I Am Raditz

On the vast landscape, a tall, slender mountain stood like a tower reaching toward the sky in the center of the Namekian archipelago. At the summit, a worm-like dwelling sat in solitude as strong winds whipped past the peak.

The door shook slightly before floating upward to open.

Nail emerged from inside and gazed into the distance.

In the end, he had chosen to guard the Grand Elder rather than fight elsewhere. Namek had been reduced to a battlefield of destruction, and since he couldn't save it alone, it was better to protect their last hope.

The Grand Elder had instructed him to welcome several guests who were about to arrive.

Guests? Did Namek have any allies left? Nail was puzzled but believed unquestioningly in the Grand Elder's words.

With his hands clasped behind his back, his long clothes fluttered in the wind. Suddenly, Nail's eyes flashed as he spotted a group of people flying toward them from a distance. Among them were his Namekian companions with several strange aliens following behind. Could these be the guests?

Though doubts filled his mind, Nail maintained a calm exterior. He watched them cautiously, paying special attention to Piccolo.

"Nail!" the Namekian warrior called out from afar.

"Cargo! The Grand Elder told me to wait here!"

"Of course he did. As expected, the Grand Elder already knew about our arrival." The group halted in front of the dwelling.

"Please, come in."

Nail extended his hand, gesturing for Raditz and the others to enter. He led the way, stepping inside first.

The group entered together and, with curiosity and uncertainty, beheld the legendary Grand Elder.

The Grand Elder's bloated body sank heavily into his seat, limp and weak. He was clearly dying, with one foot already stepping through death's gate.

Behind him floated an enormous sphere—a Dragon Ball. When they saw it, their eyes lit up with excitement.

"Thank you for saving my children. I didn't expect visitors with such powerful energy," the Grand Elder remarked, his senses still keen enough to gauge the strength of everyone present at a glance.

"It was nothing special," Raditz said modestly, while Tumat peeked timidly from behind him, shrinking back.

"The aura of evil has spread across all of Namek. It's fortunate you've appeared at this time. I believe I see a glimmer of hope..."

"That's why we're here, and we hope to receive your help."

"I understand. That one looks very familiar... You're from Earth... A child of Katas. I'm truly surprised—I never expected any of our kind to survive elsewhere. How wonderful." The Elder's gaze settled on Piccolo as if understanding everything. "May I touch your head? Don't worry, I won't harm you."

Seeing the Grand Elder's figure upon entering had stirred something warm in Piccolo's heart. He hesitated briefly before agreeing to the request.

He stepped forward, and the Elder gently placed his hand on Piccolo's head.

"Such a shame. To rid yourself of evil thoughts, you split into two beings, which diminished your strength. If you had remained whole, you might have been powerful enough to defeat our current enemy. A pity..." The Grand Elder shook his head slightly, seeming to share in Piccolo's regret.

Most Namekians were peaceful people, with only a few possessing fighting talents who became fighters. Above these were the extremely rare geniuses called Dragon Clan members, who possessed abilities ordinary Namekians lacked—including the power to create Dragon Balls.

Piccolo and Kami were originally one being—not only capable of creating Dragon Balls but also a rare warrior type. He could be described as a once-in-a-century Dragon Clan genius. No wonder the Grand Elder felt such pity.

"I can help unlock your potential, though how far you'll ultimately reach depends on you."

A dense aura suddenly appeared around the Grand Elder's hand, enveloping Piccolo. This energy seemed to hook into the hidden power within Piccolo's body, forcing it out in one explosive rush. Immediately, the aura surrounding Piccolo grew several times stronger, and he seemed to rise to a new level!

Amazing power erupted from his body, startling Nail!

Though also a warrior-type Namekian, he had never witnessed such tremendous force!

Piccolo was ecstatic, so excited he nearly blew apart the entire room.

"That's incredible! Piccolo's power just skyrocketed!" Goku exclaimed in amazement before pointing at himself. "Can I do that too?"

"As long as you have potential, it can be awakened. The more righteous souls like yours, the better," the Grand Elder smiled.

Hearing this, Goku eagerly approached the Elder to have his own potential unlocked.

Everyone watched enviously before stepping forward one by one to experience the joy of enhancement. Only Vegeta's pride made him hesitate, seeing how Raditz, Goku, and the others had surpassed him, but he finally stepped forward to accept the ritual.

"You all possess great potential. To be honest, I can only awaken a portion of it. Even so, I'm astonished by what I sense," the Grand Elder said, looking somewhat tired.

Although unlocking potential didn't directly affect his lifespan, the continuous effort had exhausted him as he already hovered between life and death.

"Thank you, Grand Elder! One more thing—to stop our enemies, this Dragon Ball..." Raditz pointed awkwardly to the massive sphere floating above.

The Grand Elder let out a soft "Oh," and brought the Dragon Ball down. "I entrust this Dragon Ball to you. At this point, only you can protect it. The future of Namek—indeed, the future of the universe—rests with you." He then offered the Dragon Ball, which Raditz caught.

"Thank you, Grand Elder."

"You must stop those evil forces..."

"Don't worry, those guys won't get their hands on the Dragon Ball," Krillin assured him, patting his chest confidently.

The Grand Elder smiled kindly. "Please, the few fighters here are the last fighting Namekians. Let them assist you."

Vegeta snorted softly. Though he didn't speak aloud, he was clearly disdainful. After having his potential unlocked, he felt his power soar and even entertained the idea of challenging Frieza directly!

Raditz harbored similar thoughts and didn't want the added burden. "Thank you for your kindness, Grand Elder, but let them stay to protect you. We'll save the next village. Please rest assured."

"Well..."

Nail interrupted: "Elder, don't hesitate. Let them go. It's best for us to remain here."

"If even you say so, then very well," the Grand Elder agreed.

Raditz and the others said their goodbyes and left the dwelling.

Outside, they split into two groups—one to escort the Dragon Ball back to their camp, and the other to locate the final tribe using the radar.

They now possessed one Dragon Ball, plus another hidden in their tent, making two in total. Slug had three Dragon Balls from his early arrival, and Turles had obtained one later.

Only one Dragon Ball remained, and the competition for it would undoubtedly be fierce!

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