As evening approached and the lights of the amusement park dimmed, the day's excitement finally drew to a close. The park attendants began to guide guests toward the exits, and laughter faded into the soft hum of the night.
After spending the entire day together, the Grand Minister and the others had grown quite familiar with Chiga.
At the gate of the amusement park, the Grand Minister turned toward him with a gentle smile.
"Alright, today was truly enjoyable. It's time for us to head back. When you have the chance, bring Vados and the others to visit me sometime."
His voice carried a calm warmth — far different from the solemn tone most knew him for. In the anime, the Grand Minister often wore a courteous smile that hid his unfathomable nature. It was precisely that aura of mystery that made so many suspect he worked behind the scenes of cosmic affairs.
Even if warriors like Son Goku had grown incredibly strong, in the Grand Minister's eyes, they were still just "mortal beings." As the attendant whose rank stood directly beneath Grand Zeno himself, showing even mild friendliness to mortals was remarkable.
But Chiga was different. His power had long since surpassed mortal limits. He also earned Grand Zeno's personal recognition and the authority to govern three Universes. In truth, his current status even placed him slightly above the Grand Minister.
And beyond that, both of the Grand Minister's most beloved daughters — Vados and Marcarita — had pledged themselves to Chiga's side. In every sense, he had become family.
Chiga smiled softly and nodded, but before he could respond, Grand Zeno suddenly bounced forward with his usual childish enthusiasm.
"That carousel was really fun! I'm going to build one inside the temple when I get back!"
The Grand Minister froze, his expression faltering for the first time. A single bead of sweat trickled down his temple as he quickly pulled out a white handkerchief, dabbing at his forehead. Forcing a smile, he replied,
"As Grand Zeno wishes."
Chiga glanced at him, amused but sympathetic. Before he could say anything, Grand Zeno toddled back toward him, tugging lightly at his pants. In his tiny hands, he held a familiar button — the legendary Grand Zeno Call, the same device Son Goku once used to summon him instantly.
Grand Zeno looked up at Chiga with his simple, innocent expression and asked earnestly,
"Thank you, Chiga! I had a lot of fun today. Can we be friends?"
For a brief moment, Chiga was taken aback. Then he crouched down to Grand Zeno's level, resting a hand gently on his shoulder.
"Of course," he said with a warm smile. "I'd be happy to be your friend."
Grand Zeno's eyes sparkled, his small face glowing with joy. He pushed away Chiga's hand and carefully placed the button in his palm.
"You can use this to call me anytime! Don't forget me if something fun happens!"
Chiga nodded, then reached into his robes and retrieved a miniature golden Flying Thunder God kunai, enhanced with divine energy. Handing it to Grand Zeno, he said,
"And you can use this to summon me too. Friends should exchange gifts, right?"
This version of the kunai had been modified with divine signal transmission, powerful enough to function across Universes. Though Chiga no longer needed the Flying Thunder God Technique—his speed alone could cross realities in an instant—it remained a perfect way to share a connection.
It was the first time Grand Zeno had ever received a gift. The tiny god's face lit up as he hugged the kunai to his chest, murmuring thanks again and again.
Their friendship — between the two supreme deities — had been sealed in that instant.
Chiga chuckled and patted Grand Zeno's shoulder.
"What are you thanking me for? We're buddies now, right?"
Grand Zeno tilted his head at the unfamiliar word. He didn't quite understand "buddies," but the warmth behind it made him smile all the same.
"We're all buddies!" he cheered.
Hearing that, Vados and Marcarita immediately flushed. They exchanged glances, stifling laughter with polite coughs.
The Grand Minister's mouth twitched. He turned away, hands clasped behind his back, trying to maintain composure — though the faint tremor in his shoulders betrayed him.
Chiga placed his hand solemnly on Grand Zeno's shoulder.
"Good! From today onward, we're true brothers. Nothing will ever come between us. Let's make it official — a bow between friends."
With that, Chiga pressed his hands together in salute. Grand Zeno eagerly mimicked him, bowing with a bright grin.
When they straightened up, Chiga smiled.
"Alright, since you're so small, how about I call you 'Little Zeno' from now on?"
Grand Zeno's face shone with excitement.
"Yes! Then I'll just keep calling you Chiga!"
"Of course. Didn't I say we're buddies? Don't go home yet — come to my place for dinner. I'll let you try my cooking."
"Really? That's great!"
The Grand Minister, watching this exchange, was utterly speechless. Pulling out a small box of sweets he had confiscated from Whis, he muttered under his breath while chewing a tiny cake,
"Hmm… this actually tastes good. Whis really has been hiding these. Seems he's been too idle lately… I'll need to find him something to do when we return."
Though his voice was low, everyone present — all divine beings — could hear him perfectly.
The intent was obvious: he wanted Whis to hear it.
Whis immediately stiffened, a nervous smile spreading across his face. He hurried forward, whispering frantically,
"Grand Minister! I—I've been saving a lot of delicacies just for you! All to show my respect!"
The Grand Minister raised a brow, his tone mild but sharp.
"Oh? And why haven't I seen any of it? Angels may not need food, but enjoying good taste is still a pleasure. Didn't it occur to you to share that pleasure with your superior?"
Whis instantly bowed at a perfect ninety degrees.
"It was my mistake, Grand Minister-sama. Your criticism is absolutely right."
At that moment, Marcarita gave a playful smirk. Looking at the small cake in the Grand Minister's hand, she quipped with exaggerated disdain — mimicking Chiga's tone —
"Grand Minister really hasn't eaten proper food, huh? That's nothing compared to what Chiga makes. Ever heard of candied sweet potatoes?"
If Whis had said that, he'd likely be kneeling already. But since it came from Marcarita, the Grand Minister only looked intrigued.
"Candied sweet potatoes? That does sound interesting. Is Chiga's cooking truly that remarkable?"
Marcarita crossed her arms proudly, her chin lifted with smug confidence.
"Of course! You'll see tonight. I guarantee you'll eat so much you won't want to leave."
Whis, remembering his last meal at Chiga's table, nodded eagerly. He still hadn't forgotten those rich, savory dishes — especially the one called Four Meatballs, which had nearly made him weep from joy.
________
Over 80 new chapters are waiting for you on my Patreon!
Use the code "ZPHYR07" to get 50% off your first month.
Visit: Patreon.com/Zphyr
If you enjoy my work, your support would mean so much.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas filled with joy and warmth ❤️🌲