Turles knew his natural talent wasn't exceptional, but his ambition was boundless. After obtaining the Tree of Might seed, he treated it like a priceless treasure, constantly searching for suitable planets to plant it, drawing strength from each world's life energy.
His power level of thirty-five thousand had been painstakingly acquired bit by bit! From one perspective, it might seem like an inspirational story, but in Raditz's view, Turles was just a lucky clown.
Turles charged toward Goku with tremendous force, throwing a punch so fast that the fist itself was barely visible—only the disturbed energy in its wake could be sensed! Goku's expression hardened for an instant before he activated the Triple Kaio-ken, stepping forward to meet the attack head-on!
Their fists collided, splitting the air with explosive force that sent both fighters reeling backward.
Goku, empowered by the Triple Kaio-ken, matched Turles in strength. The two warriors retreated to similar distances, eyeing each other from across the battlefield, their retracted hands trembling slightly.
Just as Turles was about to speak, a flash of realization crossed his face, and his expression changed dramatically. Raditz was no longer in his field of vision—he had vanished! Instinctively, Turles spun around.
On the other side, Raditz had used the moment of collision between Goku and Turles to position himself behind the dark Saiyan. He whipped his leg forward like lightning, aiming for Turles' midsection. If this kick connected, it would send him flying and inflict serious injury!
But at the critical moment, Turles pivoted sharply, turning half his body and quickly raising his arms to block. Though appearing casual, the defense completely halted Raditz's attack. Both fighters froze momentarily, stunned by the exchange, their limbs locked together as they forgot to disengage.
Raditz was shocked—his opponent's strength far exceeded his expectations. When his leg connected, it felt as though his bones might shatter, like kicking a solid block of iron. Though his own power had diminished considerably since the earlier battles, the gap was still staggering.
Turles, meanwhile, was surprised by the numbness spreading through his arms from Raditz's kick, secretly astonished that Raditz still possessed such strength! He had witnessed the intense battle between Raditz and Vegeta and assumed Raditz's physical stamina was depleted. That he could launch such a powerful attack now was truly unexpected.
The moment of surprise lasted only an instant before both warriors regained their composure and sprang apart.
"BEEP BEEP!" A scouter's alarm sounded half a second too late.
Enraged, Turles whirled around in a blur of motion, suddenly reappearing beside Raditz. Taking advantage of his momentum, he drove his knee upward, sending Raditz flying through the air in pain so intense it nearly caused convulsions.
Immediately following this attack came another. Raditz endured the searing agony and activated the Kaio-ken! He somersaulted several times in mid-air before hitting the ground and sliding a considerable distance.
Seeing Raditz under attack, Goku quickly flew to engage Turles. The difference in strength and speed between the two was minimal, making it difficult to predict a winner. But Goku was carrying a tremendous burden—he couldn't maintain the Triple Kaio-ken indefinitely!
Raditz saw an opportunity to assist his brother and fired several energy waves toward Turles' back, cutting off his retreat.
"Get out of my way!" Turles roared, blasting continuous energy waves toward Raditz while simultaneously launching a massive energy blast at Goku, both hands radiating power.
Not only did the ground erupt with one dark crater after another, but large sections of the Tree of Might were also obliterated. The energy raining down was more intense than anything Raditz could produce, engulfing him completely.
Goku struggled against the massive energy attack, having no time to help Raditz as he fought to deflect the blast.
"Hmph, one of you confronts me directly while the other attacks from behind. A clever tactic," Turles sneered, his eyes locked on Goku while keeping Raditz in his peripheral vision. "Unfortunately, you're still no match for me. Kakarot, your stamina is gradually failing, isn't it? Since we're all Saiyans, I might consider making you my subordinates. What do you say?"
"Become your subordinate?"
"I possess the seeds of the Tree of Might. With suitable soil, I can plant them endlessly. This fruit is meant only for gods—it's the source of my incredible power. Earth's soil is particularly fertile. Look! The tree behind me has already grown luxuriantly, and as this planet's energy is drained, those who follow me will be rewarded with strength beyond imagination!"
"Prince Vegeta, I saw you humiliated by Raditz. Don't you want revenge? And Raditz, haven't you grown tired of being Vegeta's lackey? Only one of you can join my army. Show me your determination! Whoever kills the other first will earn the right to stand with me!"
Turles wore an expression of sadistic amusement, malice gleaming in his eyes. "Kakarot, who do you think will win?"
Using the Tree of Might's fruit as bait to turn them against each other? Turles' original purpose had been to continue his pattern of invasion and self-strengthening—encountering Vegeta was merely coincidence! But he now believed he controlled the situation. His men were locked in fierce combat with Krillin and Tien, and victory seemed within his grasp, even if not immediate.
Raditz assessed his condition grimly. His body could no longer withstand more than a triple Kaio-ken, and his strength had fallen to less than half its peak. Even using every ounce of his remaining power, he couldn't defeat Turles. That single blow earlier had nearly incapacitated him.
The Tree of Might's roots spread across the landscape, completely destroying the surrounding ecosystem. Everything it touched withered, gradually transforming Earth into a dead world. Even the sky had grown dim, hopeless clouds blending heaven and earth into gloomy shades of lead and ink, creating an oppressive atmosphere.
Even if they delayed, Turles would eventually achieve his goal. Time was running out.
Suddenly, Vegeta laughed loudly: "Hahahaha! Turles, your suggestion is excellent! Just kill Raditz, right?"
"That's right. It's refreshing to see a prince with such quick understanding, hehe."
"I don't have much choice," Vegeta smiled wickedly. "I trust you'll keep your word."
"I wouldn't lie to you," Turles assured him with a booming voice, his eyes filled with self-satisfaction. He would be pleased no matter which of them died.
"Vegeta, stop!" Goku appeared with a flash, positioning himself between Vegeta and Raditz.
Unwilling to let Goku interfere with his plan, Turles rushed forward, kicking Goku aside to clear Vegeta's path.
As Vegeta approached step by step, Raditz remained silent, something flickering in his eyes.
While Turles and Goku grappled with each other, Vegeta gathered energy in his palm and thrust his hand forward from the side. Raditz also prepared himself, a Saturday Crash bursting forth!
Both attacks cast long shadows behind them as beams of light suddenly erupted!
Just as the energy blasts were about to collide, both warriors twisted their arms simultaneously, and the two shock waves curved in mid-air, redirecting toward Turles!
BOOM!
The massive explosion was deafening. Turles staggered forward and crashed into the Tree of Might, his back scorched black.
"WHY?!"
"Hmph, you don't know Vegeta at all. How could the mighty prince of all Saiyans ever become your subordinate?" Raditz said disdainfully.
Vegeta fixed Turles with an icy stare. "That's just one reason. More importantly, your appearance and your pathetic methods of gaining power are revolting. Compared to Raditz and Kakarot, you disgust me even more!"
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