The dust had finally settled completely as Goku peered to the new face, the sight bringing a gleeful grin to his features. He'd been able to bring out all three of his potential targets, leaving him feeling rather confident. All it had taken was a single blast his comrades were unable to block to bring Jiren into the limelight. The new face seemed to judge the Saiyan, a slight frown becoming more prominent. As for Top, he was quick to aid Dyspo. The three remained placed, along with Goku, who was simply scoping out the level he'd need. Top and Dyspo were simple. They were easy. But Jiren was a bit of a higher level.
"I appreciate the help, Jiren. I was taken off guard by his return of an attack..." Jiren glanced at his glove, where it still smoldered. Raising his tone, he met Goku's gaze, locking eyes.
"You realize that attack could have killed them, thus eliminating you?"
"Of course. It was a ploy, to draw you out. I stated before, I had three targets. You're the third." Top seemed the most offended still about the whole targeting Goku did, but the Saiyan couldn't care less. He had a universe to protect.
"You've got some nerve, to seem so confident. That attack was pathetic." Jiren's words made Goku sigh, who leaned on the rock behind him.
"Says something about your teammates. It started as his, only brought to a higher level by my hands. Doesn't that mean your ally is the weak one?" Top took a step forward, his anger seeming to spark. For an honorable individual, he was terrible at control. It made the Saiyan chuckle. It also gave him an idea. "Still, that attack truly was pathetic. Pointless even. To think he'd be nearly killed by his own attack!"
"Why you-" Top once more stepped forward, being edged on by the Saiyan. Of course, he wasn't quite there yet. Unfortunately Dyspo was quick to catch onto Goku. He attempted to ease Top, leaving the Saiyan to focus on Dyspo.
"Looks like the rabbit can speak. Least that's one useful thing. Can't you see Dyspo, you're dead weight." At this point, both were fuming. Which didn't aid Jiren any. He glanced behind to see the two lunge forward, leaving him to grasp the situation. He sought to reach out, but fell short as Goku shot forward. His hands grabbed both by their head, tearing them across the field with such velocity. He shattered every rock in the way, letting more dust rise up before he launched them into the flooring, hearing the material break and shift under the pressure. A light glimmered in his hold, words oozing from his mouth in a cold tone that froze the two struggling to regain their composure and balance. "Kame-Hame-Ha!"
The blue light shot forward, expanding wider as Top shoved Dyspo from the beam. Unfortunately, the impact sent Top to the stage floor as it tore through the material. Within seconds it came to an end, revealing the hole that sat largely stretched, Top nowhere in sight. Least not until voices came from the stands, the familiar appearance hitting the stone seats, unconscious and in terrible conditions. Yet still alive. Dyspo had shown his rising irritation, but fell back. Or attempted to. He moved rapidly, seeking to find Jiren once more. Unfortunately, Goku anticipated this. He remained in base form, dropping himself before the other with quick succession as he raised his hand, Dyspo barely stopping in time. Attempting to move, he found it impossible as something shimmered before his eyes, a wicked grin showing over Goku as he let the blast go. That force broke the currents in the arena, sending a large explosion that engulfed the area. As for Dyspo, he was sent bounding along the floor, tossed like a ragdoll. He only came to a stop when hands caught him, the impact sending the aid a few paces back. A large burn was present on Dyspo's chest, searing and noticeable to each who viewed the fight. As for Goku, he remained where he'd stood before, letting the explosion settle as he peered at Jiren, who was openly enraged.
"To be so cruel!?" Goku couldn't help but scoff at the words.
"To be cruel is the boundaries of such a tournament. You speak of honor. Of mercy. On this stage, none of that matters. I promised to win, so I'll not risk a slip up." Goku narrowed his gaze, taking a few steps closer. Unfortunately, he'd not noticed the surrounding energy signals. It was instant when they all collided beside him, expanding as the Saiyan was pressed between the five blasts. He could feel the burn on his skin. The way the heat chewed at his muscles and made them tense rapidly. It made him growl slightly, his gaze sharpening further the moment he felt his tail become singed. In that moment, his rage was brought high, shattering his once calm appeal. His rage was palpable, his hands pressing outward as he located the energy signals. In succession he released a rapid attack, explosions illuminating the arena as screams echoed, along with the announcer giving way to those who'd been eliminated.
In the stands, most had fallen silent, even after their brief relief. They'd assumed the sneak attack was effective, but those of Universe 10 and 7 knew better. Knew there was no reason the Saiyan went down in such a lame manner. Even Vegeta had to scowl toward the attempt. It was cowardly. If there was one fact he'd gained, Goku held his pride outward. He didn't shelter it as he once had.
As for Goku, he stood deathly still. If not for the breaths he took, he'd have been a statue. Yet his gaze was so boiled over, melting into those who met his gaze. It was a challenge. He was daring those to step forward. Hungering for the elimination of those who snuck into the shadows and played as a coward. With his clouded mind, he'd lost focus on Jiren, who'd taken the opportunity. A fight hit Goku hard, sending him bounding backwards. He steadied himself, letting his gaze lock onto his real target.
"Your universe is cowardly, Jiren!" The other simply ignored the words.
"Let's end this Goku. It's your loss! You won't win." For the first time in forever, most of Universe 7 felt a chill to Goku's chuckle. The way his lips rose into a widened smile. The way his voice fell like liquid, washing over everything.
"My loss? Hardly. I'm just beginning, Jiren." Those words were followed by the sudden influx, the warrior of 11 stepping back. He watched the way the aura engulfed the other, the hair shredding it's charcoal hue and becoming overtaken by a blue glow. In a single moment, the level went beyond Jiren's expectation. He reeled back, trying to prepare. Unfortunately, Goku had no means to allow such actions. Again his body glowed with a newer hue, red enveloping around the lovely hue of blue. It made Jiren understand the unfortunate truth. Goku had never shown a fraction of his power before. It made him question, how far was Goku above them all? "I'm sick of this pointless battle. All these weaklings that dared to lay a finger on me. Dared to attack me. After all, all that needs to happen is for me to reduce your numbers!"
On the stands, most were arguing. Complaining. Even showing their hatred. Yet Zamasu remained silent, observing the Saiyan he'd fallen for. He knew the strength the other had and only adored Goku further. Their children were a blessing and Zamasu couldn't help but chuckle softly to the events before him. How he felt utterly bad for those who'd be caught in the crossfire. Yet he also felt eager. Felt giddy to witness the true strength, though hardly full power. Even Gowasu had remained silent, simply observing. It was only Zamasu that dared to break their silence.
"You were right, Gowasu. We've never needed to fear. Not anymore." The two Kai's traded glances, before the older Kai found his voice.
"Indeed. We've been given someone of great value. He will shatter everything before him, our next destroyer. Son Goku, such a force to be reckoned with. Yet I am grateful he is to our aid." Zamasu nodded in succession, peering once more to the field. He observed the way the Saiyan readied an attack so quickly. The light was piercing, yet beautiful to see. It spiked higher and higher. The Saiyan moved further from the center, making his ways toward the edge. He held the attack, gaining more power as he sharpened his gaze. In the stands, the Destroyer of Universe 11 seemed to scoff. His voice reaching most.
"He's practically suiciding! Shouldn't you be worried, Universe 10? He'll fall with a single push, after all." Lord Rumsshi sighed, glaring toward the other. His words were bitter, yet also showed his confidence. His trust in Goku.
"You're blind, if that is what you see. I'd check once more, though there is hardly time. I do wonder who'll remain by the end of the attack." The other destroyer furrowed his brows, finally paying heed to those words. It was only then he noticed the positioning. Goku stood on the edge, centered. He raised his hands, giving a wicked grin. The destroyer sought to bring it to attention, but it was too late the moment the words were heard.
"KAME-HAME-HA!" It was instantaneous. The blast shot out in a long stream, ripping through the stage before it expanded on the edges midway. As it did, half the arena was consumed, rubble brought flying into the void as the beam ate the stage. Made the once large ring something of a crescent. Some were thrown off, others slipped. Yet one after another, the stands began to fill. By the end of the attack, most Universes suffered heavily. Of all those remaining, three Universes remained with someone still present. It had become known in that moment who stood at the highest spot. Who was the greatest threat. After all, Universe 10, 11, and 7 were left standing. Of all those still present twenty-five minutes in were as follows: Jiren of Universe 11, Son Goku & Rylibeu of Universe 10, and five from Universe 7 remained on stage. The five of Universe 7 were Vegeta, Piccolo, Gohan, Frieza, and finally Android 17. All more than aware of the hard truth before them. Their enemy was not someone to underestimate. It was something even Frieze came to swallow quickly. It was the first time the evil ruler seemed to sink in on himself, if only for a fraction of a moment.
As for those in the stands, no one said a word. No one looked away. Not as three Universes were erased in a single instance. It left the stands ever quieter. Ever more empty. Beerus was the only one daring enough to break the silence that loomed over them, his disbelief apparent. He'd expected much from Goku, but the Saiyan was something to fear. Beerus knew that. If the Saiyan had been at this level during their fight, the Destroyer guaranteed his loss. Yet he felt it also made sense. The Saiyan was betrayed and shunned. In a way, the Destroyer understood it was something like fate. It left him wondering, was this the way karma would be given? After all, had the Earthlings not done wrong by Goku, he'd have never fled. Never changed views and shifted sides. But they had, without concern to add, at least until it was too late.
"My Lord?" Whis spoke calmly, yet Beerus could hear the sway in the tone. It was well hidden, but the Destroyer knew the angel well.
"A single blow. Maybe this is karma's revenge on our Universe." Whis remained silent, but nodded slowly. It wasn't a farfetched idea. It made sense. Those of Universe 7 in the stands seemed to bring the idea into their mind, most lowering their gaze. It made Beerus rub his face, his tail shifting slightly. "I hope you have finally grasped the severity of your actions. You better pray Vegeta pulls through."
"What of Gohan and Frieza? They're strong!" Krillin's words were silenced by Whis, who sighed slowly.
"Hardly so. Goku is beyond even them. I truly fear for Vegeta. Unfortunately, Goku has yet to show his true strength. It's over." Beerus nodded in agreement, scowling.
"Just remember, you all brought this on yourselves. This is retribution toward you all, those who hurt the Saiyan. The one person who risked his life continuously to protect such a worthless Planet!" Those present seemed to lower their heads further. As for Universe 11, they overheard, most picking up on the context. It made Top understand the Saiyan and his words. He'd refused honor because it never served him correctly. It had only hurt him. It made Top frown, his words drowning the outed Warriors. Only this time, Beerus allowed the shame to be thrown. Who was he to defend those undeserving?
"To think you'd break such a Warrior. He is truly formidable. You all are foolish and should be ashamed of everything you've done toward him. I now understand why he refused honor, though do not know the full story. Who would value such a choice when it stabbed them in the back in the past? Tore them apart? I sure wouldn't." Those words clung to the air, Dyspo peering to his ally. No one said a word. No one dared. No one had the gull to be confident, especially Universe 7, whose pride and strength crumbled rapidly. They could not speak to refuse the words, simply because they were the truth. It was a fact that haunted most who'd come to understand their wrongs. But by the time they'd realized the truth, it was too late. They had doomed themselves and would have to live with as long as they remained alive. Even if they won the tournament, they were aware of a dangerous truth. They'd not live for long. Vegeta had marked their days. Either way, Earth would parish for good. That was their sealed fate. A fate they sat on, waiting for it to eat them whole and bring them into a bitter, yet eternal darkness.