Chapter Ten: When Enemies Meet

“An Ultraman from the White Tribe or the Silver Tribe,” Zoffy murmured quietly, already arriving at a conclusion in his mind. The Silver Tribe was naturally impossible—if they instigated a civil war, it would bring no benefit to them. It was far more likely to be some ambitious figures within the White Tribe.

But how did they know about the situation with the Warrior Command?

Had it truly been Jack leading the Blue Tribe’s Ultraman legion to annihilate the Warrior Command?

Everything would be revealed upon their arrival.

“Seven, you may come with us, but remember, do not act recklessly.”

Hearing this, Seven nodded.

Soon after, the six Ultramen resumed their journey.

Stars slipped behind them in the distance, but the time taken was not long. Kirk Star was not far from the Land of Light. Since Jack lacked the authority to use the “gate,” even their purging of dark forces in the universe took place near the Land of Light's star system.

They were nearing their destination when Zoffy suddenly halted, gesturing for his companions to stop as well.

Before them in the starry expanse, a member of the Seven Tribe was flying swiftly toward them, pursued by a group of Blue Tribe Ultramen, as if they were hunting him down.

Seven immediately surged forward, calling out to the approaching Seven Tribe warrior.

“Seven 21, what are you doing here!?”

Seven 21 saw him and quickened his pace, heading toward Seven while relaying urgently:

“Seven, the Blue Tribe has rebelled. The Tribe Chief and the comrades of the Warrior Command—”

Seven froze in place, staring blankly at Seven 21, stunned:

“W-What did you say?”

Zoffy and Seiji soon arrived beside Seven 21, who looked disheveled but bore no significant wounds. Zoffy scrutinized him briefly before speaking:

“What exactly happened? Tell me everything clearly.”

Pausing, Zoffy glanced toward the Blue Tribe Ultramen nearby, then back to Seven 21:

“Why are they chasing you?”

Seven 21 sighed.

“There was a conflict between the Warrior Command and the New Universe Patrol over the Kirk Star people, which escalated into violence. But that wasn't the main issue. The Tribe Chief had already intervened to stop the fighting.”

Zoffy pondered silently, displeased with Seven 21’s use of “Tribe Chief” to address Big Seven. As Minister of the Warrior Command, Seven 21 should have called him “Minister,” not “Tribe Chief.” Though a mere matter of address, it revealed the state of the Warrior Command—they valued tribal ties over official positions.

“Seiji, you and Ace go check what those Blue Tribe fellows intend.”

After issuing the order, Zoffy turned back to Seven 21:

“So the entire Warrior Command was wiped out? What happened? Who was behind this?”

Seven 21 replied, “I was defeated by Cupid of the Blue Tribe and, unwilling to remain with the Warrior Command, was expelled by the Tribe Chief, which is how I escaped. Those Blue scoundrels actually laid an ambush on the Warrior Command’s flagship using the Battle Star. Under a barrage of Miracle Ray Cannon fire—”

Seven’s fury flared, his eyes burning with intense wrath as he cursed:

“Damn Blue Tribe bastards!”

His gaze fixed on the Blue Tribe Ultraman negotiating with Seiji and Ace, and with a sudden burst, he charged forward. Raising his hands overhead, the Ice Axe spun fiercely, roaring as it descended toward the opponent.

“Jack, Original, stop Seven! Don’t let things escalate before we understand the situation.”

Zoffy ordered sharply.

Then, he looked at Seven 21 with a grave expression.

“Are you absolutely certain? Did the Battle Star ambush and attack the Warrior Command’s flagship?”

Seven 21 hesitated, then glared angrily at Zoffy.

“Do you think I’m lying? I saw it all with my own eyes! Those Blue Tribe scoundrels have attacked us!”

“In truth, we don’t know why Seven 21 is acting like this,” Cupid said with disdain, eyeing the red hues on Ace and Seiji’s suits. He signaled the New Universe Patrol members behind him to halt and explained:

“After we eradicated Kirk Star, the Blue Tribe Ultramen assigned to reconnaissance detected intense energy fluctuations.”

He emphasized “Blue Tribe Ultramen,” as the Red Tribe never recognized Blue Tribe Ultramen as warriors.

“When the Battle Star reached the area of the energy surge, we only found fragments of the flagship—the Warrior Command’s shipwreck. Nearby, we found the sole surviving Seven Tribe warrior from the Command.”

Cupid shrugged helplessly.

“When we tried to question him, he avoided us like a venomous serpent. So, under Captain Jak’s orders, I led the New Universe Patrol to confront him.”

Seiji nodded slightly. He was uncertain about the truth of Cupid’s words, but the fact that Cupid hadn’t attacked them suggested something. If the Blue Tribe truly intended civil war, the Reds would be their first targets; there would be no reason to let them go.

Just as he was about to speak, Seiji sensed danger behind him. He swiftly dodged aside, the Ice Axe trailing a dazzling white light as it shot toward Cupid.

“Seven! What are you doing!?” Seiji shouted, looking back in alarm.

Jack was right behind Seven, signaling Seiji to restrain him.

“Seven, don’t be impulsive!”

Ace flew forward to block Seven’s path, but another voice rang out from behind.

Cupid’s figure retreated nearly a hundred meters, but his hands caught Seven’s Ice Axe firmly.

He looked at Seven excitedly and laughed:

“Seven! I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time!”

Seven broke free from Ace’s hold, his gaze burning with even greater hatred as he fixed on Cupid.

This was a fateful adversary he remembered well.

For Cupid, being worn down by Seven until his energy was depleted meant failing to join the Universe Patrol.

For Seven, this battle was the reason he left the Patrol and became a stellar observer.

Now, Seven was convinced that Jak led the New Universe Patrol’s ambush to annihilate the Warrior Command, and his anger had risen to the level of vengeance.

Enemies meeting again, their eyes burning with fury.

(To be continued.)