Return Voyage!

(If anyone misunderstands and says this cheat ability is pointless... First, I want to clarify that this isn't a cheat like in other books. It's purely a setup I've dug—a foreshadowing for the final ending. Why else would I bother giving the protagonist something like this? I'm not that bored. There'll be a small explanation later. Second, don't view this book through a perverted lens, or you won't be able to handle it. ==! Also, I need to state: this book won't feature any ridiculous stuff outside of Dragon Ball. No "true qi" or anything like that—I guarantee it. Even if something appears, it'll be from Dragon Ball. Ok?!)

"That energy that wasn't mine... it's gone... What's going on?!"

After transforming, Betkas carefully recalled everything that had just happened, a puzzled look crossing his face. He could sense that the reason he'd transformed so quickly was that foreign energy—or rather, the same energy that had been at play moments before Broly blasted him over a decade ago. It seemed to let him become a Super Saiyan at will.

But he also knew there was a price. For instance, that time over ten years ago, because he'd transformed, he'd been completely sealed off. Only after reaching a certain age could he truly become a Super Saiyan. Now that energy was stirring again—how could he not be suspicious? Yet it had suddenly vanished, beyond his detection, leaving him with no way to track it.

"I guess I'll have to find time to ask Bardock about this."

Betkas frowned slightly, then muttered to himself while sensing his current strength.

"Looks like I overestimated myself earlier..."

Betkas carefully felt the power within him... Suddenly realizing that while it was strong, the one thing that dissatisfied him was that it wasn't as strong as he'd imagined. Or rather, he'd overestimated himself.

"I forgot the basics. Transforming into a Super Saiyan multiplies base power by 50 times. But if your base isn't strong enough, even after transforming, you're still weak. Tch. My current strength is enough to deal with Frieza, but it probably won't cut it against the Androids later... I'll need to keep training, or I'll definitely get crushed."

Betkas thought over his mistake... Then realized he'd overlooked a fundamental point: his own base strength. Since becoming a Super Saiyan multiplies power by 50, if his base was only 1 point, he'd top out at 50. So with his base around 5-6 million, multiplying by 50 would put him between 250 million and 300 million. He'd been a bit too optimistic before.

But... was Betkas's true power really that low? That answer might only be known in battle.

"For now... I have some capital. Not as strong as I'd hoped, but there's still time. No need to worry about not getting stronger."

Betkas clenched his fists, looked at his current form, and an eager fighting urge surged endlessly from within. Once that mindset emerged, Betkas felt a surge of excitement.

"Huh... the Tree of Might Fruit!"

Betkas suddenly noticed his hands were empty, freezing him in surprise. That shock drew his attention away from his own thoughts.

But the sudden disappearance of the Tree of Might Fruit puzzled him. He vaguely remembered that when he transformed into a Super Saiyan, his hands had unconsciously loosened, so the fruit should have fallen below.

But looking down at the dense, chaotic terrain below gave him a headache, since the Tree of Might Fruit had no energy signature.

He looked ahead and spotted Tarble far in the distance. His eyes narrowed slightly... The flame-like energy around him dissipated, and Betkas vanished from his spot.

When he reappeared, he was right in front of Tarble.

"Ah!"

"Gulp!"

Tarble was startled by Betkas's sudden appearance... then swallowed hard, staring dumbfounded at Betkas, who was still in his Super Saiyan state, speechless.

"Thanks for holding onto this for me. Otherwise, I'd have had to put in some effort."

Betkas glanced at the Tree of Might Fruit in Tarble's right hand, smiled slightly, and said. He seemed to be in a very relaxed Super Saiyan state—no energy burst, just a calm form. It resembled the Super Saiyan Full Power state, like Son Goku and Son Gohan after leaving the Hyperbolic Time Chamber before the Cell Games. But Betkas himself hadn't noticed.

Maintaining Super Saiyan normally consumed too much stamina and energy. Without reaching Full Power, it was nearly impossible to sustain for long.

"This... it's nothing..."

Tarble snapped out of his shock after a long moment and said... He was about to return the strange fruit to Betkas, but Betkas seemed to think of something and suddenly spoke: "Keep it."

"Huh?!"

Tarble was stunned by Betkas's words... having no idea what the fruit was for.

"Well... consider it a reunion gift. If you have the will to become strong, eat it. If not, just keep it."

Betkas said thoughtfully. Then he turned to fly off, because for him, there was no need to destroy this planet anymore. He now had the strength to completely defeat Frieza—no more fear!

"Wait!! Betkas... what is this form of yours?!"

Tarble watched Betkas about to fly away... suddenly remembering the question he'd been holding back, and asked.

"Hm... Super Saiyan. If anything comes up, come find me on Earth later. I'm sure big brother Vegeta will be there too."

Betkas replied calmly. Without hesitation, he vanished in a flash.

"The legendary Super Saiyan?!"

Tarble stared blankly at the spot where Betkas had disappeared, his shock beyond words.

...Frieza's base...

"That Betkas guy seems to have completed his mission and is heading back. That was fast."

Zarbon reported with a puzzled look to Frieza, who was still leisurely drinking.

"That guy's strength is more than enough for a low-class planet. But why did that Vegeta act on his own? Have you investigated the reason?"

Frieza asked with an unhappy tone.

"This... the audio from the scouter wasn't decoded at the time, and it was deleted by personnel. We can't find out. The only thing we know is that Vegeta went to some remote planet."

Zarbon and Dodoria looked at Frieza with some fear, then lowered their heads and replied.

"Is that so? Then keep a close watch on him. Report to me immediately if you find anything!"

"Bam!!"

Frieza crushed his wine glass... his hand soaked with liquor, his expression cold.

"Yes, Lord Frieza! We'll personally monitor him."

Zarbon and Dodoria responded immediately, then both withdrew...

A fierce storm was beginning to unfold...