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As a low-class warrior, even someone as powerful as Bardock couldn't defy the king's orders.
He might have his pride, his frustrations, and his own way of thinking — but disobedience meant rebellion.
So when King Vegeta decreed that Raditz would serve under Prince Vegeta, Bardock could only accept it. He didn't have the right to refuse.
Still, his son hadn't disappointed him. Raditz might not be as strong as the elite warriors or the upper ranks, but his potential was undeniable — enough that even those arrogant "superiors" had to acknowledge it.
The Saiyans were a race that respected only one thing — power.
If your power was strong enough, your voice mattered.
Their rigid caste system divided Saiyans into upper, middle, and lower classes. The only way to climb that ladder — the only way to earn respect — was through strength.
That's why Bardock had spent years fighting, bleeding, and pushing himself further. He wanted one thing: the strength to control his own fate.
And he'd done it. He'd proven that with enough power, even elite warriors had to step aside when he walked past.
Most upper-class and elite fighters might whisper behind his back — but face him? Argue with him directly? Not a chance.
Bardock's sheer will had forced even King Vegeta himself to take notice.
After quietly watching Kakarot for a long time, Bardock and Gine finally stepped out of the room.
A short separation had only deepened their bond — their feelings for each other had grown stronger than ever.
As they chatted, Harry arrived — dressed, chewing on a piece of dried meat, and looking freshly ready for the day.
When their eyes met, both of them smiled.
Especially Bardock — his grin carried an easy warmth, a kind of natural charisma.
You could almost call it… the face of a main character.
Harry still remembered the first time he met Bardock — how he'd immediately liked him, and Gine too.
In a way, the two of them were the heroes of their own time.
"Uncle Bardock, you're back!"
"Yeah, it's been a while, little Harry. You've grown." Bardock walked over and casually tapped his scouter.
Beep, beep, beep...
[Power Level: 350]
"Not bad. Six months ago you hadn't even broken 300, and now you're at 350," Bardock said approvingly.
Sure, that number still wasn't on par with Raditz's power last year, but considering Harry hadn't left the planet or been through any battles, it was solid progress.
He thought back — how strong had he been at that age?
Among upper-class warriors, 350 was nothing special. But for a low-class Saiyan? That was impressive.
Plenty of Saiyans went their whole lives without ever reaching that number.
Of course, Bardock had no idea that Harry's real power level was already over 1,000.
If he did, he'd be stunned.
That kind of talent was unheard of — beyond even the so-called elites.
Well… maybe not everyone. There was one exception.
Prince Vegeta.
The prince's current power level had already reached 3,000 — rising from 2,000 at birth in just five years.
Then again, Vegeta had all the resources of the royal line at his disposal. With that kind of support, fast growth wasn't surprising.
If Harry had the same advantages, he might've grown even faster.
"Uncle Bardock, you flatter me," Harry said modestly. "I'm still a long way off from being strong."
Then, curious, he added, "But I can feel it — your energy. It's even stronger than before. You've gotten more powerful, haven't you?"
As he spoke, Harry activated his own scouter and aimed it at Bardock.
As expected — the reading shot past ten thousand.
[Power Level: 10,500]
"Wow, no wonder you're called a legend, Uncle Bardock. Ten thousand five hundred… even among the elites, there aren't many who could top that!"
Bardock snorted. "Elites? Hmph. Just a bunch of overhyped weaklings hiding behind their titles."
The disdain in his voice made it clear how he felt about the word "elite."
Then, brushing it aside, he said, "Anyway, you came at the right time. I was just about to look for you."
Turning to Gine, Bardock added, "Raditz should be back tonight. Get some extra food ready, will you? I want to talk to Harry alone."
"Raditz too? That's wonderful! It's been months since our family's been together." Gine's face lit up as she hurried off to prepare, humming under her breath.
Harry stayed quiet until Bardock gestured. "Come on, Harry."
"Right," he nodded, following him into another room.
This was the talk he'd been expecting — and wanting. If he wanted to understand what was coming, he needed to hear it from Bardock himself.
Inside, the conversation was mostly one-sided — Bardock speaking, Harry listening.
The topic was simple: Harry had turned five. And by Saiyan standards, once a child reached that age, their protection period ended. They were expected to leave home and start fighting on other worlds.
That was the destiny of a warrior — the destiny of all Saiyans.
It was part of why they were called a fighting race.
"Uncle Bardock, please just say what's on your mind," Harry said respectfully. "I've always seen you as a mentor."
Bardock gave a thoughtful nod. "Honestly, I was hoping you could go with Raditz — serve alongside Prince Vegeta. You'd be safe under royal command, and it'd give you a chance to earn recognition."
Harry blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected that suggestion.
He'd thought about it before — Raditz had even invited him once — but still...
"And if I decide not to go?" Harry asked carefully.
Bardock smiled knowingly. He'd seen that coming.
"Knew you'd say that."
Every Saiyan dreamed of joining Prince Vegeta's unit. It was the fastest path to glory.
But anyone with a brain also knew — in a team like that, the weak ones became cannon fodder.
Sure, Raditz was technically in that same position… but Bardock's influence meant the prince would never let his son die meaninglessly.
That's why Bardock's first choice had been for Harry to join them too — it would've solved a problem that had been bothering him for a long time.
"..."
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