"Um… this is my house. See… see you!"
Before they realized it, the two had walked quite a distance. Bulma's voice sounded from the side. Zeru snapped out of his thoughts and looked over, only to see her face flushed red as she waved goodbye to him. "Remember! My name is Bulma. This is my home. You can come visit me anytime!"
"Got it."
Zeru gave her an OK gesture. Right now, Bulma looked far too young. Although he himself wasn't very old either, having lived two lives, his mindset was naturally far more mature.
An eleven-year-old girl was still far too immature.
After that, Zeru bought a villa directly across from Bulma's house. After meeting the real young Bulma, he restrained himself a bit. At this stage, she was simply too young—leaving an impression was enough.
He stayed in West City for about a month. During that time, he frequently met and played with Bulma, and their relationship gradually became closer.
Another month passed. One day, Zeru flew to Mount Paozu, secretly took a glance at young Goku, and then used Instant Transmission to leave Earth.
As for Bulma obtaining the Two-Star Dragon Ball five years early, after recalling what the system had said, he no longer cared. Moreover, she was still so young—her family would never allow her to go out searching for Dragon Balls.
Most importantly, Zeru didn't believe that an eleven-year-old Bulma could invent the Dragon Radar yet.
On top of that, after spending time with her, he no longer saw any particular interest from Bulma toward the Dragon Balls, so he felt at ease leaving Earth.
…
…
Seasons passed, and another four years went by.
On a certain day in April of Age 748, on a green-hued planet.
At this moment, Zeru floated in midair, looking down at a small village below. His eyes slowly narrowed.
The planet he stood on was the birthplace of Earth's Dragon Balls—Planet Namek.
And the village beneath him was where the Grand Elder, the guardian of Namek, resided.
His purpose for coming to Namek today was simple—to collect the seven Dragon Balls and summon Porunga.
"Four years ago, my base power level was already 10 million. Now, four years later, it's far beyond just two or three times that!"
Zeru slowly descended, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
Four times.
That's right.
In four years, his power level had increased fourfold.
Which meant that his base power level had now reached 40 million.
With Super Saiyan's fiftyfold amplification, his peak power would reach a terrifying 2 billion.
Yes.
2 billion power level.
At this stage, he was unquestionably the absolute dominant powerhouse of the current era.
Even Frieza, the so-called Emperor of the Universe, wouldn't survive a single second against him.
And yet, there was still one year before the original Dragon Ball storyline even began.
To have reached this level already…
What kind of heights would he reach by the start of Dragon Ball Z? And after the Majin Buu saga? Before Dragon Ball Super?
It was unimaginable.
If his progress continued at this pace, Zeru speculated that he might even surpass Super Saiyan God.
Or perhaps…
Reach the level where he could utterly crush Beerus?
"Just thinking about it… is already exciting enough!"
The mere thought of overpowering Beerus made Zeru's blood boil.
"Halt!"
As Zeru was lost in thought, a loud shout rang out beside him.
"Hm?!"
Snapping back to reality, Zeru glanced around and realized that he had unknowingly arrived at the entrance of the Grand Elder's village.
Two tall Namekians stood guard at the entrance, staring at him with wary expressions.
"Planet Namek does not receive visitors from other worlds. Please understand."
The Namekian on the left gave Zeru an apologetic smile before his expression turned cold again.
Zeru shook his head and chuckled lightly. "The wise Grand Elder… will want to meet me."
"Hm?!"
Hearing that Zeru knew of their supreme being, the two Namekians exchanged glances, their eyes filled with surprise and confusion.
After all, aside from Namekians themselves, no one else should know of the Grand Elder's existence.
Yet this outsider did.
"Please… wait a moment."
After hesitating, the Namekian on the right bowed slightly before turning and running into the village to report Zeru's arrival.
Zeru wasn't in a hurry and simply waited calmly.
Although he had more than enough power to force every Namekian into submission and take the Dragon Balls by force, there was no need to do that.
One minute passed.
Two minutes.
Three minutes.
Soon, after about ten minutes, hurried footsteps approached. Zeru looked toward the source and saw a Namekian leading over a dozen others toward him.
Nail.
Zeru's eyes flickered slightly as he recognized the leader.
This was the strongest warrior on Namek.
Using the system, Zeru checked his power level.
25,000.
For this stage, that was indeed quite formidable.
"You're a Saiyan?!"
Nail walked over and examined Zeru, a hint of surprise appearing on his face.
"Yes."
Zeru nodded with a smile.
"The Grand Elder said… a friend has come from afar. That friend… is you?"
Nail frowned. Unlike ordinary Namekians, he was well aware of the Saiyan race. To him, they were nothing but a symbol of evil.
"As I said, the wise Grand Elder would want to meet me."
Zeru maintained his calm smile.
"…Come in."
Though Nail was clearly displeased with Zeru's Saiyan identity, the Grand Elder had indeed expressed interest in meeting him upon hearing of his arrival.
And so, he stepped aside, allowing Zeru to enter.