Dragon Ball: Ascension

"Incredible!" South Supreme Kai Barro managed, his usual economy with words reflecting his amazement.

"Karnel, what will the world be like millions of years from now?" The cheerful Leila wasn't frightened by this revelation, quite the opposite. She ran up to Karnel with sparkling eyes, asking eagerly, "What about us? Will we still be like we are now?"

Karnel hesitated, unsure how to begin. Should he tell them that most of them would be dead, with only East Supreme Kai Kibito and his attendant surviving?

"Jebit... that's right. Why don't I see Jebit around here?" Karnel murmured softly, suddenly realizing the absence.

Kibito asked curiously, "Jebit? Who is Jebit?"

"No one important," Karnel said, shaking his head. "Just reminded me of someone I once knew."

The Grand Supreme Kai remained much calmer than the others. Having lived through the chaotic earlier eras of the universe, few revelations could truly surprise him anymore.

"Karnel, you remember friends from millions of years ago... No wonder you're so desperate to return home. I can understand those feelings," the Grand Supreme Kai said with a sigh, clearly carrying his own burden of untold stories and memories.

His voice trembled with anxiety as he asked, "Yes, Grand Supreme Kai, do you have a way to send me back?"

The Grand Supreme Kai fell silent, pacing back and forth while deep in thought.

After what felt like an eternity, the four directional Supreme Kai could no longer contain their curiosity.

"Yes!" the Grand Supreme Kai finally declared, speaking the words Karnel had desperately hoped to hear.

Trembling with overwhelming emotion, Karnel looked at the Grand Supreme Kai with desperate hope. "Is there really a way? What is it? Please, Grand Supreme Kai!"

The Grand Supreme Kai smiled mysteriously. "Of course there is, I wouldn't lie to you about something so important. But if you want to learn this method from me, it won't be easy. I haven't played this particular game in quite some time... I'd almost forgotten about it."

The four directional Supreme Kai's eyes gleamed with sudden understanding.

Before Karnel could ask what he meant, Todd stepped forward with a grin. "That's right, Karnel. If you want to know this method, it's quite simple. You just need to pass tests from all five of us. Win against each of us, and we'll share the secret!"

"What kind of tests?" Karnel asked, his excitement barely contained. "Whatever they are, I can handle them."

The Grand Supreme Kai's rotund face broke into a smile as he began walking toward the temple, his voice floating back to them. "You'll need to defeat these four first, because my challenge will be the final level."

Leila stepped forward eagerly. "Let me explain my test first! It's very simple, I want you to learn dancing with me. As long as your dancing pleases me, you'll pass my trial."

Karnel felt his eye twitch involuntarily, immediately thinking of Grand Kai's enthusiastic dance routines from earlier.

"So, do you want to compete with me now?" Leila asked with bright enthusiasm.

"Ha... ha..." Karnel forced a smile. "I think I'll try competing with the other three first, then come back to you."

"Let's fight!" Barro declared bluntly. "I'm the best at combat among us, so I'll handle the easiest test first."

A glint appeared in Karnel's eyes, finally, something straightforward. He was about to agree when Todd interrupted.

"No, Karnel, compete with me first! Mine is much simpler, just go fishing with me. If you can catch even a single fish, I lose." Having been isolated in the Supreme Kai realm for millions of years without visitors, Todd wasn't willing to let the muscle-bound Barro monopolize their guest's attention. "It'll be much more relaxing than fighting."

"I specialize in telepathy," Kibito added. "If you can resist my mind-reading abilities, I lose."