Cooler's base floated silently in the same galaxy where Planet Namek orbited its star. The ship's sleek surface gleamed with a cold, metallic glow, reflecting the endless void of space. Inside, Cooler stood with his arms crossed, staring through the massive window of his command chamber. His crimson eyes narrowed, and a smirk tugged at his lips.
So… Turles failed. Pathetic.
He remembered Barbon's report—his father's right-hand man delivering the news with hesitation. Turles and his band had been completely defeated on Namek. Not only had they failed to retrieve the Dragon Balls, but they'd been humiliated by a mysterious fighter. King Cold had then given the order himself.
"Cooler," his father had said, his deep voice resonating through the communicator. "There is someone on that planet strong enough to crush Turles and his men. I want you to eliminate him. Retrieve the Dragon Balls. Do not fail me."
Normally, Cooler would ignore his father's demands. Unlike Frieza, he had never craved his father's approval. He was his own ruler, his own conqueror. But this time… this time was different. Cooler had just finished a grueling month of training. Through sheer determination and brutal methods, he had ascended beyond even his limits, unlocking a radiant golden transformation. A form that surpassed Frieza's Golden state.
For the first time in centuries, Cooler wanted to test himself.
And what better opponent than the warrior strong enough to humiliate Turles?
"Set course for Namek," Cooler had ordered. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable edge of anticipation.
Now, within only a few minutes of travel, his massive cruiser sliced through the void toward the small, green-blue planet.
---
The Grand Elder's Prophecy
On Namek, the air was unusually still, as though the planet itself anticipated something. Deep within the Elder's dwelling, Goku, Rudra, and Nail stood before the massive form of Grand Elder Guru. The old Namekian's breathing was labored, yet his presence radiated an immense wisdom.
Guru slowly opened his eyes, fixing his gaze upon the two warriors.
"My children… I have seen what is to come." His voice was low but carried great weight. "A shadow approaches. Stronger, colder, more merciless than even Frieza."
Goku frowned, clenching his fists. Rudra, standing beside him, felt a chill crawl down his spine. He already had an idea who Guru was referring to.
Guru lifted his great hand and beckoned Nail. The warrior stepped forward and placed his palm on Goku's shoulder. Guru's energy flowed outward like a wave, filling Goku's body. In an instant, Goku felt his strength surge, his potential unlocked. His power almost doubled, raw energy coursing through him.
Guru then turned to Rudra. Nail placed his hand on Rudra's shoulder as well. The same wave of energy flooded him, awakening his hidden reserves. Rudra gasped, his body trembling under the force. His vision sharpened, his heartbeat steadying with newfound clarity.
"This is not the end of your growth," Guru said, his deep voice echoing in the chamber. "It is merely the beginning. You will need every ounce of strength for what comes next."
"Elder," Goku asked, "what should we do about the Dragon Balls? Frieza's men… and Turles' group… they'll keep coming after them."
Guru closed his eyes. "Bring all seven to me. They must remain under my protection. Fight first against the coming threat. And if you should require aid, Nail will summon the Dragon. He will use its power to restore your fallen allies."
Goku nodded firmly. "Understood."
Rudra, though silent, was deep in thought. So it's true… the movies I saw back in my world weren't just fiction. Cooler is coming. This is going to be even harder than Frieza.
---
The Arrival
The ground trembled faintly. A piercing hum filled the air as Cooler's ship pierced through the sky, descending toward Namek. Its shadow swept across the land, dwarfing the small villages below.
Outside Guru's dwelling, Goku and Rudra stepped out, squinting into the sky. Nail followed close behind.
The massive cruiser halted in the atmosphere, then slowly rotated. From beneath it, a single pod-like chamber detached and streaked downward. The impact shook the earth, leaving a crater.
From the smoke, a lone figure emerged.
Cooler.
Unlike his younger brother, he carried himself with a calm, composed arrogance. His body gleamed with polished bio-armor, tall horns curving from his head. His crimson eyes scanned the landscape before locking onto the three warriors.
He smirked. "So. Which one of you was responsible for Turles' defeat?"
Goku stepped forward, his expression stern. "Who are you?"
Cooler's eyes flickered, narrowing in recognition as he studied Goku's face and hair. Then he chuckled. "Interesting… A Saiyan. And not just any Saiyan. You're Son Goku, aren't you? The one who killed my little brother."
Goku's eyes widened. "What? Frieza was… your brother?"
Cooler folded his arms, his smirk growing wider. "Indeed. I am Cooler, Frieza's elder brother. And unlike him, I don't rely on scouters to measure power. I can sense energy myself."
Rudra's jaw tightened. He had known this was coming, but hearing it aloud made the danger more real. So it begins. Just like in the movie… but worse. Because this isn't just fiction anymore.
Goku raised his fists into a stance, frowning. "So… do you also have transformations? Like Frieza?"
Cooler tilted his head. "More than Frieza, actually. What you see now is my fourth form. But I also possess a fifth… You could call this my true final form."
Goku's eyes narrowed. "So you're even stronger than Frieza was."
Cooler chuckled darkly. "Oh, far stronger. Frieza was reckless, impatient. I am neither. But… let's test this strength of yours first."
Goku slid one foot back, dropping into his fighting stance. He was still in his base form, but his spirit burned bright. "Then let's see how much of what you said is true… and how much is just talk!"
The wind shifted, carrying dust across the battlefield. Rudra's heart pounded as he stepped back, ready to intervene if necessary. Nail watched silently, every muscle tense.
And so… the clash with Cooler was about to begin.
---
To be continued…