Soon, the screen of the communicator lit up, and Whis's face appeared on it, wearing his usual calm smile. "Oh my, Mr. Goku, you found a Super Dragon Ball? How lucky."
"Whis, we found a Super Dragon Ball, but there are no cracks on this one," Goku said, getting straight to the point. His voice was full of confusion. "Didn't you say it was normal for Super Dragon Balls to have cracks? Why doesn't this one?"
"Yes, yes. The form of a Super Dragon Ball isn't fixed. Some have cracks, and some don't. It's a perfectly normal natural phenomenon," Whis explained, his tone as casual as if he were talking about the weather. "It's like how some Super Dragon Balls 'breathe' through their cracks, while others don't need to. It's all normal, so there's no need to make a mountain out of a molehill."
"I haven't even asked my next question and you already gave the answer. You're too good, Whis," Goku said, scratching his head with a look of admiration.
Goku had wanted to ask why some had cracks and others didn't, but Whis had already shut that line of questioning down.
"Oh my... so that was the question you wanted to ask? I was just taking a guess," Whis giggled, acting like it was just a coincidence, though there was a brief, subtle glint in his eyes.
"By the way, Whis, there's one more thing," Goku said, his voice sounding a bit helpless. "We're currently stuck on a Super Dragon Ball in the World of Void. Our spaceship crashed, and the communicator has no signal. Can you come pick us up?"
"Mr. Goku, you could try using Instant Transmission to leave," Whis suggested with a smile, showing no intention of coming over. "Doesn't your Instant Transmission work by sensing energy signatures? Maybe you can pick up a signal from far away and just teleport out."
"This place is so remote. Can I really sense someone from this far away?" Goku looked around at the endless golden land. He wasn't feeling very confident.
"You can try. How will you know if you don't?" Whis said encouragingly. "You can't rely on others for everything. Try it yourself; you might just succeed."
"Alright then, I'll give it a shot. Thanks, Whis," Goku nodded and ended the call.
"Do you think Whis is being for real? Can you really sense a signal from here?" Piccolo asked, looking unsure.
"Whatever, let's just try to leave first," Goku mused. "At least for now, only one Super Dragon Ball is cracked, so we don't have to worry too much about the Shadow Dragons yet."
"Then hurry up and try. We can't stay on this bald planet forever," Piccolo urged. He definitely didn't want to hang around here any longer.
Goku took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He pressed his index and middle fingers to his forehead, focusing all his energy on sensing signatures. He pushed his senses through the World of Void, stretching them deep into the reaches of space.
As he focused, Goku's eyes suddenly lit up. He snapped them open with an excited grin. "Found it! I can sense a familiar energy far away!"
"You really felt it? Which way?" Piccolo asked, his voice full of surprise and joy.
"It's very far from here, but I definitely felt it," Goku nodded. He waved Piccolo over. "Let's head down first, grab Hit and the others, and then we'll teleport out of here."
A moment later, the two of them dropped from the sky and landed next to Hit and Cabba.
However, Goku looked around and noticed that Moro was nowhere to be seen. Only Hit and Cabba were still there.
"Where's Moro? Where did he go?" Goku asked, looking confused.
He had been here just a moment ago. How did he vanish so fast?
"He said he had to go to the bathroom and then he left. I don't know what he's playing at," Cabba answered, his voice wary. "I bet he's trying to mess with the Super Dragon Ball."
"Now that you mention it, I just thought of something," Goku said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "The energy inside this Super Dragon Ball is massive. Moro might be trying to find a way to absorb it so he can get his magic back without needing a wish."
"What? He wants to absorb the Super Dragon Ball's energy?" Cabba's face went pale with worry. "If he actually succeeds, the consequences would be unthinkable! If that energy gets sucked out, it might cause chaos across the entire universe!"
"Don't worry, I checked just now. The energy inside hasn't decreased at all," Goku said, trying to calm him down. "So my guess is that Moro can't absorb it. His magic doesn't work on the Super Dragon Ball."
"I'm glad to hear that," Cabba said, letting out a small sigh of relief. Then he frowned again, looking miserable. "But we're still stuck here. The ship is beyond repair. Even if he can't take the energy, we still can't leave."
"It's fine. I'll use Instant Transmission to take you all out. Just grab onto me, and I can teleport you to a place with people," Goku said with a relaxed grin.
"Really? That's awesome!" Cabba was thrilled, his eyes full of hope. He definitely didn't want to stay on this barren planet any longer.
"I'll go find Moro first and bring him back. It's better if he leaves with us so he doesn't cause any trouble here," Goku said. With that, he used Instant Transmission and vanished.
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, Goku appeared right next to Moro.
Moro was lying flat on the golden ground, his entire body pressed against the surface. His hands were frantically rubbing the ground, as if he were trying to soak up the energy that way.
"Hey, Moro, what are you doing? Can you really absorb energy just by hugging the ground?" Goku asked with a curious laugh.
Moro: "..."
Moro looked up and gave Goku a long, dark stare. He climbed off the ground with a sour face, his brow knit tight.
He'd been trying for ages, and he hadn't felt so much as a spark of energy. Moro felt like his mind was about to break.
What made it even worse was a realization he'd just had.
A Super Dragon Ball this big was impossible to move. Even if he found the other six, he'd have no way to bring them together to make a wish.
He was starting to regret leaving New Namek. Maybe the regular Dragon Balls there really could have restored his magic. He had really taken the long way around for nothing.
"Do you want something? If not, leave me alone," Moro said coldly, already thinking about absorbing Goku's energy.
He figured his magic was just too low right now to take energy from the Super Dragon Ball. If he could just suck Goku and the others dry, maybe he could break through his limits!
"I just wanted to tell you that if you want to make a wish with the Super Dragon Balls, you have to bring all seven of them together," Goku said, acting like he didn't notice Moro's foul mood.
Moro didn't say anything, but he narrowed his eyes and cursed in his head. No kidding! I know I need all seven! The problem is these things are too big to move!
"But I tried it out, and even with Instant Transmission, you can't move something this big. It's too heavy," Goku said with a shake of his head. "If you want to bring them together, you'd probably need someone with serious strength to help."
"Then what's the point of these damn Dragon Balls!" Moro was so angry his teeth ached, and he couldn't help but curse. He started to raise his right hand, getting ready to drain Goku's energy.
"Don't be in such a rush. I thought of someone who definitely has the strength to move a Super Dragon Ball," Goku said with a mysterious grin.
"You mean the Supreme Kai?" Moro huffed, his voice full of contempt. He couldn't think of anyone else who could move a celestial body like this.
"Not him. You have a grudge against the Supreme Kai, don't you? Why would I recommend him?" Goku laughed and shook his head. "It's not the Supreme Kai."
"Not him?" Moro froze, looking confused. "Then who? Is there someone even more powerful than the Supreme Kai?"
"You'll know once you come with me. I promise you won't be disappointed," Goku suggested. "Come on, let's leave this place first. I'll take you to him."
With that, Goku turned into a streak of light and flew back toward Hit and the others. Moro hesitated for a moment but eventually followed.
He wanted to see exactly who this person was that could move a Super Dragon Ball. If they were really that strong, their energy must be massive. Draining that person might finally restore him to his peak!
Soon, Goku and Moro were back with Hit and Cabba. Hit gave Moro a long look but didn't say anything. Moro just gave everyone a greedy, contemptuous glance. To him, these people were just high-quality snacks for later.
"Everyone, come over and grab my hand. I'm going to use Instant Transmission to get us out of here," Goku called out.
Piccolo was the first to react, putting his hand on Goku's shoulder. Cabba blinked and quickly did the same. Hit hesitated for a second before reaching out as well. Moro didn't like it, but he knew Goku was his only way out, so he reluctantly grabbed Goku's arm.
Goku took a deep breath and focused his senses again, locking onto the distant energy signature. Then, he used Instant Transmission.
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, the group vanished from the golden land, leaving the empty Super Dragon Ball floating silently in the World of Void.
...
In Universe 6, on Planet Champa.
Champa was lying on a massive sofa, bored out of his mind and dozing off. His head was nodding, but his eyes wouldn't stay shut. He looked completely irritable.
Vados was standing nearby, chatting with Marcarita from Universe 11 through the crystal ball on her staff. She was laughing uncontrollably, her whole body shaking with mirth.
"Agh! I can't take it!" Champa suddenly sat up and let out a loud roar. "Why can't I sleep? Beerus can nap for decades, but I can't even get a lunch nap!"
"Oh my, Marcarita, sorry. Lord Champa is going crazy again. I'll have to talk to you later," Vados said into the crystal ball, her voice full of amusement.
"It's fine. Lord Belmod is about the same over here. He's always out chasing skirts and rarely comes back to the God of Destruction realm," Marcarita said with a smile. "Your place is at least lively. My place is quiet and lonely all day long."
"Let's talk later. I need to go calm down our grumpy God of Destruction," Vados said as she ended the call and tapped her staff on the ground.
Whoosh!
Vados appeared right next to Champa.
"Lord Champa, what's wrong? It's just a nap. Is it worth getting this angry?" Vados asked with a teasing smile.
"It's frustrating! I just want a peaceful sleep! Why is it so hard?" Champa ground his teeth, his claws digging deep marks into the sofa. "Do you have any way to make me fall asleep fast?"
"I actually have a way. It's very simple and very effective," Vados said, a sly glint in her eyes.
"What is it? Tell me!" Champa was interested now, his face full of hope.
"It's simple. If I knock you unconscious, you'll be able to sleep peacefully. I guarantee you won't wake up," Vados said with a straight face and a cheerful tone.
Champa felt a cold shiver run down his spine. His cat-like face went pale, and he waved his hands frantically. "No, no, no! I suddenly don't want to sleep! I'm wide awake now! I'm not tired at all!"
"Heeheehee... I was just joking. You actually believed me?" Vados laughed like a blooming flower, her eyes full of mischief.
To Champa, Vados's smile looked scarier than a demon. He definitely didn't want to be knocked out. Who knew if this woman would be too rough and seriously injure him!
While they were talking...
Whoosh!
A ripple appeared in the air, followed by a flash of white light.
Goku appeared right in front of Champa, along with Hit, Cabba, Piccolo, and Moro.
Champa's eyes went wide. He was completely stunned.
How did these guys just show up?
Two of them were from Universe 7... and who was this strange old guy?
How did they all end up together, and why did they suddenly appear in his God of Destruction realm?
"Hey there, Lord Champa! Long time no see!" Goku was the first to speak, waving his hand at Champa with a relaxed, natural tone, as if he were greeting an old friend.
Hit and Cabba, on the other hand, looked like they'd seen a ghost. Their faces went pale, and their bodies instantly stiffened.
They never expected Goku to teleport them directly to Champa's home!
Cabba had planned to lure Moro here eventually, but he'd expected to have time to prepare mentally. Suddenly appearing in front of a God of Destruction like this made his heart feel like it was going to leap out of his chest.
The two of them quickly bowed to Champa, their voices dripping with respect. "Greetings, Lord Champa!"
Piccolo remained calm. He seemed to have guessed what Goku was up to, so he just gave a small nod and didn't say a word.
Moro, however, narrowed his eyes and looked Champa up and down, his gaze full of doubt.
Was this round, fat cat really the person Goku said could move the Super Dragon Balls?
Aside from being fat, he didn't look like anything special. Did he really have that much strength?
"You're... Universe 7's Goku?" Champa finally snapped out of it. He squinted at Goku, his voice full of confusion. "Why are you suddenly in my realm? And using Instant Transmission? Kid, did you become a Supreme Kai or something?"
As he spoke, Champa circled Goku, his eyes full of suspicion.
"I used Instant Transmission," Goku nodded, his finger absentmindedly rubbing the tip of his nose. He sounded as casual as if he were talking about the weather. "But I'm not a Supreme Kai. I learned it a long time ago on Planet Yardrat from the locals. It's different from the Supreme Kai's version—I have to sense an energy signature."
"I see!" Champa realized, his thick claw patting his round belly. "No wonder I felt like something was off just now."
"Hahaha, maybe my version is just more practical! No need for all those fancy-schmancy rules, you just go by feel!" Goku laughed loudly, showing off his straight white teeth.
"Wait, something still feels wrong," Champa frowned, his tail twitching behind him. He circled Goku again, his round eyes full of doubt.
He froze for three seconds.
Suddenly, Champa's eyes lit up, and his ears stood straight up. He turned to look at Vados, who was standing nearby with a smile, and asked firmly, "Vados, the Yardrat Instant Transmission... you have to sense the other person's energy first to use it, right? I didn't remember that wrong?"
"Yes, Lord Champa. You finally remembered," Vados giggled, the crystal ball on her staff reflecting a soft light. Her voice was full of mischief.
Champa immediately turned his gaze back to Goku, his claws tightening slightly. His voice took on a probing tone. "Kid, you could teleport to me because you sensed my energy?"
"Uh... yeah, but it took a lot of work to feel it," Goku scratched the back of his head and gave an embarrassed grin. "Your energy is really hidden. I had to stare and focus for quite a while before I could barely catch a tiny ripple."
Goku had no idea how shocking his words sounded to everyone else.
Being able to capture the energy signature of a God of Destruction meant his perception had already far surpassed that of a normal mortal.
"You're not simple, kid! You can even sense my energy!" Champa narrowed his eyes, a glint of sharp light flashing in his pupils. He looked Goku over again, as if he were evaluating an interesting new toy. "It seems Universe 7 produced a pretty interesting guy."
"Enough!"
Just as the two were casually chatting, Moro finally lost his patience. He let out a sudden roar that exploded through the hall like a thunderclap, making the decorations rattle. Every eye in the room instantly snapped to him.
Cabba was secretly holding back a laugh, his shoulders shaking as he nudged Hit. His eyes were full of a "told you so" look.
Cabba had known that with Moro's arrogant personality, he wouldn't be able to hold back for long. He was bound to provoke Champa eventually.
Hit just shook his head helplessly, a complex look in his dark eyes as he sighed internally.
This Moro really took the phrase "clueless about what he's up against" to the extreme. Being this reckless in a God of Destruction's territory was like dancing on the edge of a blade.
Goku also turned to look, still wearing his carefree smile. His hands were in his pockets, and he had no intention of stepping in to stop anything.
Goku had brought Moro here on purpose. He'd been waiting for this "self-destructive" comedy to start from the very beginning.
Piccolo silently took half a step back, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.
He knew exactly how terrifying a God of Destruction's rage could be.
Moro was likely in for a world of hurt this time.
"Goku, stop wasting time chatting and get to the point!" Moro huffed, his voice full of suppressed irritation as magic energy flickered around him.
Ever since he set foot on Planet Champa, Moro hadn't stopped thinking about absorbing energy.
However, whether it was Champa or Vados, Moro couldn't suck away even a tiny bit of energy.
Even when he'd tried to sneakily absorb Cabba and Goku's energy just now, Vados had simply tapped her staff on the ground, and his magic felt like it had been sealed by an invisible barrier. He couldn't even touch the energy of a normal person!
Moro had started to doubt if something was wrong with his magic, even slipping into a bit of a crisis.
But seeing Goku and Champa chatting aimlessly while completely ignoring him was the final straw. Moro finally exploded.
"Stop wasting time! I don't have the patience to wait around with you!" Moro barked.
"Go ahead and say it yourself. I'm not stopping you," Goku grinned, smoothly handing the floor over to Moro.
Moro didn't even notice Goku's scheme. He huffed, "I'll say it! It's not like I don't know how to talk!"
The next second, Moro snapped his head toward Champa. He tilted his chin up high and asked in a condescending tone, "Hey, you, big fat cat. I heard you can move planets? Is that true?"
Champa's cat-like face instantly turned black, and his soft fur looked like it was standing on end.
Champa had lived for hundreds of millions of years. As the God of Destruction of Universe 6, he held the power of life and death over the entire universe. No mortal had ever dared to call him a "big fat cat" to his face!
It was a blatant, direct insult!
Champa slowly narrowed his eyes, and the air around him seemed to freeze. An invisible pressure spread out like a tide, and his voice was cold enough to turn the air to ice. "What did you just say? Say that again?"
"What's your problem? I'm asking you a question! Can you move planets or not? Give it to me straight!" Moro had no idea that danger was closing in. Instead, he got even more arrogant, trying to use his presence to intimidate Champa. "I'm tired of this boring game. Take me to collect the Super Dragon Balls now, or don't blame me for being rough with you!"
Cabba immediately looked excited, his eyes wide as he watched the scene, not wanting to miss a single detail.
He had been waiting for this moment. Moro's arrogance was finally going to cost him.
Goku was smiling even wider now. He crossed his arms and leaned forward slightly, looking like he was watching a top-tier performance.
To be continued…
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