Led by Nail, Piccolo and his companions finally stood before the Great Elder.
It was obvious at a glance that the Great Elder was ancient—so old that he was nearing the end of his life.
The Great Elder slowly opened his eyes and gazed at Piccolo first.
His deep voice carried admiration, "The former genius… split into two… and still so remarkable."
Piccolo froze. He hadn't expected his secret to be revealed so easily.
The Great Elder had seen right through him.
But Piccolo quickly regained his composure. "I will not reunite with Kami. I am who I am."
Gohan, Krillin, Tien Shinhan, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu were stunned.
They had never imagined that Piccolo and Earth's Kami were once one being.
And yet, even as half of a whole, Piccolo was this powerful.
If he were to reunite, his strength could multiply several times over—perhaps even dozens of times. The thought shook them to their core.
The Great Elder continued slowly, "I know why you have come to Namek, and I will allow you to use the Dragon Balls."
"Thank you, Great Elder," Piccolo said respectfully.
Krillin's eyes widened as he glanced at the enormous Dragon Ball beside the Elder's chair.
"They're massive… way bigger than Earth's Dragon Balls. Incredible!"
"Yeah, they're huge," Yamcha agreed.
Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu, who had also seen Earth's Dragon Balls, were just as amazed.
They had assumed all Dragon Balls were the same size.
Nail looked between the Great Elder and the Earthlings.
"The Dragon Balls are yours to use. With them, you may help us rid Namek of these invaders."
Piccolo clenched his fists, "You don't even need to ask. We'll destroy the enemies threatening Namek."
Nail nodded in approval. Piccolo's power, though foreign, was unmistakably Namekian—many times stronger than his own.
Having Piccolo on their side greatly increased their odds of survival. The Great Elder's gaze lingered on Nail.
Though Nail had dragged these visitors into Namek's struggles, it had given his people new hope.
The Elder, feeling his life slipping away, knew his time was short.
But at least, before he passed, he could strengthen those who had come to fight for Namek.
The Great Elder lifted the massive Dragon Ball and handed it to Krillin, who quickly accepted it with reverence.
"Before my time comes," the Elder said, "I can help you all unlock your hidden potential."
"Great Elder…" Nail and Dende looked at him anxiously, afraid that this power might come at the cost of his life.
The Elder raised a hand gently, signaling calm.
"Do not worry. Unlocking potential does not shorten my lifespan."
Nail and Dende exhaled in relief. They had feared this kindness would hasten his end.
Gohan whispered, moved, "The Great Elder is so kind."
"Yes, he truly is," Krillin agreed.
The Elder smiled warmly.
"Come forward, one at a time. Once your potential is awakened, you will at least have the strength to defend yourselves."
Piccolo glanced at his companions, then made the decision.
"Chiaotzu, you go first. Then Gohan."
"Thank you, Piccolo," Tien Shinhan said, grateful that Piccolo had thought of his closest companion first.
Despite being vastly stronger, Piccolo still looked out for the weaker fighters.
Chiaotzu nodded shyly.
"I'll go first, Tien Shinhan."
"Go on, Chiaotzu," Tien encouraged.
Chiaotzu slowly approached the Great Elder. Everyone watched intently.
None of them had ever seen someone's potential unlocked before. Only Piccolo remained calm.
He believed his strength came solely from training—he doubted the Elder's ritual could increase his power by much.
The Great Elder placed his enormous hand on Chiaotzu's head. At once, a mysterious energy enveloped him.
Chiaotzu's aura exploded, skyrocketing instantly.
Piccolo, Tien, Krillin, Yamcha, and Gohan all felt the sudden surge of power.
"His aura just multiplied seven or eight times in an instant. Incredible," Piccolo noted.
Though still far below Piccolo's level, the sheer leap in power was astounding.
If Goku were here, he would recognize immediately that Chiaotzu's combat power had risen to nearly 9,000.
Krillin's jaw dropped.
"Chiaotzu's energy… it's terrifying! He's stronger than me now!"
"Yeah," Tien said proudly. "He even surpassed me. But that just means he can protect himself now."
Yamcha smirked to himself. Once his potential was unlocked, he was sure he'd surpass Chiaotzu again.
After all, before this, his power had been far greater.
Chiaotzu returned to Tien's side, smiling brightly.
"Tien, now I should be strong enough to protect myself."
"Yes, Chiaotzu," Tien said warmly, placing a hand on his shoulder.
...
Author's Note:
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