Pop!
The glowing sphere in the sky burst into brilliant light, forming a massive artificial full moon.
Vegeta looked up at it, eyes fixed on the man-made moon. His body began to grow, his mouth and nose elongated into a snout, and sharp fangs protruded from his jaws.
At the same time, black fur rapidly spread across his body.
Great Ape transformation!
In an instant, Vegeta had turned into a massive, black-furred gorilla.
"That way, right?" Vegeta turned his head in the direction where Nail had disappeared, baring his fangs in a twisted grin.
Boom!
With a roar like a rocket launch, Vegeta shot into the air at top speed, pushing his velocity to the limit and leaving a blur behind him.
…
Up ahead, Nail was flying swiftly. Sensing that Vegeta had long since been left in the dust, he curled his lips into a faint smirk.
Still think you can match me, you little brat?
Now you see the gap between us, don't you?
But the very next second, Nail felt a tremendous surge of energy erupting behind him.
What the—?
His smile froze.
What a powerful ki!
Turning around in alarm, Nail saw a glowing orb suspended high in the distant sky.
"What is that?" he muttered in disbelief.
Before he could react, a massive black shadow hurtled toward him like a thunderous mountain.
Whoosh!
The Great Ape version of Vegeta shot past Nail in a flash.
The enormous body created an immense air pressure, buffeting Nail and throwing him off balance.
After struggling to stabilize himself, Nail looked at the towering beast ahead of him. His expression shifted repeatedly.
"Y-You… Who are you?" Nail asked in shock, cold sweat running down his face.
He could clearly sense that the being before him had energy at least four times greater than his own.
Currently, Vegeta's battle power had soared to 160,000.
By contrast, Nail's battle power was only 40,000.
The difference was staggering.
"What's the matter, Namekian? Weren't you flying so fast earlier? Go on then, keep flying!" Vegeta sneered, his smug grin wide on his simian face.
"You… You're that kid from before?" Nail finally snapped out of it, staring in disbelief.
"Tch. Who're you calling a kid?" Vegeta growled, swinging his massive, furry hand toward him.
Startled, Nail's expression changed dramatically as he tried to dodge.
But the gap between their powers was just too massive.
With a power of 160,000 against 40,000, Nail didn't stand a chance.
Like a mouse caught by a cat, he was effortlessly grabbed by Vegeta's enormous hand.
He struggled, but it was hopeless. His face turned pale.
"I'm the prince of the Saiyan race. You should address me as 'Your Highness,'" Vegeta scoffed, his giant maw moving close to Nail as he spoke.
Nail was scared out of his wits. He felt like he wasn't even big enough to get stuck in this guy's teeth.
Still, Vegeta didn't go too far. After a moment, he loosened his grip and let Nail go.
Nail blinked, stunned.
What's he playing at?
"Lead the way," Vegeta ordered with a grunt.
Without a word, Nail gritted his teeth and resumed flying ahead.
Vegeta followed behind at a relaxed pace, a look of smug satisfaction plastered across his face.
A puny little Namekian dares to show off in front of me?
As they flew, they gradually left the artificial moon behind.
Once they passed a certain range, Vegeta's body instantly reverted to normal.
Nail glanced back at Vegeta, then looked up at the distant sky. The artificial moon had shrunk to a mere speck of light.
So if he gets too far from it, he changes back?
Nail quickly came to a conclusion.
And Vegeta's energy had clearly dropped—by a full tenfold.
So that transformation really multiplies his power by ten?
What a terrifying race!
A single transformation, and their strength increases ten times over.
No wonder they're called a warrior race…
Still, Nail had no intention of taking revenge. He wouldn't lower himself to squabble with a brat.
…
Back in Moori's village.
"Ken, for your immense kindness, we once again offer our deepest thanks. You saved both our planet and our people," the Grand Elder said, bowing deeply to Ken.
"Grand Elder, you're too kind," Ken replied quickly. "But if you keep being this polite, I'm gonna stop being polite myself."
Grand Elder: "???"
"I heard the Dragon Balls can grant three wishes," Ken continued. "Since you're being so generous… how about letting me have all three?"
Grand Elder: "…"
Moori: "…"
Delta and the other elder: "…"
The four of them were completely speechless.
The Grand Elder let out a helpless cough.
Moori could only sigh inwardly.
Grand Elder… you don't know how shameless this guy is.
I've already been mentally exhausted by him…
"Fine, they're all yours," the Grand Elder agreed with a nod.
A brief silence.
"So, what kind of wish do you want to make?" the Grand Elder asked curiously. "Of course, I don't mean to pry. If it's personal, you don't have to say."
"Okay, I won't," Ken nodded.
Grand Elder: "…"
Seriously? You're really not going to say?
How are you going to make a wish later without telling anyone?
This kid's a good person… but man, does he know how to push people's buttons.
"I imagine Nail and your prince are getting along well by now?" the Grand Elder said, changing the subject and glancing toward the direction the two had flown.
"I'm not sure about getting along," Ken replied with a smile, "but our dear prince just transformed into a Great Ape. See that little glowing dot in the distance? That's the artificial moon he made."
"Great Ape? I've heard Saiyans can transform into that… It boosts their power, right?" the Grand Elder said, visibly startled.
"It multiplies it tenfold," Ken replied.
The Grand Elder's eyes widened, his expression filled with shock and disbelief.
A tenfold increase in power?
That was terrifying!
"Why would he transform into that? Did they get into a fight?" the Grand Elder asked, a bad feeling creeping up his spine.
"Let's just pray together," Ken said solemnly.
Grand Elder: "…"
…
(End of Chapter)