The light in Uchiha Chiga's eyes dimmed as he exhaled softly, his tone casual and calm.
"All right, that takes care of the problem. Lapis can sleep peacefully with his girlfriend tonight."
Lazuli, unaware that her brother had nearly been devoured by a monster moments ago, could still sense that Chiga had intervened to resolve something major.
She stepped behind him, placing her hands gently on his shoulders. "You've worked hard, Chiga. Lapis is still as reckless as ever."
Chiga shook his head slowly. "This time, it wasn't his fault. I should've anticipated this earlier. That one slipped past me."
From the side, Marcarita tilted her head curiously. "So… what exactly did you do just now?"
"I just erased a bug."
"Then why did the shadow of the Super Dragon appear behind you?"
Chiga leaned back slightly, his tone light and teasing. "Because I've become the Dragon God. Oh, right—what rank is the Dragon God in your system? Does that make me your superior now?"
Marcarita's eyes widened. "You're the Dragon God!? What do you mean? What did you and Vados even do in Universe Six!?"
"Nothing much," Chiga replied, stretching lazily. "Just absorbed the seven Super Dragon Balls. From now on, if you have any wishes, you don't need to go through all that trouble. Just come to me."
"You can really do that?" Marcarita gasped, her wings fluttering as she leaned forward. "Then turn me into a remote control so I can see it!"
Chiga waved her off with mild annoyance. "That wish is too childish. I can't be bothered with that sort of thing."
Marcarita puffed her cheeks. "Nani!? You're such an unqualified Dragon God! What kind of god refuses small wishes?"
"I'm allowed to," Chiga replied flatly.
Marcarita huffed, folding her arms. "You and Vados are always bullying me! I'm clearly the outsider here!"
"Otherwise?" Chiga raised a brow.
She gasped dramatically. "You're so mean! I'm hurt!"
Lazuli sighed quietly, shaking her head. She'd seen these two bicker before—Marcarita always lost. This time was no exception.
Marcarita stomped away from the couch and hurried upstairs to complain to Vados. But when she returned a few minutes later, her expression was deflated; she'd clearly lost again.
Seeing her dejected look, Chiga decided to take pity on her. "Here," he said, handing over the remote control she had been pouting about.
Her eyes lit up instantly. "You got it back from Vados? You're the best!"
Then, overcome with excitement, she impulsively leaned forward and pecked him on the cheek.
Both froze.
Chiga blinked, momentarily stunned. A faint blush bloomed on Marcarita's cheeks as her twin pigtails curled upward like springs. "Hmph"
Chiga slowly touched the spot she'd kissed, feigning disgust. "Seriously? I help you out, and this is how you repay me? So unhygienic."
His mockery only deepened her embarrassment, but it helped her recover. She coughed twice, looked away, and muttered,
"It's not unhygienic at all! That was an Angel's kiss. My first one, too. You should feel honored."
Chiga smirked, waving his hand dismissively as he turned toward the stairs. "Keep your firsts to yourself."
Marcarita sat back on the sofa, holding the remote with both hands. The TV played a news broadcast she wasn't even watching. Every so often, her gaze flickered toward the staircase, only for her to quickly look away like a guilty child.
After several rounds of this, she buried her face in her hands, groaning softly.
'Ugh! What was I thinking!? Why did I even…'
Her voice trailed off as she slammed a cushion twice against the sofa in frustration.
At that exact moment, Vados descended the stairs, a cup of freshly brewed coffee in hand. She arched an elegant brow at the sight.
"Marcarita, what on Earth are you doing? Didn't I already return your remote control?"
Marcarita leapt up like a startled cat, her eyes wide. She hadn't even realized Vados was there.
Vados sat down beside her, sipping her coffee with calm composure. "You act like someone deprived of entertainment for centuries. What's gotten into you?"
Marcarita pouted, tugging nervously at her pajamas. "It's your fault! You're supposed to be the older sister, but you keep teaming up with others to pick on me!"
"Oh?" Vados raised an amused brow. "So now you remember you're the younger sister?"
Marcarita's voice dropped to a mumble as guilt flickered in her expression.
Vados studied her quietly. Something seemed off. Her gaze drifted to the TV, still stuck on the news channel, before returning to her sister.
"You're acting strange. What's wrong? Still worried about Universe Erasures?"
Marcarita seized the excuse immediately, nodding hard. "Y-Yeah! That's totally it!"
Vados smiled faintly and placed a gentle hand on her sister's head.
"Relax. Chiga is the Dragon God now. As long as he's around, nothing will happen to this universe… just don't get on his bad side."
Marcarita puffed her cheeks again. "As if I'd dare! I can't argue with him, and I can't fight him either."
She sighed deeply, looking every bit the picture of a sulking angel.
Vados tilted her head. "Then why stay here? Is it just for the television?"
The question caught Marcarita off guard. Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came out. She could have remained in her own universe, revered and free—but here she was, living quietly on Earth, constantly teased by Chiga.
Was it really for the shows? Or maybe… because of him?
She looked down, lost in thought. Vados said nothing more. She simply sipped her coffee, letting the silence linger.
Moments later, Chiga's voice broke the stillness.
"What are you two doing down here? You look like statues."
He strode into the room and sat beside Vados. Marcarita frowned faintly at the sight.
Vados smiled softly and lifted her cup toward him. "Want a taste?"
Chiga took a sip and grimaced. "It's bitter. You didn't use enough sugar this time."
"Coffee tastes better when it's a little bitter," she said with a knowing smile. "Add too much sugar and it loses its depth."
"That may be true," Chiga replied, "but I still prefer it sweet."
Marcarita immediately chimed in from the side. "I agree! Sweet is better!"
Vados gave her a sideways glance. "This cup isn't for you, dear sister. If you want one, make it yourself—and add as much sugar as you like."
Chiga glanced between the two angels, sensing an odd undercurrent he couldn't quite decipher.
Marcarita huffed. "Fine! I'll make my
own!" she said, storming off toward the kitchen, though her flustered expression betrayed her mood completely.
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