Generally, the successors of Supreme Kai were the regular Kais, and outstanding Kais would be selected as apprentice Supreme Kais to learn how to manage the universe alongside the Supreme Kai, taking their turn to succeed when the previous generation retired. In the seventh universe, the Grand Supreme Kai had once selected and made four Kais into Supreme Kais, which could be described as a moment of prosperity.
Compared to Gods of Destruction, Supreme Kais were replaced more frequently. The Supreme Kai from fifteen generations ago and the current Supreme Kai both actually knew Beerus, the God of Destruction. Even so, each generation's lifespan was calculated in tens of thousands of years, far beyond what mortals could compare to.
In addition to successors, Supreme Kais would also take disciples and servants. For example, Shin was a disciple of the Supreme Kai.
And due to other being killed by Buu, along side the true Grand Supreme Kai. Shin become the highest Supreme Kai authority.
But disciples were disciples, not clergy. Strictly speaking, Kibito could only be regarded as half-clergy.
Gods were still sublime existences.
Let Raditz become a Supreme Kai candidate? This was a bold idea without precedent for many years, but the Supreme Kai was moved.
Whether it was Raditz's amazing strength or the ideas he'd put forward, they surpassed those regular Kais and other gods. If there was anyone in the universe he could find who was qualified, it had to be Raditz.
Besides, Babidi was making moves in the Demon Realm, and he and Kibito alone might not have time to handle it. After all, the Demon Realm was a magical place - the opposite world that even he couldn't easily break into. Furthermore, there was an existence in the demon world that he also feared: Dabura, the Demon King!
After thinking it over, the Supreme Kai felt it was beneficial and harmless. If Raditz didn't meet the conditions later, he could withdraw his Supreme Kai candidacy qualification.
"Let's do it like this." The Supreme Kai finally made his decision. "Raditz, although your request is unexpected, after consideration, I think you have the qualifications to become a Supreme Kai candidate..."
"Master Supreme Kai!" Kibito was shocked.
"Don't interrupt. Didn't we meet Raditz for the purpose of cooperation? Besides, we've observed the universe for so long and haven't found such an exceptional mortal. It may be an excellent attempt."
An attempt? Then don't use the position of Supreme Kai to test it.
Kibito was very surprised by the Supreme Kai's decision, but as a divine servant, he couldn't influence the Supreme Kai's choices.
"So that means I can take office?" Raditz asked.
"No, to become an apprentice Supreme Kai, you have to go through a certain ceremony and be granted proof of qualification as an apprentice Supreme Kai - Potara earrings." The Supreme Kai pointed to his earlobe.
The green spherical earrings hung from both ears of the Supreme Kai, glowing faintly. The two earrings might seem ordinary, but they contained great magical power. They were not only proof of Supreme Kai identity, but could also make people fuse together.
The Supreme Kai added: "Of course, because you don't have divine rank, even if you become an apprentice Supreme Kai, you can't be considered a real god."
"Not a god?"
"This is already the best arrangement. However, you can still have all the privileges of being an apprentice Supreme Kai."
The Supreme Kai smiled.
"Alright." Raditz reluctantly agreed. Being able to get such results was already very good, but it was indeed a bit difficult to be ranked among the gods all at once.
After all, Supreme Kais were supreme in a single universe, but there were Angels and the Omni-King above them, and the real laws weren't formulated by them.
Being able to become an apprentice Supreme Kai, Raditz had already gained something.
At least in the future, he could travel to and from the Sacred World of the Kai at any time, and no god would dare act superior in front of him, right?
This was just the first step, and one day Raditz would take the second step. He had little interest in the Kai, but was very interested in the Supreme Kai's abilities.
For example, you could see any corner of the universe from the Sacred World of the Kai, had the ability to read minds and restrain bodies, and could even mobilize objects in the universe and shuttle through the Kai's palace! The Time Ring was also a secret treasure related to time that only Supreme Kais could use, and of course there was the divine language.
These could only be regarded as auxiliary functions compared to the God of Destruction's super strength, but auxiliary functions could help Raditz gain stronger power.
"What are you thinking? Come with me." Seeing Raditz lost in thought, the Supreme Kai reminded him.
"Ah... it's nothing, Lord Supreme Kai. Shall we start the ceremony now?"
"Yes, because the ceremony isn't difficult."
Kibito watched sadly from the side - he still couldn't figure out why Lord Supreme Kai would be so interested in a mortal. So what about strength?
"Kibito, what are you thinking about again? Keep up."
"Yes!" There was no choice. Kibito sighed and followed closely behind.
The three of them came to ancient ruins. Weathered stone pillars stood on a huge circular wasteland engraved with strange characters. The blue-gray stone slabs had mottled marks, but the center of the site was as smooth as a mirror. After tens of millions of years, this place still maintained nobility and purity - the wind wasn't noisy here, and it was quiet.
"This is..." Raditz set foot on this land and felt divine power beckoning him. It was an ancient and mysterious realm that made people have an inexplicable urge to kneel and worship.
For ordinary mortals, their legs would probably already be weak. Even Raditz, who was a Super Saiyan, couldn't help but sweat. However, he was able to move freely under pressure, which the Supreme Kai appreciated even more.
"This is a place of rituals. Every generation of Supreme Kai must be baptized here. Even apprentice Supreme Kais must go through the ceremony to obtain their identity. Otherwise, they won't be able to obtain divine power even if they wear Potara earrings."
"I see."
Raditz finally understood that the earrings were tokens, and the ceremony was fundamental.
He followed the Supreme Kai's guidance to the central position, stood there respectfully, and then the Supreme Kai began to circle around the periphery of the huge circular field, chanting divine script each time he turned.
To be honest, Raditz was a little nervous, feeling like he was going through a tribulation, so he was unavoidably excited. Moreover, he'd soared directly from a mortal to an apprentice Supreme Kai - his promotion speed was like a rocket! In the world of Dragon Ball, you really could talk with strength!
Slowly, his powerful spiritual power noticed the changes, and a steady stream of great divine power seemed to be coming to this space. The divine power broke through all restrictions, and the entire ritual site spread like a vast ocean invisibly. Raditz was touched by the divine power, and his aura changed!
His energy suddenly became full, the exhaustion after battle was swept away, and his whole body felt comfortable.
In just a few minutes, Raditz felt sublimated.
Of course, he hadn't reached the realm of gods, and there was no absolute connection between gods and divine realms. But after being baptized with divine power, Raditz had a completely new look - his six senses were sharper, and even his breathing was deeper.
The Supreme Kai continued to preside over the ceremony while Kibito stood aside watching. An hour later, the Supreme Kai finally ended the ceremony.
He handed Raditz a pair of status earrings - yellow Potara.
[Using the new settings of Dragon Ball Super, there is no "fruit theory"]