The Tournament of Power 14/27

Jayr POV - Dragon Ball Universe, Null Realm - Age 780

As Goku continues to gather the energy for the Spirit Bomb, I see that Cyenne notices that Goku is too focused on Jiren and, without any hesitation, he sinks into the floor and starts to swim toward him with the clear intention of taking advantage of this opening to take Goku out with a surprise attack.

However, I'm not the only one who took notice of Cyenne's intention and just as the axolotl-like warrior from the 9th Universe emerges from behind Goku with the intention of striking him down, Kiki quickly makes his move as he teleports right next to Cyenne and uses his Cosmo in combination with his Psychokinetic powers to create a spider web around Cyenne that completely stop his movements preventing him from doing anything against Goku.

This is the technique Crystal Net, a variation of the technique Crystal Wall, one of the staple techniques of the Aries Gold Saint, passed down throughout the ages since the first generation of the Aries Gold Saints.

Being suddenly trapped by Kiki's Crystal Net, Cyenne can only curse out loud while tryong to break free, "What's going on!? What the hell is this!?"

After trapping Cyenne in his Crystal Net, Kiki makes his presence known by casually saying, "Do you know that it is considered very rude to interfere in a battle between martial artist? Come on, look around, everyone else stopped their battle and is respectfully watching this fight between Goku and Jiren, very curious about how it is going to develop, and you just tried to ruin it with a pathetic sneak attack."

At the same time, Goku, who just noticed what happened behind him, quickly thanks Kiki for the save and Kiki replies to not worry about it and focus back on his battle while he deal with Cyenne before he jumps off from the boulder bringing the trapped Cyenne with him.

Goku nods and again thanks Kiki before he focuses back on gathering his energy at the same time.

The gods from the exempt universes are impressed with this fight as they anticipate what will happen next, as they comment.

"What a sight. That's truly a fascinating technique."

"I can't believe two lower-ranked universes have produced warriors this good."

"Yes. This promises to be quite the climax."

"Let's not forget all the other formidable warriors that still didn't reveal their true power like that golden armored warrior from the honored guest universe."

"Indeed, I can sense that quite a few of them hide a power that is easily comparable to the one these two have shown, maybe one that is even more impressive."

While they are saying that, Cyenne continues to struggle and curse trying to free himself until Kiki simply states, "I've grown bored of watching you sneaking around like an opportunistic thief. This tournament has come to an end for you."

Hearing that, Cyenne grins and says, "I don't think so. I think that you bastard with that shiny piece of junk are going to suffer and end up with a few broken bones before you'll beg to be eliminated from this tournament."

At the same time, I see Clova's figure as he quietly approaches Kiki and Cyenne while keeping his Ki as contained as possible making himself basically invisible to those who use Ki Sense before he uses his Ki to create a set of very fine and solid wires of energy that glow in a faint, almost menacing, purple light before he launch them toward Kiki's apparentily exposed back.

However, Kiki is very aware of the enermy behind him and withhout any hesitation he turns around and makes his Cosmo explode while calling out, "Crystal Wall!"

He again combines his Cosmo with his psychic power to create a transparent, glass-like barrier, between himself and Clova's deadly wires that continue to advance toward their target until impact against the barrier, but once the wires hit it, they get obliterated, and then, the force of this attack is reflect back at Clova who is sent flying by it, and crashes against one of the boulders.

After doing that, Kiki calmly uses Crystal Net again to trap the still stunned Clova and bring him right next to Cyenne before he says, "Now, it is time to end this."

Kiki then makes his Cosmo burn, and as a gold aura envelopes his body he state, "Prepare yourself. This is going to hurt a bit."

The phantom image of his Guardian Constellation, the ram, appears behind him, and then he unleashes the signature move of his master Mu, "Starlight Extinction!!"

The accumulated Cosmo is released in the form of multiple photon shocks that hit Cyenne and Clova across their body countless times at the speed of light, at the same time, blinding light completely surrounds the target all while it, absorbs, dissolves and extinguishes the opponents in a swirl of light, and then, in an instant, nothing of them is left behind.

But then the next moment, the screaming Clova and Cyenne appear outside the fighting stage as they are falling into the abyss before they quickly get transported back to the spectator stand next to the other eliminated warriors and the Deities of the 9th Universe.

At this point, the Grand Minister announces, "The contestants Clova-san and Cyenne-san from the 9th Universe have dropped off."

This is followed by the Zenos, who mark their elimination on their GodPads as usual before they wonder out loud.

"Jayr's team has eliminated two strong warriors!"

"He did it!"

""Woah!!""

"But how did they end up dropped off from out there?"

"How did he do it?"

Hearing their question, I calmly explain, "The Starlight Extinction, in essence, is a technique that does not rely on destroying the opponent but on removing him from battle, by forcefully teleporting the opponent out of sight and out of the fight. However, if it is required, this technique can easily completely obliterate the opponent by sending him to another plane of existence or even completely disintegrate it into nothingness. Overall, it is a quite versatile and peaceful technique to end a conflict, but it can also become a very deadly one if needed."

While I'm explaining that, the Spirit Bomb finally fully charges, becoming a colossal ball of accumulated bluish-white energy, making Goku exclaim, "It's ready! Ha, ha! Yes!"

Goku then focuses back on Jiren and says, "All right, Jiren. Once you're out, I hope you don't regret giving me the time to finish this!"

Shortly after saying that, Goku let out a roar and swung his arms down. He launches the colossal Spirit Bomb toward Jiren, who is calmly standing as the massive ball of accumulated bluish-white energy quickly closes in.

At the same time, Goku states, "This is what it looks like when the 7th Universe unites! This is our Spirit Bomb!"

The colossal 7th Universe Spirit Bomb collides with Jiren, who only let out a grunt, generating massive gales and shockwaves, but much to everyone else's surprise, he easily pushes it back with one hand.

"Seriously?"

"Impossible! He's pushing it away!"

"Dad's not done. He can power up and push back."

While grunting, "Come on!" Goku goes Super Saiyan Blue to push the attack back, but Jiren pushes it back again with two hands.

At time point, Goku yells, "Kaio-ken x10!" Going Super Saiyan Blue Kaio-ken x10, however, this only results in a deadlock.

The difference between the two is clear as Goku is grunting and growling while struggling to push the Spirit Bomb back toward Jiren, who still looks like he is putting little to no effort into pushing back the Spirit Bomb.

Yelling, "Kaio-ken x20!" Goku then goes Super Saiyan Blue Kaio-ken x20, pushing the Spirit Bomb back once again, forcing Jiren to let out more power to push the attack right back.

As the Spirit Bomb starts to collide with Goku, he screams, as he tries as hard as he can to resist, and with a loud yell, he unleashes even more power and finally stops the Spirit Bomb's advance, making the Zenos exclaim in wonder.

""Whoa!""

"He stopped it!"

"That was very close!"

At this point, Jiren lowers his arms and closes his eyes, giving the impression that he has given up; however, when he opens them again, he pours even more power, and in response, the Spirit Bomb once again slowly and inexorably advances toward Goku, making the Zenos gasp.

"He's still pushing!"

"I am amazed!"

In response, Goku continues to struggle, pushing himself to the very limit as he again stops the Spirit Bomb from advancing, making the Deities of the exonerated universe watching this scene comment.

"It's a considerable amount of energy, indeed. Most effective."

"Yes, it's a great achievement. Such might cannot be gained through any normal discipline."

"Jiren is especially astonishing. The way he can exert and command such incredible force with merely a glare. It is a wondrous strength to behold."

Under the pushing pressure of Jiren and Goku's forces, the Spirit Bomb starts to get compressed becoming smaller and smaller until it reaches the breaking point and starts to suddenly expand as it loses stability, creating shockwaves throughout the fighting stage causing a lot of damage and destruction on it while illuminating the surrounding in an almost blinding blue light.

This scene makes the Deities on the spectators' stands from the various universes comment.

"It seems Goku has reached the very limit of his power. While Jiren remains calm and collected and is a far cry from going all out, Beerus-sama."

"Astounding. I've never felt such force. Not in all my life. His strength... is beyond words."

"Indeed, and if I were to measure, I would have to say, his power is at the level of a God of Destruction. And perhaps it is even higher. I have heard a rumor that one of the universes has produced a mortal who has surpassed his own God of Destruction. A wild notice, but... now I see that it may be true."

"That's right, Jiren. Show the universes the full extent of your remarkable power. Do your duty and destroy Goku!"

"Tch. That Belmod is just too weak. Don't forget that our team still has those two monsters who are not yet going all out. Those two are also stronger than Belmod if they stop holding back."

At this point, the unstable Spirt Bomb starts to shine in a bright white light making Champa asks in a worried tone, "Am I the only one concerned about that giant ball of energy?" which makes Vados comment, "The pressure of their colliding powers is causing the energy ball to expand, and it cannot remain stable for much longer."

In the end, no matter how much he struggles against Jiren's immense power, Goku seems unable to do anything, and finally, both the Spirit Bomb and Goku reach their breaking point.

The Spirt Bomb starts to collapse onto itself turning into a singularity while Goku starts to fall toward it before the singularity explodes into a blinding light with such force that the whole Null Realm shakes while making it appear like Goku was completely swallowed by it leaving behind only a massive crater that quickly gets completely covered by a thick cloud of dust.

Seeing that, the Zenos exclaim in wonder while the Grand Minister comments, "It would seem the standoff has ended," which makes the Zenos further exclaim.

""Whoa! Ha, ha!""

"I thought that was amazing, did you?"

"Oh yes, I thought that too!"

At this point, the Grand Minister states, "I must admit I feel relieved the fighting stage was able to withstand those blasts," before he turns serious and adds, "However, sires..."

As the Grand Minister seems to point out that Goku is nowhere to be found, Zeno-1 asks, "You don't think he is finished, do you?" followed by Zeno-2, who adds, "Oh, my. Could he have lost?"

At this point, while everyone starts to think the worst, Krillin tries to remain optimistic by saying Goku has not been teleported to the spectator seats yet, but his ki cannot be sensed.

At the same time, I calmly use Telepathy to inform my kids that I can still sense Goku's presence using my Cosmic Awareness and that he has just broken through his previous limits and is going through a massive transformation, which means that the show is about to become a lot more exciting.

As Old Kai and Whis assume that Goku has been vaporized by being exposed to such a huge explosion in such close range, Champa, who heard them, points out, "Hold up. That would mean he's dead, right? That's perfect! Then that means Jiren will be disqualified!"

Vados quickly corrects him by saying, "I don't think so, my lord. Goku is the one who launched the initial energy blast that swelled and ultimately destroyed him. In that case..."

Before she can finish her explanation, the Grand Minister calmly states, "You are correct. While Jiren did play a role in expanding its power, it was Goku's attack and he therefore eliminated himself." before he announces, "I hereby rule that contestant Jiren of the 11th Universe receives no penalty."

In response to the Grand Minister's ruling, both Khai and Belmod stand up and bow before Khai whispers to the God of Destruction next to him, "Superb. Without Goku, the 7th Universe won't stand a chance. I say we have Jiren keep going and end this tournament. It is time."

Hearing that, Belmod smirks and whispers back, "Agreed. The 11th Universe shall win the day. And survive this dreaded gathering."

Meanwhile, Top and Dyspo gather around Jiren as the remaining warriors all surround them, with Vados pointing out that despite Jiren showing how formidable he is, not a single warrior lost their will to fight.

Champa yells at his 6th Universe warriors, "Hey! Let's go, 6th Universe! Keep on attacking, don't just stand there! Chase them down! Push them out! Find a way to win! Do whatever it takes!"

In response to that, the Grand Minister floats next to the central pillar of the fighting stage, agrees, and reminds everyone, "Sound advice. Let me remind you, contestants. Not even half of the allotted time for the Tournament of Power has elapsed. Until this column has completely descended, all survivors have a chance. No matter which fighters or universes have been eliminated, the battle will go on. So I encourage you to make the most of it."

Shortly after the Grand Minister's speech, as the two Zenos prepare to count Goku as eliminated on their GodPads, suddenly, the entire fighting stage, and even the entire Null Realm, start to shake, and everyone senses a wild flow of power.

"Feel that?"

"Yeah."

"Hm? What are those tremors?"

"The fighting stage... No, the entire Null Realm... is being shaken by some sort of influx of power!"

"But what could it mean? What's causing it?"

"If you ask me, there's only one good answer!"

"Hehehe. Father has finally taken that step."

All of a sudden, a large pillar of light appears from the center of the enormous crater left behind by the Spirit Bomb, and soon after, Goku emerges from it in his newly acquired Ultra Instinct Sign form.

In this state, his hair is slightly spikier and more solid, with silver highlights and oftentimes having loose strands.

His eyes take on a more stern, defined shape, sporting silver-colored irises and visible pupils, similar to Super Saiyan 3 and Super Saiyan God.

He also gains a complex silver, purple, and blue aura consisting of rippling, fire-like energy, complete with sparkling particles traveling upwards, much like Super Saiyan God before it.

(Image Here - Goku Ultra Instinct Sign)

In response to Goku's sudden appearance, the Zenos can't help but excitedly exclaim.

"Ooh! Goku's okay after all!"

"Yes! He is okay and very sparkly!"

""Hehe!""

"I am thrilled!"

"Thrilled and excited!"

While everyone is shocked to see Goku is still alive, they begin to wonder why he is so different as Krillin realize that while his body is emitting a tremendous amount of heat, his Ki is calm while Whis adds that he too is curious about what is about to happen after all this is the first time he has seen this new state of Goku.

At the same time, Goku directs his attention to Jiren, and after a single footstep, immediately attacks him with a kick.

Goku moved so fast that Top and Dyspo did not realize he had moved until he had already done so; however, Jiren was able to dodge the attack.

Unperturbed, Goku attacks again, but when Jiren tries to punch him, Goku suddenly dodges and collides his fist with Jiren's.

This time is Jiren who attacks again, but Goku dodges his attack once more, managing to scrape Jiren's face.

Piccolo and Gohan realize that Goku's attacks are able to affect Jiren, but his movements are different than his usual movements, while Vegeta wonders what happened to Goku as his movements feel "unreal".

Top and Dyspo both try to attack Goku; however, they are easily countered and thrown aside.

Top quickly regains his bearings and tries to use Justice Flash, but Goku casually dodges the attack by walking towards Jiren, and seeing this, Jiren shows Top a hand signal, informing him that his help is not needed.

Goku attacks Jiren again, who in response launches a rush of faster-than-light blows; however, Goku accurately dodges his attacks while attacking himself, but Jiren also manages to block them.

The two begin colliding attacks all over the fighting stage while the spectators wonder what is going on, especially Android 18 and Android 17, who openly talk about it while watching the ongoing battle between Goku and Jiren.

"So, who would you say has the upper hand now?"

"I think it's too early to tell. That said... There used to be a massive power gap between them, but Goku has clearly closed it. And that's not all."

Piccolo also notes, "As strong as he's become, it seems Goku's not done improving. Every time Jiren fends him off, Goku responds with an even faster, sharper, and harder strike."

Meanwhile, Khai and Belmod are shocked that Jiren is being pushed this much.

"I'm speechless. I never imagined any mortal could push Jiren this far."

"What the--!? How can this be happening!?"

As expected, even the Zenos can't stop themselves from excitedly commenting while enjoying the show created by Goku and Jiren.

"Ooh! Goku has become so much stronger now!"

"Yes! Much stronger and much more amazing, too!"

"Tell me why!"

"Tell me how!"

Hearing that, the Grand Minister, who is following the battle between the two very closely, has an inkling of what is going on and mutters, "Hm... Could it be?"

At the same time, Whis, who has been thinking about Goku's sudden change since it has happened, also realizes the truth and exclaims in a joyful tone, "It's so wonderful! I hoped for this." before he casually comments, "But I have to admit, I wasn't sure if the Saiyan would ever be able to achieve it!"

In response to that, the Supreme Kai, Shin, asks, "Then you know what's happened to him?" which makes Whis reply with clear glee in his tone, "Yes, I believe so! Oh, I have tried to steer him toward this forever!"

At this point, Beerus, who just recovered from the shock of also realizing what happened to Goku, turns serious and simply states, "Autonomous Ultra Instinct."

All the Deities hear what Beerus has just said, and many of them gasp in shock and disbelief, while others are much calmer as they all comment.

"I see. So that's how he's reacting so quickly. But Son Goku is a mortal being, and that is an extremely phenomenal level of power, difficult for even the highest Gods to reach."

"It can't be! It can't! It's impossible!"

At the same time, the Zenos look at each other and excitedly say, despite the fact that they do not understand what everyone's talking about.

"All the others are surprised, too!"

"It must be something super-spectacular!"

The Great Priest, who is also observing this phenomenon, is also impressed that Goku has developed so much and mutters, "Well... At this point, it would be premature for me to verify it as true. However, it is certainly a development that demands attention." This makes the Zenos once again exclaim.

"I am excited!"

"Excited and thrilled!"

Whis then gleefully asks, "In this marvelous cosmos, wonders really do happen, don't they, Beerus-sama?" which makes a seemingly annoyed Beerus wonder out loud, "But why now? And why is it Goku?"

Hearing Beerus' questions, Whis doesn't hesitate to explain his assumption, "Well, my lord, the 7th Universe's Spirit Bomb most likely served as the catalyst."

Krillin then timidly asks, "Uh. You mean Goku absorbed the Spirit Bomb's energy and he's using it to fight?" But Old Kai quickly denies it and says, "I doubt that. The Spirit Bomb was a strong but Jiren pushed it back. Even if Goku added all of his energy to his own power, it still wouldn't be anywhere near enough to cause such drastic change."

Whis smiles and immediately agrees with Old Kai, "You are indeed correct. Most likely, Goku has used the Spirit Bomb's energy to replenish his exhausted body. But as you said, that alone would not be sufficient to explain what we're seeing now."

After saying that, Whis continues to keep his gaze focused on the ongoing battle between Goku and Jiren, and explains, "It was the start. A match that lit a much greater power within. My theory is that when the Spirit Bomb exploded so close to him, its tempestuous power coursed into Goku and smashed into his own energy, which he was already pushing to its limits. This was the collision he needed to shatter the ceiling of his power, and reach an even greater potential that has always been locked within him, but he could never fully reach."

While Whis is impressed about this, he is also a little concerned about what is happening as he then adds, "Yes. He's now in uncharted territory. And it remains to be seen what will happen to him as he tries to sustain this fervor."

Goku and Jiren continue to collide with attacks that shake the entire fighting stage, and finally, Goku manages to land two clean blows that knock Jiren down.

A double knee into his stomach, which is then followed by a devastating Ki Blast that blows Jiren away.

Jiren stands his ground as he lands on the ground and quickly regains his bearings. Meanwhile, Goku is pushed toward the central pillar, but then, with a roar, he rebounds off it and charges toward Jiren to attack him with his remaining strength, causing a huge explosion.

When the smoke clears, Jiren, who has blocked Goku's attack, says, "Well, Saiyans. You are a truly fascinating creature. However..."

At the same time, Goku has reached his limit as the Ultra Instinct Sign form runs out, and he returns to his base form while Jiren continues, "Your passion is expended. You have nothing more to offer."

After saying that, Jiren blasts Goku away, while the Supreme Kai of the 11th Universe says with clear relief in his tone, "That power up. It looks like it was only temporary." which is followed by the God of Destruction, Belmod, who adds, "Of course it was. You really think he could master such a divine level ability on his first try?"

Suddenly, Jiren, who has just blasted away Goku, is attacked by Hit, but he easily blocks the sneak attack.

Hit tried to attack Jiren at this moment as warriors typically are most open when finishing their enemies, but Jiren does not have this weakness as he casually blocks Hit's attack.

Jiren calmly looks at his attacker as he asks, "The infamous assassin of the 6th Universe. Just why are you here?" which makes Hit evenly reply, "To do my job."

Meanwhile, Vegeta confronts Goku, who says he has run out of power and is lying on the floor, and asks him what he did; however, Goku replies that he himself doesn't know.

At this point, Peppars appears, and Vegeta sets his sights on him, but Goku suddenly disappears when he's not looking; however, it is Cell who sweeps him away, and he has simply taken him away to safely transfer some Ki so that he can move once again and recover faster.