[12]. Unlocking Potential

Kaso stepped into the white-domed Namekian dwelling and flew up to the second floor. Seated before him was a giant of a Namekian—much larger than he had expected.

Sure, he remembered the Grand Elder being huge from the anime, but four meters tall and two meters wide even while seated? That was a different level.

Compared to what he recalled from the "Namekian Conflict" arc, the Grand Elder looked older now, though not yet frail. His eyes were still open and alert, not like in the later stages where they were always closed.

"Greetings, Grand Elder," Kaso greeted politely.

The Grand Elder's voice rumbled low, full of age and wisdom.

"Saiyan child, what brings you here?"

Off to the side, Nail's eyes widened. He's a Saiyan? No wonder he was so strong. The Saiyans were known as the warrior race after all.

Kaso froze for a second, then quickly realized—of course the Grand Elder knew. As the spiritual leader of the Namekians and a survivor of their planetary catastrophe, it wasn't surprising he possessed prophetic abilities.

"Grand Elder, my name is Kaso. I've come to request use of your Dragon Balls," Kaso said with genuine humility.

There were only three months left before Planet Vegeta was destined to explode. If the Grand Elder refused to lend the Dragon Balls, Kaso would be out of options.

With his current power level, forcefully taking them wasn't even remotely possible.

"Absolutely not!" Nail cut in sharply before the Grand Elder could respond.

"Our Dragon Balls are sacred relics! We can't just lend them to an outsider—what if he makes a dangerous wish?"

But the Grand Elder didn't even acknowledge Nail's objection. He sat in silence for a moment with his eyes closed… then suddenly opened them. A faint gleam of insight flashed across his gaze.

"Very well. I will allow it. But only if you agree to one condition."

Kaso straightened up, listening intently.

"In the future, our planet will face a great calamity. When that time comes, I ask that you return to protect our people and our world."

Kaso's expression grew solemn.

A disaster in the future? Is he referring to the Namekian arc from the original timeline?

Off to the side, Nail stiffened.

This… wasn't just a prophecy. If the Grand Elder was asking someone else for help, didn't that mean he—Nail—wouldn't be strong enough to protect Namek? Not even the Grand Elder?

Nail's fists clenched tightly. He felt an overwhelming frustration and helplessness.

Kaso nodded earnestly.

"Understood. I promise—I'll return and protect Namek when the time comes."

The Grand Elder gave a faint smile.

With or without me, Goku would've saved Namek anyway, Kaso thought to himself.

But now that I've made a promise, I'll make sure no one from Frieza's army ever harms a single Namekian.

"Good. I'll have Nail assist you in gathering the Dragon Balls and summoning the dragon," the Grand Elder said.

"Thank you, Grand Elder!" Kaso exhaled in relief. Finally, he had secured the Dragon Balls.

He still had three months. If everything went smoothly, he could make his wish, use Instant Transmission to return to Planet Vegeta, and still make it back in time.

Nail seemed a bit dazed, but when he noticed Kaso lingering awkwardly instead of leaving, he frowned. What now, you little brat?

Still… thinking about the future, he held his tongue.

Kaso scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed.

"Uhm… Grand Elder, I heard you can unlock someone's latent potential without any side effects. Would… would you mind helping me too?"

Even Nail was startled.

"Grand Elder, your health—" he began to protest.

But the Grand Elder gently raised a hand to stop him.

"It's alright."

Helping unlock potential wasn't dangerous for the Grand Elder. It merely exhausted him a little. As long as he rested afterward, he'd be fine.

Kaso's heart raced. He remembered how Gohan and Krillin had their power levels dramatically increased after having their potential unlocked here.

Could he really experience the same thing?

Kaso stepped to where the Grand Elder indicated. A massive hand gently covered his head.

Warmth flooded through him.

A heat flowed from his scalp downward, washing through every corner of his body like a soothing spring.

He closed his eyes and cleared his mind, allowing the sensation to take over.

That warmth didn't just reach his limbs—it dug deep, into the very core of his being. Into a place he couldn't describe—whether it was his brain, his heart, or every single cell, he couldn't tell.

Then—suddenly—

BOOM!

Kaso's aura burst outward, flaring as if he were already in the middle of combat.

3,000!

4,000!

His power level surged rapidly!

Like a volcano erupting from within, his energy gushed outward in massive waves.

8,000… 10,000… 12,000!

The final number—12,000!

Gale-force winds blasted out from him, rustling Nail's clothes like they were flags in a storm.

"So strong!" Nail's eyes widened, completely shocked.

Kaso stood still, reveling in the overwhelming surge.

Before this, after months of training and a long space voyage, his battle power was stuck around 2,000.

But now? 12,000!

His strength had increased sixfold!

So this… this is what true power felt like. No wonder people became addicted to it.

But Kaso quickly steadied his mind and pulled his energy back in. Raw strength was nothing if he couldn't control it.

He recalled how Frieza had three transformation stages—each one far more powerful than the last. Yet Frieza rarely stayed in his third form.

Why?

Because that level of power was too difficult to maintain without full control.

Not that Frieza couldn't master it—he was a genius after all. He was just lazy.

In fact, in Dragon Ball Super, Frieza trained for just three months and reached his Golden Form.

"Thank you, Grand Elder."

Kaso bowed deeply, sincerely grateful.

"It was a small matter. Now go—make your wish," the Grand Elder said, waving his hand.

"Come on," Nail said shortly, lifting off into the air.

Kaso gave the Grand Elder one last thankful nod before flying up to follow. He didn't want to get left behind—because with Nail's personality, if Kaso got lost, Nail definitely wouldn't come back for him.

In fact, he'd probably be thrilled to be rid of him.

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