Beerus: UHM?!!

Beerus flew down to Ryu, grabbing him in a chokehold.

Beerus: THIS IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!!! A MORTAL BEING OFFERED THE POSITION OF GOD BY THE GRAND PRIEST HIMSELF IS UNHEARD OF!!!! IF HE REQUEST THAT YOU BECOME A DEITY THAN YOU DO IT WITHOUT HESITATION!!!!

Ryu: *GASP* LET ME THINK YA CRAZY CAT!!!!

Ryu tossed Beerus off of him, looking back at the Grand Priest.

Ryu: W-Well, it's kind of sudden. I'm not really sure how to react after all of this. I'm feel honored, but at the same time conflicted.

Ryu glanced away.

Ryu: 'And a fact that I'm a literal disaster beacon at the moment.' I don't even know what kind of Deity I'd be. I'm not really the type to be a Destroyer, but I'm nowhere near patient enough to be a Kai.

He then clenched his fist.

Ryu: And in all honesty, I don't think I can remain neutral when it comes to mortals.

Grand Priest: Hm... Well then, before you do make a decision, perhaps we can find a balance. I will contact you at a later date for more details.

Ryu: Right.

Gohan: Ryu actually being a God?

Yang: Not gonna lie, even with his other lives I REALLY didn't see this coming.

Azure: ...

Azure looked at Ryu, as he walked back while looking down.

Azure: 'Of all the ironic things that have happened to him, this has gotta be at the top of the list.'

Shonen: 'Especially with his past.'

Ryu: 'Me being an actual deity? I know Kaiser and N both technically did it... but this is on a universal scale.'

Ryu clenched his fist,

Shojo: 'So, you gonna refuse?'

Ryu: 'For once I honestly don't know what to do. A little input?'

Shojo: 'Let's deal with the main issue first.'

Ryu: '*Sigh* Yeah. One thing at a time.'

The 7th Universe gathered together, before they were all teleported.

Azure: I don't know about anyone else, but I'm gonna give myself time to relax after that.

Erica: Honestly, I think I'm actually gonna train.

Vegeta: I have get back to my family, so none of you interrupt.

Gohan: Same here, Videl must be worried sick.

Shonen: Uhhhh, guys?

Whis: Well while we're on Earth, it wouldn't be too much trouble to dine for a short while would it my Lord?

Beerus: You read my mind Whis!

Shonen: Seriously, we have a problem.

17: I need to get back to my island soon.

Shonen: Oh for the love of- RYU ISN'T HERE!!!!

Everyone was alarmed hearing this, as they all looked around confused, as soon they realized that the hero in black and red truly wasn't with them.

Azure: Wait what?!

Cinder: That doesn't make sense, where could he be?!

Whis and Beerus were both surprised, before they had separate reactions. Beerus' eyes nearly popped out of his head, while he sweated bullets, and Whis gained a serious expression.

Whis: So it's made a move at last.

Amber: It? What are you talking about? Where the hell is my brother Whis?!

Whis: At the moment, I'm unsure.

???: Well that makes things easier!

They all looked up, seeing Fu flying over them.

Azure: FU!!!

Erica: Everyone, stay away from him!!

Azure and Erica both powered up, with Azure entering Ultra Destroyer, and Erica going full power. The duo then flew up to meet Fu.

Fu: Hey, take it easy! I'm not here for a fight!

He held up 5 dark crystals in his hand.

Fu: That Tournament of Power already gave me more than enough of what I needed!

Azure: Start talking!! Do you have anything to do with this?!!

Fu: If you're talking about Ryu disappearing, then no. That's not in the current plan!

Beerus also flew up, stretching his hands in front of Erica and Azure.

Beerus: Don't get jumpy, he's still an enemy you can't defeat yet! However, I've got a feeling that Ryu would be better off in Towa's hands than wherever he might be. Especially with who this involves.

Fu: Yeah, he'd at least be more useful alive!

Azure: Hold on, does that mean what I think it does?

Whis: If I had to take a shot in the dark, the teleportation of the Grand Priest has likely been tampered with by Death.

Fighters down bellow were shocked.

Yang: D-Did you just say... Death? As in, GRIM REAPER Death?!

Whis: More specifically the concept.

17: How the hell did he get targeted by a literal concept?!!

Cinder: I... I shockingly wouldn't put it past him. Can he actually come out of this alive?

Whis: Possibly. We can only see.

ELSEWHERE

Ryu looked around, confused as he found himself alone in a forest.

Ryu: This... Isn't Earth.

As he walked around, he felt a sense of familiarity.

Ryu: I feel like I've been in this forest before.

He looked at a tree, before seeing a slash on it. He touched it, before it hit him.

Ryu: Am... Am I in Carver Forest?

He looked into the air, before flying up, and out of the trees. When he got out, he saw a small town.

Ryu: I'm... I'm home on Remnant?

He looked at the town, before sighing and flying in. Thankfully it was night time, so not many people were out on the street.

Ryu: -_- You know what? I think I might actually need a drink right now.

Shojo: Careful, you're starting to sound like Qrow.

Ryu: Ha ha.

He entered a tavern, not seeing very many people. He sat down in front of a bartender, sighing.

Bartender: Ah, Mr Kaizen! Don't see you around too often these days!

Ryu: Ah you know me Dale. I never stop working.

Dale: Whisky like usual?

Ryu: Actually I might need something with a bit more of a punch.

Dale: Yikes, white happened to you?

Ryu: -_- It's been a LOOONG day.

Dale understanding exactly what that meant went down low.

Dale: A glass of Everclear it is, but can you even get drunk?

Ryu: Momentarily, but I can get it out of my system pretty fast.

He poured a glass, as Ryu grabbed the cup, before taking a swig.

Ryu: WOOO, yeah that did it.

Dale: This one's on the house. Any troubles with the Lady?

Ryu: You wish. Just some other stuff. Maybe I'll share on day.

Dale: Well I've got plenty of time.

Dale began to walk away, going into the back, leaving the bottle. As he did, Ryu closed his eyes. When he opened them back up, he saw that someone was sitting next to him. The person in question was on the short side, and wore a cloak.

???: Sorry if I'm bothering you sir, but would you happen to be THEE Ryu Kaizen?

Ryu: Uhhh, yeah...

???: I thought so! I came a long way to actually meet you!

She shook his hand, as Ryu was somewhat surprised the the coldness.

Ryu: Are you okay? Your hands are freezing.

???: Don't worry, I'm doing great!

The woman took her hood off, revealing pink hair that surprised Ryu.

???: I usually never do this, but you wouldn't mind if I get an autograph would you? I've had an eye on you for years now.

She pulled out a piece of paper, before tapping on it.

???: Just sign right, here.

Ryu looked down, seeing that it was an old picture of him. However, it was on a wanted poster.

Ryu: Really? Whichever idiot put you up to this doesn't have enough money to make it worth your trouble short stuff. I'd suggest you back off.

???: *Snicker* Haha, funny! You think someone orders me around!

A bottle of red wine appeared in her hand, as she pored a glass for herself.

???: But don't tell me you've actually forgotten me.

Ryu was surprised to hear this.

Ryu: Hold on, I've never met you in my life.

???: There's a key word in that sentence friend.

She took a sip, with confidence now oozing from her.

???: Truth be told, I'm hurt you can't instantly know who I am.

She held up a hand, before looking like she was getting ready to flick something.

???: Maybe this will open your mind.

Before Ryu could say anything, an enormous feeling of dread came over him. He dodged out of the way of the flick, as air shot out from the finger of the woman. Though even when he dodged, he was still caught by the current of air, being sent flying away.

Ryu: WHAT THE ABSOLUTE FUCK WAS THAT?!!!!

Shojo: MMMPH!!! MMMMMM!!!!

Ryu: Shojo?! What's wrong?!

???: I had to put a little muzzle on your pet wolf for a bit. She would've ruined the surprise.

Ryu turned around quickly, seeing that the woman was seemingly floating in mid air, still sipping on her wine. However after looking closer, Ryu realized that she wasn't floating, but balancing on something.

Once he realized what it was, everything became clear to him.

Ryu: A Scythe. You're not a random Bounty Hunter.

???: Ding ding ding. Death at your Service.

DEATH!!

Death: And just so we're clear, I'm not calling myself that as a title. I'm Death. Straight. Up.

Ryu: Okay, is there ANY way out of this?

Death: AHAHAHAHA!!!! Ahhhh, if you weren't working my last nerve for a while now I'd think about asking you out.

Ryu: O_O Uhhhh... I already have one pink haired woman in my life?

Death: But sadly, you've pushed me over the edge. You reminded me of creatures I find simply disgusting.

She held up five fingers on one hand, and 3 on another.

Death: You've avoided me a total of 8 times. Kaiser when he faced Jellal the first time, then when he met was defeated by his future brother.

She put down two fingers.

Death: Don't even get me started on Ninja boy. Two of them were in ONE DAY. When he got ran through by his own blade, but his other self sacrificed himself to keep them both alive, and then during the Fourth Great Shinobi War, when you two first became one, and Kaiser first gave him that Dragon Power.

She put down three more fingers, now finally getting to him.

Death: And YOU. You'll hold a special place in my heart. Not only should you have died multiple times, BUT YOU REVIVED FROM THE FUCKING DEAD!!!!

At her shout, the world seemed to distort, while Ryu's eyes widened, while he began to sweat. Death then took in a breath, as the world went back to normal.

Death: Whoops, let my temper get the best of me. But back to where you should have been mine. Karma especially angered me. I was a little too patient, and let you escape into Otherworld. Beerus and Fu I can let slide, since Whis would have just turned back time.

She got down to a single finger.

Death: However the one that really pushed me over the edge was in the Future. Zamasu was supposed to kill everyone there, but Future Ryu Kaizen had to come in and stop that.

She put the last finger down, before standing up and walking towards Ryu.

Death: You've basically had 8 lives. Just like a cat. Something with 9 Lives is just DISGUSTING to me.

Ryu: So basically you're cheating.

Ryu noticed that Death had disappeared. That's when he heard a whisper in his ear.

Death: Shhhhh. No telling.

Ryu: ... Okay that's about all I've got in the patience department.

Ryu powered up into Perfected Blue, before turning to try and kick the head of the Grim Reaper right off it's shoulders.

Death: Slow.

She leaned back while sipping her glass of wine. Ryu immediately after dropped Blue and when straight into Ultra Instinct, and began to throw a flurry of punches, with Death still effortlessly dodged.

Death: Better, but sloppy.

Ryu's eyes twitched hearing this, as he created a blade of Ki, slashing down at death. However she simply let the attack come. Once it was close, Ryu's hand stopped in place.

Ryu: O_O

Death: Oh that's just sad.

And like that, the rage of the death defier had risen up.

Ryu: FUCK IT, UP!!!!

Ryu grabbed Death, before flinging her up into the sky. He quickly flew up to follow, entering Dragonic Ultra Instinct. Soon enough they entered the upper atmosphere of the planet.

Ryu: Where the hell is that little-

Death: Looking for me.

Ryu turned, before leaning back to avoid a scythe slash.

Death: There's no denying it. You're a whole lot better than the others.

Ryu flew back, startled.

Ryu: Holy shit, I've never met anyone half as fast as you.

Death: Oh you don't know the half of it. By the way, you think that cut of mine will leave a permanent scar?

Ryu was confused, before feeling a cold sensation in the side of his face. He looked to see that there was a cut that didn't heal.

Ryu: W-When did you... How is this not?

Death: Trust me boy, you're way out of your league.

She spun her scythe in the air.

Death: I have powers that you couldn't even fathom.

She flew forward, slashing at Ryu repeatedly. He began to dodge quickly, as his heart began to beat fast.

Ryu: 'What the hell is wrong with me?! Why can't I teleport out of here?!!'

Death: I'm betting you're wondering why your little trick isn't working. Don't you remember the fatal flaw of Erica's Semblance?

Ryu: 'Has it been over 3 weeks?!!'

Death: It ran out right after the tournament ended. You were so distracted by that threat you didn't even remember to redo it.

Ryu: 'Note to self, TELL ERICA TO IMPROVE!!!'

Death: Your Instant Transmission isn't much of an option if you can't focus is it? Besides, I blocked off teleportation on this planet.

Ryu: 'Fuck, she's actually thought this out!!'

Once again Ryu lost track of the concept, before every fiber of his being forced him to dodge, as he used his wings to propel him in another direction. This barely allowed him to avoiding being impaled by Death's Scythe.

Death: Okay, so you're a bit to agile to start off with the scythe.

She held the weapon out, before letting fall out of her hand.

Death: I guess I'll have to be a bit more physical.

As soon as the weapon touched the ground, she appeared in front of Ryu, before elbowing him right in the stomach. This made Ryu spit up blood.

Ryu: 'Woah... I'm not sure when the last time I felt like this was.'

Death quickly grabbed Ryu by there shirt, before punching him in the face repeatedly.

Ryu: 'It's not the fact that I'm completely overwhelmed... I had a feeling that it would be the case.'

When a drop of blood landed on her face, she simply smiled, before licking it off.

Death: You know, it's not often I give myself to okay to get my hands this dirty. No one usually is able to put me in a position where I can.

Ryu glared, before breathing fire right in the face of Death. Her grip didn't falter even slightly, as immediately after she waved it away, with Ryu's eyes going wide.

Death: But I always get a NICE satisfaction when I can.

She leaned in closer, sniffing Ryu, before smiling.

Death: Don't you just LOVE the smell of fear?!

Ryu: 'I think this might be the first time I've experienced true and genuine fear against someone.'

She kicked Ryu in the ribs, with an audible crack being heard.

Ryu: AHHHHHHH!!!!

Death: *Sigh* Your screams of pain are something I've been needing to hear for a long time.

A sadistic smirk was plastered on her face, as with sharp nails, she stabbed Ryu's side.

Ryu: ARGHHHH!!!!!

Death: Let me tell you a little piece of information that'll humble you.

She leaned in, whispering in his ear.

Death: There are so many beings more powerful than you out there that you'll question your whole concept of strength. These universes are just the tip of the iceberg.

Ryu: 'W-What?'

She tossed Ryu up, before lifting a leg, and kicking him down into the ground, with the entire planet being shaken.

Death: Anyway, she won't really able to do anything now, so Shojo might as well talk.

She snapped her fingers, as a gasp could be heard.

Shojo: OH YOU DIRTY BITCH!!!!

Death: Feisty as always I see. Anyway, after FIVE THOUSAND LONG YEARS, I get my long awaited prize.

The scythe appeared in her hand, as she pointed the end at a nearly unconscious Ryu.

Death: Even if you do reincarnate, or manage to run away, I will find you again.

She walked over to Ryu, and giggled while leaning down.

Death: And I'll enjoy the hunt every single time.

Ryu couldn't speak, as he tried to use all of his remaining strength to stay conscious.

Death: I've never gotten to get two people in one soul either, so this is something I'll treasure.

She rose her scythe up, ready for the finishing blow.

Ryu: 'I-Is this... Actually it?'

Death: Say goodbye.

Before she could swing down, something knocked her scythe out of her hands. This surprised Death, as she looked up, seeing that it was a familiar staff.

Death: ... No the hell you didn't...

Ryu glanced over, seeing a welcome face.

Ryu: *Sigh* I'll be honest... I really didn't think... I would be able to hold out long enough...

He went unconscious, as the figure flipped through the air, grabbing their staff, and landing in front of Ryu. This was revealed to be Whis, who let out a massive sigh of relief.

Whis: OH THANK GOODNESS. The Omni Lord would have gone into a bling rage if you were lost to us.

Death: Whis.

Whis turned to look at Death, smiling brightly.

Whis: Hello Death! It's been far too long dear!!

Death: Cut the crap, you know what you just did. You're supposed to remain neutral.

Whis: Well in situations like this, us Angels are actually exempt for a brief period of time!

His calm smile returned to his face.

Whis: You're as creative as ever. I had to go through leaps and bounds to get here you know.

Death: So, are you gonna stand your ground?

Death held out her hand once more, as her scythe reappeared in it.

Death: Because I'd be happy to take a crack at you as well.

Whis: Well, I would, but you see~...

Whis clapped, as a bright flash blinded Death.

Death: GAH!!!

Whis: TA-TA!!!!!

When Whis said that, he had already disappeared, taking Ryu along with him.

Death: *Growl* That blue coward.

Her eye began to twitch violently.

Death: -_- The Planet of Destroyer is the one place I won't be able to reach. They can't protect him forever though.

Death let out a sigh, before a see through orb appeared in her hands.

Death: I still hold plenty of cards to use.

ELSEWHERE

Beerus Erica and Azure all waited back on the Destroyer's planet, with the latter two pacing around nervously.

Azure: We've fought Grimm, supernatural monsters, tyrannical space rulers, literal IMMORTALS, and plenty of times dangers just come to us cause of Ryu, BUT FUCKING DEATH HAS TO BE THE ONE THAT HAS TO GET INVOLVED!!!!

Azure slammed his head into a tree.

Erica: Partner, I love you to death, BUT WHY DO YOU HAVE TO TOP EVERY INSANE THING THAT'S HAPPENED TO US?!!!

Beerus: Would you two calm down before you stress ME out as well?

Erica: HOW CAN WE REMAIN CALM IF RYU'S SOUL IS POSSIBLY STOLEN?!!!

Beerus sitting down eating a bowl of fried rice soon began to shovel it into his mouth.

Beerus: *Muffled* The lack of faith you have in him is astounding!

After a moment, they all sensed Whis coming back, as he soon landed on the ground, with Ryu over his shoulder.

Erica: WHIS!!!

They all went over, seeing the unconscious and damaged Ryu.

Azure: Woah...

Shonen: This one's new, even to me.

Erica: How could this have happened?

Whis: This is simply the gap in power that this enemy possesses. Ryu was outmatched in every way you could imagine.

Whis waved his staff over Ryu, slowly healing his wounds.

Whis: This is the only safe haven at the moment. Death isn't allowed to do anything here unless someone is dying.

Erica: I... Guess that's good to know.

Whis: Very!

Ryu's eyes began to twitch, before slowly opening.

Ryu: Argh... Erica... Azure?

Azure: Hey man. Glad you're still in one piece.

Erica: I won't lie, I think this is the scariest thing I've ever seen.

Ryu looked at himself, seeing his wounds being healed.

Ryu: I... I think I finally understand it.

Beerus: What do you mean?

Ryu: For all my life, I've been strong. Sure I wasn't unbeatable, but I always had a fighting chance...

He simply looked up into the sky.

Ryu: I think after that encounter, I finally know what it's like to fear for my own life.

Both Erica and Azure looked at the weakened state of their leader, silent.

Azure: ...

Erica: ... Well congratulations on finally knowing what it's like to be a normal fighter, you prick!!

Azure and Beerus fell back from the sudden outburst, while Whis laughed.

Whis: It's true what they say! Those who are great start off as average!

Ryu: -_- I appreciate the honesty... But you can chill at least a bit on the aggression...

Erica: Oh don't tell me to chill mister! For most of our lives we've been in constant danger from threats and it took DEATH ITSELF to make you a little scared!! HONESTLY you really know how to piss people off Partner!!

Ryu rolled his eyes, before smiling.

Ryu: My b...

Erica: Well, how do you feel?

Ryu: Pained... Humbled... Royally fucking pissed...!

Ryu tried to sit himself up, but found it was much easier just to stay on his back.

Azure: I know it sounds wrong, but for once it feels good to see that you're the one that's nearly broken.

Ryu: Oh then you better fucking enjoy it... I swear I'm never gonna end up in a state like this again!

Whis: Well your voice is at least resilient!

Whis got serious.

Whis: But really. Your training must enter even higher stages.

Ryu: Where are the others?

Whis: I had to leave everyone side from Amber on earth. I'll bring them back shortly. However you'll have to be with me at all times soon enough.

Ryu: What?

Whis: We can't leave you alone with Death possibly being able to find loopholes! She's a crafty one!

Azure: And an invincible from the looks of it. I'm not even sure if Beerus could leave the guy in a state like this.

Beerus: Watch it Azure.

Ryu: ... About that...

Ryu looked up at Beerus.

Ryu: After I'm done healing, I want to fight you again.

Everyone was surprised to hear this.

Beerus: Sorry, could you repeat that?

Beerus looked at Ryu, smirking.

Beerus: Do you truly believe that you can be a match for me now?

Ryu: I'm not exactly sure.

Now being more healed, Ryu could finally sit up straight, looking serious.

Ryu: But fighting you could help me find an answer to this.

CHAPTER END!!