The air around the Grand Elder's chamber was thick with tension and reverence. The immense Namekian elder, resting atop his throne of stone and moss, watched the approaching warriors with calm, wise eyes.
Grand Elder (softly): "So, you have come... warriors of Earth."
Goku bowed deeply, followed by Krillin, Piccolo, and Gohan. Nail stood at the side, arms crossed.
Goku: "We were told you could help us become stronger... to stop Frieza."
Grand Elder: "Indeed. That tyrant has plagued the galaxy far too long. If you are to be our hope, then I shall unlock your true potential."
He beckoned to Gohan first. The young half-Saiyan stepped forward nervously. The Grand Elder laid a massive hand upon Gohan's head, and a deep hum echoed through the chamber.
A golden aura enveloped Gohan. His eyes widened as his body trembled.
Gohan (thinking): "W-What is this power...?"
The light faded. Gohan gasped, suddenly aware of the new strength coursing through him.
Gohan (stunned): "I feel... incredible!"
Nail (wide-eyed): "His power level—it's jumping up... and rising."
Next was Krillin. As the Grand Elder touched him, a similar golden light ignited around the Earthling. Sweat poured down Krillin's face as he absorbed the flood of power.
Krillin (clenching fists): "This... this is insane! I can feel every muscle pulsing!"
Nail: "Remarkable."
Then came Piccolo. The Grand Elder hesitated, sensing something ancient, broken, and powerful within him.
Grand Elder (quietly): "You are... part of us. But you are also two beings. Interesting."
As his hand touched Piccolo's forehead, the chamber shook.
Piccolo (grunting): "Gghh—!"
A dark and fiery energy surged from within, stabilized by the Grand Elder's calming influence. When it settled, Piccolo stood taller, breathing slowly.
Piccolo: "That... was unlike anything I've ever felt."
Nail (in disbelief): "He should rival Frieza's elites now."
Finally, Goku stepped forward. The Grand Elder placed his hand upon the Saiyan's head, but nothing happened. Silence filled the chamber.
Grand Elder: "Curious. Your potential has already been released... fully."
Goku (chuckling): "Guess I trained a little too much, huh?"
Grand Elder (smiling faintly): "Or you have always walked the path toward your destiny."
Elsewhere on Namek – Frieza's Ship
A squad of Frieza's soldiers lay unconscious across the metallic halls, energy burns streaking the walls. Vegeta and Nappa, cloaked in stolen armor and suppressing their power, stepped into the treasure vault.
Nappa (grinning): "Found 'em. All three balls Frieza had."
Vegeta (coldly): "Then we're halfway there. Take them."
Moments later, the pair rocketed away from the ship into the distant mountains.
Frieza (furious): "WHAT?! My Dragon Balls are GONE?!"
The tyrant's scream echoed across the ship, causing even the steel to tremble.
Zarbon: "There was no trace left. The intruders were efficient."
Frieza: "This... this is UNACCEPTABLE! I want the Ginyu Force summoned. IMMEDIATELY!"
Later That Night – Earthling Encampment
The Z Fighters gathered under a Namekian moon, their energies simmering with newfound strength.
Goku (to the group): "Tomorrow, we head back. Everyone who hasn't gotten their potential unlocked needs to go. We'll take turns."
Raditz (arms crossed): "I'll go. I want to know what more I've got."
Yamcha: "Same here. After seeing Gohan go all-out, I need that boost."
Piccolo (quietly): "We're running out of time. Frieza won't sit idle for long."
Goku (serious): "Then we make every second count."
As the next day dawned on the lush plains of Namek, the skies were calm, but the warriors of Earth felt the urgency pressing in.
Goku (firmly): "Alright everyone. Raditz, Yamcha, Tien—head to the Grand Elder. He's expecting you."
Raditz (smirking): "About time. I'm ready to see what's still locked away in me."
Tien (focused): "Let's move. We don't know how much longer we'll have before Frieza makes his next move."
Yamcha: "Think he'll be surprised when three Earthlings knock at his door?"
They took off toward the Elder's village under the watchful eyes of Nail and Dende(The Namekian kid saved by Yamcha).
At the Grand Elder's Hut
One by one, the next group stood before the towering figure of the Grand Elder.
Grand Elder (smiling gently): "You carry courage, but more importantly… restraint. That is rare in warriors."
He began with Tien. The glow of awakening wrapped around him in a prism of white-blue light. His third eye burned bright with focused Ki.
Nail (in awe): "Power level—increasing rapidly and stabilizing fast."
Yamcha followed. The former desert bandit grit his teeth as his veins surged with raw power.
Yamcha (shocked): "This… this is like getting hit with a Spirit Bomb… only in a good way."
Nail: "Impressive. Is this the power of Earthlings?"
Finally, Raditz stepped forward. The Grand Elder hesitated only briefly—there was darkness in him, a legacy of pride, but also growth.
Grand Elder (softly): "You are changing."
The energy burst from Raditz in waves of flame-like Ki. The ground trembled.
Raditz (howling): "HAAAAAH—!!"
When the light settled, he dropped to one knee, panting—his power growing like the Sun.
Nail (staggered): "He's almost as strong as Piccolo now."
Raditz stood, wiping sweat from his brow.
Raditz: "Heh… this'll turn a few heads."
Back at the Z Fighter Camp – Nightfall
The warriors returned, sparking joy and awe among the others as they demonstrated their enhanced Ki. Their confidence surged.
Krillin (amazed): "I knew it'd be something, but this? We're actually catching up to Goku and Piccolo!"
Goku (smiling): "Told you the training paid off. But this isn't the end."
Gohan: "We still need all seven Dragon Balls… and Frieza's probably not sitting still."
Above Namek – Frieza's Command Ship
A glowing line tore through space—five pods streaking through the stars like comets.
Frieza (grinning): "Ahh… the Ginyu Force is nearly here."
Zarbon: "Should I prepare your men?"
Frieza (amused): "No, let's see how my elite perform. After all, if they fail... they'll die. As is fitting."
Moments later, a piercing whine echoed across the Namekian sky. Five distinct auras descended in formation, their energy causing shockwaves across the land.
Goku (tense): "They've arrived."
Piccolo: "I've never felt power like this before…"
Gohan: "Dad… are we ready?"
Goku (steely-eyed): "We better be. Everyone, stay sharp."