Standing atop the Great Gods of Destruction Altar, Kahn gripped the magnificent purple-and-gold staff, his heart pounding with excitement. Even he couldn't believe it—he had conquered the legendary Great Staff of Destruction and earned its recognition.
Initially, he had approached this trial with modest expectations, hoping to test his mettle. Yet, when the staff demanded his submission, something primal awakened within him.
"Kneel? To a staff?" Kahn muttered to himself, smirking at the absurdity of the notion. "Not to Zeno, not to the Grand Priest—never to anyone. Why should I start now?"
His defiance wasn't born of arrogance but of unyielding resolve. Whether or not he was among the strongest in the Dragon Ball multiverse, Kahn's will was unshakable.
Surveying the gods bowing in reverence, Kahn murmured, "So… does this make me the Great God of Destruction now?"
Before anyone could respond, a gentle yet commanding voice interrupted.
"Not quite yet."
Kahn turned toward the source, where a purple vortex shimmered into existence. Emerging from its depths was the Grand Priest, exuding an air of benevolence and humility.
"Lord Grand Priest!" the gods exclaimed, bowing deeply as their awe-filled voices trembled.
Even the twelve guiding Angels bowed in respect, their movements precise and reverent.
The Grand Priest nodded at the gathering. "This summit of the Gods of Destruction has concluded. Gods, return to your universes."
With a snap of his fingers, the eleven Gods of Destruction and their respective Angels vanished, leaving Kahn alone with the Grand Priest.
"Congratulations, Mr. Kahn," the Grand Priest began, his voice warm. "You are the first in countless eons to have the Great Staff of Destruction recognize you as its master. The Great God of Destruction's palace has been empty for hundreds of millions of years. Welcome as its rightful owner."
Despite the praise, the Grand Priest quickly tempered Kahn's enthusiasm.
"However, becoming the Great God of Destruction is a journey, not an immediate title. First, I must take the staff temporarily."
Kahn hesitated but handed over the staff. The Grand Priest inspected it with care.
"The staff's divine power has diminished from centuries without an owner," the Grand Priest explained. "Restoring it to its peak will take 10 to 20 years. During this time, you'll train with the Great God of Destruction's exclusive guide to master its unique powers and responsibilities. Only then will Lord Zeno officially grant you the title and godhead."
Kahn nodded in understanding. "So, I'm just a 'quasi-God of Destruction' for now. That's fine. I'll use this time to prepare."
The prospect of having years to hone his skills—and spend time with his wives—was more of a blessing than a setback.
"But, Lord Grand Priest," Kahn asked curiously, "who will be my guide? Whis?"
The Grand Priest chuckled. "No, Mr. Kahn. Your guide is none other than the creator of the Great God of Destruction's realm—the Dragon God Zalama."
Kahn's jaw dropped. "The Dragon God?! Seriously?"
The Grand Priest smiled at his reaction. "You'll see soon enough. For now, return to the Seventh Universe and prepare yourself."
With another snap, Kahn was sent back to Whis and Universe 7.
Once alone, the Grand Priest allowed a satisfied smile to surface.
In truth, he had long understood why none of the other Gods of Destruction could master the staff. Their fear of authority—of beings like Zeno and the Grand Priest—had always held them back.
Fear gave the staff its power, and overcoming it required not strength alone but an indomitable will.
"Kahn did what none before him could," the Grand Priest mused. "Perhaps he truly is the one destined to wield this power."
Raising his staff, he called out, "Vados, are you there?"
The crystal ball atop his staff shimmered, and Vados' serene face appeared.
"Father—ah, I mean, Lord Grand Priest," she greeted. "Does this concern Kahn's performance at the summit?"
The Grand Priest smiled. "Indeed. I bring good news. Kahn has not only won the summit but also succeeded in making the Great Staff of Destruction recognize him as its master. In due time, he will become the first Great God of Destruction in hundreds of millions of years."
Vados' eyes widened in astonishment, her typically composed demeanor giving way to disbelief.
"He did what?!" she exclaimed. "The staff actually recognized him?"
The Grand Priest nodded. "You've chosen wisely, Vados. Perhaps this is fate."
Hearing this, Vados couldn't help but smile. Pride and admiration filled her heart as she thought of her husband, the man destined for greatness.
"Congratulations, Vados," the Grand Priest said, his tone warm. "Your Kahn is truly remarkable."