When Zarbon carried the unconscious Vegeta back to Frieza's spaceship, the emperor of the universe looked on with satisfaction.
Zarbon knelt on one knee and reported respectfully,
"Lord Frieza, I've successfully brought Vegeta back to you."
"Well done, Zarbon," Frieza said smoothly, though his crimson eyes narrowed. "But you seem rather badly injured…"
Zarbon quickly lowered his head.
"This injury is nothing, Lord Frieza. As long as I can complete the mission you entrusted to me, I will gladly pay any price—even my life."
"Heh heh…" Frieza chuckled, swirling the red wine in his glass.
His tail swayed lazily behind him. "Go get treated. Oh, and take Vegeta as well. When he wakes up, I have… questions for him."
"Yes, Lord Frieza. I'll arrange it right away." Zarbon bowed.
Having served under Frieza for so long, he knew well that as long as the task was completed perfectly, Frieza treated his subordinates "kindly."
The fact that Vegeta was being spared meant one thing—Frieza wanted to interrogate him personally.
Killing him outright would have been far quicker.
Zarbon didn't dare dwell on the emperor's thoughts, however, and simply dragged Vegeta out of the throne room.
Once alone, Frieza sipped his wine and muttered, "…Why do I feel uneasy? Is there truly someone out there who could frighten me, the mighty Frieza?"
He shook his head, then laughed to himself.
"No, no… perhaps I'm simply overexcited. Eternal life is within my grasp. Of course there's a tinge of… anticipation."
Back at the Great Elder's home, Piccolo gazed off into the distance, his expression calm.
"Vegeta's been defeated."
"That bastard Vegeta? Defeated? That's great news!" Yamcha shouted, overjoyed.
To him—and to most of the others—Vegeta was nothing but the arrogant invader who had slaughtered people on Earth.
If someone else killed him, all the better.
Just as Piccolo started to lead the group outside, he suddenly stopped and raised his head toward the sky.
"What's wrong, Uncle Piccolo? There's nothing up there," Gohan asked in confusion.
Tien Shinhan, Krillin, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu all stared at him, waiting for an answer.
Piccolo's eyes sharpened, "Five unfamiliar energies… flying toward Namek. Their strength isn't weak."
He said it as calmly as if he were announcing the weather.
With his new power, Piccolo felt that no matter who came, he could face them without fear.
Still, one thought nagged at him—had his strength now surpassed Goku's? Based on what Goku had shown on Earth, Piccolo believed he was far ahead.
But something told him Goku had been hiding his true power. How much was he still concealing?
Tien Shinhan crossed his arms, "If I had to guess, they're reinforcements for Frieza's men."
Krillin and Yamcha nodded grimly.
Then Krillin glanced at Piccolo and smiled.
"Honestly, with your strength now, Piccolo, we don't really need to worry. You can handle the real threats. We'll take care of the small fry."
"Hah! For once, I agree," Tien Shinhan admitted.
He knew the gap between himself and Piccolo was too vast to deny.
Piccolo simply said, "Let's go."
The others—Gohan, Krillin, Tien Shinhan, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu—nodded firmly and prepared to fly.
At that moment, Dende spoke up softly,
"Um… could I come with you? I want to help fight too."
"Dende, it's too dangerous," Gohan said quickly. He didn't want his young friend risking his life.
"Yeah, stay here with the Great Elder," Krillin added. "That's the safest place for you."
Dende turned to Piccolo. For a moment, their eyes met.
Finally, Piccolo said, "…All right. Come with us."
"Thank you!" Dende said gratefully.
Since Piccolo had decided, the others didn't protest further.
Together, they took off into the sky, leaving only the Great Elder and Nail behind.
The Great Elder breathed weakly, then murmured,
"Nail, if you wish to fight, you should go as well."
"No, Great Elder," Nail said firmly. "My duty is to protect you. I won't leave your side."
The Great Elder studied his guardian's resolve and said nothing more.
Speaking itself was exhausting for him now, so he closed his eyes and sank into deep rest.
Nail sat down nearby, closed his eyes, and waited in silence.
...
Author's Note:
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