Goku and Vegeta's fight against Gas and Frieza's new form had been a real eye-opener for our favorite Saiyans.
The two of them had come a long way in their training. After witnessing the overwhelming power of their first and greatest enemy, Frieza, Vegeta had gone to visit Universe 6's Planet Sadala also known as Planet Vegeta in Universe 7. Just as he had promised Cabba, he took Trunks with him.
Meanwhile, Goku sat deep in thought, reflecting on everything that had happened after the Tournament of Power: Broly's discovery, mastering Ultra Instinct with Merus's help, the battle against Moro, Granolah's revenge against Frieza and the Saiyans, Gas, and Black Frieza.
He had reached a simple but important conclusion: as long as there is good, there will always be evil. Anyone could stray from the path of good. Anyone could become powerful… but what truly mattered was how they chose to use that power.
Goku thought about how Vegeta was training Cabba to showcase Saiyan pride. That wasn't his way. He didn't want to follow Vegeta's path. Instead, he wanted a student he could mold into the very best.
With that thought in mind, Goku used Instant Transmission and appeared in front of Whis.
"My, what brings you here, Goku-san?" Whis asked with his usual graceful smile.
"Whis, I've been thinking lately… We Saiyans don't age like normal people, but we're not immortal like gods and angels. Once our prime is over, we'll need strong fighters to protect this universe," Goku said.
"It seems you're here with a specific request in mind," Whis replied, looking amused.
"Yeah. Can you help me find someone in our universe with a good heart and lots of potential? I want to train them," Goku asked.
"You already have a boy on your planet with great potential and a pure heart… though that person's heart was once contaminated," Whis said, glancing at his staff.
"What do you mean?" Goku asked, tilting his head in his usual confused way.
"You know the evil part of Buu that was reincarnated as a human? The one who helped you defeat Moro?" Whis asked.
"Oh yeah! I remember now. But I don't want someone from Earth. I want someone from another planet in this universe," Goku said.
"May I ask why you're so fixated on choosing someone from another planet?" Whis inquired, intrigued.
"I don't want Earth and its warriors to always be the center of everything. If I train someone from another planet, they can come help whenever there's trouble in our universe," Goku explained.
"Oh my! I'm surprised. I didn't think you'd use your brain for this kind of thing. I thought you only used it for fighting," Whis said, chuckling.
"Hmm… I may be dumb, but to me, the universe and its people are just like the people on Earth," Goku replied with a sincere smile.
"Very well. I can search for you. Come and choose the person you like," Whis said.
Whis tapped his staff on the ground, and an image appeared a boy doing push-ups and swinging his sword with intense effort.
"This kid's name is Asta," Whis said.
"He's working really hard. Why isn't anyone helping him?" Goku asked.
"He lives on a planet called Magiaira. The people there are similar to humans, but they use mana instead of ki. They only use ki to sense emotions, read movements, and enhance their magic," Whis explained.
"Mana? You mean like Piccolo's magic, the Grand Supreme Kai's, or Moro's?" Goku asked.
"Yes. In their world, everything revolves around mana. But this boy… he was born without any mana at all," Whis said.
"Why doesn't he have mana? Sometimes I think the universe is unfair," Goku pouted.
"You can't complain about such things. If the universe takes something from you, it often gives you something else in return," Whis replied wisely.
"So if he doesn't have mana, why is he training his body so hard?" Goku asked.
"It seems this boy has a dream: to protect the people of his country and become the Wizard King, even though he has no magic," Whis said.
"Hmm… He has a good heart, wants to protect others, and has a big dream," Goku muttered to himself.
"And there's another similarity between you two," Whis added.
"What is it?" Goku asked excitedly.
"His personality, determination, and fighting spirit are all very similar to yours. And unlike others on his planet, he was born with tremendous potential for handling ki," Whis said.
Goku's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I've made up my mind! I'm taking him as my student. What do you think, Whis?" Goku asked.
"It's a wonderful idea. If he becomes a formidable fighter, perhaps he could even achieve Ultra Instinct like you," Whis said with a smile.
Whis then took Goku and traveled across the universe toward Asta.
Asta was training near a lake, swinging his swords after a session with Fanzel. He had only four months left until the Magic Knight Entrance Exam.
While doing push-ups, a bright light suddenly engulfed the area around him.
"What is this light? And what's with this crazy pressure?!" Asta shouted, staring at the glowing portal.
When the light faded, two figures emerged.
One was a muscular man wearing strange clothes. The other was a tall being with bluish skin, holding a staff with a ring floating behind his back.
"Who are you people?! What kind of magic was that?! You guys are amazing!" Asta exclaimed, stars in his eyes.
"Whis, he really is a lot like me, just like you said," Goku chuckled.
"Greetings, Asta-san. I am the Angel of Universe 7, and this is the strongest mortal in our universe Son Goku," Whis introduced them elegantly.
"You're an Angel?! You people are gods?! I'm so lucky to meet actual gods!" Asta shouted, bowing deeply.
"Asta-san, there's no need to bow. We're here for a specific reason," Whis said kindly.
"Yo! I'm Son Goku. I'm currently the strongest fighter in our universe, and I came here to meet you," Goku said with a big grin.
"Not only a god, but also a super powerful guy?! Wait, what did you mean by 'uni' something?" Asta asked, still starstruck.
"Whis, can you explain it? I'm not good at explaining," Goku admitted.
"Asta-san, what do you know about your world?" Whis asked.
"I'm an orphan from Hage Village in the Clover Kingdom. I also know about the other kingdoms," Asta replied.
"Asta-san, you are living in one kingdom, but there are many more places on this planet," Whis explained.
"And beyond your planet, there are solar systems, galaxies, and even an entire universe," Whis continued. Asta's head felt like it was about to explode from all the new information.
"Well, it seems Asta-san is an exact copy of your behavior, Goku," Whis said with a smile.
"I shall explain it simply. Take a look at this," Whis said, tapping his staff on the ground.
"See these orbs? These are universes. There are twelve universes in total. We are currently in the seventh universe, which is maintained by the Supreme Kai, who creates life, and the God of Destruction Beerus, who destroys to keep balance," Whis explained.
"Okay, I get it. Basically, two gods are responsible for the universe one who creates life and one who destroys," Asta said excitedly.
"The universe contains countless galaxies, and each galaxy has countless solar systems," Whis continued.
"What?! You're telling me there are way more places inside the universe?" Asta asked in disbelief.
"Solar systems have multiple planets. Your planet is called Magiaira, and your kingdom is located on it," Whis told him. Asta was having a hard time grasping everything.
"I didn't know we were living in such a small dot… No, we're not even a speck of dust in the universe. It's unbelievable," Asta muttered.
"Alright, Goku, would you like to tell Asta-san the reason for our visit?" Whis asked.
"Hey kid, I'll ask you one question. Answer me honestly, and I'll tell you why we came here," Goku said, looking straight into Asta's eyes.
"Okay! You guys look super cool. After I answer, can you tell me about your magic?" Asta asked with glittering eyes.
"What is your goal? Why do you want to become strong?" Goku asked seriously.
"My goal is to become the Wizard King and protect the people I care about! Even though I don't have any mana, I won't stop until I reach my dream!" Asta shouted with fiery determination.
"Perfect. That's exactly the answer I wanted to hear," Goku said with a wide grin. "Asta, I offer to train you and make you the strongest. Will you accept?"
"Sir, why choose me? I'm just a peasant with no mana," Asta asked, his voice filled with doubt.
"You will become strong even without mana. I'm going to teach you ki control and manipulation," Goku replied.
"Even without mana, I can become strong?! Then I accept your offer! What exactly is this 'ki' thing?" Asta shouted excitedly.
"Ki is the life energy that exists in every corner of the universe. It's what drives everything. I chose you because you have tremendous potential and a good heart not just to protect your kingdom, but to protect the entire universe," Goku said.
Asta's eyes filled with tears.
"This is the first time anyone has ever told me I could achieve my dreams… Thank you, Master!" Asta said, bowing deeply.
"I only chose you because of the person you are inside," Goku replied warmly.
"When do we start training, Master? I'll become the strongest in the universe!" Asta declared with full determination.
"Go pack your things. For the next four months, I'll take you to my planet and train you. I'll wait here. How long will it take?" Goku asked.
"It'll only take a few hours. Can I tell the church about my training?" Asta asked.
"Nah, just tell them you're going on a training trip and will return after four months. During this time, I'll teach you ki control, God Ki, how to unlock your hidden potential, spirit control, and if you train hard enough you might even achieve Ultra Instinct in future" Goku said.
"Is Ultra Instinct difficult to learn, Master?" Asta asked.
"Asta-san, Ultra Instinct is an angelic technique. Goku is the only mortal from Universe 7 who has achieved it. It is a divine power where the body reacts on its own without thinking," Whis explained.
"Wow, Master! You're truly amazing! Are you sure you're only the strongest in Universe 7? I think you'll become the strongest across all twelve universes!" Asta said excitedly.
"I'm working on it. By the time you become the strongest in Universe 7, I'll be the strongest in the entire multiverse," Goku replied with a confident smile.
"Bring it on! I'm not backing down! I'll become not only the Wizard King but also the strongest man in the universe!" Asta shouted, fire burning in his eyes.
"So, are you ready, Asta? From the moment training starts, you'll have to shatter every limiter in your body to reach greater heights," Goku said.
"Hai! I'm ready for everything!" Asta replied firmly.
After that, Asta returned to the church and informed Father Orsi, Sister Lily, Yuno, and the others that he would be going on a training trip and would return after four months. Everyone wished him goodbye. Asta was ready to change his destiny from a mana-less peasant to the strongest man in the universe.