"Is there any way? I've said everything I need to say, but Jiren just won't move. Do you want me to beg him?"
The God of Destruction, Vermut, wore a hostile expression.
Jiren, in terms of both strength and character, was a perfect fit for the role of a God of Destruction. He, like Vermut himself, had a strong sense of justice.
Moreover, Jiren wasn't just his friend, he was his apprentice. Logically, he should have inherited Vermut's ideals as well.
However, Jiren was solely focused on avenging his parents and had no interest in becoming a God of Destruction candidate.
Even after Vermut had said all the right things, Jiren remained indifferent. What else could he do? Was he supposed to, a God of Destruction, actually beg Jiren to take the position?
That was out of the question, Vermut would never lower himself like that!
"Clack!"
"Honey, maybe Jiren is right, he simply has no interest in your position!"
"But Lord Vermut, you don't have to worry. Maybe after he finds his parents' murderer and gets his revenge, he'll change his mind!"
Makarita spoke again.
"That's the only option left. But this guy, Toppo… sigh, it's just too embarrassing!"
At that moment, Vermut's mind replayed the scene of Toppo being sent flying with a single punch.
It was humiliating.
That's exactly why Vermut had forbidden him from using the Power of Destruction. If he fought without it, at least he wouldn't embarrass himself.
But now, not only had Toppo embarrassed himself, he had embarrassed Vermut as well!
Whoosh!
"Let's go, Makarita. Jiren should be there by now. Let's go watch the fight!"
"It's up to Jiren to save our reputation now. But I have a feeling this battle won't end so easily."
Vermut glanced at Makarita as he spoke.
Truthfully, he was very curious about the battle between Katakana and Jiren.
After all, this newcomer had easily defeated his chosen candidate, Toppo. As Makarita had mentioned earlier, this mysterious fighter seemed to be hiding some sort of power.
Given Jiren's immense strength, the two should be evenly matched, at least if Jiren didn't use the Power of Destruction.
In fact, during their previous sparring sessions, Jiren had even surpassed him.
Of course, that was when Vermut wasn't using his full power as a God of Destruction. If he did, things would be completely different. As long as the Supreme Universal Law remained intact, no one could defeat a God of Destruction!
So now, Vermut was eagerly looking forward to this fight.
He was truly excited to see how far it would go!
"Lord Vermut, you're right, I feel the same way!"
"But let's see for ourselves just how far their battle will go!"
Although Makarita couldn't sense Katakana's true strength, she was certain that he was far more powerful than what he had shown against Toppo.
"Hmm!"
Vermut nodded.
---
On a Small, Nameless Planet…
Katakana had already completed his training and was now waiting for the powerful presence he sensed approaching from the distance.
If his instincts were correct, this overwhelming aura belonged to none other than Jiren!
"Whoosh!"
With a gust of wind, a figure resembling an extraterrestrial warrior appeared before Katakana.
He wore the same red and black combat uniform as the Pride Troopers. His skin was gray, his head smooth and expressionless, and his massive eyes radiated an intimidating presence.
"So it really is Jiren."
Katakana gazed at the familiar figure before him, smirking slightly.
As expected, Jiren's strength was immeasurable.
While Katakana studied Jiren, Jiren was also sizing up Katakana.
"You're the one who defeated Toppo?"
Before Katakana could speak, Jiren broke the silence.
"That's right. I'm the one who beat Toppo. My name is Katakana."
Katakana smiled as he stepped forward.
Just as the stories said, Jiren was far beyond Toppo's level.
But facing an opponent like this was exciting, only in such battles could one push their limits!
"It seems you're not a demon like Toppo suspected. You're just a Mortal."
Jiren's tone was indifferent, almost disappointed.
Toppo and the others had speculated that Katakana might be connected to the Demon Clan, which was why Jiren had rushed here so quickly.
But now, seeing that Katakana was merely a Mortal, Jiren felt let down.
"Of course, I'm not a demon, I'm a pure Mortal!"
"Why? You seem disappointed. Do only demons qualify as your opponents?"
Katakana asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not at all."
"But you're still not worthy of being my Match. I have no interest in fighting you."
Jiren's expression remained aloof, as if he had lost interest entirely.
"Heh! You haven't even seen me fight, and you've already decided that I'm not your Match?"
Katakana retorted.
"You truly aren't. Even though you defeated Toppo, I could beat him with a single punch."
Jiren's words were arrogant, but he had every right to be.
And he wasn't exaggerating.
He had been teammates with Toppo for many years, and every time Toppo challenged him, he had always knocked him out with just one punch.
"But since you managed to defeat Toppo, I suppose I'll entertain you for a bit. After all, I'm already here."
Jiren spoke indifferently, as though Katakana wasn't even worth his time.
"Entertain me for a bit?"
"That condescending attitude of yours is really irritating."
Katakana frowned slightly.
Jiren had completely dismissed him from the start.
Sure, he had beaten Toppo with one punch, but Katakana could have done the same!
He had just chosen not to.
At that moment, Katakana clenched his fists and transformed into Super Saiyan God Rosè.
A divine, fiery pink aura erupted around him, radiating immense power.
Yet, even as Katakana powered up, Jiren's expression remained unchanged.
"No wonder you were able to defeat Toppo… It must be because of this technique that instantly boosts your strength."
Jiren observed Katakana calmly.