Vegeta's Return

Earth.

Goku, Piccolo, and the others had already returned while Vegeta was still unconscious. Upon hearing what Bulma had to say, they were stunned, followed by a lingering sense of dread; if they had stayed behind as well, they likely would have all perished.

Inside the estate, the dark circles under Bulma's eyes and her increasingly gaunt frame made it clear just how worried she was about Vegeta.

"Where exactly are you... dead or alive? Without you, every day feels like a year... You damn bastard, couldn't you have sent word? Not even hell can find you," Bulma whispered, sobbing.

Ever since receiving news from King Kai, she had been begging him to gather information from the afterlife. Yet, a month had passed, and there was still no word.

The Namekian Dragon Balls would not be usable for another three months.

The Earth's Dragon Balls were even further off; it had been less than five months since Goku's resurrection, meaning there was still over half a year left before they could be used again. Furthermore, since Piccolo had merged with the Guardian of Earth, the Dragon Balls seemed to have become unusable, and there was no new Guardian of Earth to replace him.

Seeing Bulma's distress, Second Elder Moori hurried to comfort her. "Don't worry, Bulma. The Dragon Balls will be ready in about three months. Even if Vegeta is dead, there will be a way!"

"I know, Second Elder. It's just that I can't let go of this feeling," Bulma replied weakly.

As for the Grand Elder, he had passed away peacefully half a month ago, shortly after Piccolo returned and settled a few matters.

Half a month ago.

Piccolo, Goku, and the others had just returned, briefly explained the situation, and then went their separate ways.

Only Piccolo was called back by the Grand Elder.

"Piccolo, child, come here. I have something to tell you. Nail, you stay as well. Everyone else... withdraw!"

"Yes, Grand Elder." All the other Namekians, save for Nail, bowed and retreated.

"What do you need, Grand Elder?" Piccolo asked. Unlike his usual aloof demeanor, he spoke with a hint of respect.

"Piccolo, you are a rare, all-around talent among the Namekians. I have spent this time learning about your history; although you were corrupted by the aura of the Demon Realm, you did not cause any great catastrophe," the Grand Elder said slowly.

"In our Namekian culture, we call an all-around talent like you a member of the Dragon Clan," the Grand Elder added, his voice frail.

"The Dragon Clan? Is that because of the Dragon Balls?" Piccolo asked, puzzled.

"Not entirely. In truth, we Namekians could also be called the descendants of the Dragon God Zalama. We are the progeny he left behind while traveling the universe, which is why we possess the ability to create Dragon Balls," the Grand Elder continued to explain.

"Dragon God Zalama? I've never heard of him," Piccolo said, confused.

"I don't know much either. Long ago, we abused the Dragon Balls and caused a grave disaster that nearly wiped out our race. Our current population is less than a tenth of what it was in our prime. That is why I must tell you: you must use the Dragon Balls sparingly to avoid dire consequences."

"When you were exiled to Earth, I was not yet the Grand Elder; your father, Katatz, was. He was a Dragon Clan member who could rival you! The current Namekian Dragon Balls were the ones you created."

"Then why is the Eternal Dragon from the balls I created not as powerful as Porunga?" Piccolo questioned.

"That is because you split yourself, and your power was divided as well; it is not as strong as it was in your prime," the Grand Elder clarified.

"After I merged with the Guardian of Earth, I vaguely remembered in my mind that before we separated, we had also created a set of Dragon Balls. They were hidden away," Piccolo recalled.

(Some might say that works from other authors shouldn't appear in this world, but the author has carefully checked and found that Akira Toriyama himself acknowledged the Dragon Ball GT work, so the author has included it! However, not every arc will necessarily be written; perhaps only one or two will be selected.)

"I believe your potential is even greater than your father's, but as far as I know, you separated due to the desires of humans and the corruption of the Demon Realm. I feel it is best not to use that set of Dragon Balls," the Grand Elder said worriedly.

"Yes, Grand Elder. I understand."

"What I want to tell you is: never underestimate our bloodline. Although I don't know what kind of existence Dragon God Zalama is, the fact that we were merely left behind during his travels and can still create such miraculous Dragon Balls suggests he must be a pinnacle figure even now! You must dig deeper; you might find unexpected gains. It may not be inferior to a Super Saiyan!" The Grand Elder said all this in one breath, his breathing becoming quite labored.

Nail said anxiously, "Grand Elder, please rest for a while before continuing!"

"It is fine. My lifespan reached its limit long ago. If not for the need to pass these things on to you, I would have died already," the Grand Elder said, catching his breath before continuing.

"Grand Elder..." Even a sturdy warrior like Nail couldn't help but tear up.

"Also, Piccolo. After this event, Moori will lead our people to find a new, suitable planet to inhabit. I hope that if the Namekians ever face trouble in the future, you will provide your assistance." The Grand Elder looked at Piccolo with expectant eyes.

"Rest assured, Grand Elder, I will. I am a Namekian, too!" Piccolo promised solemnly.

"Nail, come here. From now on, whenever you see Piccolo, you must respect him just as you respect the elders!"

"Piccolo, if you ever face a situation you cannot handle, you can merge with Nail. If the two of you merge, your combat power will increase exponentially; it will not be inferior to a Super Saiyan!" the Grand Elder said.

"I cannot. He is very strong, and Namek needs him more than I do. Grand Elder, forgive me for not being able to leave with our people," Piccolo said.

The image of Gohan appeared in his mind, and a trace of warmth gradually welled up in his heart.

"I know, it's that child Gohan, isn't it? He is indeed very kind! I have no right to blame you; after all, you have been drifting alone for so many years..." the Grand Elder said with understanding.

"Nail, if Piccolo needs to merge with you when the time comes, you are not allowed to refuse, do you understand? We are different from others; merging does not mean death. It is only for the development and prosperity of our race. The current Piccolo is worthy of that..."

The Grand Elder's voice grew fainter and fainter, and his figure gradually vanished. As it turned out, the death of a Namekian meant the body simply disappeared, leaving nothing behind in the world. All that could remain were their final wishes.

"Yes, Grand Elder, I will certainly obey your command..." Nail stared at the spot where the Grand Elder had vanished, his face streaming with tears.

The clansmen outside sensed the Grand Elder's passing, and they too were filled with sorrow, tears falling from their eyes.

"Nail, please accept my condolences..." Piccolo said, turning his head.

But as he turned, a single tear fell from his own eye as well. Although their time together had been short, he was filled with respect for this kind, elderly man.

Piccolo turned and walked away. He glanced at the clansmen outside, said nothing, and flew toward the wilderness. He did not belong at the Lookout. The strong are destined to be lonely.

Back to the present.

Vegeta's figure gradually materialized. Bulma stared at the Vegeta before her, thinking it was an illusion.

"Could it be that I'm just too exhausted and am hallucinating?" Bulma walked up to Vegeta, stroked his incredibly handsome face, and muttered to herself.

Yet the warmth of his palm against her skin made her weak, listless body slowly begin to stir with excitement.

"It's me, Bulma. I'm back. I've made you worry," Vegeta said gently.

"It really is you... sob... where the hell did you go? I couldn't find you anywhere. King Kai even searched Hell several times over and still couldn't find a trace of you! I thought you were dead... sob..." Bulma pounded her weak fists against Vegeta's chest, one after another.

Vegeta wrapped his arms tightly around her, comforting her. "I'm sorry for making you worry. I'm fine; I was just unconscious the whole time and couldn't find a way back."

With her anxiety finally put to rest, Bulma's sobbing ceased, and she found herself increasingly stirred by Vegeta's masculine pheromones.

She gazed at Vegeta with eyes full of longing.

Understanding exactly what she wanted, Vegeta said with concern, "You should rest properly first. You're too exhausted! You won't be able to handle it."

"Hmph, don't forget I'm not an ordinary Earthling. My combat power is still at 1,500! Vegeta, love me... I've missed you so much!" Bulma said passionately.

Hearing this, how could Vegeta possibly hold back? He swept Bulma up into his arms and, with a single Space-Time Technique, instantly vanished into the bedroom.

Moori stood awkwardly in place; as a Namekian born from an egg, he truly couldn't comprehend such feelings.

The two began a fierce, unbridled battle of flesh.

Back and forth they went... and after a day and a night...

Bulma lay fast asleep in Vegeta's arms. Although her body had been strengthened, the day and night of combat had left her even more exhausted than before.

Vegeta looked at Bulma with eyes full of tenderness, though a flicker of hesitation crossed his gaze—he didn't know how to tell her about the Elf Continent.

Forget it, sleep for now. I'll talk to her when she wakes up.

The next day, Vegeta was woken up by Bulma teasing him.

Bulma was tracing circles on Vegeta's chest with her index finger, looking at him with loving eyes. When she suddenly saw Vegeta open his eyes, her face flushed bright red in an instant.

Vegeta looked at this adorable woman; though she was bold and brash on the outside, she was prone to blushing at the slightest provocation on the inside.

Everything between the two was understood without a word.

"I noticed you seem to have grown taller, and you even used such an embarrassing position last night!" Bulma asked shyly.

"How was it? Did it feel good? I specifically made that wish to Shenron just for that position! Haha," Vegeta laughed wickedly.

Bulma couldn't help but say, "Love me again... I want more..." as a way to reward Vegeta.

"Alright, be good. You're already exhausted. How could I be so inconsiderate of your body and torment you like that?" Vegeta said tenderly.

"Fine, then tell me where you've been this past month, and why you were unconscious for so long! And you came back wearing such nice clothes, though the hairstyle doesn't really match," Bulma said in an interrogating tone.

"The hairstyle can't be helped. Once a pure-blooded Saiyan reaches adulthood, our hair remains unchanged. Even if you cut it, it will just grow back into the same shape, and if you don't cut it, it won't grow at all," Vegeta explained, dodging the real question.

"Hmph, don't change the subject. You know that's not the point. My sixth sense tells me you're hiding something from me!" Bulma continued to press him.

Vegeta didn't know how to explain it, feeling both troubled and conflicted. Eventually, he made up his mind; whether he faced it now or later, it was better to just come clean.

After omitting the matter of the system, he began to explain to Bulma:

"After I woke up from my coma..."