The sun had already risen in Vale, and it was a beautiful day, even more so because it represented a new beginning after the disaster that had struck most of Remnant.
After all, Vegeta had destroyed half of the Grimm on the planet, and in less than a month, the rest would follow.
Weiss and Ruby would make sure of that, as it was a personal promise that had nothing to do with the task imposed by Vegeta. This was their world, and as the most powerful inhabitants of Remnant, they had a duty to protect everyone... and prevent anything remotely similar to what happened to Vegeta from repeating itself in their world.
That's why the atmosphere between them couldn't be heavier, and they certainly weren't the only ones who felt that way.
No matter how optimistic Remnant's future seemed, none of that could hide or dispel the memory of the events that had transpired over the past week, especially the day before.
Light, death, destruction, and...truth.
Things would never be the same again.
That must be why part of them wanted to be out there, helping their classmates clean up the city that Ruby had almost accidentally destroyed and fulfilling their duties as Huntresses in training, but they couldn't.
At least, not yet.
That's because, on this day, an important meeting was scheduled to take place, and they didn't want anything to go wrong.
Their presence was necessary to mediate between Ozpin and Vegeta, especially after what happened during their brief encounter the day before.
The Headmaster knew, or at least suspected enough, that Vegeta was responsible for the golden anomaly and certainly wanted to bring him to justice for it. The prince, on the other hand, labeled Ozpin as a Wizard, and his opinion of Remnant's most respected man couldn't be worse.
Understandable, especially considering that Moro was also a kind of Wizard.
That was the level of madness behind the most recent revelations.
"I still can't believe it," Yang said as she looked at the lake in the distance, where Vegeta floated silently in meditation, waiting for the upcoming meeting and possible confrontation. "I mean, I believe everything he said, but it's just that..."
How should she begin to explain this feeling that she couldn't silence and that unsettled her heart?
"The situation is so absurd that it's beyond belief?" Weiss offered, and the girl just nodded in response, showing no trace of the hostility expected after what had happened between them earlier. It seemed that Vegeta was right about her.
Yang had made a lot of progress in dealing with her anger, but Weiss supposed that was to be expected.
After everything that had happened since they first met Vegeta, there was no way anyone could remain the same.
Weiss knew that better than anyone.
"Well, if it's worth anything, you're not the only one who thinks that way." She rested her teacup on the table where they were gathered and also had her eyes on Vegeta, who didn't waste his time, always training to be better, to be the strongest. "Considering everything we've learned about...that man, it would be strange to have a different opinion."
Especially about the kind of person Kakarot was and how stupidly naive he could be... very similar to the youngest member of the team, and that was worrisome.
That must be why Ruby hadn't said a word since Vegeta finished explaining the selfish choice that led to the death of most of his family.
"Trying to give an irredeemable monster a second chance..." Blake joined the conversation, but her mind was on Adam and the lesson that the death of Vegeta's family taught. "And that, that...idiot even gave one of those special beans to heal Moro."
Something that had already happened in the past, according to Vegeta, during the fight against another powerful enemy who threatened to spread destruction across the universe.
With that in mind, it would not be wrong to say that Kakarot also held the title of most stupid mortal in the universe and was unworthy of the absurd power he had.
It didn't matter if he had trained for decades to get where he was and mastered a divine technique of the highest level; an idiot like that shouldn't be at the top of any hierarchy, let alone of an entire universe.
"I also...believe in second chances," Ruby said suddenly, and she could feel the disapproval in the eyes of her teammates, especially Weiss, who was the most emotionally involved in this matter. "Vegeta used to be a bad guy too, remember?" This made the judgment she was receiving waver, and their eyes returned to the man in question. "But I also know that his situation was different, very different."
Her mentor had been enslaved as a child and forced down the wrong path after losing everything. In fact, even if his planet had not been destroyed and the Saiyans had survived to continue conquering, Vegeta would have only followed this path of destruction because it was expected of the Prince of a warrior race.
Even Ruby would have ended up the same way if she had been born a Saiyan on the planet Vegeta, as she would have considered that kind of life normal.
Moro, on the other hand, destroyed and devoured planets on his own accord. Worse still, he did so, was imprisoned for millions of years as punishment, and continued on that same path the moment he gained his freedom.
Just as Blake said, those were the actions of someone irredeemable.
"I...wouldn't try to give a monster like that a second chance." Ruby saw Moro as something similar to a Grimm, a creature that only existed to destroy life and was undeserving of mercy. "But not everyone thinks that way."
Otherwise, Vegeta wouldn't have lost most of his family due to someone else's arbitrary choice... Similar to what Ruby had done when she chose to fight Nergigante, especially when fleeing would have resulted in a less destructive outcome.
Certainly, that monster would have pursued her and put many lives at risk, but the Kingdom's defenses would have been able to buy enough time for Vegeta to return.
Unfortunately, Ruby didn't know that, and the result of her impulsive choice was evident in all the destruction she caused.
Never again.
Fortunately, Weiss was indisputably the strongest among them and the new leader of the team, even if the others didn't know about it...yet. That way, Ruby would no longer have to make decisions that could end in tragedy.
Other than that, there was only one more thing that gave her peace of mind even after what had happened: Vegeta's promise.
So far, everything he had told them had been true. In that case, while she still didn't know the details, one thing was certain: in three months, all the destruction and death caused since the day Vegeta arrived on this planet would be undone.
Just like magic.
However, even though Ruby believed in Vegeta with all her heart, there was one question that she couldn't shake from her mind.
Why didn't he use this method to bring his own family back to life? Perhaps he would bring them back along with the people who died in Remnant? But if that happened, bringing back his wife and son, what about Weiss?
Now it was more than obvious that the two of them liked each other, and for that reason, Ruby didn't dare to question or even bring up the subject.
Eventually, Vegeta would explain everything, just as he had done several times before.
"That's true... unfortunately." Weiss had to admit, but she was glad to know that Ruby wasn't as naive as the brain-dead idiot known as Kakarot. "But as long as neither of us ends up going down the same path, nothing else matters."
If anything, she hoped that something remotely similar would never happen in this world.
After all, Remnant had existed until now without being threatened or invaded by external forces. While yes, Vegeta's presence served to show that they were lucky, it also meant that Remnant was under the protection of one of the most powerful beings in the universe.
So, unless he wanted to put Weiss and Ruby's abilities to the test during an unlikely alien invasion, there wasn't much to worry about.
"Even so, I have to say..." Yang clenched her hand into a fist, her mind returning to the momentary explanation Vegeta had given about the ability that made Kakarot the most powerful mortal in the universe. "Ultra Instinct sounds like a power as incredible as it is terrifying."
It wasn't just a divine technique; it was also the pinnacle that a martial artist could dream of reaching, and that was true on a universal scale.
Unfortunately, that power was something that Yang, like Vegeta himself, would never be able to achieve due to certain conditions.
Not only did one need to have an almost immeasurable amount of Divine Life Energy, known as God Ki, but also a mind clear of thought and a heart free of emotion at all times.
Even during meditation, it was difficult, if not impossible, to achieve such a state of extreme serenity for more than a few seconds. Now, imagine doing that while fighting beings capable of threatening the entire universe? The mere concept was a contradiction and a perfect example of why Ultra Instinct was considered a divine technique.
"The ability to separate the mind from the body to move independently of conscious thoughts and reach a level that goes beyond all known limitations." Regardless of how she felt about Kakarot, Blake had to agree with her partner. "If he can transform like Vegeta and use that technique on top of it, I can see why Kakarot is considered the most powerful mortal out there."
This also explained why Vegeta believed that he would only be able to defeat Kakarot if he was willing to die in the process.
"Not for long." Weiss had a small smile adorning her face and unshakable confidence tied to her words. "Soon, Vegeta will dethrone that buffoon and claim the title of strongest!"
Even more so now with the Semblance he had obtained, being a reflection of his deepest desire to triumph against the enemy who was once a friend.
While she didn't know exactly what this Semblance could do, it seemed to be able to transform Vegeta's body into pure power.
In a way, it was similar to Yang's Semblance, but without the need to take damage to activate it, and the result was on a completely different level.
Ultra Instinct sounded like a tremendous power and was worthy of being held in such high regard, but Weiss doubted that this divine technique could break free from physical limitations in a more extreme way than Vegeta's Semblance.
Only time would tell.
As for the other girls, they couldn't help but notice the way Weiss was acting, almost as if she were a good wife giving unconditional support to her beloved husband.
This only served to remind Yang and Blake how close these two had become since the events that transpired the day before.
Honestly, this was nothing more than expected, especially considering that Weiss was the one who had truly rekindled Vegeta's will to live.
How could they compare to something like that?
While Yang and Blake hadn't given up on their feelings, it was obvious that their chances of winning Vegeta's heart were slim.
For Ruby, what bothered her was something completely different.
"If..." she began and stopped as she rethought her words, "I mean, when Vegeta surpasses Kakarot, what happens at the end of it all?"
A rhetorical question, Ruby knew, and that was exactly what bothered her.
While she could understand the motive behind Vegeta's actions, killing Kakarot felt wrong. That's because, at the end of the day, that man wasn't an irredeemable monster like Moro, but rather an irresponsible person with too much power in his hands.
"Besides, just like Vegeta, Kakarot has children, right?" Ruby decided it was time to address this revelation that had been openly ignored until now. "Doesn't that mean they'll also want revenge if their father ends up dead?"
The youngest son was named Goten, and he was Trunks' best friend. Considering that Vegeta's son died protecting this boy, it spoke volumes about their friendship. However, would the memory of that friendship be enough to stop him from going after his father's killer?
Then there was Gohan, the eldest son, who was an adult with a daughter of his own. Apparently, he was a prodigy, but one who didn't like to fight and chose to become a scholar, contrary to the warrior side of his lineage. Now, if his father were killed, wouldn't that dormant side be awakened with uncontrollable fury?
No matter how much Ruby thought about it, it seemed that only more death and sadness would come of it all.
"A cycle of hatred..." Blake could understand that better than anyone else on her team. "To be honest, it wouldn't be unexpected if something like that happened."
Sentient beings killed each other for much less.
"Yeah, but I don't think that mattered until recently." Yang was looking directly into Weiss's blue eyes and the conflict rising within her. "After all, Vegeta wasn't expecting to survive the fight between them."
At least, not until this princess came into his life and changed everything.
"What worries me are not Kakarot's offspring," Vegeta said as he suddenly appeared, causing the girls to jump to their feet, not realizing he had been listening to their conversation. "But rather the Omni King, Zen'oh."
Goten wouldn't be a problem, especially with Berrus having cut mortals out of the divine affairs of the universe. With that, the boy couldn't get his hands on divine power and would never come close to being a threat as long as he lived.
Gohan, on the other hand, had frightening potential and could rival divine power, but only because of the ritual that the old Kaioshin performed on him. Even so, he tended to be rational and logical most of the time, so unless he lost control to his anger, he would hardly go out of his way for something as futile as revenge.
Zen'oh, on the other hand... that little monster was impossible to read or even understand.
What would he do if Kakarot were erased from existence?
In the best-case scenario, Zen'oh would laugh and say it was fun while it lasted. Probably hoping that another interesting mortal would appear again someday. In the worst case, he would throw a tantrum like a child and erase all of reality, just like he did in Trunks' timeline.
Honestly, Vegeta would be lucky if he were the only one to be erased right after Kakarot.
That way, Bulla wouldn't be put in danger, and neither would these girls.
"Omni King?" Weiss managed to calm down and even blushed when Vegeta sat down at the table next to her. "With a title like that, I can only assume that this is someone very important."
Especially if Vegeta felt threatened by this person or being.
Weiss had no idea how right she was.
"As far as I know, Zen'oh is the most important and powerful being that exists." Vegeta was sure of it because not even the Grand Priest and Super Shenlong could compare to that little nightmare. "He is the king of all gods and the twelve universes."
Perhaps he should have said Kings, in the plural, since there were two Zen'ohs. Again, this was the result of Kakarot meddling in the natural order of things.
This made the girls' eyes widen, and their mouths drop open, not knowing what to say about this bombshell that had been casually dropped on them!
Not only was there a king who reigned supreme over everyone and everything, but there were twelve universes?!
That was insane!
In a way, it was like they were discovering the existence of aliens all over again!
"I-I don't understand." Weiss was instinctively holding Vegeta's hand and moving closer to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, almost afraid of what she had to ask. "Why would such a powerful divine being care about the conflict between mortals?"
She could only imagine that Kakarot had some kind of connection to Zen'oh, or that perhaps the title of most powerful mortal meant winning the favor of the king of all.
Either way, getting on the bad side of such a sovereign being seemed like the last thing anyone should do.
"Because Kakarot is his favorite mortal." Vegeta found himself reciprocating Weiss's gesture, but he was unable to comfort her with lies. "So I can only imagine what he'll do when I kill his pet."
Maybe he was overthinking it.
Especially with how things had gone in the Tournament of Power and how close Kakarot had come to being completely eliminated. At that time, both Zen'ohs were enjoying themselves and seemed indifferent to the possibility of the clown leaving the game.
In that case, as long as Vegeta put on a good show in the upcoming fight, he could get out of it unscathed and without facing serious consequences.
"What if you don't kill him?" Ruby had to ask, even if her words would make her mentor angry. "Wouldn't that solve the problem?"
There are other ways to make someone pay for their crimes.
"Kakarot is the problem, Ruby Rose." Vegeta already knew that this girl was pure of heart, but it wasn't easy to see how far her naivety could go. "Just as I said yesterday, I don't intend to kill him just for revenge; there is also the danger he poses to everything that exists."
In Trunks' timeline, it was extremely likely that all these girls died at the hands of Zamasu. Then, as if that weren't bad enough, their universe was erased by Zen'oh.
All because of Kakarot.
It was that clown who set Zamasu on his path of destruction and the one who involved Zen'oh in the end.
"As long as he lives, my daughter and all of you will never be safe." Vegeta could see the reluctance in this girl's silver eyes, but with time, she would come to understand things the way he did. "I can't risk sparing his life, especially when I know that Kakarot will never change."
Not when all that mattered to him was the chance to fight powerful opponents and become stronger.
In fact, it was quite likely that Kakarot was excited and eagerly awaiting their fight.
That was the kind of man he was.
"Certain decisions may seem wrong, but they must be made to protect what you hold dear." Vegeta stood up and even stroked Ruby's hair with his free hand before turning his attention to the gate of his house. "Now, get ready, all of you. The Wizard, Glynda, and two others are coming."
Time to face a shadow of what he hated and prove that, just like Yang, Vegeta had also made progress in dealing with his endless anger.