Abo and Kado's forces searched the entire Phaeda galaxy, leaving no planet untouched.
Finally, after seven days of searching, they located Tarble.
The massive Tree of Might stood dense and towering, covering the entire planet—its canopy visible even from space. Normally, no one would have bothered with this desolate world. If not for the distinctive silhouette of the tree, Tarble and the others might have remained hidden much longer.
Nevertheless, discovery was inevitable, and Raditz remained unconcerned. After seven days of intensive training, Tarble's strength hadn't completely transformed, but he had made remarkable progress compared to before. He had consumed nearly all the fruits from the Tree of Might, granting him substantial power increases.
Meanwhile, Abo and Kado personally led their forces to the planet, intent on annihilating all the exiles at once!
Their spaceships descended like black storm clouds, creating an oppressive atmosphere as they formed an iron curtain across the sky.
Raditz, having sensed their approach well in advance, had made thorough preparations. After arranging for Jaco and the refugees to take shelter, he and Tarble flew into the air to face the approaching armada with calm resolve.
"Master, I still feel rather nervous," Tarble admitted. He had never confronted such a massive military force before, and his palms were slick with sweat.
Raditz himself had felt no fear during his first major battle, but he understood this was something that came with experience.
He patted Tarble's shoulder, offering an encouraging smile. "Have faith in yourself. Though you've only trained for a short time, you've consumed many fruits from the Tree of Might. Your combat power has increased significantly, and having me as your sparring partner has elevated your fighting abilities to a higher level." Raditz adjusted his coat and added, "If you find yourself in true danger, I'll intervene immediately."
With Raditz's reassurance, Tarble felt somewhat relieved.
Countless vessels approached from across the horizon, their lights burning across the sky like a surging tide, bringing an eerie vibrancy to the previously lifeless atmosphere.
A powerful pressure descended as an enormous flagship made a vertical landing. Its gray hull bristled with devastating weaponry. Inside the transparent dome at the center sat two figures upon bronze thrones—Abo and Kado.
They had arrived.
The massive ship hovered in the air as its main hatch opened, the bronze thrones slowly rising to become visible. Alien fighters poured from the vessel, forming concentric semicircles reinforced by the ships still circling overhead.
"Master! Those are Abo and Kado!" Tarble whispered, fresh beads of sweat breaking out across his face.
"Oh," Raditz replied casually.
Rumor claimed their strength rivaled the Ginyu Force, but Raditz estimated their power levels at merely 30,000 to 40,000 each. The red and blue spherical aliens hardly seemed worth his concern.
But Tarble clearly felt intimidated. Seeing Raditz's nonchalant response, he cautiously repeated, "Master, please be careful."
"Seeing how nervous you are, you should really have more confidence in yourself," Raditz said with a sigh.
Vegeta and Tarble formed a perfect contrast—one brimming with excessive confidence, the other utterly lacking it.
Raditz couldn't blame Tarble, though. Since childhood, he had received no combat training or encouragement, unlike the prodigious Vegeta who had always been showered with attention and respect.
Across the battlefield, Abo and Kado observed Tarble's apprehensive demeanor and displayed smug smiles. "Tarble, you've eluded us for quite some time, but we've finally caught you! Hahaha! Today marks the day of your demise!"
Kado pointed at Raditz, saying arrogantly, "And who might this fellow beside you be? State his name!"
"He is my master—and a Saiyan!" Tarble clenched his fists and shouted, "Together, we will defeat you!"
Not bad—his declaration carried the appropriate pre-battle intensity.
Tarble's face flushed after this outburst, as if he had channeled all his courage into that single statement.
"Hohohoho, Saiyans always sound so serious. Tarble, do you honestly believe finding one helper will allow you to challenge us? Have you forgotten our terrifying power?" Kado fixed Tarble with serpentine eyes, a malevolent smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
"Hahaha, another Saiyan?" Abo added with disdainful laughter.
"Lord Abo, allow me to eliminate them for you." Suddenly, a muscular green-skinned warrior with flaming red hair appeared beside Abo.
His upper body was bare, revealing dense scars stretching from shoulders to waist. Two prominent blade marks crossed his ferocious face, testament to countless battles. His emerald skin bulged with massive muscles, providing stark contrast to his long crimson hair and beard.
Compared to this imposing figure, Tarble looked positively diminutive.
"Master, this fighter..."
"Don't worry. I can tell his power level is only around 20,000. After consuming so many fruits from the Tree of Might, you surpass him in every aspect." Raditz extended his hand and gently pushed Tarble forward.
Caught off guard, Tarble mentally shouted: Some master you are, throwing me to the wolves!
"You two aren't planning to attack together?" The green warrior frowned, baring his teeth with surprised disdain.
In his estimation, only elite Saiyans could match his abilities, and these two didn't appear to fit that description. He felt more than capable of handling both simultaneously and was eager to impress Lord Abo.
Raditz couldn't suppress a chuckle, muttering under his breath: "I'm doing you a favor. If you both attacked at once, you wouldn't even know how you died."
No sooner had he finished speaking than the green warrior launched his attack. "I'll dispatch you one by one then—prepare to die!"
He moved with blinding speed, cutting through the air. The powerful fist he swung resembled a blade, piercing forward with a flash of cold light, unleashing tremendous pressure that caused the air itself to vibrate audibly.
So fast! Yet Tarble found he could track the movement perfectly. The speed seemed almost... ordinary!
I really have improved!
"PAT!" Tarble extended his palm to meet the mighty punch, blocking it effortlessly. The violent impact struck his hand with only a slight sound as the attacking force dissipated harmlessly.
"You actually..." The red-haired warrior stared in disbelief. His full-power strike had been easily neutralized!
Was this truly a Saiyan?
"Counter-attack now, Tarble!" Raditz called from a distance.
"Yes, Master!"
Tarble obeyed instantly, leaning forward to employ the techniques Raditz had taught him. He exploded into action with superhuman speed, disorienting his opponent before delivering a devastating "THOOM!" as his fist pierced straight through the green warrior's torso.
The alien felt an icy coldness in his chest as his strength rapidly drained away. With his final reserves of energy, he looked down to see Tarble's arm had punched completely through his body. The scent of blood filled the air, ironically sweet like lavender after rainfall.
"No... impossible..."
The green warrior's exclamation of disbelief was echoed simultaneously by the shocked gasps of Abo and Kado.
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