The rocky plains trembled under the oppressive silence. Dust and small stones rolled down the cliffs as Vegeta and Nappa stood arrogantly, their smirks widening at the sight of the gathered Z Fighters.
Vegeta folded his arms and chuckled coldly.
Vegeta: "Why don't we see what they can really do? Then we'll ask them about the Dragon Balls again… Hey, Nappa… weren't there six seeds for cultivars left?"
Nappa's lips curled into a wide grin.
Nappa: "Heh heh heh… you like to play games, don't you, Vegeta? Yeah, there's six left all right."
Rudra clenched his fists tighter. He had expected this… the infamous Saibamen. His memories of the original timeline flashed in his mind. So this is it…
Krillin blinked, confused.
Krillin: "Cultivars? W-what are those?"
Piccolo narrowed his eyes, sensing trouble.
Piccolo: "Whatever they are… it won't be good."
Nappa reached into a pouch, pulling out six small, wrinkled seeds. He crouched down, pushing each one into the dirt with deliberate care.
Nappa: "They'll grow well in this soil."
Poosh… poosh… plip plip plip…
The Z Fighters watched, uncertain. Even Gohan was trembling slightly.
Gohan (whispering): "Dad… where are you? Please hurry…"
Rudra stepped closer, whispering to Piccolo and Krillin.
Rudra: "Stay sharp… I know what's coming. These aren't just plants… they're monsters."
Krillin swallowed hard.
Krillin: "Monsters? From seeds?!"
Almost as if on cue, the ground began to rumble. The earth cracked and bulged where the seeds were buried. Then—
SPOP! SPOP! SPOP!
Green, humanoid creatures burst from the ground, clawing their way into existence. Their bodies were squat and muscular, their heads large with exposed veins, their claws sharp and dripping with fresh soil. Six pairs of glowing eyes fixed on the warriors before them.
Krillin (stepping back): "Wh-what's going on?!"
Yamcha: "They… they're alive?! From seeds?!"
Piccolo's teeth clenched.
Piccolo: "Damn it… so this is what they meant."
Rudra's heart pounded. Saibamen… weaker than Vegeta and Nappa, but still deadly. In the original story, Yamcha… He stopped himself, shaking his head. No. I'll change it this time.
Vegeta smirked, raising a finger toward the newly-born Saibamen.
Vegeta: "Those six are your targets. Let's see how you fare against them."
The Saibamen hissed and screeched, pounding their fists into the rocky ground, eager for battle.
Krillin (nervously): "I-I don't like the looks of those guys…!"
Tien's eyes sharpened. He stepped forward calmly, his muscular frame casting a long shadow across the rocky field.
Tien: "Fine. I'll go first."
Piccolo (gritting his teeth): "Tch… quit playing games and get this over with!"
Krillin quickly grabbed Tien's arm.
Krillin: "Wait, Piccolo! Think about it—Goku isn't here yet! Maybe… maybe this could work in our favor. We can buy some time!"
Tien shrugged him off, determination blazing in his third eye.
Tien: "No… we can't just stall. We have to fight."
Rudra stepped up beside Tien.
Rudra: "You won't fight alone, Tien. Not this time. If they're strong, then we'll deal with them together."
Tien gave him a quick look and nodded.
Tien: "Then stay sharp. Don't drag me down."
Vegeta (to the Saibamen): "You take this one. Tear them apart."
Nappa laughed loudly.
Nappa: "Ha ha ha! This will be good. I think the cultivars will surprise that little man!"
The chosen Saibaman crouched low, its claws digging into the dirt. Then with a sudden burst of speed, it lunged at Tien with a guttural scream.
Saibaman: "GRAAAAHH!!"
Tien stood tall, his aura flaring. He tightened his fists and let out a roar of his own.
Tien: "HYYYAAAH!!"
Their fists collided with a shockwave, sending dust flying. The ground beneath them cracked violently from the sheer force.
Rudra clenched his jaw, watching carefully. This isn't just about survival. I need to push myself too. I can't rely on just what I know from before…
Krillin shouted from behind.
Krillin: "T-Tenshinhan! Good luck!"
The Z Fighters looked on anxiously as Tien and the Saibaman exchanged fierce blows. Each strike echoed through the mountains. Tien was holding his ground, his three eyes burning with intensity.
Gohan, hiding behind Piccolo, clenched his small fists.
Gohan (thinking): "Everyone's fighting so bravely… I… I need to be strong too!"
Meanwhile, Vegeta and Nappa stood back, watching with amusement.
Vegeta (smirking): "So… the insects are putting up some resistance after all. But let's see how long that lasts."
Rudra stepped forward, glaring at Vegeta.
Rudra: "You think this is just a game… but for us, it's everything. This planet… these people… we won't let you destroy it."
Vegeta raised an eyebrow, recognizing Rudra's voice again.
Vegeta: "Hmph. Bold words… from the one who dared to defeat Raditz. Let's see if you can back them up, boy."
Rudra's aura flared slightly, but he kept his composure. His time was coming. For now, Tien was at the front line.