"Failed again… Even with Nail and Puru teaming up, we still got beaten head-on."
The Namekian lying trapped within a floating energy bubble didn't even bother struggling anymore. Instead, he simply lay there, his expression one of calm resignation.
"As expected of Naruto,"
said Nail — the one who had been addressed by name — placing his hands on the energy bubble for a moment before withdrawing them again.
"Your Wind Release: Ki Style has grown even stronger."
This time, it wasn't like before — not some fake "air-style" attack disguised as a ki blast.
This was the real thing.
Naruto had developed this "Ki Release: Wind Style" himself — a unique technique born from fusing chakra and ki into one seamless form.
It was both ninjutsu and ki control — a synthesis of two worlds.
"Hah!"
Puru extended his right hand and fired a ki blast toward one of the bubbles.
But before the blast could even touch it, the energy simply vanished into thin air.
"No good. I can't break it either."
"Even Nail and Puru can't shatter these barriers? Then we don't stand a chance,"
said another Namekian, shrugging as he reclined comfortably inside his bubble like a salted fish giving up on life.
"All right, all right — that's enough for today,"
Naruto said with a grin, clapping his hands.
The bubbles burst instantly, releasing the Namekian warriors back into the open air.
After Porunga's bloodline awakening, Naruto no longer needed hand seals to perform jutsu.
Just by bringing his palms together, he could invoke any technique he wanted — effortlessly.
Two years had passed since then.
The boyish look on Naruto's face had long since faded; now, at sixteen, he stood as a young man — taller, broader, and more solidly built than most.
He wasn't as monstrously muscular as Broly, nor as freakishly bulky as his earlier transformation, but his physique carried the strength and balance of a seasoned warrior.
In those two years on Namek, Naruto had grown close to the planet's warriors.
When they weren't on missions, they would often train together — sparring, sharing techniques, and pushing each other beyond their limits.
Even though the Namekians were a peace-loving people by nature — and even the warrior types weren't fond of fighting — the events of Turles's invasion and the Tree of Might had changed them.
The hunger for strength had been awakened across the planet.
Naruto, having been the hero who saved them from that crisis, was now admired by all — even by Nail himself.
Recognized and trusted by the Grand Elder, he had become a role model for the new generation of Namekian warriors.
And for Naruto, who had only recently awakened his bloodline and needed countless battles to test his power, it was the perfect training ground.
Hence the scene that had just unfolded.
Over those two years, Nail's power level had risen from 42,000 to 88,000.
Puru's growth was even more astonishing — from 8,000 all the way up to 62,000.
The rest of the Namekian warriors, whose strengths had once hovered around 3,000, had all improved as well.
Even the weakest among them now boasted a power level of 15,000 —
the greatest leap in Namek's recorded history.
As for Naruto —
his measured power level still read around 500, his standard suppression level.
But in truth, his normal state had already surpassed 100,000.
And he wasn't the only one who had advanced.
The Nine-Tails, Kurama, had grown tremendously as well.
The Tree of Might seemed to share a mysterious connection with the Divine Tree of the Ōtsutsuki Clan — the very tree from which the Ten-Tails originated.
Since Kurama himself was once part of that Divine Tree — as a fragment of the Ten-Tails — when he devoured the fruit of the Spirit Tree, he fell into a deep slumber that lasted three long months.
When he finally awakened, his power had increased tenfold —
ten times greater than even Naruto's own.
The magnitude of that power-up left Naruto speechless — and, if he were honest, a little jealous.
So, feeling cocky and confident again, Kurama went to challenge Kakarot to a rematch — determined to wipe away the shame of his last defeat.
The result?
Moments later, a bruised and lump-covered Kurama was sitting sulking in the corner, ears drooping.
"Big Brother Puru! Big Brother Nail! Big Brother Naruto!"
A high-pitched voice echoed across the Namekian plains.
A small figure came running toward them, short legs pumping furiously.
It was Dende, the Grand Elder's 108th child.
He wasn't interested in fighting, but he loved watching Naruto spar with the Namekian warriors — even if he couldn't really see most of their movements.
Panting, Dende skidded to a stop in front of them and held up a small clay jar.
"Here, Brother Naruto — this is for you!"
"Thanks, Dende."
Naruto accepted it with a smile. Inside was a thick, greenish liquid that shimmered in the light.
It was Tatakka, a local Namekian delicacy.
Although Namekians could survive by drinking only water, that didn't mean they had to.
Tatakka was one of the few dishes cherished among them — a rare treat.
Naruto raised the jar and drank it all in one go, then handed it back.
"Delicious," he said sincerely.
The taste was fresh and vegetal, with a subtle sweetness — cleansing and refreshing, especially good for the body's energy flow.
"Hehehe…"
Dende giggled shyly, clutching the empty jar.
"Hey, Dende! You only call Nail, Puru, and Naruto 'brother.' What about us, huh?"
A short but stocky Namekian walked over and playfully rubbed Dende's head with a big hand.
"Sorry, Brother Gan! I didn't see you guys,"
Dende apologized quickly.
"Hahaha! That's because you were the first one knocked out, Gan!"
another Namekian teased.
"Shut up, Shu! You were the second! Don't act all high and mighty!"
Gan shot back immediately.
Another warrior patted Dende's shoulder kindly.
"Dende, your body's still too weak. You should start training more seriously."
Without thinking, Dende puffed out his cheeks.
"No way! I don't want to fight like you guys. I want to learn to breathe fire and shoot water like Brother Naruto!"
Indeed — Dende had been fascinated by Naruto's ninjutsu ever since he first witnessed it.
From that moment, he'd begged Naruto to teach him.
Unfortunately, with no chakra within him, Dende could never learn true ninjutsu — not in this lifetime.
Yet, despite that, Dende was far from ordinary.
He was a rare triple-gifted Namekian — a healer, an all-rounder, and a member of the Dragon Clan capable of shaping Dragon Balls.
Ordinary Namekians were born with only one gift.
The last two to possess three talents like his were Katas, the father of Kami and Piccolo, and the Grand Elder himself.
Even without combat talent, Dende's potential was extraordinary.
With proper training, he would one day become one of Namek's greatest figures.
And so, with teasing, laughter, and lighthearted chatter, another peaceful day passed on Planet Namek.
That Night
When the twin orbs — one red, one green — rose in the alien sky, the village fell silent.
The Namekians slept soundly in their cocoon-like dwellings.
Naruto sat atop one of the round buildings, gazing at the sky.
"Planning to leave already, Naruto?"
A calm voice sounded behind him.
Naruto didn't turn around.
He could recognize the ki of the speaker immediately — Puru.
"I've been on Namek for more than two years,"
Naruto said softly.
"I think… it's about time."
He turned his gaze toward the distant stars — toward the direction of Earth.
"Soon, there's going to be quite a show over there."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world… I'm curious — who's the strongest on Earth right now?"
Puru was silent for a moment before speaking again.
"Before you go, you should visit the Grand Elder. He said that when you decided to leave, he wanted to see you one last time."
"Got it. I'll go tomorrow."
The Next Day
Naruto entered the Grand Elder's chamber once more.
Compared to two years ago, the Elder looked frailer — his eyelids heavy, barely able to open.
It was clear his life was nearing its end.
"Friend from Earth,"
the Elder said slowly, his voice deep but gentle.
"Once again, thank you — for everything you've done for Namek."
Naruto knew he was referring to the time he'd spent training the warrior clans.
"Though I don't fully understand your purpose,"
the Grand Elder continued,
"I have the feeling that what you've done… has been to help our people."
Naruto looked at him for a long moment — then, suddenly, a bold idea crossed his mind.
The Dragon could not grant a wish beyond its creator's own power.
That was why the Grand Elder couldn't simply wish himself young again.
But on Earth, Kami and Piccolo were once one being.
When Kami created Earth's Dragon Balls, Shenron had restored the aged Piccolo to his youth.
By that logic — couldn't the Namekian Dragon restore Kami's youth as well?
Could it be… a loophole in the rules?
"I only wish to help the Namekians face a great danger in the future,"
Naruto said plainly.
"So you do know something,"
the Elder murmured, nodding slowly.
"Can you tell me what will cause it?"
Naruto replied calmly,
"It's simple: 'A man without sin, but condemned for his treasure.'
Namek possesses the Dragon Balls — artifacts capable of granting any wish.
That alone will draw greed from every corner of the universe."
"The Dragon Balls…"
The Elder sighed softly.
"But you've used them before — you know they're not as omnipotent as outsiders think."
Indeed — by this point in history, the Dragon Balls had become little more than tools for resurrection.
Their limits were clear.
"I know," Naruto said.
"But it doesn't matter what they can actually do — it matters what others believe they can do.
As long as even one greedy soul thinks they hold ultimate power, Namek will never know peace."
"Then what if we destroyed them?"
the Elder asked.
Naruto shook his head.
"I told you — it's not about the truth.
Even if you destroyed them, as long as someone believes you still have them, they'll come anyway.
And when Frieza himself arrives, do you think telling him 'we have no Dragon Balls' will make him leave?
No — he'll destroy Namek completely.
Just like he did to Planet Vegeta."
"Running away isn't the answer," Naruto continued.
"Instead of fleeing, it's better to face it head-on — to be fully prepared, to take control of your own fate."
"Take control… of our own fate…"
The Elder repeated softly, his expression thoughtful.
"We Namekians are a peaceful people."
"And peace and self-defense aren't contradictions," Naruto said firmly.
"Strength exists to protect — to guard your home, and the ones you hold dear."
The Grand Elder smiled faintly, repeating the words to himself.
"Strength… to protect home… to protect loved ones."
"Friend from Earth,"
he said at last,
"thank you for your wisdom.
When the time comes, I hope you'll lend us your aid — within your power."
Naruto bowed his head solemnly.
"You have my word."
"Before you leave,"
the Elder said gently,
"allow me to offer you a parting gift.
I hear you once wished for your bloodline to awaken — then let me help you further.
I will draw out the rest of your untapped potential."
Naruto's eyes brightened.
"So it's finally time, huh?"
Yes — the Grand Elder's potential unlock, one of the simplest yet most profound powers in the Dragon Ball world.
The legendary "hand-on-head power-up."
Naruto had planned to return to Earth soon — both to witness the upcoming events and to ask Bulma to build him a new gravity chamber.
His power had been stuck at a bottleneck for over three months.
The Elder placed his massive hand gently on Naruto's head.
The moment he began to channel his power, a strange metallic dragging sound echoed in his ears —
as if unseen chains were scraping against the void.
The Elder's aura flared, enveloping Naruto completely.
Naruto felt every cell in his body awaken — warm, alive, surging with strength.
Then suddenly, his entire body seemed to stretch —
his proportions shifting, muscles hardening.
For an instant, it was as if he had stepped into another art style altogether —
something straight out of Fist of the North Star.
Narutsuro?
Uzumaki Hundred Crack Fists?!
But the transformation faded quickly, and Naruto returned to normal.
The entire process had taken three full minutes — far longer than the Elder's brief, two-second power-up of Krillin.
Still, the result was astonishing.
"Amazing…"
Naruto whispered, feeling the immense power now flowing through him.
Breathing heavily, the Elder said,
"When you leave, please send Puru and Nail to see me as well.
…On second thought, call all the warrior-type Namekians. They should come too."
Naruto blinked.
"So… you've already made your decision."
"Yes,"
the Elder said with quiet resolve.
"We Namekians may love peace — but we do not fear war."
Perhaps, when Frieza's army eventually landed on Namek, the warriors awaiting him would deliver a surprise he'd never forget.
As Naruto departed, the Grand Elder watched his back slowly fade into the distance and murmured to himself:
> "Your potential… surpasses even my imagination.
Perhaps… I've only managed to awaken a fraction of it."
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