A gentle breeze moved across the Sacred World of the Kai as the newly freed Elder Kai stretched his stiff limbs, his ancient joints cracking loudly. Everyone watched him with a strange mix of awe and confusion.
Goku whispered, "He sure looks… old."
Vegeta snorted. "More like ancient. Hmph."
Elder Kai ignored them, placing both hands behind his back and clearing his throat dramatically.
"Well then, young ones," he said, puffing out his chest with an exaggerated sense of pride, "I suppose it's time you learned the truth of why I was sealed inside that sword… and who sealed me."
Shin and Kibito listened with deep respect. Goku and Vegeta leaned closer, curious.
Rudra simply crossed his arms, watching silently.
Elder Kai continued with a grand flourish, "A long, long time ago… much before any of you were even born, I faced a mighty enemy. A foe so unbelievably strong that even the gods trembled before him!"
Kibito gasped. "My Lord…"
"Yes, yes," Elder Kai nodded proudly, "He was a universal threat. A being who could have brought devastation upon countless realms."
Goku blinked. "So you fought him, right?"
The old Kai grinned. "But of course! I used my incredible, awesome, and absolutely overwhelming powers to battle him. Our fight shook the cosmos itself! I nearly defeated him—nearly, mind you—when…"
He paused dramatically.
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "Get on with it."
Elder Kai snapped, "Don't rush history, young Saiyan!" Then he returned to his performance, "When suddenly he tricked me! Yes! He trapped me off guard and sealed me inside the Z Sword!"
He raised one finger and added proudly, "And for your information, I am the Supreme Kai from 15 generations ago. Hmph!"
Everyone stood quietly — until a soft chuckle broke the silence.
Hehehe…
All eyes turned to Rudra, who was failing miserably to hold back his laughter.
Elder Kai narrowed his eyes. Goku scratched his cheek and asked, "Rudra? What's so funny? Did he say something weird?"
Rudra shook his head lightly. "No, no… it's just that Elder Kai doesn't look even remotely as strong as the story he just told. Probably… lying."
Kibito's face turned red in fury. "How dare you speak to Elder Kai like that, mortal?!"
Elder Kai stepped forward with an offended huff. "What is this? Three mortals? Here? In the Sacred World of the Kai?"
Then he squinted, studying Rudra's face. "…Your name is Rudra, isn't it?"
Rudra nodded calmly. "Yes."
"Well," Elder Kai sniffed, "you're a mortal. Naturally, your tiny brain can't comprehend the glory of divine battles. Old or not, I was still a Supreme Kai! Show some respect."
Goku blinked. "Ah… Elder Kai is kind of grumpy."
Vegeta muttered, "No kidding."
But Elder Kai wasn't done.
"Shin! Kibito!" he barked. "Remove this mortal immediately. No mortal should be allowed to walk freely in divine lands. And he dares question my power!"
Shin instantly panicked. "Wait, Elder Kai! Please listen—Rudra isn't here without reason! He helped summon Goku and Vegeta, and—"
But Elder Kai cut him off with a hand. "This is an issue of mortals. None of my concern! That monster you mentioned earlier—Cell—he sounds weak. Not a threat to the universe."
Rudra stiffened slightly.
So he's acting like he doesn't know… interesting.
His mind raced.
The Elder Kai in the anime was goofy and pervy… but this one? Serious. Composed. And lying. The manga revealed Beerus sealed him, not some random enemy. So why is he hiding that?
Rudra looked down briefly, hiding the suspicion in his eyes.
I can't say anything. Not here. If I reveal what I know, I'll look suspicious… maybe even dangerous.
Shin stood awkwardly while Kibito lifted his chin proudly.
"It would be best if this mortal leaves," Kibito declared.
Elder Kai nodded. "Indeed. I will help the Saiyans. But Rudra, you must leave this realm at once."
For a long moment, Rudra didn't respond.
Then he exhaled slowly, nodding.
"Fine. But before I go…" He walked toward Goku and Vegeta. "You two lifted the Z Sword. That means something. You must become stronger — far stronger. The fate of everything still depends on you."
Vegeta smirked. "Hmph. As if we needed you to tell us that."
Goku grinned happily. "Don't worry, Rudra! We'll get way stronger!"
Shin nodded respectfully. "I agree with Rudra. The two of you have potential beyond what even divine beings expected."
Elder Kai grumbled but also sighed. "Yes, yes. Fine. I will assist these Saiyans. But Rudra must leave."
Rudra gave them all a final nod. "Then I'll take my leave."
He placed two fingers on his forehead.
In an instant, his aura flickered — and he vanished, using Instant Transmission to exit the divine realm entirely.
"Jeez," Goku muttered, scratching his head. "He left pretty fast."
Elder Kai watched the space Rudra vanished from, his expression unreadable. "Mortals… always troublesome."
Vegeta stepped forward, crossing his arms. "Well? Old man? You said you'll help. What now?"
Elder Kai looked at the two Saiyans, his gaze sharpening.
"Now," he said slowly, "we begin the next step."
And thus, Rudra left the Sacred World of the Kai…
…but his warning had already taken root.
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