The Super Saiyan Gods suddenly reverting to normal form surprised not only Whis, but Goku and the others as well. The power had been tremendous yet fleeting, allowing them to clearly experience transcendent transformation—but the method of achieving it and its unexpected disappearance left them confused.
Only Raditz could provide an explanation.
"Whis, what you witnessed was Super Saiyan God."
"Super... Saiyan God? Hmm... I recall you mentioning this transformation before, but you said you couldn't fully control it at the time, correct?" Whis tapped his chin thoughtfully, as if recalling their previous conversation.
Raditz smiled. "That's the one—our Saiyans' unique path to godhood. Though the method is somewhat roundabout, it grants divine power for a brief period!"
Everyone who'd experienced the red-haired god's strength nodded in agreement. Indeed, that realm's power was definitely something only deities could possess. Even with the state gone, they remained immersed in its lingering effects.
Whis covered his mouth with a gentle laugh. "Divine power? Hohoho, you're still quite far from that." He regarded Raditz carefully. "Having trained under Lord Champa, you should understand a true god's strength level, shouldn't you? Hmm... Perhaps you've touched that realm, but there remains a long journey ahead within it."
"However, reaching this level at all is already surprising," Whis added finally.
His lofty tone seemed to dismiss their achievement entirely.
Throughout the temple, Piccolo went pale with shock. Even Super Saiyan God meant nothing in this being's eyes? How many more levels existed above them? The children gathered around Rukon, eager to learn about Whis's origins, but Rukon knew little himself. He shared memories of their single shared meal, even mentioning how Whis didn't know how to barbecue properly...
The guardian deities Dende and Cargo listened silently, terrified. Little ones, don't speak so casually about gods! In their divine hierarchy, higher-ranking deities represented absolute dimensional superiority—let alone angels who stood near the very apex! Rukon showed no restraint, inadvertently horrifying the guardians.
Whis was correct. The Super Saiyan God transformations everyone had achieved contained numerous flaws—they were merely the initial stage. Only when someone truly absorbed this level and could freely transform into the divine realm would they officially enter godhood.
Once Whis understood the Super Saiyan God transformation method, he nodded with comprehension, immediately grasping why it had suddenly vanished. Such divine power couldn't be sustained indefinitely—it wasn't a genuine breakthrough.
He shook his head and turned away, though he didn't leave immediately, as if considering the agreement he'd made with Raditz.
Raditz observed Whis's back before speaking seriously: "Whis, what if I could transform independently?"
"Oh?" Whis turned suddenly.
The others stared as well, their faces frozen in disbelief.
"That's impossible..."
Raditz could complete the transformation by himself after requiring five people's assistance? Was he once again a step ahead?!
Goku couldn't believe it. Neither could Vegeta, Tarble, or the others!
Whis finally turned around completely, speaking with gravity: "Raditz, if that's the case, I acknowledge your qualification."
"My hard work has finally paid off. I believe I've grasped the Super Saiyan God transformation," Raditz declared, his eyes gleaming with incomparable confidence as excitement surged within his heart.
Since the recent battle against five Super Saiyan Gods, Raditz had gained tremendous insight, gradually discovering the sensation of achieving true godhood.
Taking a deep breath, Raditz calmed his mind, gently closed his eyes, and entered a state of absolute mental clarity.
To reach the divine realm, one had to continuously refine mind and spirit, combining personal foundation with energy to unleash transcendent power! Visualize, refine, activate, transform—the body!
"Hah!" Raditz's eyes snapped open.
Instantly, the heavens parted as auspicious clouds separated. Colorful rays of light descended from the void while holy aura erupted from his body, as if endless energy emerged with presence surpassing countless beings. The familiar divine flames, crimson hair and pupils, ethereal gaze, lofty bearing, and imposing stature—all proclaimed Raditz's current state: genuine Super Saiyan God!
He'd actually achieved it!
Everyone except Whis drew sharp breaths, their hearts seeming to stop momentarily.
"My, Raditz truly exceeded my expectations. Successfully transforming alone... it seems he's genuinely comprehended the divine realm," Whis said with narrowed eyes and an approving smile.
He felt genuine appreciation for Raditz's accomplishment.
"Whis, does this suffice?"
"Indeed, my promise naturally remains valid. If so, come with me," Whis replied.
"Where are we going?" Not only Goku and the others, but even Raditz couldn't help asking.
Whis paused momentarily. "Didn't I mention? You'll accompany me to the God of Destruction realm." He regarded the confused Raditz as if this were obvious, maintaining his characteristic smile. "I said I wouldn't allow you to come, but that was actually because the timing wasn't right. Now you're qualified."
Was that so? It seemed he hadn't been unwilling—just making various excuses. Raditz silently scorned Whis's duplicity.
"Oh, by the way, please bring some Earth cuisine. I truly miss the delicacies Zangya prepared last time," Whis added, perking up at the mention of food.
Had Raditz not tempted him with Earth's culinary delights during their previous encounter, he never would have visited the planet. Now that the habit was established, he'd probably want regular feasts on Earth.
There was no choice—Whis's request had to be accommodated. Raditz bid everyone farewell, returned home to prepare food supplies, then departed for the God of Destruction realm with Whis.
Both Zangya and Rukon were reluctant to see Raditz leave, but he promised to visit frequently. After all, traveling between the Seventh Universe's God of Destruction realm and Earth would take no longer than a single episode's duration. With the right incentives for Whis, he could make round trips anytime.
Meanwhile, Vegeta and the others watched with intense envy as Raditz departed with Whis, wishing they could take his place. Training in the God of Destruction realm—the very thought was thrilling! Beyond everything else, wouldn't the gap between themselves and Raditz only widen after this journey?
"No—I'm going to train on the Saiyan homeworld!" Vegeta clenched his fists with fierce determination.
"I must also step into the divine realm! I'll never lose to Raditz!"
"Exactly!" Tarble grasped Vegeta's intentions and immediately felt overjoyed. "Master said we should all become gods—this seems like the perfect opportunity!"
Imagining waves of crimson hair flowing as ranks of Super Saiyan Gods stood atop the universe's hierarchy, Tarble's heart pounded violently with excitement.