Just like that.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
During those three days, Krillin and Bulma didn't immediately set off for Earth.
The reason was simple: Ron had reminded them that the Frieza Force's spaceship was still parked on Planet Namek. So Bulma decided to carefully study Frieza's flagship.
With her clever mind, she spent less than three days dismantling all the useful parts and preparing to take them back to Earth for further research.
Of course, she also copied the spaceship's systems and all kinds of data stored inside it.
To anyone who didn't understand them, these things were just meaningless strings of code. But to Bulma, they were treasures.
If she could fully understand them, they would play a crucial role in advancing Earth's technology.
Once she mastered this cutting-edge technology, she would have control over the lifeblood of the entire world.
By then, Capsule Corporation would truly become Earth's greatest economic power, one that no one could challenge.
Of course, Bulma wasn't actually that shallow.
Even though she loved money, she was also a super-genius who loved research.
She yearned to learn more and wanted to explore fields she'd never ventured into before.
Only after she had gathered everything of value did Bulma and Krillin bid farewell to everyone and board the spaceship.
Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, they left Planet Namek.
The trip back to Earth would take just six days.
To be fair, when Vegeta first heard that, he was utterly shocked.
The distance between Earth and Planet Namek might not have been that great, but six days was still far too short for an ordinary spaceship to make the journey.
Even among the Frieza Force's spaceships, only the flagship could travel that fast.
The single-pilot spaceships they'd ridden before needed at least ten days.
What amazed him, of course, was how Earth's space technology had reached such heights in the first place.
He had no idea Earth had a hidden, super-powered asset in the form of Dr. Brief.
All you had to do was give him a few suggestions and ideas, and he could create something out of thin air.
Besides, Dr. Brief had obtained the wreckage of two spaceships. Raditz's spaceship in particular had made upgrading the new model much easier.
"All right, Bulma and Krillin are gone. Now it's time to really begin our new training!" After seeing Bulma and Krillin off, Son Goku turned to Son Gohan and Piccolo.
They'd actually been training during those three days, but everyone had been holding back to some extent.
They'd mostly been absorbing the experience and insights they'd gained from their battle with Frieza.
It was worth mentioning that everyone had indeed become quite a bit stronger.
That was mainly because the Grand Elder had unlocked their potential before he died. Apparently, the effect wasn't temporary.
Even though they weren't experiencing the same explosive surge in power they had right after their potential was unlocked,
their continued growth still gave them the satisfying feeling of constantly getting stronger.
"So, how should we train to get stronger now, Dad?" Son Gohan stood beside Son Goku and asked.
When he'd trained under Uncle Piccolo, there had been a clear plan.
Even though much of the training had been about testing his will to survive, that harsh struggle had indeed brought out his potential. He'd pushed past his limits again and again, and that was how he'd gotten as strong as he was.
Of course, Piccolo had taught him plenty—not just how to fight, but also all kinds of special techniques.
Most importantly, he'd taught him that everyone had their own way of fighting.
You could learn from those who came before you, but you shouldn't become someone else.
Piccolo glanced sideways at Son Goku and folded his arms, looking on as if he were enjoying the show.
He knew Son Goku's ways all too well. He'd just train on his own; how could he teach anyone?
Otherwise, Son Gohan wouldn't have been raised the way he was in his early years.
Still, he was curious about what Son Goku planned to do next.
No one said it aloud, but everyone knew exactly what they were aiming for.
Especially when they saw Son Goku looking at Ron. That was obviously the look of someone hoping to ask him for a match.
"Gohan, I've already figured out what we should do for your training from here on. But before that, I need to test how strong I am now." Son Goku smiled at Son Gohan, though his gaze stayed fixed on Ron.
Ron could sense the fighting spirit in his eyes. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly as he spoke first. "What, you've gotten a little stronger and already want to challenge me?"
"Hehe! I know I'm no match for you, but now that I've gotten stronger, I'm itching to fight you! Of course, I mean you without turning into a Super Saiyan. That would be a kind of training for me, too." Son Goku raised a hand and rubbed beneath his nose as he spoke.
His words immediately changed the atmosphere.
Everyone fell silent and watched.
"Besides, we agreed before, didn't we? We'd teach each other our skills. Learning through a fight is a pretty fun way to do that, wouldn't you say?" Son Goku added.
He was right.
No one could argue with that.
Their strength had reached its current level through countless battles.
Hearing that, Ron nodded, accepting Son Goku's point.
Without much hesitation, Ron replied, "All right. In that case, let's have a fight. I'll stretch my muscles, too, and see what you can do. Don't disappoint me, Kakarot."
As he finished speaking, Ron's smile widened.
To anyone who didn't know him, his teasing tone and choice of words would have been infuriating.
He sounded far too dismissive.
Son Goku wasn't annoyed at all. Ron's strength was right there for everyone to see, so there was nothing wrong with what he'd said.
Even if it stung, he'd have to reclaim his dignity through his own strength.
"Hehe! Then let's do it, Ron!"
Son Goku shouted excitedly, sprang into the air, and headed for the island behind them.
He was creating some distance and clearing a place where they could let loose.
After all, there were other people here.
Piccolo and Gohan would be fine, but there were also other Namekians.
The stronger Namekians could probably protect themselves, but there were still some elderly people and children.
For instance, there was Mulin, the new Grand Elder, as well as the other elderly elders, Dende, and the children around Dende's age.
They were all weak.
Since he intended to fight with everything he had, he moved away first to prevent any accidents.
Ron understood what he meant. He rose slowly into the air with his flight technique and headed to the neighboring island, too.
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