"What Mr. Katakana said is indeed a concern," the Grand Priest nodded.
"But it's not a difficult one to resolve."
"If you're willing, you can stay in the temple to train for a while. Although I can't guarantee you'll surpass the Angels or Gods of Destruction right away, it wouldn't be hard for your strength to grow significantly in a short time."
The Grand Priest spoke calmly, a gentle smile on his face.
To fully master Perfect Ultra Instinct is no small feat, even Angels need years to grasp such a power. Yet Katakana had done it already, which spoke volumes about his immense potential. The Grand Priest was confident that, if Katakana stayed by his side and trained for ten or even eight years, he would definitely become qualified to take on the role of Temple Law Enforcement Officer.
"Train in the temple, huh…"
Katakana didn't respond immediately. Instead, he rubbed his chin and began to think seriously.
He knew well that the divine energy within the temple was incredibly dense, it could make training progress at lightning speed. However, Katakana also had the system's main missions to think about. He couldn't afford to stay in the temple for too long.
Just then, Whis took a cautious step forward and spoke up with a quiet voice, like a whisper.
"Um... Mr. Grand Priest, I believe you're right, Mr. Katakana certainly has the potential to become a Temple Law Enforcement Officer. It's just that... his current strength and experience are still a bit lacking. Perhaps it would be better for him to continue training under me for now. I'll devote myself fully to his development. In a few years, Mr. Katakana will no doubt be ready to become a trainee law enforcement officer!"
Whis's words were careful but firm. He feared upsetting the Grand Priest, but he knew he had to speak now or regret it later.
If Katakana ended up staying in the temple, Whis's peaceful, food-filled life might come to an end. Worst of all, he'd be far from his beloved instant sauerkraut beef noodles!
The Grand Priest's smile froze for a second when he heard Whis, and then his expression turned somewhat displeased.
"Yes! I think Mr. Whis has a point!" Katakana quickly added, stepping in before the Grand Priest could say anything.
"As Mr. Whis said, I lack both the strength and the experience right now. I'm also more comfortable training in Universe 7, where I can focus better."
Katakana understood this might be his only chance to avoid being stuck in the temple. If the Grand Priest insisted, it would be hard to refuse.
"…Alright then," the Grand Priest said after a pause, his tone calm but clearly not thrilled.
"I still think training in the temple would be more efficient, but since you insist on staying in Universe 7, I will allow it."
Though he was somewhat disappointed, the Grand Priest accepted their request. Whis's argument had merit, Katakana's potential was clear, but he wasn't strong enough just yet. Training under Whis for now wasn't a bad idea.
But then, the Grand Priest turned toward Whis, his gaze sharp.
"In that case, Whis, since you wish to keep Mr. Katakana in your universe, his training will be your responsibility. I expect you to take it seriously."
"I don't want to see Mr. Katakana's strength stagnant the next time I check on him."
"Also, Whis, his safety is now your responsibility. I expect no slip-ups."
Although the Grand Priest's words were calm, the chill in his tone made the warning very clear. After waiting so long to find a fitting candidate for Temple Law Enforcement Officer, he wouldn't tolerate any mistakes.
"Yes… I understand, Mr. Grand Priest," Whis replied nervously but firmly.
"I'll do my best to train Mr. Katakana and help him reach the level required for the position as soon as possible. As for safety, there's nothing to worry about. Mr. Katakana's current strength is probably no weaker than Lord Beerus!"
Whis wasn't worried about training Katakana, he was a natural genius, able to learn even Angel-level techniques in record time.
And in terms of safety, even if Katakana wasn't yet on par with the top-tier Gods of Destruction, with Ultra Instinct, he wasn't afraid of any opponent in the 12 universes.
"Very good," the Grand Priest said, his expression softening.
"I hope you won't disappoint me, Whis."
Since Katakana himself chose to stay in Universe 7, the Grand Priest would allow it. But if Katakana wasn't strong enough after a few years, he'd have no choice but to bring him back to the temple for direct training.
The position of Temple Law Enforcement Officer had been vacant for far too long. Now that the perfect candidate had appeared, the Grand Priest wouldn't let the opportunity slip away.
"Thank you, Mr. Grand Priest!" Katakana said, bowing in gratitude.
He wasn't sure why the Grand Priest agreed so easily, but it worked out in his favor. Even if he was willing to become a law enforcement officer, he had to complete his system missions first.
Besides, the current sign-in reward was supposed to be incredibly generous, there was no way he'd miss that.
"There's no need to thank me just yet," the Grand Priest replied with a wave of his hand.
"I've agreed to let you stay in Universe 7, yes, but before that, you'll remain in the temple for a few more days for special training."
"Also, Lord Zeno wants to meet the potential future law enforcement officer."
"…Meeting Zeno? I knew it wouldn't be that easy…" Katakana muttered, visibly uneasy.
He had a feeling things wouldn't go smoothly, but he didn't expect the Grand Priest to have him meet Zeno so soon.
"Hoho! No need to be nervous, Mr. Katakana," Whis chuckled, stepping forward.
"Lord Zeno is actually quite easygoing! Just be sure not to make him angry."
Whis knew the Grand Priest's training would be brutal, but he believed Katakana would pass with flying colors. And once that was over, it might take many years before Katakana became a full law enforcement officer, which meant plenty more time for Whis to slack off.
"Well then, if there are no objections, let's proceed to the Temple of Zeno now," said the Grand Priest, stretching out an arm toward the massive gate that led into Zeno's palace.