Chapter 40: The Elder
Turles looked at this Namekian Elder before him, discovering his age probably matched the Grand Elder on Namek. Considering Namekians' 300+ year lifespan, this Elder was likely among those who'd fled Namek back then.
Turles politely bowed slightly to this elder: "Respected Elder, Turles greets you!"
Seeing Turles bow, Raditz behind him also hurriedly followed with a bow. He absolutely didn't dare act arrogantly now.
Raditz hadn't expected these Namekians to include so many with battle power exceeding 100,000. If he couldn't sense ki, he'd never imagine a single planet producing so many powerful warriors.
The Namekian Elder was somewhat surprised. The Saiyans in his impression weren't this polite. Moreover, this Turles had calm, restrained aura—completely lacking other Saiyans' violent flamboyance. Seems the Saiyan race had produced a remarkable individual.
The Elder thought internally while showing a kind smile, slowly saying: "Child, you're completely unlike your current clansmen. More like the Saiyans from my memories. Seems Deru made a remarkable friend during this trip."
Turles hadn't expected such evaluation from this Elder. Moreover, his words implied previous Saiyans differed from current ones.
Turles asked curiously: "From the Elder's words, seems you've met other Saiyans before?"
Hearing that, the Elder stared at Turles for a long while. Finally, with some nostalgic reminiscence, he said: "We Namekians and Saiyans were once both powerful universal races. Saiyans possessed tremendous combat power. Though combative, they weren't without righteous warriors. Meanwhile, Namekians had advanced technology, with footprints throughout the galaxy. Naturally, we contacted Saiyans."
"However, after we fled Namek 300+ years ago, I heard Saiyans also experienced internal strife. Many powerful Saiyans died during civil war. Saiyan reputation also began deteriorating."
"Two once-powerful races ultimately meeting such fates. Truly lamentable."
By the end, the Elder sighed with some emotion.
"So that's how it was!" Turles understood somewhat.
Seems the Seventh and Sixth Universe Saiyans' diverging paths might have occurred after this civil war.
Sixth Universe Saiyans had no civil war. So they continued living on Planet Sadala. During prolonged evolution, Sixth Universe Saiyan tails gradually disappeared. Great Ape power influencing Saiyan violent temperament also vanished completely, maintaining righteous, peaceful mentalities. This created Sixth Universe Saiyan normal form strength growth.
Meanwhile, Seventh Universe Saiyans—due to civil war—lost most elite fighters. Only survivors like King Vegeta I led remaining clansmen wandering the universe. These Saiyans with mediocre battle power had to rely on Great Ape transformation for survival. Thus, Saiyan tails not only didn't disappear but became indispensable.
The violent, murderous desires from Great Ape transformation—Turles deeply understood. If long-term reliance on Great Ape transformation for combat power, then Saiyans' brutal, cruel personalities weren't surprising.
Turles fell into contemplation. But Deru grew anxious—he'd reported to the Elder after all. Unable to help it, Deru reminded Turles:
"Turles, you said Namek still exists and the Grand Elder lives. Is that true?"
"Hm?"
Recovering from contemplation, Turles glanced at Deru, then looked at the Elder. Seeing the Elder's eyes couldn't hide excitement, he said:
"Yes! Previously, we Saiyans worked for North Galaxy overlord Frieza. I saw Namek mentioned in some mission files. Records showed signs of life activity there."
Turles glanced at Deru, continuing: "As for the Grand Elder, I also heard mentioned by others—apparently on Namek exists a Namekian warrior named Nail who called an old Namekian 'Grand Elder'!"
Hearing this, Raditz—who'd been quietly keeping his head down—couldn't help looking up at Turles. But he trusted Turles, then lowered his head again.
Meanwhile, Deru and the Namekian Elder were extremely excited after hearing this. This was the first news about their ancestral planet since leaving Namek.
The Elder looked at Turles. His mouth opened and closed several times, seeming wanting to say something. But finally, he said nothing—just staring fixedly at Turles, eyes revealing longing for home!
Turles naturally saw this Elder's longing. He understood the old one's thoughts. But his purpose visiting Planet Mokka was precisely bringing Deru to Namek. So Turles directly spoke:
"Coming to Planet Mokka this time—first, I had an agreement with Deru. Second, I need to reach North Galaxy to pick up a clansman. So if possible, I hope to bring Deru along."
"I've heard Namek has miraculous orbs that grant wishes. I hope to borrow them then. Rest assured—I won't wish anything evil. I just have several questions requiring answers. One is learning my other clansmen's whereabouts. I wonder if the Elder would allow Deru to accompany me."
Turles didn't hide anything, telling this Elder all his purposes.
Hearing Turles's words, the Elder looked deeply at him: "Dragon Balls, yes! Namek still has Porunga. Fine, I agree!"
"Deru!"
"Yes, Elder!" Hearing the Elder call him, Deru immediately stepped forward.
"You go to Namek with Turles. If our people truly exist there, stay on Namek first. The Grand Elder is learned—hopefully helping your future growth!"
"Elder, I..." Deru's voice choked somewhat.
"Alright, alright! Don't let your friend see you embarrassed. Going represents me seeing our homeland's scenery... I wonder if I'll have another chance..."
Speaking, the Elder slowly closed his eyes. Soon, soft snoring sounds emerged.
Seeing the Elder had fallen asleep, Deru could only collect himself, leading Turles and Raditz from the house.
Walking, Deru couldn't help asking Turles about Namek's conditions.
"Turles, what do you think Namek is like?"
"I've never seen it—how would I know! Probably as beautiful as Planet Mokka!"
"Yes, it should be very beautiful!"
***
30+advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces
