Soon, Nail led Zeru into a small courtyard where the Grand Elder resided.
"Grand Elder, the Saiyan has been brought here."
Nail quickened his steps and approached behind the Grand Elder, who was seated on a stone bench in the courtyard, and spoke softly.
"I understand."
The Grand Elder nodded, then slowly opened his eyes and looked toward Zeru.
Their gazes met, and a hint of shock appeared on the Grand Elder's face.
Too powerful.
He could clearly sense the vast, boundless energy within Zeru.
"Hello, Grand Elder. My name is Zeru."
Zeru smiled and waved in greeting.
"Mr. Zeru, please sit."
The Grand Elder was a wise being who could perceive evil. He did not sense even a trace of malice from Zeru, so he treated this powerful Saiyan with great kindness.
Zeru walked forward and sat opposite him, getting straight to the point. "Grand Elder, I've come to Namek to obtain the seven Dragon Balls."
At these words, a sharp glint flashed through the Grand Elder's cloudy eyes.
"Of course, I won't take them for free."
Zeru smiled. "With your insight, you should be able to recognize my strength. If Namek faces danger in the future, I can promise to intervene once."
"There's no need for you to act!"
Nail immediately spoke up. "My strength is more than sufficient."
"Oh?"
Zeru glanced at him sideways, a faint smile curling at his lips. He raised a finger, and a golden glow began to flicker at its tip.
The Grand Elder remained calm.
But Nail was different. As the golden light formed at Zeru's fingertip, cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead, and his heart began pounding uncontrollably.
"The strength you're so proud of… is nothing in my eyes."
Zeru spoke indifferently.
Nail's words and gaze had carried a hint of provocation. While Zeru had a good temper, he didn't tolerate challenges lightly.
"That's enough, Nail."
The Grand Elder spoke, his gaze fixed on Zeru. "Send word. Have the elders of each village bring the Dragon Balls here."
"Grand Elder…"
Nail's expression changed. Was he really conceding just like that?
"Nail."
The Grand Elder's tone deepened.
"…Yes!"
Hearing the change in tone, Nail's expression shifted. Though unwilling, he had no choice but to bow respectfully. After casting a final glance at Zeru, he turned and left the courtyard.
Once Nail departed, silence fell between Zeru and the Grand Elder.
Neither spoke.
The atmosphere remained stiff for a full ten minutes.
"Mr. Zeru, how about we make another deal?"
The Grand Elder finally broke the silence.
"Hm?"
Zeru raised an eyebrow.
"You are indeed powerful, but your potential still has limits. I possess the ability to unlock a person's latent potential, though it comes at a great cost. In return, I hope that after I pass away, you will protect Namek several times in the future."
The Grand Elder spoke plainly, laying out the second deal.
Hearing this, a gleam flashed in Zeru's eyes.
"I accept."
He agreed without hesitation.
"Please follow me."
The Grand Elder slowly stood up, leaning on his staff as he made his way into the inner room of the courtyard.
The two entered one after the other. The Grand Elder turned around and pointed at a cushion on the floor. "Mr. Zeru, please sit cross-legged."
"Alright."
Zeru nodded and walked over, sitting down cross-legged.
The Grand Elder approached slowly, extending his right hand and placing it gently on top of Zeru's head.
"Close your eyes."
As the Grand Elder's voice sounded, Zeru complied.
The Grand Elder activated his ability. A silver-white radiance flowed from his palm, enveloping Zeru.
Before long, Zeru began to feel changes within himself.
It felt as though his consciousness was separating from his body. In that moment, he was completely relaxed, free of all distractions.
As time passed, the Grand Elder grew increasingly shocked. He discovered that impurities were being expelled from Zeru's body, accompanied by a foul stench.
"Mr. Zeru is truly extraordinary. Normally, unlocking someone's potential is a quick process, yet with him it's taking much longer. And… it seems it's not just a simple release of potential!"
The Grand Elder was inwardly astonished.
Soon, the process ended. Zeru slowly opened his eyes.
"Reforged… completely."
Those were the first words he spoke.
He stood up from the cushion and stretched his body. A series of crackling sounds echoed from within him, causing even the Grand Elder to reveal a look of shock.
"System, open my status panel."
Zeru called out inwardly.
"Host: Zeru
Age: 18 (Age 748)
Base Power Level: 80,000,000
Super Saiyan 1: 4,000,000,000
Skills: Energy beam, Kaioken x5 (no side effects), Instant Transmission
Items: Senzu Beans x100."
…
"Terrifying… truly terrifying!"
After checking his status panel, Zeru couldn't help but take a sharp breath.
In just over ten minutes, his power level had increased by a full 40 million.
Under normal circumstances, it would have taken him several more years of training to reach 80 million.
Yet the Grand Elder had shortened that time by years in a single session.
How could he not feel excited?