Chapter 72: Trainee Angel Merus
Red Stone Planet was located in the western Galactic Center. To reach Galaxy Patrol headquarters, Turles's ship simply needed to fly east.
Since both locations were in the Galactic Center region, they wouldn't need much travel time.
Besides helping Bulma visit her sister as he'd mentioned, Turles had additional reasons for this Galaxy Patrol trip.
Paragus had previously reported that their cooperation request had been rejected by the Galaxy King due to Saiyans' evil reputation. Since Turles had just returned, Paragus dumped the problem on him.
Paragus's reasoning was sound—since Turles had proposed the plan, naturally he as planner should resolve any issues. After thinking it over, Turles agreed.
Of course, Turles could have refused Paragus. He was building Saiyan forces to help him in future, not to exhaust himself with labor. That would be putting the cart before the horse.
Turles mainly agreed because he wanted to visit Galaxy Patrol headquarters anyway.
Previously, after rescuing Galaxy Patrolman Jaco and Tights, Turles had hoped Jaco could help introduce him to Merus for apprenticeship. But so much time had passed without any word from that unreliable Jaco. Turles had to visit in person.
After just one week, Bulma's modified ship already approached Galaxy Patrol's territory.
As they drew nearer, passing ships increased. Their designs clearly identified them as Galaxy Patrol's standard vessels.
After another near-miss with a patrol ship, Turles's expression grew peculiar. He realized every single ship they'd passed looked far superior to Jaco's.
A bad premonition took root.
One day later, Turles's group finally disembarked at Galaxy Patrol headquarters.
Before a massive building, Turles's group had been standing for quite some time. Yet the staff member who'd gone inside to report showed no signs of returning.
"Turles, do you think Jaco tricked us? Maybe he's not even a Galaxy Patrolman!"
Growing impatient, Bulma began doubting Jaco's identity.
"Let's wait a bit longer. Jaco wouldn't dare impersonate Galaxy Patrol. Besides, you know how unreliable he is—he's probably still applying for his ship right now!"
Turles was also losing patience, but he didn't want conflict with Galaxy Patrol. Who knew if Merus was currently present? Turles couldn't sense energy signatures at Merus's level.
Turles had actually guessed correctly—Jaco was indeed petitioning the Galaxy King for a ship.
This wasn't Jaco's first such request since returning after Turles's rescue. When he'd filed his report and requested a new ship, the Galaxy King had stripped him of patrol duties, citing performance issues, naturally also denying his mission requests.
The Galaxy King reasoned that since external duties were unnecessary, Jaco didn't need a ship. Didn't Jaco understand times were tough everywhere? Budget requests flooded in from all quarters—Jaco's turn hadn't arrived.
Currently, Jaco was clutching the Galaxy King's octopus tentacles while tearfully recounting his accomplishments, hoping to move the Galaxy King and approve his application.
"Enough! Stop! A powerful individual just arrived outside. Seems to be looking for you, Jaco!"
At that moment, a thin young man with silver hair, blue skin, wearing an elite Galaxy Patrol uniform interrupted Jaco's sobbing.
"Huh? Looking for me?"
Interrupted by Merus, Jaco raised his head in confusion, incidentally wiping his nose on the Galaxy King's tentacle.
"JACO!" The Galaxy King exploded in rage.
Seeing this, Merus's eye twitched. He told Jaco irritably, "Seems to be that Saiyan you mentioned. Don't tell me you've forgotten?"
"Saiyan?" Jaco grew even more confused. Just as Merus was considering beating some sense into him, Jaco finally remembered.
Realizing it might be Turles looking for him, Jaco's expression shifted slightly. He forced composure. "How could I forget? I'm Galaxy Patrolman Jaco!"
"Former!" The Galaxy King mercilessly corrected him.
Jaco still "respected" the Galaxy King. He glanced sheepishly at him before turning to Merus. "Right, Merus—about what I asked you last time, have you thought it over? I think Turles is actually pretty decent!"
"Hmm, we'll see." Merus gave no direct answer, offering only an ambiguous response.
He didn't understand why this Saiyan wanted him as a teacher. Though his combat skills among patrolmen were acceptable, nobody knew his true identity.
He'd also heard about Saiyans—a notoriously evil race throughout the universe. He definitely wouldn't agree casually.
Jaco felt helpless but couldn't force Merus. Though they were colleagues, Jaco lacked authority to order Merus, who'd actually outranked him even before Jaco's demotion.
The Galaxy King had somehow recovered his dignified demeanor. He ordered Jaco, "Jaco, go bring that Saiyan inside."
Since Turles had arrived, Jaco naturally needed to greet him. After all, regardless of circumstances, Turles had saved his life. That someone would help Galaxy Patrol during difficulties made them a friend.
Jaco acknowledged the order and departed.
After Jaco left, the Galaxy King sighed deeply.
Since losing contact with the Supreme Kai, Galaxy Patrol faced increasing difficulties.
Merus, witnessing the Galaxy King's sigh, said nothing. As a trainee angel, he had no authority to interfere with universal development—whether evil or justice predominated.
Angels were inherently neutral. His choice of Galaxy Patrol for training experience was already maximum compromise.
Soon Jaco returned with Turles's group. Turles's attention immediately fixed on Merus, piquing Merus's interest.
Turles never imagined he'd encounter his target immediately upon entering Galaxy Patrol. This instantly tensed his previously relaxed state.
Nodding at Merus, Turles followed Jaco to stand before the Galaxy King.
"Saiyan, did you request to see me?"
The Galaxy King glanced at Turles, pausing briefly on his tail, then asked with affected dignity.
Turles naturally wouldn't bluntly tell the Galaxy King he actually wanted the person beside him. But he had legitimate reasons, so he responded calmly, "Yes, Galaxy King. I represent the Saiyans seeking cooperation with Galaxy Patrol."
"Turles, the Galaxy King is the most distinguished individual in the entire galaxy. You must show proper respect!"
Before the Galaxy King could react, Jaco jumped forward, loudly reprimanding Turles while constantly winking at him.
Jaco's performance left everyone present speechless. The Galaxy King's head sprouted black lines as he roared, "Jaco, get out of here right now!"
Having kissed up to the horse's leg, Jaco looked innocently at the Galaxy King. Seeing his furious expression, Jaco slunk away dejectedly.
With the irrelevant party gone, the Galaxy King took a deep breath, making himself appear considerably larger.
"Saiyan, Galaxy Patrol doesn't need cooperation with you. We're a righteous organization. And you Saiyans—you surely know your own reputation."
The Galaxy King's refusal didn't anger Turles. Instead, he casually walked to a seat behind Merus and sat down before raising an unrelated topic.
"I heard Galaxy Patrol's recently short-staffed. Many experts have jumped ship to the Universal Mercenary Union. Is my information accurate?"
While speaking, Turles continually observed Merus from the corner of his eye. His heartbeat accelerated.
'Strong!'
Turles shouted mentally. He couldn't sense Merus's energy signature whatsoever. Even the five-sense perception Popo had taught him only worked visually—no breathing sounds, heartbeat, not even scent.
Yet his body hair stood on end. Instinct screamed warnings to flee immediately.
The Galaxy King naturally didn't know Turles's composure was an act. He glared angrily while feeling powerless inside.
Because Turles stated facts—people had indeed recently left Galaxy Patrol. This was why even Jaco, despite terrible performance and capabilities, could still remain.
The Galaxy King had no response. He could only maintain his angry expression while staring at Turles.
Considering future cooperation and the powerful expert present, Turles gave the Galaxy King some face. He straightened in his seat and spoke seriously. "Currently, Saiyans possess five warriors exceeding 10,000 battle power, two exceeding 50,000, plus two exceeding one million. Does this strength qualify for Galaxy Patrol cooperation?"
Hearing Turles's words, the Galaxy King immediately stood, looking at Turles with shock and suspicion.
Even Merus, who'd been background decoration, showed a flicker of interest.
The Galaxy King suspected Turles was boasting. He wasn't unfamiliar with Saiyans.
Two hundred years ago, the Galaxy King wouldn't have doubted. Back then, Saiyans ranked as a powerful race with numerous experts. But in recent years, Frieza's Saiyan subordinates didn't measure up in the Galaxy King's eyes.
A warrior race? A race without even 100,000 battle power deserved that title? Especially after Planet Vegeta's destruction, "warrior race" had become a joke regarding Saiyans.
Yet observing Turles's expression, he didn't seem to be lying.
Galaxy Patrol didn't lack ordinary personnel—they lacked exactly these kinds of experts. If what this Saiyan said was true, adding these fresh forces would be like sweet rain after prolonged drought for current Galaxy Patrol.
But remembering Saiyans' evil reputation, the Galaxy King hesitated again.
Seeing the Galaxy King's continued hesitation, Turles's thoughts turned. He immediately understood the concern and felt somewhat helpless before speaking:
"I know you have reservations about Saiyan nature. I can compromise—Galaxy Patrol can assign supervisory personnel for every mission. After each mission concludes, supervisors can rate performance. Based on ratings, I'll administer rewards or punishments."
Hearing such concessions from Turles, the Galaxy King and Merus exchanged surprised glances.
"Why? I mean, why would you do this?"
The Galaxy King couldn't restrain his curiosity and asked his burning question.
Turles glanced briefly at Merus before speaking with affected helplessness. "Who told Saiyans to be so evil, covered in sin, definitely bound for hell after death? As the Saiyans' strongest warrior, I should do something for my race!"
Saying this made even Turles feel hypocritical. But Bulma and Raditz believed him—both gazed at Turles admiringly, Bulma's eyes undisguised with affection.
"Ahem!" Realizing he'd overacted, Turles cleared his throat and quickly redirected the topic. "What do you think of my proposal, Galaxy King?"
After Turles had gone this far, the Galaxy King considered briefly before agreeing.
Seeing the Galaxy King's acceptance, Turles breathed a sigh of relief before naturally turning toward Merus with feigned confusion. "And this is...?"
Turles's enthusiasm for cooperating with Galaxy Patrol naturally exceeded his stated reasons—primarily, he wanted to earn Merus's favor.
Though angels were neutral and couldn't excessively interfere with universal development, angels were still living beings. And living beings had preferences. With Merus having spent so long at Galaxy Patrol, Turles refused to believe he felt no attachment whatsoever.
Seeing Turles's attention shift to him, Merus spoke with an ambiguous smile. "I'm Merus—your teacher!"
"What?" Turles was caught off guard, eyes widening as he stared at Merus.
"What's wrong? Didn't you have Jaco ask me about apprenticeship? I've agreed. Are you dissatisfied?"
Turles's mind went into chaos. True, he'd asked Jaco to help arrange apprenticeship with Merus. But he never expected it under these circumstances.
However, Turles quickly recovered. Whatever Merus's plans, establishing the relationship came first.
Turles straightened his appearance, clasped his fists, bowed respectfully, and spoke formally. "Turles greets his teacher!"
"Mm!" Merus accepted the gesture with a calm acknowledgment.
'Hahaha! Jackpot! Who knew Universe Seven held such a prospect! With proper training, definitely destroyer material. Let's see what Father says then!'
Though Merus's expression remained calm, internally he was grinning ear to ear.
Upon first seeing Turles, Merus—like the Grand Elder—had discovered Turles's uniqueness. But he'd seen even more than the Grand Elder, giving him confidence to train Turles as a destroyer candidate.
An angel's mission included assisting destroyers' work. Training destroyers was also part of angelic duties. Destroyer Beerus, for instance, had been trained entirely by Whis. If Merus could now cultivate Turles into a destroyer, his training experience would be largely complete.
Once Turles successfully assumed the destroyer position in future, Merus's training period might end early.
Though Turles didn't know Merus's thoughts, having completed apprenticeship, he stopped dwelling on details. He looked at Merus expectantly. "Teacher, when do we start training? I can't wait!"
"Uh! No rush. I need to prepare training plans for you. How about this—you return first. I'll come find you when ready."
Hearing Turles's words, Merus's expression froze briefly before recovering. He made arrangements for Turles.
Turles looked at Merus suspiciously. Why did this teacher seem as unreliable as Jaco?
But since Merus had spoken, Turles had no choice. He could only bid the Galaxy King farewell before leaving.
After confirming Turles's departure, Merus's expression collapsed completely.
How was he supposed to know how to train disciples? He'd just agreed to Turles's request on impulse. Now in retrospect, it seemed rather hasty.
Suddenly, Merus's eyes lit up. He'd thought of a solution. After a brief word to the Galaxy King, he hurried away.
Watching the suddenly empty office, the Galaxy King blinked his small eyes, somewhat dazed.
Meanwhile, Turles walked out of Galaxy Patrol headquarters with Bulma and the others, his mind full of doubts.
On the way, Bulma hesitated before speaking to Turles. "Turles, don't you think this Merus seems somewhat... unreliable?"
Hearing this, Turles stopped walking, his expression briefly uncertain. Then he continued forward, reassuring Bulma. "Impossible. I can sense Merus is strong—far stronger than me. Plus, I'll be able to tell during actual training."
Seeing Turles had confidence, Bulma dropped the subject and changed topics. "Right, Turles—you can sense energy signatures, right? Can you tell where my sister is now?"
"Oh yeah! I almost forgot we're looking for Tights!" Turles slapped his forehead and immediately began sensing for Tights's signature.
Tights's energy was incredibly faint. After searching extensively, Turles finally detected her location. He immediately led Bulma toward it.
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