Namek, the Grand Elder's residence.
The Z Fighters sat or stood in the courtyard, the air heavy with tension before the battle.
Piccolo leaned against the stone house wall, arms folded across his chest, his green face expressionless.
In the center of the courtyard, Nail stood quietly beside the Grand Elder, keeping watch.
[The Frieza Force is on this planet. Dodoria, Zarbon, the Ginyu Force, and all those grunts. When Raditz and Nappa killed Zarbon instantly this afternoon, I sensed it from far away. Frieza's power is even more terrifying. And me? A power level of 42,000. I'm no match for the Earthlings, let alone Frieza.]
[This time, Son Goku and the others are here to help. What about next time? What if the Earthlings leave and Namek faces another crisis? Piccolo... that young Namekian. A descendant of the warrior-type Namekians, yet he's found bonds on Earth I could never have imagined. His potential far exceeds mine. If I can help him...]
Nail suddenly stepped forward, turned to face the Grand Elder, and knelt on one knee before him, pressing his forehead to the ground. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing green blood.
[This is what I have to do.]
"Grand Elder." Nail raised his head. "Please allow me... to assimilate with Piccolo."
"What?!" Piccolo shot to his feet.
"A-assimilate?!" Krillin's eyes widened. "What does that mean?!"
Son Goku folded his arms, his expression complicated.
[It's finally come to this. In the original story, Nail chose to assimilate with Piccolo to fight Frieza. It's the Namekians' destiny, and their honor.]
"Nail. Have you... made up your mind?" The Grand Elder slowly opened his eyes.
"Yes." Nail's voice was low.
"You are my most loyal guard," the Grand Elder said. "For decades, you