The following days passed in a whirlwind of activity as Karnel found himself dragged across the entirety of Earth by an enthusiastic Bulma. From the Northern Mountains to the Southern Islands, from ancient temples to modern cities, no scenic location was left unexplored.
"This woman is absolutely relentless," Karnel muttered to himself as he collapsed into his bedroom chair, physically and mentally exhausted. "She looks so delicate and refined, but when she sets her mind to something, she transforms into an unstoppable force of nature."
He shuddered slightly at the memory of the past few days. Bulma had planned their itinerary with military precision, allowing time only for the most basic necessities like eating and sleeping. Everything else was devoted to gathering scientific samples, studying Earth's geography, and, most importantly to her, giving Karnel a crash course in "human culture."
After resting for a few minutes, Karnel sat up and retrieved the seven Black Star Dragon Balls from his desk. The dark spheres pulsed with an ominous energy that seemed to whisper of forbidden wishes and dangerous consequences.
"These things are far more complex than I initially thought," he mused, turning one of the balls over in his hands. "Dragon Balls involve the fundamental laws of the universe itself, wish fulfillment on a cosmic scale. Understanding their true nature would require knowledge I don't currently possess."
He set the ball down with a sigh. "To truly comprehend how they work, I'd need to learn the art of creating them myself. And that would require finding the Super Dragon Balls and making a wish to the Super Dragon. That's a quest for another lifetime."
Rising from his chair, Karnel gathered all seven balls. "These were created by Piccolo before he became Kami, infused with his evil thoughts and malice. They're too dangerous to leave lying around, and I have no use for them anyway. Time to return them to their rightful guardian."
Using instant transmission, he appeared above the Lookout, where he was surprised to see Krillin and Yamcha training intensely under Mr. Popo's guidance. Both wore the traditional turtle gi and were pushing themselves to their limits.
"So they've already passed Korin's test and made it this far," Karnel observed with approval. "Good for them."
He descended to the main platform and entered the temple proper. The ancient structure was both magnificent and austere, its white marble floors and columns creating an atmosphere of divine authority.
"Karnel." Kami's voice echoed from the shadows before the aged Namekian emerged, his weathered face creased with curiosity. "What brings you to my sanctuary? Someone of your power level hardly needs the training we offer here."
"I have something that belongs to you," Karnel replied, producing the seven Black Star Dragon Balls. "These were scattered across the universe, but I've managed to collect them all."
Kami's eyes widened in recognition and concern. "The Black Star Dragon Balls... I had hoped never to see them again." He accepted the dark spheres with obvious reluctance. "These were created in my youth, before I separated from my evil half. They carry a terrible curse, any wish made upon them will have consequences beyond imagination."
"How did they end up scattered across the galaxy?" Karnel asked, genuinely curious about the balls' history.
"Long ago, a powerful alien learned of their existence and invaded Earth to steal them," Kami explained, carefully securing the balls in a special container. "I was not strong enough to stop him, and he scattered them to various worlds to prevent anyone from easily collecting them. It was probably for the best, these balls are far too dangerous to be used."
"Well, they're your responsibility now," Karnel said with a shrug. "I've got enough on my plate."
Kami gave a small, respectful nod. "Then let's hope none are foolish enough to ever awaken their power again."
Later that day, a small gathering took place in Capsule Corporation's gardens, a casual celebration Bulma insisted on hosting. She claimed it was a "thank-you party" for Karnel's help with the Dragon Balls and saving her prototype lab from a failed gravity experiment.
Karnel stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching the others laugh and relax. Piccolo was meditating under a tree. Krillin was enthusiastically explaining a new move to Yamcha, while Goku, of course, was face-deep in a buffet plate stacked with at least a dozen dishes.
"Some things never change," Karnel muttered with a smirk.
Bulma wandered over with a glass of sparkling water and bumped him lightly with her shoulder. "You still brooding over those creepy Dragon Balls?"
"They're not creepy. They're dangerous," Karnel said, accepting the drink anyway.
"Yeah, well... welcome to Earth. Danger's practically a pastime around here." She winked and walked off to rejoin her parents.
As the sun began to set and the celebration continued, Karnel looked up at the sky. For once, there were no pressing battles, no galactic threats looming. Just laughter, food, and people who, despite everything, had found peace in their chaos.
He let out a long breath and allowed himself to simply exist in the moment.
For now, that was enough.