[48]. The Senzu Beans Have Ripened

After returning to his residence, Kaso went straight to find Bardock that very evening and told him everything that had happened at noon.

Originally, Kaso thought Bardock might not believe in the existence of such a miraculous bean. But to his surprise, when he explained everything, Bardock didn't even flinch—he just kept nodding and agreed to assign people to guard the patch of land.

In Bardock's eyes, if Kaso could even make it possible for Saiyans to survive in space, what could possibly be more unbelievable than that? A few beans that could instantly heal all injuries? That was small stuff in comparison.

As if he could read Kaso's thoughts, Bardock shot him a glare as if saying, "What, do you think I've never seen the world before?"

"The affairs with the tribe are all arranged. I'm going to start training tomorrow. Remember—protect those senzu sprouts at all costs," Kaso said.

With that, he turned and left without looking back.

Watching Kaso's receding figure, Bardock crossed his arms and rubbed his chin.

What if we made that kid the leader of the Saiyans?

Given Kaso's reputation among the tribe, he doubted anyone would object.

Still… he was too young. Maybe in a few years.

…

Deep in a valley surrounded by wooden huts, a small river flowed by the front of the dwellings. Under the sunlight, the water shimmered, and combined with the picturesque scenery, the place was tranquil and serene.

Not far from the river stood a black building—one of the gravity chambers. Inside, the sound of punching and slicing through the air rang out.

"Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight…

…Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine…

Ten thousand!"

A hoarse breath followed. Kaso, drenched in sweat, collapsed onto the floor of the gravity chamber. Each punch he threw had kicked up violent gusts of wind.

This was his third set of punching reps.

With every swing of his fist, the tension built up to the point that thick veins bulged on his forehead, making his face appear contorted and fierce.

"Cancel… gravity…"

His voice cracked as he forced the words out. His muscles were spasming from the intense workload.

WHRRRRRR—

With a low hum, the gravity chamber's intensity dropped from 35 times gravity back to normal.

As that immense pressure lifted, Kaso felt like a mountain had been taken off his back.

"Phew…"

Lying on the floor, he finally relaxed. Over the last month, he had gradually adapted from 25 times gravity up to 35.

He had always believed that training couldn't rely solely on mastering "Ki," nor just the body. Focusing on one while neglecting the other would limit any martial artist's potential.

Just look at Vegeta—he trained relentlessly in the gravity chamber, but he neglected the cultivation of his inner self. That's why, despite his massive strength, he was always half a step behind Goku in terms of spiritual realm and breakthroughs.

Even Piccolo's growth proved this point. He wore weighted clothing for physical conditioning while meditating frequently to hone his mind. It was this balance that helped him reach his high level despite being a Namekian.

In short: it's hard. Really hard.

Kaso had crafted a strict, balanced training regimen for himself. Every move had to meet form standards, and the gravity chamber's crushing weight ensured every muscle group was pushed to its limit.

Aside from physical training, he also paid close attention to cultivating his mental state. He still remembered what Mr. Popo had said—there was a third stage of their training: the state of "No Mind".

Kaso still didn't fully understand what that meant.

But in Dragon Ball Super, Goku had reached that very state—Ultra Instinct—the moment where thought and action became one. Perhaps, Kaso wondered, that mysterious "No Mind" was the very foundation of Ultra Instinct.

After all, Goku had trained with Mr. Popo as a child. Maybe that was the seed planted long ago.

Still, Kaso was aware that with his current power and understanding, such a realm was far out of reach.

Just then—

A voice echoed from outside the gravity chamber:

"Lord Kaso, Lord Bardock is requesting your presence."

Kaso opened the door and saw a Saiyan standing outside. It was Kast, the captain of one of the eight squads Bardock had recently formed.

"Go on back. I'll come over shortly," Kaso replied, soaked in sweat.

He wanted to shower first before seeing Bardock.

"Yes, Lord Kaso." Kast respectfully took his leave.

…

Half an hour later, freshly bathed and dressed, Kaso arrived at Bardock's place.

"You little rascal—what took you so long!" Bardock looked displeased.

He had sent for Kaso thirty minutes ago, and the boy had only just arrived.

"What's the matter?" Kaso raised an eyebrow. "Something urgent?"

Judging by Bardock's expression, something big must have happened.

"The senzu beans have sprouted." Bardock rolled his eyes, annoyed.

"WHAT? Already??"

Kaso was shocked.

It had only been a month since he planted them. He thought they'd need at least half a year to mature. Who would've guessed they'd be ready so soon?

"Uncle Bardock, grab my hand!"

"Huh—?"

Before Bardock could react, Kaso grabbed him and disappeared from the room. The next second, they reappeared in the northern region of Planet Sadala.

Bardock looked around at the familiar landscape and gaped.

So fast…

He glanced sideways at Kaso and shook his head.

Young people these days—too quick for their own good.

Kaso didn't notice Bardock's strange look. He shifted his body and instantly arrived at the edge of the dark soil plot.

Nearby, several Saiyans stationed to guard the area noticed their arrival.

"Lord Bardock! Lord Kaso! You've come?"

"We're just here to check. Keep patrolling," Bardock waved them off.

Kaso didn't speak. He stared at the senzu sprouts.

On the 40-square-meter patch of dark soil, roughly 40 senzu plants had been planted. In just one month, the sprouts had grown into full-fledged one-meter tall senzu trees, with thick roots and lush foliage.

Thankfully, Kaso had only planted a test batch for now. He had planned to judge the results before scaling up.

Now, the spacing turned out to be perfect.

He scanned the plants.

Each one bore two plump, emerald-green beans—vibrant, glossy, and surprisingly appetizing in appearance.

They looked slightly different from the senzu beans stored in his capsule, but that was probably just because these hadn't been dried yet.

"A 1-to-2 yield... not bad at all."

Kaso was pleased.

Each tree had produced two beans, which honestly matched what he expected. In the anime, Korin had once said that senzu production was extremely low—only a few beans per harvest even after long periods.

In truth, the tens of thousands of senzu beans Kaso had brought from Earth were stockpiled from hundreds of years of cultivation.

He looked down at the freshly grown beans and smiled.

Now, they weren't a rare commodity anymore.

~~~------------------

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