After the violent explosion subsided, the entire Dragon God Realm shimmered under a dazzling layer of golden light. When the brilliance faded, Jiren stood amidst the dust, his gray skin now even duller beneath the debris.
His upper garments had been completely burned away, leaving his muscular frame exposed. Heavy breaths escaped his chest as he slowly descended to the ground. Despite having surpassed most Gods of Destruction in strength, it was clear he still fell short of an Angel's level. When Marcarita had taken that same attack, she hadn't ended up in such a battered state.
Landing on one knee, Jiren examined his charred hand and let out a weary smile. He had used every last ounce of his power. If the Maha Brahma's energy had been even a little stronger, he might have lost consciousness entirely.
A soft whoosh echoed through the golden air.
Uchiha Chiga appeared in front of him, smiling as he extended a hand.
"Very good," Chiga said warmly.
Jiren hesitated for a moment, embarrassed by the dust and grime covering his body. He rubbed his hands together awkwardly, clearly reluctant to shake hands in such a state. Chiga chuckled quietly, shook his head, and grasped Jiren's hand anyway, pulling him to his feet with ease.
Jiren's eyes gleamed with admiration. His respect for the Dragon God wasn't born solely from Chiga's overwhelming power, but from the calm and genuine presence he carried. It was rare for someone so mighty to be so approachable.
With a flick of Chiga's wrist, a new set of battle clothes materialized on Jiren, perfectly fitted as though tailored for him. In the same instant, all his injuries vanished without a trace. The act left Jiren speechless. Every display of Chiga's divine ability made him realize how vast the gap between them truly was.
Then, Chiga's expression turned thoughtful.
"Your strength isn't fully released," he said quietly. "Are you holding back?"
Jiren froze and shook his head firmly.
"Dragon God, I used everything I had. I'm sorry if I disappointed you…"
Shame clouded his face as he bowed deeply. But Chiga simply reached out and pressed his hand against Jiren's bald head. Jiren stiffened at the unexpected gesture but didn't resist.
Chiga closed his eyes and focused. Instantly, a warm current surged through Jiren's body, flooding his limbs with radiant energy. His muscles tensed as his Ki burst outward in a fiery aura. Reddish-pink flames erupted around him, burning brighter and brighter with each passing moment.
Chiga stepped back, watching calmly as Jiren's newfound energy stabilized. The technique he'd used was simple for him—akin to how the Grand Elder of Namek could draw out hidden potential, but magnified to divine perfection.
In the anime, Jiren had unlocked such power through the memories of his past. But under Uchiha Chiga's guidance, no such emotional struggle was needed.
Overwhelmed by the force coursing within him, Jiren clenched his fists. This strength felt limitless—though even now, he knew Chiga stood far beyond his reach. The realization filled him not with despair, but with reverent awe.
He suddenly dropped to both knees, pressing his forehead to the ground.
"Thank you, Dragon God! From now on, my life is yours!"
Chiga blinked in surprise at the dramatic declaration. He took a step back, waving his hand.
"Why would I want your life? Keep it for yourself. This power was always yours—I only helped you bring it out."
Still, Jiren didn't move. His devotion was absolute. Chiga sighed, slightly exasperated but not unkind.
"Alright, alright. Stand up. You're part of the Universe under my care. Helping you is hardly worth mentioning."
He lifted a hand, and with a subtle motion, Jiren rose effortlessly to his feet. Jiren's gaze burned with unwavering loyalty, and the intensity made Chiga rub his forehead in slight discomfort.
"Enough with that look," he muttered under his breath.
Snapping his fingers, Chiga dissolved the golden scenery around them. The Dragon God Realm folded into itself, and in an instant, they returned to their original dwelling.
As soon as they arrived, Chiga found Marcarita sitting cross-legged at a table with Vados and Lazuli, her expression fierce. A few white cloth strips hung over her face like curtains, a clear sign of defeat.
She slammed her cards onto the table. "Make your move, Vados! Bet everything! This time, I'll win for sure!"
Beside her, Lazuli sighed and massaged her temple. She'd drawn the short straw this round, forced to team up with Marcarita—the self-proclaimed "luckiest Angel." Judging by the pile of white strips beside them, luck was not on her side today.
Vados smirked calmly, flicking a perfect "airplane" combination onto the table. Marcarita froze mid-motion, her cards slipping through her fingers like leaves in the wind.
Chiga glanced at the mess of cards and thought silently, She didn't even use her King Bomb… unbelievable.
Lazuli took two white strips and carefully pressed them onto Marcarita's forehead before sticking one on her own in sympathy.
Marcarita flailed wildly. "Why?! Why can't I win even once?! This Angel refuses to accept it!"
Vados chuckled softly, waving her hand. The cards gathered neatly into an ordered deck, floating gracefully onto the table once more. Her poise and control made the contrast between them almost comical.
Leaving Marcarita to her despair, Vados picked up a porcelain cup and walked gracefully to Chiga's side. She handed him the cup of coffee with a gentle smile, the picture of serene composure.
Chiga accepted it, taking a sip. The flavor was smooth and faintly sweet—Vados had clearly added sugar.
"Why did it take so long?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Helped Jiren improve a bit," Chiga replied lightly. "Took longer than expected."
The mention of Jiren immediately reignited Marcarita's spirit. She sprang up, rushing toward Chiga like a whirlwind.
"Chiga! Teach me a few moves too! I keep losing, it's infuriating! Isn't this supposed to be a game of luck?!"
Lazuli followed, still adjusting her white strip. "It is luck," she said dryly, "but you can't just throw your strongest cards at the start. Who does that?"
Marcarita crossed her arms defiantly. "What's wrong with that? I still had the strongest bomb left!"
Chiga rolled his eyes and muttered with a grin, "So, did you plan to save that bomb for a party or what?"
---
A quiet chuckle escaped Jiren from the corner, observing the playful chaos unfolding before him. Despite the intense training and overwhelming battles, moments like this reminded him of the simple joys even in a universe governed by power.
The light in Chiga's room seemed warmer now, reflecting not just the divine might of the Dragon God, but the camaraderie and subtle humor that bridged even the strongest warriors.
For Jiren, the reverence he felt toward Chiga wasn't just about power—it was about the way the Dragon God inspired loyalty, trust, and the quiet strength of heart.
Even as Marcarita continued her dramatic complaints, Jiren felt a calm certainty settle within him. This universe, under Chiga's guidance, was a place where strength and humility could coexist—and he would dedicate himself fully to that ideal.
________
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