The dining table was meticulously prepared with course after course of exquisite cuisine. Raditz had specifically selected Whis's favorites—fresh sushi, delicate desserts, premium shabu-shabu with barbecue, the finest seafood, and refreshing beverages. Every dish was as visually stunning as it was flavorful, creating an irresistibly appetizing presentation.
"This grilled meat has such perfect crispiness," Whis observed with genuine appreciation.
"And this tuna sushi—the flavor is absolutely extraordinary."
"Ah, and this... and this as well..."
Whis continued tasting and praising each dish, his hands moving continuously as he sampled everything with obvious delight. For unfamiliar preparations, he asked Raditz for guidance, expressing amazement at each new discovery.
Rukon, seated at the far end of the table, watched with puzzled blinking eyes, wondering why ordinary food would provoke such dramatic reactions. But the child couldn't comprehend that despite his divine status, Whis's greatest passion was culinary exploration.
The Angel had accompanied Beerus across the universe to sample countless delicacies, yet he'd never encountered anything quite like Earth's offerings. Throughout his eons of existence, he had certainly enjoyed many remarkable foods, but no planet rivaled Earth's concentrated diversity and sophistication.
This journey had been absolutely worthwhile! Lord Beerus, too preoccupied with sleeping, was missing an incredible opportunity!
After experiencing the complete feast, Whis dabbed his mouth with a cloth napkin and rose leisurely to his feet. "Thank you for such gracious hospitality. Oh, and Miss Zangya, could you prepare an additional portion of those pastries? I'd like to take some home."
"Of... of course, no problem at all," Zangya replied, already knowing Whis's identity and certainly unable to refuse.
As the family's hostess, she immediately went to prepare the requested treats while everyone else awaited Whis's next move. Since training had been mentioned, surely they would witness the Angel's incredible abilities soon? Even the androids seemed surprised by his divine status—if Raditz showed such respect for this being, his power and authority were beyond imagination.
Whis held his ornate staff with casual grace. "Mr. Raditz, please come with me." He glanced around the room with a gentle smile. "You alone."
"Just me?" Raditz pointed to himself with obvious surprise.
Whis had already stepped outside into the garden, walking lightly along the path while admiring the flowers and plants that Android 16 had cultivated with such care.
Moving among the blossoms with one hand clasped behind his back, Whis radiated an aura of incomparable divine elegance. Raditz quickly followed, staying close behind.
"Don't you want to include Trunks? He's—"
Whis paused to examine a particularly vibrant red flower, interrupting with characteristic gentle laughter. "Mr. Raditz, not just anyone can receive my guidance."
Though Raditz had planned to train alongside Trunks, and the Supreme Kai of Time had expressed her hopes, Whis had no such intentions.
From his perspective, no one except Raditz possessed anything particularly noteworthy. Super Saiyan 2 level was hardly impressive—certainly not worth his valuable time and energy. Raditz realized his oversight immediately. After all, Whis was a god of the highest order. He could be accommodating and friendly, but that didn't mean others could make demands freely.
"I understand," Raditz replied, abandoning thoughts of calling Goku and Vegeta as well.
"Actually, your current strength doesn't require my guidance. I could see from your earlier transformations that your body has reached its present limitations."
Whis maintained his serene expression, his demeanor as gentle as a spring breeze.
"You haven't been back long since visiting Lord Champa, have you? What you couldn't accomplish with my sister cannot be achieved with me either." Whis shook his head knowingly.
He was referring to the test of divine power—the true realm of godhood! Indeed, the only difference between then and now was his Super Saiyan 3 transformation, but that alone couldn't bridge the gap to divine territory. Whis meant that until reaching the divine realm, further training improvements would be marginal at best.
Raditz understood that pure power cultivation was far less important than pursuing a breakthrough into the divine dimension!
"Then... what exactly do you mean?"
"I promise to help you train, but not now—only when you genuinely approach that realm. Let me remind you: simply strengthening ki isn't enough. You must refine your spirit and dimensional awareness, comprehending and absorbing that higher state." Whis smiled knowingly. "It's quite similar to that red-haired form you possess."
Vados had told Whis about Raditz's crimson Super Saiyan God transformation, and as Angels, they naturally understood exactly what realm it represented.
"That's the divine realm?"
"No, it's merely the preparatory level for godhood. Beyond that lies true divine status like Lord Beerus. And of course, even higher levels exist..." Seeming to catch himself, Whis's voice gradually faded without further explanation. Perhaps for the current Raditz, reaching even the first preparatory divine level would require considerable time.
A burning longing for the divine realm suddenly ignited in Raditz's heart.
Apparently, Whis hadn't come to provide intensive training, but rather to explain the nature of divine power. Raditz was singled out precisely because of this potential—the others hadn't even touched the threshold!
"Well, I've said quite enough. Let's conclude here. Raditz, I look forward to our next meeting." Whis smiled and straightened, preparing to depart.
"Oh, I nearly forgot—I must collect my gifts."
Raditz called for Zangya, who presented the prepared pastries to Whis. Even without receiving training immediately, establishing friendship with an Angel was invaluable.
After receiving the desserts, Whis tapped his staff against the ground, causing brilliant light to emerge. He smiled with obvious satisfaction. "Farewell, Mr. Raditz, and Miss Zangya."
Colorful, magnificent radiance enveloped the Angel, carrying him directly toward the Destroyer God's realm.
Only after the light completely faded did the rest of the family emerge from the house, looking skyward with confusion about what had transpired.
Android 17 frowned with disappointment. "He just left? Didn't he agree to train you?"
"Not this time, unfortunately. But Trunks, I'll continue being responsible for your development."
"Yes, sir!" Trunks hadn't really expected instruction from a god like Whis, but having Raditz as his master felt far more comfortable anyway.
Everyone felt somewhat disappointed at missing the chance to witness Whis's divine abilities.
"Trunks, let's go to the Lookout," Raditz declared, filled with excitement about working toward his breakthrough. "Zangya, please watch Rukon—we'll be back within a day."
"Take care," she replied with understanding.
Raditz placed his hand on Trunks's shoulder with a confident smile.
With Instant Transmission, they materialized at the Lookout, high in the atmosphere where even clouds couldn't reach. Looking upward revealed only crystalline blue sky. Though the air was thin, it felt remarkably pure. The solemn architectural patterns and rows of carefully tended trees added vitality to the otherwise austere temple grounds.
Preparatory gods, true gods, Angels beyond even true gods—every realm awaited his challenge. The path ahead stretched endlessly, but he would continue searching and climbing toward those divine heights.
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