Tarble nodded at Vegeta and the others, then looked over his changed appearance and sighed. "So this is... Super Saiyan..."
He felt power pouring endlessly through his body, and found himself incredibly exhilarated.
It was like he'd taken a shot of adrenaline.
At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to find someone to fight and blow off some steam.
The Saiyans really were a battle-loving race!
Their desire for combat was practically etched into their bones.
Even he, a young man from the new century, had been affected.
After a moment of silent amazement, he returned to his normal state.
As soon as he did, the excitement and restlessness finally began to fade.
The next second, two lines appeared before his eyes again.
[Congratulations, Host. Your battle power has broken through to the Fourth Dimension. Binding slot +1.]
[Please bind an eligible target as soon as possible to unlock a higher multiplier for your training effects.]
After reading those two lines, his face lit up with joy.
Then, unable to hide his delight, he waved to Vegeta and the others. "I did it!"
Ever since arriving in this Dragon Ball Super world, he'd been under constant pressure, anxious about how weak he was.
Now, he'd finally become a Super Saiyan and taken an important first step.
His taut nerves relaxed a little.
But he knew perfectly well that becoming a Super Saiyan wasn't enough!
He still had to get stronger!
Just then, Vegeta and the others gathered around.
"You really did it, Tarble." Vegeta praised him sincerely.
There was a hint of envy and relief in his voice.
If it had been another Saiyan, he might have felt jealous.
But Tarble was his own younger brother!
Over the years, the influence of Son Goku, Bulma, and the others had changed his temperament considerably.
When it came to his family, he now cared more than any of the Z Fighters.
"Congratulations, Your Highness Tarble, on becoming a Super Saiyan!"
Rix congratulated him again, beaming as if he were the one who'd transformed.
Trunks was happy too. "Uncle Tarble, congratulations on becoming a Super Saiyan!"
"Congratulations on reaching a new level, Mr. Tarble," Dende said admiringly.
Mr. Popo stood like a wooden post, expressionless.
Tarble smiled and nodded to them. "Thank you, everyone."
Just then, Vegeta suddenly attacked Rix.
He flashed forward, appearing in front of Rix in an instant.
Before anyone could react, he casually fired an energy blast into Rix's chest.
"Ah—!"
Rix let out a scream.
Thud!
He collapsed to the ground, then coughed up two mouthfuls of bright red blood.
In an instant, excruciating pain spread through his entire body, and his head began to spin.
Still, he remained somewhat conscious.
His eyes were bloodshot, filled with confusion and resentment.
"Ve... Vegeta..."
"Wh... why...?"
He'd always been diligent in his duties, doing everything he could to protect Tarble.
So why was Vegeta trying to kill him?
He'd had a chance to become a Super Saiyan too!
Why kill him?!!
In that moment, he was consumed by hatred for Vegeta.
Everyone except Tarble was stunned by the sudden turn of events.
The next second, they began shouting at Vegeta.
"Dad! Why did you kill Uncle Rix? Why?!"
"Mr. Vegeta, why would you do that?"
Mr. Popo said nothing. He simply furrowed his brow and stared at Vegeta warily.
"Hmph!" Vegeta snorted. Too lazy to explain, he ordered Dende, "Dende, sorry for the trouble, but heal him!"
"If you wait any longer, he'll really be dead!"
Hearing that, Dende immediately understood Vegeta's intentions, and his pupils contracted.
He remembered how Vegeta had used the same trick back on his homeworld, Planet Namek, to rapidly increase his power.
At that moment, only one thought crossed his mind—
This guy said he wanted me to do a small favor earlier. Could this be what he meant...?
Once he understood, he snapped angrily, "You're completely insane!"
There was no time to dwell on it.
After cursing at Vegeta, he immediately crouched down and began healing Rix.
In less than five seconds, Rix was revived.
The moment his consciousness returned, he sprang off the ground with a whoosh.
He glared at Vegeta, his eyes filled with both wariness and deep resentment.
"Why?!!!" Rix asked through gritted teeth.
By now, he'd completely forgotten the honorific he was supposed to use for His Highness.
For decades, he'd followed King Vegeta's orders and protected Tarble.
His good friend Tomato had even given his life saving Tarble.
Even so, Rix had never abandoned Tarble and fled on his own.
It was no exaggeration to say that without him and Tomato, Tarble would have died countless times over.
And what had he gotten in return?
Vegeta had actually tried to kill him!
Now, his heart had gone completely cold.
Vegeta answered his question expressionlessly. "Hmph. Don't you want to become a Super Saiyan as soon as possible?"
"Feel your power now. You should have reached the requirements for transforming!"
Seeing that Rix still looked wary, Vegeta turned to Trunks and ordered him, "Trunks, use your Scouter to check his battle power."
"Then try transforming into a Super Saiyan."
"Hmph! We Saiyans have no need for weak warriors!"
"When we're done, hurry home and eat. I'm not going to stand around here hungry while I wait for you."
After speaking, he glanced at Rix, then powered up and shot into the sky.
Seeing this, Tarble felt both speechless and helpless.
Vegeta could have explained himself beforehand, but instead he'd chosen a method that was bound to be misunderstood.
He really was domineering and used to having his own way!
Still, Tarble knew that the Vegeta of today was far better than he'd been in the past.
Back then, he might well have killed Rix outright.
Sigh!
It was up to him to smooth things over again.
"Rix, I'm sure Big Brother Vegeta had his reasons for doing this!
"Just do as he said for now and see if your power has changed."
After reassuring Rix, he turned to Trunks, who was still standing there stunned, and hurried him along.
"Trunks, what are you standing there for?"
"Hurry up and check your Uncle Rix's battle power!"
At that, Trunks finally snapped out of it. "Oh, right! I'll check now!"
Dende also explained Vegeta's intentions, helping to reassure Rix.
He didn't want to see another civil war break out among the Saiyans. Even now, he still remembered the clash between Majin Buu and Son Goku during the Majin Buu saga.
Whenever he thought about it, he still felt shaken.
"Mr. Rix, I know what Mr. Vegeta intends. He wants to help you increase your power quickly."
"Back on Planet Namek, when he faced the powerful Frieza, he had no choice but to use the same shortcut to rapidly increase his strength."
"Your Saiyans really are unusual. You can become stronger after being revived from the brink of death."
"And the increase is astonishingly large."
In fact, before Dende had even spoken, Rix had already begun sensing his own power, trying to determine whether it had changed.
Before you continue