"Ahem… There are seven Dragon Balls in total. The number of stars inside ranges from one to seven," Moori explained.
"Got it," Ken nodded.
Moori: "…"
I just gave you that whole explanation, and all you say is 'Got it'?
"Thanks, then I'll gladly accept this," Ken said as he took the Dragon Ball from Moori's hands.
Moori smiled, feeling relieved.
He figured that even if the Grand Elder found out Ken was collecting the Dragon Balls, he likely wouldn't object—after all, Ken had saved the entire planet.
That was a debt worth repaying.
Besides, even if Ken's wish ended up being excessive, it wouldn't necessarily be granted.
After all, making a wish required speaking in the Namekian language.
And Ken didn't know Namekian, so if he wanted to make a wish, he'd need someone to translate for him.
"Um… Ken, may I ask what wish you're hoping to make with the Dragon Balls?" Moori asked carefully.
"Elder Moori, my father once told me that learning a foreign language can be incredibly useful," Ken replied, placing the Dragon Ball on a nearby table and smoothly changing the subject. "As I travel around the universe, my biggest goal is to learn as many alien languages as I can."
Moori blinked.
"Learn a foreign language?"
"Yes. I travel a lot, and I really want to become fluent in many extraterrestrial tongues," Ken answered.
Moori suddenly felt something wasn't right.
Was this kid trying to lead him down a trap?
"So, Elder Moori, could you teach me the Namekian language?" Ken pressed on, striking while the iron was hot.
Before Moori could answer, Delta slapped a hand to his chest and enthusiastically volunteered, "Of course! Leave teaching him Namekian to me!"
Moori: "…"
"Besides, it's our honor and pride that you want to learn our Namekian language," Delta added with a hearty laugh.
Moori didn't know what to say anymore.
Why did he feel like this kid had an ulterior motive for learning Namekian?
"When do you want to start learning?" Delta asked.
"How about right now?" Ken replied.
Delta: "…"
"Ahem, you're quite the impatient little guy," Delta said, wiping sweat from his forehead.
Still, Delta didn't hold back and began giving Ken a quick rundown of the basics of Namekian—its key traits and pronunciation rules.
Ken listened attentively and did his best to study.
An hour flew by quickly.
By the end, Ken had grasped a decent amount of the Namekian language.
He wasn't fluent enough to hold a full conversation, but making a wish to Shenron probably wouldn't be an issue.
The Grand Elder hadn't arrived yet.
But at that moment, Vegeta rubbed his forehead and opened his eyes, regaining consciousness.
The first thing he saw was Ken chatting and laughing with the three Namekians.
Instantly furious, Vegeta leapt to his feet and glared at Ken with rage.
Just as he was about to explode, Ken spoke first.
"Let me introduce everyone. This is Vegeta, our Saiyan prince," Ken said, gesturing toward him.
Moori and the others: "…"
He's really your prince?
You don't exactly treat him like royalty.
Didn't you just smack him unconscious earlier?
"Hmph! Ken, cut the flattery! Don't act like you don't know what you just did to me!" Vegeta snapped.
"Your Highness, I was just testing your reflexes. It's to help prevent sneak attacks in the future," Ken replied smoothly.
"Lies! Nonsense!" Vegeta fumed.
"This is for you," Ken said casually, picking up the Dragon Ball from the table and tossing it to Vegeta.
Startled, Vegeta caught the Dragon Ball mid-air.
Then, suddenly, his expression changed. His eyes widened in excitement, and he quickly asked, "This… Is this really one of those wish-granting Dragon Balls?"
Ken nodded.
"Have you already made your wish?" Vegeta asked urgently.
"I was waiting for you," Ken said with a smile. "You're the prince. It's only right you go first. Besides, I've heard that after the wish is made, the Dragon Balls turn to stone."
Moori: "???"
What are you two doing?
Why does this whole conversation sound like some kind of setup?
I feel like you're trying to trick your own prince…
"Hmph, now that's more like it," Vegeta's anger began to ease.
The next moment, he beamed with confidence, burst out laughing, and held the Dragon Ball high, shouting loudly, "Let me, Vegeta, become a Super Saiyan!!"
And then… nothing happened.
A cool breeze drifted by, and Vegeta's hair swayed in the wind.
Vegeta instantly turned to glare at Ken, pointing at the Dragon Ball. "What's going on?! Why didn't anything happen?!"
"There are seven Dragon Balls in total. You need to gather all seven to make a wish," Ken replied. "Why are you in such a rush?"
Vegeta: "…"
He suddenly felt like the whole world had gone gray.
You couldn't have told me that earlier?!
"You dare mess with me?!" Vegeta shouted, seething with frustration.
"Someone's coming," Ken said, suddenly turning serious. He stood up first and turned to look over his shoulder.
"What?" Vegeta blinked and followed Ken's gaze.
"Vegeta, whoever's coming now has extremely high battle power. Don't act recklessly," Ken warned him.
"High battle power? Don't make me laugh! What powerful fighters could Namek possibly have?" Vegeta scoffed.
But then, he pressed the button on his scouter.
Beep… Warning… Battle power 20,000… 21,000… 22,000!
BOOM!
The scouter displayed a few rapidly increasing numbers before exploding on the spot.
Vegeta cried out, closed one eye in pain, and stared off into the sky, stunned.
"Who is it?! Is that Dodoria coming after us?!" he muttered, face twisting with alarm.
Soon, two green-skinned figures appeared in the sky.
"Namekians?" Vegeta immediately focused on the two figures above.
Ken also looked up.
The two newcomers—one appearing old and the other young—were very familiar.
They were none other than the Grand Elder of Namek… and Nail, the only warrior-type Namekian.
(End of Chapter)