Chapter 447: Pleading
Hearing his ancestor say that, Kibito blinked again.
He still didn't quite understand, but this time he didn't dare speak further, afraid of getting smacked again.
Fortunately, the Old Supreme Kai saw his confused expression and knew he wouldn't get it, so he didn't scold him. Instead, he patiently explained, "Every universe has a development index. Based on this index, the eighteen universes of the past were regularly ranked."
"According to Lord Zeno's rules, the universe with the lowest ranking each time is erased."
"Over the course of countless ages, this ranking system has led to six universes being wiped out by Lord Zeno."
"Our Seventh Universe has been relatively lucky—we haven't faced that situation yet. But because of Lord Beerus's reckless destruction, the balance of the universe's development is being disrupted, which lowers our overall score."
"If our universe ever falls to the bottom among the current twelve universes… we'll be in serious danger."
As he said that, the Old Supreme Kai gave Kibito a deep, meaningful look.
And then it finally clicked for Kibito—a sudden flash of understanding, like a bucket of cold water poured over his head.
"I understand now, Ancestor!"
"You said the universe's ranking score is determined by its development index. If the number of planets in our universe keeps decreasing, then the civilizations on those planets will disappear too!"
"Even if we, as Supreme Kais, can recreate planets, it's impossible to create civilizations from scratch and nurture them to the level that could meaningfully affect our universe's score!"
"So if Lord Beerus destroys too many planets—or the entire universe—then… our universe will be… erased by Lord Zeno…"
By now Kibito's face was pale with fear, his eyes wide in horror.
He finally understood why his ancestor had been so panicked and anxious.
Lord Zeno was the supreme ruler of all universes.
With just a thought, he could make every universe vanish instantly—along with the Gods of Destruction, Supreme Kais, and even the Angels.
No one could resist that.
"That's right," the Old Supreme Kai said gravely. "So we absolutely cannot allow Lord Beerus to do something like that. We must find a way to stop him…"
Kibito froze at those words. "But, Ancestor… how could we possibly stop Lord Beerus?"
That was easier said than done.
The God of Destruction's power far surpassed their own. They had no way to stop Beerus from doing whatever he pleased.
"It seems we'll have to approach Uchiha Dali," the Old Supreme Kai muttered to himself.
"Ancestor, you plan to meet Uchiha Dali?"
"Idiot! Of course not—you're going!" the Old Supreme Kai almost jumped. "I'm an old man. How could you expect me to climb mountains and cross realms to meet a junior?"
Though he said that, he soon sighed. "Actually, it's mainly because Uchiha Dali is currently in Zeno's realm. If we go to see him now, we'll definitely draw Lord Zeno's and the Grand Priest's attention…"
"But if I send you alone, with your brain, you probably wouldn't manage to say anything useful."
"Forget it. I'll go with you."
With that, he clasped his hands behind his back and started walking off as if nothing had happened.
Kibito stood there dumbfounded, staring at the hunched old figure.
"So the real reason Ancestor is bringing me along… is because he's afraid of Lord Zeno and wants to use me as a shield?"
"Why are you just standing there?" the Old Supreme Kai barked, stopping to glance back.
"C-coming!"
Kibito snapped out of it, hurriedly caught up, and together they teleported away.
...
"Five hundred points."
"Progress may be slow, but it's still a start."
Uchiha Dali sensed uninvited guests approaching.
After mentally reviewing the progress his recent meditation had brought, he slowly opened his eyes.
Before him stood two figures—strange in appearance and dressed in ancient garb.
Uchiha Dali recognized them instantly: the Old Supreme Kai and the East Supreme Kai.
Feigning confusion, he asked curiously, "Who are you two?"
The Old Supreme Kai walked forward with his hands behind his back, Kibito following closely behind.
As he walked, the old man introduced himself. "Uchiha Dali, I am the former Supreme Kai of this universe, and this is my junior, Supreme Kibito Kai."
"We came here to discuss a matter of great importance with you."
He went straight to the point.
But upon hearing that, Uchiha Dali showed no interest at all.
A Supreme Kai might have an impressive title—equal in status to a God of Destruction—but in truth, the combined strength of these two was less than a single flick of Beerus's finger.
They were far too weak. Uchiha Dali had already sensed their thoughts the moment they arrived through his Observation Haki—he knew they had come to beg him not to fight Beerus.
Naturally, he wasn't interested.
After all, he wasn't the one picking the fight—Beerus was the one coming after him.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be undergoing such intense training.
With a faint, amused smile, Uchiha Dali said, "Although I too am a god, I'm merely a small one from the lower realm. I doubt I'm qualified to discuss important matters with two great Supreme Kais."
The Old Supreme Kai, perceptive as ever, immediately sensed the undertone in his words.
After a couple of dry coughs, he stepped closer. "Here's the thing, Uchiha Dali—you know well that Lord Beerus has an unpredictable temper, and his power is far too great. A single gesture from him could destroy an entire universe."
"So we've come to plead with you: no matter what happens, please don't fight Lord Beerus again."
"This matter concerns the very survival of Universe Seven itself. That's why I had no choice but to come personally…"
He spoke earnestly, giving Uchiha Dali no chance to interrupt, hoping that sincerity might move him.
Beside him, Kibito looked on anxiously, awaiting Uchiha Dali's response.
But to their surprise, Uchiha Dali simply smiled faintly.
"Since even you, Supreme Kai, admit that Lord Beerus's temper is unpredictable and that he acts on his whims—then tell me, how exactly am I supposed to stop him from wanting to fight me?"