Chapter 25: Come, Nehru! A Brutal Duel
"Great Elder, I have one more request, though it may be asking too much," Krillin said, rubbing his palms together with an embarrassed yet polite expression.
"Child, speak your mind. Although I may lack the strength, the people of Namek will assist you," the Great Elder replied with a gentle smile.
"I hope to borrow your Dragon Balls. I need to ask your Shenron for help. Earth's Shenron has limited abilities, so I hope to seek the aid of Namek's Shenron," Krillin explained earnestly.
"Oh? As far as I know, Katas was an exceptional Dragon Clan member, and as his child, the Earth's Guardian should also be a capable Dragon Clan warrior. The power of Earth's Dragon Balls should suffice, no?" The Great Elder asked curiously.
The Guardian of Earth gave a bitter smile and said, "Three hundred years ago, in my pursuit of becoming a qualified god, I expelled the evil within me. As a result, my power was halved…"
"Foolish! How could one's heart ever be completely pure? A person without desires ceases to be human. As a member of the Dragon Clan, splitting your power in half was an even greater folly!" the Great Elder suddenly spoke with force, reprimanding the Guardian.
The Guardian lowered his head deeply, his face flushing in embarrassment. He scratched his head with an awkward smile.
"No problem," the Great Elder said, his energy seeming to drain as he leaned back into his chair. "Nehru will take care of gathering the Dragon Balls from the villages for you."
"Understood, Great Elder," Nehru replied respectfully.
Though Nehru wanted to battle Krillin, his primary duty was to protect the Great Elder. After a moment's hesitation, he remained silent.
"Go, Nehru. The battlefield is the true home of a warrior of Namek," the Great Elder said in his aged voice, smiling at Nehru.
As a battle-type Namekian, Nehru deeply desired combat. However, he would never forget his primary duty.
"No, Great Elder," Nehru replied firmly, shaking his head.
"Go, child. Go," the Great Elder said with a kind smile. "Namek is safe now. You don't need to worry about me."
The Great Elder raised his hand and waved dismissively.
Nehru turned to Krillin, his gaze filled with fighting intent.
Krillin smirked slightly. "Come, Nehru."
Nehru gave a small nod.
The two flared their auras and soared into the distance, passing rivers and isolated hills before stopping atop a rocky pillar shaped like an abalone.
Krillin stood at a distance, breathing deeply and twisting his neck. His joints cracked audibly as his battle intent surged. However, Krillin deliberately suppressed his power level to match Nehru's at around 40,000. This battle was about honing techniques and gaining experience, not overwhelming his opponent with brute strength.
"System, check Nehru's stats."
Ding…
Time: Age 756
Name: Nehru
Age: Youth
Race: Namekian
Power Level: 40,000
Potential: Several billion—way more than yours.
Training Speed: High-speed
Seeing Nehru's potential vastly exceed his own, Krillin lamented, "What curse must Earthlings bear…?"
Nehru removed his Namekian combat attire and stretched his neck.
Suddenly, both fighters unleashed their energy and charged at each other. Nehru's eyes flashed coldly as he struck downward with a sharp elbow aimed at Krillin. To Krillin, Nehru's movements seemed slow. He dodged backward and countered with a straight punch, though he held back to avoid causing serious harm.
Boom, boom, boom! Nehru's green aura flared as he powered up, surrounding himself with potent energy. His figure blurred as he rushed toward Krillin.
Without hesitation, Krillin unleashed his own energy and charged to meet Nehru head-on. The two fighters clashed hundreds of times, their movements forming streaks of green and gold energy intertwining across the landscape.
Nehru, a battle-type Namekian, employed unique combat techniques. During the fight, his arm suddenly extended several meters to grab at Krillin from below. Smirking, Krillin anticipated the move. Using the momentum, he leaped upward, evading the surprise attack.
"You knew I'd use that trick?" Nehru asked, startled.
Krillin laughed heartily. "The Piccolo on Earth is also a battle-type Namekian."
"Piccolo…?" Nehru muttered.
Quickly regaining his composure, Nehru refocused and launched a powerful attack at Krillin. Though Krillin's speed allowed him to evade most blows, Nehru found an opening and landed a heavy punch.
"Not good," Krillin muttered as he raised his arms defensively. The well-prepared strike sent him flying over 100 meters.
Seizing the opportunity, Nehru unleashed a charged energy attack, reminiscent of Piccolo's Special Beam Cannon. Despite Krillin's superior power level, he felt threatened by the incoming blast. Still mid-flight, Krillin crossed his arms to shield himself.
Boom, boom, boom! The blast sent Krillin crashing through dozens of islands. It created a massive vapor trail across a lake, leaving the surface distorted for several moments.
Panting heavily, Nehru allowed a faint smile to creep onto his face. It seemed the battle was won.
Cough, cough! Emerging from the smoke, Krillin spat out dirt and wiped his mouth. His upper clothing was torn, revealing his muscular torso with some minor injuries. However, he was largely unharmed.
Nehru's jaw dropped in disbelief. He was well aware of the destructive power of his previous attack—enough to annihilate Namek if unleashed at full strength. Krillin should have been incapacitated, if not dead.
"That attack was indeed formidable. Against someone with equal power, it would be unstoppable. But alas, you're fighting me," Krillin said smugly.
"Now it's my turn!" Krillin dashed behind Nehru in an instant, delivering a powerful strike.
Nehru plummeted like a kite with a broken string, smashing through the rocky island into the water below. Massive waves erupted, creating a brief drizzle. Sensing Nehru's energy recovering below, Krillin refrained from pursuing.
Five minutes later, Nehru emerged from the water, his body dripping wet, veins bulging, and green liquid dripping into the lake. He panted heavily but stood tall.
"Your strength is extraordinary, beyond anything I imagined," Nehru admitted. "When the Great Elder said you could save Namek, I doubted him. But now, I see he was right. You truly can save us. Still, I won't admit defeat."
"Come at me, Nehru. Show me your best," Krillin said, respecting Nehru's unyielding spirit.
With a shout, Nehru began to transform, growing taller. His aura surged from 10,000 to 20,000… then 40,000, until it peaked at 400,000.
Krillin was shocked. "His power level increased tenfold?!"
The intense energy rippled through the air, shaking the landscape. Krillin quickly unleashed his full power but still fell short by 70,000.
Nehru darted behind Krillin and unleashed a barrage of attacks, leaving Krillin battered. Sensing danger, Krillin retreated, but Nehru's elongated arms ensnared him.
As Nehru charged a final, devastating attack, Krillin summoned his last bit of strength. Forming a Destructo Disc, he severed Nehru's arms and broke free. However, Nehru's energy blast hit him squarely, knocking him to the ground.
Both fighters were left injured but filled with mutual respect. Krillin vowed to grow stronger, while Nehru smiled faintly, his energy spent.
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