The Lookout.
The highest point on Earth, rising far above the sea of clouds.
Kami stood at the very edge, his deep gaze piercing through the billowing white mist below.
He had been standing there for so long that Mr. Popo started to wonder if Kami had become a statue.
"Kami-sama."
"Popo, time is running out."
"The arrival of those two evil Saiyans is drawing closer."
Mr. Popo nodded, a rare solemn expression appearing on his usually calm face.
"Son Goku is still training with King Kai… I wonder if he can return in time."
Kami sighed.
"Even if Goku returns, he alone might not be enough…"
The despair from Raditz's arrival a year ago remained vivid.
If not for that mysterious warrior — Loren — Earth would already be gone.
Thinking of Loren, a flicker of hope appeared in Kami's cloudy eyes.
That man had killed the arrogant Raditz with a single casual strike.
Loren's power existed in a realm Kami could not even comprehend.
"Popo, we must contact him," Kami finally declared. "He is Earth's only hope."
Mr. Popo hesitated, "But… if we disturb him, what if we anger him?"
"His ki is not evil. I believe we can speak with him amicably," Kami closed his eyes, extending his spiritual awareness outward.
South Pacific — an uninhabited island
The sun was warm.
The breeze was gentle.
The waves whispered against the shore.
Loren lay comfortably on a beach chair, a comic book covering his face.
[Daily Mission: Have a perfect sunbath on an uninhabited island (duration: 3 hours).]
[Mission Reward: Battle Power +50.]
Getting stronger by just lying down… truly the greatest joy in the universe.
Loren stretched lazily.
Then—
A gentle thought intruded into his mind.
Loren frowned, lifted the comic book from his face, and sat up.
"Who the hell is bothering me now…? Can't a man get some proper sleep?"
The thought sensed Loren's awakening and quickly transformed into a respectful voice.
"Great warrior of Earth, I am Kami."
Kami's tone was full of reverence.
"I sense your unfathomable power, and I remain grateful for the righteous act with which you saved Earth a year ago."
"However, a greater crisis approaches. Two Saiyans, far stronger than Raditz, are coming to destroy Earth."
Loren picked at his ear, having no intention of replying.
Kami paused, then continued.
"To protect Earth, I sincerely invite you to the Lookout, so we may discuss countermeasures. You may even receive higher-level training. Only your strength can—"
"No."
Loren cut him off instantly.
On the Lookout, Kami froze mid-sentence.
"…W-why?"
Loren reclined back down.
"The Lookout is too high. Too much trouble to go up there."
"…" Kami's mind went blank.
Trouble?
Was… that really the reason?
Loren added lazily,
"Besides, I heard there's nothing to eat up there. And no good sunshine. And the altitude is bad for relaxation."
Kami felt his soul leave his body.
Popo's face twitched — a historic moment.
People normally demanded money, status, food…
But this man?
He refused because there was no sunbathing?
Loren sighed, "Don't always rely on others. Let your own people train more — sweating is the best training."
"And you… you're old. Stop worrying so much. It's bad for your health."
Then Loren simply cut off the connection.
Silence returned.
Loren exhaled peacefully, lay back down, and continued his sunbath.
Meanwhile, on the Lookout—
Kami was stunned stiff.
"Don't always rely on others…"
"Let your own people train more…"
"Worry less, it's good for your health…"
Suddenly, Kami's eyes lit up with revelation, "Popo! I understand!"
Popo blinked. "…Understand what?"
"This powerful warrior isn't rejecting us — he's enlightening us!" Kami declared passionately.
"His words carry deep meaning! He is teaching us that true strength must come from within! That we must trust Goku and the others! That I should relax and not be overly anxious!"
Popo opened his mouth…
And closed it again.
Trying to correct Kami seemed pointless.
Perhaps the mind of a master truly operated on a different level…
King Kai's Planet
Under ten times Earth's gravity, Goku trained relentlessly.
"Kai…o-ken!!"
A crimson aura exploded outward, shaking the entire planet.
King Kai flinched as the ground trembled beneath him.
In just a few months, Goku had mastered both the Kaio-ken and the Spirit Bomb.
But Goku knew it still wasn't enough.
Two terrifying Saiyans were approaching.
He needed far more strength.
Earth — Wilderness
Gohan trembled, bruised and exhausted.
Piccolo's voice exploded like a drill.
"Unleash your potential, Gohan! Your rage is your weapon! Do you want your father to die?!"
A blast shot past Gohan's face, blowing a crater into a distant mountain.
But the boy didn't cry.
His eyes only grew more determined.
Other Fighters
Krillin, Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, and Chiaotzu pushed themselves beyond their limits.
Everyone knew: A decisive battle for Earth's survival was coming.
Deep Space
Two spherical pods sped through the starry void.
Inside one—
Nappa grinned wildly, checking his scouter.
"Prince Vegeta, we're almost there! Raditz died on that little planet, right? What a loser!"
Inside the other pod—
Arms crossed, eyes closed, Vegeta smirked coldly.
"Nappa, don't underestimate any planet."
"But it doesn't matter. Once we use the Dragon Balls to gain eternal life, that planet will become nothing more than fireworks."
Their ships accelerated.
A blue planet soon appeared in the distance.
Earth.
And its one-year countdown…
Was almost over.