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"Something interesting?" Trunks stared at Frieza curiously, excitement flickering in his eyes.
He was eager to hear what Frieza had to say.
The "brand-new Namekian" that Frieza referred to suddenly gave Trunks an idea: What if Kiru assimilated with Piccolo?
(I have to admit, Frieza's idea is actually pretty good. If they assimilate, Uncle Piccolo would gain long-range healing abilities. He'd still be weaker than us, but much stronger than Kiru alone.")
Frieza curled his lips into a sly smile.
"Want to know? Then go ask that Namekian called Piccolo yourself."
After saying that, he deliberately blinked, clearly enjoying keeping others in suspense without giving them a straight answer.
Seeing Frieza act so mysteriously only intensified Trunks' curiosity.
He frowned and said dissatisfiedly, "Hey, Frieza, playing these mysterious games isn't really your style. But, since you put it that way, I'll go ask Uncle Piccolo what's going on."
As he spoke, Trunks placed a hand lightly on Frieza's shoulder and added, with mild reproach,
"You really know how to leave people hanging."
The moment he finished speaking, Trunks activated Instant Transmission, disappearing from the spot without a trace—taking Frieza and Kiru with him.
…
At the same time... On distant Earth.
Inside the Lookout, everything was calm and peaceful.
After the earlier, heart-stopping Baby incident, it felt as though the entire world had been washed clean. Now, everything had returned to its usual tranquility.
Since the two former Kami had assimilated with Piccolo, he was forced to act as the temporary Guardian of Earth.
Standing quietly in the center of the Lookout, Piccolo gazed thoughtfully at the Black Star Dragon Balls, which had turned to stone.
He had not expected this failed creation to play such a crucial role.
"Oh, no, Lord Piccolo, not Kami! These Dragon Balls are almost identical to Earth's regular Dragon Balls now. It's thanks to the joint efforts of the old Kami and Lord Dende." Mr. Popo spoke respectfully.
For some reason, however, Piccolo felt a faint but persistent unease in his heart. After the assimilation, the old Kami's memories had begun to merge with his own.
The Black Star Dragon Balls possessed even greater power than the normal ones. Some compulsory wishes could be carried out without the consent of the person being targeted.
For example, forcibly turning someone into a child, resurrecting someone, or teleporting someone elsewhere did not require the target's permission. The wish would simply be executed.
Misusing the Black Star Dragon Balls would undoubtedly cause serious trouble.
(Author's note: As I recall, the Black Star Dragon Balls can ignore the target's consent when executing wishes, for example, in Dragon Ball GT when Goku was turned into a child. But Earth's normal Dragon Balls don't seem to work that way. For instance, at the end of the Namek Saga in Dragon Ball Z, everyone wanted to revive Goku, but Shenron said it couldn't be done because Goku wasn't dead. Then Bulma suggested teleporting Goku back, but Shenron said Goku refused. I think that setting was pretty good. However, in the recent Dragon Ball Daima, Earth's Shenron turned everyone into children forcibly, which also seems compulsory. It feels like the setting was changed. Daima's settings also conflict somewhat with Super. For now, I'll treat it as another parallel world. But there's also another possibility, that new ancient Namekian in Daima collected Earth's Dragon Balls and forcibly activated them, possibly modifying or upgrading them at that time, giving them the ability to forcibly shrink the protagonists.)
Piccolo said solemnly, "No, Mr. Popo. These Dragon Balls are too dangerous. My decision is to seal them away."
As soon as the words fell… Three figures appeared silently behind Piccolo.
Tap…! The crisp sound of footsteps interrupted the conversation between Piccolo and Mr. Popo.
"Trunks?! Did you finish your special training?" Piccolo asked, turning around. Seeing Trunks and Frieza together, he asked in surprise.
Trunks nodded. "Yes, Uncle Piccolo. We've completed our training."
At that moment, Trunks sensed that Piccolo was different. Not only was his aura stronger than before, but Trunks could also sense the presence of the old Kami and Dende within him.
(So...they've already assimilated.)
"Uncle Piccolo, you seem stronger. What happened on Earth while we were away?"
Piccolo recounted everything that had occurred in full detail.
After hearing it all, Trunks fell silent.
(So my earlier guess was right; Baby really wasn't dead. But Aize's appearance was unexpected. Is this some kind of butterfly effect causing timelines to merge?)
Trunks sighed inwardly. He hadn't expected this world to contain Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and even Dragon Ball AF.
"In that case, Uncle Piccolo, it looks like you've achieved a new breakthrough, too. That's great news," Trunks said with a smile.
Piccolo nodded. "Even so, compared to you all, there's still quite a gap."
From the side, Frieza let out a mocking laugh.
"Ho ho ho... At least you have some self-awareness, Namekian. I didn't expect you to be beaten into that state by my son."
At Frieza's taunt, Piccolo merely lowered his head awkwardly. Though harsh, Frieza's words were accurate, and during this crisis, it really had been thanks to Frieza.
"Well done, Frieza. I didn't expect you to protect Earth again. I'll remember this favor. If there's ever a chance to repay you, I will."
Trunks gave Frieza a thumbs-up.
Frieza immediately clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Tch. This Great King won't give you that chance. Once the Tournament of Power is over, we'll settle all debts, old and new!"
With that, Frieza turned away and said coldly,
"Enough nonsense. Hurry up and have this little Namekian assimilate with the big one."
Upon hearing this, Piccolo looked at Kiru beside Trunks, his eyes filled with confusion.
Kiru smiled slightly. "Hello, Uncle Piccolo. My name is Kiru. Elder Moori told me about you."
The moment Piccolo saw Kiru, his gaze froze. For some reason, his heart trembled violently.
"Y-yes...hello," Piccolo said, his voice shaking slightly. "Assimilation? Trunks, do you mean for me to assimilate with Kiru?"
Trunks nodded.
"That's right, Uncle Piccolo. Your current strength has already exceeded my expectations. Kiru's power alone is too weak, but if you combine it with your Orange form, then victory will surely be ours in this Tournament of Power."
(End Of This Chapter)