I Am Raditz

After nearly a day of high-speed travel, Raditz and his companions finally arrived at Planet Namek.

The world before them was beautiful and vibrant, with mountains and rivers, scattered islands, primitive wildlife, and unique dome-shaped vegetation covering the landscape. Since the planet's over-exploitation had once led to catastrophic climate change, the Namekians had embarked on a path of ecological restoration, planting trees extensively to rebuild their environment. The result was the tranquil and picturesque Namek they now witnessed.

"We're finally here!" Krillin shouted, being the first to rush out of the hatch, with everyone else following close behind.

They had been cooped up for too long. The moment the spaceship touched down, they eagerly opened the hatch to breathe in fresh air.

"Uncle Piccolo, is this your homeland?" Gohan blinked, looking around at the unfamiliar environment with curiosity.

"Yes."

Piccolo surveyed his surroundings, his eyes holding an expression that none of the others could fully comprehend. A sense of familiarity seemed etched into his very bones—even Piccolo couldn't deny the unique connection he felt to this place.

Nappa and Vegeta, accustomed to countless alien worlds, regarded this planet with indifference. Meanwhile, the Earth-born fighters were fascinated by everything around them, even the wildflowers growing alongside the path.

"Enough sightseeing—gather around!" Raditz called everyone together, displaying the Dragon Ball radar.

The device showed that three Dragon Balls had already been collected in one location, while the other four remained scattered across the planet.

The Namekians lived in tribal communities, with each tribe led by an elder who safeguarded their Dragon Ball. Major decisions were typically made collectively by these elders and the Grand Elder. If someone wished to use the Dragon Balls, they needed to earn recognition from the various tribes and become an acknowledged "warrior" of Namek.

The fact that three Dragon Balls were already gathered in one place could only mean one thing—they had been forcibly taken.

"Slug and Turles have already begun their hunt."

"I can sense an evil presence toward the southeast—not just evil, but immensely powerful!" Goku peered into the distance, his eyes remarkably sharp.

Raditz felt it too. "That's Slug's energy signature! Turles could never reach that level. There are other energy readings there as well—it must be a village."

"Then... what should we... do?" Krillin pointed nervously with both index fingers, his expression betraying his apprehension.

Unlike the Saiyans, he had never planned to confront beings as powerful as Frieza or Slug—universal overlords! How desperately he wished to be back on Earth, facing a villain like King Piccolo instead...

"If you don't feel up to the challenge, stay here for now. I have a capsule containing basic necessities like a simple tent. Let's find a suitable cave or sheltered valley to set up base." Raditz tossed the capsule case to Krillin. "Those who want to come with me, step forward!"

Vegeta and Goku were unquestionably at Raditz's side. Though Nappa wanted to join them, a single glare from Vegeta was enough to dissuade him. His strength was indeed somewhat lacking, and he would likely be more hindrance than help. After reflection, he decided to stay behind and help establish their camp.

Piccolo, however, stepped behind Raditz without hesitation.

"Hey, are you strong enough for this?" Vegeta sneered.

"You think you're that much better than me?" Piccolo retorted disdainfully.

Both were proud and arrogant individuals. Their cold gazes met in midair, producing almost visible sparks. The surrounding atmosphere suddenly turned frigid, as if a blizzard had descended upon them.

"Enough! Save the bickering for later. Remember, we're here to rescue people and recover the Dragon Balls. This isn't the time for a full confrontation with Slug." Raditz positioned himself between the two. "Let's move!"

"Hmph!" Both snorted in unison.

Goku smiled helplessly, then took the lead in flight.

The four warriors headed directly toward the malevolent and powerful energy signature!

...

Southeast region of Namek.

Lord Slug approached the tribal settlement step by step. Despite his advanced age, he still possessed tremendous power. Each footfall seemed to toll like a death knell for those before him.

Numerous young, strong Namekian warriors lay face-down on the ground, along with several children. Some had broken limbs; others were already dead. Purple blood flowed in rivulets, converging like small rivers and soaking the once-fertile soil. The cries of the children were heart-wrenching.

The surrounding buildings lay in ruins, homes constructed of resin and stone reduced to rubble. Only the elder's dwelling remained intact, though it was now surrounded by Slug's soldiers.

Within their encirclement, a few defiant Namekian fighters still stood their ground.

"You... you're a Namekian too. How could you do this?" The fallen elder dragged his broken body forward and demanded loudly.

Fury burned within him as he clenched his fists, wishing he could strike Slug's hateful face, but he lacked the strength.

Slug smiled wickedly. "I grew up on planet Slug. So what if I'm a Namekian? I am a demon—completely different from you!" He moved with shocking speed, suddenly appearing behind the elder and grasping his head.

"I've always had certain memories lingering in my mind, and it seems they were true." Slug seemed able to peer into others' hearts. "You pathetic weaklings are no longer of any consequence."

With those words, and without even turning his wrist, he snapped the elder's neck.

The expression of surprise and outrage remained frozen on the elder's face as his head rolled to the ground. From the broken neck, dark purple blood gushed forth like a fountain for several seconds.

Slug laughed loudly, surveying the devastation around him before striding directly toward the elder's house.

The last few Namekian fighters, covered in wounds, trembled with cold sweat as Slug approached.

"Out of my way!" Slug waved his soldiers aside, advancing with a thunderous expression, already forming an energy blast in his hand.

His soldiers quickly withdrew to both sides—Lord Slug's energy attacks were nothing to joke about!

"Damn it! Fight!"

"Show them the courage of the Namekian people!"

Several Namekian warriors lined up before the elder's residence, arms outstretched to protect their sacred domain with their very bodies. Though Namekians were peace-loving by nature, they did not fear evil. They possessed an iron will and unbreakable spirit!

"If you wish to die, I'll gladly oblige!" Slug snarled ferociously. The energy blast in his hand surged forward, arcing through the air before descending from above, aimed directly at their heads.

The overwhelming power terrified the Namekian fighters. They steeled themselves for the inevitable, closing their eyes and accepting death with dignity.

"BOOM!"

An explosion shattered the air, but the Namekian warriors, expecting death, opened their eyes to find themselves still alive. In their astonishment, they saw four figures had appeared before them. The explosion had been redirected to the side, where flames now reached toward the sky.

Slug's face darkened. "You must be the Saiyans that Turles mentioned, and another one... who's also a Namekian! Hahaha, what a coincidence!" As he spoke, his eyes radiated unprecedented coldness.

"If you stand in my way, you will all die!"

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