425In memory of Akira Toriyama (April 5, 1955 AD – March 1, 2024 AD)
Digimon Fusion Ascendancy
Act XI: Tournament of Power
Chapter LXXXII: Zenomnimon's Announcement - An All-Digiverse Tournament
Zenomnimon's Palace
(Cue Persona 5 OST - Aria of the Soul)
"Hmmm, I'm feeling bored," Zenomnimon said despondently, moving a chess piece across a galaxy-framed chessboard.
"Me, too. We've been playing this game a lot and it's getting boring," Future Zenomnimon shared his other self's boredom.
"Hey, do you remember that universe tournament we talked about?"
Future Zenomnimon happily gasped. "Oh yes! I remember now! Did we still want all of the Digiverses to fight in a tournament?"
"Yeah, it'll be fun! More exciting than playing this boring game," the present omni-god gleefully replied.
"Pardon, sirs, but are you proposing we announce the all-Digiverse tournament?" GranWhismon overheard the Zenomnimons' conversation.
"Yes! We want to get it started!"
Nodding knowingly, GranWhismon replied. "Then, I shall prepare the announcement immediately, my lords."
"Hmm, I wonder if Taichi and his friends are ready for it?" Zenomnimon surmised.
"We won't know until we make the announcement. I hope they're ready to fight!" Future Zenomnimon said.
"Well, they've had plenty of time to rest after the Zeed X ordeal that nearly ended our entire existence," GranWhismon said. "And with the dimensional portals connecting our universe with those two other realities closed off for now, Taichi and his friends will have to search for fighters within their own Digiverse to fight with them."
"Yeah, that's fair. Let's leave those two other dimensions alone," Zenomnimon concurred.
"Taichi has plenty of fighters to pick from within his own universe!" Future Zenomnimon excitedly added.
"Very well then. I shall make the announcements right away," GranWhismon stated.
"Yay! This is going to be fun!" The Zenomnimon cheered together.
(End theme)
Unknown Sector of the Digiverse/Beerusmon's Domain
(Cue Dragon Ball Super: Broly OST - CHALA HEAD CHALA)
Meanwhile, Tai & Agumon and Matt & Gabumon resumed training with Whismon. After the battle against AlphaNova X and winning him over, the Digidestined gained a powerful new ally. With Burizalor's looming presence weighing down on them, Tai and Matt decided they needed to train to better prepare for the tyrant's return. Tai was hellbent on regaining Ascendancy Instinct, which he received from Overseer at the cost of most of his lifespan.
With a burning desire to protect his family, Tai vowed to reawaken Ascendancy Instinct, but on his own terms and with no divine intervention.
As Metalla X sparred with Whismon, Tai and Agumon sat on a massive stone together meditating. They visualized themselves as Omega X fighting and parrying Zeed X's blows. When Zeed X went for a killing blow, Omega X prepared to shut his eyes and passively awaken Ascendancy Instinct. However, he failed to invoke it and got blasted by Zeed X.
Gasping out loud, Tai snapped back to reality. "Augh, damn it. What am I doing wrong?"
"I don't know, Tai. I haven't quite figured it out yet," Agumon deeply sighed, opening his eyes.
"Don't worry. Something will come back to us," Tai said, quickly shifting his sights on Metalla X flying in mid-air and sparring with Whismon.
Unleashing a flurry of punches, Metalla X saw the digital angel dodging all of his blows. "Take this and this!" While he continued to attack Whismon, the angel continued dodging and went on to parry his punches.
"Hoho, you're getting better, Yamato! Your moves are getting sharper!" Whismon acknowledged the Ascendant's improvement.
"But, I still haven't landed a single blow on you!" Metalla X yelled out as they soared across the planet.
Meanwhile, Beerusmon lounged on a rock and yawned. "Man, I need to kill some time. You should've let me get in there and put Yamato through the wringer."
"Hyah!" Metalla X roared as he went for a straight jab, seemingly about to hit Whismon's face. However, much to his disbelief, Whismon's image blurred out and vanished into thin air. Rather than flying off the handle, Metalla X calmly approached this with a cooler head and sensed for movements. He turned to his left and saw Whismon reappear. As the angel went for a quick hand chop, Metalla X punched Whismon. "I've got you!"
Quickly catching Metalla X's hand, Whismon chortled. "Good eye, Yamato. You chose wisely. You've grown into a fine warrior."
"Hmph, I don't need your compliments and neither does Matt," Metalla X spoke on their behalf. Refusing to rest, Metalla X resumed his sparring match with Whismon.
(End theme)
"All right, this is enough. I can't bother Taichi and Agumon since they're meditating, so I'm going to bed," Beerusmon yawned as he walked past Seermon.
"They're trying to find if they can unlock Ascendancy Instinct, Lord Beerusmon. But, as you know, they had that ability unlocked temporarily by the Overseer."
"Yes, I'm well aware," Beerusmon scoffed, turning his eyes toward Tai and Agumon. "The fact these two managed to interact with the Overseer astounds me. Not even I have ever seen it with my own eyes."
"Without the Overseer's intervention, none could've beaten Zeed X. Not even you, Lord Beerusmon. Neither Taichi nor Yamato are as strong as you now."
"Not even Taichi?" Beerusmon curiously asked.
"Without Ascendancy Instinct, he doesn't stand any chance with you, Lord Beerusmon," Seermon answered the Destroyer.
Sighing loudly, Beerusmon remarked. "Well, he's got to find a way to revive that Ascendancy Instinct spark. Only then will I want to square up with him? I need to know if a mortal is truly worthy of a divine technique."
"With time, he and Yamato will be your strongest rivals, milord," Seermon forewarned him.
"Even Yamato?"
"Yes."
Beerusmon loudly grunted. "Ugh, terrific." He quickly spun around and yelled toward Metalla X. "Hey, Yamato!" This ended the sparring match and he managed to garner Metalla X's undivided attention.
"I can tell you've made a lot of progress," the Digital God of Destruction stated.
"Oh, that's quite the compliment, Lord Beerusmon. I thought you were taking a break," Whismon said.
"I've changed my mind. So, how about we go at it again?" Beerusmon mischievously grinned toward Metalla X.
"What? Now?"
"Quite an interesting development. You should do it, Yamato," Whismon suggested.
"Verl well. I accept," Metalla X nodded toward Beerusmon. As he descended near Beerusmon, they both faced off and sensed each other's powers.
"It has been a few years, hasn't it?" Beerusmon openly grinned.
"Neither one of us is the same as we were before," Metalla X spoke on his and Matt's behalf.
"By the way, did you say something to Lord Beerusmon?" Whismon asked Seermon.
"Yep, I said those two Ascendants will become his rivals soon enough. The battle against Zeed X altered my foresight and fate is changing for those three," Seermon said.
"Ah, so that's why and you're quite right. Zeed X left quite the mark and changed the way things have been going. Now, we've discovered yet another powerful Ascendant," the angel replied.
"All right, here I go!" Metalla X bellowed as blue light wisped over him, forming a bright steel-blue aura.
"Hmm, Super Ascendanct Blue," Beerusmon muttered. "Bring it on, Yamato!" As he beckoned the Ascendancy, he readied himself for Metalla X's throwing a quick right hook, but the purple cat effortlessly caught his opponent's fist and smirked. "I see now. That brief moment of impact was indeed magnificent. I can feel my hand shaking a bit. However, this transformation is just a mere power-up from the Ascendant God form. Unfortunately for you, it's not enough to reach my level." As he pushed Metalla X's hand aside, Beerusmon quickly repelled him with a shockwave.
As Metalla X somersaulted on his feet, he hastily gathered energy into his hands and unleashed a beam. Beerusmon saw Cocytus Blast coming and effortlessly backhanded the attack away.
Let's get him now, Yamakins! Matt yelled out inside Metalla X's mind. With that, the Ascendant quickly phased past Beerusmon's sight and reappeared above the digital god's head, preparing to punch him.
Much to Metalla X's dismay, Beerusmon ducked and moved out of his reach. Metalla X went for a quick flurry of kicks, but none hit their target. Metalla X flew head-on and went for another punch, but Beerusmon jumped up and spun into mid-air. Scowling, Metalla X flew over to Beerusmon. Having predicted Metalla X's next attack, Beerusmon spun around and swung his tail, whipping Metalla X's face and sending him crashing into a nearby lake.
"Heh, nice try, Yamato," Beerusmon chortled.
"Well now, that was surprisingly quick," Whismon remarked, taken aback by Beerusmon's action.
Metalla X floated out of the lake and set his sights on Beerusmon.
"What now? You wanna go again?"
Metalla X didn't answer the cat god and shut his eyes. Reflecting on his last brawl with Kensuke, he remembered the new power he achieved as a result of his burning desire to defeat Kensuke in their final duel. He recalled the message burned into his mind, reminding him every day that Kensuke helped push him to reach new strength levels.
"Remember the feeling, Yamato. Don't try to mimic Tai all the time. Find your own path of strength if you wish to be a better warrior." Those exact sentences repeated like a mantra inside Metalla X as his blue Ascendant appearance changed with his state of mind. His hair and eyes took on a darker royal blue, and his hairstyle grew and became spikier. His eyes now sported visible blue pupils and his aura took on a similar coloring with a denser feel to it.
Upon seeing this, Whismon was taken aback. "Oh my, Yamato. I believe that's the form you achieved when you last fought Kensuke Rainer."
"Really now? That should prove to be entertaining," Beerusmon fiendishly smirked.
"Not speaking for Matt, but while I still don't like Kensuke, I respect the hell out of him as a warrior. Now, I'll gladly use this power to face you, Beerusmon," Metalla X grinned as he faced off with the digital god.
"Yes, let us continue!" Beerusmon declared as he flew head-on against Metalla X. Throwing a punch at Metalla X, the Ascendant quickly put up his guard and blocked Beerusmon's blow. After dodging a kick from the cat god, Metalla X blocked Beerusmon's punch.
Grinning, Beerusmon jerked his arm back. "What a twisted development. A man you once hated has made you stronger and now you've shown me improvement! I should indirectly thank that young man because, without him, you wouldn't be able to keep up with me!"
Scowling, Metalla X flew at Beerusmon and narrowly missed a punch. Beerusmon propelled into the air. Pursuing the cat god, Metalla X quickly exchanged punches with him. Much to Beerusmon's chagrin, Metalla X pressed on and furiously wailed on him.
"Yes, it appears Yamato has complete control over the blue form, including this evolved blue state. I suppose Taichi is no longer ahead of him so as long he's unable to access Ascendancy Instinct."
Seermon queried. "Is Lord Beerusmon fighting seriously?"
"Not quite. As strong as Metalla X has become, Lord Beerusmon truly only went all-out against Zeed X. He and Lord Champamon together couldn't defeat Zeed X. However, I think it's time Lord Beerusmon got serious again because it would be troublesome if he got hit and lost his temper."
"I don't want that either. He's scary and unpredictable when he gets upset!" Added Seermon.
I won't let myself be bested by anyone ever again! Not to Yamato, Taichi, or someone like Zeed X! Beerusmon internally yelled with determination. At that moment, he dropped his guard, and Metalla X's fist connected with his face.
"Got you!" Metalla X boasted.
Upon seeing this, Whismon and Seermon gaped in disbelief.
"No way, Yamakins just hit Lord Beerusmon!" Agumon exclaimed.
Standing up from his seated stance, Tai quietly observed Metalla X and Beerusmon's brief pause. He painstakingly saw Metalla X's fist firmly planted into Beerusmon's cheek. However, that was not the case. Not even close. In truth, Beerusmon had narrowly caught Metalla X's fist and was seen snarling.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Beerus' Madness/Hakai Theme | EPIC OST MIX)
With his face contorting with anger, Beerusmon snarled. "Don't get too cocky, Yamato." With that, he squeezed Metalla X's hand, causing the Ascendanct to balk with fear.
"Oh crap, he's going to blow his stack!" Tai exclaimed.
"Hey, Whismon. You might wanna erect a barrier for us before he gets out of control," Seermon suggested.
"Sure thing," Whismon replied, using his staff to create a barrier that protected him, Seermon, Tai, and Agumon. What ensued afterward was a bright flash of light that expanded across the planet.
Boom!
And an explosion that blew up a section of the world. In the wake of the Destroyer's explosive blast, a billowing smoke cloud dispersed, revealing a giant impression on the ground. Sitting centered inside the crater is Beerusmon with his hand firmly gripping Metalla X's face.
"You got carried away while I was just toying with you," the purple cat advised him.
"Damn…"
"At this rate, it'll take you millions upon millions of digicycles for you to come close to being my rival!" Beerusmon growled while jerking his hand away from Metalla X's head. "That said, I'll give you bonus points for improving so quickly. So much so, you could be a candidate for being a Digi-God of Destruction." He turned away from Metalla X and addressed his angel advisor. "Whismon, clean this mess."
(End theme)
"As you wish, Lord Beerusmon," Whismon nodded. Before using his power to repair the damages, he landed where Metalla X was getting up. "Don't feel down, Yamato. You did very well."
(Cue The Rising of the Shield Hero OST - Moonlight)
"But, I'm no match for him. Not even that power I achieved fighting that Kensuke boy was enough."
"What did you expect? Your opponent is the Digi-God of Destruction of this Digiverse. My advice? Think first and move later. Doing that is limiting. It will take some time for your brain and senses to get your body to move however you want. Doubly so since you're sharing Matt's body. Perhaps figure something together?"
"Me and Matt working together? Heh, who would've thought?"
"Well, you two function better together than you two used to. Listen, you must be able to let every single part of your body assess and act on its own. And that's extremely difficult. But with two minds, you might achieve something faster," Whismon learned forward near Metalla X and let slip a shocking detail. "Even Lord Beerusmon hasn't mastered it."
"That form Taichi achieved to defeat Zeed X. Ascendancy Instinct. If I master that, I might be able to take on any enemy?"
Whismon nodded. "Indeed so."
"That means even with Matt's cooperation, I still have a long way to go. I won't have the help of divine intervention the way Omega X did… and that cost him most of his lifespan. I'm sure that hurt Taichi's pride. I won't do that. I… No, me and Matt will achieve it together. And we consider Taichi an equal, but we are far from reaching our full potential," Metalla X said, standing up and glancing toward Whismon. "We're not going to pursue following Taichi's journey. We will go our own path."
"I see. Do you wish to find a technique opposite to Ascendancy Instinct? How about this? I can increase your training time."
Sighing, Metalla X replied. "I'll save the next session for another time."
"Oh? Well, if you're searching for that other path, I can refer you to someone who can help."
"That can wait, I need you to take me back to Earth," Metalla X politely replied, indicating that Matt had resurfaced.
"Is there something wrong?"
"I might not be coming back here for a while."
"For a while? Why's that?"
"Whismon! Matt!" Tai called out as he and Agumon headed over to where they were. "Hey, is it my turn to train with you?"
"Sure thing. So, Matt, what is this important thing that's keeping you from training with me?"
Matt replied. "It's that time. My next child is about to be born."
"Wait, you mean Keke! That's right, she's set to be due!" Tai overheard their conversation.
"So, if you can drop me off back home. I'll let you know when I'm free, Whismon," Metalla X said. As he powered down, he split back into Matt and Gabumon.
"Hehe, I can't wait to see Keke being born. You must be excited, dear Matt!" Gabumon gleefully said.
"If I hang around here too much, Mimi won't forgive me. And Yamakins for sure doesn't want to put up with her, so we elected to go back and stay with Mimi," Matt stated.
"Yeah, she's gotten one hell of a belly now, hehe. You take care, Matt," Tai said as he waved Matt and Gabumon off.
"See you later, Matt! Take care, Gabumon!" Agumon called out.
"Remember, Tai. We still have Burizalor to contend with. He's out there and we have to be ready to deal with him," Matt said as he and Gabumon stood next to Whismon.
"He's gotta still be licking those wounds after the beating Kenji gave him. Make no mistake, we'll get him. He's not gonna escape us again," the Bearer of Courage pledged to help Matt seal the tyrant's fate.
With that, Whismon used his staff to teleport him with Matt and Gabumon to Earth.
"Man, our kiddos are being born one after another. We've known their older, alternate variants for so long, that it's surreal that the kid versions are just being born. I know for me, it's been surreal seeing Max's baby self," the Bearer of Courage reflected on the time he's known Max Kamiya.
"Tell me about it. Seeing Max's baby self reminded us how fleeting life is."
"Yeah, fleeting life. You just had to remind me," Tai muttered, staring at his hand as he was reminded of his limited time. "Listen, Agumon. At least, we need to achieve and master this Ascendancy Instinct. No matter what it takes."
"We will, my friend," Agumon nodded.
(End theme)
As Whismon returned, he came back carrying a bag filled with delicacy foods.
"Greetings, I've come back bearing gifts," Whismon cheerfully smirked. "Mimi was kind enough to give me some delectables and I'm willing to share."
Later, Tai, Agumon, Beerusmon, Whismon, and Seermon sat together and ate the delicacy Mimi purchased for them.
"Mmmm, this is wonderful! I can feel the scrumptious taste on my tongue!" Beerusmon delightfully hollered.
"Mimi knows the best places to find these wonderful delicacies!" Whismon said.
"You said it! What do you think, Tai?" Agumon asked his friend.
Finishing his intake, Tai stood and stretched out his arms. "Ok, I'm ready when we're done eating!"
"Please give us a moment. You must take a long time to enjoy a fine meal!" Whismon replied.
"I've been kinda out of shape lately. Taking care of a kid is hard work enough. The only physical activity I've been doing is work and that's not satisfying."
"What? You're not satisfied being a dad?" Whismon asked him.
"Oh no, that's been the best part of my life lately! I love my son and Sora."
"Did your wife give you the ok to come here and train?" Beerusmon asked.
"Yeah, she said it's fine and she wants to train again."
"Well, Sora is more than welcome to train here," Whismon replied.
"Oh, she said she wants to train with X and the other first before coming here. She wants to do more gravity training," the Bearer of Courage said.
"Oh then, that's fair."
"As long as she brings some delectable food, she's welcome to come here and train here," Beerusmon added.
"By the way, you're going to give me a more advanced lesson today, right?" Tai whispered in Whismon's ear.
"Hmm?"
"You know what I'm talking about."
"Slow and steady always wins the race, dear boy," Whismon said, standing up and dusting himself off. "Remember this: consistency is key. It'll make you stronger."
"Yeah, so back to basics then?" Agumon asked.
Patting his belly, Beerusmon belched loudly and walked away. "Anyway, I'm full now. So I'm going to take a nap."
"Wait, Beerusmon! I've been meaning to ask."
"What is it, Taichi?"
(Cue Digimon Adventure: (2020) OST - Teki Digimon Shizuka na Kyoufu)
"It's about Lord Zenomnimon. Is his power really that terrifying that Zeed X had to temporarily seal him up before the other Destroyers saved him?"
"Yes, and don't let his adorable face fool you. If Zeed X was not already close to his power, Lord Zenomnimon would've erased him along with the whole Digiverses. You, me, and all of your friends wouldn't be around living their lives peacefully. And considering Zeed X erased Lord Zenomnimon's future self's universe, the future variant isn't likely to be in a good mood."
"Man, I'm glad he's on our side."
"Listen, Tai. Lord Zenomnimon is thankful we got rid of Zeed X, but he's still a neutral being who can decide to erase a Digiverse if he sees fit and if it no longer functions to nature's standards."
Agumon gasped. "Oh man, that's scary."
"You must be very careful, Lord Zenomnimon is entirely pure-hearted, but his pureness is what makes him terrifying."
"I remember he had some tournament in mind for us to participate in, but maybe he forgot all about it?" Tai remembered the specific details from their first encounter.
"Lord Zenomnimon is not so forgetful, but who knows? Perhaps after the whole Black Ascendant and Zeed X ordeal, it already slipped his mind," the digital angel surmised until his staff's orb began glowing and humming. "Oh, speaking of which, it's my father, Lord GranWhismon."
(End theme)
"Hmm? What would he want? Beerusmon inquired.
"Guess we'll find out," Whismon said as a digitized image of GranWhismon along with the Zenomnimon materialized, causing Beerusmon to flinch.
"Greetings, Whismon and Beerusmon. You're surmising as to why I'm contacting you now?" GranWhismon addressed the deities.
"Hi there!" The Zenomnimon duo called out, waving to them. Then, the present Zenomnimon noticed Tai and Agumon. "Oh, look! It's Taichi and his friend Agumon!"
"Hello!" Future Zenomnimon greeted them.
"Hello, my lords," Tai and Agumon both bowed.
"Looks like you two are getting along better," Tai addressed the Zenomnimon duo.
"Hey, do you remember that tournament idea I had? I just remembered now!" Zenomnimon announced. "Why don't we do that soon?!"
"Oh, that was fast! When will it happen?" Agumon asked.
"Hmm. What do you think, GranWhismon?" Zenomnimon asked his advisor.
"Let's see. Each Digiverse needs to prepare. How about 15 digi-tiks from now?" GranWhismon suggested.
"Yes, let's do it!" Zenomnimon gleefully agreed.
"So, how long is that exactly?" Tai asked GranWhismon.
"You're from the planet called Earth, yes? In which case, it is about 120 hours from now."
"120 hours? That's five days!" Tai exclaimed. "That's kinda pushing it too soon and besides Matt has a kid on the way. He might not be ready to fight in it."
"Taichi, please don't argue with them," Beerusmon grumbled as he pinched Tai's arm.
"Ow, ok!"
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Towards Hope)
"Since I've already made the announcement to you, I'll be broadcasting it to the other Digital Gods of Destruction. Wait a moment," GranWhismon said as he started linking up with the data networks of the other Digiverses.
Whismon addressed Tai. "You shouldn't argue with my father or Zenomnimon. When they make a decision, they normally stick with it."
"Sorry about that."
"All guide angels! This is GranWhismon! Do you read me?" GranWhismon connected with the other Digiverses.
Digiverse 5
The tall, large-framed, and square-jawed Angel, Cukatailmon, noticed his staff's orb resonating with light. "Hmm? This is Lord GranWhismon?"
Opening his eyes, the fish-faced brown humanoid Digi-God of Destruction Arakmon eyed his advisor's staff.
Digiverse 4
The pompadour hair-styled Angel, Cognacmon, noticed his staff glowing as well. "It's Lord GranWhismon."
"Hmm?" The anthropomorphic yellow mouse Digi-God of Destruction, Quitelamon, turned away from watching his favorite cartoons. "Hmm?"
Digiverse 2
The Egyptian-garbed woman, Helesmon, sat with two servants giving her arm massages.
"Who is the most beautiful being in Digiverse 2?" Helesmon asked her massage servants.
"It is yo, milady Helesmon," one of them replied.
"No, I am the most beautiful individual in all of the Digiverses!" Helesmon boasted.
"Pardon me, milady."
Just then, the tall, long-haired Angel, Sourmon, noticed his staff's orb glowing in the same manner as the other angels.
Digiverse 10
Following Zamasmon's demise, Digiverse's 10th Digi-God of Destruction, the pink anthropomorphic elephant, Rumsshimon, confronted Gowasmon regarding the apprenticeship issue.
"My deepest apologies, Lord Russhimon," Gowasumon humbly bowed before the Digi-God of Destruction. "I'll be certain to be more selective with my next apprentice."
"You must choose wisely, Gowasmon. We must avoid another Zamasmon disaster. Besides, that's the last time I want to ask Beerusmon's help. You know I'm not fond of that mangy feline."
"Yes sir, I'll be more careful," replied Gowasmon.
Just then, the female Angel, Cusmon, noticed her staff's orb glowing. "Oh? Oh my, I've got a call from Lord GranWhismon!"
"What did you say?!" Rumsshimon exclaimed.
Digiverse 9
The short and rotund-frame green-skinned and orange facial featured humanoid, Sidramon, and an Angel with hair parted in the middle, Mojitomon, quietly assessed a dying planet that was due for destruction.
Just then, Mojitomon's staff glowed and hummed, garnering the angel's attention. "Lord, Sidramon, we just received a message from GranWhismon."
"I'll call later. I'm deciding whether I should destroy this planet. If I make another mistake, Lord GranWhismon will get furious… Wait, did you just say GranWhismon?!"
Digiverse 11
The pale-skinned humanoid clown Digi-God of Destruction, Belmodmon, leaned back as a harem of harlequins pleasured him with body massages and grapes.
"Oh ho ho ho, this is the life," Belmodmon chuckled after eating some grapes. "After all that Zeed X nonsense, I can get back to kicking back and lounging! We have enough time to celebrate my 87,910,715 days since I became Digital God of Destruction!"
"Yay, Lord Belmodmon!" The harlequin harem squeed happily and laughed with him.
Just then, the female twin pony-tailed Angel, Marcaritamon, noticed her staff's orb resonating with light. "Oh, this is… Lord Belmodmon, there's something I need to tell you."
"What's wrong, Marcaritamon? Are we in a rush for something?"
"We are very much so."
The remaining Digital Angels and their Digital Gods of Destructions from their respective Digiverses received GranWhismon's message.
Unknown Sector of the Digiverse/Beerusmon's Domain
"Is everyone ready? That means you should be all listening," GranWhismon spoke up. "There is something I need to tell you. I want all of your Digital Gods of Destruction as well as your Supreme Digi-Deities to report to this palace."
"Will they really all be there to see you?" Tai asked GranWhismon.
"They will and so will all of you. Let's wait a moment." With that, Whismon used his staff to teleport himself, Beerusmon, Tai, and Agumon to Zenomnimon's palace.
Zenomnimon's Palace
Upon arriving in Zenomnimon's realm, Tai and Agumon briefly greeted the Zenomnimon duo. However, their reunion was short-lived when every Digital God of Destruction, Angel, and Supreme Digi-Deity from every Digiverse teleported. They all lined up together, knelt, and bowed their heads to the Zenomnimon duo and GranWhismon.
"This is surreal," Tai muttered in awe at the sight of the myriad of divine beings before him and Agumon.
"These are the Digital Gods of all the Digiverses!" Agumon cried out
(End theme)
"Please rise, ladies and gentlemen. Let us wait for the arrival of those from Digiverse 8," GranWhismon addressed every deity in Zenomnimon's royal quarters.
"An emergency call? We just had one not too long ago," Sidramon noted.
"Yes, and there's two Zenomnimon now," Helesmon said.
"It's been a long time, everyone!" Zenomnimon casually greeted every deity.
"And me, too! Nice to meet you all again!" Future Zenomnimon added.
Beerusmon slowly turned his head and sighted Champamon.
"Hey, brother," Champamon acknowledged his brother's presence, having recently gained respect for his older brother after teaming up against Zeed X.
Beerusmon said nothing but nodded.
"So, what's that Taichi guy doing here?" Champamon asked him.
Turning his head, Quitelamon growled toward Beerusmon's direction. "I can't believe Beerusmon actually fought Zeed X and lived to tell about it."
Just then, Belmodmon teleported in with Marcaritamon, the Supreme Digi-Deity Fuwamon, and Toppomon.
"Oh, good to have you with us, Lord Belmodmon," GranWhismon acknowledged their arrival.
"My lord…" The Digiverse 11 Digi-God of Destruction replied. "My apologies but I've brought with me one of my champions. This is Toppomon."
"Tai, look! It's him!" Agumon pointed to Toppomon.
"You're right! It's one of those Pride Trooper guys that Zeed X controlled and sent to fight us!" Tai exclaimed.
"To tell you the truth, I am planning on retiring any day now. I am training him to succeed me as the next God of Destruction," Belmodmon announced much to the shock of the other Digi-Gods of Destruction. "And he is one the few mortals that battled Zeed X."
Raising his head, Toppomon noticed Tai and Agumon. "Hmm, their energies are similar to that one warrior who fought me and Jirenmon. I haven't thanked him enough, but…"
"You can save it for later, Toppomon. This is an important meeting," Belmodmon muttered quietly.
"Yes, Lord Belmodmon."
"Understood. Anyone who survived that battle is worthy of being a divine candidate," GranWhismon said.
"My sincere thanks to you for your kind words," Toppomon humbly replied.
Suddenly, an anthropomorphic yellow fox Digi-God of Destruction, Liqueurmon, a tall, slim Angel, Kornmon, and their Supreme Digi-Deity, Illemon, quickly appeared. All of them were seen kneeling and bowing their heads similarly to the other deities.
"My apologies for keeping you waiting!" Illemon said. "When you have to go, you gotta go!"
Liqueurmon grumbled under his breath.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Omni King Theme)
"Everyone's now here! Well then, our Lord Zenomnimon has an announcement," GranWhismon addressed everyone as silence took over. "I am fully aware that this is sudden, especially after our universes were saved from the brink of erasure and liberated from Zeed X's terror, but in 15 digi-tiks precisely at 157 O'Clock, Day 3,135, 500, 603 of the King Calendar, we have decided to hold the Tournament of Power. It'll be an event in which the chosen warriors from each Digiverse will compete."
The Digi-God of Destruction of Digiverse 12, a tall merman with fins for ears named, Giinmon, muttered. "A Tournament of Power?"
"What do you mean chosen fighters?" Arakmon queried.
"So, Lord Zenomnimon's plan is going to become a reality?" Champamon gulped.
Beerusmon sighed and facepalmed. I really wish this wasn't happening.
The Digi-God of Destruction of Digiverse 3, a large green robot, Mulemon, beeped robotically.
His Supreme Digi-Deity, wearing glasses translated. "Lord Mulemon! You must never say such things in Lord Zenomnimon's presence!"
"Do we have some problems, Digiverse 3?" GranWhismon asked them deity representatives.
"Uh, no! It's nothing, my lord!" The Supreme Digi-Deity with glasses frantically replied.
"What did he just say?" Zenomnimon asked as his blank stare caused the deity to shiver with fright. "
"Lord Mulemon was simply concerned that we have so little time to prepare!"
"Huh? Is that so bad?" Zenomnimon curiously asked.
"Ah, no! Everything is ok, my lord!"
Digiverse 3's Angel, an Angel with a long underbite and slicked-back hair, Camparrimon, spoke for his Supreme Digi-Deity. "Lord Mulemon now says it is a great idea that we can participate soon!"
"Yay, I knew it!" Zenomnimon giggled delightfully. Then, the Future Zenomnimon approached his present counterpart with befuddlement. "Hm?" The duo had a brief chat, which garnered GranWhismon's attention
"Is something wrong?" GranWhismon asked them.
"He says he doesn't understand what's going on," Zenomnimon answered.
"Oh, you mean the Tournament of Power?"
"Mmhmm," Future Zenomnimon replied.
"I see. Yes, the future Zenomnimon has never seen one before. Alright then. Let us initiate a quick Zen Exhibition Match, ok?" GranWhismon suggested. "Allow me to set the stage."
"Wait, you mean right here and now?!" Tai and Agumon exclaimed.
Without further delay, GranWhismon cast a divine spell that produced a massive and sizable rectangular-shaped martial arts ring. Every divine entity stood around the four corners of this divine fighting platform.
"Welp, looks like we're getting right to it then," the Bearer of Courage stated.
"Hmm, I do wonder who Lord Zenomnimon will choose to fight for him. I doubt he'll choose any of us Angels," Whismon said. "It'll probably come down to one of the Digital Gods of Destruction. Hmm, maybe you'll be that lucky participant, Lord Beerusmon?" He gave a playful wink, eliciting a nervous look on the cat's features.
"Yes, well, I can't disappoint him, can I?" Beerusmon muttered, already beginning to sweat bullets as he eyed the Zenomnimon pair. "And now there's two of them."
"Or, maybe it's me?" Tai asked. "Since Agumon and I are the only ones to meet the Overseer?"
"It's possible, but maybe not?" Agumon wondered.
"Before we start, I'd like to invite a few more guests. Is that ok, Lords Zenomnimon?" GranWhismon asked the divine duo.
"Sure! Let them come and watch the fun!" Present Zenomnimon replied.
"As you wish, my lord."
(End theme)
D3 Headquarters/Other World
(Cue My Hero Academia OST - Hero A)
Far away from what was going on in Zenomnimon's realm, the D3s strapped themselves down for endless training sessions. Some wanted to catch up with the more powerful Ascendants and improve themselves in case of another impending threat to the multiple worlds.
For some, like Tike, he took his training more seriously. After his brief meeting with death, Tike vowed he'll never put his friends through any more heartache. He also promised never to make his sister, Kara, and best friend, Meryl, cry again.
"Slow down, Tike. You have plenty of time to catch up with the best of us!" Sam yelled out while parrying Tike's punches.
"I'm not going to let any of you down again! Kensuke… he opened my eyes! I never thought I'd say this, but he's helped me take shit seriously from now on!" Tike shouted with sheer determination. As he continued to attack Sam, Kara and David keenly watched him from the sidelines.
"Tike's not kidding around. He wants to make sure he's strong enough so no harm comes to us," David said.
"Tike…" Kara muttered, digging deep and finding that same fiery determination within her. It told her to push forward and not fall behind.
"Hey, Kara. Do you wanna spar with me? I promise I'll go easy…"
"No, David. Don't," Kara insisted. "Neither of us is gonna get any stronger if we don't take a little more pain. Don't hold back on my account or I won't go out with you again!"
Hearing this, David gasped. "Really?!"
"Yeah! It's ok! Hit me hard! I can take it!" She goaded him.
"Alright, but if you cry, it's not my fault!" David exclaimed.
"Heh, yeah! I love you forever, David!" Kara declared as they engaged in a competitive sparring match.
Watching from afar, Max and BW were impressed with the kids' tenacity.
"Will you look at that, Max? They're going all out just to catch up with you, Tai, and the others," BW said. "Maybe I need to fight my hardest against you. What do you say?"
"I'm down," Max replied, slowly veering toward Keke sparring with Sora.
"Sora's has been getting her gains on. It won't be long until she's back to where she was before she settled down to give birth to you," BW stated. "Speaking of…" He saw infant Max being looked after by Biyomon.
"Biyomon and Sora are taking turns looking after baby me and training. Both of them are progressing well, too," Max said.
(End theme)
"Sir, I have some news," Simms interjected as he approached Max.
"And what is it, Simms?"
"Well, the Digital Gods of Destructions, the Angels, and the Supreme Digi-Deities from all of the Digiverse have gathered in Zenomnimon's realm. Tai and Agumon are there, too."
Upon hearing this, Max responded with a worrisome look. "What are those two doing there?"
"It seems they were summoned along with Lords Beerusmon, Whismon, and Shinmon. Do you recall the proposed tournament by Lord Zenomnimon?" Simms reminded him about this specific detail.
"Of course, but I sooner thought he forgot, especially after all the chaos that went down recently."
"I'm afraid he remembers and has announced the Tournament of Power's commencement?"
Max nodded. "Right, I see. When is this Tournament of Power taking place?"
"15 digi-tiks sir."
"5 Earth days," Max muttered.
Pausing for a breather, Sora noticed Max mulling in deep thought.
"Is everything ok, Sora?" Keke curiously asked, wondering why Sora seemed distracted.
"Yeah, kinda. Max does look a little serious though."
"Simms must have delivered some important news to him. He is still a part-time Watcher, so he's got his hands full with dealings," Keke said.
"I see. I hope it's not too serious."
Max beckoned Simms and BW over. "Both of you come with me. We're going to Zenomnimon's realm. All I need to do is contact Tai telepathically. He can get us there…"
"No need," a voice belonging to GranWhismon surprised them. The Angel's image appeared and a portal materialized in front of him. "As thanks for helping save our multiverse from Zeed X, we cordially invite a few of you to join Taichi."
"A few, huh? Alright, BW and Simms. You two can come with me," Max said as he then turned toward Sora and Keke. "And how about you two come along as well?"
"Huh? Where to?" Keke asked.
"What's going on, Max?" Sora queried.
"Looks like we're going to Zenomnimon's realm Sam, you and the others stay behind and look after little me," Max answered.
"Leave it to us," Sam nodded.
"Well, how about it? Ready to go see Tai and Agumon?" Max asked the ones he requested to come with him.
Next chapter: A Godly Battle Royal Exhibition
A/N: Before anything else, I want to pay tribute to the now-late Akira Toriyama. As of this post, it's been two months since we lost a legend and giant in the Japanese manga world. He wasn't just the creator of Dragon Ball. He drew and penned other works such as Dr. Slump, Sand Land, and Jaco the Galactic Patrolman, and helped with character designs for famed JRPGS, Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon. He was an inspiration for many mangaka still working in the manga industry and many of them grew up reading Toriyama's works. His stories didn't just spark inspiration but brought smiles and comfort to a lot of us going through hard times. Whether it's watching DBZ on Toonami back in the day, playing a Dragon Quest game, or reading his works, Toriyama's influence has been integrated into art and pop culture.
As I'm writing this, this story and its predecessors (Digimon Fusion/Digimon Fusion Kai) were done as tributes to one of my favorite artists and storytellers ever. I will proudly take inspiration from his works, whether it's through writing or drawing. I intend to continue creating in his honor. Thank you, Akira Toriyama. And your legacy will continue to live through us.
Just to make this short but sweet, I've decided to adapt parts of the Dragon Ball Super manga for the ToP (and combine it with sections of the anime version) and then fully adapt the manga-exclusive arcs (Moro, Granolah, etc.). With this Tournament of Power adaptation, I'm condensing and summarizing the least important and minuscule parts, and anything else that's important (and related to Digiverse 7) will be expanded. With a certain new Ascendant now allied with Tai, a new chaotic element could be thrown into the mix to freshen this arc adaptation. And there may be a few elements introduced much earlier than what would later come in Super's storyline. That's all I'm going to foreshadow.
The next chapter adapts the God of Destruction battle royal from the Super manga and after that, who knows? The wait for the ToP won't take long! Next then, see you next time for a GoD battle royal.