The air inside the temple seemed to have frozen in place.
Aki was forced to tilt her head upward, her emerald-green eyes filled with confusion and panic.
The distance between them was extremely close.
Krillin could even smell the faint fragrance coming from her body. It was the unique scent of hydrangea blossoms in full bloom.
"My name is Krillin. I am not an intruder."
Krillin withdrew his hand. With a flick of his palm, the massive Four-Star Dragon Ball appeared, radiating a soft orange glow.
"This is a token from Elder Mori. I'm here to help. And also… I need to borrow the 'Source of Life' here."
Aki froze.
She stared blankly at the Dragon Ball. The familiar and gentle aura of Elder Mori lingered on it.
That was unmistakably the peaceful and kind energy of a true Namekian. There was no way to fake it.
The moment the misunderstanding cleared, overwhelming shame surged through her.
As a guardian, she had attacked a guest holding a legitimate token without even asking questions.
And worse… she had just been held by this man in such an embarrassing, humiliating posture.
"S-Sorry!"
Aki quickly stepped back. Her pale cheeks flushed bright red, like a ripe peach. Even the tips of her ears turned pink.
She fidgeted nervously with the hem of her skirt, unable to meet Krillin's gaze.
"I… I thought you were one of Frieza's people… Your aura was too strong… stronger than anything I've ever felt… it scared me…"
"It's fine."
Krillin waved it off generously, though his eyes casually swept over her breathtaking figure.
Perfect.
Now that the misunderstanding was resolved, shouldn't I get some compensation for this?
"Since that's settled, could you take me to the legendary Sacred Water?"
"Ah… yes! Please follow me!"
Aki turned away in a panic.
She led Krillin through the temple's winding corridors. The walls were carved with ancient murals depicting the forgotten history of Namek.
But Krillin's attention was clearly not on old stone carvings. His gaze remained fixed on the figure walking ahead.
The swaying waist. The flowing hair that moved gently with each step. Every motion carried a natural, irresistible allure.
Finally, they arrived at a hidden inner chamber.
A completely different world lay inside.
A world overflowing with life.
A green pool lay quietly beneath the massive roots of the sacred tree.
A faint mist drifted above its surface, condensed from pure, high-density life energy.
Even standing here and breathing felt like every cell in his body was cheering.
"This is the Tear of Ajisa, also known as the Source of Life."
Aki stood beside the pool with her back to Krillin. Her voice was tense and small, her fingers nervously intertwined.
"This is the essence the sacred tree has condensed over tens of thousands of years. If you want the ability of super regeneration, you must be immersed in it and undergo its transformation."
"But…"
"But what?"
Krillin raised an eyebrow and stepped closer.
Aki turned around, biting her lip. Her teary green eyes were filled with hesitation and embarrassment.
"This energy is too violent, and it contains the will of the sacred tree."
"Even if an outsider has a strong body, without assimilation, direct absorption will cause the cells to collapse."
"You must… you must use me as a medium to perform the 'holy baptism.'"
When she said the words "holy baptism," her voice trembled even more.
"The baptism means…"
She lowered her head completely, unable to meet his eyes, her face so red it looked like it might drip blood.
"We must… share the sacred water in the closest possible contact."
"Even… a deep merging of ki and ki."
"My body must first absorb the sacred water, filter out its violent will, and then… transfer it to you."
Krillin paused for a moment.
Then immediately understood everything.
Is this real?
If the person who invented this "baptism system" ever appeared before him, he would kneel immediately.
"This is exactly what I needed, father-in-law."
Krillin forced down his excitement and asked calmly.
"So… we're basically taking a bath together?"
"N-No! Don't say it like that! This is a sacred ritual!"
Aki stomped her foot in embarrassment. The gesture only made her look more adorable.
"For Namek… and to help you fight that demon… I am willing to sacrifice myself."
Her tone became resolute at the end, as if she were marching toward execution.
But beneath that determination, there was a faint trace of anticipation in her eyes.
After all, in her long lonely years guarding this ancient tree, she had never encountered someone so powerful, so domineering, yet so irresistibly attractive.
"Sacrifice? No, Aki."
Krillin stepped forward and gently took her cold hands.
"To me, this is a blessing. And for you… maybe it's also liberation. Trust me."
Feeling the warmth from his hands, Aki's body weakened slightly.
"Then… please prepare yourself."
She took a deep breath, as if making a final decision.
"Please… turn around."
Krillin politely turned his back to the pool.
Behind him came the soft rustling of clothing.
Every sound in the silent chamber felt like it struck directly at his nerves.
A white priestess robe slowly slid to the ground.
Under the dim light, a flawless body was revealed, beautiful enough to make saints fall.
Against the green glow of the surroundings, her skin shone like pure milk.
Her violet hair cascaded down her back, covering just enough to heighten the sense of mystery and temptation.
Long legs, a slender waist, every line sculpted like a divine masterpiece.
Plop.
A soft sound.
Aki stepped into the water.
The green pool rose past her ankles, then her knees, finally stopping at her collarbone.
The temperature made her let out a soft gasp.
"You… you can come in now."
Her voice from behind trembled, carrying a soft, unclear emotion.
Krillin exhaled slowly, removed his shirt in one motion, revealing a lean and powerful physique, then stepped into the pool.
Warm water enveloped him, but compared to the scene before him, it meant nothing.
Aki stood there, her violet hair wet and clinging to her body. Water droplets slid down her pale cheeks.
Her hands were held protectively in front of her chest. She looked at him nervously with her emerald eyes.
Afraid, yet expectant.
"Come closer… I'm going to begin."
Aki whispered.
Krillin stepped forward. The two stood face to face in the water.
So close that they could feel each other's breath, their heartbeats entangled.
"Excuse me, Saintess."
Krillin reached out, and under Aki's startled gasp, pulled her soft, warm body directly into his embrace.
At the moment their skin touched, a bolt of electricity seemed to pass through both of their souls.