NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11 The Sacred Sanctuary
Lookout.
Since Piccolo's death, the role of Earth's Guardian remained unfilled. The former Kami, the original master of the Lookout, had also long since passed on. Now, standing at the edge of this sacred sanctuary in the skies, was a dark-skinned figure with large, solemn eyes filled with concern.
It was Mr. Popo, the eternal attendant of Earth's divine caretakers.
He could sense a surging, aggressive Ki rapidly closing in on the Lookout. And that power belonged to none other than the Saiyan prince, Vegeta, the same warrior who had once launched an invasion of Earth.
Though the years had changed Vegeta in many ways, Mr. Popo remained cautious.
After all, Vegeta should have no knowledge of the Lookout's existence, let alone a reason to seek it out.
A cold sweat formed on Mr. Popo's brow. The Saiyan's fierce aura was almost upon them.
Tap!
A sharp echo rang out across the white marble as Vegeta landed upon the Lookout.
His boots clicked against the sacred floor as he surveyed the scene. Though it was his first time here, the sight left him momentarily taken aback.
He hadn't expected Earth to hide such a mysterious, elevated place, untouched by time.
[Hmph, so Trunks wasn't bluffing after all.]
Vegeta's sharp gaze landed on Mr. Popo, who, with his round form and obsidian-like skin, resembled a shadow brought to life.
"Hey, you," Vegeta barked, "Do you know where I can find this 'Mr. Popo'?"
Mr. Popo blinked in surprise, clearly caught off guard. Despite the spike of fear in his heart, he kept his tone calm and respectful.
"And what business do you have with Mr. Popo?" He asked.
Vegeta didn't waste a breath.
"Training," He said flatly. "The world down there's been plunged into chaos by those cursed Androids. I came here to push past my limits and crush them."
Mr. Popo's eyes narrowed slightly. The Androids had only appeared days ago, yet Earth was already spiraling into panic.
It was hard to believe the same Vegeta who once tried to destroy Earth had come here with such a purpose.
"Vegeta San... are you saying you want to defeat the Androids? To protect this world?" Mr. Popo asked, voice tinged with curiosity.
Vegeta scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain.
"Hmph. Don't misunderstand. I'm no hero like Kakarrot. I couldn't care less about saving Earth, I just want to destroy the Androids."
Still, even as he spoke, Vegeta knew in his heart there was more to it than that. Recognizing that Vegeta held no ill will and had come solely to grow stronger, Mr. Popo gave a slight nod.
"I am Mr. Popo, eternal attendant to the Guardians of Earth. Are you, Vegeta San, here to become the next Guardian of Earth?"
Vegeta raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
[So this strange fellow is the Mr. Popo Trunks mentioned? Doesn't look like much… Can someone like him really help me control my Ki?]
Without warning, Vegeta summoned a compact orb of energy to his palm and hurled it straight at Mr. Popo.
Whoosh!
Mr. Popo's brow furrowed, but his movements were swift and precise; he evaded the blast with an effortless step.
Vegeta's eyes narrowed slightly, impressed.
The seemingly frail attendant had dodged his surprise attack without breaking a sweat.
[Hmph… Maybe he's not as simple as he looks.]
"Guardian of Earth? Forget it," Vegeta said, folding his arms. "I don't care for titles. I just want you to teach me how to control my Ki properly."
Mr. Popo gave a small nod.
"Very well, Vegeta San. If you truly wish to defeat the Androids, then I can guide you in specialized training. However, it will not be quick."
Vegeta's tone sharpened. "How long?"
Mr. Popo answered with calm certainty. "Son Goku trained here for three full years."
Vegeta's lips curled into a confident, almost arrogant smirk.
"Kakarrot trained here, too? Three years? Tch… That fool's too slow. I will surpass his results in just three days!"
The fire in Vegeta's eyes burned brightly, but Mr. Popo merely sighed and shook his head.
"Vegeta San… mastering one's Ki cannot be rushed. I understand your urgency, but to truly grasp aura control and refine your battle technique, three days will not suffice. What you're asking is far beyond ordinary limits."
Mr. Popo's words hit Vegeta like a splash of cold water.
Still, after a long pause, Vegeta lowered his gaze slightly, his pride wounded, but not broken.
He understood now. He hadn't just lost to the Androids because of Ki control, there was still a gulf of strength between them that he had yet to cross.
Even if he could completely master his aura within just three days, Vegeta knew it still wouldn't be enough; his power wouldn't come close to surpassing the Androids.
Right now, those monsters were roaming the Earth unchecked, hunting down humans as they pleased. If they ever discovered Bulma and Trunks…
"Damn it! If only I had more time to train!"
Just then, Mr. Popo stepped forward, his voice carrying a thread of hope.
"Vegeta San, in fact… There may be a way for you to become stronger."
Vegeta, caught in a whirlwind of frustration, felt as if lightning had struck through the clouds of his mind. He snapped to attention, locking eyes with Mr. Popo, his expression deadly serious.
"What way?"
Mr. Popo answered calmly, "Vegeta San can enter the Hyperbolic Time Chamber together with me."
Vegeta's eyes widened, his entire body jolting. Trunks's words echoed in his mind like a gong.
[So it's real… The Hyperbolic Time Chamber actually exists?]
"The Hyperbolic Time Chamber?"
Mr. Popo gave a solemn nod. "It is a sacred chamber where time flows differently than in the real world. Inside, one full year will pass, while only a single day goes by outside."
"However, there's a limit. A person can only enter the chamber twice in their life, two days on the outside, but two years of training within. If Vegeta San desires, I can accompany you inside."
At this revelation, the darkness clouding Vegeta's spirit began to lift. A rare fire ignited in his eyes.
"Take me there. Now."
"As you wish, Vegeta San."
Tap,!
Just as Mr. Popo turned to lead the way toward the chamber's entrance, heavy footsteps echoed behind them.
Son Gohan arrived at the Lookout, breathless and carrying with him Bulma and her family.
Bulma's eyes scanned the vast white expanse of the Lookout. It felt deserted, eerily so.
She cupped her hands to her mouth and called out, "Mr. Popo? Are you here?!"
Hearing her voice, Mr. Popo paused mid-step and turned back. He quickly moved to greet them and informed them of Vegeta's intent to enter the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
Bulma's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! That kind of place actually exists?!"
Son Gohan's face also showed astonishment, while young Trunks blinked in confusion, trying to make sense of what was happening.
Without hesitation, Bulma reached into her jacket and pulled out a Hoi-Poi Capsule, holding it out toward Mr. Popo.
"Where's Vegeta right now?" She asked, her voice brisk.
Mr. Popo gestured toward the far end of the Lookout. "Straight ahead, follow the corridor and turn left. I'll guide you."
Without another word, Bulma took Trunks's hand and dashed off in the direction he indicated. Mr. Popo followed close behind.
As they turned the corner, Trunks's eyes went wide. Ahead, standing beside the ancient double doors of a structure cloaked in power, was Vegeta. And behind him, the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, just as Trunks had once heard described.
His heart pounded.
(Father actually came here… he sought out Mr. Popo and found the Time Chamber…)
Vegeta turned his head at the sound of running footsteps. He spotted Trunks in Bulma's arms, approaching fast. At the same time, Trunks's thoughts rippled into his mind like a whisper in the wind.
[Trunks… Let me rewrite the future you've come from.]
"Vegeta! Wait, don't go in just yet!" Bulma called out, breathless but determined. She pulled out another Hoi-Poi Capsule from her pocket and thrust it toward him.
"Phew… I made it just in time," She said, exhaling. "This capsule holds your gravity chamber ship. Since you said you wanted to train, I figured you'd need it. I packed it with food too. Honestly, were you planning to run off without even saying goodbye to your family?"
Vegeta looked at her, this woman who never failed to speak her mind. Yet instead of irritation, his expression softened just slightly. He accepted the capsule with a small, silent nod.
Then, turning toward Mr. Popo, he spoke.
"Alright. Let's go in."
(End of Chapter)
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