across the Kai’s skin.

The fusion’s reaction became increasingly chaotic as he swore at Kawaru. “You damn pest!” he yelled, his movements growing more erratic. He let go of Zamasu as he scratched and clawed at his own clothing, desperately trying to rid himself of the rodent, his demeanor crumbling into frustration and panic.

Goku and the fusion holding him were both momentarily stunned at the sight. Goku struggled to contain his laughter, his shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth. “Looks like even Gods can’t handle a little rodent problem huh?” he quipped, barely able to keep a straight face. He nudged the fused Zamasu next to him, who just stared at his counterpart with an open mouth and a bewildered expression.

Goku turned his attention back to the Supreme Kai and flared his energy, feeling recharged. His chi bursting into a radiant blue aura. “Do it now, Zamasu!” he shouted, “take us away — now!”

Nodding at Goku’s command and seizing the distraction provided by the brave Kawaru, whom he hoped was clever enough to evade the impending retribution, Zamasu swiftly flew in and grabbed onto Goku’s gi. In an instant, they, along with the fusion holding the Saiyan, were enveloped in a flash of light and transported away.

Chapter Text

Zamasu trudged through the driving rain, mud clinging to his pristine white boots as thick water pellets pelted his newly acquired body. Each step was laborious, the soaked ground sucking at his feet, making his progress slow and arduous. He ran a bloodied hand through his hair—Goku’s hair—which, surprisingly resilient, maintained its unruly shape despite the relentless downpour.

The rest of him, however, was not so impervious. His body was wracked with pain—he was hungry, thirsty, dizzy, and nauseous. These sensations, emotions he had no names for and no idea how to alleviate, clouded his mind as he stumbled along, bruised and bare-chested. The top half of his Kai clothing lay in tatters, the blue sash now serving as a makeshift tourniquet, helping to stem the bleeding from his arm.

As the former Kai trudged onwards (to where, he had no idea), he felt an unfamiliar physiological vulnerability, a contrast to the godly invincibility he once possessed. Each droplet of rain seemed to anger his new nervous system and mock his fallen state, a relentless assault on his newly acquired mortal senses. Lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating his path and momentarily highlighting the desperation in his eyes.

As he walked, the cold rain mixed with the heat of his rage, creating a steamy aura that radiated from his drenched body. The storm was fierce, but it was nothing compared to the tempest brewing within him. The mortals had fought back. Not that it mattered, really, in the end. After all, he couldn’t tell if the blood that dripped in thick, sticky rivers pooling in his palms and gathering around the delicate woven intricacies of the Time Ring was all his own or from the several hundred mortals he had slain. They had all perished in the end.

It hadn’t been a pretty fight, though; he had been sloppy, Goku’s body feeling more like an ill-fitting costume than a powerful vessel. Every movement was awkward, lacking the fluid grace he was accustomed to; but it was just the first round, and he knew there would be many more to come, with many opportunities to integrate this new body with his divine chi .

As the rain continued to pour, a plan began to take shape in his mind — a plan to acquire the perfect partner for his dark ambitions. He needed someone who could assist him in moments like these, someone whose strength and cunning matched his own. The thought of such an ally brought a twisted smile to his lips, as he imagined the devastation they could unleash together. He knew exactly who should be recruited.

Zamasu balled his fists, grimacing as the mortal blood continued to coat his fingers. The sensation was alien and repulsive. Worse still, he could sense a strange bond with the Time Ring that now wrapped around his index finger. This connection, which had emerged after he had slain Gowasu, was something he didn’t fully understand but instinctively knew he couldn’t afford to sever. The thought of potentially losing or damaging it filled him with a raw, unsettling fear.

Lightning flashed across the sky again, casting a harsh light on his battered form and the destination he had stumbled upon—a desolate cemetery. The graveyard was a somber expanse, with ancient tombstones jutting from the ground like decaying jagged teeth. The rain-soaked earth was uneven and treacherous, with puddles forming around the oldest, neglected graves. Tall, gnarled trees stood as silent sentinels, their branches swaying and creaking in the storm, threatening to level a small, dilapidated home that stood under them. Around it, pillars adorned with gargoyles bore a distorted resemblance to the Kai, as if sculpted by someone who had only a vague idea of their true appearance.

As a God, Zamasu was tangentially aware of mortal death ceremonies, and now being surrounded by their symbols, he couldn’t help but mock them inwardly. He found the mortals' rituals of mourning and remembrance laughable, their attempts to preserve some semblance of dignity in death pitiful. The gravestones, marked with names and dates, seemed futile—a desperate grasp at immortality that would never be within their reach.

”How quaint," he thought, sneering at the inscriptions, as he wiped away the rain and dirt that marred the fronts of several headstones. "These fragile beings, clinging to the illusion of significance even in death."

The cemetery's silence, interrupted only by the storm's relentless fury, echoed the emptiness he felt toward these mortal practices. To him, the graves represented nothing more than the inevitable decay of mortal life; a much different fate than the divine eternity he had always believed he was destined for. Each flash of lightning illuminated the eventual reality of all mortal beings with every tombstone, a reality that Zamasu had once despised and now, unsettlingly, had to face himself.

For the first time, a seed of doubt took root in his mind. Now that he was trapped in Goku's mortal body, he felt the weight of his own fragility. Gods weren’t truly immortal, but they were as close as one could get, barring being slain. The vulnerability of his new form ate at him, stirring an unease he had never known. What if he had made a grave mistake in swapping bodies with Goku?

As he walked among the tombstones, his disdain for mortal rituals was overshadowed by this growing doubt. The gravestones, once mere symbols of others' inevitable end, now felt like ominous reminders of his own potential demise. For the first time, Zamasu felt the cold grip of fear tightening around his heart, and it infuriated him.

He closed his eyes and reminded himself why he had taken this risk. Goku's body held the potential for incredible power, a power that could ensure his success in his quest for divine justice. It was both a strategic advantage and a self-imposed punishment, a penance for himself and the other Kai for their failures to rein in their own creations. Betting on this potential was worth the risk and the unbearable time spent in a mortal form.

Clenching his fists, the blood from his wounds mixing with the rain, he felt a loud buzzing in his ears and saw stars dancing before his eyes. The gnawing hunger in his stomach, a primitive and insatiable need, grew unbearable. Overwhelmed, he stumbled and fell to his knees, his strength failing him. With a final, desperate gasp, he collapsed face-down in the cold mud, the storm's fury raging around him as his body succumbed to exhaustion and the relentless grip of his new limitations.

Once a breathtaking jewel in the Western sector of Universe 10, Eclipsa was renowned for its vibrant landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Its skies, a perpetual twilight of swirling purples and blues, created a dreamlike ambiance that captivated all who beheld it. Majestic mountains, their peaks crowned with eternal snow, stood erect over lush valleys teeming with rich biodiversity. Crystal-clear rivers wound through green forests, their waters sparkling and full of fish, under the gentle glow of Eclipsa’s twin moons.

But now, after the collision of two neutron stars that were unfortunately in one another’s path, the beauty of Eclipsa was marred by the relentless pull of the subsequent black hole. The celestial giant loomed ominously in the sky, a dark maw devouring the very fabric of space and time, acting as a spiraling drain for all matter. The pull of the black hole was slow but inexorable, stretching and warping the landscape in grotesque ways. The planet, once alive with the vibrant pulse of life, now felt like a tomb.

Initially, Goku felt nothing. He stared up at the black hole, its presence dominating the angry dark crimson and orange sky, drawing everything into its gaping void. The clouds swirled upwards like a cosmic soft serve, with warped stars penciled in faintly like sparking ribbons throughout. All around him, small bits of land, rock, and matter—perhaps even remnants of dead organisms—floated upwards in a minuscule mosaic, creating an eerie curtain of debris as if gravity itself had been reversed.

Goku could feel his God chi pulling inward, fighting against the dangerous gravity. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, knowing his power was all that stood between him and being ripped apart, as his chi clashed with the black hole’s relentless pull. He felt strong; confident. He prepared to fight, his body tensing with anticipation. He looked around and saw the Supreme Kai standing nearby, his hands behind his back as he looked upwards, his fused counterpart frantically darting in the sky like a trapped housefly.

“He knows,” Zamasu said calmly, his eyes fixed on the fused Zamasu struggling above them. “Or at least suspects he’s lost an advantage.”

Goku suddenly furrowed his brow in confusion. “Why does he keep stopping mid-flight?”

Zamasu smirked, his eyes never leaving his fused counterpart's futile attempts. "If I had to guess," he said with a touch of arrogance, "he's trying to use Kai-Kai to escape, but the gravity distortion from the black hole renders it useless."

A wave of panic washed over Goku. “Wait, are we trapped here too?”

Zamasu reached into his tunic and pulled out a small, intricately designed circular device that glowed faintly. “We are not trapped,” he said with a hint of superiority. “This is a chi mapping device. My Kai carry these so they can freely use instant transmission, something typically forbidden for those below Supreme Kai rank. This device is tethered to the primary one back on my Sacred Realm.”

Goku exhaled deeply, relief evident on his face. “Alright, that’s a relief. So, we can get out of here when we need to?”

“Precisely,” Zamasu confirmed, regarding Goku in the corner of his eye and hoping he didn’t notice the sweat beading on his forehead, consequence of the panic that had rushed through him moments ago. He purposefully with held the fact it was sheer luck that he had the mapping device on him—he had made Hanakotoba surrender hers before she left, and forgot to take it out of his tunic. Truthfully, it was a major detail he didn’t consider until now.

He tucked the device back into his robes with a smug look. “We have the upper hand, Goku, let’s not waste time.” Zamasu almost laughed at that last line—time barely existed here, halted to an almost grinding stop by the intense gravitational pull. Immortality had lost its grip here; since there was no relative time, there was nothing to reverse.

Goku grinned, about to reply, when he felt a sudden shift. It was so small, almost imperceptible, but the inward pull of energy halted for just a moment, like a momentarily stalled engine. His grin faded as he realized the gravity of the situation—time might be halted, but he had less of it than he thought.

He refocused, feeling the Supreme Kai’s steady presence beside him, who was at complete ease. "We have to act now," Goku said, trying to hide his growing concern. "We need a plan — I don’t think the North Kai’s pet made the jump with us, and I don’t know how long I can hang on to God chi here."

Zamasu nodded, his eyes reflecting the eerie, swirling sky above. “Then let our plan be to end this,” he declared, as he took off in the direction of his counterpart.

Goku hesitated for a moment, his heart skipping a beat as he felt another flicker in his energy. Steadying himself, he concentrated and did as he was trained, feeling his energy bank increase. He took a deep breath and followed. Memories of his previous loss constantly threatened to flood his mind, casting shadows of doubt over his resolve. So much was again riding on him.

Zamasu awoke with a start, feeling both burning hot and drenched in sweat, yet shivering with a deep, bone-chilling cold. He kicked off the heavy covers that lay atop him and attempted to rise, but was immediately overcome by a powerful wave of nausea. He forced his eyes open and squinted at a dingy window, its thin curtain barely filtering the post-storm moonlight. Small candles flickered on every available surface, casting eerie yellow glows, like tiny fireflies in the dim light, their faint illumination offering little respite from the darkness. Turning his head to the side, he noticed a small table bearing a large platter of assorted breads and a steaming mug of a delicious smelling savory hot brew, their aromas mingling in the air, tantalizing but ultimately overwhelming in his weakened state, making him feel slightly sicker.

"You’re up. Eat.” A soft female voice instructed from somewhere in the darkness.

Driven by his voracious hunger despite his overall ill feeling, Zamasu lunged for the food. He tore into the bread and drank the hot liquid so quickly that it spilled from his mouth, dripping down his chin and soaking his already clammy skin. The sensation was both humiliating yet oddly satisfying. He was mortified by his mortal behavior, his new body's primal needs overpowering his godly sensibilities. Despite his disgust, he couldn't stop himself; the overwhelming hunger and thirst forced him to consume with a desperation that left him feeling both ashamed and strangely relieved.

He heard the woman’s soft laughter echoing as he finished eating.

“My word, it’s as if you’re experiencing the act of nourishment for the first time!”

He scoffed at her remark and strained his eyes to pierce the darkness, but he couldn't make out her form. Feeling a bit of strength return, he threw off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet meeting the ice-cold ground. A furious blush suddenly spread across his face as he quickly realized his vulnerable state and frantically reached back for the bed sheets.

"Oh don’t flatter yourself, you’re nothing I haven't seen before," the woman quipped, stepping into a strip of moonlight, her features partially illuminated. "Your boots are over there, but your pants and that odd top of yours was beyond saving. Luckily, my late husband and you seem to be about the same size, so I think these might do the trick." She tossed a grey top with a red belt, and a black undershirt and pants his way.

Zamasu caught the garments, feeling the sturdy fabric between his fingers. The woman's calm, almost teasing demeanor clashed significantly with his own embarrassment and discomfort. As he dressed, he couldn't help but steal glances at her, curiosity mingling with his irritation.

She had dark hair streaked with grey, while brightly inked images and markings adorned her face and arms, intricate designs that seemed to tell a story. Her jewelry, reminiscent of the wise divine sages of Other World, added to her curious presence. He struggled to gauge her age; her features were timeless, but her energy ancient, making it impossible for him to determine if she was young or old.

Not that Zamasu was good at gauging such things anyway. Curiously, he found adjusting to mortal senses of age and beauty challenging. Part of the issue was he never spent enough time in the presence of mortals (before slaying them) to let his brain attune to his new body chemistry to process the connection between what he felt and what he saw. It was like gaining sight after being born blind, and still needing to feel your way through the world to understand it. He thought she might be beautiful, but he wasn't sure, his concept of beauty and desire still tied to the perfection of the Kai — an unfair standard no mortal could ever approach, let alone exceed. This uncertainty ate at him, adding another layer of complexity to his already conflicted state.

She sat down next to him and gazed at him with her most unsettling feature yet—her eyes were clouded over with a ghostly soft mist, and were devoid of any apparent pupils for light to either enter or leave. Zamasu waved his hand in front of her face, trying to gauge her ability to see.

"I can see you just fine.” She laughed softly and gently grabbed his hand for him to stop. “And there are other kinds of sight, some that see far deeper than what lies on the surface," she added with a mysterious wisdom. “Just as I can see there is more to you than meets the eye.”

Zamasu wiped his still wet mouth with the back of his hand as he regarded his curious host. He weighed his options: should he show deference toward her for saving his life, allowing her to come to a natural end in the inevitable chaos he had planned; or should he just kill her here, quickly and painlessly, as a gesture of his appreciation?

A sudden rush of panic washed over him as he suddenly looked at his hand and noticed his bare finger. The Time Ring was gone. It must have slipped off, encouraged by the slick blood that had filtered between it and his skin in the rain. His heart raced, and without a second thought, he began tearing apart the bed, though he knew it more likely to be sinking somewhere in the mud outside. He tossed the pillows aside and unraveled the covers in a frantic search, his movements growing more desperate by the second. Every corner of the room felt like it was closing in on him as he scoured the area, the importance of the ring he didn’t fully understand screaming loudly in the back of his mind. He let out a frustrated cry as he grabbed his hair and let out a burst of black and yellow chi that radiated out and illuminated the room.

The woman watched his melt down with wide eyes, concerned, but seemingly unafraid. “Who exactly are you?”

Zamasu sneered. “My ring, mortal woman, did you happen to find a silver ring?”

“I asked my question first.” She set her lips into a tight stubborn line.

Zamasu paused, letting his chi simmer down. If he killed her now, he might never find the Time Ring and would be trapped in this timeline, which dangerously held both a Supreme Kai and a Destroyer. He would remain here until the inevitable grip of death overtook him, spoiling his divine plans.

“In desperate times, I’ve found it always best to be honest. Truth is the only way to move forward,” the woman spoke again, calm and steady.

Zamasu took a deep unwavering breath. “Very well. I am a Kai, a God. My mission is to bring about divine justice, to cleanse the entire universe of all mortals who defile it with their existence. I will purify the cosmos with my own hands, eradicating beings like yourself who taint its sacred balance.”

“Oh?“ The woman seemed unmoved by his declaration of genocide. “And will these acts of violence truly make the cosmos better? Or just exactly how you feel they should be?”

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed, but he remained outwardly calm, his expression hard as stone.

The woman’s ghostly eyes swept up and down his form. “You don’t look like a Kai.”

“And how would a mere mortal know what a God is supposed to look like? You wouldn’t know divinity if it was sitting in your bed.” He smirked.

“Well, perhaps you say a grain of truth.” She stared into his eyes as if trying to see something deep within. “Our concept of gods, demons, and other divinity is like a game of telephone. Some of us are in tune with your realm, sensitive to your vibrations — but the message gets warped over time, as it’s passed on generation to generation.” She moved her gaze to a tapestry displaying one of the Kai-like creatures that were statued outside, and then looked back at Zamasu suspiciously. “I’d like to think we’re pretty close, though.”

Zamasu chuffed in response.

“And even Gods must have names.”

“Yours first. I answered your first question to my satisfaction.”

The woman smiled. “Fair enough. I was once known as Esme, so I suppose you may call me that, if it pleases you.” She paused for a moment, waiting for Zamasu to volley back his own name. After his hesitation, she prodded further. “And you? You must have a beautiful name, befitting of your divine substance.”

“Za—” Zamasu felt his name catch in his throat. It didn’t feel right anymore. Previously, when Goku’s body felt merely like a second skin over his own, he was confident in his identity, his mission, and the birth name given to him by his beloved Kaiju on the day he ripened. Now, however, after his first battle, his first taste of mortal nourishment, and the first time his cells communicated with one another to heal his wounds, he felt different. His chi seemed to intertwine with his new cells more tightly, like a loose shoelace being cinched down around a foot.

The sensation was unsettling. Each moment spent in this body made him feel more connected to it, more integrated, and less like the God he once was. His chi, once pure and untainted, now mingled with the mortal essence, creating a bond that was both foreign, yet intimate. It was as if the longer he inhabited this form, the more it became a part of him, and he a part of it. This realization brought a moment of hesitation, a fleeting doubt about who he was.

Esme lifted her eyebrows waiting for his response. “You don’t know your own name? Or, more likely, you’d like a new one?”

Zamasu remained silent, an uncomfortable strain etched in his gaze.

“I’ll tell you what,” Esme said, lightly slapping the bed with her hands as she stood up. She moved to a small galley kitchen just out of sight, her voice echoing back to him. “Humor me. It’s been a while since I’ve entertained such handsome company. Have a cup of tea with me and continue our conversation for a bit, and I’ll tell you where that ring of yours has gone.”

At the mention of her purposefully withholding the Time Ring, Zamasu's temper flared. In an instant, he was on his feet, grabbing her arm and dragging her back towards the bed, flashing his bladed hand at her throat. "You dare treat a God like this? Tell me where the ring is, now!” he demanded, his voice a dangerous growl.

Esme didn’t flinch. Instead, she met his gaze with a sly smile. "From what I can see, you’re no God." She lightly pressed on a still healing wound on his face for effect, making him wince in pain as she flashed the red mortal blood on her fingertip for him to observe with his own scrutiny. "If you see this through," she continued calmly as she pushed his arm away from her face, "you will never find that ring. That’s a promise, not a threat."

Her confident response gave him pause. With a frustrated growl, he released her arm and stepped back, reluctantly acquiescing.

Esme flicked her skirt and returned to her task, seemingly unfazed, as Zamasu watched her closely. He could hear the clinking of porcelain and the soft hiss of a kettle boiling. The scent of herbs and spices wafted through the air, mingling with the lingering aroma of the food he had devoured, reminding him of the infinite times he had prepared tea for himself or more lately, Gowasu, whose memory he shoved into a locked chest in the back of his mind.

Esme returned with a tray holding a tea pot and two cups. “I’m the absence of light, I make the shade. In the night, I whisper secrets only to the brave. You see me in the depths, where shadows reside, in the raven’s wing, or where secrets hide. What am I?”

Zamasu arched his eyebrow. “Riddles are for children. You offend me more and more with these charades, mortal.”

“Hmm.” Esme poured the tea. “But I thought you wanted a new name? Forgive me for just trying to have some fun. You’re so damn serious, if anyone hasn’t told you before.”

Zamasu sighed and let her riddle tumble through his mind for a moment before looking back up. “Black?” He knit his brows together. “That’s not a name.”

“True, it’s more a quality — and it’s yours.” She handed him a steaming tea cup. “It’s fitting, really.” She brushed his spiky bangs away from a gash on his forehead. “ I do know a thing or two about dark empty voids,” she said gently as she blew the steam off her own tea, trying to hasten its cooling. “And I know a haunted house when I see one.”

Black smiled into his cup of tea. “I thought you claimed to have some knowledge of divine providence? Ghosts haunt objects, not individuals.” His eyes met hers with a new challenge. “Demons are the ones who relentlessly stalk living vessels to occupy. And I assure you, I am intimately aware of when they’re about, which they’re not.”

Esme chuckled softly. “Oh, I believe that. And anyway, you would need a soul for them to show interest in first, which you unfortunately lack.” She watched as Black’s smile faltered. “I’m sorry, I thought you were aware. You are, most definitely, an empty structure.” She shrugged and nodded toward his cup. “Drink up, please—or I will be the one offended.” Esme's eyes gleamed as she studied him, the flickering candlelight cast shadows that danced across her features, a bold blend of both wisdom and mockery.

Black's eyes closed, his grip tightening around the teacup. Her challenging words ignited a flicker of irritation within him, but he maintained his composure, thinking of the Time Ring, as he raised the cup to his lips. The warmth of the tea steamed off the cold anger simmering beneath his calm facade, as he took a slow, deliberate sip, never breaking eye contact with Esme.

“I sense... ghosts,” she whispered, her eyes darting around his form as if she could see the unseen. “They’re all around you. Can’t you feel their breath upon your neck?” Her voice trembled slightly. “You’re like a beacon to them, a vacant soulless lot glowing with divine light. The souls of those you’ve executed are drawn to you, mistaking you for their guide to the afterlife. They hover around you, lost and confused, like moths to a flame, seeking a peace they’ll never find.”

“You are dangerously close to losing my interest. And that is far more perilous than merely testing my patience,” Black said icily, trying to ignore the sudden drop in temperature and the cold wind that swept through the room. The candlelight bent and groaned as the flames struggled to right themselves against the assault. Goosebumps rippled across his skin, making him shiver involuntarily—another strange mortal sensation that would take getting used to.

Esme gave Black a look of pity as he shivered, his ghosts becoming intimately acquainted with him. She reached inside her shawl and produced a silver flask. Uncapping it, she poured a shot of brown liquid into his teacup. “This will help numb the truth,” she whispered softly. “A mortal medicine as old as time itself.”

Without hesitation, Black threw his head back and downed the remaining contents in his tea cup in one go. The liquid burned as it slid smoothly down his throat, spreading a warmth through his body as it hit his stomach. He felt a bit lightheaded. “I am through with this. I’ve played your games, drank your awful tea, and provided entertainment for your lonely husk.” He threw his teacup against the wall, shattering it. “Now, give me my ring.”

Esme raised a disinterested eyebrow. Black's eyes bore into hers, his patience wearing thin, as the alcohol battled with his wits.

Esme finally smiled. “You did do all those things, and I thank you. It’s in your pocket.”

Black’s breath hitched in his lungs as he immediately shoved his hands into his new pants pockets, rummaging around until he felt the smooth, infinity curves of the Time Ring between his fingers. He exhaled a shuddering breath of relief and slipped the ring back onto his index finger. He then felt his ears, checking for the Potara earrings he had forgotten about earlier, but found them both still securely in place. Ready to leave this shack and the witch who haunted it, he swelled his energy and raised his hand, a black and yellow ball of energy swirling in his palm, and aimed it at Esme, who was kneeling on the ground, picking up the shattered teacup, and humming softly.

As he went to release the blast, a sudden buzzing filled his ears, and a relentless crawling sensation spread under his skin. He felt woozy and sick, his vision swimming. Against his will, he collapsed to his knees next to Esme, who continued to hum a soft, haunting tune as she cleaned. The world spun around him as his strength drained away, leaving him helpless and confused. He rolled flat onto his back and stared up at the ceiling, heaving, sweat pouring out of his skin.

Esme cut her singing and flicked her eyes in his direction. “Not a God. Not anymore, anyway.” She pushed her long hair out of the way so it wouldn’t land on his face as she stared down at him. “Ebonshade doesn’t work on the divine.”

“Something the matter, Goku?” the fused Zamasu yelled, his voice a mix of rage and shock. He raised his hand to wipe away the blood that stubbornly trickled from the corner of his mouth and side of his head, his eyes wide with the realization that his immortality was failing him, but his immense pride refusing to accept it. “Yet again you tell me you come here prepared to fight a madman — and instead, you find a GOD!”

“You can’t hide behind that fake divinity forever!” Goku shouted, launching a powerful blast towards Zamasu’s side.

Zamasu dodged the attack, the blast singeing his sleeve, revealing his bare arm and a stream of violet blood underneath. As Goku smiled with satisfaction, and subsequently rushed him, Zamasu’s eyes blazed with fury. “Holy Wrath!” he screamed, summoning a massive orb of divine energy with a flick of his finger tip. The attack surged forward, the ground beneath it cracked open from the sheer power, feeding the remnants towards the black hole above.

Goku barely had time to react. He leapt into the air, narrowly avoiding the destructive force of the attack. As he regained his footing, he charged again, his energy flaring as he prepared to counter. “Kamehameha!” he shouted, firing a brilliant blue beam towards Zamasu, who seemed to struggle with this, his signature attack, on more than one occasion.

The fused Zamasu met Goku’s blast head-on with his own, the two energies colliding in a dazzling explosion. The shockwave from the clash sent debris flying and created a deafening roar that echoed across the devastated landscape. Zamasu, his expression a mix of fury and desperation, pushed back against Goku’s beam, the two forces locked in a deadly struggle for dominance.

With a surge of power, Goku increased the intensity of his Kamehameha, forcing Zamasu to retreat slightly. “You’re not invincible anymore, Zamasu! Your time is up!” Goku yelled.

Zamasu’s face contorted with rage as he felt the pressure of Goku’s attack, remembering what happened last time they were locked in such a tug of war. For once, he had nothing to say, as he just roared, summoning more energy to bolster his defense. The surge of power successfully pushed Goku’s energy wave back towards the Saiyan, forcing him to concede and move to the side. Both attacks slipped past him, the remnants getting sucked upwards into the black hole like bathwater swirling down a drain.

Both fighters stood in the air, panting in exhaustion. Goku felt his internal energy sponge squeezing dry but not refilling. That fruitless Kamehameha had been a misstep. He now needed a moment to concentrate and recharge, which he wasn’t guaranteed to find after these few brief moments.

As both Goku and the fused Zamasu gave in to the temporary agreed respite, the Supreme Kai suddenly joined the fray, roughed up but ready to go, his aura flaring with divine light. It was understood this fight was everyone for themselves, and he had taken several nasty hits that temporarily landed him away from the center of action. He snuck a glance at Goku, who looked to be maintaining his God form at the moment albeit dangerously drained, and charged at his fused counterpart, hoping to give his ally a few moments to rest. With a swift motion, he unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, forcing the fusion to split his attention, which had been Zamasu and Goku’s most successful strategy, thus far.

“Pathetic! You still insist on challenging your own superior godly form?” the fusion spat, countering with rapid strikes with his other bloodied hand.

As the two Zamasus clashed, Goku, not feeling completely rejuvenated, still took the opportunity to strike again. “This ends now!” he roared, diving in with a powerful side kick that sent the fusion staggering backwards in the air. The Supreme Kai followed up with a crushing blow to the fusion’s chest with his fist, sending him crashing into the ground.

Black shivered, his eyes fixed on hers as she looked at him sympathetically and blotted the sweat off his forehead with the edge of her shawl. “You witch.” He seethed. “What was in that flask?”

“Oh — that was just alcohol, and I highly recommend you get acquainted with it should you insist on prowling about the universe, seeking the ruin of souls,” she said with a grin. "It was actually the tea, though—Ebonshade—that’s done you in, I’m afraid. We bartered—a soul, for your ring."

Black closed his eyes to abate the spinning room that wouldn’t cease. He’d heard of Ebonshade, it was a prevalent fungus found throughout the multiverse that went by a variety of names depending on the species that identified it. “I thought you said I didn’t have a soul.” He licked his lips and swallowed as he struggled to coherently get the sentence out.

“You do now. You obtained one when you drank the tea. You and the Ebonshade are becoming one as its spores bloom and its mycelia leech into your vascular system every time you swell that fabulous energy of yours. In fact, you just fed it its first meal, like I did for you! It feeds on rage — and the endorphins released from death. You will grow a beautiful symbiotic relationship together — just don’t go crazy, or it’ll take over your entire physiology, which I’ve heard is quite painful upon death.”
She resumed humming her tune as she picked up the last bits of ceramic on the ground.

Black shuddered as he tuned the room and Esme’s song out, a vision of the Sacred Realm suddenly involuntarily flashing through his mind, a consequence of his parasitic roommate trying to learn his heart. The serene, moonlit skies stretched out before him, their light casting a tranquil glow over the landscape. He felt the soothing ambiance wash over him, so different from the turmoil he currently felt. In his vision, he saw himself sitting in a peaceful garden, drinking tea and engaging in a quiet conversation with Gowasu. The elder Kai spoke passionately about the brilliant future that awaited him, Zamasu, as the future Supreme Kai.

The memory was painfully vivid, each word from Gowasu resonating with hope and pride. The warmth of the tea, the calmness of the Sacred Realm, and the earnest belief in his mentor's eyes struck him deeply. It was a glimpse of what could have been, a path he had forsaken in exchange for his personal vision of justice. The weight of this choice suddenly pressed heavily on his heart.

As the bittersweet memory overwhelmed him, he clenched his teeth against the surge of mortal emotions that began flooding his being. The regret was almost unbearable, as he looked desperately at the paradise he had abandoned. A single tear rolled down his cheek, betraying the internal struggle he fought to suppress, the profound sorrow of a destiny forever altered. There was no going back.

“Aw, hey now, shhh," Esme said, wiping his cheek tenderly with her thumb. "Don't cry. If you’ve become mortal enough to cry, you risk losing your true self forever." She jammed her arms under his and helped him sit in an upright slump against the wall. “Ebonshade only hurts like this once. After this, it becomes a natural part of you. Your immune system won’t recognize it, and no external healing can affect it. Even if it grows, you’ll eventually forget it’s even there.”

“A curse.” He muttered.

“Oh no, a blessing!” She flashed her inside forearm where two inked koi fish, in contrasting blue and gold colors, swirled around each other in a living yin-yang on her skin. “It just depends on which direction you choose to swim. A blessing for us mortals whom you threaten—and for you. Now that you house a soul, you’re no longer an empty home, and the ghosts of those you slay won’t haunt you.” She watched as Black struggled to get up, failing and falling back against the wall. “And you can live a long, happy, mortal life, if you choose peace, that is.”

She tapped her chin in thought. “Maybe, given enough time, you can toss a coin into a fountain and wish to be a Kai again. Wouldn’t that be great? Maybe they’ll take you back, if you beg forgiveness.” Her demeanor shifted suddenly, becoming very serious. “The Gods are forgiving, right? At least, that’s what we’re taught.”

Black breathed steadily and deeply, struggling to regain control of his body and mind as the effects of the tea finally began to wear off. “Do not presume upon a God’s good graces, mortal.” He managed to lift his hand, flexing his fingers slightly as sensation began to return. Slowly, he moved his arm, testing the limits of his regained motion.

“When I regain my strength," he continued, his voice low and menacing, "you will witness the true power of a deity; and the pain I inflict will be legendary, even in the depths of Hell.”

Esme closed her eyes and clapped her hands together. “I thought you’d never offer. There are some things worse than death, you know, and one of them is sitting around eons alone in this dingy cabin, waiting to die.” She opened her eyes, the mist gone and a brilliant green now staring into Black’s new borrowed soul. “For your kindness, one more piece of advice. I’m not sure what exactly happened, but your spirit is interwoven with that ring. Don’t drop it again, or you’ll just be a caricature of Ebonshade, as your body fades away — an outwardly grotesque manifestation of the sinful choices you made — should you see your original mission through, that is.”

Black flashed a look at his hand again, his gaze lingering on the Time Ring, before making a tight fist and finding renewed strength in his legs to stand up. He stood up and snatched Esme to his side, quickly piercing her torso with his blade, which he then held to her throat. “I don’t believe any of this, by the way. Your pitiful mortal biological warfare will hold no dominion over me. My spirit is still divine.”

Esme grimaced, as she clutched her stomach and looked at the blood that stained her hand. She smiled as the heat of his blade slightly singed her neck skin, slicing it open gently, the closer his hand moved. “That’s a shame. I’d think a former God would have a more healthy respect for the difference between faith and truth.”

Black scoffed but steadied his hand, his curiosity piqued by her comment. He took one last look at his host, reassessing her with a critical eye, and admitted to himself that there was a certain beauty about her. It was a confusing, almost painful sensation, as if acknowledging her attributes would somehow accelerate his descent into full mortality and slip further from his divine origins.

It was paramount he secured a lifeline to the Kai to prevent this. His very next act, after disposing of this witch and before slaying another mortal, would be to use the Time Ring to recruit a future counterpart of himself. In these desperate times, he now knew the only one he could truly rely on was himself. Another Zamasu would provide the camaraderie he sorely needed, a partnership founded on mutual understanding and a shared divine purpose. Together, they could amplify their strength and ensure their invincibility, making the quest for a pure multiverse even more attainable.

As Esme’s consciousness waned, Black’s eyes narrowed, accepting her challenge. “Faith requires belief without evidence,” he said, his voice cutting through the dim room. “Truth stands on evidence, regardless of belief.”

Black readjusted his hand, the heat of his blade on her neck as threatening as a hot knife through butter. He clenched his jaw. This needed to end quickly, before he started feeling anything other than disdain for these mortal creatures.

Her words pulled him suddenly from his thoughts.

“Knowing when to trust in faith and when to respect the truth is real wisdom. Truth, in fact, is an inseparable companion of justice. When truth has no power, whoever holds the power determines the truth.”

Black closed his eyes with a solemn expression. A soft laugh began in the back of his throat before erupting into a loud guffaw. “You think my vision of justice is nothing more than the imposition of my will, devoid of true understanding and compassion?” He moved his blade from her throat to her torso, sparing her life for a few more moments, daring her to rebuttal.

Esme’s voice was weak but unwavering. “Whether you believe or doubt — you will become the very corruption you seek to eradicate — laid bare for all to see.”

Black sneered, his eyes cold. “Then my will be done.” With a swift, final motion, he finished the job, watching as her mortal life force drained away.

The fused Zamasu quickly recovered, rising from the rubble with a snarl. As he stood and went to immediately counter attack, he suddenly paused. He began to feel prickling sensations on his skin. They were so subtle, at first, he almost wasn’t sure it was just an effect of debris getting into his present wounds, especially as he wasn’t used to persistent damage anymore.

He rubbed the exposed area of his arm and looked down in shock as the green surface of his skin started lifting off in small pieces, drawn towards the black hole’s immense gravitational pull. Brilliant purple was exposed underneath, the divine energy within him struggling to maintain its form against the cosmic force, but losing.

“You will all perish!” he screamed between heaving breaths, his voice a mix of fury and desperation. His eyes widened in horror as his skin continued to flake away, revealing the pulsating, living structure beneath. The grotesque, twin-like form oozed loosely over his internal framework, like a melting wax statue. Part of him was dying. The realization ate at him, he didn’t quite understand why his divinity wasn’t shielding his mortal side. Either way, he refused to fully acknowledge it, clinging to his divine pride even as his form betrayed him.

In a fit of rage, he unleashed a devastating wave of energy. The Supreme Kai and Goku barely managed to shield themselves, combining their powers to form a barrier that held against the onslaught. The effort left them both strained, with Goku momentarily falling back to Super Saiyan against Zamasu’s notice. Goku dug deep, finding a few drops of energy at the bottom of his well, and charged back up to Blue. The momentary dip away from the divine caused a quick flush of panic to wash over him as he momentarily felt the effects of the black hole eagerly tug at his atoms almost instantly.

Fueled by the release of energy further destabilizing him, the fused Zamasu’s transformation became increasingly grotesque. His skin, already flaking, began to peel away in larger patches, exposing the raw, pulsating purple structure underneath. The parasitic nature of the Ebonshade he had fed throughout the Zero Mortal Plan became painfully evident as it spread, its tendrils intertwining with his muscles and veins. His right side started to darken and mutate, the skin turning a sickly purple, while the left side remained unaffected.

His face contorted in agony as one eye turned a deep yellow, evidence of his failing internal organs, glowing with an eerie, malevolent light. His mouth twisted into a grimace, teeth bared and sharp, while the remaining green skin around it cracked and peeled on one side. His hair stood on end, white and wild as ever, as if electrified by the dark energy coursing through him.

Goku and the Supreme Kai watched in horror as the fusion’s body became corrupted — a grotesque amalgamation of healthy flesh and pulsating parasite. His muscles bulged grotesquely, straining against the twisted skin that barely held them in place. The black hole’s gravitational pull seemed to intensify the transformation, warping his body further.

“Supreme Kai, why is half of him failing like that? Isn’t he partially divine?” Goku asked, his voice filled with mild panic and concern for his own situation. Wasn’t he also a mortal structure being shielded by divine chi? He snuck a look at his arm, only temporarily relieved by its normal looking state.

The Supreme Kai observed the horrifying transformation with a furrowed brow. Goku was correct, it didn’t make any sense. He snuck a glance at the Saiyan, technically a 50/50 split of divinity and mortality, whilst his fused counterpart was more 60/40, considering both his spirits were still divine. “It looks like some sort of parasite is entwined with him—perhaps it’s consuming him from the inside out?”

Goku’s worry deepened, unable to shake the dread he was staring into his own future. “But if he’s divine, why is this happening?” He yelled again in desperation.

Zamasu’s expression hardened as he tried to piece everything together. He remembered Gowasu’s parting words, which didn’t seem significant at the time, but now came full circle. “It’s not the gravity. Black is a paradox. The absence of time and the Time Ring’s power not functioning correctly have disrupted his existence. He’s no longer part of the fusion—only the parasite remains.”

Goku’s eyes widened in realization. “So, that’s all that’s left of him now? Just a monstrous parasite?”

The Supreme Kai nodded grimly. “Indeed, it’s a fitting manifestation of the corruption and ugliness that festers within him,” he said coldly. He turned toward Goku. “You should be fine though — as long as you remain divine.”

As he said this, Goku felt his chi flicker again, the last fumes in his gas tank consumed. He dropped to his base form, the intense gravitational pull proving too much for him to withstand. Despite all his divine training, it had been too rushed, insufficient to prepare him for this overwhelming force. The weight of his God chi counteracting the black hole’s gravity was relentless, pressing down on him with a tangible pressure, draining his energy faster than he could replenish it, despite knowing how. A look of panic flashed over his face as he felt a light prickling across his skin.

The black hole immediately beckoned to the exposed stardust within his mortal cells, pulling them inexorably toward its dark embrace. Goku immediately fell to his knees, could feel the primal pull, the very essence of his being succumbing to the void's call, as he felt his molecules slowly being ripped apart into their individual atoms. Despite his vast strength, never had he felt so helpless.

Zamasu observed Goku’s struggle, recognizing the toll the gravity was taking on him. The sight of Son Goku, once so powerful and now so vulnerable, stirred a mix of frustration and intrigue within him. His mind raced as he considered his options. He watched his counterpart’s grotesque transformation and knew that with both Black and the immortality now gone, he would most likely be an easy win to secure. Assuming his Kai and Rumsshi were successfully executing their part, his universe should be cleansed in a cosmic moment. He turned his attention back to the struggling Saiyan. Leaving Goku here would mean his eventual demise as well. Two of the greatest threats to the Gods and the multiverse could be eliminated by him, Zamasu, in one decisive move.

Goku finally looked up at the Supreme Kai, who was just staring at him, sensing the reason for his hesitation with a ripple of fear through his skin. Each second Zamasu delayed any action stretched into an eternity for the Saiyan.

"Why are you just standing there?" Goku's voice was strained, desperation seeping into his tone. "I can't fight against this gravity. If you don’t help me somehow, we're both done for."

Zamasu smirked as he looked at his still unraveling counterpart and the helpless Saiyan. “Oh, Goku, how little you understand. By any measure, I could handle this situation myself now. The universe has seen the tide turn completely in my favor.” He watched with scrutiny as Goku winced in pain, the effects of the black hole amplifying, revealing more vulnerable, raw matter beneath Goku’s skin. “Do you truly grasp how fragile mortal life is now, despite all your immense power? Let this moment forever demonstrate the superiority of the inheritantly divine.”

Goku sneered a bit, struggling to maintain his composure. “You think you’re different from the other version of yourself, but you’re just as deluded. You call yourself a God of creation, but you’re nothing but a fraud, a twisted shadow of what a God should be.”

Zamasu shook his head and "tsk'd," removing his Potara earrings and taking a knee next to Goku. “The cosmos devours all its children in the end, often with cruel indifference.” He reached out his arms in frustration, his voice rising as if challenging the universe itself. “Why is it that when I acknowledge this truth or seek to see it fulfilled, I am branded a hypocrite?”

Between grunts of pain, Goku gasped, his Saiyan spirit still unyielding. “Because I trusted you - as a friend, not just a God. A true God would protect, but more than that, a true friend would stand by those he cares for. You’re not just failing as a God, you’re failing as someone who once held my trust.”

Zamasu turned a cold, challenging gaze down at the struggling Goku. “You presume that I care about you, mortal? How naive. Never presume upon the good graces of a God. They are seldom earned and even more rarely deserved.”

Goku turned away from his gaze, defeated. Zamasu’s eyes softened slightly as he made his decision, satisfied with the serving size of humble pie Goku had consumed as his fragile mortal life force lay at the mercy of the universe’s design. The Saiyan would respect his divine chi from now on. Every time his mortal weakness called upon it in battle, every time his hair turned blue, he would always remember this moment, and divinity’s true worth. “However, in your case, and by my count, you have one final grace owed to you at my discretion.”

Goku’s eyes widened in surprise, his mouth falling open as he looked up at the Supreme Kai.

Zamasu reached into his robe and pulled out the pair of ancient Potara earrings. “I will grant you your sixth and final grace—your life.” He hesitated for a moment, glancing again at his corrupted counterpart and weighing all the other options available to him to end the fight and save the mortal. Finally, he extended one of the earrings to Goku while clipping the other onto his right ear. The universe seemed to demand this ending; he could sense it. “Let’s finish this quickly. After this, no matter if we see each other again, Son Goku, we are square in the eyes of the cosmos.”

Goku nodded and reached out a trembling hand to accept the earring.

Zamasu snatched his hand back. “If the Angel is wrong about this not being permanent, though, I will off us both just to ensure the end of her and Rumsshi’s career in Universe 10. Consider that your fair warning.”

Goku hesitated for a second. “Angels might hide the truth behind their jests, but they can be trusted when it matters,” he said, though the strain in his voice betrayed any forced confidence. He smiled weakly and nodded, summoning the last of his energy as he reached for the earring.

Despite the intense gravitational pull of the black hole threatening to overwhelm him, pain coursing through his body and consciousness slipping away; with a fumbling hand, he managed to clip the earring onto his left ear,

Chapter Text

(About 200 years before the events of this story, current timeline)

Gowasu took an angry sip of tea, trying to quell his frustration. The weight of what might be his last—and most important—divine responsibility pressed down on him heavily, like a sharp increase in gravity. Persistent thoughts of his advancing age and its growing limitations swelled in his mind, forcing him to confront the idea of retirement—a prospect he had long resisted. As he seethed, he looked at the small mountain of resumes piled on the table in front of him, each one less a hopeful glimpse into the future than a reminder of his rapidly approaching expiration date.

For days now, he had been sifting through the application packets of various Shinjin from Universe 10, all vying to be his apprentice, and then subsequently take over his position of Supreme Kai. The sheer volume of resumes, cover letters, and holographic video introductions had flooded his Temple in the Sacred World only moments after the job posting within World Core, each one more disappointing than the last.

Breaking away from the tradition where the sitting Supreme Kai alone chose his apprentice, as his predecessor had done with him, Gowasu decided to open the opportunity to all Shinjin of Universe 10. He genuinely believed that greatness could arise from any quarter, even from the most unlikely individuals. By allowing these candidates a chance to prove themselves, he hoped to establish a new legacy of inclusivity amongst the deities, giving everyone the opportunity to break through the glass ceiling that had long loomed above them; however, the giant pile of underwhelming submissions only deepened his sense of despair rather than sparking hope, as he struggled to find a worthy candidate in the sea of mediocrity.

Two of the applicants stood out in their lackluster presentations, each highlighting the challenges Gowasu faced in his quest for a suitable Supreme Kai apprentice.

The first, Rika, had impressive academic credentials, and was easy on the eyes with her powdery blue skin, silvery long hair, and azure eyes; but her application lacked passion and vision. Her resume was filled with detailed descriptions of her studies and accomplishments, of which she had many as an ambassador of Universe 10 to the multiverse, but her cover letter was devoid of any personal insight or enthusiasm for the role. Her holographic video introduction was stiff and rehearsed, showing little of the wisdom or empathy Gowasu hoped to see in a future Supreme Kai.

The second candidate, Karas, was notable for his striking appearance—deep red skin and a commanding stature — however his approach was equally disappointing. Known for his charisma and charm as an attendant in the Other World, where he guided the newly deceased with panache, Karas also harbored a ruthless ambition, evident in his pursuit of the vacant East Kai position as a fallback. His application was filled with grandiose claims and flashy presentations, but lacked the substance needed for the role of Supreme Kai. His cover letter boasted of his confidence and leadership qualities, but his holographic video came off more as a theatrical performance than a genuine display of his abilities. Despite his outward appeal, Gowasu saw through the superficiality, sensing a troubling lack of depth and sincerity—qualities crucial for the responsibilities of a Lord of Lords.

“This shouldn’t be that hard, Gowasu,” Rumsshi’s voice crackled from across the table, laden with impatience, as he slammed down one of the holo-orbs with flourish. “You’re just being indecisive, as usual.”

Gowasu craned his neck to look past the pile of artifacts at the God of Destruction. “It’s not a matter to take lightly, Rumsshi. This decision will shape the future of our universe and even affect your realm of influence.”

Rumsshi gave Gowasu a challenging look, a nonverbal reminder that he was well aware of the implications of the Supreme Kai's choice — but then relaxed his gaze. Despite the natural tension between a Supreme Kai and a Destroyer, he and Gowasu had always maintained a mutual respect and generally got along well. Their meetings, though not always friendly, were civil and productive, with Gowasu always possessing an iron clad understanding of their respective roles and never crossing the line between their designated job descriptions.

Rumsshi’s only longstanding criticism of the old Kai was that he often sought his opinion on matters—like the current selection of a new Supreme Kai—that technically fell outside a Destroyer’s jurisdiction. Although their roles were intertwined, it wasn't Rumsshi’s place to weigh in on decisions that required a different kind of wisdom and insight. He respected Gowasu’s process enough to show up for these impromptu meetings, but felt awkward being asked to give input on areas where he lacked expertise. Nevertheless, out of respect for their long-standing relationship, he often tried to offer what little guidance he could, even if it wasn't his realm of responsibility.

“What is wrong with the candidates we've just reviewed?” Rumsshi asked, genuinely puzzled. To him, one candidate stood out, possessing many qualities needed for a Supreme Kai, in his very humble opinion — a handsome young instructor named Lunaris from the Kai's Core World. “I'm no expert in your responsibilities, Kai, but this Lunaris appears to have the right mix of intellect, humility, and genuine commitment necessary for the role.”

Kusu, who had been quietly sifting through the applications with an appreciable amount of amusement in her eyes, kept her thoughts to herself. As an Angel, she knew it wasn’t her place to voice opinions on such a critical decision, lest she be reprimanded. With a wry smile, she glanced at Gowasu, aware of the underlying issue but refrained from speaking. It was like a bad itch she couldn’t scratch as she bit her tongue.

Gowasu sighed deeply, his gaze shifting to the horizon, far beyond the outline of the Destoyer in front of him. “Ideally, I’d like a candidate who is a bit more….balanced,” he began, his voice wavering a bit with vulnerability.

Though widely respected for his compassion and wisdom, Gowasu was haunted by a lingering insecurity. In the shadowy corners of the cosmos, there were whispers about his lack of combat prowess—not necessarily a failing for a Supreme Kai, but a personal shortcoming that weighed on him. He knew that others feared if Rumsshi ever failed to awaken or chose to ignore his duties, the universe would be left vulnerable, a sitting duck against potential threats.

This thought always troubled him in the back of his mind. Gowasu yearned for a successor who embodied not only the intellectual and moral qualities of a Supreme Kai, but also possessed the strength to silence those who believed a Supreme Kai could not be both powerful and wise. He didn't want to leave behind a legacy that would be questioned or compromised; he wanted a successor as formidable in battle as they were wise in judgment. Unfortunately, none of the current candidates came close to meeting this ideal.

“WE are the balance, Old Kai!” Rumsshi rounded back as he gestured between himself and Gowasu, increasing his volume a bit in his annoyance. He understood entirely the old Kai’s unspoken meaning of “balanced,” and it angered him. “It’s like you worry or feel I am not capable of doing my job!” He snapped his trunk angrily in the Supreme Kai’s direction. “Perhaps you should retire sooner than you thought, you old fool!”

Kusu nodded, placing a gentle hand on Gowasu's shoulder, feeling more comfortable interjecting now that the issue had been brought up by someone else. “Lord Rumsshi speaks the truth, Gowasu. You and he are the two sides of the cosmic coin; there's no need for a Supreme Kai to encroach upon a Destroyer’s domain. It's unwise to let personal insecurities cloud your judgment of otherwise capable candidates.”

Gowasu angrily banged his fists against the table, causing his tea to sputter and spill upon the table. “I called you here to hear your opinions, not to have my decisions questioned with such bluntness,” he snapped.

Rumsshi's expression darkened, signaling that his patience had run out. He stood up abruptly, ending the discussion without another word. Kusu followed suit, casting a concerned glance at Gowasu as they left the courtyard. Silence settled over the space, leaving Gowasu alone with his thoughts. The tea had cooled, slowly spreading across the table and soaking into the loose papers. In a moment of frustration, Gowasu rested his head in his hands, then suddenly shoved the papers, tablets, and holo-orbs onto the ground in a sweeping motion.

"Ouch!" came a startled cry. From beneath the scattered mess emerged a creature known as a Stardove, a small bird resembling a carrier pigeon with a cosmic twist. Its feathers shimmered with a faint glow, and its long tail carried miniature stars that twinkled in unison with its movements. It fluffed its feathers, creating a gust that blew away the remaining papers that rested atop him, then fluttered up towards Gowasu. As it flew, it released clouds of rainbow stardust, which Gowasu waved away with his hand in mild annoyance, wary of it starting a persistent cough. The Stardove handed him a small message tube tied to its foot. “A dispatch from World Core, Lord Gowasu!” it squawked loudly.

“What is it now?” Gowasu muttered as he unrolled the paper. The elders at World Core seemed intent on burdening him with every bit of gossip and drama from across the cosmos lately. If he didn’t know better, he’d suspect they were pushing him toward retirement with all this incessant reporting. His eyes quickly scanned the message, as his expression recoiled to one of confusion and disbelief. “Zamasu!?” he exclaimed. “But this can’t possibly be true!”

The message detailed actions that were entirely out of character for the young and usually disciplined and reserved North Kai. Even more surprising was the involvement of the West Kai, who, while known for being less dignified, was an experienced veteran and should have shown more restraint in this particular matter. “It seems I’ll have to make an unpleasant visit to the North quadrant,” Gowasu muttered, feeling the weight of yet another responsibility rearing its ugly head.

As Gowasu pondered just how he was going to confront his North Kai, he noticed the Stardove still hovering nearby, its bright eyes expectantly fixed on him. The bird seemed to be waiting for a tip or treat. Realizing this, Gowasu sighed and roughly waved the Stardove away. The bird gave a disgruntled ruffle of its feathers, clearly displeased at being dismissed without a reward. With a soft squawk of protest, it fluttered off, leaving behind a trail of twinkling stardust that slowly dissipated into the air.

………..

"Relax, no one is going to find out!" Kosumosu said, brushing off an angry shoulder bump from Zamasu as he walked past. He watched the young North Kai adjust his outer robe bearing the symbol of the King Kai, tightening the white sash around his waist with an angry tug. Moments ago, Zamasu had been clad in a lighter fighter’s gi, now discarded and left blood-soaked and torn from a recent skirmish. The fresh, formal Kai robes he now wore couldn't entirely mask the signs of the battle though; faint purple bruises and cuts were still visible on his skin, and he wore an expression rippled with tension as he stared at Kosu from the corner of his eyes.

"And even if they did, who would care enough to snitch?" the West Kai continued, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on Zamasu's shoulder. Zamasu shrugged off the gesture, glaring at Kosumosu with frustration.

“This isn’t a joke, Kosumosu,” Zamasu snapped. “There are two vacant positions, and everyone is under scrutiny.” Zamasu was worried Gowasu’s decision to open up the Kai vacancies had exposed the cutthroat nature even among the most virtuous Shinjin. There was a reason why most other universes entrusted the Kaiju with the final say in who ascended to higher ranks, avoiding the chaos that an open process could bring. “The competition is fierce, if you haven’t noticed, and one misstep could jeopardize our current positions.” With that, he stomped past the West Kai, heading outdoors from his small, modest home on the Northern Sacred World.

As Kosumosu hurried to follow, he nearly tripped over Zamasu’s pet pig, Pochi, who had been eagerly waiting outside. The little pig, excited to see Zamasu, darted around their feet with joyful squeals, lifting a few inches off the ground every few moments, thanks to his partially working stunted wings. Kosumosu muttered a soft curse as he steadied himself, avoiding a fall, while Pochi continued to nuzzle and snort against Zamasu's legs, clearly delighted at his return.

Unexpectedly, Zamasu’s stern expression softened. He bent down with a wide smile, gently scratching Pochi behind the ears and under his chin, a rare and affectionate act from the usually stoic Kai. Kosumosu observed the dichotomy of the moment with curiosity —the warmth in Zamasu’s gestures, and his obvious delight at Pochi’s affectionate response — stood so opposite the focused brutality he had displayed earlier during the fight.

As Pochi darted away and they stepped fully into the late day sunshine illuminating the sea-green sky, Zamasu turned to face his troublesome colleague. “We’re surrounded by vultures, all waiting to swoop in and capitalize on our mistakes,” he said, his voice low and intense as his demeanor became more serious. “The Elders and Gowasu are watching our every move, and they won’t hesitate to cut loose anyone who doesn’t meet their standards. This isn’t just about the vacant positions; it’s about our futures. We—I—can’t afford to be careless.”

Zamasu often harbored a bit of resentment towards Kosumosu’s veteran status, as the older Kai seemed more insulated from potential consequences and showed little empathy for Zamasu’s relatively new tenure and the anxiety that came with being lower in the pecking order. “I happen to like my position and intend on keeping it,” he continued, jabbing a finger at the West Kai’s chest for emphasis. “At any cost.”

The intensity in Zamasu’s grey eyes left no doubt in Kosumosu’s mind that he was willing to go to great lengths to secure his place and future—especially after the savage beating he just witnessed Zamasu deliver upon the notorious Void Serpents. This gang of rogue deities from Universe 5 had a reputation for stirring up trouble across the multiverse, their presence a harbinger of chaos wherever they went.

The Void Serpents had recently teleported in and ventured into Kosumosu’s region of the multiverse, prompting him to make a wager with Dolos, the South Kai of Universe 5, where the gang originated. Not wanting to involve Gowasu and confident in Zamasu’s abilities, Kosumosu bet a bounty of Universe 10’s highest quality mortal food and drink against Dolos’ that they could put an end to the gang’s reign of terror once and for all. The bet was not just about stopping the Void Serpants’ activities, but also a display of power and control. Kosumosu wanted to assert Universe 10’s dominance over unruly elements within the cosmos.

The West Kai had been surprised by how quickly Zamasu agreed to join him in dealing with the gang when he was approached, expecting more hesitation from the usually quiet and conservative North Kai. The encounter took them to a distant, desolate planet where they faced the Void Serpents in a brutal, cage-like arena. The gang used every dirty trick in their arsenal, making the fight intense, challenging, and at times, almost deadly.

Yet, Zamasu displayed his own brand of relentless fury and strategic prowess that Kosumosu hadn’t fully appreciated before, despite having seen him spar in the past, including in matches against Kosumosu himself. Watching Zamasu effortlessly dispatch their foes using a combination of skill and raw power—at a level unheard of for a Kai—was both impressive and slightly unnerving. This display revealed a side of the North Kai that was far more formidable than Kosumosu had anticipated, making it clear that Zamasu was not to be underestimated. This impression was further solidified when the North Kai declined any tangible reward for his efforts, save two desserts and an urn of dried tea leaves from Universe 5, content with the knowledge that he had restored order and, more importantly, that there were witnesses to his demonstration of superior strength.

“You could’ve said no, you know,” Kosumosu grinned. “Nobody forced you to come with me.” He sighed, looking up at the vibrant, sea-green sky. “In fact, I could’ve handled it myself, most likely. I just thought you looked like you could use some fun.” He shot a sly glance at Zamasu with that last line, a playful challenge gleaming in his eyes.

Zamasu took the bait, turning abruptly with his arms crossed and a stern expression. “I would have been wiping your dismembered carcass off the ground of planet Xhaos, Kosumosu, and penning an apology letter to Hanakotoba for your abject stupidity.” His eyes flashed with irritation, clearly unimpressed by Kosumosu's casual attitude toward the dangerous situation they had faced.

“Can’t argue with that,” Kosumosu laughed, stretching his arms towards the sky and relishing the warmth of the late afternoon sun. His Sacred Realm in the West was always a bit too chilly for his liking. Eager to steer the conversation away from his sister, who had her own list of questionable activities, he quickly asked, “Did you put in an application?”

“I like the North,” Zamasu replied with a smirk, fully aware of which vacancy Kosumosu was actually referring to.

Kosu looked thoughtfully at the sky. “I did—”

Zamasu interrupted with a burst of laughter, catching Kosumosu off guard.

Kosu shot him a furious look. “And what’s so funny about that?”

“Kosumosu, I'm afraid you’d burst into flames the moment you stepped onto the Sacred Realm of the Supreme Kai,” Zamasu said, still chuckling. “Or rather your long list of transgressions would probably make the Realm itself combust.”

“I have just as much chance as you or anybody,” Kosumosu said, clearly irritated. He knew he was reckless, but he considered himself loyal, dependable, and an effective Kai where it mattered. He could change his attitude if given the chance to become Supreme Kai, he was sure of it.

Zamasu shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, that’s one less to worry about—I didn’t put in for it.” Feeling suddenly both physically and emotionally weary from the recent days and the current conversation, which he’d rather not continue, Zamasu looked up at the sky, quickly darkening with the approaching evening. Noticing Kosumosu's disheveled appearance and unhappy expression, he added, “Perhaps, West Kai, you should take your leave and clean up, just in case Gowasu comes calling.”

Kosu glanced down at his torn clothes, and then back up to Zamasu with defiance still in his eyes. “I told you, he’s not going to find out.”

Zamasu smiled faintly at his friend. “I meant more that he might call on you for an interview.”

…….

“Your move,” Zamasu said, glancing at the Go board with a thoughtful expression. He had a splitting headache but couldn't deny Pochi a round of his favorite game on such a beautiful night. The pig could hold a mighty grudge when he felt neglected, especially after Zamasu's recent absence. The two sat at a wooden table set under a canopy of hanging vines, where hundreds of fire flies clung to the thin drooping branches like tiny glowing beads, creating a shimmering archway that cast a surprisingly bright warm glow over the table. It was a peaceful and inviting atmosphere for their quiet game.

Across from him, Pochi seemed deep in concentration as he gave a soft snort, his eyes fixed on the game pieces. After a moment, he nudged a white stone with his snout, flipping it decisively on the board.

Zamasu chuckled, "A solid move, but you're leaving yourself open,” he said as he prepared to place his next stone. He was confident in his assessment, however, as he studied the board again, he noticed the intricacy of Pochi's placement—a strategic cut that threatened his territory. Zamasu blinked his grey eyes in surprise, realizing that Pochi's move had cleverly disrupted his formation.

"Well, I'll be," Zamasu murmured, genuinely impressed. "You've set up a cut and taken control of the center. Looks like you've bested me, Pochi." He leaned back, a smile spreading across his face as he acknowledged the pig's skill. It wasn't entirely unexpected. Pochi had been created by a novice student at DICA, and his hyper-intelligence was a side effect of her inexperience, much like his ridiculous but endearing tiny wings.

Pochi snuffled the air with pride as Zamasu shared with him one of the two desserts he had accepted as part of his reward for helping Kosu. The dessert was a delicate floral shaped pastry, its petals made from thin layers of sweet dough masterfully arranged and filled with a fragrant cream that had an essence of lavender and vanilla. Although it seemed meager, such delicacies from other universes were highly prized amongst the lower Kai, who rarely had the chance to indulge in such treats from across the multiverse.

Reflecting on his and Kosu’s conversation, Zamasu smiled, contemplating how a Supreme Kai could summon these sort of delicacies out of thin air whenever he desired. It was a remarkable ability, but Zamasu imagined that the novelty of conjuring even the finest treats would wear off quickly, losing its charm with each repeated use; especially as like most divine beings (Destroyers being an exception), Zamasu rarely craved or indulged in mortal pleasures.

He watched with fondness as Pochi savored his half of the reward, amused by the little pig's delight. Just as he was about to take a bite of his own dessert, a sudden pang of familiar chi hit the back of his already aching mind. Zamasu turned in his seat, and in his surprise, nearly toppled backward. There, framed hauntingly between the glowing branches of the canopy, stood the outline of Supreme Kai Gowasu, his figure eerily illuminated by the negative space created by the fireflies. Zamasu's eyes widened in shock and worry, the delicate pastry slipping from his fingers and landing on the table with a soft thud. "Lord Gowasu!" he exclaimed, suddenly jumping up and bowing deeply, as Pochi continued munching contentedly, oblivious to the significance of their divine visitor. “To what do I owe such an honor?”

"Huh," Gowasu murmured as he ducked under the canopy, his eyes marveling, just for a moment, at the branches adorned with the beautiful ambient bioluminescent lights. He turned his attention to the North Kai and cleared his throat. "Good evening, Zamasu.” He gave a slight bow of his head in return. “Unfortunately, my visit is not one of honor, but of investigation." He watched the slightest twitch suddenly flick across the North Kai’s otherwise blank poker face, and noted that the young Kai's appearance matched the allegations against him. A split lip marred one side of his face, and what Gowasu first mistook for an excited flush was actually a fresh bruise forming on his cheek. His gaze drifted to Zamasu's hands, which were cut and also bruised at various knuckles. Zamasu, noticing Gowasu's scrutiny, quickly moved his hands behind his back, trying too late to hide the evidence of his recent violent excursion.

Gowasu had only met Zamasu once or twice before, as World Core typically drew lots and selected the lower Kai with only his blessing. He hadn't taken the time before to truly observe him during those brief encounters, and had not seen his application for Supreme Kai amongst the others, which he found odd for an already established directional Kai. Despite the troubling signs of Zamasu's penchant for combat, which wasn’t exactly a flaw in Gowasu’s mind, he also saw that the North Kai was tall, powerful, and, in his assessment, a fairly good-looking fellow. Beyond these physical attributes, Zamasu clearly possessed the wisdom and intelligence required to attain the position of North Kai. As Gowasu continued to scrutinize him, an idea suddenly struck him—a realization that seemed to descend from the heavens.

Gowasu had to acknowledge that Zamasu checked many of the boxes he sought in a Supreme Kai: strong, intelligent, and possessing a commanding presence. Perhaps this visit wouldn’t be an investigation into Zamasu’s unethical actions, but an opportunity to consider him as a potential candidate for a greater role—a different kind of assessment than he had originally intended when coming here.

Now smiling, he began the impromptu interview, whether the young Kai in front of him was ready or not.

“Zamasu, how do you perceive the role of a Supreme Kai in maintaining balance and harmony across the universe? What would be your approach to conflicts that arise between different worlds?”

Still under the impression he was in trouble for the unauthorized fighting, and completely dumbfounded by the Supreme Kai’s unexpected question, Zamasu unknowingly held his breath and hesitated for a long pause.

“Take your time,” Gowasu chuckled, noticing the panic and confusion washing over Zamasu’s face. “You’re not in trouble. Breathe. I just want to have a friendly chat, Kai to Kai.”

“The role of a Supreme Kai is crucial in maintaining balance and harmony across the universe. I believe it involves not only overseeing the natural order of things, but also ensuring that life can flourish without undue interference.” Zamasu said suddenly as he let out a long exhale. “My approach to conflicts between different worlds would be to first seek a peaceful resolution, hoping to grow understanding and cooperation between them.”

Excellent. Gowasu thought.

“However, if necessary,” Zamasu continued, “I would not hesitate to take decisive action myself to prevent chaos and maintain stability. It is about finding the right balance between guidance and intervention, always with the greater good in mind.”

Gowasu nodded, though he marked the first concern against the North Kai. Zamasu should have stopped at his initial response; his mention of personal interference instead of working cooperatively with the God of Destruction raised red flags. However, Gowasu wasn't entirely surprised as he had come here to confront Zamasu about his unauthorized actions with the Void Serpents, after all. Despite this, the response wasn't necessarily a deal-breaker. He was, in fact, seeking a candidate with a bit of assertiveness, and with the right apprentice training, these particular tendencies could be refined and guided in the right direction.

Gowasu paced around Zamasu thinking of his next question. “In your view, what is the most important quality for a Supreme Kai to possess?”

Zamasu was growing more certain about the nature of Gowasu’s visit. Was this an interview? Did someone put his name in on his behalf for the apprentice position? He really wasn’t in trouble? Excitement began to bubble in his chest. “I believe the most important quality for a Supreme Kai to possess is wisdom. Wisdom allows one to understand the broader implications of actions taken without having to be disciplined through experience first.”

Gowasu nodded. “And how have you used your wisdom as North Kai to help your quadrant thrive?”

“In my role as North Kai, I have demonstrated wisdom by carefully considering the consequences of my decisions and striving to maintain balance. Whether mediating disputes between worlds or guiding the development of civilizations, I always aim to act with foresight and prudence, ensuring that my actions contribute to the greater good of the universe.”

A generic safe answer. Gowasu pressed further. “A specific example, please. Perhaps one showcasing how you would specifically use wisdom to nurture and guide mortals?"

Zamasu hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the question. He had some strong feelings about mortals. After a brief pause, he replied, "Well, we are taught that mortals should be left to their own devices, learning best through their own experiences — also the best teacher of wisdom; however, if I had to, I might guide them by providing visions or signs that could lead them towards a better path. For instance, if a civilization was on the brink of war, I might influence a key leader's dreams to inspire thoughts of peace or negotiation."

Gowasu shook his head again subtly as Zamasu’s answer swam in his mind. Not bad, a workable philosophy and course of action.

Zamasu quickly added though, "But, speaking only for myself, I don't see much value in micromanaging mortals. They are often too short-sighted and impulsive to truly understand the broader consequences of their actions. My role, as I see it, is more about maintaining balance on a cosmic scale rather than directly nurturing mortals."

Gowasu trained his eyes through the darkness and focused them on the North Kai. Once again, a great start, but Zamasu had taken it one step too far. Another red flag. Zamasu's apparent detachment and lack of genuine interest in nurturing mortal life revealed a potential weakness in his character, raising serious concerns about his suitability for the higher responsibilities of a Supreme Kai.

Zamasu noticed the look of concern that suddenly washed over Gowasu’s face. Had he said something wrong? He felt a twinge of uncertainty, realizing that his frankness might have revealed a side of him that was not well-received. The cool night air seemed to suddenly thicken as he awaited Gowasu's response, his mind racing through the conversation, trying to pinpoint where he might have faltered. He spoke from the heart, and nothing he said was untrue, in his opinion.

Gowasu sensed an opportunity to delve deeper into Zamasu’s views. While Zamasu’s detachment from mortals was concerning, Gowasu still believed that, with the right guidance, these views could be shaped over time during his apprenticeship. It still wasn’t a deal breaker, but he needed clarity on one crucial point. “If it came down to it, would you be willing to work alongside a mortal to achieve balance in your universe if it were threatened?” Gowasu asked, his tone serious.

Zamasu chuckled at the question, clearly amused by the thought. “Work alongside a mortal? That would never happen,” he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Seeing the serious expression on Gowasu’s face, he quickly added, trying to lighten the mood, “But of course, if it were the only way to save the universe, I suppose I could make an exception. I’d even fuse with a mortal if I had to, though I doubt it would ever come to that.” Zamasu ended his answer with a cheeky smile.

Gowasu’s eyes narrowed slightly, noting the laughter and the attempt to turn the situation into a joke. While Zamasu’s commitment to his duties was commendable, his cavalier attitude towards mortals remained a significant concern. "Zamasu, why would you want to be Supreme Kai?"

Zamasu hesitated, the question striking at the very core of his ambitions and doubts. He had always aspired to the position in his heart but often questioned his worthiness. So much so that he didn’t even apply for the apprentice position, and was still confused what led Gowasu to ultimately even entertain him as a candidate. After a thoughtful pause, he closed his eyes and spoke with a rare sincerity.

"I've never considered myself the most deserving or wise candidate. There are others with more experience and perhaps greater wisdom; however, I believe the role of Supreme Kai is fundamentally about service to the multiverse. It's about safeguarding balance, guiding evolution, and ensuring that all realms coexist harmoniously. If given the chance, I would strive to fulfill these duties with humility and dedication. My goal would be to uphold peace and order, using all the wisdom I have gained to serve the greater good."

Gowasu nodded but did not respond, hoping Zamasu would provide a follow-up answer that was more reflective of his true ideals, as he had done with previous questions. Gowasu had noticed that Zamasu's initial responses often masked his deeper, more genuine thoughts, which usually emerged in a second answer.

Zamasu continued, "It's not about the power or prestige of the position; it's about the responsibility that comes with it. I understand that being a Supreme Kai means placing the needs of the multiverse above my own, and I am committed to that ideal. I want to ensure that the universe remains a place where life can thrive and evolve freely, without unnecessary interference, yet with the guidance it needs to avoid chaos."

Gowasu listened to Zamasu's humble and sincere response, feeling increasingly confident in his choice. The North Kai's dedication to the greater good and his desire to serve the multiverse with wisdom and humility resonated deeply with Gowasu. He was certain that Zamasu’s shortcomings could be addressed over time with proper mentorship; however, there was one more detail to clarify before Gowasu made his decision known.

“Is there anything else you’d like to say to me, Zamasu?” Gowasu asked, giving the North Kai an opportunity to address the lingering issue of his arrival.

Zamasu hesitated for a moment, certain that Gowasu had initially come to confront him about his unauthorized intervention and combat with the Void Serpents. He took a deep breath, dropped to his hands and knees into a deeply humble bow, then lifted his head and spoke earnestly. “I know I overstepped by intervening with the Void Serpents without permission. My actions were driven by a desire to protect the universe, but I understand they were not in line with protocol. I apologize for any trouble I may have caused."

Gowasu tried to maintain a stern expression, though he struggled to hold back a smile, imagining Zamasu delivering his special brand of Universe 10 justice— would he have loved to see Ogma’s face in Universe 5 when the news was delivered to her. “I trust that the situation has been fully resolved then?" he asked. "And that it won’t be a recurring issue?"

Zamasu nodded solemnly. "Yes, Lord Gowasu. I made sure the problem was dealt with thoroughly. It won't be an issue again."

Gowasu finally allowed a small smile to appear. "Very well, Zamasu. It's important to learn from our mistakes and grow. Your willingness to take responsibility is a good sign. I believe you have great potential, and I am willing to guide you further.” He smiled warmly and extended his hand in invitation. "Why don't you come to the Sacred World of the Supreme Kai and learn with me? It would be an honor to have you as my apprentice."

Zamasu's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude. "M-me... to the Realm of the Supreme Kai? The honor would entirely be mine, Lord Gowasu!” he stammered, overwhelmed by the offer. His hunch about Gowasu’s interrogation had been correct and the opportunity to now learn directly under him and become the next Supreme Kai was beyond anything he had hoped for. “I will do my best for universal peace!" Zamasu declared as he stood, slightly trembling, his face flush with excitement.

Gowasu nodded, pleased with Zamasu's reaction and acceptance of his new role, as he felt a great wave of tension leave his body now that his search was concluded. "The road of an apprentice is long and not always easy," he cautioned. "It requires immense emotional and physical discipline, far beyond what you have experienced as North Kai. You will face challenges that test your patience, strength, and wisdom. But with dedication and an open heart, you will grow into the role and become a true guardian of the universe."

Zamasu could do little but bow deeply again in gratitude, struggling to contain his excitement. He tried to maintain a composed exterior, saving his overwhelming emotions for a moment of privacy later.

Gowasu smiled. "I will return for you in a few days' time," he said. "Use this time to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Remember, the path of an apprentice is demanding, but it is also a path of growth and enlightenment."

As Gowasu departed, Zamasu stood still, processing the enormity of what had just transpired. He had just been chosen to apprentice under the Supreme Kai—a role he had long admired but never imagined he would attain. He felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension for his future— he also couldn't help but think about Kosumosu's potential reaction, wondering if his friend would feel slighted or supportive, considering their earlier conversation.

Lost in these thoughts, Zamasu felt a cold sweat suddenly grip his body and a growing apprehension about the expectations now set before him and whether he could meet them. Suddenly, he felt a gentle nudge at his leg. He looked down to see Pochi gazing up at him with bright, trusting eyes. Zamasu smiled and bent down to stroke Pochi's head. "Looks like things are going to change around here," he said softly, momentarily setting aside his concerns about what these changes would mean for his little pig. Pochi snuffled happily, leaning into Zamasu's hand, offering a fleeting respite from the Kai’s worries.

Chapter Text

“I suppose I could make an exception. I’m that dedicated to my duties. I’d even fuse with a mortal if I had to, though I doubt it would ever come to that.”

The words that might have saved his Supreme Kai interview were Zamasu's last coherent thoughts before a blinding light engulfed him, heralding a brief yet bone-crushing, searing pain, and the most agonizing transformation he had ever experienced. In an instant, he and Goku collided with such force that the water in their cells instantly boiled, creating a hot soup of their dissolved biomolecules and genetic material. As the mixture cooled, it reformed into a new helix, encoding and synthesizing novel proteins, cells, and unique characteristics of a brand new being—all with the warp speed that only divine techniques could achieve. The resulting fusion, akin to a caterpillar dissolving within its chrysalis only to emerge a magnificent new organism on the other side, stripped away their former selves, only to reforge them into a creature wholly distinct, yet carrying the essence of both.

Goku would regale afterwards how the pain was unlike anything he had experienced in previous fusions. The ancient Potara earrings they used, perhaps flawed and untested as any first-generation technology can sometimes be, amplified the agony to an unimaginable level. It felt as if every part of their beings was being torn apart and then forcibly melded back together. Goku found this experience to be a thousand times more excruciating than fusion with more modern Potara. It was a true transformation, a rebirth through sheer pain and destruction. The old relics had done their work, but the intensity of the experience left a lasting impression.

For Goku, the memory of this pain served as a warning against ever merging again with such ancient and unreliable artifacts. For Zamasu, it instilled a deep fear of the fusion process itself that he carried for millennia.

Despite the pain, the reward on the other side after their fusion cooled and the shimmering aura of their cocoon dissipated, was immense power. This power may have been amplified by the inherent tension between Goku and Zamasu, or perhaps it was influenced by the mysterious energy of the ancient Potara earrings themselves. Goku would later reflect that their fusion had no right being as overwhelmingly powerful as it was compared to his other experiences. It was as if the merging of their beings had tapped into a source of strength far beyond their individual capabilities, possibly intensified by the massive gravity of the collapsing stars within the Potara. This unexpected surge in power left both Goku and Zamasu stunned, both in the moment and later upon recollection.

"And who are you now?" the corrupted Zamasu spat, watching the final moments of the transformation. Preoccupied with his own inner turmoil, he hadn't been able to stop the fusion in time. He felt his end approaching, his immortality lost, and his body destabilized, especially after losing his key energy source with Black's demise. Despite his dire situation, the result of this fusion intrigued him too much to ignore.

The newly fused being looked down at his hands and ran them through his thick, spiky hair. "Do I look like you?" he mused, his voice resonating with the combined tones of Goku and Zamasu. The sound was a strange, harmonious blend, and the first hint at the equality of their fusion.

Gowasu would later explain that the ancient Potara earrings, created when mortals were still in their infancy stages of evolution, treated all genetic information equally. This design reflected the early creators’ belief that non-Kai fusions were just not a possibility. As a result, Zamasu and Goku were considered the same.

This revelation also challenged the long-held belief that the Kai were spiritually superior to mortals and non-ranking Shinjin, a belief often supported by the observation that Potaras favored the Kai-half in seemingly unequal fusions. Zamasu afterwards would admit only once during a brief moment of celebratory inebriation —and never again—that this bias had been deliberately encoded into modern Potaras. Ultimately, when the decision was left to the cosmos, as it had been in his own fusion with a mortal, it was clear that all beings were equal.

The fused corrupted Zamasu sneered and then winced at the sound of his counterpart’s mixed voice. "You’re a grotesque mockery, if you ask me. A union of divine grace and... whatever it is you call that mess of hair and muscle. Truly, the universe has no taste."

"That's an ironic statement, coming from someone with your past and in your current state," the new fusion retorted with a smirk. As he turned his head, he caught sight of the ground around him. The impact of the fight and fusion process had upheaved the earth into jagged rock formations, their surfaces now polished to a mirrored finish from the intense heat of the fusion. He gasped, as he looked at his reflection in the glossy surface.

He was truly a fifty-fifty mixture of the two beings. Zamasu’s bright green skin had dulled to a rich olive, neutralized by Goku’s natural tan. His hair, a dark ash gray, retained Goku’s thick, coarse texture and base style, but had a softness to its movement, occasionally swooping over his eyes in the front. His gaze held Zamasu’s distinct silver, yet was shaped with Goku’s wide-eyed, jovial innocence. Tall and muscular, combining the best of both individuals, the fusion was lean yet powerful. His moderately pointed ears glinted at the lobes, adorned with the black Potaras, which seemed to gleam brighter, like proud parents, at having created this new individual all by themselves.

The Potara seemed to struggle with his outfit though, ultimately opting for Goku’s gi but in Zamasu’s dark blue and gray colors. Admiring himself in the mirrored rock, and testing his new body by jumping off the ground in an elegant leap in his white boots, he felt simultaneously impressive and ridiculous, like a majestic warrior made of mismatched puzzle pieces. As he prepared to answer the other Zamasu’s question, two conflicting thoughts began to wage an involuntary tug-of-war within his mind, halting his answer momentarily.

“Don’t say it!” One thought commanded sternly.

“But he asked who we are - what our name is,” the other thought countered, insistent.” I’ve done this before, you know, our new name is the best part! And I thought of a great one!”

"Don't you dare! Let's just end this nonsense swiftly," the first voice pleaded back.

The fusion took a deep breath, attempting to silence the internal argument. “I am Zamoku,” he declared with determination as he opened his eyes. He struck a pose as if ready to unleash a Kamehameha, but suddenly cried out in pain, clutching his head.

The first voice suddenly roared from deep in his brain. “Idiot mortal! That name is ridiculous! It's insult enough we're fused in body and spirit!”

The internal conflict surged, causing Zamoku to stagger momentarily, his impressive stance disrupted by the sudden chastisement deep within his mind.

The corrupted Zamasu stared for a moment at the awkward scene, then burst into uproarious laughter. "Zamoku? Truly? How utterly laughable!" he managed to say between trying to catch his breath. "You've become powerful, yes, but at the cost of diluting our divine intelligence with the integration of that full Saiyan. An unparalleled force with the mind of a simpleton—what a travesty!" He continued to mock, his laughter echoing through the wasteland battlefield.

Zamoku grew suddenly very serious. He wasn’t about to tolerate insults from a being who was a stitched together hypocritical mess, barely holding himself together after so many mistakes and blunders. As a fusion of Zamasu’s divine intellect and Goku’s battle genius, he knew he was a deadly combination. "Good thing, I guess, it doesn't take much intellect to see you're hanging on by a thread!” he snapped.

He then paused, focusing intently on one facet of his new body he was still unsure of—one small detail of control he needed to resolve. He knit his brows together and tightened his fists as the wind began to pick up, swirling around him with increasing intensity. With a roar and a surge of power that rippled upwards from his feet, he ascended to Super Saiyan. He felt a sense of relief, knowing he could achieve this form despite Zamasu's half and its inherent ignorance of such transformations. His spiky hair stood at attention, transforming into a deep blue-violet, while his eyes shifted to a piercing shade of cobalt. His gaze wandered upward, taking in the changes with deep admiration of his appearance: Goku’s Super Saiyan Blue, enhanced and refined by the divine chi he shared with Zamasu.

A powerful shockwave of energy swelled and then erupted from Zamoku, blasting outward and feeding the black hole above with the remnants of the destroyed ground. The fused Zamasu bent down to his knees and shielded his eyes with his arms, forming a X-shape to protect himself from the intense blast. The sheer force of Zamoku's transformation shook the battlefield, sending tremors through the air.

As the dust settled, Zamoku stood ready to confront his corrupted counterpart, his body radiating raw power with intermittent snaps of electricity. He assumed a fighter's stance, his eyes locked on Zamasu. Slowly, Zamasu collected himself, the remnants of his dignity pulling him to his feet, prepared to join the fight.

“It’s a shame I won’t get to test my full power against your pathetic, wilting form,” Zamoku sneered, a cold grin spreading across his face. “I doubt I’ll need more than a fraction of my strength to finish you off.”

Zamoku’s pride, a potent mix Goku’s battle-hardened arrogance and Zamasu’s divine superiority, was one of the few traits both members of his being contributed equally. His confidence visibly wafted off of him, and he couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret that there was no audience to witness this epic clash—a spectacle truly worthy of the gods.

The fused Zamasu’s face twisted with jealousy and anger at the sight of the transformation — his eyes burning with a volatile mix of emotions, several timelines in the making. “You think you’re superior?” he snarled with rage, as he suddenly powered up, lunged forward, and began the opening round of their fight by launching a barrage of ill aimed energy blasts at Zamoku.

Zamoku effortlessly deflected the attacks with a purposeful flourish, bordering on showboating. “Careful, you’re getting sloppy,” he taunted. With a swift flick of his wrist, he retaliated with a powerful blast, a blend of Zamasu’s divine energy and Goku’s raw power, creating a spiraling bright yellow beam that sent Zamasu sprawling across the battlefield. Zamasu dug his hands into the ground to stop himself, creating deep crevices as his fingers clawed through the rock

“You may have still have the semblance of power of a God, but you're still tainted by that filthy Saiyan blood!” Zamasu yelled through the clouds of dust that wafted up around, obscuring his vision.

Zamoku walked quietly through the plumes of dirt toward Zamasu, initially appearing as just a shadow slinking through the haze before his full form sliced through the dust. He knelt beside his fellow half-Kai and paused, a puzzled look crossing his face. “Hold on a second," he said, his voice almost amused. "Aren't you tainted by Saiyan blood too? I don’t get it—how come when you do something, it’s divine, but when I do the same thing, it’s wrong?" He shook his head. "The hypocrisy is astounding, I’m so disappointed in myself— you, I mean. You're as much a filthy half mortal hybrid as I am." He looked at his corrupted counterpart and had a second thought. “Well, maybe slightly less now that you’re half whatever that purple stuff is oozing out of you.” Zamoku grimaced as he watched flecks of it lift off Zamasu’s face on the one side, and begin their long ascent into the black hole, while Zamasu stared back silently.

“Don’t touch that substance.” Zamoku heard one of the voices deep in his mind chime in on his last remark, with which he nodded in agreement.

“Finally nothing to say, huh? That’s unusual.” Zamoku shrugged and raised his hand to unleash another powerful blast. "Let's see how divine you feel after this."

Zamasu struggled to his feet, his expression growing more unhinged by the second. “Why are we even here?” he shouted suddenly, his voice cracking with hysteria. “There are hundreds of me across the universe! What purpose does this serve?”

Zamoku stood tall but lowered his hand. It was a fair question. From his counterpart’s perspective, this must feel like nothing but senseless torture, with him as the unlucky target. The purpose is simple,” he replied. “To put an end to the time loop your indiscriminate use of immortality has created in my universe — one that we’re still currently in.” He glanced at the Time Ring on his finger, understanding that his creation wasn't just a random impulse of the universe. This fusion of Zamasu and Goku was meant to happen, fulfilling a cosmic necessity that had happened before, satisfying the Time Ring’s impulse to repeat its own history.

“The longer we linger here, the weaker you become, and the more your linked counterparts are likely being destroyed by Rumsshi as we speak. A divine cleansing is occurring, but it's not the mortals who are being purged—it’s you. The universe is correcting itself, by my hand.” Zamoku glanced again at his ringed finger. He had no real way of knowing when Rumsshi’s task would be complete, but he felt the grip of the Time Ring progressively weakening. It was as if the ring's power was tied to the existence of each Zamasu responsible for its creation, and with every destroyed soul, the count of its enigmatic power diminished by one.

Zamasu, battered and near defeat, absorbed Zamoku’s words and clung to a glimmer of hope. If he could survive this, perhaps the supposed time loop would reset once more, giving him yet another chance to achieve his goals properly. With a sudden, spectacular surge of power, he proclaimed, “I possess something you will never attain! Even if you knew what it was, you couldn’t simply conjure it into existence!”

“Desperation.” Both of Zamoku’s inner voices spoke at once, answering Zamasu’s cryptic statement. He gritted his teeth and prepared for the onslaught.

Desperation fueled Zamasu’s energy — whatever remained of Black’s lingering regrets and rage he channeled into his sinew — as he flew towards the other fusion and launched a vicious attack. He swung a powerful right hook aimed at Zamoku’s jaw, followed by a kick to the side. Zamoku slipped and parried with ease, then countered, their fists and feet clashing in a blur of motion. Zamasu tried a sweeping kick to knock Zamoku off balance, but Zamoku countered with a knee to Zamasu’s midsection, sending him reeling backward. Recovering quickly, Zamasu came back with a spinning backfist, but Zamoku ducked under it, delivering an uppercut that lifted Zamasu off the ground.

As Zamasu righted himself in the air, he charged forward, slicing his energy blade upward and firing a crescent-shaped wave of Ki that flash outwards towards Zamoku, delivering the fusion's first real damage. The force of the attack sent Zamoku staggering backward with a deep bloody magenta colored gash upon his chest where the attack had singed his gi and tore his skin upwards the length of his torso. He grimaced, masking his true pain behind his clenched teeth.

"And I shall smite the wicked and rip into them a chasm of despair," Zamasu yelled as he wielded his blade above and behind his head, ready to strike again.

Trying to hide his shaking hand he was using as a gauze, Zamoku pressed it against his chest to stem the flow of blood and squared back up, ready to fight. "Nice shot. I was wondering what color my blood would be. Thanks for the help," he retorted with a smirk, preparing to launch a Kamehameha.

That’s when he felt it. An unsettling sensation struck him, causing him to pause. Zamasu’s remark about a chasm hit a little too close to home as he felt the union showing its cracks from within. What once felt like two hands clasped tightly together were now being pried apart, their fingers slipping despite desperate efforts to hold on. The firm bond between Goku and Zamasu was weakening. He could feel Goku's half panicking, his fear of being separated from Zamasu’s protective divine chi seeping into Zamoku's essence, manifesting as beads of cold sweat on his olive skin.

"No... not now," he muttered, clenching his fists as he struggled to maintain the fusion. Kusu was right; the fusion wasn't permanent. Deep inside his cells, both Goku and Zamasu were acutely aware of this fact, relieved on some level, but Zamoku had hoped to defeat Zamasu before reaching this point.

Zamoku looked up and locked eyes with Zamasu in a silent, deadly stare. Zamasu raised his hand, gathering a large, pulsing purple ball of energy, the sphere coalescing in his grasp before he hurled it toward Zamoku.

In response, Zamoku clasped his hands together, channeling a brilliant blue and white energy. "Penitence Blast!" he roared, unleashing a powerful beam of divine energy.

The two attacks met in a dazzling explosion of light, channeling the combined power of both Gods and Saiyans. The blue and white blast clashed violently with the purple orb, engulfing the planet in a brilliant spectacle. Both warriors poured their strength into their attacks, the force of their combined might shaking the ground beneath them.

Zamoku gritted his teeth, inputting every ounce of his strength into the attack. Sweat poured down his face as he felt the fusion’s instability growing, but he held firm, refusing to back down as he felt the desperate grip of both entities within him trying to stabilize. The blue and white energy of the Penitence Blast intensified, pushing back against Zamasu’s attack.

Zamasu, equally resolute, intensified his own blast, its purple energy swirling with chaotic power. “I am eternal — out of the ashes i will rise again,” he bellowed, his eyes blazing with fury.

With a final, thunderous roar, the two forces reached a critical point. The explosion that followed was immense, a shockwave of energy that seemed to stretch across the sky, tearing through the very fabric of reality. Both warriors were thrown back, their bodies battered and bruised from the impact when they re-emerged from their collective piles of rubble.

Zamoku struggled to his feet, breathing heavily. He looked across the battlefield at Zamasu, who was equally damaged but still defiant and also stumbling up, preparing to continue the fight. Zamoku readied himself for another attack when he felt a sharp crack on his finger. Glancing down, he saw the Time Ring beginning to fracture. Its normally impenetrable metallic substance showed tiny fissures throughout. Zamoku’s blue eyes followed a few small broken pieces as they snapped away and drifted upwards, feeding the black hole. His eyes widened suddenly — the timeline, the loop — was destabilized and falling apart. Zamasu sensed it too, Zamoku noticing his eyes also widening in realization while glancing at his own ring.

Without a moment’s pause, Zamoku surged toward his counterpart with unbridled ferocity. They clashed briefly but fiercely, another few minutes of blurred movements and brutal impacts upon one another. After a critical misstep by Zamasu, Zamoku capitalized on the opening, delivering a forceful side kick to his back that sent him sprawling to the dusty ground. Zamoku followed him down and planted his boot firmly on Zamasu’s back, pinning him to the ground. His other foot then came down hard on Zamasu’s hand, which was grotesquely entwined in the clutch of the twisted purple Ebonshade that had wound around his fingers, eliciting a sharp cry of agony from the Kai as the bones beneath gave way, cracking distinctly.

At first, Zamoku scoffed as he gazed down at the helpless Kai beneath him—how far the mighty kept falling; however, another emotion unexpectedly washed over him—pity, mingled with a deep, aching wish that things had turned out differently for him, for everyone. The sight of the fallen God, once so formidable, now reduced to a pitiful state, stirred something within Zamoku. He couldn’t help but wonder about the paths not taken and the fates that might have been kinder if better roads were tread.

This sudden wave of compassion left him momentarily conflicted, torn between his triumph and an unbearable sense of sorrow. He struggled to discern which half of his fusion harbored each of these sentiments, finding it impossible to untangle these conflicting emotions to better make sense of them. Perhaps each feeling was valid for everyone involved at different moments.

He shook his head to dissipate the confusion, then reached down to slip Zamasu’s ring from his trapped hand, still pinned under his boot. As he did so, the fallen God grimaced in pain. Holding the rings in his palm, Zamoku observed them closely—each fashioned from delicate threads of time, woven by the immortality that commanded them. With every Zamasu that fell, though, a thread unraveled, stripping away their once formidable power and leaving behind only fragile remnants, their former glory reduced to brittle echoes of a repeated past.

"A timeline erased, just like before," Zamoku declared, gripping both rings in his hand. He channeled his energy, heating them until they crumbled to ash. As he wiped his hands together, letting the ash float up into the sky, he realized he needn’t dispose of Zamasu himself. In this moment, he was acting as Zeno, obliterating a timeline and fulfilling the time loop by destroying the Time Rings. He was certain that all facets of that timeline, including Zamasu, would be annihilated along with it. The ash dispersed into the air, becoming nothing more than a faint memory, just another morsel for the black void above.

As anticipated, Zamasu's body began to crack and disintegrate, the divine energy that held him together unraveling. "You think this is the end?" he hissed, his voice trembling with fear. "I am immortal!” His eyes blazed with a manic intensity, even as his form continued to break apart, pieces of his once-powerful body dissolving into the void. "I will return! I always return!" he screamed, his words growing fainter as his existence was stripped away, leaving only echoes of his stubborn defiance in the empty air.

Chapter Text

7th Universe - present timeline 

“Go! Go!” King Kai punched his fist in the air, cheering wildly as his cryptid clashed ferociously against Hanakotoba’s own abomination. A ring of spectators, including the other directional Kai of the 7th Universe, Bubbles, and Gregory, surrounded them, each rallying behind their chosen competitor. Bets were whispered among the onlookers, their eyes shifting with excitement and anticipation.

This was more than just a game; it was an illicit obsession that had taken root among the directional Kai, taught to them by Hana one bored evening. She had learned it in secret from the eccentric retired East Kai of the 10th Universe, Itazura, before he stepped down and Kasai took over.

Zamasu would never approve of such a game in his universe, viewing it as a gross misappropriation of their roles as Gods of Creation; however, here in the 7th Universe, Hana quickly realized that Shin was a bit of a pushover and felt little concern for any retribution he might attempt. Moreover, she suspected that the Elder Kai here, with his mischievous streak, would most likely join in the game if given the chance, so she had little to fear when she propositioned King Kai for a little fun. The thrill of their secret battles, the excitement of creation and destruction, and the allure of winning red stones for respite or access to each others cars and motorcycles, quickly made the game an irresistible diversion from their divine duties.

West Kai adjusted his monocle and leaned in with a sly grin. “Come on, is that the best you’ve got?” he yelled in King Kai’s face. “Your fighter is worse than your jokes! I bet three stones on you!” He slapped King Kai on the back, causing the latter to stagger slightly. “Make a move!”

King Kai frowned, adjusting his own glasses in frustration as he watched the fierce battle unfolding before him. His cryptid, a hulking beast with scales glistening in the bright sunlight, was struggling against Hana’s more agile creation. “Don’t count me out! We’re just getting warmed up!” He shoved the West Kai back to move him out of his personal space.

East Kai chuckled softly, smoothing her hair under her wide-brimmed hat. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she took a delicate sip of tea from a fine porcelain cup. “You men always side with each other, even when there’s clearly an advantage to betting on us ladies,” she remarked with playful sarcasm. She nudged Hana gently, pointing to an opening that Hana’s cryptid, a sleek, serpentine creature with iridescent wings, could exploit. “I can’t wait to see the look on your face when those stones are in my pocket and your car is parked next to my bike!”

“Over my dead body you old hag!” King Kai flushed as he shot up and spat at the East Kai. 

His outburst triggered a brief moment of silence before a chorus of uproarious laughter erupted from everyone present, their loud mirth echoing through his small planet. Hana, deep in concentration, suddenly looked up, startled by the loud noise.

“Too late for that!” South Kai guffawed, wiping tears from under his glasses. The ongoing joke about King Kai being dead was a well-worn favorite among the lower Kai here, though Hana remained oblivious to its origins and significance.

Bubbles chattered excitedly, jumping up and down while clinging to King Kai’s shoulder. Gregory, hovering nearby, buzzed around Hana, occasionally glancing at the battle with his keen eyes and wings beating rapidly in anticipation.

Hana’s eyes narrowed as she refocused on the battlefield, her cryptid poised to strike. The sleek, serpentine creature coiled, muscles tensed. With a swift, graceful motion, it darted forward, aiming for the vulnerable spot East Kai had indicated.

Just as the attack was about to land, West Kai’s monocle gleamed in the sunlight, and he raised a hand and pointed it at South Kai, who, not betting this round, was acting as referee. “Hold on a moment! That’s an illegal move!”

Everyone murmured in surprise as Hana froze her cryptid in mid-strike, retreating slightly. She shot East Kai an annoyed look. The hefty Kai frowned but shrugged, accepting the call. "Was worth the risk if you ask me, dear," she quipped, now sipping a tropical looking drink through a straw.

King Kai’s face lifted with a mix of relief and opportunity. “Well, well! Looks like I get a chance to roll now!” He snubbed Hana as he reached into his robes, pulling out a small, intricately carved dice set, a smirk forming on his noseless face.

He rolled the dice with a flourish, watching as they clattered across the ground, the symbols and numbers in the ancient language of the Kai dancing in the light. The dice came to a stop, revealing a novel combination.

“Yes!” King Kai exclaimed as he processed the result, his face lighting up with glee. He jumped into the air and shook Bubbles with excitement. His cryptid, already a hulking beast, began to morph and shift. New, fearsome features emerged: razor-sharp talons extended from its paws, and a pair of menacing, curved horns sprouted from its head. Its eyes glowed with an ominous red hue, and it let out a bone-chilling roar that reverberated through their small makeshift arena.

“Now, let’s see how the 10th Universe handles this!” King Kai taunted his counterpart North Kai, pointing his finger in her face. His cryptid, now armed with its new fearsome features, charged forward with renewed vigor, ready to turn the tide of the battle.

Hana wrinkled her nose but remained undeterred. She tightened her focus, her eyes locked on the approaching beast as she nodded at her cryptid to begin its defensive strategy. Her serpentine creature coiled and tensed, preparing for the renewed onslaught.

Suddenly, the air around them rippled with the sense of incoming power and gave way to an ear-splitting crackle. In an instant, Zamasu, Goku, Shin, and Elder Kai—flanked by Beerus and Whis—appeared in the midst of the makeshift battlefield. The spectators froze, their faces paling as they recognized the unexpected visitors. Panic suddenly spread like wildfire as the Kai scrambled to hide any evidence of their illegal game.

Hana’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched Zamasu scan the scene, trying to discern his level of anger from his expression. She then looked at Shin and the Destroyer, Beerus—realizing she had grossly underestimated Shin’s capacity for retribution. Wanting to be proactive, she quickly fell to her knees, throwing herself at both Shin and Zamasu’s feet as the other Kai hurriedly cleaned up the area.

Her voice shook with fear. “Please, forgive me, Supreme Kai!” She shifted her gaze between the two Gods above her, desperate to show respect to both. “It wasn’t their idea, it was mine,” she pleaded, her eyes filled with genuine remorse. She turned her gaze to Zamasu. “I know you said not to make a spectacle of myself, Sir, I’m sorry. I meant no harm. I just wanted to have some fun.”

Hana lowered her head again and noticed two Time Rings—one silver and one emerald—upon Zamasu’s hand. She swallowed a lump in her throat. The other Kai looked on nervously as they finished tidying up the remnants of their game, discreetly destroying everything, including the cryptid themselves. The once lively and chaotic scene had fallen into a tense, anxious silence.

Zamasu and Shin exchanged a worried glance, their expressions more troubled than angry. Zamasu’s eyes flickered with unease as he looked back at Hana. “Hanakotoba — your game is the least of our concerns right now,” he said, his voice unexpectedly gentle.

Hana looked up, confusion mingling with her fear. “What do you mean?” she asked shakily, still kneeling.

Shin stepped forward. “I’m sorry but there’s a much bigger problem at hand,” he said, his voice serious but tender.

Elder Kai, Beerus, and Whis exchanged looks, their expressions grave. Goku, furrowed his brow, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with concern. He wanted to say something but was struggling to find the words.

Hana, still on her knees, glanced around at the assembled Gods, her heart racing.

……….

A day or so (relative space time) before 

Zamoku kicked away a collection of rocks near a decaying tree and rummaged through the pile to find his chi tracking device, hidden by his Supreme Kai half before the fight. He inspected it for damage and, with a heavy sigh of relief at its pristine condition, tried to release the battle-worn pain and sadness that had settled deep in his chest. It was finally time to go — and though it had been an intriguing and fleeting moment of consciousness, Zamoku wouldn’t mind if his contributors chose to defuse soon and let him go.

With a final look at the condemned planet and the lingering evidence of the clash that had occurred—soon to be wiped away as the black hole swallowed its remains—Zamoku pressed a small button on the side of the device, linking his Chi to its last known location. The device hummed to life, and in an instant, he was transmitted away, leaving the desolate battlefield behind.

…………

10th Universe - alt timeline 

Aoume paced restlessly back on the Sacred World. Rumsshi had returned ages ago, claiming victory over purging the Universe of its rogue Zamasu and immortality contagion—albeit with several planets destroyed in the process—but the Supreme Kai and Goku had yet to return. Rumsshi’s success meant their success, so where were they?

The South Kai paused and gazed out at the vast horizon. The quiet stillness of the Supreme Kai’s sacred planet was always breathtaking, with its unique beauty and serene, moonlit landscapes stretching out as far as the eye could see. The golden hues of the sky and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze offered a sense of peace that was almost surreal, unlike anything found elsewhere in the vast cosmos.

While he appreciated the trust Zamasu had placed in him to act as Supreme Kai, there was a longing in his heart for things to return to normal. He was eager for Zamasu, the true guardian, to return and resume his rightful place. There was an imbalance that was acutely present while he was indisposed.

With these thoughts weighing on his mind, he turned to head back to the Temple to continue his vigil. Just as he began to walk, he felt a sudden disturbance. Glancing over his shoulder, he tried to identify the incoming chi. It felt familiar in parts, yet as a whole, it was unsettlingly unknown.

In an instant, Zamoku transmitted in, touching his feet gracefully on the ground with a frightened Kawaru draped around his shoulders, the rodent's long bushy tail wrapped around his neck. Aoume lifted his glasses in awe as he took in the battle worn image of the half-Kai in front of him. The imposter’s presence was powerful and imposing, and although the South Kai suspected what he was observing, he still took a cautious step back — to see a Potara fusion in person was always overwhelming.

Kawaru hissed in fear and scampered up to Zamoku’s head, parting his dark grey hair as he settled on top. Zamoku reached up and gently grabbed the Curios by the scruff of his neck, holding him outwards before materializing a biscuit. He offered the treat to Kawaru, who accepted it gratefully. The rodent then squirmed out of Zamoku’s grip and darted away, disappearing into the nearby foliage.

Zamoku, sensing Aoume’s shock, gave a slight nod. "Hello, South Kai," he said, his voice a blend of the two beings within him, making Aoume gasp softly. "Thank you for taking care of everything here."

Aoume stepped forward, still grappling with what was displayed before him. "What happened out there?" he asked, not knowing what else to say, and then quickly added, "everything here has been taken care of according to plan, in case you were wondering." He was sure what he was looking at now, and felt special to witness the fusion of Goku and and the Supreme Kai before anyone else.

Zamoku went to reply when he felt it again—a sudden, intense instability in his fusion. Now that he was back in a stable temporal sphere, the ancient Potaras were demanding a reset. The clasped hands within him finally let go, their fingers slipping entirely from one another.

A violent tremor surged through his body, causing him to stagger. His form flickered and warped, the distinct energies and molecules of Goku and Zamasu ripping apart chaotically within him. The air around him snapped as the fusion began to unravel.

A blinding light enveloped Zamoku, and a shockwave of energy burst outward, forcing the South Kai to shield his eyes. With a deafening roar, the fusion began to violently split apart with both contributors suddenly partially emerging. In an instant, Goku's hand was palmed against Zamasu’s face while Zamasu's hand clasped tightly around the Saiyan’s neck. Both strained, their muscles tensed as they pushed away from one another.

With a final fierce effort, Zamasu curled his foot, which had just regained independence, up to Goku’s torso and delivered a violent push, sending them both flying in opposite directions. They crashed to the ground with bone-jarring force, the impact creating deep craters beneath them.

Goku groaned as he held his head in his hand, his other arm shaking as he struggled to push himself up. Nearby, Zamasu lay sprawled on his back, his eyes burning with a mix of fury and exhaustion. With a trembling hand, he tore the black Potara earring from his ear, thinking to himself, never again. In his mind, the violent ripping apart of the fusion was only marginally less painful than its formation. The ground around them was scarred and smoking from the fission process, the imposing figure of Zamoku now gone, leaving behind the two visibly drained and disoriented warriors, both struggling to regain their bearings in the aftermath of their fusion’s collapse.

The South Kai immediately ran to the Supreme Kai to assist him, while Goku, already managing to get to his feet, moved to do the same. Zamasu waved both of them off, rolling to his side and struggling to sit up, his face a mask of pain and what looked like humiliation. He avoided everyone’s gaze, his eyes fixed on the ground.

Nobody spoke, until a distant voice broke the stillness—Kosu’s—carrying towards them through the charged air.

“Is everyone alright?” Kosu called out loudly as he hurried toward the group. He was certain he had just seen a strange-looking Kai among them, but upon closer inspection, he realized it was just Zamasu and the Saiyan. His mind must have been playing tricks on him.

Aoume gently placed a hand on Zamasu’s shoulder, offering support. “Take it easy Sir,” he murmured with concern.

Kosu’s footsteps quickened as he approached, with the East Kai close behind, his eyes scanning the scene for any signs of serious injury. Goku was already on his feet, albeit unsteady, while Zamasu sat apart from them, still avoiding everyone’s gaze.

He knelt beside the Supreme Kai, who was visibly struggling to compose himself. “Zamasu —are you alright?” Kosu’s voice was unusually soft, his typical sarcasm absent, replaced by genuine concern for his old friend.

Zamasu nodded slowly, still not meeting anyone’s eyes. “Yes, I’m fine,” he muttered, his voice holding a hint of bitterness. “I just require a moment.”

Kosu then turned to Goku. “What happened out there?”

Goku took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he began to recount everything that had transpired since their sudden departure. He tried to keep voice steady despite the exhaustion that was beginning to settle deep in his bones.

Kosu listened intently, his eyes shifting back to Zamasu, who was slowly starting to rise to his feet. “Hold up -“ he said cutting Goku suddenly off. He knew he saw a strange looking Kai just moments ago. “You two fused? Zamasu — that Zamasu right there — agreed to fuse with you?”

Everyone turned toward Zamasu, who was now facing them, his face burning with embarrassment as Goku recounted their exploits.

“Yup!” Goku confirmed, trying to keep his tone neutral in light of Zamasu’s stern expression. “He saved my life and allowed us to further weaken the other uh, Zamasu, which probably made Rumsshi’s job a piece of cake.”

As soon as the word "cake" left his mouth, Goku’s stomach gave an audible rumble, reminding him just how starved he was. He hadn’t eaten since before the battle, and now the thought of food made his hunger impossible to ignore. Goku grabbed his stomach, grinning as he realized just how much he could eat right now.

Kosu’s eyes widened in surprise. “I never thought I’d see the day. Zamasu, you actually agreed to a fusion with a mortal?”

Zamasu crossed his arms, his eyes closed defiantly. The tension in his posture a clear indication of his pride wrestling with the reality of what he had just endured. “A necessary course of action,” he replied tersely. “Our fusion was the only way to deal with this threat effectively and definitively.” The words came out sharp, as though they were difficult for him to utter, each a reminder of the humility he had been forced to embrace.

Aoume, Kosu, and Kasai exchanged glances. They knew how much he detested mortals, how deeply ingrained his disdain for them was. To fuse with one, to rely on a mortal to save their universe, was an unimaginable step for Zamasu—a humbling act that must have torn at the very core of his beliefs.

Almost in unison, they stepped forward and bowed deeply to him, their movements slow and deliberate, to ensure he understood it was a gesture of profound respect on their part. They subtly nudged Goku to do the same, understanding that for Zamasu, this was more than just a battle—it was a complete surrender of his most deeply held convictions for the sake of the universe he swore to protect.

Zamasu, taken aback, finally opened his eyes and stared at them in silence for a moment, clearly not expecting such a heartfelt expression of gratitude. His stern expression softened slightly, and not knowing what else to do, gave a small, almost imperceptible nod in acknowledgment in return.

When the moment had passed, Goku moved to stand beside Zamasu, a sense of pride evident in his close stance to the Supreme Kai—a proximity that was no longer met with hostility. “Well, like he said, we just did what had to be done. All in a day’s work, right Supreme Kai?” Goku hesitated for a moment as he tried to gauge Zamasu’s reaction. “You know — you trusted me to do my part, and now I’m hoping you can do one more thing for me.”

Zamasu flicked his gaze toward Goku out of the corner of his eye.

With a sheepish grin and his signature nervous head scratch, Goku added, “Any chance you could whip up something to eat again? I’m starving over here!”

Zamasu’s stern expression didn’t budge at first, but then amusement crossed his eyes as Goku’s stomach gave a loud, perfectly-timed rumble. He was still grappling with the unfamiliar sensation of gratitude from his peers and feeling their expectant stares, as he met Goku’s eyes. “Mortal, are you serious? You’ve exhausted my patience, overstayed your welcome, and squandered all your graces,” he said with his usual severity. “The next time you indulge in a meal, it will be in your own universe.”

Goku’s hopeful expression faltered, and the other Kai exchanged disappointed glances. Kosu, unable to hold back, blurted out, “Seriously Zamasu! After everything you’ve  been through?”

A rare smile crept across Zamasu’s face, revealing the jest beneath his words. The sudden shift in his demeanor caught them all off guard, and before anyone could respond, he continued, “HOWEVER—” he rounded a hard glance at Kosu, “—I suppose one final meal won’t bring about the end of the cosmos.”

With a graceful motion, Zamasu materialized a cup of tea for himself, lifting it to his lips and taking a slow sip as if savoring the moment. But as the warm liquid touched his tongue, he was unsettled to find it did not satisfy him as it usually did. A strange sensation instead held a grip on him—something foreign, something… mortal. He craved food, he realized with silent alarm, and it was a need that went beyond the sustenance he typically required after a lot of exertion.

He tried to dismiss the sensation, but a faint growl from his stomach betrayed him. He paused, the unfamiliar feeling still lingering, and with a hint of irritation, he addressed the group. “Consider it my final act of charity before we say goodbye,” he said while turning to lead the way, all the while grappling with the strange, unfamiliar demands of this new physiological phenomenon.

…………

7th Universe- present timeline 

“I’m afraid you’ll have to come with me, Kai,” Beerus said, trying to inject a hint of pity into his usually steely tone. What was about to transpire was just another day on the job for him; however, the specifics of this assignment felt grossly unfair. It was never pleasant to destroy a fellow deity, and he reluctantly experienced an unusual twinge of remorse, especially considering it was yet another mess caused by Zamasu that he had to clean up. Beerus had briefly considered just destroying him too—again—but he knew the consequences of eliminating an innocent Supreme Kai would be swift and severe.

“For a game of Cryptid Clash!?” Hana shrieked, leaping to her feet in disbelief. She looked desperately at both Supreme Kai, unable to process how their presence could be about anything other than her undignified actions, as her eyes searched for answers in their faces. Her crime seemed disproportionate to the punishment she was facing, leaving her bewildered and afraid.

Shin slapped his hands over his eyes in exasperation. Leave it to Beerus to immediately go over he and Zamasu’s heads and provide literally no context at all to his ominous presence and threat.

Zamasu regarded Hana with a somber expression. This was the one lesson no Supreme Kai training could ever prepare him for. He glanced briefly at Shin, half hoping he would step in and explain to Hana what was about to happen and why—after all, it was his God of Destruction and his universe. But when the silence stretched on and Hana’s dark pleading eyes settled solely on him, Zamasu realized the burden was his alone to bear.

He felt ill at the thought of the impending conversation—how does one possibly deliver the most devastating news of their existence? That they were about to be erased from the cosmic record? Words failed him as he grappled with the enormity of what he had to convey to Hana, knowing that no gesture or manner of speech in all the cosmos could soften the blow. The weight of the stares from his fellow Gods only deepened the tension in this vulnerable moment, making the task feel even more insurmountable.

As he twisted the emerald Time Ring upon his finger, its rhythmic electrical pulsing offered a small measure of comfort, but it did little to alleviate the guilt he felt. With each passing second it was if he was betraying Hana’s trust yet again  —trust she had placed in him as her Supreme Kai. For the first time, despite everything he had sacrificed personally to save his universe, he questioned whether he was truly worthy of his position and if he had genuinely fulfilled his role as a guardian of life—especially now, with the growing concern of his tainted divinity.

……….

10th Universe- alt timeline  

The realization that something was irreparably wrong happened during the second feast he had prepared for the Saiyan, shortly after they defused.

Determined to surpass his earlier efforts, especially now as he was also craving his own creations, Zamasu crafted each dish into a culinary masterpiece, each one a reflection of a part of the cosmos they had fought to protect. The fruits were so vibrant they shimmered with the colors of nebulae, as though they had captured the very essence of primitive stars within their delicate skins. The savory dishes radiated a warmth as deep as distant suns, with colors that mirrored the swirling patterns of gaseous planets. The drinks were frothy and effervescent, reminiscent of turbulent oceans that were the harbringers of life in every galaxy.

Zamasu admired his work before giving the signal to begin eating, hoping everyone would recognize his artistry and that each dish was a tribute to the universe they had just saved, a celebration of its infinite beauty and complexity. Goku though, fully in his element, eagerly and obliviously devoured everything within reach, a look of pure contentment on his face—a fitting reward for his efforts that had brought them victory.

Merrily, as he ate, Goku talked, recounting more details of his and Zamasu’s fusion and their fight with an almost childlike enthusiasm. He spoke of the raw power they had wielded, the strange independent yet unified cooperation of their thoughts, and how, for a brief moment, they had truly understood one another—at least in his opinion.

As Goku excitedly chatted away, sharing every other bite of his food with Kawaru who was perched excitedly on his shoulder, Zamasu listened in silence, nursing a glass of Stellar Elixir—one of the few divine drinks potent enough to inebriate a God. The liquid glowed with a cosmic shimmer, its red, orange, and yellow convective layers swirling like a galaxy inside a glass.

For the first time in his existence, Zamasu allowed himself to indulge in what he had always considered banal mortal necessities, experiencing them on a new and profound level. The food and drink, once mere sustenance to him, now brought an unexpected wave of satisfaction, even pleasure.

Each bite awakened sensations he had never truly appreciated before—the warmth of the drink coursing through his veins, the rich flavors of the food dancing on his tongue, and the gradual relaxation of his body under their combined influence. It was intoxicating, both the experience and the sensations, and he found himself surrendering to it, much to his surprise.

He leaned back slightly, feeling a strange acceptance settling within him, and suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to speak. Clearing his throat to interrupt Goku, he silenced the table, his grip on the glass loosening as he began. “Perhaps, Son Goku — the cosmos have indeed deemed us equals, at least for this moment in time.”

The admission was as unexpected to him as it was to those around him. He noticed the stunned silence, the hanging mouths of everyone now focused on him. But he couldn’t stop; the words flowed unbidden. “For now and for the foreseeable future, I will honor this connection, and through it, I will extend the respect you have shown me in aiding the Tenth Universe, to all mortals.”

The very fabric of the universe had brought them together, and in this moment, he could not deny the significance of that bond. He took another sip of the elixir, the warmth spreading further under his skin, whispering further encouragement of this newfound perspective. His words felt liberating, as if the universe itself was proud of him for finally embracing a truth that had been there all along.

As soon as he finished speaking, and the moment of disbelief had passed, the table buzzed with astonishment. Rumsshi, wide-eyed, leaned forward, his booming voice cutting through the stunned silence. "WHAT?"

Goku, grinning in his own euphoria from ear to ear with a mouth full of food, leaned over and gave Zamasu a friendly nudge. “Aww, thanks! That means a lot coming from you!”

Meanwhile, Kosu, barely stifling a laugh, leaned in and whispered to the others, “Don’t get too excited. Zamasu’s never been drunk before. He’ll probably forget all of this the moment he sobers up.” He couldn’t help but wish his sister were here to witness this—no words would ever do justice to the absurdity of the moment when he finally got the chance to tell her.

As the group continued to exchange their amused glances, the tension in the room eased as they watched Zamasu, who, for the first time, seemed genuinely relaxed—if only temporarily.

Zamasu noticed their glances but simply smiled and let out a loud sigh of satisfaction, indulging in the moment. Yet, as the immediate pleasure began to fade, a troubling realization crept in. The sensations he had experienced—the overwhelming connection to mortal necessities —now felt unsettling and alien. The surrender that had seemed so captivating just moments ago now left him feeling uneasy.

He began to fear that what he initially brushed off as just a temporary effect of the fusion might actually be permanent; like a stain on his divinity that could never be washed away.

The thought horrified him. What had he let himself become? Had the fusion with Goku tainted him with mortal characteristics irreversibly? The idea that his godhood had been compromised made him a bit queasy and suddenly, the feast, the company, even the conversation felt unbearable.

Without a word, Zamasu stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the rocks underneath as he pushed it back. Goku looked up, surprised, mid-bite, but before he could say anything, Zamasu caught his gaze and spoke quietly to him, sounding slightly strained but sober. “This visit has gone on long enough, mortal. It’s time for you to return to your universe.” He turned sharply and transmitted out in a snap as he retreated to the Temple. He needed to retrieve his own Time Ring from this universe to escort the Saiyan back to his rightful place in space-time. 

As Zamasu made his way quietly through the dim corridors, he felt an increasing sense of urgency. He knew he couldn’t delay any longer; Goku had to go, and with him, Zamasu hoped, the lingering remnants of their fusion. These small imprints on his genetics  threatened to erode what was left of his divine nature, a possibility that filled him with dread. He could only hope that by sending Goku back, he might also reclaim the purity of his existence.

Zamasu moved swiftly through the temple's labyrinthine corridors until he reached a small, unassuming room. The door creaked open to reveal what appeared to be a vast archive—a room that stretched farther than the eye could see, filled with countless drawers resembling an ancient card catalog. Each drawer was meticulously labeled with cryptic symbols, representing the countless artifacts and records held within.

He stepped inside, his footsteps echoing in the stillness. The air smelled of aged parchment and a faint, otherworldly energy that seemed to hum just below the surface, as it did in all of the sacred rooms. Zamasu scanned the rows of drawers with practiced ease, his eyes settling on one marked with a sigil only a Supreme Kai could decipher. With a smooth motion, he pulled open the drawer, revealing a small, intricately carved box nestled within.

Zamasu carefully lifted the box from its resting place, feeling the familiar pulse of the Time Ring contained within. The drawer closed behind him with a soft click as he held the box close. He untied the decorative sash wound around it—a formality, given that no one but him could open it anyway — but as he removed the lid, his breath caught in his throat. The light in the room reflected off the emerald sheen of the second ring inside. It couldn’t be, not after all he endured. The realization struck him like a hard blow to the gut as he stared at the green Time Ring—the deviant time loop persisted, and their efforts hadn’t erased it completely. Somewhere, someone still carried immortality, keeping his universe precariously balanced on the edge of erasure.

…………

7th Universe- present timeline  

"You must be destroyed," Zamasu declared, his voice as calm as he could manage, attempting a measured bedside manner to inspire courage for the terrible news he had to deliver. He had explained this to Hanakotoba several times already, but her denial, driven by fear, was a potent force that kept her clinging to false hope. "It’s the only way to safeguard the cosmos. There is no other choice." He added, his words carried off by the stiff sea breeze, barely registering with Hana as she continued to stare out at the horizon, refusing to acknowledge either him or the reality before her.

Zamasu kept his distance, staring at the former North Kai, who sat at the water's edge on a quiet beach. The night was illuminated by a full moon, casting a silvery glow across the dark, restless ocean. The deep waters, vast and intimidating, reflected the scattered fragments of starlight that dotted the sky above, creating a messy yet beautiful reflection in the water below. Hana’s silhouette was outlined by the moon’s soft light, the waves occasionally reaching her as the tide crept in. The scene was serene, save the Supreme Kai’s words casting a shadow over the dark beauty of the moment.

"Can’t Rumsshi do it?” Hana’s voice finally wobbled softly after a prolonged silence, her first admission of her fate since learning the truth. She glared at Beerus’ small shadowed  silhouette in the distance and dug her hands into the cool beach sand where she sat. Her body’s encounter with immortality had permanently marked her as a temporal anchor and with it the existence of a second Time Ring indicative of its persistent contamination of their universe. This truth was overwhelming for Hanakotoba — she felt like a dirty grease rag steeped in the profound unfairness of her fate. What followed after her initial debriefing on King Kai’s planet had been nothing short of desperate and unbefitting of a God in response. She knew there was nowhere to run, yet instinctively, she fled—driven by a primal need to escape the inescapable.

Zamasu stepped back as another wave crashed ashore, his expression tightening with irritation. The relentless tide kept encroaching on the spot where Hana had chosen to sit, the water continually licking at her boots, dampening the hem of her skirt, and soaking into her pants. Much like when his room enchantment had read her heart, he watched with curiosity, wondering why, of all places, she had picked this spot for what could be her final moments.

But as he watched her sitting there, vulnerable and lost, he couldn’t help but reflect on the futility of it all—how this small, seemingly insignificant act of defiance was all she had left in the face of the inevitable. With a heavy sigh, he decided to join her; it felt like the least he could do, the smallest kindness he could offer in such a moment. He sat down beside her, the wet sand yielding under his weight as he moved closer.

As he settled beside her, Zamasu became acutely aware of his newfound mortal sensitivities—the salty tang of the sea air filling his lungs, the rhythmic crashing of the waves, their icy touch like small knives jolting his nerves awake, and the cool breeze brushing against his skin, carrying the earthy scent of seaweed and damp sand. These were ordinary, almost trivial things he would have once dismissed, but now they felt vivid, brimming with their own significance.

These small, mundane experiences, once beneath the notice of a God, now brought the universe to life in a way he had never imagined. It was as if the cosmos  had suddenly revealed its hidden beauty, a richness that his divine nature had ironically always denied him. In this moment, he realized that while Gods held great power, they were also robbed of these simple, fleeting pleasures that made the mortal lives so vibrantly alive. The very sensations that had once seemed insignificant now filled him with a deep, bittersweet understanding of the universe he had sought to protect, making this moment—despite its sorrow—all the more meaningful.

“You know as well as I do that’s out of the question,” he finally answered her, his voice low, holding back a sadness he rarely allowed himself to feel. “Venturing anywhere else, especially to another universe or timeline, is far too dangerous at this point. You’ve become a liability, Hana.” He tried to consider it from her perspective—the comfort of having someone she at least knew carry out her destruction, he could understand that need. Ultimately though, what mattered most was that it was done quickly and efficiently, to finally bring this nightmare to an end. Her comfort was secondary. “As well, Rumsshi holds no dominion here,” he continued, “so inviting him here would only draw unwanted attention to our situation, and that is something we cannot afford.”

She didn’t look up at him, but he could see her hands trembling slightly as she dug them deeper into the sand. “This is your fault, you know,” she murmured, her voice barely audible before being drowned out by the crash of a large wave. As the water receded, she finally caught him in her periphery with a look of quiet accusation.

Zamasu instinctively went to defend himself, but the words caught in his throat. From her point of view, he certainly had played a part, but it felt childish to argue when the outcome was already sealed. What would be the point? He let the suffocating silence remain between them, as Hana’s bitter gaze remained locked on the dark horizon.

Finally, after what felt like hours of silence between them, the tension broke. Hana’s shoulders began to tremble, and before she could stop herself, tears welled up and spilled down her face. Zamasu, who had remained steadfast, unwilling to be the one to break the silence out of respect for Hana’s final moments, felt a pang in his chest. He had resolved not to force her into anything — this moment had to unfold on her terms. She would have to be the one to concede, to reach out, and he would not impose himself upon her.

“I forgive you, though,” she choked out, her voice breaking under the weight of her emotions.

Zamasu simply watched, his heart conflicted. He hadn’t wanted to intrude on her final moments, respecting her need to navigate this on her own terms. But now, faced with her vulnerability, he realized that even in this moment of fragility, she was the one extending grace to him—a grace he felt unworthy of receiving.

She wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand, smearing sand across her wet cheeks in a futile attempt to regain her composure, but the tears continued to fall uncontrollably. “Does… does Kosu know?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. The thought of her brother seemed to twist the knife even deeper. Before Zamasu could respond, she shook her head, her voice trembling. “Never mind, I don’t want to know.” She pulled her knees up to her chest and buried her face in them, retreating further into herself.

Zamasu remained silent. Hana shook her head, her voice growing steadier. “It’s the absolution that’s scary—the erasure from existence. I could handle going to Other World, but this...”

“Destruction is not absolute!” Zamasu interjected with quiet intensity, the words spilling out before he could stop himself. For the first time since his announcement of her situation, he found something he could speak to with certainty, something to offer her a glimmer of hope, however faint it might be.

“It cannot completely erase something from existence,” he continued, “despite the hubris of the Destroyers claiming so.”

Zamasu paused, giving Hana time to absorb  the significance of what he was trying to convey as she continued to hide her face. “Every moment of your existence altered the fabric of the universe, as each photon bounced off your eyes and created ripples of change upon everything you observed, forever imprinted on reality.”

Hana finally lifted her head slightly and stole a glance at him above her arm, peering through the strands of white hair that had fallen across her face, a subtle signal that he had her attention.

“If destruction were truly absolute, every atom that once comprised you, and is now part of something else, would also cease to exist in the moment of your destruction,” he said, then paused, waiting for her response.

Instead of answering, she grasped at the sand once more. Her eyes were downcast, and her hands moved steadily, sifting the dry sand through her fingers like a sieve. The individual grains sparkled like stars, catching the moonlight’s rays as they shimmered and fell. Zamasu watched as the sand slipped through her grasp, wondering if she was processing the importance of what he was trying to convey, or if her mind was lost in the rhythm of the tiny, shimmering particles, forever altered by her touch, proving his point.

“And if this were the case," he continued, his voice filled with solemnity, "the universe would collapse upon itself, unable to withstand such an upheaval; yet, despite millions of years of Destroyers fulfilling their duty, the cosmos endures — so no — destruction is not absolute. You will persist also—in memory, in effect, and in the essence of the universe that you helped shape with your very gaze."

Hana finally turned towards him, quiet tears still streaking down.

Zamasu spoke softly, his words carrying a gentle reassurance. “We are all entangled with the cosmos—essential, enduring, and forever in plain sight, everywhere, all the time.”

Hana felt a deep swell of gratitude for Zamasu’s kindness and wisdom, but she struggled to find a way to express it that wouldn’t diminish the profound moment they were sharing. She wanted to convey the depth of her gratitude, to show him how much his words meant to her, but finding the right way to do so seemed impossible. They were both Gods, and the usual gestures of appreciation—a touch or an embrace—felt insufficient, almost trivial, as if such simple acts would diminish the sacredness of this moment shared between two deities.

“Supreme Kai, your wisdom abounds in the deepest waters,” Hana whispered after a long pause, letting his words settle within her. “I trust that in your embrace, my memory will find solace—” She lifted her head, letting the breeze carry away her doubts. “—and rise above the waves, never to be consumed by the depths.”

Summoning every last shred of courage, she exhaled slowly. “I’m ready,” she finally declared. She knew she couldn’t let this fleeting surge of bravery slip away. Any hesitation now would allow fear to creep back in, and the thought of Zamasu remembering her as anything less than a resolute Kai—one willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for her universe—was unbearable.

Beerus and Whis approached the pair after Zamasu signaled with a glance that she was ready. Whis extended his hand toward her, his keen eyes catching the slight tremor in her fingers in the dark as she hesitated. In a rare moment of quiet empathy, Zamasu placed his hand gently on her other one still in the sand, a silent gesture of support. The unexpected, unusual warmth of his usually icy Kai touch took Hana by surprise. She glanced down in curiosity, but soon surrendered to its grounding presence, letting herself be comforted instead.

“The pain will be fleeting,” Whis whispered, his voice lilting and reassuring, as if he could sense her unspoken fears. “By the time it truly reaches you, it’s already gone.”

Hana took his hand, drawing in a deep breath as she nodded. With a final glance at the relentless waves, she stood and let herself be gently led away.

Beerus, who had been watching the scene unfold with his usual inscrutable expression, finally spoke. “I’ll make this as quick as I can,” he said, his golden eyes locking onto hers. There was no softness, save for a glimmer of discomfort at the situation. “You’re an unfortunate casualty, and I’m sorry.” He shifted his eyes to the Supreme Kai — still not convinced it shouldn’t be him on the other side of the Hakai.

Hana’s breath caught in her throat, but she nodded. Zamasu’s expression darkened, his regret deepening as he realized how powerless he truly was to protect her from what was to come.

Without waiting to see Zamasu’s reaction, she forced a light-hearted wave, as if this were just a temporary farewell, as if she’d be back soon. Then, with an imperceptible nod, she allowed Whis and Beerus to transport her away.

As Zamasu watched the ripple of residual energy fade, a sudden flash of light signaled Goku’s instant transmission. He appeared, his face etched with an unusual blend of anger and frustration. He took a brief moment to survey the familiar surroundings—Earth—allowing a flicker of relief to ease his lingering homesickness, but the feeling was fleeting, as his gaze quickly hardened, locking onto Zamasu. “Wait!” he shouted, stepping forward aggressively. “This isn’t right! You can’t just let this happen!”

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed, fury blazing within him as he clenched his fists. The Saiyan’s incessant meddling in this situation was the final insult, a grotesque reminder of everything he despised, despite the bridges they had mended working together. “You again, Goku?!” His voice was a seething whisper. “How dare you barge into matters far beyond your pitiful mortal understanding! You have no place here, no right to question the will of the Gods!”

Goku, undeterred by Zamasu’s wrath, met his glare with equal intensity. “Why does it have to come to this though?” he argued as he grabbed Zamasu by his collar and shook him. “No one has to be Destroyed!”

Ever since their fusion had been torn apart, Goku had been troubled by strange whispers, fragments of thoughts and voices tugging at his mind, pulling him in different directions. At first, like the Supreme Kai, he tried to brush them off, dismissing them as remnants of the fusion’s aftermath. But the voices grew clearer — and louder — with time, and he found himself able to focus on their messages with unsettling ease. They spoke of things only a God should know, secrets that no mortal had any business understanding. This was the source of his frustration—why didn’t Zamasu hear them too? Why couldn’t he see that there was another path, one that didn’t involve Destruction? The fact that he, a mere mortal, was hearing these divine whispers while Zamasu, a God, seemed deaf to them, only fueled Goku’s continued confused silence over the matter.

Zamasu’s anger boiled over, his aura flaring as he ripped  Goku’s fingers off his clothes to release him. “You know nothing, Saiyan! This is a matter of divine consequence, far above your petty concerns. You think you can simply waltz into the affairs of Gods and have a say? You’re nothing more than an overstepping fool!”

Goku’s eyes darted to the empty space where he felt and smelled Berrus’ lingering transmission, but he found no words that could change what was already set in motion without possible dire consequences. Zamasu’s fury was unrelenting, his voice now a cold command as he caught Goku’s attention again. “You will stay here —  in your world, Goku, and you will forget this moment. You will never speak of it, never think of it again. Leave now — before I make you!”

Goku hesitated, feeling the heft of the ancient black Potara earring that still hung from his ear, his shoulders sagging in apparent reluctant acceptance of the situation. But his hesitation wasn’t about surrendering to Zamasu’s will; it was rooted in a deeper concern about meddling in matters of divine intelligence.

Goku had managed to survive the scrutiny of the Supreme Kai by proving his worth through combat and cooperation, but when it came to intelligence, he knew he was often the subject of ridicule. The voices wouldn’t stop though, and they were all but yelling at him to remember the real reason the Potara were crafted in the first place billions of years ago — a memory that seemed beyond what Zamasu expected from a mortal like him.

Zamasu had accepted Goku’s strength, willing to learn from him, fuse with him — but this sudden display of insight into a solution so simple, yet one that had eluded Zamasu’s own awareness as the Supreme Kai — could this finally unsettle him enough to push him down the darker path Goku had worked so hard to prevent? The thought of triggering Zamasu’s descent into madness once again chilled him.

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed, satisfied by Goku’s quiet surrender. “Good. Now go,” he commanded, his posture leaving no room for defiance. “Stay out of matters beyond your understanding.”

As Goku turned to leave, he paused, his fingers lightly brushing the Potara earring still dangling from his ear. He noticed that Zamasu had removed his own and, in the chaos of recent events, seemed oblivious to the fact that Goku still wore the other. An idea flickered in Goku’s mind—perhaps he could frame this as a simple observation, revealing nothing of the divine insight he had gained.

“Oh, hey,” Goku started casually, almost as if the thought had just occurred to him. “I’m sure you probably want your Potara back. I’ve gotta say, though, I can’t stand how heavy it feels—like everything’s moving differently for me. It’s like I’m stuck in slow motion or something.”

Zamasu’s expression immediately shifted, the confidence draining from his face as Goku’s words pierced through his composure. His eyes widened and his brow broke out in a sweat in sudden realization, the implications of Goku’s seemingly innocent remark setting off alarms in his mind. Of course—the Potara had been used to force an unstable fusion, but that wasn’t their original purpose or why they were brought to his attention in the first place. They were designed to manage and correct time flux issues for the wearer—something far more crucial to the core of their current dilemma.

Skepticism flared up—this was no mere observation. Goku had been itching to speak since the second Time Ring was discovered, like a little child with his hand painfully raised for minutes, desperate for the teacher’s attention while being deliberately ignored. That initial skepticism quickly gave way to a flash of fury. How could a mere mortal—a Saiyan, no less—recall something so profound that it had slipped past his own notice as the Supreme Kai? Worse still, at the potential cost of another deity’s existence? The thought that Goku might solve this problem with something he, a God, had overlooked was infuriating.

But just as quickly as his anger was directed at Goku, it turned inward. How could he have been so careless, so blind — so quick to choose Destruction? Without warning, Zamasu lunged forward, his hand darting out like a viper. Before Goku could react, Zamasu swiped the Potara earring from his ear, ripping it away with a swift, almost frantic motion.

“Ouch!” Goku yelped, wincing as the earring was torn from his ear. He fought to suppress the hopeful smile forming on his face, not wanting to appear smug—but Zamasu had taken the bait exactly as he had hoped.

For a moment, Zamasu stood there, holding the earring in his trembling hand, his mind racing. The fury he felt at the situation momentarily overshadowed by his growing dread he was too late. He rummaged through his robe with his free hand, desperately searching for the matching earring. The rumors about Beerus’s notorious laziness swirled in his mind, and he found himself hoping they were true. If Beerus was as lax in his duties as was the perception, there might still be time.

Zamasu exhaled sharply, realizing he had been holding his breath, and struggled to steady himself. For a moment, his eyes flicked back to Goku, the source of his turmoil. The sight of the Saiyan stirred a confusing blend of emotions—anger at being outmaneuvered, but also a grudging sense of gratitude that was hard for him to admit. With one last glance, Zamasu gathered his energy and transmitted away, leaving only the faintest trace of his presence behind.

Goku stood there, rubbing his sore ear, a puzzled expression on his face. “Man, he really needs to chill out,” he muttered to himself. He half-hoped that if he’d gained the Kai’s divine antennae and focus from their fusion, maybe, just maybe, Zamasu could have picked up a bit of his laid-back attitude in return—but that was clearly wishful thinking.

With a final deep breath, satisfied with a job well done to the best of his ability, Goku glanced around at the now-empty space where Zamasu had stood. The salty sea air still buzzed with the excitement of what had just transpired, like the charged atmosphere after a storm. Goku felt a deep hope that the deities of alternate Universe 10 might find their own happy ending too—though he realized he might never know for sure. But Zamasu had been right about one thing—it was time to return home. With that thought firmly in mind, Goku gathered his energy, and with a flash, he transmitted away, leaving the cosmic imprints  of the past few days behind

Chapter Text

“Alright, I’m almost finished, but one quick question, Supreme Kai—can I edit my answers after I submit?”

Zamasu’s grey eyes flicked up from the tablet he held, meeting the new North Kai’s green eyed gaze over the top. Though Zamasu’s face remained partially concealed, the shape of his eyes hinted at a subtle smile.

“For a short while, yes,” he replied. “But I would appreciate it if you strive to complete your assessments accurately the first time.”

The newest addition to Universe 10’s Kai ranks nodded and adjusted his black-rimmed glasses a bit up his nose. “Understood, Supreme Kai. I’ll make it a priority to learn the ins and outs of the Northern sector as quickly as possible to ensure that happens.”

A sudden huff came from Kosu’s side of the table at the response.

“Is there something you’d like to add, West Kai?” Zamasu relayed sharply. “We’ve just advanced six positions in rank in the multiverse. I trust you wouldn’t jeopardize our momentum by undermining our newest addition?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Kosu grumbled, lazily tapping away on his device. “New Hana and I are getting along just fine—aren’t we?” He shot a pointed glare at the new Kai sitting next to him.

The new North Kai, Lunaris, stood out with his striking silver skin—true to his namesake—and his poised demeanor. His sharp features and flawless appearance made him hard to ignore. He effortlessly brushed off Kosu’s bait with a nonchalant, “Mm-hm,” while staying focused on his task. Today marked his first official meeting with the other directional Kai, though Zamasu had met with him a few times after his selection from World Core to help him get settled. Each encounter had only reinforced Zamasu’s positive first impression.

Lunaris embodied everything he valued in a Kai—intelligent, even-tempered, punctual, and always impeccably put together. His empathetic nature mirrored Hana’s, but without the emotional outbursts and reckless decisions—quirks that had often concerned and stressed the Supreme Kai. Thus far, Zamasu appreciated Lunaris’s measured approach, finding comfort in the predictability of his judgments and the reliability of his presence.

“I should hope so, Kosumosu. Lunaris has proven himself both capable and insightful, particularly in addressing the recent disputes in the Northern Quadrant—issues that were overlooked due to our recent… drama,” Zamasu continued, his focus firmly on the qualities that made Lunaris an invaluable addition to their circle. “His balanced approach is exactly what we need moving forward, and his arrival couldn’t have been more timely.”

Kosu, who had been struggling to contain his temper, finally snapped, his irritation boiling over as Zamasu purposefully highlighted Lunaris’s strengths, implicitly contrasting them with the disarray left by Hana. He slammed his tablet down, the sharp sound reverberating through the air, causing Aoume and Kasai to look up and finally acknowledge the tension they’d been trying to ignore as their teacups rattled on the table in response.

“It’s all well and good that you’ve found someone so perfect,” Kosu spat as he gestured to Lunaris, who continued to ignore the outburst, “But you haven’t said a single word about Hana since she’s been gone—not about what she brought to the table, her presence, her spirit—none of that seems to matter to you!”

Kosu had not been taking Hana’s absence gracefully, and his refusal to give Lunaris a chance was becoming more apparent with each passing moment.

Zamasu’s eyes flashed with anger as they locked onto Kosu, but before he could respond, Kosu’s frustration boiled over. “I miss her!” he burst out. “She wasn’t just the North Kai, Zamasu—she was more than that, at least to me!”

Kosu looked around the table, hoping someone would step in to support his argument, but he was met only with uncomfortable silence.

“If I may—Kosumosu, is it?” Lunaris finally spoke, setting his tablet down and folding his hands on the table. His tone was calm as he regarded the West Kai, hoping his next words might ease the tension. “Hanakotoba was held in very high regard back on World Core. It might comfort you to know—”

“Stop — no, you may not,” Kosu snapped, cutting him off with a sharp wave of his hand as he stood abruptly, his aura flaring with anger. The thought of this polished, smug, detached Kai going through his sister’s belongings, taking over her home, her planet….it was too much to bear. In a flash, he teleported out of the meeting, leaving the others in stunned silence, and Zamasu shaking his head in frustration.

As the air settled after Kosu’s abrupt departure, Kasai glanced at Lunaris and offered a smile. Having gained confidence after their recent universal dilemma, and feeling slightly emboldened by the presence of someone newer than himself, he spoke up. “Don’t take it personally. You should’ve seen my first day. Kosu’s reaction isn’t about you—he just doesn’t handle change well, and he was very close to the North Kai.”

Noticing the lingering doubt in Lunaris’s troubled expression, Zamasu composed himself and stepped in to clarify. “Hanakotoba and the West Kai are from the same Kaiju tree, bonded in a way that goes beyond mere camaraderie. Their connection runs deep, and Kosu’s attachment is understandable,” he explained, though his underlying fury with Kosu still simmered beneath his skin. He would address Kosu’s behavior later, but for now, Lunaris’s comfort in this situation was paramount. “Kosu will come around, but it may take longer than we’d prefer.”

Lunaris sighed, running a hand through his neatly styled white hair, his vibrant green eyes behind his glasses betraying his discomfort. He wasn’t one for drama; he prided himself on doing a good job and maintaining control over his emotions in all situations, and this situation with Kosu unsettled him more than he cared to admit. This wasn’t how he envisioned his first meeting with the other directional Kai, even though he had been briefed on the unfortunate circumstances that had left his position vacant.

As he adjusted his glasses again, his handsome, composed features seemed almost out of place amid the cluttered tea sets on the table — mismatched cups, teapots, and glassware — added to the tension-filled atmosphere of the meeting. “I don’t want to be the cause of any discord,” Lunaris finally said. “I’m here to fulfill my duties, not to create conflict.”

Zamasu nodded and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Your presence here as the new North Kai is welcomed. Understand that Kosu’s anger is not a reflection of your abilities. You’ve already proven yourself to be a valuable addition to our circle, and I trust you’ll continue to navigate these challenges with the same skill you’ve demonstrated thus far. Focus on your duties, and the rest will fall into place.” He folded his arms, his gaze sweeping over the group. “That goes for all of you. We’ve made progress, but we’re still a few steps away from where we need to be.”

With that, Zamasu took a step back from the table, his gaze briefly lingering on Kosu’s now-empty spot. Kosu’s words bothered him—not because they were true, but because that was the perception. The idea that he didn’t care about the former North Kai was far from accurate, and it reminded him of a meeting he had been avoiding—one that was now unavoidable, especially in light of Kosu’s antics.

Turning his attention to Aoume, he said, “South Kai, I’m leaving you in charge to oversee the remainder of this meeting. Something requires my immediate attention elsewhere.”

Aoume nodded, his expression serious as he tried to mask the excitement he always felt when entrusted with the Supreme Kai’s duties. “I’m honored to lead in your absence, Supreme Kai,” he said with great humility. “I’ll ensure everything proceeds smoothly.”

Zamasu gave him a brief, approving nod. “I trust you will,” he replied with a small smile as he then addressed the entire group. “Continue to serve with the diligence expected of you,” he added loudly. “I will return soon.”

With that, Zamasu gave a final glance over, his shoulder, his presence commanding even in parting, before teleporting away.

Lunaris felt a jolt of surprise as he watched Zamasu leave. “Does he do that often?” He whispered to Kasai, who nodded and took a sip of tea before returning to his tablet.

Lunaris was speechless. The Supreme Kai actually left—entrusting the meeting to the South Kai, Aoume, one of those noseless, lesser Kai from another universe. He recognized Aoume belonged to a different lineage of Shinjin, known for their unique origin fruits, and considered inferior to the Shinjin of Universe 10 by that very distinction. It was an unexpected, unorthodox move, one that didn’t align with the strict, no-nonsense reputation Zamasu had cultivated amongst the elders on their Core planet. The contrast between what he had heard and what he was now experiencing intrigued him as he poured himself another cup of rose-hips tea and returned to his assessment of the northern sector. He had a feeling nothing about this position was going to be what he expected.

As Lunaris was about to take a sip, a shadow passed overhead, and a large, brightly plumed bird suddenly flew in, landing gracefully on his shoulder with a loud squawk. He blinked in surprise as the bird regarded him with brilliant red eyes before dipping its beak into his cup, helping itself to a sip of the warm tea. Lunaris gasped softly — this was most unusual—mortal animals were normally not permitted on the sacred world of the Supreme Kai.

Surprise keeping his tongue in place and before he could react, the bird fluttered down and promptly transformed into a lithe ginger cat. It hopped onto the table and sauntered across with casual confidence, casting a sly glance at the North Kai with those same red eyes. Kawaru let out a meow and made his way toward Kasai, nudging him playfully and demanding attention.

Kasai sighed, putting down his tablet and rummaging for a treat to appease the insistent feline. “Lunaris, meet Kawaru—he’s always like this,” Kasai muttered, tossing a treat to the curious creature, who caught it deftly and began to purr contentedly. “Best to just give him the attention he wants right away.”

As the North Kai observed the scene, a smile finally crept onto his face. Curious and a bit excited, he reached out to pet the mortal creature—something he had never done before. Just as his hand neared Kawaru, who purred and arched to meet his palm, a brief flicker of energy filled the area, and Zamasu reappeared without a word. His expression stern, Zamasu swiftly approached the table and scooped up Kawaru, who let out a playful hiss in response. Without hesitation, Zamasu turned and teleported away in a flash, leaving the North Kai sitting there, hand still outstretched.

Lunaris stared, disbelief still etched on his face. The sacred world of the Supreme Kai, a place he had expected to be a bastion of order and solemnity, was filled with surprising chaos. Between the unexpected leadership style of Zamasu, the playful antics of the Kawaru creature, and the general air of casual familiarity between his fellow lower Kai and the Supreme Kai, Lunaris couldn’t help but feel he had stepped into a world far different from what he had imagined.

He removed his glasses and rubbed the corners of his eyes, still struggling to process what had just transpired before him. “Nothing about this place is what I expected,” he murmured, doubt creeping into his mind as he returned to his work, questioning his decision to accept this position.

Zamasu walked through the hallowed halls of the Divine Institute of Cosmic Academics, each step echoing through the empty corridors as his white boots clicked against the floor. The stillness felt almost sentient, with plumes of sparkling dust gently swirling through the sunbeams that pierced the darkness, eager to reveal the secrets whispered by students just days before to anyone who cared to listen. Most of the institute lay deserted, the semester having recently ended for the older and adult student Shinjin. Only the youngest students remained, attending their regular lessons, as there was still much for them to learn.

It was always a relief to him when there was no sign of heightened security, no Cori on alert. He had simply nodded curtly at the guard on duty and entered without issue. In this timeline, he had never appeared as the partially mortal fusion who had once leveled the entire building in a frenzied search for the multiverse Potara. Here, he was recognized and granted access with the respect and deference due to his station — on Supreme Kai Gowasu’s order.

He allowed himself a reserved smile as he walked through the corridors, each step bringing him closer to the memories that were etched into the walls. The long hallways here were lined with small murals, painted by DICA alumni over hundreds of millions of years. These were not just simple decorations, but the final marks of Shinjin and would-be gods, each leaving behind a name, a quote, or a picture that encapsulated the culmination of their many years of learning. These shreds of wisdom, gained through rigorous study and divine introspection, were intended to be passed on to future generations, a tangible legacy left behind.

Zamasu fixed his hands behind his back as he strolled, his eyes darting about until they fell upon his own contribution before he left, scrawled in a rushed but deliberate script:

“For us Gods, memories are as vivid as the waking present, never lost to the past. We harbor no regrets—only the eternal now.”

It was the same quote he had chosen in his own timeline, an arrogant statement that embodied his unwavering belief in the superiority of the divine. Yet, unlike his counterpart who had etched these words with unshakable conviction, Zamasu had been humbled through his apprenticeship and beyond. He had come to realize the fallacy in this belief—a realization his other self never attained. His counterpart had been denied the proper mentorship from a wiser Gowasu, the wisdom of other Supreme Kai, the camaraderie with lower Kais, and especially the invaluable lessons from the mortal Goku, who had taught him the profound value of mortal emotions.

As he studied the mural, his fingers lightly tracing the scrawled words, a chill crept over him—a cold sadness that seemed to resonate through the very fabric of space-time, as if the presence of his counterpart still lingered here, imprinted like a ghost within the corridors, whispering the atrocities he had committed in the name of a twisted sense of duty. The version of himself who once walked these halls had taken the belief written here to its extreme, using it to justify heinous acts under the guise of divine justice. The arrogance embedded in those words had become a shield, one that deflected self-reflection and sanctioned any action, no matter how cruel, under the mantle of righteousness. Zamasu felt a deep regret—a regret for the evil that had been wrought in his name here and could never be undone.

Zamasu’s smile faded entirely as a sharp cough echoed down the hall, snapping him out of his reverie. He quickly removed his hand from the wall and resumed his walk down the silent corridor, trying to shake the unease that had settled beneath his skin. He had come here with a purpose, and dwelling on what might have been had his apprenticeship been different, was not it.

As he rounded a corner, he roughly collided with a young Shinjin instructor, the impact sending her books and items up into the air before scattering across the floor. She blushed furiously, a soft pink filling her aqua cheeks as she looked up at him, first flustered and then immediately smitten by the unexpected Kai before her. Zamasu’s heart skipped a beat, not from affection, but from nervousness—he had purposefully chosen to visit this timeline’s DICA during semester recess to avoid encounters like this. These fleeting moments carried the risk of crossing paths with those who knew his counterpart here personally — the Zamasu who had terrorized the cosmos— encounters he would much rather avoid.

Zamasu stood nervously as she met his gaze, her eyes wide with surprise and admiration. Her attention lingered on the cut of his tunic and the gleam of his Potara, recognizing him as a Supreme Kai; yet it quickly became clear that she didn’t know who he truly was. Relief washed over him, and his shoulders relaxed slightly as he forced a smile.

“I-I’m so sorry!” she stammered, quickly bending down to gather her scattered belongings. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

Zamasu quickly composed himself. “There is no need for apologies,” he said gently, as he bent down to assist her in gathering the scattered items. “I am merely a Supreme Kai from another universe, here on a brief visit.”

The young instructors’s blush deepened as she accepted the books from him, clearly taken by the impromptu meeting with an actual Supreme Kai. “Thank you, my Lord,” she murmured, still flustered as she bowed. “I didn’t realize we had such an important visitor today.”

Zamasu nodded, careful to keep his tone light and unthreatening. “I am simply here on quiet business,” he reassured as he winked and handed her the last of her belongings. He gave her a formal bow of goodbye, which she quickly returned with equal respect.

As he turned to continue down the hallway, a sudden idea struck him—a brief side mission he hadn’t originally planned. He paused and yelled back to the young instructor.

“Actually,” he called out, causing her to spin around at the sound of his voice, her eagerness barely concealed. “I require a reminder of where the Genesis Lab is located. It’s been some time, and the details of the path escape me.”

The young Shinjin continued to blush, her aqua cheeks deepening in color as she eagerly offered her assistance. “Of course, Lord Supreme Kai,” she replied with another graceful bow. “Go straight down this corridor, then make a sharp right at the end. After that, take the second left, and then another right. The Genesis Lab will be on your left.”

Zamasu nodded, filing away the directions with a faint smile.

“Oh, if you end up at the Garden of Cosmic Threads, though, you’ve gone too far,” she added with a playful twinkle in her eyes as she wagged her finger, clearly relishing the chance to drag out the moment.

“Thank you…?” Zamasu prompted, realizing he hadn’t caught her name.

“Oh! I’m Nami,” she replied, clearly delighted to introduce herself. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on him, before adding with a hint of breathlessness, “It’s an honor to assist you, Supreme Kai.”

Zamasu acknowledged her with a slight nod. It would have been impolite for her to ask his name back when his rank was sufficient, and he was quietly grateful for her discretion—knowing that the truth of his identity might lead to her disappointment, or worse, fear. “Thank you, Nami,” he said, his voice a practiced calm. With a final small bow, he continued down the hall, leaving the young Shinjin standing there, her heart fluttering.

…….

Zamasu continued to move with purpose, his footsteps echoing softly in the empty hallway. As he passed by various rooms, he glanced inside, briefly observing the various specialized training areas. One room, in particular, stirred a fond memory—star formation. As a young student, it had been his favorite. Inside, a vast celestial map would unfurl, and students would delicately weave glowing threads of constellations with their hands, like little spiders connecting their web of stars in a dot-to-dot puzzle. Like mortals, they found joy in crafting elaborate backstories for their celestial creations, and voting on the most imaginative.

After several more snooping classroom pop-ins, he finally arrived at the room he sought: the Genesis Lab. The door stood curiously slightly ajar despite the room being empty. Pushing it open, he stepped inside — it was shrouded in darkness save for a few faintly glowing containment fields where cryptids slumbered peacefully, awaiting the return of their creators.

The Genesis Lab was where students learned the sacred art of creation, experimenting with life forms and forging new beings from the raw materials of the cosmos. Zamasu surveyed the room, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. It was completely empty, as he had hoped, allowing him the solitude he sought to meet his old friend.

As Zamasu took another step, a familiar sound reached his ears—a soft, excited squeal. From the shadows emerged a small, plump pig with tiny wings, his little cloven hooves clicking lightly on the floor. Pochi, Zamasu’s beloved pet, bounded toward him, his round eyes gleaming with joy. Unlike the other cryptids, Pochi was more of a cherished lab companion, and his exceptional intelligence granted him the freedom to roam as he pleased. Zamasu had recently recognized this as the fate of his own Pochi, inspired by Kawaru to go looking for him, and was pleased to see that his counterpart’s version had been afforded the same courtesy of a permanent home inside DICA. He knelt down, and Pochi eagerly pressed against him, his stubby coiled tail wagging furiously.

Zamasu couldn’t help but smile as he petted the pig, though there was a pang of sadness in the gesture. This Pochi, as smart and sensitive as his own, seemed to recognize that this Zamasu wasn’t quite the one he knew. The bond was still there, but it had shifted—now colored by a subtle, mutual disappointment that the other wasn’t quite who they had expected.

Pochi nudged him playfully, then scampered over to a small table where a mid-game chessboard displaying a fierce “do NOT touch!” sign was displayed, squeaking excitedly. Zamasu chuckled softly. “Ever the eager one one to best me in a game, aren’t you?” he murmured, walking over to the table. But he shook his head gently. “Not today, Pochi. I have other matters to attend to… and I’m not supposed to linger here.”

The pig looked up at him, understanding but disappointed. Zamasu knelt down once more, offering Pochi a few more affectionate pats. “I promise we’ll play next time,” he said, his voice soft with regret. He knew that even if he could take Pochi with him, it wouldn’t be this one—this Pochi belonged to this timeline, with no Zamasu coming back to claim him; another casualty of his counterpart’s misguided actions and tragic choices.

With a final glance around the darkened Genesis Lab, Zamasu reluctantly stood and headed for the door. Pochi watched him go, his small form almost disappearing into the shadows as Zamasu exited the room, leaving behind the quiet comfort of his loyal companion.

………..

Feeling somewhat disoriented in the vast institute—time having eroded his memories of the place, compounded by the emotional waves that always competed for his focus whenever he returned—Zamasu rounded a corner and entered a large rotunda. He squinted in mild frustration as shadows dominated the space, mingling with the intricately decorated walls. This rotunda was a striking new addition to the institute, he noted, its grandeur not fully revealed in the dim light. He paused, momentarily captivated by the intricate artistry woven into the panoramic display that surrounded him.

Just then, a soft giggle broke the silence. A young Shinjin student, her eyes bright with innocent mischief, slipped up behind him and waved, her smile lighting up the dimness. “Hctaw si-ht!” She exclaimed in their ancient language, the melody of which pleased the Supreme Kai’s ears. As she stepped onto the floor, beams of light responded to her presence, rippling like liquid stardust with each playful step she took

As Zamasu watched with curiosity, intrigued by the child’s carefree interaction with the glowing floor, more Shinjin students suddenly appeared, their laughter filling the air. The light split outward, tracing each new step with a delicate glow, following the children as they twirled and danced, as if it were alive, joyfully engaging in their play. The first child, her eyes gleaming with excitement, ran up to Zamasu and grasped his hands with surprising firmness. “Rotcurtsni, emoc yalp htiw su!” she exclaimed, still in the divine tongue, mistaking him for one of their instructors. For a moment, Zamasu hesitated, feeling like an intruder in their secret game, but the child’s innocent plea and insistent tug eventually drew him in, as he allowed himself to be led onto the mystical floor. The light immediately sought out and swirled around Zamasu’s feet in response, binding him with the children in a shared, almost sacred moment of unity and joy, as they skipped and beckoned the light to follow them.

Suddenly, a silence fell as the light gathered inward and surged upward from the floor, coalescing into the form of a giant, majestic whale-like creature. The brilliant blue whale swam through the air, its body a shimmering extension of the very light they had been just been playing with. The children squealed with delight and chased after it, their laughter echoing through the rotunda as the whale bellowed and engaged them in a playful dance.

As Zamasu watched, a small hand tugged at his pants. He looked down to see a wide-eyed Shinjin child gazing up at him. “Rotcurtsni, tfil em pu!l I tnaw ot hctac eht elahw!” the child pleaded, his eyes filled with hope.

Zamasu hesitated only for a moment before he lifted the child onto his shoulders. The child laughed in exhilaration as Zamasu, with surprising agility, ran beneath the glowing whale, lifting the boy high into the air. Together they chased the creature, the child reaching out his tiny hands, running his fingers through its luminescent form as it broke and reformed behind them.

After a few moments of joyous pursuit, Zamasu gently set the child back down. The boy beamed up at him. “Ynam sknaht, Rotcurtsni!” he exclaimed, before dashing off to rejoin his friends, leaving Zamasu with a rare, genuine smile.

The Supreme Kai stood entranced, reflecting on how different this lesson was from his own school experiences at their age. His thoughts were soon interrupted, though, by the children’s collective groan as the luminous whale suddenly burst into ribbons of light, dissolving into darkness. The room fell silent, and the voice of one of the wise elders echoed through the rotunda, signaling the beginning of the students' formal lesson on creation—how energy flows and matter cycles throughout the multiverse.

The floor beneath their feet began to emit soft electronic clicking sounds as vibrant strands of genetic material suddenly appeared, twisting and turning along the curvilinear walls. The elder’s voice explained the structure and significance of this genetic code, guiding the children through the process of life’s formation, from simple strands of atomic information, to complex organisms.

The lesson culminated with a transition above ground, where life in an alien rainforest unfolded before them. Birds flocked in geometric migration patterns, weaving through the air and floor just as the whale and light had, skillfully avoiding the children’s playful feet and hands. The Shinjin squealed in delight as they danced, their movements embodying the interconnectedness of the cosmos.

Zamasu, now fully immersed in the depth of the lesson—how all life, from the smallest organism to divine beings like themselves, was part of a grand, cosmic dance — was unsuspecting as a pair of hands suddenly pulled him down roughly and covered his eyes. A raspy voice whispered, "I’ve detected a partial mortal presence that must be destroyed!"

Zamasu’s smile faded as he gathered his fists. His unknown assailant’s chi was blocked and his instincts urged him to prepare for battle — children present or not —however, luckily for his attacker, his newly awakened mortal sensitivities alerted him to a particular scent — a soft plume of chamomile and lavender. He knew immediately who it was and relaxed.

Hanakotoba. The reason for his visit.

Zamasu closed his eyes as a faint smile curled on his lips; her scent was unmistakable. The mixed floral aroma wrapped around him like a comforting embrace, a sensation that never ceased to both surprise and soothe him when they met like this. Hana held him close, her tight grip lingering perhaps longer than propriety allowed, as if she too sought solace in his proximity. She reveled in the warmth of his presence, drawing him nearer until his own scent—a blend of mint and cloves—enveloped her senses.

Hana had a secret she’d been keeping to herself since her mishap: ever since her body swap, she had slowly gained a small measure of sensory awareness, the ability to perceive the world as a mortal might. It was a skill she was somewhat ashamed of, a constant reminder of the permanent immortality stain imprinted on her body, made all the more tangible by the ancient Potara she never took off that now safeguarded the universe from her contagion. The weight of the earrings was a persistent reminder of her altered state, an ever-present tether to her vulnerability.

Despite her reservations about revealing her new abilities, Hana secretly relished the depth of comfort her heightened senses brought her. This newfound sensitivity made her feel closer to the mortals who fascinated her, drawing her into experiences that had once been unimaginable in her former state as a pure Kai. She was certain though that her peers wouldn’t approve of—or even comprehend—these indulgences. Least of all, Zamasu.

Yet, to her relief, Zamasu never seemed to mind or question her increasingly unusual behavior. He never commented on how she now lingered in touch longer than necessary, stood closer in proximity than what was customary, or found herself savoring the taste of food and drink with a fervor uncommon for a Kai. In fact, one might even say that Zamasu watched her with a knowing glint in his eyes, as if he understood completely why she engaged in these behaviors, though he never revealed the true nature of this understanding.

With a playful laugh, Hana finally removed her hands as Zamasu turned to face her, his eyes lingering momentarily on the black, shiny, starlit Potara she wore. Her laughter softened into a tender smile as she met his gaze. “It’s been so long since your last visit,” she murmured softly, with an air of subtle longing. Then, lowering her voice further, she asked, “Would you join me outside for a moment?”

Hana spoke quietly, careful not to arouse the suspicion of the other instructors who lingered nearby in their matching gold and purple robes with their students, doing their best to ignore Zamasu’s presence. Although Lord Gowasu had decreed that this Zamasu was a Supreme Kai and must be tolerated when he visited, it didn’t mean they had to welcome him—or even pretend to like him. They all knew the story of what he’d done, and the shadow of his alternate self’s actions unfairly loomed over him like a dark cloud, never fully dispersing.

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. “Leave the students?” His eyes darted to the Shinjin children now squealing and stamping on molecules of water that rushed upwards towards roots and tree tops. “Your duties here come first, Hanakotoba. Remember, this is your timeline now.” He shook his head disapprovingly.

Hana rolled her eyes with a playful smile, clapping her hands and stamping her foot on the illuminated floor. Instantly, the light shifted and morphed into the silhouette of an elderly Kai teacher, a glowing figure that the children eagerly gathered around. “They’ll be fine,” she declared with a triumphant grin. “They’re about to learn the parable of the light and dark wolves.”

Zamasu observed as the children settled in, their attention fully captured by the light-teacher. The other instructors, though initially annoyed by Hana’s hijacking of the class, quickly masked their irritation with gratitude, relieved to have a break from the frenzied chaos that had dominated earlier.

Before Zamasu could voice any more objections, Hanakotoba seized his hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on,” she urged, tugging him along with a triumphant grin. “I’ve waited long enough for an update—plus,” she added with a playful glance, “you’ll be pleased to know that my tea-making skills have doubled.”

Zamasu smirked as he allowed himself to be led along. “Doubling nothing still amounts to nothing, Hanakotoba.”

………..

Beneath the towering presence of the Kaiju trees, Hana and Zamasu found themselves in the thickest part of the grove in a makeshift refuge created by the students; a secret hideaway whose aesthetic seemed to be pieced together with the resourceful spirit of youth. The area was a haphazard collection of tables and chairs, no doubt pilfered from the institute’s eating lounge, creating a cozy, if slightly chaotic, sitting area. A makeshift kettle and tea station sat nearby, surrounded by an eclectic assortment of teacups—each one a piece of contraband smuggled in by those who frequented the space and left with integrity for the next to use.

Above them, a frayed, well-used rope swing hung from one of the Kaiju’s massive branches, swaying gently in the breeze. The leaves of the branch shimmered with an otherworldly mix of purple and silver, catching the light in a way that made them seem almost alive. Although the instructors and elders would shake their heads in disapproval, often giving stern lectures on respect when it came to such student misappropriation of the sacred trees, it was known that the Kaiju delighted in the playful energy of the young Shinjin. Like a loving, watchful parent, the Kaiju nurtured their children, allowing them to swing, climb, and revel in their youth beneath the trees’ rustling protective canopy, and cherished the moments whenever one would rest against their mighty trunks for comfort.

Zamasu leaned back in his chair, lifting his face from the bitter-smelling steam rising from the weak tea Hana had just poured. A sudden blustery breeze swept over him, carrying with it a warm greeting from the Kaiju nearby, and a smile slowly spread across his face. For the first time, he could truly smell the sacred trees—a sensory experience he had never known before his fusion with Goku. The air was filled with the oscillating scents of freshwater rivers, blooming flowers, rainstorms, and ocean breezes, each one flowing seamlessly into the next, creating a symphony of aromas that evoked the very essence of life across the cosmos. He stole a glance at Hana, who he suspected shared similar mortal sensibilities, and noticed her lifting her face upward, also indulging in the fragrance.

Hana smiled and gently ran her fingers through the soft tufts of the Kaiju’s leaves, whispering a quiet greeting to the ancient tree, acknowledging its life force that was deeply tethered to her own. As she turned back to Zamasu, her eyes shone with the longing of nostalgia as she settled onto one of the makeshift seats near him.

“You never did this in our own universe, did you?” Hana teased. Being a bit older, she and Kosu had moved in different circles and were already on their way to greater things by the time Zamasu began making a name for himself as a formidable sparring force within the institute.

Zamasu arched an eyebrow at her, curiosity flickering in his eyes, though he knew exactly what she was insinuating.

“Sneak away to hidden spots like this, away from your schedule and the watchful eyes of the elders, I mean.” She added.

Zamasu paused for a moment, taking in the scene around him. As a by-the-book Kai, the idea of secretive, carefree gatherings with comrades was foreign to him, something he had seldom allowed himself to indulge in. Yet, Hana would be surprised to learn that not only did he regularly sneak away, but he also frequently broke into and plundered the institute’s unregistered artifact vault—not for the thrill of rebellion, but to listen to the secret recordings of the brilliant mortal who unknowingly tutored him in theoretical physics. He would lie down beneath the Kaiju’s canopy, his gaze fixed on the slivers of pink sky between the rustling leaves, while the heavily accented voice unraveled the mysteries of the universe that had eluded him in class. Zamasu, desperate to keep pace with his more academically gifted classmates, clung to every word, hoping that the math model explanations whispered through the relic headphones might finally bring him the understanding he so deeply craved.

Finally, he allowed a small, almost reluctant smile to form as he closed his eyes in thought. “No,” he admitted, his tone softer than usual. “I was always too disciplined, too focused on perfecting my skills and knowledge, to concern myself with such social trivialities.”

“Well, consider this a lesson in the value of letting go—if only for a moment,” she said, leaning back to soak in the serenity of their secret haven, all while masking the concern that had begun to trouble her mind.

In the beginning, when it was first deemed paramount that she remain in this timeline for the added protection of the time paradox, Zamasu’s visits had been so frequent that she convinced herself there was something more—something beyond guilt that compelled him to cross timelines just to see her. Each visit had felt significant, as if he were seeking her out not merely as a guardian checking in on her, but as someone who mattered to him on a deeper level.

As the intervals between his visits grew longer, however, doubt began to creep in. She couldn’t help but wonder if she had been mistaken, if he had only come out of obligation, initially haunted by what had transpired in their shared timeline and seeking her company as a way to ease his conscience. The more she pondered it, the more she feared that his earlier attentions had been driven by nothing more than a sense of duty, rather than any genuine friendship or connection.

“Anyway…” she began, her voice breaking through the awkward silence that had settled between them as her intrusive thoughts started to spiral. “How is everyone?” She forced a smile, though in truth, she wasn’t eager to hear the answer. It was always hard to listen to how everyone had moved on without her, leaving her with the bitter realization of the distance that had grown between her and the world she once knew.

As Zamasu prepared to answer her, he felt something small shift within his tunic. His eyes snapped open, a flicker of panic crossing his usually composed features. He had forgotten all about the delicate mortal cargo he had smuggled in. Hastily, he opened his collar, and out scurried a small roach, its tiny legs skittering across his neck before it crawled down his arm.

The insect made its way toward Hana, who watched with eager anticipation. “Kawaru!” she exclaimed with great affection. As the roach reached her leg, it began to change, its form shifting and expanding until Kawaru’s rodent shape emerged, his cream fur soft and familiar to Hana who missed him terribly. Hana gently scooped him up, cradling him in her arms as he nuzzled against her with an almost purring contentment. “You little rascal, sneaking in like this,” she laughed softly, her earlier concern momentarily forgotten.

Zamasu observed the reunion with a softened expression. “He didn’t manage it alone,” he remarked with a bit of puffed up pride. “It took a bit of… calculated risk on my part,” he added, seeking a measure of acknowledgment for his rebellious act, especially considering their prior conversation and the Core World’s strict no mortals policy.

Hana smiled at Zamasu, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Of course. Thank you for bringing him—though I trust he’s been on his best behavior?” she said, her voice taking on a mock-stern tone as she glanced down at Kawaru, who squeaked a response in a playful tone, his whiskers twitching.

As the three sat in the silence that once again followed, a loud bell accompanied by distant music suddenly rang out. The Shinjin children’s voices could be heard, singing their tribute to the Kaiju as they roamed through the breezeway of the institute seeking their next activity.

Its branches reach to touch the skies,
Weaving threads where all life lies,
In its heart, the cosmos sing,
The Kaiju tree, where life takes wing.

Grateful for the interruption and what it signaled given the lapse in conversation, Hana quickly stood up, gently handing Kawaru back to Zamasu. “That’s the signal for the next class to start for the littles—I have to go now.” She turned to leave but then spun around and remembered to bow. “Thank you for coming to visit me — tell everyone I miss them please.”

Zamasu hesitated to return the gesture, his gaze lingering on her retreating form. “Hanakotoba,” he called out abruptly, causing her to pause and turned to face him, curiosity in her eyes.

Zamasu stepped forward, reaching into his tunic as he searched for something. “I didn’t come here merely to deliver Kawaru for a visit,” he said, producing two small objects—a small ornate box and a golden, decorative orb. He handed her the orb first, which she accepted with a curious smile. “A Lumisphere,” he explained, the glowing orb casting a soft light between them. “It contains a message from your brother. He insisted you watch it alone.”

“I know what it is,” Hana said with a grin as she pocketed it, eager to hear from someone back home who truly cared about her. The Kosu in this timeline wasn’t quite the same, having been shaped differently by the unique traumas he faced here.

He then opened the box to reveal a pair of Potara, deep red with a star-like glow that mirrored the ancient pair she already wore. “And these— these were crafted by artisans from Universe 3, at my request,” he said, watching as her eyes widened and her mouth parted in awe at the sight of the beautiful earrings. “They took little time at all, really, to fashion something more potent than what you’re currently wearing.”

“Potent?” she asked, lifting the earrings by their platinum closures, admiring the bulbs’ shiny rosy sheen as they caught the sunlight.

Zamasu paused, his gaze locking onto hers with a strange intensity. “Yes,” he replied, “With these, you can return to your—our—timeline, if that is what you choose.” Trying to mask his irritation at needing to elaborate further, he added, “the protection of the paradox here becomes redundant when you wear these.”

Hana’s eyes reflected a swirl of emotions as she gazed at the earrings. Zamasu watched her intently, noting the reluctance in her expression where he might have expected immediate joy at the prospect of returning home—yet it didn’t surprise him. In this timeline, she had become something of a celebrity.

The Hana of this universe had vanished during her suspension for shuttling mortals—she was given a harsh punishment that the Zamasu here had deemed necessary when Gowasu, in his naivety, allowed him to pass judgment on her without intervening. She never returned. In her own timeline, she had been spared that fate, thanks to that Gowasu’s understanding that Zamasu was too immature to handle such a responsibility so early in his apprenticeship. The irony was not lost on the Supreme Kai as he now watched her struggle with the decision now before her.

“If I return,” she began tentatively, “could I resume my position as North Kai?”

Zamasu’s expression remained stoic as he anticipated this question. “No, your position has already been filled,” he replied curtly as he watched her face fall in disappointment. “However,” he added after a brief pause, “there are two other positions available — your old job back on our Core World, and —“

He hesitated, uncharacteristically uncertain, before taking a quick breath and blurting out, “—and there’s another vacancy… as my attendant. Yuna has been dismissed due to her prolonged absence. The position is yours, if you want it,” the words spilled out in one quick rush, as if he was afraid he might lose his nerve.

Hana’s eyes snapped up to meet his, her cheeks flushing with surprise. She opened her mouth to speak, but Zamasu raised a hand, silencing her with a gentle but firm gesture. “There is no need for an immediate response,” he said softly. “I want you to consider it carefully, and answer me later. This isn’t a decision you can simply undo if it doesn’t suit you.” He could feel the sudden temptation to intrude into her thoughts begin to rise, but he restrained himself.

“Regardless,” he continued, his tone relaxing and regaining its usual formality, “I advise you to wear these new Potara. They are far more powerful than the ones you currently possess.” He said as he extended the empty box toward her.

Hana accepted the box and put the Potara back in, her fingers briefly brushing his before she snapped the box shut. She offered a soft smile with a small bow of her head. “Thank you—I will consider your proposal carefully.”

She hesitated for a moment, then looked up at him with a more serious expression. “May I ask you just one question, though?” She paused, her eyes searching his. “Is this request… is it just out of guilt out what happened? Or is it something you’ve truly reflected on and genuinely want?”

Zamasu tensed slightly, the directness of her question catching him off guard. He was rarely one to speak openly about his feelings, and the nerves showed as he tried to find the right words. “I would never commit to something as important as asking you to be my attendant without careful consideration,” he said in usual matter of fact tone, but unconvincingly.

Hana’s gaze didn’t waver, and it was clear she wasn’t entirely satisfied with his initial response. Sensing her doubt, Zamasu sighed softly, taking a moment to collect his thoughts as he turned around with his hands behind his back. He knew he had to speak from the heart, even if it made him uncomfortable.

“Hanakotoba ,” he started again, this time with more sincerity in his voice, “you are caring and bold. I admit, there are times when your opinions and actions unsettle me, but I’ve come to understand that this is not a flaw. It is, in fact, a strength. You challenge me in ways I never anticipated, and because of that, you compel me to grow, to approach situations with greater thoughtfulness and adaptability. I’ve given this much consideration, and I recognize that having you as my attendant would not only aid me but also enhance our collective efforts to improve the cosmos in ways I could never achieve alone.” He turned ever so slightly to regard her in the corner of his eyes. “Furthermore, your brother has been particularly insufferable in your absence—if you needed any further incentive to consider returning.”

Hana felt a warmth spread through her at his words. She offered a small smile, though he still wouldn’t look directly at her, feeling more satisfied with his answer now. “Thank you, Zamasu,” she said softly.

“Oh—before you go…” she quickly added, trying to shift the focus, “have you visited the Gowasu here recently?”

Zamasu turned around and blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected change in subject. “No, I have not.”

Hana narrowed her eyes playfully. “You should — and then whenever you’re ready to hear my answer, come back. I’ll be waiting.”

They exchanged a silent look, and with a final quiet farewell pet to Kawaru, Hana turned and teleported away. Zamasu was left standing alone in the Kaiju grove, their leaves rustling softly around him, as if gossiping among themselves about what had just transpired.

“Why do you need me here again, Supreme Kai?” Goku asked tentatively as he sat down at the small table in the Sacred World’s Temple, across from Gowasu. The elder Kai had just returned from retrieving the Saiyan from Shin’s planet moments ago, his expression thoughtful as he settled into his seat.

Gowasu folded his hands in front of him, his gaze steady as he looked at the Saiyan warrior. “Goku, I’ve summoned you here because I’ve meditated on a problem I’m having, and I find myself in need of your insight.”

“My insight?” Goku echoed, tilting his head in curiosity. “You sure about that? I mean, I’m just a fighter, not a teacher or anything.”

Gowasu chuckled softly, the deep lines of earned wisdom etched on his face deepening. “Perhaps, but there is much more to you than just your fighting abilities. You embody qualities I once hoped to nurture in my previous apprentice.” Gowasu paused, catching himself before mentioning Zamasu by name, knowing they both understood who he meant.

Goku’s expression grew serious as he swallowed the lump in his throat and offered a slight nod, silently acknowledging why Gowasu had chosen not to say the name.

“I’ve put it off long enough though — it’s time, and I must choose a new apprentice,” Gowasu continued, in a somber tone. “And so, I find myself reflecting on the characteristics that are essential for such a role. Strength is important, yes, but I’ve unfortunately learned the hard way it must be tempered with compassion and a sense of justice that serves others, not just oneself.”

Gowasu leaned forward slightly, his eyes meeting Goku’s with earnestness. “You, Goku, are powerful beyond measure, yet you remain humble and compassionate. You fight not out of a desire for power over others, but to strengthen your spirit and protect those you care about. These are the qualities I wished…Zamasu…had embraced—strength balanced by kindness, and justice guided by a softened heart.”

Goku shifted uncomfortably in his seat, sensing where the conversation was heading. “So, you want my advice on who should be your next apprentice?” He tried to hide his reluctance; this sounded like a long, boring task when he’d much rather be training.

Gowasu nodded. “Yes, precisely. I need someone who understands that true strength comes not just from power, but from using that power to protect and uplift others. Someone who, like you, sees fighting as a means to an end, not an end in itself.”

Goku scratched his head, thinking it over. “Well, I don’t know too much about being a Kai, but I do agree with you that the best fighters I’ve known are the ones who fight for something bigger than themselves. Someone who wants to protect their friends, their world… or even their universe.”

Gowasu smiled, a glimmer of hope in his eyes that the Saiyan was understanding the importance of this meeting. “Indeed, thank you, Goku. That is exactly what I need in an apprentice. Someone who can see beyond their own desires and use their strength for the greater good.”

Goku grinned as he stood up, hoping the task was complete and he could get back to his training sooner then later. “Well, glad I could help! I’m sure you’ll find someone like that, Gowasu, and if you need help training them, just let me know.” He turned to leave, oblivious to the fact that he couldn’t return home without Gowasu’s assistance.

Gowasu remained silent, patiently waiting as Goku slowly grasped the situation. The elder Kai’s stillness made it clear that Goku wasn’t going anywhere so soon. Goku paused, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “So, uh… can I go home now?”

Gowasu shook his head and raised a hand, and with a small gesture, a large crystal ball and large stack of papers materialized on the table before them, the orb shimmering with a soft light ready to display the cosmos at the Kai’s command. The sudden appearance of the artifacts made Goku stop in his tracks, his shoulders slumping as the crystal ball began to glow, revealing images of potential candidates.

“Hold on a minute, Goku,” Gowasu said gently but firmly, his wise eyes meeting the Saiyan’s. “This is more important than you might realize. Like me, I’m sure you’ve reflected on the consequences of giving Supreme Kai power to the wrong candidate. This crystal ball contains the profiles and abilities of potential apprentices, each with the power to shape the future of the multiverse, should they be chosen. Your input on each one is invaluable in this process.”

Goku stared at the glowing crystal ball with a sinking feeling, wishing he could be anywhere else. “Do we really have to go through all of this?” he asked, his frustration and reluctance seeping through despite his efforts to hide it.

Gowasu nodded, his expression serious. “Yes, Goku! Choosing the right apprentice is a task of great importance. This isn’t just about finding a successor—it’s about ensuring the safety and stability of the multiverse. Your strength, your experience, and your sense of justice make you a vital part of this decision.”

Goku sighed, realizing there would be no getting out of this one. “Alright, alright,” he muttered, sitting back down with a resigned look. “Let’s get to it, then.”

As they began to review the images and profiles within the crystal ball, Goku’s mind quickly wandered to his next training session, and his stomach growled in protest. A thought suddenly struck him, and he turned to Gowasu with a sheepish grin. “Hey, Gowasu… you wouldn’t happen to have something to eat, would you? Maybe some tea or a snack? This might take a while, and, well, I’m kind of hungry.”

Gowasu chuckled, his eyes softening as he waved his hand, summoning a tray filled with an assortment of snacks and a pot of steaming tea. “Of course, Goku. We can’t have you going hungry, can we? Help yourself.”

Goku’s eyes lit up at the sight of the food, and he quickly grabbed a handful of snacks, stuffing one into his mouth as he spoke. “Thanks! Now we’re talking.”

Gowasu smiled, glad to see Goku’s spirits lifted. “Let’s continue, then,” he said, pouring a cup of tea for himself. “Together, we’ll ensure that the right choice is made.”

As Goku and Gowasu continued their review of potential apprentices, Gowasu calmly sipped his tea while Goku eagerly stuffed tea cakes and sandwiches into his mouth. Between bites, and short discourse about each of the candidates, Goku casually recounted the conclusion of alternate Universe 10’s recent adventure, describing the intense battle and the unexpected fusion that had taken place.

“So then, we had to fuse to take him down,” Goku said, his mouth half-full. “It was pretty intense, but it worked!”

Gowasu, in the midst of another sip of tea, nearly choked at the mention of the fusion. He quickly set his cup down, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock and pride. “Fusion?” he repeated, struggling to maintain his composure. “You two fused?”

Goku grinned, nodding enthusiastically. “Yeah! It was wild, but we pulled it off.”

Gowasu couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. “Incredible… I’m so proud of how far you’ve both come,” he said, his voice filled with admiration.

As Goku and Gowasu fell back into productive silence, a sudden shift in the air signaled the arrival of another presence, causing them both to look up. The wind that had gently stirred moments before abruptly died down, as if the entire planet were holding its breath. Zamasu abruptly teleported in with a loud snap, his arrival marked by a quiet intensity that seemed to disrupt the serene atmosphere.

Gowasu set down his cup, with a small smile, unperturbed by the intrusion. “Ah, good—you’ve arrived,” he said, as if he’d been expecting Zamasu all along.

Zamasu glanced around, taking in his surroundings before his gaze settled on the duo in front of him. He and Goku locked eyes immediately, an uncomfortable silence and tension threading between them—their last encounter still fresh in both their minds.

Goku, always one to break the ice, offered a hesitant smile. “Hey, Zam—uh, I mean, Supreme Kai,” he said, his voice friendly but cautious.

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed slightly as he ignored Goku’s greeting, taking in the scene before him. His heart began to beat faster, a growing certainty of what he was observing fueling his unease. His gaze lingered on the crystal ball and the stack of candidate profiles on the table. “Gowasu!” he began, his voice tight with a mix of betrayal and staunch indignation, “you seek the mortal’s help with this matter instead of mine? I would think my experience and knowledge as a Kai would be far more suitable for such an important task!”

Goku frowned slightly. He couldn’t help but feel his irritation growing. It seemed like every interaction with Zamasu required walking on eggshells. No matter how much progress they made with each other, he always felt like he was just one step away from the Kai snapping and reverting to his darker tendencies. “Hey, it’s not like that, Zamasu! To be honest, I don’t even want to be here—no offense,” he added, glancing at Gowasu. “Gowasu just wanted a different perspective, that’s all.”

Zamasu’s eyes flashed, and he retorted, “A different perspective? From a mortal who knows nothing of the responsibilities of a Kai? This task requires wisdom and understanding, not brute strength.” He raised a fist, his teeth clenched. “You can’t just punch your way to an enlightened decision in these matters, Saiyan!”

“Brute strength?” Goku shot back defensively, pushing his chair back as he met the Kai’s challenging gaze. “I’ve been through more battles and seen more universes than you can imagine! And I’ve seen inside your mind too—I’m more than just a fighter, and you know it! Even if you’re too proud to ever admit it.”

As their auras flared, and before the argument could escalate, Gowasu uncharacteristically raised his voice over the two warriors. “Enough, both of you!” he commanded. Turning to Zamasu, his expression softened. “Zamasu, for the love of Kami, sit down and be quiet! I did reach out to you first, but for reasons unknown, you were often away from your duties. You’re a difficult Kai to get ahold of. You’re here now, so my message clearly reached you. Please understand, this is not a slight against you.”

Gowasu’s gaze softened with warmth and pride as he watched the stunned Zamasu silently take his seat. “Zamasu…” he began again, his voice filled with genuine admiration, “you are everything I had hoped your counterpart in this timeline would become—and so much more. You are wiser, more understanding, and stronger—not just in raw power, but in the deepest, most important ways a God can be. Your growth and maturity are a testament to the strength of your character, far beyond anything your counterpart could have achieved. I couldn’t be prouder of you.”

Zamasu blinked, clearly taken aback by Gowasu’s praise. He felt contentment crawl throughout his body and a sense of pride that he rarely allowed himself to feel. Slowly, he bowed his head in deference, the tension in his posture easing as he absorbed the elder Kai’s words. “Thank you, Gowasu,” he replied, his tone more subdued and respectful than before. “Your words mean more to me than I can express.”

Gowasu paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. “But the truth is, I brought you both here because you and Goku complement each other—together, you balance each other out. As a team, you form an unstoppable force, as your recent history has shown. I’m confident that by working together, you’ll achieve far more than either of you could alone, both in strength and in wisdom. That’s why I’m asking you to join your minds and help me secure a strong future for my universe.”

Zamasu sighed as he acknowledged Gowasu’s words. “I suppose there is wisdom in what you say,” he conceded, though a trace of reluctance lingered in his answer as he flicked his attention to Goku. He moved closer to the table, grabbing his first candidate and joining Goku in the review process. Gowasu, satisfied that the two had reached an understanding, excused himself momentarily, leaving them alone.

As Zamasu settled in, his eyes drifted to the platter of sandwiches and other food items sitting untouched near Goku’s elbow. The temptation was hard to resist, especially given the constant, underlying hunger that had become his new burden. He hesitated, then turned to Goku with an unexpected request. “Mortal… Goku—may I have one of those?” he asked, the fatigue evident in his voice as his stomach gave a low, betraying growl.

Goku blinked, surprised by the request. Couldn’t he just make his own food? And more curiously, Goku realized he’d never seen Zamasu eat in all their time together, but ever since their fusion, it seemed like that was all Zamasu did. “Uh, sure. Go ahead,” he said, pushing the platter toward the Kai.

Zamasu picked up a sandwich and took a bite, savoring the taste. As he indulged, Goku realized a possible connection to his own experience and couldn’t help but comment. “You know, Zamasu, you seem to be just as hungry as I am these days,” he said with a grin. “As hungry as a mortal.”

Zamasu immediately shot Goku a withering glare. “Do not presume anything, Saiyan. This is merely research on my part,” he replied defensively. “I’m simply dedicating myself to understanding more about mortals by partaking in their… insignificant indulgences.” His words bristled with defiance, but it was clear he was hiding behind the lie, unwilling to admit that he was, in fact, genuinely hungry.

A sly smile grew on Goku’s face. “Whatever you say!” he replied with a laugh, but then his expression grew more serious. “By the way, have you noticed anything… off…since we defused?” he asked tentatively. “I mean, I’ve been feeling a little different. Calmer, more focused—like I can really organize my thoughts now.”

Zamasu stiffened, his gaze flickering with something unreadable before he quickly masked it. “I have no idea what you’re insinuating,” he replied coldly. “I am perfectly fine, and there are no lingering effects from the fusion. The Potara are divine artifacts, crafted by the Gods themselves—flawless in both design and purpose. To suggest otherwise is nothing short of blasphemy.”

Internally, however, Zamasu was far from dismissive. He knew the Saiyan was experiencing curious aftereffects, just as he was—though, frustratingly, Goku seemed to have gained some of his divinity, while Zamasu felt tainted by the mortal’s essence. Fusions were never supposed to leave such imprints on the participants, and it was disconcerting, to say the least, not to mention most likely permanent.

Goku sensed the tension and decided not to press the issue. “Alright, if you say so…” he replied, his voice trailing off as he returned to his task, still reflecting on the changes within himself. He had a growing suspicion that he was beginning to perceive time differently—as if he could see it as a continuous circle, starting from both ends with him at the center. It was as though all that was and all that would be were unfolding at the same moment, allowing his newly expanded mind to anticipate events happening in the present, as well as moments that had yet to occur.

He desperately wanted Zamasu’s opinion on this. After all, who better than the God who gave him this ability in the first place to help him make sense of these feelings, to confirm whether his perception was accurate? But as much as he valued Zamasu’s knowledge and insight, Goku knew they weren’t quite there yet in their relationship. He didn’t dare even ask about the fate of the North Kai for the same reason.

An awkward silence settled between them once more, each lost in their own thoughts as they continued to sift through the papers and sort through the images in the crystal ball. Gowasu eventually re-emerged from the temple, quietly observing the two of them side by side. A bittersweet sense of wholeness washed over him as he sat back down, a soft laugh escaping his lips.

“Ah, it’s heartening to see you two working together,” Gowasu remarked with a gentle smile as he poured himself a cup of tea. “Though I must say, collaboration tends to be more effective when both parties actually speak to one another.” He paused, and took a sip as he arched a brow at the two over the top of his tea cup.

Goku opened his mouth to respond, but an itch suddenly made his face twitch, triggering a loud sneeze. Zamasu glanced at him with a smirk as the papers around them fluttered up and into the air from the force of the powerful exhale. “Perhaps I should grace you with an ‘I bless you,’ eh, mortal?” Zamasu remarked dryly.

Goku wiped his nose, considering the joke for a brief moment before bursting into laughter. With a grin, he hooked an arm around Zamasu’s neck, pulling him close and delivering a hearty slap on the back. “Hey, that was pretty good! Maybe you’re not as uptight as you seem!”

Gowasu watched the interaction closely, holding his breath as Zamasu’s expression tightened in annoyance, his nose wrinkling in irritation. But instead of lashing out, the Supreme Kai merely breathed a sigh, signaling the Saiyan to unhand him with nothing more than a slight shrug and a sharp glare. The Saiyan’s quick thinking regarding the ancient Potara and the life of a possible future attendant had earned him that much.

As Goku’s laughter subsided and he released Zamasu, the papers that had been tossed into the air by his sneeze began to gently flutter back down. One, in particular, descended with suspicious precision and landed squarely on Zamasu’s head. With a sigh of frustration—and another snicker from Goku—he ripped it off his face, ready to discard it, until he noticed the name on it: Lunaris

Zamasu stared at the paper in disbelief, the image of Lunaris—quite literally the epitome of a candidate for Supreme Kai—gazing back at him with bright green eyes through the inked portrait on the page. Beneath the portrait, an extensive list of qualities further cemented Lunaris’s suitability. Zamasu suddenly let out a frustrated laugh, causing Gowasu and Goku to glance at him as if he were a man possessed. A reluctant acknowledgment crossed his features as he gripped the paper a little too tightly. Once again, Goku had effortlessly stumbled upon a solution without even trying, and the universe, in its ever-unsubtle manner, had delivered it right to Zamasu.

Regaining his composure, Zamasu handed the paper to Gowasu. “Your next apprentice, Master Gowasu. I am certain this is a wise choice.” He shot a glance at Goku, who had resumed sipping his tea and finishing his cakes. “Once again, the universe refuses to be subtle in its guidance.”

Gowasu smiled as he accepted the paper, his eyes carefully scanning the portrait and reading through the details. As he nodded in approval, a thoughtful expression crossed his face. “You’re learning well, Zamasu. The cosmos has its own way of making its will known, even when we’re not quite ready to listen.” He waved his hand, and the remaining papers vanished in a swirl of light. “And I must say—this young Kai appears to be a stellar choice. Almost as good as you.”

Zamasu’s eyes narrowed slightly, shooting an annoyed look at the elder Kai.

Gowasu laughed and placed a reassuring hand on Zamasu’s arm. “Almost, Zamasu. Almost. If I could steal you for this timeline, I would.”

Goku, oblivious to the deeper exchange between the two, grinned broadly. “Well, that settles it then, huh? We do make a pretty good team, we did that fast!” He said as he nudged Zamasu again. “So, does that mean it’s time to head home now, Supreme Kai?” He turned toward Gowasu expectantly.

Gowasu laughed softly “Yes, it appears your service here is no longer needed, Goku. Lunaris will make an excellent Supreme Kai in this timeline—your part in expediting this selection is truly appreciated.”

Zamasu couldn’t suppress the surge of irritation at Gowasu’s flattery. He spun around to confront Goku, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yes, thank you, Goku, for your invaluable contribution of sneezing!”

Goku’s grin only widened, unfazed by Zamasu’s jab. “No problem! But hey, what’s the rush? How about we celebrate with a sparring match? It’s been a while since we—”

Before he could finish, both Zamasu and Gowasu shouted in unison, “NO!”

Goku blinked in surprise, then laughed, rubbing the back of his head. “Alright, alright, sheesh— I get it. Maybe next time.”

Chapter Text

Goku sat quietly, cross-legged on a smooth rock, in the heart of a dense pine forest. Outwardly, he seemed relaxed, almost asleep, but inwardly, he was attuned to every subtle shift in the world around him. The nearby river murmured softly, its steady flow providing a peaceful harmony to the rustling pine trees that swayed gently in the breeze. He inhaled deeply, the earthy scent of pine filling his lungs, and marveled at how strange it felt to be drawn to the forest these days.

Just a few months ago, if someone had asked, he would have said he was captivated by the ocean, not the forest — its endless expanse reminding him of his early days with Master Roshi, training by the sea. Those times had been simpler, carefree, when the vastness of the water reflected his own boundless potential as a boy, blissfully unaware of his Saiyan heritage. The waves would lap at the shores of the islands, threatening to engulf them but always holding back, much like Goku’s own gentle heart — powerful, yet restrained, never inclined to destroy.

But now, here deep in the woods, he sensed a different kind of energy—still peaceful, but more deeply intertwined with the bustling chaos of life. He could feel every shift of the wind through the trees, not merely as sound, but as energy rippling through the air, brushing against everything in its path. This awareness expanded far beyond his body, seamlessly merging the sensations in his muscles and senses with the life forces all around him. Every living thing, from the smallest insect to the birds perched high in the trees, pulsed with an energy he didn’t just feel—but could see. Streaks and bursts of light danced across his mind’s eye, not as distinct images but as movements, the flow of life itself. He didn’t need to look where these things were, he simply knew. In this heightened state, his body and mind were no longer separate entities. They worked in perfect harmony, his every breath, every twitch of muscle attuned to the world around him.

Goku’s brow furrowed as his senses deepened. The air subtly shifted, and he became acutely aware of a flicker of blue in his mind, the faint rustle of wings—a predator. It was as though he stood at the center of a ripple where past, present, and future converged. Without opening his eyes, he understood what was unfolding, not as a reaction to the moment, but as a seamless perception of what would happen. The raptor was already diving, talons poised to strike, while beneath it, a tiny mouse, hidden in the brush, remained blissfully unaware of the fate approaching. Time seemed to stretch and flow through Goku, allowing him to sense both the predator’s intent and the mouse’s impending pain, as though the event had already occurred.

Before the dive could reach its tragic conclusion, the Saiyan moved with fluid precision. His hand shot out, fingers closing gently around a soft mass of fur, the mouse squeaking in protest as he lifted it effortlessly to safety. The raptor’s talons sliced through empty space where its prey had been, letting out a frustrated caw before flying off in search of another target. Goku slowly opened his eyes, a soft smile spreading across his face as he gazed at the trembling creature in his hand.

"Looks like it’s your lucky day, little guy," he said with a grin, gently stroking the mouse with one outstretched finger. He lowered it carefully to the ground, watching as it darted back into the safety of the undergrowth, blissfully unaware of how close it had come to its own death.

As Goku sat back, a strange awareness began to swell within him. This clarity, this effortless connection to the energy surrounding him, went beyond the usual depth of meditation. There was something more at play, he was absolutely sure of it now—a lingering influence from his fusion with Zamasu. The Kai’s divine energy had subtly altered him, broadening his understanding of the universe and of life itself.

He briefly pondered how Zamasu might react if he knew—if the proud, arrogant Kai could ever accept that his own essence had unintentionally guided the Saiyan toward a deeper bond with the cosmos, and with the right push, could unlock a form even more powerful than he had ever imagined. The idea of their paths crossing again, though —while entertaining — seemed improbable.

Still, this moment, this journey, was his alone, shaped by all that had led him here. As Goku gazed out over the forest, feeling the steady pulse of life surrounding him, he found peace in the new direction he had chosen to embrace. A part of him even hoped that Zamasu, wherever he was, had also found his own peace—a place where his battle-hungry nature and relentless pursuit of divine order could be channeled into something more meaningful, something that didn’t involve wiping out the cosmos.

With that thought, a sudden irritation with the peaceful woods crept in, and Goku stood up, restless. In an instant, he took off into the sky, leaving the forest behind. He was ready for the next phase of his training — and that meant heading home, finding some food, and tracking down a sparring partner.

Zamasu sat cross-legged on a smooth stone in the center of the Serenity Sanctum’s tranquil pool, allowing himself a rare moment of comfort—just as a mortal might, he mused, as he wore only his simple underclothes. His formal Kai robes, boots, and sashes, now discarded in a haphazard heap nearby, had been cast off early on in frustration. Though tradition dictated that his formal attire be worn at all times in the Sanctum, the heavy fabric had recently become a hindrance, its weight disrupting his concentration whenever he attempted to settle into meditation. In his haste to find clarity, he had thrown them aside, seeking simplicity.

The soft light filtering through the ornate stained-glass windows above cast an eerie red glow around him as he stared into the water, his mind drifting through the events of the recent past and his anxieties about the uncertain future. Meditation always began with him fixing his gaze on his own reflection in the still, clear pool underneath. He would sit in silence, watching the image until it shifted—until something new, something unexpected, emerged from the depths. It was an experience not unlike the Saiyan’s, when Zamasu had interrogated him for every detail of his session, determined to ensure that nothing had been permanently tainted by his mortal essence before he used the Sanctum himself.

Sometimes, these sessions offered clarity and insight, illuminating paths he hadn’t considered. Other times, they dredged up unsettling possibilities, forcing him to confront the darkest corners of his mind. The unpredictability unnerved him, yet it was precisely why he returned to this place time and again—to strengthen what he saw as his greatest weakness: rigidity. Here, he worked to become more adaptable, more comfortable with discomfort.

With a final deep breath, the Supreme Kai slowly emerged from his meditative state, the image in the water now nothing more than his own reflection. He blinked a few moments to ensure he really was back in reality, and for a fleeting moment, he thought he saw the face of Zamoku suddenly staring back at him; but a ripple quickly disturbed the surface, and his own reflection took form once more. He dismissed it as a trick of the light, but the unease lingered.

He glanced up at the stained-glass windows above, his eyes drawn to a newly appeared panel depicting the pivotal moment when he had saved Universe 10. At first glance, the image seemed to be of him alone, standing in all the grandeur befitting a Supreme Kai, holding out a shining black Potara. As he shifted his position, though, tilting his head ever so slightly, the image subtly transformed —like a hologram —revealing not him, but the fusion of himself and Goku. The sacred glass had immortalized their combined form in a brilliant mosaic of shapes, color, and light, forever binding Goku to this divine piece of architecture.

It was a cruel irony, Zamasu thought bitterly, that the cosmos had chosen to honor him in such a way. It was unheard of for a Supreme Kai to be commemorated before their retirement or death, yet here he was, enshrined within this sacred space still deep in his youth, but with the added twist of being forced to share this eternal honor with a mortal…and not just any mortal, but one who had once been his greatest adversary in another time and space. The image would forever shift between the two forms, a constant reminder of the connection he could never fully sever.

Zamasu sighed deeply, dipping his hands into the divine waters below him. He splashed his face, the coolness invigorating him, washing away the lingering remnants of his meditation and signifying the end of his session.

Rising from the smooth stone, he cast a glance toward the corner of the sanctum where he had earlier tossed his outer clothes in a careless heap. To his mild surprise, the garments were now neatly folded, awaiting his return. Next to them, a small tray of food and tea had been arranged with meticulous care, a delicate flower placed beside it for added elegance. His gaze lingered on the meal for a moment, hunger and appreciation flickering within him as he noted the thoughtful presentation with gratitude.

His attention focused on the cup of tea beside the tray. With a quiet scoff, he lifted it to his lips, instantly detecting its weak, watery flavor—another disappointment by its maker that would fail to satisfy even the lowest of expectations. Amused, Zamasu glanced around to ensure he was alone, then casually poured the tea into the soil of a nearby potted plant. Later, he would feign appreciation if asked, and perhaps offer some gentle, constructive feedback—yet again.

As the Supreme Kai recharged and dressed with practiced ease—pulling on his boots and tying off his sash—a sudden, sharp sting pricked his finger, causing his heart to sink. Glancing down, he saw the emerald Time Ring pulsing gently with energy. Though he had initially believed the time loop would persist but be completely nullified by the Potara earrings he had Universe 3 fashion, he soon realized just how deep his alternate self’s hatred ran, and how potent the immortality contagion truly was. Occasionally, a subtle glitch would occur—a faint, yet successful attempt by the loop to reset itself elsewhere.

The searing ache from the Time Ring intensified, pulling Zamasu’s thoughts from the calm he briefly enjoyed. He knew all too well what it signaled—a timeline was shifting, its flow altered by another version of himself. Inevitably, this would lead to yet another timeline’s destruction. Though the simplest solution would be to erase the former North Kai once and for all, the thought of threatening to condemn her to that fate again felt unbearably cruel. No, intervention was the only option. He would once more step into this fractured timeline, as he had done countless times before. Each reset and correction unfolded differently, a unique burden he bore alone to ensure the chaos wrought upon Goku’s timeline would never be repeated..

Preparing to let the Time Ring guide him to its latest disturbance, Zamasu took a deep breath, steadying his heart. The constant disruptions wore on him—endlessly stepping in, correcting, preventing the loop from resetting in a way that could unravel everything. It was a duty he could not abandon. If he failed to act, the consequences would be catastrophic. Such was the unyielding burden of a Supreme Kai.

In the serene atmosphere of the Sacred World of the Kai, Gowasu sat calmly, sipping tea from a delicate cup, his usual composure neutralizing the residual tension between him and his apprentice after last evening’s heated debate. The sky above was a clear, pale yellow, with only the rustling of the wind breaking the silence.

Zamasu stood nearby, casting a weary sidelong glance at his mentor. His cold, gray eyes and stoic expression revealed nothing, his emotions carefully hidden behind a composed exterior. Beneath that calm facade, however, a storm had raged within him the night before, leaving him unsettled and drained. He had tossed and turned in his bed, eventually pacing the hallways in a cold sweat, his heart weighed down by fear and sorrow. Nausea twisted his insides as he grappled with the grim specifics of the path he believed was the only way to cleanse the universe of its mortal affliction.

Hours passed in restless meditation as he strained for clarity, for a sign. When dawn finally broke, his resolve crystallized, hardening into something cold and unyielding. What had once been a turbulent sea of doubt now froze into the certainty of an irreversible path. The course before him no longer wavered in his mind, and once set into motion, there would be no turning back—and no mourning for the life he was leaving behind.

Grief, regret—these were beneath a god willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, his very divinity, for the love of the cosmos. Mourning was a weakness for mortals, tethered as they were to their fleeting lives. He would not indulge in such sentiment. Greatness demanded sacrifice. Purging the universe of its mortal blight was the perfection only a divine hand could deliver, a powerful act of a god’s selfless humility. The path was clear. Only one minor detail required his attention first.

“Tea is the drink of the gods,” Gowasu mused with a gentle smile as he set his cup down.

The sound startled Zamasu, making him flinch slightly, his body still trapped in a tense state of fight or flight.

“It calms the mind,” Gowasu continued, “allowing us to contemplate the universe with clarity.”

Zamasu’s hand slowly clenched at his side, hidden from Gowasu’s view. The words of his master, once a source of wisdom and comfort, now felt like hollow platitudes—reminders of the laziness, the limitations and hypocrisies he had come to despise in mortals and Gods alike.

Gowasu, oblivious to the dark thoughts brewing within his apprentice next to him, continued to speak. “It is through such contemplation that we, as Supreme Kai, can ensure the balance of the cosmos. That is our sacred duty, Zamasu.”

Zamasu remained silent, his eyes narrowing as they fixed on Gowasu. His mind flashed back to the countless times he had tried to reconcile his growing disdain for mortals with the teachings of his master, but now, after much “contemplation,” all that remained in his mind was a singular focus, a twisted resolution.

With a calmness that belied his intent, Zamasu moved closer to Gowasu. “Master Gowasu,” he began, his voice steady, “You’ll be pleased to know I’ve thought about what you said last night, and have come to understand what true justice is.”

Gowasu looked up at his young apprentice with a smile. Zamasu could always be counted on to take his future duty seriously, to revise his own misunderstandings swiftly after conversation. “Justice is the cornerstone of a Supreme Kai’s duty, Zamasu. But it must be applied with wisdom and mercy.”

Zamasu’s heart thundered in his chest as his hand hovered over the tea set, trembling slightly. “Yes, Master. Justice... and mercy,” he murmured, his voice a mere whisper, laced with an unsettling calm.

Mercy. His thoughts churned beneath the surface, wrestling with the many ways one could define mercy. Ending Gowasu’s life prematurely was, in his eyes, an act of true compassion—a mercy for his aging mentor who had long outlived his purpose, and more importantly, a mercy for the cosmos itself, which desperately cried out for a new Supreme Kai to guide it toward balance and purity. Under Gowasu’s laissez-faire rule, the universe had stagnated, its rot spreading unchecked. It needed cleansing—Zamasu’s cleansing.

As Zamasu stood with his hand poised above Gowasu’s neck, his absolution flickered for the briefest moment, a kernel of doubt slipping through the cracks of his icy determination. A part of him, buried deep, still harbored a sliver of affection for the mentor who had entrusted him with the pinnacle of divine knowledge and responsibility. Gowasu had given him everything—his teachings, his trust, his artifacts, his home, his love—and now, Zamasu was prepared to betray him in the ultimate act of defiance.

With teeth clenched, Zamasu ignited his hand with a deadly energy blade, the glowing light casting harsh shadows across his face. Gowasu, still oblivious, continued to sip his morning tea, lost in quiet, light meditation. Zamasu steeled himself, rehearsing the fatal strike in his mind—a step back, a swift lunge forward, a sharp descent—and then peace, a clean end to it all. He cleared his throat, trying to calm his still hammering heart as his arm slowly rose, poised for the attack.

Before he could strike, a hand shot out from behind, gripping his wrist with unshakable force. The searing heat of his energy blade did nothing to deter the tight fingers coiled around him. Zamasu’s eyes widened as he gasped, and slowly turned to face the figure beside him

It was him—a mirror of himself—if he were a full Supreme Kai, that is — radiating a calm yet undeniable power that was far above his own. The flicker of doubt that had sparked earlier grew, dancing in the depths of Zamasu’s mind as he stared into the eyes of his twin, knowing full well that this was no mere illusion.

Supreme Kai Zamasu looked down at his counterpart, his expression stern but holding something deeper—regret, perhaps. Sadness, definitely. “Tread carefully,” he warned, his voice cold. “This path will only lead to ruin—yours, the cosmos, an entire timeline erased by your hand. Is that truly the justice you seek?”

Gowasu, stunned by the sudden appearance of another Zamasu, looked between the two in disbelief. “What is the meaning of this?” he asked, his voice trembling with shock and confusion as he rose quickly from his seat and stumbled away from the table, from the two versions of Zamasu that stood before him.

The Zamasu with the energy blade snarled, yanking his hand free from the Supreme Kai’s grip. “Who are you to interfere?” he demanded, his eyes narrowing with great suspicion as his aura flared, ready to take the offensive. None of this made sense. “What trickery is this? Who are you?”

Supreme Kai Zamasu met his grey gaze evenly, his voice and posture utterly calm. “I am the you that you’ve always wished to be—“

***********

FIN