[11]. The Ten-Move Bet

"If you can't land a single hit on me within ten moves, you'll take me to see the Grand Elder. But if you do manage to hit me, I'll leave Namek immediately."

Kaso grinned at Nail, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Nail was an incredibly proud guy—just like Vegeta or Piccolo. He couldn't handle even a sliver of provocation.

And Kaso was well aware of this. That's why he didn't bother with subtlety. This was a straight-up taunt, a bold bet. Even though Nail was just a kid, Kaso knew he wouldn't back down.

He kept smiling calmly, but that subtle look of disdain in his eyes didn't escape Nail's notice.

"Ten moves?"

Veins bulged on Nail's forehead.

"Who the hell do you think you're looking down on?"

"So… you agree?" Kaso asked casually.

Nail fell silent.

Everyone knew how hot-headed Nail could be—but he was also extremely protective of the Grand Elder. In the anime, even after he learned that Frieza had arrived and posed an apocalyptic threat to Namek, Nail still stood guard and didn't let Gohan or the others approach the Grand Elder so easily.

And just now, during their brief exchange, Nail could sense that Kaso wasn't an enemy—just a kid looking for help.

Still…

"What? Not gonna accept? Then I'll just go find the Grand Elder myself. Not like you can stop me," Kaso said with a smirk as he turned around to fly off.

"Fine. Bring it on," Nail growled.

Kaso's smile stretched into a full-blown grin. Hook, line, and sinker. This brat still doesn't know how easily I've got him wrapped around my finger.

He couldn't really blame Nail though. The Namekians had lived in isolation for so long—no war, no deception. Everyone on this planet was straightforward and pure. Nail, raised in that kind of environment, was practically defenseless against a seasoned mind like Kaso's.

Kaso had lived over twenty years in his past life. Sure, he used to be awkward—so shy that talking to girls made him blush—but now? He could casually outmaneuver a kid like Nail without breaking a sweat.

The atmosphere turned tense. Both boys fell silent as the match was about to begin.

Suddenly—

Nail changed tactics. His aura faded. His presence became as still and deep as an ancient well.

The clouds drifted slowly overhead. A gentle breeze blew through, making Kaso's bangs flutter slightly.

"Huh?"

Kaso's brows furrowed. He couldn't feel Nail's energy anymore—even though he could see him right there.

He's masking his ki?

That was unexpected—but with the Grand Elder's training, maybe it wasn't too surprising.

Still… why didn't he hide his energy from the start? Is he trying to trap me?

"Not bad, Nail. I underestimated you," Kaso muttered under his breath.

Just then—

"He's gone!"

Kaso's eyes widened. Nail's figure had disappeared completely!

He frantically scanned the skies. Nothing. The ground? Still nothing.

Then…

"Behind me."

Kaso whipped around—sure enough, Nail was charging from behind, fist clenched and aura flaring as he dove down like a meteor.

Just when it looked like he'd land the hit, Kaso twisted his body and narrowly dodged.

"No way!"

That was Nail's prized sneak attack—a technique the Grand Elder had personally taught him. And this punk had dodged it like it was nothing?

He refused to believe it. It must have been pure luck!

Gritting his teeth, Nail disappeared again, blending into the sky like a shadow.

Kaso exhaled a breath of relief. That first dodge had been way too close.

Man, that would've been embarrassing—bragging about ten moves and getting hit on the first one? I'd never live it down.

Truth was, Nail's sneaky trick was seriously hard to deal with. If Kaso didn't have basic ki-sensing, he would've already been knocked out cold.

Even now, despite his higher power level, Kaso could only barely keep up.

He had assumed Nail was just a proud brat—but clearly, he was a crafty one too.

I need a plan, Kaso thought. Fast.

He closed his eyes, mind drifting back to the endless days on Planet Mumu.

Back then, he'd imitated Goku's training in the Lookout, sitting cross-legged beside the lake, trying to meditate—to feel the wind, sense energy, and quiet his mind.

For months, nothing clicked.

But now, under real combat pressure, something stirred.

As Nail vanished once more, Kaso suddenly smiled.

He admitted—dodging that first strike had been pure luck.

But now? Now he could truly sense it.

Up above, Nail vanished from view again.

But in Kaso's spiritual perception, he could clearly sense a glowing beacon—a dazzling ball of energy, like a lantern in a dark forest, standing out even behind closed eyes.

He grinned.

Trying the same move twice? Come on, man. At least be creative.

Nail had assumed Kaso would never expect the same sneak attack. Once again, he was circling to attack from behind.

"Come on out. I know you're behind me," Kaso said, eyes still closed.

"…"

Nail didn't reply. He assumed Kaso was bluffing.

Kaso turned slowly, staring directly at the spot where Nail was hiding.

Neither of them moved. The moment froze like a still painting—two idiots just hovering in the sky.

A full minute passed.

Finally, Nail lost his patience and emerged from hiding.

"How… how did you find me?" he asked, frustrated.

"That's my little secret," Kaso said with a grin.

"Tch!" Nail scoffed.

"Still want to keep going?" Kaso asked calmly.

"…"

To Nail, Kaso was an infuriating little punk. Here he was, trying so hard to win using stealth—and this guy had read him like a book.

How was he supposed to fight now?

And funny enough—Kaso was thinking the exact same thing.

This brat tricked me into a bet, played dumb, then almost caught me off guard. Seriously, what a little gremlin.

"You're not gonna go back on your word, are you?" Kaso said with mock surprise.

"…Let's go."

Nail's voice was as cold as ever.

Since he had agreed to the bet—and Kaso clearly wasn't evil—there was no reason not to take him to the Grand Elder.

Planet Namek.

After surviving its climate catastrophe years ago, the planet had largely recovered.

Vast stretches of land and lakes made up most of its geography. Forests were sparse. Blue grass carpeted the ground, and low, stubby trees dotted the terrain.

Freshwater was plentiful—every few islands, a lake or pond appeared, shimmering under the triple suns.

In the sky—

Two streaks of white light shot across the horizon, like meteors dancing through the air. One was a young boy. The other, a green-skinned Namekian child.

"How much farther?" Kaso asked.

"Don't be impatient. You'll see soon enough."

That cold, curt tone—definitely Nail.

Kaso had gotten used to his frosty personality. It wasn't personal—Nail was like this with everyone.

Swoosh! Swoosh!

The two descended onto a tall stone pillar. At its peak stood a domed white building—distinctly Namekian in style.

"Grand Elder, I've brought the guest," Nail announced.

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