The Kaioshin had finally recognized Raditz, which meant Raditz was about to ascend and become one of the top gods in the universe!
Perhaps the youngest Supreme Kai ever.
"Congratulations, Mr. Raditz," Whis said with a smile.
"Raditz is going to become a god..."
Before everyone had time to process such a sudden change, they were already amazed. Vegeta and Piccolo were two people who'd known Raditz the longest. They'd been in a competitive and hostile relationship with Raditz at the beginning, later both advancing with Raditz as their goal to surpass. At this moment, with Raditz about to become a god, wouldn't he open an irreparable gap between them?
A sense of loss swelled in their chests. After Piccolo merged with Kami, his thinking had changed considerably, and this concern was fleeting. Though Vegeta was becoming more mature, he still clenched his fists tightly, feeling unwilling in his heart.
But even as proud as he was, he had to acknowledge Raditz in the end.
The most bewildered one was Kibito. He'd changed his view of mortals in recent years, but he'd never expected a Saiyan could become a true Supreme Kai. He stood there blankly, his eyeballs threatening to pop from their sockets at any moment.
Only Beerus showed a hint of a smile, silently thinking two words to himself: Perfect.
"When will the ceremony start? I don't want to come here for nothing," Beerus urged.
"The ceremony needs to be conducted in the Sacred World of the Kais."
"Then let's go." Beerus was more impatient than Raditz himself.
A group of Saiyans also responded positively, shouting enthusiastically, "We want to see it too!"
"Well..." The Kaioshin hesitated for a while, but after considering their contribution to dealing with Majin Buu and the fact they'd been to the Sacred World of the Kais before, he agreed. "Let's go together."
"Awesome! Lord Kaioshin is amazing!"
"No, no—it's the Grand Supreme Kai!"
Pepara took the lead in using the title of Grand Supreme Kai, which made the Kaioshin's cheeks flush.
Kibito could only smile wryly. Ever since he'd gotten to know Raditz and his group, everything about the gods had become increasingly casual...
On the other side, Goku and Majin Buu, who'd been interrupted by Beerus's power, re-entered their fighting state, and the world shook with tremendous impacts.
Raditz pointed at the two of them. "The battle between my brother and Majin Buu isn't over yet. Should we wait a little longer?"
"That's right! There's still Goku's battle!"
Only then did everyone remember there was still a fierce fight ongoing. It was just that Beerus's appearance had been so shocking that everyone else's presence had been instantly diminished.
Seeing Whis come in person, Goku seemed stimulated and added more strength beyond his all-out effort. He didn't want to lose to Majin Buu in front of Whis.
Super Saiyan 3's strength was superior to the original Fat Buu's, but after Buu reabsorbed and digested his evil half, his energy was stronger. Coupled with the difference in stamina, the two remained evenly matched.
Goku used all the techniques he could one by one—only the Spirit Bomb and Kaio-ken remained unused.
But Majin Buu countered each one, reorganizing when his body was smashed, and he could use Goku's own techniques against him.
After Beerus withdrew his aura, a massive oppressive force flooded in like an overwhelming tide.
"The one named Son Goku is your younger brother, right? He's decent, but his level is still somewhat low." Beerus put his hands behind his back and commented lightly. The fluttering grass blades brushed across his cheeks, reflecting Beerus's thin and angular face.
Whis smiled. "Lord Beerus, your standards are too strict. That Mr. Son Goku and Mr. Vegeta here both have good potential, including Mr. Broly from Raditz's family—he also has explosive power hidden in the depths."
"Though not as good as Mr. Raditz, they're also likely to become your worthy opponents."
"Whis!" Beerus yelled loudly.
Ever since the so-called prophetic dream had been accidentally validated by Raditz, the term "worthy opponent" seemed to have become a running joke.
And because the timing of the prophetic dream had been wrong, and Beerus wasn't satisfied with Raditz's last battle, Beerus had pondered it over, slapped his thigh, and declared he understood—as long as Raditz trained for a period to reach the level of a worthy opponent, wouldn't that fulfill the prophecy?
This way, the prophecy was perfect. Still 39 years, still the Super Saiyan God! The time discrepancy was justified.
Beerus, having solved the puzzle, had shown off in front of Whis, as if proving himself correct was worth celebrating. In truth, the God of Destruction was lonely. He'd been number one in the universe for many years, and no rising star could compete with him. Aside from destruction work, he could only sleep boringly every day.
Having finally caught Raditz—strong and capable of providing delicious food—how could Beerus not care?
"Haah... boring. The result of this kind of competition is obvious at a glance. Whis, have them stop and let's go to the Sacred World of the Kais."
"Understood." Whis said respectfully, and his figure vanished instantly.
No one knew how Whis did it. Instant Transmission required a brief imperceptible moment of preparation before launching, but Whis didn't need it at all. He was instantly transferred between Goku and Majin Buu, as smooth and natural as breathing.
Goku and Majin Buu were shocked simultaneously, but it was too late to retract their extended punches! BOOM! The golden light and lightning, the violent wind and waves—all calmed for a moment. Whis's two fingers pressed against the fists of Majin Buu and Goku respectively, and their destructive power was easily blocked. But Goku and Majin Buu were the ones shaken, struck by the counter-force.
"Now, both of you—your strengths are roughly equal. Even if you destroy this planet, there will be no result. Just treat it as a draw." Whis intervened with a smile and released his fingers.
Hearing Whis say this, Goku felt the same in his heart. He immediately returned to normal, sweat dripping down his muscular frame, breathing heavily. The burden of Super Saiyan 3 was no small challenge for him. Compared to that, Majin Buu's condition was much better.
Buu tilted his head and thought for a while. "It's very fun to fight with you. You don't want to fight anymore? Then will you give me dessert?"
"Haha, of course! Just ask my brother." Goku patted his chest so readily.
Raditz looked confused. You promised it, Goku, so why are you asking me to pay? You've learned bad habits!
The battle subsided, and everyone traveled to the Sacred World of the Kais together with Kibito. The Old Kai, who'd been observing through his crystal ball, knew the general situation. Seeing Beerus approaching, he came forward to greet him with both surprise and apprehension.
Whis smoothed things over between the two, and in the end Beerus and the Old Kai shook hands and made peace.
Raditz's ascension ceremony was still to be held in those ancient ruins. Walking into the ruins was like stepping into another era, where mottled imprints depicted the most primitive symbols. Translated into divine language, they read "burial" and similar concepts.
The sacred and towering stone pillars drew people's reverence toward the endless sky. This time people truly felt the pressure—not the coercion of aura, but the crushing weight of dimension. It was as if something higher existed above, looking down upon them! Goku and the others were sweating but supported their bodies. This performance drew Beerus's inner surprise and admiration.
There was no bustle in the huge circular field, and the wind was still. The ancient and mysterious atmosphere rushed in, making Raditz tremble at the center.
Different from his first visit here, his spiritual power was infinitely expanding, and he felt the dimension of his life being promoted to another space. Sublimating from the inside out.
When he'd been promoted to trainee Supreme Kai, he hadn't experienced such tremendous divine power. At this moment, Raditz felt bathed in the breath of divinity. It felt comfortable, as if his entire being had been refined and purified.
The strange scene amazed everyone—the birth ceremony of the gods was so noble.
"How long will he be like this?" Beerus couldn't help feeling bored seeing the Kaioshin continuously circling Raditz.
"About twelve hours," said the Old Kai.
"Tw-twelve hours?" Beerus was taken aback. "Why didn't you say so earlier! Whis, let's go to Earth to eat!"
"Well... we'll also take our leave..."
"Going back to train."
"Majin Buu, aren't you leaving?" Goku asked curiously, seeing Buu remaining near Raditz.
"I'm waiting for dessert."
Goku held up a finger. "Earth has those too, and there are many people who can be friends with you! After eating, come with me to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber for another fight!"
"Really! Then I'll go!"
Intimidated by the twelve-hour wait, people departed one by one. Only the Old Kai and Kibito remained steadfast.
"Ancestor, why don't we go rest as well?"
"What for? I'm old—you stay here."
"But..." Kibito watched the Old Kai's departing figure, wanting to cry but shedding no tears.