Piccolo's doubt-filled eyes stared fixedly at the tiny figure before him, which possessed no detectable combat power. Deep down, he couldn't help but wonder: 'What secret is this little fellow hiding? Why did he constantly sense an indescribable, unfathomable power emanating from him?'
Piccolo frowned slightly. A thoughtful glint flashed through his eyes before he asked, "So, what special ability does Kiru actually possess?"
He knew Trunks had always been exceptionally intelligent. Since he had insisted on bringing Trunks to participate in the Tournament of Power, there must be an important reason.
Trunks smiled faintly and explained patiently, "Uncle Piccolo, this Tournament of Power uses a battle royale format. Having a teammate with healing abilities is extremely important. Kiru just happens to possess healing powers."
Hearing this, Piccolo fell into thought and muttered to himself, "But I've already assimilated with Dende. That means... technically, I already possess healing abilities myself."
At that moment, Frieza suddenly let out a sharp, mocking laugh. In a sarcastic tone, he said, "Hmph, and you dare claim you have healing abilities? If you really did, why didn't you use them when my son beat you half to death back then? In the end, wasn't it Lord Kibito who saved your miserable life?"
"And what does that prove? Hohoho! Is it because your healing technique isn't strong enough, Namekian? Or is it that you are just too weak?" Frieza sneered playfully.
Piccolo's face instantly turned dark green with anger. Yet, faced with someone as powerful as Frieza, he could only suppress the fury burning inside him.
"Enough! Shut your mouth and stop rambling! Namekian, all you need to do is obey Vegeta's son."
"Remember, do exactly as he tells you and stop wasting time. Even the Great King has his limits," Frieza complained, and an impatient glow gathered in his palm.
Trunks frowned and shouted, "Frieza, drop that disgusting attitude! Don't forget, we're all in this together in the Tournament of Power. Show some respect when you speak."
Then he turned to Piccolo and said, "Uncle Piccolo, come over and assimilate with Kiru."
"You should know that Kiru's healing ability is exceptional. If he works with Dende inside your body, then the healing techniques you use will become even stronger. That will greatly increase our chances of victory in battle."
Piccolo took a deep breath and stopped hesitating.
"Then let's begin the assimilation, Kiru." After the Tournament of Power ends, Trunks can separate us again. I won't restrict your freedom," Piccolo said in a low, steady voice that left no room for doubt.
Kiru nodded firmly. "Mm, I understand, Uncle Piccolo. Let's begin!"
Piccolo gently placed a hand on Kiru's head and slowly closed his eyes. A mysterious, gentle light began radiating from his entire body.
It gradually intensified, enveloping the two of them completely and forming a radiant cocoon that glowed with strange colors.
Suddenly, a dazzling burst of light erupted. When the brilliance finally faded, a brand-new figure appeared before everyone.
After the assimilation, Piccolo's body lines became smoother and more refined.
He slowly opened his eyes, a flash of surprise passing through them.
An unprecedented surge of power flowed through his body like a roaring tide, circulating endlessly within him.
Yet, in an instant, Piccolo regained his composure. He took a deep breath, calming the turbulence in his heart.
Then, with absolute confidence, he turned toward Trunks and Frieza and said calmly, "All right, Trunks, Frieza... let's depart."
Trunks sensed the entirely new aura emanating from Piccolo. The corners of his lips lifted slightly, and satisfaction was clearly visible in his eyes.
He nodded. "Understood, Senior Piccolo."
Then he turned and called to Frieza in the distance, "Let's go, Frieza. Hurry up."
Frieza snorted coldly. "Tch. Don't order this great king around. We're only temporary teammates."
Whoosh...!
Instant Transmission activated once again, and the group disappeared from the Lookout in an instant.
…
God of Destruction Realm.
Three figures suddenly appeared:
Piccolo, Frieza, and Trunks landed at the same time.
"Whoa?! Frieza, you really came?" Son Goku widened his eyes and circled around Frieza in excitement.
After confirming that it was indeed Frieza, Goku circled around him.
Seeing the man who had once killed him now lively and jumping around right in front of him naturally made Frieza's heart surge with hatred.
"Stay away from me, Son Goku, Or I'll kill you!"
His expression turned fierce, and he didn't sound like he was joking.
Goku laughed teasingly. "Aw, Frieza, don't be so scary. We're teammates now."
As he spoke, Goku casually threw an arm over Frieza's shoulder but suddenly paused.
"Hm? Did you get taller, Frieza?"
Frieza's face darkened; he was clearly on the verge of exploding. "Take your hand off this great king immediately!"
Just as Frieza was about to erupt in fury, a familiar voice interrupted him.
"Frieza, long time no see. Your temper hasn't changed, has it?"
Beerus looked at Frieza with disdain; his gaze was filled with amusement. Frieza immediately calmed down. Beerus's oppressive presence was as overwhelming as ever.
However, Goku wasn't afraid at all. His attention soon shifted to Piccolo.
"Hm? Piccolo's here, too? Weren't we supposed to find Kiru? Trunks, why did it turn into Piccolo instead?" Goku asked again.
Upon hearing this, Trunks explained the entire situation to everyone.
"Uncle Piccolo has grown stronger and bonded with Kiru. Now, we won't have to constantly watch over Kiru and divide our attention," Gohan said as he walked over to Piccolo, carefully sensing his aura.
"Uncle Piccolo, this is great! We can fight side by side again," Gohan said, his eyes shining.
At that moment, Piccolo revealed a long-lost smile. Countless emotions were contained within it; the helplessness of past weakness was brushed away with a single smile.
"Lord Beerus, everyone is here now. Not one more, not one less, exactly ten people. When do we depart?" Trunks asked.
Beerus closed his eyes and began contacting Whis.
"Whis, we're ready. Come pick us up."
Whoosh!
Whis appeared before everyone.
"Hmm, quite fast. The arena is still under construction. We should be the first universe to arrive."
"Everyone, hold hands. We're about to leave."
(End Of This Chapter)
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