"So, thiiiis—is—the—reason you brought back another new sister?"
In the spacious and bright living room of the Briefs' estate, Bulma was currently sitting on the luxurious sofa, arms crossed, legs crossed.
Her sky-blue eyes seemed to be frozen with polar ice, her gaze like a cold scalpel, aimed precisely at Whitley...
...and at the petite, innocent-looking Angel peeking out timidly from behind him—Kusu.
Whitley's face was plastered with an awkward smile. A drop of cold sweat was even trickling down his temple.
He knew Bulma all too well. This heiress might seem easy-going most of the time, but on certain issues, her temper was incredibly short. When her jealousy flared up, it was enough to drown all of West City!
He quickly shot a look at Marcarita, who was standing to the side acting like it had nothing to do with her. His eyes screamed, "Help me! Get her out of here!"
Marcarita received Whitley's signal, pouted in annoyance, crossed her arms, and turned her head to pretend she hadn't seen, her silver twin-tails swinging with the movement.
Seeing Whitley's nervous face, Marcarita had originally wanted to mock him—something like, "What's it to me? Just dump this woman," or "Damn Whitley, your harem is on fire now, isn't it!"
But seeing his pitiful gaze, Marcarita suppressed her annoyance and swallowed the taunts that were already on the tip of her tongue.
"Let's go, Kusu."
Marcarita said flatly to the still-dazed Kusu.
"Stop being a third wheel. I'll take you to try some Earth desserts. The taste... is acceptable."
Without waiting to see if Kusu understood what "third wheel" meant, she grabbed her small hand, turned, and left the living room, leaving the space to the couple and their delicate atmosphere.
When Marcarita and Kusu's footsteps faded, Whitley carefully scooted over to Bulma on the sofa. Seeing that Bulma didn't react, Whitley's heart leaped, and he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close.
Seeing that she didn't immediately struggle, but kept her head turned away in an "I'm-angry-don't-talk-to-me" posture, he couldn't help but smile wryly.
He reached out, gently stroking her soft, ocean-blue hair, his voice dropping low, tinged with a fond gentleness:
"Bulma, let me explain... This time, you've really misunderstood."
That was the wrong thing to say. It was like flipping a switch.
Bulma, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, instantly slapped his hand away from her hair. She whipped her head around, her beautiful large eyes shimmering with tears, but her gaze was like daggers stabbing into him.
"Misunderstood?! What do you mean, I misunderstood?!"
Bulma's voice shot up, the words firing like a machine gun.
"Others might not know you, but I do! You've had your eye on that little Angel Kusu for a while, haven't you?! And that Grand Priest is a real smooth operator! Sending Vados wasn't enough, so he stuffed Marcarita on you! And now? It's a 'buy two, get one free' deal, and he's bundled another one over! And... and you just... you just accepted it?! What do you think this is? An Angel shelter?!"
The more she spoke, the more agitated she became, and the more wronged she felt. The tears in her eyes finally spilled over, rolling down like pearls from a broken string.
But she stubbornly refused to sob, just biting her lip, as if taking this chance to pour out all the insecurity, jealousy, and grievances that had been building up.
Whitley's heart ached seeing her like this. He could only pull her tighter into his embrace, letting her tears soak the front of his shirt.
He knew that right now, any explanation was useless.
But Bulma cried for a long time. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He steeled himself, lowered his head, and accurately kissed her pouting lips.
"Mmph...!"
Caught off guard, Bulma struggled for a moment, her palms patting "slap, slap" against his back. But Whitley's arms held her fast, and the kiss, filled with an unyielding tenderness and dominance, gradually melted her tension and all her strength to resist.
A long time later, just as Bulma felt she was about to run out of air, Whitley slowly released her.
They parted, breathing heavily. Bulma's cheeks were flushed, and the anger in her eyes had mostly dissipated, replaced by a complex emotion.
Whitley held her tight again, resting his chin on the top of her head. He sighed deeply, his voice full of guilt:
"I'm sorry, Bulma... I... broke my promise."
This time, it was Bulma's turn to be surprised.
She leaned against his warm chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, her mind racing through all the promises he had ever made to her. She couldn't remember which one he meant.
She looked up, her tear-filled eyes confused.
"Broke... your promise? What promise? I don't remember."
Whitley looked down into her eyes, which were like pure blue sapphires. His mind seemed to travel back in time, back to that jungle, to his crashed ship.
To the first time they met. The first time they searched for the Dragon Balls together. The first time they stood before Shenron.
And... the clumsy, earnest promise he had made to this vibrant, blue-haired girl...
Seeing his hesitant expression, his eyes filled with memories and guilt, Bulma seemed to guess what he meant.
She didn't ask again. She just sighed softly, leaned her head back against his chest, and wrapped her arms around his waist.
They just held each other quietly on the sofa. The warm sun streamed through the window, stretching their shadows, and the air filled with a silent understanding and warmth.
...
In the afternoon, Whitley got busy.
Under the watchful eyes of all the women in the house, he grabbed his communicator and called almost every friend in his contacts.
"Hey? Goku? It's me, Whitley. There's a party at the Briefs' estate tonight. Bring Chi-Chi, Gohan, and the others... Yes, lots of good food! Also... I... I'll tell you when you get here."
"Vegeta, come over for dinner tonight... Don't ask questions, just come. Don't worry, there'll be a strong opponent for you to fight. (Referring to himself)"
"Krillin! Bring your girlfriend tonight... She has to work? Then just come by yourself. I have something to announce."
"Tien, Chiaotzu, are you free tonight?"
"Master Roshi..."
For this important party, he even had Vados contact Beerus and Whis, who were far away on the God of Destruction's planet.
He... was leaving.
He was going to Universe 11 to formally take the post of God of Destruction.
Although with his power and the Grand Priest's permission, he and his women could return to Universe 7 and Earth anytime, this was different.
He was no longer a member of Universe 7, but the supreme god of another universe.
This farewell marked the end of an era and a new beginning.
...
By evening, the Briefs' estate was bustling. Long tables were set up on the huge lawn, piled high with all kinds of delicacies prepared by top chefs.
Goku's family, Vegeta's family, Krillin and his girlfriend (who took the day off), Tien and Chiaotzu, Master Roshi in his beach attire, and 17 and Cell...
Wait! The World Martial Arts Tournament Announcer... why was he here?
Almost every famous warrior and friend on Earth was there.
Even Beerus and Whis had instantly teleported from their work to appear at the party.
At first, the atmosphere was lively and joyous.
Goku and Vegeta started an intense battle over the food, Krillin and Gohan chatted about family, Piccolo watched from the side. Master Roshi's eyes darted between the beautiful women, his nose bleeding, until Bulma found him and chased him away in disgust.
When everyone had eaten their fill, Whitley stood and clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"Everyone,"
His gaze swept over every familiar face, his voice carrying clearly across the lawn.
"I invited you all here today not just for a party, but because I have an announcement to make."
The noise died down as everyone looked at him curiously.
"I am about to leave Universe 7 and head to Universe 11, to officially take the post of God of Destruction there."
The crowd instantly erupted!
"A God of Destruction?!"
Goku, his mouth full, exclaimed, "Whitley, you're gonna be like Lord Beerus?! Awesome!"
"Universe 11?" Vegeta crossed his arms, frowning, seemingly thinking of the strong opponents from the Tournament of Power.
"Mr. Whitley is leaving Earth?" Gohan asked, surprised and sad.
Krillin, Tien, and the others all wore expressions of shock.
"Quiet."
Beerus spoke softly. His voice wasn't loud, but the authority of a God of Destruction instantly silenced the crowd.
He licked the cream off his paw, his purple eyes fixed on Whitley.
"So that clown Belmod is finally retiring? Hmph. Good. Now I won't have to listen to his stupid jokes at the meetings."
Whis just smiled at Whitley. "Hohoho~ Congratulations, Whitley-san~ Universe 11 is a very interesting place. The Pride Troopers and all~"
Whitley nodded at Whis, then turned back to the crowd. "Don't worry. Even though I'm going to Universe 11, I'll come back to visit often. Besides, Marcarita was the Angel there, and with her and Vados, traveling back and forth is easy."
Even so, a faint melancholy of parting filled the air.
After all, Whitley had lived on Earth for so long. He was an irreplaceable part of their group.
Just then, Beerus, looking at the sad faces in the crowd, suddenly put down his food.
He slowly walked up to Whitley. His sharp, reptilian pupils stared at him, his tone casual but leaving no room for argument.
"Quiet."
Beerus spoke softly. His voice wasn't loud, but the authority of a God of Destruction instantly silenced the crowd.
He licked the cream off his paw, glanced first at Whis—the two exchanged a knowing look—and then turned his gaze to Whitley, looking at the kid he had watched grow up with a very complex expression.
The atmosphere became tense. Everyone watched the God of Universe 7, wondering what he would say.
"Whitley."
Beerus finally spoke, his voice less lazy than usual, and more serious.
"You're going to Universe 11 to replace that clown Belmod. Whis and I... have known for a long time."
Whitley looked at him, surprised. The Grand Priest had only just mentioned it to him as a consideration.
Beerus and Whis already knew?
"Hsss..."
Whitley sucked in a sharp breath. The Grand Priest... just how long had he been planning this?
Beerus snorted. "Honestly, when I first met you, you were just a little Saiyan boy scrambling to survive a fight with me. I never thought in just a few short years, you'd grow to this level... You can even land a hit on me when I'm serious."
When he mentioned "land a hit," his tone wasn't annoyed about the Solar Flare, but held an imperceptible trace of... acknowledgment and sentiment.
"I know you don't really take this 'God of Destruction in training' title seriously."
Beerus looked at Whitley, as if seeing right through him.
"For you, Universe 7 is probably more about Bulma, your women, these friends, everyone on Earth, and... the trouble that finds its way here."
He paused, and a slow grin spread across his face. "Whis and I discussed this for a long time."
He glanced at Whis, who smiled and nodded.
"Even if we begged the Grand Priest to keep you in Universe 7, it'd be pointless. Your stage should be bigger."
Beerus's tone held a rare magnanimity, that of an elder and a friend.
"But just letting you pack up and leave like that, coming and going as you please... Hmph. I'm not happy about it either."
He stepped closer, his voice becoming formal and serious.
"So, Whis and I have decided. Effective immediately, Universe 7's Solar System, including Earth, is reassigned as your direct territory! It will move with you to Universe 11!"
"What?!"
This time, even Whitley almost jumped out of his skin in shock!
Giving him the entire Solar System, including Earth?! This wasn't just a gift, this was... he couldn't even describe it!
Beerus saw the undisguised shock on Whitley's face and a satisfied smirk flickered, but he quickly put his stern face back on.
"Don't get too happy! It's not free!"
He held up two fingers. "Two conditions!"
"First!" Beerus's voice was final. "The Solar System is yours, but it will always nominally retain the 'mark' of Universe 7! Consider it... a loan from me, Beerus! So other people can't say I just abandoned my own territory!"
This was more about preserving his dignity as Universe 7's God of Destruction.
"Second!" His gaze swept over Whitley, then glanced at Marcarita, his tone non-negotiable.
"And most important! From now on, when Whis and I travel to your Universe 11, especially to Earth to taste its delicacies and relax, you and Marcarita are forbidden from stopping us, restricting us, or charging any 'entry tax' for any reason! I know you'd pull a stunt like that. You must give us the highest-class reception! Got it?!"
This condition seemed to be about satisfying his gluttony, but in reality, it also included the right for him and Whis to visit their old friends whenever they wanted.
This was a deeper bond.
Whitley's heart pounded! He instantly understood the deep meaning of Beerus's arrangement.
This wasn't just ceding territory. It was the most dignified and sincere farewell gift that this rival-and-friend could give!
It honored his future, protected his attachments, and maintained their connection.
But...
Moving an entire solar system from one universe to another... that was no small thing!
It involved the balance between universes. It wasn't something Beerus could just decide!
"Lord Beerus's proposal... is very tempting. But... is this... allowed?"
He was afraid Beerus would get dragged to Lord Zeno's Palace by the Grand Priest and erased for this.
...Was this really allowed?
Seeing Whitley's expression, Vados smiled. She stepped forward and elegantly raised her staff.
"I will contact my father about this."
The orb of her staff glowed, and soon, the Grand Priest's gentle and dignified image appeared before them.
"Father,"
Vados bowed respectfully, then briefly explained Beerus's proposal and Whitley's concerns.
The Grand Priest listened, his expression thoughtful.
He looked at the expectant Whitley, then at Beerus, who was pretending to be indifferent but whose ears were clearly perked up. Finally, his gaze swept over the Z-Fighters, and especially over Vados, Marcarita, and the others standing near Whitley.
He pondered for a moment, and a slow, meaningful smile spread across his face.
"Hmm... Beerus's proposal is sudden, but not unfeasible."
The Grand Priest's voice came through the staff.
"Whitley is about to become the God of Destruction of Universe 11. Having his own core divine territory will indeed help him fulfill his duties and stabilize the universal order. And since Beerus proposed it for Universe 7, it is within the rules."
He paused, then smiled and made his final decision:
"I approve this matter. I will explain the situation to Lord Zeno."
"Alright!" Goku, Bulma, and the others burst into joyous smiles!
"However," the Grand Priest continued, "moving an entire solar system across the universal barrier requires immense divine power and precise control. Marcarita alone cannot do it."
His gaze swept over the Angels present:
"Vados, Whis, Marcarita, and Kusu."
The four Angels stepped forward.
"The four of you will work together to perform the 'Star System Warp.' Move the entire Solar System to Universe 11, and place it near the God of Destruction's planet."
"Yes, Father!" the four Angels replied in unison.
The next moment, under the shocked, excited, and disbelieving eyes of the Z-Fighters, the four Angels flew high into the sky, taking positions at the four cardinal points of the planet. Their staffs simultaneously exploded with dazzling, holy light!
Vados's pale violet light, Whis's blue light, Marcarita's pink light, and Kusu's green light shot up like four pillars, piercing the atmosphere and reaching into deep space!
The light spread rapidly, weaving a massive runic network that slowly, but quickly, enveloped the entire Solar System—the Sun, the planets, the moons, the asteroid belts...
Everything!
"Warp... begin!"
As the four Angels chanted, the massive runic network flared to an impossible brightness!
The people on Earth felt a slight tremor beneath their feet. The stars in the sky seemed to stretch and distort, blurring into lines of light and color!
A strange feeling of weightlessness and spatial transition washed over them, but the process was incredibly smooth, not even causing a single small tsunami or earthquake!
It was a miracle!
The entire process lasted for about ten minutes.
When the dazzling light faded and the sky returned to normal, people were amazed to find that the stars outside... looked subtly different.
The constellations were unfamiliar, yet held a new vitality.
The Solar System, along with all its life, had been silently moved in its entirety from Universe 7 to Universe 11!
It had become the special territory, belonging directly to the new God of Destruction, Whitley!
"It... It... worked?!" Krillin's jaw dropped as he stared at the sky.
"Everyone! That was amazing!" Goku danced with excitement.
Vegeta, though still standing with his arms crossed, had a look of profound shock in his eyes.
Bulma squeezed Whitley's hand tightly, her face glowing with happiness and relief.
This way, her home and her family were still together!
Just as everyone was immersed in the joy and shock of the successful move, a petite figure suddenly appeared near Whitley.
She walked forward with hesitant steps, stopping timidly in front of him.
It was Kusu.
She looked up, her big eyes filled with determination.
She took a deep, visibly nervous breath, as if mustering all the courage she possessed, and in front of everyone, said in her soft, clear voice:
"Wh-Whitley-san!"
All eyes instantly focused on the small Angel.
Kusu's face was as red as a ripe apple. She gripped her staff and continued:
"I... I also want to become... an outstanding Angel... like my sisters Vados and Marcarita!"
Her words stunned the crowd. An outstanding Angel? What did that have to do with Whitley?
Kusu looked at Whitley with burning eyes and said the shocking words:
"So! So... please... please let me... become your wife, too! Please!"
Silence!
Dead silence!
Everyone was stunned by the sudden proposal!
Whitley's jaw dropped. He looked at Kusu's serious, "I-want-to-improve-myself" expression and was completely petrified.
Vados and Marcarita looked at each other, sharing a look of resignation and amusement.
Bulma just held her forehead and collapsed onto the grass, letting out a weak groan.
Kusu, seeing no reaction from Whitley, thought he was refusing. Her eyes turned red with panic.
She added, her voice breaking, "I... I'll work very hard! I'll learn how to be a good wife! Just as hard as I'll learn to be an outstanding Angel! Please, Whitley-san!"
Whitley looked at Kusu's "I'll-cry-if-you-say-no" face. He looked at Bulma on the grass, who was holding her head and didn't want to talk. He looked at Vados and Marcarita, who clearly had a "you-deal-with-it" attitude. Finally, he looked up at the brand new, Universe 11 sky that was now his.
He took a deep, deep breath.
And then, he slowly, helplessly, and with a sense of resignation, smiled.
He reached out and gently patted Kusu's soft hair. Under the stunned gaze of everyone present, he said in a voice full of complex emotions:
"...It looks like... just as Bulma said... my 'Angel Shelter'... is officially open for business."
(End of Book!)