In the grand hall of Lord Zeno's Palace, which sits outside all universes, reigning supreme over everything.
At this moment, the cheerful and harmonious atmosphere had eased slightly compared to before.
The happy Lord Zeno had finally, with some difficulty, temporarily had his fill of playing with the toys Vados had meticulously selected.
Although his small face still wore an expression of wanting more, he reluctantly put down the model in his hand that could transform and light up.
He clapped his small hands, seemingly just now remembering that he had summoned Whitley today not just to receive gifts and play with toys.
The Grand Priest, who had been standing respectfully by Lord Zeno's side all along, immediately understood the situation.
He elegantly raised his hand and gave a light wave. An attendant appeared silently in the great hall, bowing respectfully to Lord Zeno and the Grand Priest.
"Properly store the gifts brought by Whitley-san. Hand the food items over to the chefs to be prepared according to the cooking methods Whitley-san provided."
"Yes, Lord Grand Priest!"
The attendant immediately acknowledged. With a faint flash of light from his hand, the small mountain of various Earth specialties and toys vanished instantly, as if they had never been there.
After the gifts were taken away and the great hall was spacious once more, the Grand Priest noticed Lord Zeno's gaze still drifting toward the direction the attendant had disappeared, his mind seemingly still on the toys. He couldn't help but smile and give a light cough as a reminder:
"Ahem! Lord Zeno, you specifically summoned Whitley-san to Lord Zeno's Palace... there should be other official business to discuss, correct?"
Reminded by the Grand Priest, Lord Zeno suddenly remembered.
"Ah! That's right!"
He said in his child-like voice, then with a nimble "heave-ho" motion, he hopped off Whitley's lap.
Like a little adult, he first pretentiously straightened his rather dignified attire, then raised his innocent little face to look at Whitley.
He spoke in his unique, childlike voice:
"Whitley, Whitley! The God of Destruction from Universe 11, Belmod, resigned, y'know! He's leaving! How about you become the God of Destruction for Universe 11, okay?"
Whitley was stunned upon hearing this.
In fact, when Marcarita had repeatedly emphasized the word "partner," this suspicion had flashed through his mind.
But the moment he thought of Universe 11's proper God of Destruction in training, Toppo, he felt the possibility was unlikely and quickly dismissed the idea.
But now, those words had actually come from Lord Zeno's mouth?!
Looking at Lord Zeno's large eyes staring at him full of expectation, Whitley gave a wry smile inwardly.
He scratched his head and asked in confusion:
"Lord Zeno, doesn't Universe 11... still have Toppo? Logically, if Belmod is stepping down, he should be the one to take over, right? How did it fall to me to become the God of Destruction?"
This question was naturally answered by the Grand Priest, who stood to the side maintaining his elegant smile.
"Whitley-san."
The Grand Priest's voice sounded at the opportune moment:
"Toppo is indeed an upright and hardworking warrior, but he is not yet mature enough to be a God of Destruction. He needs more refinement to take on such a great responsibility. Moreover, having you serve as the God of Destruction for Universe 11 isn't just Lord Zeno's idea, you know."
He paused, a slightly playful smile appearing on his face:
"Our decision this time, you see, involved specially studying and borrowing your Earth's very popular 'democracy'~ This result was obtained after a vote was conducted in a very 'democratic' manner~"
"Huh? A vote?"
Whitley was even more astonished now, his gaze shifting back and forth between Lord Zeno and the Grand Priest.
This bunch of gods is holding a democratic vote? Isn't this change in style a bit too jarring?
Seeing Whitley's disbelieving expression, Lord Zeno immediately became excited!
He nodded his little head vigorously and cheered:
"Yeah, yeah! We voted! It was really fun!"
He seemed to feel that just talking wasn't convincing enough and decided on the spot to reenact the "solemn and democratic" voting scene for Whitley.
But he looked left and right and found that one of the parties involved, Belmod, was not present.
Lord Zeno's little head whirred, and his gaze immediately locked onto Whis, who was standing aside, lost in thought about who-knows-what. He pointed his little finger at him and said with a serious face:
"Whis! In a moment, you'll be Belmod! Belmod was very, very happy to agree at the time, y'know! You have to act just like him!"
Suddenly being called out, Whis snapped out of his daze with a jolt.
Hearing Lord Zeno's innocent yet irresistible command, the gentle smile on his face stiffened for an instant before he immediately recovered, bowing gracefully in response:
"Please rest assured, Lord Zeno. I, Whis, will certainly do my best to imitate Lord Belmod's 'heartfelt' joy and 'eager' spirit."
He deliberately put a slight emphasis on certain words, his tone carrying an imperceptible hint of teasing.
Only then did Lord Zeno nod in satisfaction. And so, under Whitley's dumbfounded expression, a very "democratic" voting ceremony, starring the supreme gods, officially "commenced" in the most sacred hall in all the universes.
The Grand Priest, watching the enthusiastic Lord Zeno, let out an imperceptible sigh, but his face still wore a smile of tolerance and indulgence.
Forget it, he thought. As long as Lord Zeno is happy, it doesn't hurt to play along with this nonsense for a bit.
The Grand Priest cleared his throat, adopted a specific tone, and faced the empty hall, announcing in a deadpan voice:
"Well then, the nomination and voting meeting for the successor to the Universe 11 God of Destruction will now begin. The nominated candidate is: Universe 7's God of Destruction in training, Whitley."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the "audience," and continued in that same calm tone:
"Next, we will proceed to the vote. Anyone who objects to Whitley-san serving as the God of Destruction for Universe 11, please raise your hand."
And then...
The hall fell into dead silence.
True, pin-drop silence.
The Grand Priest waited a few seconds, his gaze sweeping "seriously" around the hall, as if he were actually checking to see if anyone had raised their hand.
Finally, he fixed his gaze back on the baffled Whitley, a "See? The result is obvious" smile on his face, and said calmly:
"You see, Whitley-san. Passed unanimously. No objections. Isn't it... extremely 'democratic'? This fully reflects the collective choice of the cosmic deities."
Whitley stood there stunned with his mouth open for a long time. Watching this self-directed "democratic farce," a strong urge to complain welled up in his heart, but he didn't know where to even begin.
This method... was indeed too democratic! So democratic it left one speechless!
In the end, he could only cover his face with one hand, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, completely unsure of what to say.
Watching Whitley's reaction, the smile at the corner of the Grand Priest's mouth deepened.
He stopped playing along with Lord Zeno and reverted to his usual gentle yet dignified tone, asking seriously:
"Well then, Whitley-san. Regarding this 'democratic' resolution, what is your answer?"
His gaze rested calmly on Whitley, then he shot a meaningful glance at Marcarita, who was still maintaining a haughty posture, standing aside as if it had nothing to do with her.
An extremely subtle, amused smile, as if watching a good show, gradually appeared in his eyes.
...
Meanwhile, in the distant Universe 10.
The Sacred World of the Kais, a divine realm once filled with life and peace, was now shrouded in a deathly silent and evil atmosphere.
Zamasu stood amidst the wreckage, looking down at Gowasu, who had completely lost all signs of life, his eyes wide open as if in endless shock and disappointment.
The long-suppressed smile on his lips finally broke free, widening gradually until it erupted into a near-maniacal laugh!
"Heh... hehehe... MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!"
The piercing laughter echoed through the empty divine realm, filled with twisted delight and fully unleashed ambition!
After a long while, Zamasu barely managed to stop the hair-raising laughter, his chest still heaving violently.
He faced Gowasu's cold corpse and shouted, his voice trembling with excitement:
"Master! Did you see?! Your pedantic philosophy of compromise is WRONG!!! Mortals! These filthy, ignorant, desire-filled ants are the source of all sin and chaos in this universe!!! The universe has no need for mortals! Only by eliminating all mortals can we welcome a true, eternal peace and order—one that belongs to the gods!!!!!!"
He stepped forward slowly, his movements carrying an almost ceremonial gravity, and reached out to remove the Time Ring from Gowasu's finger, the symbol of his Supreme Kai status.
He carefully placed the ring on his own finger, meticulously feeling the boundless divine power contained within it.
Immediately after, he subconsciously stroked the pair of green Potara earrings on his ears, a smile of assured victory on his face.
Zamasu looked at his master's corpse as his figure began to blur, as if merging into the surrounding space.
In the moment just before his figure dissipated completely, Zamasu whispered in a tone that was almost a mumble, yet filled with unshakable conviction:
"I will prove it to you... in my own way! I, Zamasu, will create a flawless world!"
...
Universe 10, the World of the Gods of Destruction.
The God of Destruction, Rumsshi, was lazing about idly, lying on his specially-made giant lounge chair, eyes closed as he basked in the sun.
His long trunk would occasionally twitch, his posture one of utter contentment.
Just a few days ago, he had shown a rare burst of dedication and completely finished all his primary duties as a God of Destruction.
He thought gleefully, Now I can finally have a few decades of peace and quiet, and properly enjoy a leisurely divine life, right?
Meanwhile, the Angel of Universe 10, Kusu, was currently like a diligent and virtuous...
Despite her appearance, her demeanor was exceptionally mature. She was bustling about the God of Destruction's world.
She gently wiped the tables and chairs, tidying up the things Rumsshi had carelessly tossed aside, always wearing a smile as gentle as water.
Before long, Kusu wiped the sweat from her smooth forehead, carried a large, neat platter of freshly cut fruit, and minced her way over to Rumsshi.
"Lord Rumsshi, come, have some fruit."
Kusu's voice was soft, sweet, and gentle, soothing the heart like a spring breeze.
Although she was clearly at most about 1.5 meters tall, when combined with the gentle, tolerant, and caring expression always on her face and the mature, steady aura she exuded, Kusu the Angel somehow gave off the dependable and kind feeling of a neighborhood wife.
Rumsshi often marveled at his own good luck.
Reality had actually blessed him with such a gentle, considerate Angel who was never sharp-tongued and never forced him to work overtime.
Rumsshi knew perfectly well what most of the Angels in other universes were like!
Not to mention distant ones, just look at the neighboring Universe 11. That clown God of Destruction, Belmod, was managed so strictly by his universe's arrogant and difficult Angel, Marcarita, that his life was miserable!
He even reached a point where he didn't want to be a God of Destruction anymore, spending all day busy training that successor named Toppo, just hoping to retire and be free sooner.
"I hope that guy Belmod... can retire smoothly."
Rumsshi thought nonchalantly as he used his trunk to curl up a piece of juicy fruit and stuff it into his mouth.
Just as he was lying contentedly on his lounge chair, enjoying Kusu's attentive fanning service, and feeling that his divine life was about to reach perfection—
Disaster struck!
"Lord Rumsshi! Y-Your body!!!"
For the first time, Kusu's eternally gentle voice was laced with panic and fear.
Rumsshi's heart jolted, and an extremely ominous premonition instantly enveloped him!
He leaped frantically from the lounge chair and quickly looked down at his body.
He saw his body, starting from his feet, dissolving into sparkling particles of light at a visible rate, dissipating silently into the air!
"This... This is...!"
Rumsshi's elephant-like eyes went wide as saucers. He instantly understood what was happening.
This manner of dissipation, this connection to the origin of life... It was the Supreme Kai!
That old fool Gowasu... is dead?!
He watched as his legs and torso rapidly turned into motes of light and dissipated. The speed was so fast it was impossible to stop.
When his body below the neck had almost completely vanished, he raised his head to look at Kusu, whose eyes were red with anxiety. She was fumbling to take out her staff and gather divine power, but didn't know where to use it.
Rumsshi's voice was surprisingly calm, tinged with a hint of resignation and acceptance of his fate:
"Don't try, Kusu. It's useless... The Supreme Kai is dead. As the God of Destruction whose life is linked to his, this is an irreversible rule."
He snorted self-deprecatingly:
"That old fool Gowasu... Hmph! I should have learned from that bastard Beerus who sleeps all day and just sealed him away..."
He then raised his head and used his last bit of strength to instruct Kusu in a very stern tone:
"Kusu! Listen! After I disappear completely, you must immediately go see the Grand Priest! Request that he appoint Universe 7's God of Destruction in training, Whitley, to serve as our Universe 10's God of Destruction!"
He paused, his voice carrying an almost imperceptible plea:
"That guy... is fundamentally a good person, and he is highly regarded by the Grand Priest and Lord Zeno! He's powerful, but he... respects women! He won't... he won't bully you... Handing you and Universe 10 over to him, I... can rest easy..."
Under Kusu's blank, grief-stricken, and bewildered gaze, Rumsshi's body, along with his final words, completely dissolved into motes of light that scattered everywhere.
He finally vanished completely from the God of Destruction's world, leaving no trace behind.
"L-Lord... Rumsshi..."
Kusu stared blankly at the empty lounge chair, looking at the surrounding God of Destruction's world, which was still beautiful and peaceful, but now missing that enormous figure.
The tears that had welled up in her eyes could no longer be held back, rolling down in large drops like pearls from a broken string.
...
In a mysterious corner of the universe, Zuno, the sage who claimed to be omniscient, was staring in terror at the Supreme Kai Zamasu, who stood before him exuding a sinister aura.
More accurately, he was staring at the blade of energy coalesced in his hand, which radiated an aura of death.
Zuno swallowed unconsciously, trembling like a leaf, his voice on the verge of tears:
"D-Don't kill me! I'll talk! I'll talk! The Super Dragon Balls... they are scattered across Universe 6 and Universe 7!"
Zamasu looked thoughtful, his energy blade pressing forward a little more.
"Oh? Universe 6 and Universe 7... hm? What about the specific distribution? Coordinates! I want the precise coordinates!"
Feeling the terrifying aura from the blade, which seemed capable of tearing him apart with ease, how could Zuno dare to delay even for a second?
He practically scrambled and crawled to his desk, fumbling to grab his drafting tools, and drew out the distribution locations of the Super Dragon Balls across Universes 6 and 7 as quickly and accurately as possible.
Zamasu snatched the star chart, his sharp gaze sweeping over it.
After confirming the fellow hadn't dared to lie to him, a cold, satisfied sneer finally touched his lips.
His figure then slowly faded away from before Zuno.
Only after Zamasu's presence had completely vanished did Sage Zuno collapse to the ground as if drained of all strength.
He took several large, gasping breaths. Reaching to touch his back, he discovered it was already soaked in a cold sweat.
This was the first time he had ever felt so keenly that having too famous a reputation wasn't always a good thing!
See? Now even a Supreme Kai, who always championed justice and peace, had come to threaten him with violence!
"No... I can't stay here anymore!"
Zuno looked around the planet he had managed for countless years, his heart still pounding with fear.
"I have to move! Move somewhere nobody knows!"
...
Back in Lord Zeno's Palace, Whitley considered that Lord Zeno and the Grand Priest had indeed given him plenty of face, and he was already mentally preparing to accept the position of Universe 11's God of Destruction.
But don't misunderstand!
It was definitely not because of that beautiful, but seemingly ill-tempered, Ms. Marcarita!
He was mainly thinking that the two highest leaders of the universe had lowered themselves to discuss it with him so pleasantly, and had even rehearsed such a "sincere" performance on the spot!
Although the acting was a bit clumsy and so cringey it could make you curl your toes, at least the attitude was sincere, right?
So he thought about it and decided to just accept. And then...
He would stay in Universe 7 as usual, and just bundle up all the miscellaneous tasks from Universe 11 and dump them on that earnest worker, Toppo!
He'd just be the God of Destruction in name only, occasionally dropping by Universe 11.
That way, he could satisfy Lord Zeno's request without it affecting his life in Universe 7. Wasn't that perfect?
Thinking this, Whitley cleared his throat and prepared to agree:
"Since Lord Zeno and the Lord Grand Priest have both said so, then I..."
But just as the words left his mouth, the ever-smiling Grand Priest suddenly raised a hand, making a "wait" gesture to stop him.
"Please wait a moment, Whitley-san."
The smile on the Grand Priest's face gradually faded, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.
"It seems... something else unexpected... has occurred."
As he spoke, he flipped his palm, and the Angel's staff, symbolizing his status, appeared in his hand out of thin air.
The orb at the top of the staff emitted a soft glow, within which countless images and pieces of information seemed to be streaming by rapidly.
The Grand Priest stared at the glow, his expression gradually turning serious, his previously calm eyes now tinged with gravity.
Finally, he let out a soft sigh. He put away his staff and walked over to Lord Zeno, who was blinking his big eyes and looking at him curiously.
The Grand Priest leaned down and quickly reported what he had just seen to the supreme Lord Zeno.
Seeing this, Whis and Marcarita, standing to the side, knew instantly that something major had happened.
Their expressions immediately turned solemn. Almost simultaneously, they both summoned their own Angel staffs and began connecting to the cosmic information network to watch the events that had just transpired.
Whitley, curious, also walked over to Whis and leaned in to look at the images displaying on the orb of his staff.
At first glance, he saw that somewhat familiar figure, Zamasu! And at his feet... the corpse of a Supreme Kai!
Whitley reacted instantly!
The Zamasu storyline is starting!
Following the original plot, if the Supreme Kai Gowasu has already been killed by Zamasu, then the God of Destruction from Universe 10, whose life is linked to his...
Before he could finish the thought, he saw the Zamasu in the image instantly leave the area.
The image on the staff then flashed and immediately switched to the God of Destruction's world in Universe 10, capturing the final scene of the God of Destruction Rumsshi's body dissipating and the Angel Kusu weeping helplessly.
"As expected... Rumsshi too..."
Whitley's feelings were complicated.
No wonder the Grand Priest looked so serious. Universe 10 had now, effectively, completely lost its highest administrator (the Supreme Kai) and its highest law enforcement officer (the God ofExtraction). The universe had completely fallen into a state of chaotic leaderlessness!
This was an extremely grave event for the balance of a universe!
Immediately after, the image in the staff switched again, showing Zamasu using the Super Dragon Balls to make a wish.
Seven giant, orange planets glowed dazzlingly in space, and the immense body of Super Shenron coiled in the cosmos.
Whitley stared intently at the screen, wanting to know what this world's Zamasu had wished for.
Was it to swap bodies with Goku, like in the original story?
However, just as Super Shenron's light was at its brightest, in the instant the wish was about to be granted!
Whitley suddenly felt an invisible something produce a strange pulling sensation from deep within his body!
It was aimed directly at his... soul?!
But this terrifying sensation lasted only for a brief moment before vanishing without a trace, as if it had been forcibly cut off by some stronger power.
Whitley shook his head. Other than that momentary palpitation, he felt no other discomfort.
He looked at the image on the staff again. The light on Super Shenron had already dissipated. Zamasu was standing in place, roaring furiously at the Super Dragon Balls with a look of exasperation, clearly his wish had not been fulfilled as he'd wanted.
"This is..."
Whitley was completely baffled. An absurd thought immediately popped into his head.
"Instead of swapping bodies with Goku, he wanted to swap bodies with me?! But looking at the situation... why did Super Shenron fail? Is it because my soul is too tough, and it couldn't pull it out?"
Just then, the Grand Priest, who had apparently finished calming down the pouting Lord Zeno, gave a light cough. His elegant and inscrutable smile returned to his face. He looked at Whitley and said with a smile:
"There's no need to be surprised, Whitley-san. That Supreme Kai named Zamasu, no matter what method he used, could never have succeeded in taking your body."
Seeing Whitley's confused expression, he prompted:
"Have you forgotten? Previously, when Lord Zeno granted you and Vados marriage, what else did he bestow upon you, besides the marriage?"
"What did he bestow?"
Whitley frowned, thinking back carefully.
"Could it be... the status and... rank of an Angel?"
"Correct."
The Grand Priest nodded approvingly with a "this child is teachable" expression.
"It is precisely the Angelic Rank."
He continued to explain in his calm tone, but the information in his words made Whitley's heart tremble:
"The Angelic Rank is not as simple as you imagine, Whitley-san. It is an existence that surpasses ordinary gods, a very special and lofty status within the laws of all universes. The mysteries and powers it contains are far greater than you imagine. But as for its specific functions, that will require you to slowly explore and experience them for yourself."
He paused, then gave a clear and definite answer:
"But I can tell you clearly right now: once you possess the Angelic Rank, even if the Supreme Kai whose life is linked to yours unfortunate dies after you officially become a God of Destruction, it will still not affect you in the slightest. Your existence will be more independent and transcendent."
"Moreover,"
The Grand Priest glanced at the Zamasu who was still raging impotently in the staff's image, his tone laced with disdain.
"As for this one, wishing to the Super Dragon Balls, attempting to use a shortcut like a wish to seize your body—such an act is fundamentally impossible! The Angelic Rank itself is an absolute insulation and negation of such low-level usurpation methods!"
Listening to the Grand Priest's explanation, Whitley's face showed a sudden realization.
So that's how it is!
It's because of this Angel status that I was immune to the Super Dragon Balls' body-swap wish!
Seeing Whitley's "So I'm that awesome" expression of realization, the Grand Priest inwardly sighed in relief, his smile becoming even more elegant and mysterious.
'Mm, this explanation is perfect. He probably won't probe any further into his own inherent special nature.'
The Grand Priest would never tell Whitley.
The fundamental reason for this matter lay in Whitley himself, this "anomaly," and the special nature of his soul.
The Angelic Rank was more like an added layer of solid insurance.
Just let this beautiful misunderstanding continue.
...
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