Ancestors

The moment the Jingang snapped the Z Sword and it slammed into the ground, the group, previously full of curiosity, stood with mouths agape, staring blankly at the blade.

"W-what!"

Seeing the broken Z Sword, Shin and the others widened their eyes in disbelief.

"This! This is the Z Sword!"

Kibito approached the shattered blade and tried to lift the broken tip, but found it impossible to budge. He could only kneel helplessly to the side, mourning in silence.

Watching the expressions of Shin and his companions, Kast found it somewhat amusing, though his face remained impassive.

Laila, while also shocked, didn't have much understanding of the Z Sword, so she offered some comforting words to Shin.

"Alright, Shin, it's just a sword. Even if it's called a legendary divine blade, the fact that it couldn't even cut through the Jingang shows it's just a hollow shell—a fraud."

"But..."

Shin started to protest, wanting to say something more.

"Ahem, but what, young man?"

"Ah!?"

Before Shin could finish his sentence, an aged voice suddenly rang out from behind them, startling both him and Kibito.

Shin and Kibito quickly turned around to face the newcomer.

Standing there was an elderly man with the same purple skin as the Supreme Kai, silver-white hair, Potara Earrings on his ears, and dressed in the unique attire of a Supreme Kai.

The old man's eyes were slightly squinted and his back was a bit hunched; he looked entirely unremarkable. Yet, Shin did not dare to underestimate him, especially since he had appeared out of nowhere wearing the garb and earrings of a Supreme Kai.

Looking at the old man, Shin asked with a respectful and puzzled expression.

"Who... who are you?"

The old man smiled at Shin and Kibito, speaking in a halting tone.

"My name is Pitotoro. As for who I am... I am actually your... predecessor from fifteen generations ago. Do you understand now?!"

"Eh!!"

Hearing this, Shin's eyes widened in disbelief.

"F-fifteen generations ago!?"

Beside him, Kibito's mouth hung wide open.

"What!? Fifteen generations ago?"

Even Laila could no longer remain calm; this news was simply too explosive for them.

"That's right, ahem."

Old Kai held his chin with his hand, coughed twice, and then looked at Laila.

"This young lady is right; this sword is just an ordinary blade. The legend was merely a ruse to get you to pull it out."

As he spoke, Old Kai looked at Shin, lost in thought.

"Come to think of it, I had hoped some generation of Supreme Kai would pull this sword out, break the seal, and set me free. I never expected the one to do it would be a human. The world has certainly changed."

Having said that, Old Kai turned his gaze toward Kast.

The Supreme Kai, feeling reprimanded, lowered his head in embarrassment.

"I... I am truly, truly sorry..."

Old Kai ignored him, however, and addressed Kast directly.

"Hey, you were the one who pulled that sword out just now, weren't you?"

Before Kast could answer, Laila hurriedly responded.

"Y-yes! Great Ancestor."

She pulled Kast forward to stand before Old Kai.

"It's him, his name is Kast."

"Hmm..."

Old Kai nodded, his expression turning serious.

"Kast, is it? Since you were able to pull out this sword and wield it with such ease, as a reward for releasing me, I can help you break through your limits..."

Upon hearing this, Shin, Laila, and the others were stunned.

"B-break through his limits?"

Shin rushed over to Old Kai, speaking urgently.

"Is this true? Great Ancestor, can you really help Mr. Kast achieve a breakthrough?"

Like Shin, Laila and Kibito were filled with astonishment, their faces bright with anticipation.

"Yes! Great Ancestor."

"Are you certain you aren't joking with us?"

Unlike the Supreme Kai and the others, Kast knew that the Old Kai was telling the truth. Kast's goal was him, and only with his help could he break through his current limits and reach an inconceivable realm.

However, it was clear that the suspicions of the Supreme Kai and the others had annoyed the Old Kai. He snapped at them.

"Idiots!"

"Do I look like the kind of person who jokes around? I am the Supreme Kai from fifteen generations ago! With my help, I can absolutely allow Kast to break his limits and become the strongest in the universe!"

After saying this, the Old Kai wore an expression of immense pride.

The Old Kai then turned to Kast and said.

"Alright, stand over there now and don't move."

Hearing this, Kast followed the Old Kai's instructions and stood to the side.

"Good!"

Nodding as he watched Kast comply, the Old Kai said earnestly.

"Then let's begin! Break your limits!!"