Vegeta was struck with shock. "Planet Namek? Wishing Orbs?" That was his goal!
Dammit, Frieza beat me to it. I need to get there as fast as possible.
After all, he was a man destined for immortality. How could he let Frieza steal his wish? Once he achieved eternal life, Turles, Kakarot, and even Frieza would be nothing more than playthings in his hands.
With that thought, Vegeta sprinted toward his Attack Ball. Watching his departing back, a cold glint flashed in Cui's eyes. "I knew you were up to something, Vegeta. But this is my chance—I've wanted to kill you for a long time!"
As two spherical spaceships blasted off, Vegeta sensed Cui's movement. A cold smirk played on his lips. "Following me, are you? Cui, once we reach Namek, I'll deal with you once and for all!"
Nearly a month later, Vegeta and Turles's group arrived at Planet Namek almost simultaneously.
A streak of light tore through the Namekian sky.
The massive spaceship landed steadily on the green surface of the planet. As the hatch hissed open, Goku and the others stepped out, followed by Bulma's fuming glare. She had wanted to check if the atmosphere was safe for humans first, but these meatheads had just walked right out.
Looking at the vibrant green vegetation, Gohan cheered. "We're finally here! Piccolo, this is your home!"
Piccolo stared at the scenery. A strange, familiar warmth welled up in his heart. "Is this really... my home?"
"Hmm? This Ki... it's so strong!"
Goku's attention was instantly seized by a massive energy signature.
"Who could that be?"
"Who cares? Let's go find out," Turles suggested. He could feel the Ki, and compared to Frieza's true power, this signature was insignificantly weak.
"Wait... this Ki feels incredibly evil. And there are several other malicious signatures around it..."
"A lot of kind signatures are fading away," Gohan added, his voice trembling. "What is happening to Planet Namek?"
"It seems Namek is under attack."
Piccolo moved to fly toward the source, but Turles blocked his path. Is he crazy? Turles thought. What's he going to do, go there and die? With Piccolo's current power level, Lord Frieza could wipe him out with a flick of his wrist.
"Piccolo, calm down. The kind signatures over there have already vanished. Let's head in the other direction and see what's going on first."
"By the way, everyone, suppress your Ki. They likely have Scouters. We need to stay under the radar."
The group eventually arrived at a stone house. They were startled to see a Namekian guarding the entrance.
"Piccolo, he looks just like you!" Gohan exclaimed.
"Who are you?" Nail asked, his eyes wary. However, when his gaze landed on Piccolo, he froze. "You're a Namekian? Why don't I recognize you?"
"Nail, let them in."
An aged, resonant voice drifted from inside the house.
As the group entered, they were met by a massive, elderly Namekian standing over ten meters tall.
"Welcome, travelers from afar. Are you the child of Katas? It brings me great joy to see that you safely reached Earth."
"With your talent, you should have been able to create Dragon Balls of your own, shouldn't you?"
Piccolo fell silent. It was the first time he had ever heard his father's name. After a moment, he replied, "No. I don't know how to create Dragon Balls. I know nothing but how to fight."
"I see... Could you come closer?"
Piccolo hesitated but eventually stepped forward. The Grand Elder Guru placed his large hand on Piccolo's head.
"So that is how it is... Why did you separate? You were meant to be a complete Dragon Clan Namekian. My child, your current strength is not even one percent of what you were originally capable of. What a waste..."
Piccolo was stunned. He knew fusing back with Kami would make him stronger, but he hadn't imagined the difference was that staggering.
The Grand Elder looked down at Piccolo. "Child, may I see your memories?"
Piccolo nodded. After a brief moment, the Grand Elder withdrew his hand. "A tragedy indeed. However, while I cannot restore you to your original potential, I can still teach you a few things. Are you willing?"
Without hesitation, Piccolo accepted.
"Also, take this." The Grand Elder handed the Dragon Ball from atop his head to Piccolo. "Please protect it. Do not allow those with evil hearts to use the Dragon Balls. I beg of you."
"Don't worry, Grand Elder. We won't let them have their way."
"Then I thank you. In that case, let me give you all one more boost."
Nail's expression shifted. "Grand Elder... but..."
"It is fine. I still have some time left."
"Come forward one by one. I shall unlock your potential."
Krillin stepped forward first. The moment the Grand Elder's hand touched his head, a powerful surge of Ki erupted from Krillin's body.
Feeling this new strength, Krillin stared at his hands in disbelief. "So strong! I'm at least twice as powerful as before."
"Next child, please."
As Gohan stepped up, the Grand Elder's eyes widened. "Child, your potential is truly immense. I can only draw out a fraction of it."
Even the Grand Elder was awestruck by Gohan's latent power.
"Thank you, sir," Gohan said politely.
As powerful energy filled the room, the Grand Elder began to pant slightly. Unlocking potential was physically taxing, and he was very old.
Just as the Grand Elder was about to unlock Goku's potential, Turles reached into his storage and pulled out a fruit.
"Grand Elder, this is a Fruit of the Tree of Might I found. Please, eat it."
The Grand Elder was shocked. "The Fruit of the Tree of Might? The legendary fruit said to be consumed only by the gods? To think it actually exists."
"Child, thank you."
After consuming the fruit, the Grand Elder looked as if he had aged backward by several years.
"Incredible... I haven't felt this light in ages. I feel as though my lifespan has increased by at least a decade."
Renewed, the Grand Elder continued the process. With the Fruit's boost, it became much easier for him.
As the powerful aura stabilized, Goku's Power Level skyrocketed, putting him right on the threshold of the Super Saiyan transformation. The potential unlock was truly a miraculous ability.
Finally, it was Turles's turn. As the Grand Elder sensed Turles's depth, he couldn't help but marvel. "Your potential is the most terrifying I have ever encountered. Even now, I can only draw out less than one percent of your current potential."
"I leave it in your hands then, Grand Elder."
As the Grand Elder focused, a violent, primal aura exploded from Turles.
"What terrifying power..."
Turles felt a cool energy flow from the top of his head, followed by an endless torrent of power surging from within his body.
"Turles, keep it down!"
At Piccolo's urgent warning, Turles immediately suppressed his Ki. "Sorry, Grand Elder. And thank you."
The Grand Elder smiled. "It is no matter. Did you not give me a Fruit of the Tree of Might in return?"