Chapter 10: Raditz's Choice
"Bardock?"
Hearing Raditz's words, Vegeta and Nappa suddenly remembered. Raditz's father Bardock had been quite famous among the Saiyans. Despite being low-class, his battle power exceeding 10,000 had earned widespread respect.
Even current Vegeta didn't have the right to look down on Bardock. He simply wasn't strong enough yet.
"Uh, while I'd love to claim you as my son, I'm definitely not your father!"
Turles felt exasperated. What was wrong with Raditz's eyes? Sure, Bardock, Goku, and Turles all shared the same face, but the differences were obvious. For starters, he didn't have any scars.
After Turles's denial, the three examined him more carefully. He definitely wasn't Bardock—the age didn't match. This person was far too young. Realizing their mistake, Vegeta and Nappa both glared at the "blind idiot" Raditz. Nappa even cracked his knuckles with a menacing grin.
Seeing Nappa's threatening expression, fear flickered through Raditz. He had the lowest status in this team. Though once classified as an elite-class warrior, his growth had stagnated compared to Vegeta's, making him frequent target practice for Nappa's bullying.
"Enough, Nappa. Save it for later. Let's see what this 'Bardock' wants first." Vegeta cut off Nappa's intimidation, putting heavy emphasis on "Bardock" with obvious displeasure.
"Heh."
Turles ignored Vegeta's irritation, instead looking at the frightened Raditz with a smile. "Raditz, since you called me 'Dad,' I'll give you a choice. How about working for me instead?"
"You're dead!"
Seeing Turles not only ignore him but openly poach his subordinate, Vegeta exploded. With a curse, he launched a direct attack.
Human nature was predictable. People often didn't value what they had—might even resent it—but the moment someone else tried to take it, they couldn't stand losing it.
Turles stood perfectly still, as if frozen in surprise, continuing to smile at Raditz. He watched the shock on Raditz's face and the schadenfreude on Nappa's.
Only when Vegeta's fist was inches from his face did Turles move. His right hand snapped up like lightning, catching Vegeta's strike effortlessly.
The air pressure from the punch blew Turles's hair back. Vegeta's fist hovered right before his face, unable to advance even a millimeter. Turles's smirk widened noticeably.
Vegeta's eyes widened in shock. As the Saiyan Prince, he'd been born with 1,250 battle power—stronger than most low-class warriors from birth. Called a super genius among his race, he'd lived up to that reputation. At twenty-four, he now possessed 13,000 battle power. Yet this young Saiyan had casually blocked his attack—and Vegeta couldn't even pull his fist free. That meant this warrior was significantly stronger. The realization was difficult to accept.
"So, what do you say? Working for me can't be worse than following this prince, right?" Turles still didn't acknowledge Vegeta, keeping his right hand locked around the prince's fist while smiling at Raditz.
Fear crossed Raditz's face. He didn't understand why this stranger wanted him, but looking at that face identical to his father's, combined with strength exceeding Vegeta's, hesitation crept in.
Nappa caught Raditz's wavering expression. Fury flashed across his face—then he reconsidered. If Vegeta couldn't beat this guy, Nappa certainly couldn't. He immediately wiped the anger from his features and stepped aside like a bystander.
Noticing both subordinates' reactions, Vegeta's rage intensified. Being repeatedly ignored was the final straw. With a roar, his aura surged. He finally wrenched his fist free from Turles's grip.
Vegeta took to the air and unleashed his signature Royal Barrage—countless energy blasts rained down on Turles's position, quickly engulfing him in explosions.
After the assault stopped, Vegeta panted heavily, eyes locked on the smoke below.
"What are you looking for? Me?"
A voice spoke directly behind him. Vegeta's pupils contracted. Before he could react, devastating force struck his neck. His eyes rolled back, and consciousness fled.
Watching Vegeta crash to the ground, Turles felt vaguely disappointed. Current Vegeta was too weak—not even worth taking seriously.
Landing before Raditz, Turles glanced at Nappa playing dead. His smile vanished, replaced by cold indifference. "I don't repeat myself three times. Raditz, what's your choice?"
Raditz looked at Turles's cold expression, then back at the unconscious Vegeta and watching Nappa. He gritted his teeth. Finally, he stepped behind Turles.
With Raditz's choice made, Turles didn't comment further. This had been an impulsive decision anyway—he didn't really care about the outcome.
"Nappa!" Turles called out.
"Sir! What can I do for you?" Hearing his name, Nappa didn't dare delay. He jogged over, his massive frame hunched low, face twisted into an obsequious smile.
Seeing this scarred brute make such an expression, Turles's mouth twitched. Still, he gave his orders: "Watch over Vegeta. When he wakes up, tell him I'll be on this planet for two days. He's welcome to challenge me anytime during that period."
With that, Turles launched into the air, flying back the way he'd come.
Seeing Turles leave, Raditz glanced once more at Nappa, then quickly followed.
Watching the departing pair, envy flickered across Nappa's face. He actually envied Raditz's good fortune. If possible, he'd have wanted to follow this powerful Saiyan too.
Saiyans were a race that respected strength. If you could dominate them with power, they'd follow you willingly. Of course, if you ever lost value, you'd better watch your back. Turles had clearly impressed this brutal warrior.
Saiyan physiology was impressive. Before long, Vegeta regained consciousness.
Upon waking, Vegeta didn't immediately notice Raditz's absence. He looked like an enraged lion, bloodshot eyes scanning his surroundings for the warrior who'd humiliated him.
Watching the furious prince, Nappa realized he probably didn't need to relay the message—Vegeta would hunt down Turles anyway. Still, for some reason, Nappa repeated Turles's words exactly. It only made Vegeta angrier, his expression turning truly ugly.
Then Vegeta noticed Raditz was missing. He immediately questioned Nappa, who embellished the story enthusiastically, particularly emphasizing Raditz's "betrayal."
After hearing everything, Vegeta didn't immediately hunt down Turles as Nappa expected. Instead, his expression flickered uncertainly as he fell into thought. The sight made Nappa uneasy.
"Nappa, didn't Raditz have a younger brother? His father sent the kid to some remote planet, right?" Vegeta suddenly changed topics.
"I think so?" Nappa didn't immediately catch on. But seeing Vegeta's dark look, he quickly corrected himself: "Yes! Raditz mentioned it. The kid's name was Kakarot. Raditz said his brother looked exactly like young Bardock, just like—" Realization struck. "Vegeta, are you saying that guy IS Kakarot?"
"Exactly." Vegeta nodded, his expression souring further.
"But Raditz said Kakarot was only born with a power level of 2! How could a low-class scrub among low-class warriors be that strong?" Nappa found it hard to believe.
Though irritated by Nappa calling Kakarot strong, Vegeta countered: "Bardock was also low-class. Was Bardock weak?"
"True enough." Nappa was convinced. Then he glanced carefully at Vegeta. "So... are you still going to challenge this Kakarot?"
Hearing Nappa circle back to that topic, Vegeta's briefly-recovered mood shattered. He glared at Nappa for bringing up the sore subject again, then said reluctantly: "We wait. First, we investigate his background. Most importantly, we need his exact battle power."
He activated his scouter and aimed it in the direction "Kakarot" had departed.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Numbers flashed across the display before settling on a figure that shocked them both.
"22,590!" Nappa couldn't help shouting.
Even Vegeta fell silent.
Meanwhile, Turles had no idea Vegeta had mistaken him for Raditz's brother Kakarot. He stared in exasperation at Raditz, who'd gone from calling him "father" to calling him "brother."
"What's wrong with your eyes? Seriously?" Unable to contain himself any longer, Turles demanded an explanation.
"But you look exactly like Dad! And the age fits! Even though you're stronger than me now, I'm still your big brother. Mom and Dad asked me to take care of you when they sent you away!"
Though slightly intimidated, Raditz weakly insisted on his point.
"Who's whose father?! Kakarot's perfectly fine on Earth! My name is TURLES!"
Turles looked at Raditz's unconvinced expression and Paragus laughing endlessly in the background. He felt deeply annoyed. He should never have brought this fool back.
"What have I done to deserve this?" Turles lamented to the heavens.
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