In the end, he could only let out a long sigh and return silently with Mr. Popo to the depths of the Lookout, his mind full of confusion.
Vitelli's existence was like an unstoppable sword hanging over their heads, leaving the Kami, who had protected Earth for countless years, too uneasy to eat or sleep.
But... at least if his other half ever broke free of the seal and tried to rule the world again, that would be impossible now.
That brought him some comfort.
West City, in the backyard of Brief Manor.
Vitelli stood bare-chested, his skin gleaming healthily in the sunlight as sweat trickled down the lines of his lean, powerful muscles.
He casually held a massive alloy block—by his estimate, weighing over five tons—in one hand and did squats with it as though it were a toy made of foam.
Each squat and rise was a display of strength and grace, while the specially made alloy floor beneath his feet trembled slightly.
"Whew..."
After completing ten thousand squats, he set down the alloy block. It struck the floor with a dull thud, sending a small spray of chips into the air.
Vitelli wiped away what little sweat he had and looked at the metal, which now felt almost weightless to him. He sighed helplessly.
Without the resistance of the Gravity Chamber, this level of ordinary weight training had become almost useless to him, now that his power level was nearing 100,000. It wasn't even a warm-up anymore.
He could feel his strength growth had seemingly hit a plateau.
His gaze shifted to the other side of the yard.
Dr. Brief was busy with several robots around a huge metal chamber that was beginning to take shape.
A network of complicated pipes and wires ran across it, humming softly. It was the Gravity Chamber under construction.
I hope the doctor can work a little faster, Vitelli thought.
He knew Dr. Brief was doing his best. Limited by Earth's current technology and Vitelli's constant urging, the first-generation Gravity Chamber could only reach three hundred times Earth's gravity at most.
But that would be enough for him at this stage. After all, his power level was still some way below his target, and thirty times Planet Vegeta's gravity would be enough to let him feel the pressure of training—and the joy of making progress—again.
Besides, this was only a temporary solution. He was absolutely certain that Bulma would build him a much more powerful and advanced Gravity Chamber in the future.
Thinking of that, he felt even more grateful to the Brief family.
Dr. Brief seemed to sense his gaze. He looked up, pushed his glasses into place, and happened to see Vitelli casually set down the terrifyingly massive block.
His mouth fell open in surprise, and the wrench in his hand nearly hit the ground.
"Oh! My goodness! Vitelli, that's... that's incredible! That was a solid alloy block weighing five and a half tons! What kind of alien boyfriend did Bulma bring home?"
Dr. Brief felt his proud scientific worldview take another blow. He also truly felt that he might be getting old and struggling to keep up with the fast-moving times.
"I'm back!"
A cheerful voice broke through the bustle in the backyard.
Bulma, who should have been in class at university, had come home at this hour!
Like a happy butterfly, she flew straight toward Vitelli, who was replenishing his energy.
Vitelli's mouth was stuffed with food, his cheeks bulging, and he stared at the suddenly appearing Bulma in surprise.
"Wh... why are you back?"
Bulma lifted her chin smugly and put her hands on her hips.
"Hmph! Is there anything I can't handle? I've already taken all my exams for this semester and earned all my credits! The professors were amazed by my genius! So of course I could come back early!"
She looked at Vitelli's stuffed cheeks and greasy mouth, exasperated but amused. Naturally, she pulled out a tissue and gently wiped his mouth clean.
"And another thing: don't talk with your mouth full! Honestly, you're just like a little kid..."
As she wiped his mouth, Bulma's gaze fell on Vitelli's handsome profile. His cheeks were slightly puffed out from the food, and the sight of him chewing so intently stirred something in her heart.
She couldn't help rising onto her toes and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Hm?!"
Vitelli froze at the sudden sneak attack.
Bulma immediately changed the subject with a grin.
"D-do you have enough to eat? You don't look full. Want me to make you some more in the kitchen?"
Looking at Bulma's open and adorable manner, Vitelli first shook his head to show that it wasn't enough, then nodded, his eyes full of anticipation for more food.
"Hmph! Just wait!"
Bulma gave him a coquettish look, then turned toward the kitchen, humming happily as she went.
Nearby, Dr. Brief held a glass of red wine and exchanged a glance with Mrs. Brief, who was smiling as she watched from a garden recliner. They both saw relief and a hint of amused curiosity in each other's eyes.
Mrs. Brief even waved to Vitelli from a distance and pointed at the table laden with food, signaling that he shouldn't hold back and should eat more.
This elderly couple really took things in stride, Vitelli thought with a sigh. If this were Earth in his previous life, the girl's parents would have broken his legs.
Time flew by amid this warm, peaceful, and loving daily life.
Training, spending time with Bulma, sharing dinner with the Briefs, and occasionally heading into West City to enjoy life on Earth in the Dragon Ball world...
Vitelli had never imagined that, after being reincarnated as a Saiyan from a warrior race, he could lead such a peaceful and comfortable life.
Bulma's intelligence, warmth, and occasional wilfulness were all things he gladly accepted.
The Briefs' open-mindedness and unconditional acceptance of him, their alien son-in-law, also gave him a long-missed sense of warmth and home.
Amid these comfortable surroundings, a year passed like sand slipping through his fingers.
Dr. Brief had finished the Gravity Chamber long ago, and it was already in use.
Though it only reached three hundred times Earth's gravity, it was remarkably effective.
Vitelli devoted almost all his energy to it, aside from spending time with Bulma and eating, constantly tempering his body and ki under crushing pressure and at his limits.
Bulma had also kept her promise. While finishing her studies, she had begun researching ways to improve the Gravity Chamber, aiming to exceed five hundred times Earth's gravity and go even higher.
After a year of intense training, Vitelli's power level had skyrocketed as if he had taken off in a rocket!
Though he had no Scouter to measure it precisely, judging by his control over ki and his sense of his own physical strength, he conservatively estimated that his power level had now firmly surpassed one million!
If he went all out and called upon every bit of strength in his body, his power level might approach—or even exceed—three million!
Three million! Though he had to power up to reach that level, it was already enough to serve as the foundation for becoming a Super Saiyan. All he had to do now was push himself until his power level exceeded three million in his everyday state! Based on his experience from his previous life, he was confident he could transform naturally, without relying on extreme rage!
He also knew he had never truly fought a brutal battle on the verge of death. His strength still lacked the tempering and practical testing that only real combat could provide. But he was already very satisfied to have reached this level.
After all, in the early days of Dragon Ball, this was enough power to crush everything. Even if Frieza showed up, Vitelli would dare to go slap him a few times!
A peaceful life was certainly wonderful, but the Saiyan instinct to crave battle and prove oneself sometimes stirred within him.
And Earth happened to have a stage where he could vent that urge a little—the World Martial Arts Tournament!
When Vitelli saw an advertisement on TV and in the papers announcing that the "Twenty-First World Martial Arts Tournament" would soon open with great fanfare, a thought full of wicked amusement surfaced in his mind.
"The World Martial Arts Tournament?"
Vitelli rubbed his chin and looked at the martial artists striking all sorts of imposing poses on the poster. A mischievous smile tugged at his lips.
Perfect. My training has hit a bottleneck, and I could use something new and exciting. Besides...
A flicker of nostalgia and a trace of barely concealed amusement crossed his eyes.
It's time to show these Earth martial artists what real strength looks like!
When Bulma heard what he had in mind, she didn't try to stop him. Instead, her eyes lit up with excitement.
"You're going to enter the World Martial Arts Tournament? That's fantastic, Vitelli! You're so strong, you'll definitely win! I'll come cheer you on in person! Then everyone can see just how handsome my boyfriend is!"
She could hardly wait to see Vitelli shine in the ring.
And so, with Vitelli's mischievous desire to bully the little guys and Bulma's enthusiastic support, a new name quietly appeared on the entry form for the Twenty-First World Martial Arts Tournament: Vitelli.
(Don't ask how he signed up. Just ask the app! Dragon Ball technology, kid!)
Chapter 10: World Martial Arts Tournament!
Papaya Island, near South City.
The once quiet vacation island was now crowded and deafeningly noisy.
A huge "World Martial Arts Tournament" banner fluttered in the wind. Martial artists, fighting enthusiasts, and curious tourists from all over the world packed around the island's iconic circular arena.
The air was thick with the smell of sweat, popcorn, and spices, along with feverish anticipation. Excitement flushed countless faces as the sound of conversation, cheers, and vendors hawking their wares blended into a boiling sea of noise, all proclaiming the glory of this once-every-four-years martial arts event.
Near the crowded registration area, a little bald boy and a spiky-haired boy with a tail stood out.
"Goku!"
Krillin tugged at his companion, who wore an orange martial arts uniform and carried the Power Pole on his back. His face was full of confidence and anticipation.
"That guy you mentioned, the one with a tail like yours... Vitelli. Is he really that strong? We've been through hellish training under Master Mutaito, after all!"
He clenched his fists and showed off the muscles he had toned up. "I feel like I'm incredibly strong now!"
Son Goku scratched the back of his head. His clear eyes held a hint of uncertainty as he said, "Mm... I don't know about now. But a year ago, he was really fast. I didn't even see him move before he subdued me. I couldn't move at all, and then I lost."
He remembered how helpless he had been, and a dazed look still lingered on his little face.
"Hah! You must've just been too weak back then!"
Krillin's confidence instantly soared. He planted his hands on his hips and grinned.
"But things are different now! We're Master Mutaito's prized pupils! After all that intense training, I, the great Krillin, am incredibly strong! If that Vitelli guy shows up, I'll beat him until he's crawling on the ground!"
He grinned as if he were invincible.
"Oh."
Goku nodded innocently. He was always straightforward when it came to comparing strength. If Krillin really fought Vitelli... he might lose very badly.
But before he could say anything more, a long, strong hand with clearly defined knuckles reached out from beside them without warning, like a ghost. It pinched his chubby cheek and maliciously tugged it to either side.
"Ow, ow, ow—It hurts, it hurts!"
Taken completely by surprise, Goku was in so much pain that tears nearly sprang to his eyes. He tried in vain to pry the big hand off his cheek.
Krillin jumped in fright and hurriedly took a closer look.
A tall, broad-shouldered young man with black hair and a black Battle Suit had appeared beside them without anyone noticing.
The young man was handsome, with a playful smile on his lips. His gaze carried a teasing scrutiny as he looked at Goku and Krillin.
Behind him, a furry tail swayed lazily in a steady rhythm.
"Well, well, if it isn't our little Kid Goku!"
Vitelli's voice was exaggeratedly surprised and full of teasing.
"Only a year apart, and you've already become a prized pupil of the legendary God of Martial Arts, Master Roshi? That's... waaah, amazing~~~"
He deliberately drew out the last word and tightened his grip.
"Let go! Who are you, you jerk? Let Goku go!"
Krillin was both shocked and furious. Seeing his friend being bullied made his blood boil. He charged in to pry Vitelli's hand away, ignoring the oppressive presence around him.
When Vitelli didn't budge, Krillin opened his mouth, baring his little white teeth, and moved to bite his wrist in desperation!
"Tsk!"
Vitelli furrowed his brow. He didn't want the little bald boy's saliva on him.
A flick of his wrist easily threw off Krillin's lunge, and he released his grip on Goku's cheek.
Goku immediately clutched his reddened cheek and glared at Vitelli, indignantly shouting, "Vitelli! You jerk! You pinched me so hard!"
"Vitelli?"
Krillin rubbed his arm, which had gone a little numb from being shaken off. At the name, his pupils contracted sharply.
He looked the seemingly "ordinary" man up and down, though his instincts told him that the man was extremely dangerous.
"If there isn't another Vitelli around... then yes, that would be me."
Vitelli dusted off his hands as if he had only brushed away a little dirt. The corners of his mouth curled into a wild smile as he looked down at Krillin. "Just an ordinary Saiyan, that's all."
Vitelli's arrogant attitude roused Krillin's competitive spirit. He forced down his unease, folded his arms, and puffed out his chest, pointing his noseless face at Vitelli: