Bulma's birthday celebration concluded in a joyful atmosphere. Everyone had finally gathered together and enjoyed a truly beautiful day.
The Pilaf Gang ended up staying at Bulma's residence as young Trunks's companions, helping with various household tasks. Emperor Pilaf in particular proved valuable—his talent in technology was genuinely rare. While not quite matching Bulma's creative genius, he was exceptionally skilled at optimizing designs and improving existing systems.
Beerus and Whis returned to the God of Destruction's realm, but Raditz did not accompany them.
He went somewhere else instead...
A beam of light descended upon the Sacred World of the Kais. Raditz materialized beneath the familiar ancient tree. Looking out across the vast field stretching into the distance, his eyes took in the sea of green. The clear sky and the shadows of distant stars complemented each other, meeting at the junction of heaven and earth. A gentle breeze blew, refreshing and pleasant.
"Lord Supreme Kai, why did we need to talk here specifically?" Raditz asked as he arrived at the sanctuary. Kibito had changed into formal Supreme Kai robes and donned the earrings that symbolized his divine status.
On the cruise ship during the birthday party, Shin had stopped Raditz, saying he had something important to discuss—but it had to be done in the Sacred World of the Kais. The tone of voice and the expression on his face had seemed mysterious, suggesting something of great significance.
So Raditz had followed them here.
"This matter is extremely important and very formal. This will be your first time attending, so I must explain the protocols to you," Shin said seriously. Kibito beside him had an even sharper gaze, as if examining a defendant in court.
Even the usually accommodating Old Kai looked unusually grave.
"Protocols?" Raditz frowned with curiosity.
Shin continued: "You're aware that there are twelve universes in total, correct? Each universe has its corresponding Supreme Kai. That means—not counting you and our ancestor—there are twelve Supreme Kais. We Supreme Kais hold assemblies periodically to discuss the state of the multiverse, and sometimes we even hold joint meetings with the Gods of Destruction."
Raditz quickly understood. Shin was going to participate in a Supreme Kai General Assembly! Come to think of it, managing such vast universes wasn't simple. Each universe needed to share their accomplishments with the others and learn from successful strategies.
"In the past, these meetings were held once every few thousand years. It wasn't scheduled for the present era. However, the fact that you eliminated Demon God Demigra caused quite a sensation across the multiverse. Combined with certain dire prophecies we've received, we feel it's necessary to convene a meeting in the near future. Both our ancestor and you will participate together."
"I'm participating too?" Raditz was genuinely surprised. Wouldn't one representative per universe be sufficient?
It was rare for Kibito to see Raditz caught off guard, and he smiled inwardly—though his face maintained its stern poker expression. He leaned toward Shin and whispered, "Won't there be too many representatives from our universe? Every other universe has one, and we'll have three."
Shin waved dismissively. "Raditz is the one who defeated Demon God Demigra—it's perfectly reasonable for him to attend. Moreover, there's no rule stating only one representative per universe can go!"
After being told this, Kibito found himself speechless. While it wasn't technically specified that only one could attend per universe, there had traditionally only ever been one Supreme Kai. He looked at Lord Shin and realized that Shin had learned to be more "flexible" under Raditz's influence.
Shin made up his mind and said to Raditz: "So I came to you to explain the necessary precautions. Many Supreme Kais have... peculiar temperaments. As a junior, you must maintain the humility befitting the gods."
So he was here for etiquette training. Raditz smiled and agreed to follow Shin's guidance.
Old Kai nodded with satisfaction.
Come to think of it, he hadn't attended a Supreme Kai gathering in an incredibly long time. There would be other old-timers from his era present. Though they were all Supreme Kais, each universe secretly competed with the others. This long-awaited reunion had Old Kai feeling genuinely excited.
Over the following days, Raditz learned about the Supreme Kais and the structure of the other universes, gaining a general understanding of what to expect at the assembly.
Anato, Supreme Kai of Universe 1, is calm, mature, and stable. He is one of the oldest and most composed of all Supreme Kais, guiding his universe with quiet confidence.
Pell, Supreme Kai of Universe 2, is cheerful and kind. He supports a universe focused on love and beauty, encouraging harmony among its beings.
Ea, Supreme Kai of Universe 3, is logical and thoughtful. He favors strategy and scientific progress, working closely with machine-based life forms.
Kuru, Supreme Kai of Universe 4, is sly and calculating. He is known for working in secretive and tricky ways, mirroring the deceptive style of his universe.
Ogma, Supreme Kai of Universe 5, is calm and philosophical. He guides a well-developed and morally stable universe, rarely needing aggressive intervention.
Fuwa, Supreme Kai of Universe 6, is gentle and emotional. Though timid at times, he genuinely cares about the growth and safety of his universe.
Ill, Supreme Kai of Universe 8, is quiet and steady. He maintains balance smoothly without unnecessary conflict or disruption.
Ro, Supreme Kai of Universe 9, is blunt and harsh in attitude. He often appears impatient or irritated, but still protects his universe's order.
Gowasu, Supreme Kai of Universe 10, is wise and reflective, known for his love of tea and careful teaching.
Khai, Supreme Kai of Universe 11, is serious and disciplined. He supports a universe centered around justice and order, including the Pride Troopers and Jiren.
Agu, Supreme Kai of Universe 12, is calm and intelligent. He oversees a universe known for its advanced technology and structured development.
They maintained the balance of their respective universes and were among the noblest deities in existence. And now Raditz stood among their ranks.
After less than a month of preparation, Raditz had improved significantly in divine etiquette and conversation. He'd familiarized himself with the meeting protocols and proper modes of address so he wouldn't embarrass himself.
Finally, after a few more days of preparation, the time for the assembly arrived.
"Raditz, are you ready? We're leaving now," Shin said, looking at him seriously. "Remember everything I told you."
"I know." Raditz had long since memorized what was expected of him.
Kibito and Old Kai both nodded. All four of them vanished with Instant Transmission.
Swish!
The four materialized in an entirely new environment, having left the Sacred World of the Kais behind. Raditz saw the Supreme Kai meeting place for the first time. His eyes lit up suddenly, captivated by the sight.
They stood upon a snow-white floor that stretched outward to an unknown distance. The surroundings were empty—like the infinite space within the Hyperbolic Time Chamber—but countless motes of light floated gently through the air. Above their heads, a massive star map hung suspended, displaying every universe from the First through the Twelfth in clear, detailed projection.
Only a single long crystal table occupied the space before them. Tea settings rested on the table. There were six seats along each side, with one seat positioned at the head—clearly the place of honor. Each chair was angular and geometric, with subtle decorative patterns carved into the backrests. Beyond that, there was no ornamentation whatsoever. Extremely simple, yet somehow conveying weight and solemnity.
Everything decided at this simple table could affect the direction of entire universes.
The Supreme Kais from Universe 1 and Universe 9 had already arrived. Raditz had seen their portraits during his studies and recognized them immediately.
Following Shin's instructions, Raditz took the initiative to greet both Supreme Kais. Anato, the Supreme Kai of Universe 1, responded with polite courtesy. But Roh, the Supreme Kai of Universe 9, merely glanced at him coldly and nodded with obvious disdain.
"Are you the supposed prodigy from Universe 7 who became Supreme Kai directly from mortal status?" Ro's voice dripped with contempt.
"Yes, Lord Ro," Raditz replied, suppressing his temper and maintaining a diplomatic smile.
From what he'd learned, this particular Supreme Kai was narrow-minded and somewhat conceited. But even Beerus and Whis had never spoken to him in such a condescending tone. Raditz felt his irritation rising.
"Are you even qualified to attend this assembly? Shin, was this your idea?" Ro didn't even look at Raditz as he spoke.
Shin couldn't miss the smell of gunpowder in the air. Supreme Kais weren't always harmonious—conflicts arose regularly. Just as Shin prepared to respond diplomatically, Raditz spoke first.
"It was my idea," Raditz said, his voice turning cold. "I am the Supreme Kai of the Seventh Universe. You should address me as Lord Raditz."
His eyes froze suddenly, and a wave of oppressive pressure radiated outward. Ro shuddered involuntarily, breaking into profuse sweat.
"Hmm?" Raditz added another layer of divine power. The immense, invisible pressure pushed Ro out of his seat entirely. The Universe 9 Supreme Kai tumbled to the ground. Raditz snorted coldly, then laughed. "Lord Ro, you shouldn't have given up your seat for me. How very polite of you."
Ro looked completely humiliated, his face twisting with indignation. But the display of power Raditz had just demonstrated sent him a clear signal—he didn't dare act rashly.
Raditz was naturally a humble person. Even after becoming Supreme Kai, he still addressed Beerus and Shin with proper respect. That was how he honored his predecessors and those worthy of deference.
But respect had to be earned—and reciprocated.