"Whether I've truly reclaimed it doesn't matter to me anymore. As long as I can atone, that's enough."
Asuka's expression was complicated, but her words held admiration. "You really are a lot like that idiot Zero in some ways..."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Belial's phantom rose to his feet and floated in the air.
"Zoffy and the others should have reached a decision by now. Let's go see."
Sakimori's gaze softened slightly as he looked at Belial's phantom. Riku had clearly told them what had happened.
"After discussing it, we've agreed to give you enough energy to transform."
"Fine. I keep my word. That white bastard has imprisoned Zero's soul. If you want to save Zero, simply transferring energy into his body won't work."
Dan Moroboshi trembled slightly. After hearing this, Kotaro Higashi continued, "But you must remain under Geed's supervision. You are not to take any other action."
Hayata said, "Once this is resolved, you must return to the Land of Light with us and face a fair trial by the Space Garrison."
It was not that the Ultra Brothers were truly unwilling to give Belial even the smallest chance. The risk that a monster like him posed to the universe was simply too great.
Had Zero not been in danger, and had Geed not been able to keep White Belial in check, the Ultra Brothers would never have chosen this course.
Through a few brief calculations, Hikari had also provisionally confirmed that Belial was telling the truth.
Belial once again adopted his ill-intentioned air. "You don't have to tell me. I'll be going back to the Land of Light anyway."
"I have plenty of things I'd like to have a nice chat with Ken about."
Just before the Ultra Brothers began transferring energy to Belial, Shinji