When Whis arrived at the Grand Priest's chamber in the Palace of the Omni-King, the Grand Priest got straight to the point.
"Whis, your universe has been quite lively lately. What were Vados and Marcarita doing in your realm? Don't tell me it was just some sibling gathering."
Whis wiped the sweat from his forehead, realizing the matter couldn't stay hidden forever. It must have been the fight between Kaito and Marcarita that caught the Grand Priest's attention.
He could only give a truthful report.
"A god named Uchiha Kaito appeared in my universe. Both Vados and Marcarita were drawn to him."
"A god? Uchiha Kaito? So he's the one who fought Marcarita, huh? What does he look like?"
"Hmm? Doesn't your staff allow you to see everything happening across the universes?"
The Grand Priest didn't answer. Instead, he extended his staff toward Whis, and within the crystal orb, the image of Kaito's battle with Marcarita appeared once again.
Whis frowned and said,
"Even Father's staff can be blocked? He really is from another dimension."
"Oh? So he's not a god from our dimension? Interesting. What else do you know? Tell me."
Whis thought for a moment before continuing.
"I don't know much about this Uchiha Kaito. All I know is that his power is terrifying. The result of that battle was Marcarita's defeat."
The Grand Priest's eyes widened in surprise. Since the staff hadn't clearly shown Kaito's appearance, he hadn't known who had won.
He clasped his hands behind his back and paced for a while before slowly asking,
"What kind of person is he?"
"He's quite pleasant, actually. He fought Marcarita because of Vados. And from what I can see, Vados seems to like him quite a bit—she's even thinking of making him the God of Destruction for Universe Six."
"Is that so? Well, it's only natural—you all aren't exactly young anymore. Developing feelings isn't unusual..."
Whis tilted his head. He'd always preferred fine cuisine over romantic matters.
Tentatively, he asked,
"Father, should I summon Vados here? She probably knows more about Uchiha Kaito."
The Grand Priest shook his head.
"That won't be necessary. Since she likes him, let her stay on Earth and spend some time with this guest from afar. But what about Marcarita? Why did she go as well?"
"Uh... she said she wanted to 'watch a show' on Earth..."
"Watch a show?" The phrase clearly puzzled the Grand Priest, who tilted his head curiously.
"What does that mean?"
Whis began gesturing animatedly with his hands.
"Well, a 'show' refers to Earth's television dramas—it's a kind of performance. Marcarita said that what's happening between Vados and Kaito feels just like one, so she wanted to see it for herself."
"Oh, you could've just said she went to watch a play."
Whis's face froze for a moment before forcing a smile.
"As expected of Father—sharp and to the point!"
The Grand Priest might've looked like a scheming villain, but in truth, he was a kind man—especially when alone with his children.
He shook his head proudly, hands clasped behind his back.
"Whis, don't flatter me too much. That's not a good habit."
Whis rolled his eyes discreetly, but replied obediently,
"Father's teachings are correct."
The Grand Priest let out a satisfied huff, then waved his hand.
"Alright, you can go now. Your universe is quite lively lately. Keep an eye on things—don't let anything serious happen."
Whis nodded, but didn't immediately leave. He hesitated, looking like he had something more to say.
The Grand Priest noticed his expression.
"Whis, is there something else you'd like to ask?"
Whis glanced respectfully toward the depths of the palace, then spoke softly,
"Father... I heard a rumor that the Omni-King intends to erase several universes. Is that true?"
At the mention of the Omni-King, the Grand Priest's expression turned solemn. Narrowing his eyes, he asked,
"Where did you hear that?"
"It came from Universe Eleven."
"Marcarita's universe, hm? Not surprising—their God of Destruction has always been a bit... restless."
The Grand Priest's staff glowed, revealing the face of a clown—it was Belmod, the God of Destruction from Universe Eleven.
Looking at Belmod through the crystal, the Grand Priest muttered to himself,
"Foolish creature. How could a mere God of Destruction ever hope to grasp the thoughts of the Omni-King?"
Then he looked up at Whis, who stood silently with his head lowered.
"The Omni-King has indeed entertained such an idea, but it's not just a few universes he wishes to erase. This time, it might be all of them. If even one survives, that would be fortunate."
"Nani?! Why? Did some universe anger the Omni-King?"
The Grand Priest shook his head calmly.
"All universes exist under his rule. Their life or death depends on a single thought of his. Perhaps the Omni-King has simply grown tired of the current cosmos and wishes to cleanse and recreate it anew."
Whis thought of the six universes that had once been erased for their misdeeds. His expression turned grave.
The Grand Priest floated closer and gently patted his son's shoulder.
"Whis, don't trouble yourself too much. Even if the universes are erased, you and your siblings won't vanish. You'll merely fall into slumber until the next cosmic cycle begins."
That might've sounded reassuring, but those six erased universes had yet to be reborn even now. The thought did nothing to ease Whis's mind.
At this moment, for the first time in his life, the angel Whis felt utterly powerless.
The Grand Priest sighed softly.
"Alright. If you truly cherish your current universe, when that day comes, I'll do my best to mediate for you."
The one speaking now wasn't the almighty Grand Priest, but a father worried for his child.
Whis's heart was moved. He knew that for someone as obedient to the Omni-King as his father, saying those words was already his limit.
Looking at him, Whis murmured,
"Father..."
The Grand Priest tilted his head with a playful smile.
"Oh? That 'Father' sounded much more heartfelt this time. Usually, it sounds like you're addressing an official title. This one was nice—I'll give you praise for that."
Whis scratched the back of his head and chuckled sheepishly. The gloom that had hung over his heart faded by half in an instant.