Chapter Two: The Saiyan's untimely arrival…
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but this story, yada yada.
A.N: Yo Yo bet you weren't expecting me to drop two long chapters on the same day but here it is. I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. I won't keep this A.N. long, so I'll just say keep again, keep an eye out for updates and please let me kn0w what you thought. Enjoy.
Exactly six months have passed since Naruto found his uncle Raditz and started his training under his new Master, Roshi. Naruto was a diligent and hardworking pupil, taking to Master Roshi's lessons like a fish to water. He was a natural born prodigy when it came to martial arts and the Kame style seemed only right, considering it was the same form of martial arts that his father used. Naruto had become a near master in all the fighting forms while the discipline needed to use them effectively was ever growing in the hyperactive boy.
Meditation turned out to be surprisingly effective. Once again the saiyan youth surprised the old master with his adaptability to his teachings. Meditation seemed almost second nature to the boy. Was it his simple and joyful nature that made it so easy for Naruto? Or perhaps was it his Saiyan dna? Could it be his humanity? Roshi had no clue but what he did know was that Naruto would continue to grow, surpassing all expectations and going beyond even that.
'The next generation is truly gifted it seems.' Roshi thought to himself with a smile before calling Naruto over with a simple yell, "Lunch!"
Naruto, dressed in his trusty orange and yellow gi, dusted the sand off his hands as he rushed inside the Kame house, drooling at the sight of a grilled fish the size of a man, a fried octopus, a massive sushi platter and enough rice to feed a family of twelve. Naruto's stomach roared in anticipation as the monkey tailed boy wiped away the drool from his lips, taking a seat at the table and clapping his hands together with a loud shout of "Itadakimasu!"
Naruto was ravenous as he devoured the food like a black hole, only stopping to sip juice from a straw before returning to his food like a beast. Roshi shook his head with a chuckle as he silently ate from his plate at a much more civilized pace.
Naruto wiped his mouth with the back of his arm as he let out a sigh of content, grinning over at his master as he said, "This is so good! Thanks, Master Roshi."
"It's no problem my boy. We need to get you as strong as possible." Roshi's statement had Naruto thinking about the approaching threat and how strong they could possibly be.
"Hey Master, the Saiyan's are going to be super tough right?" Naruto asked, putting aside his food so he could focus on his master.
Roshi stroked his beard with a hum, saying, "That is why everyone of my students, your fathers friends, are working as hard as they can. We may have greater numbers but the Saiyans…if what I was told was true by Piccolo, then they are like nothing we have ever seen before."
Naruto let out a sigh as he rested his chin on his palm, brows scrunched up in thought, "So the people we have aren't enough…"
"Don't fret my boy, we have you and your brother." Roshi said absentmindedly as he took a sip of his own drink, not quite aware of what he said until he turned to look back at Naruto, finding the Saiyan's jaw agape as he processed the bomb shell the old master just let loose.
"EHHHHHHH?!" Naruto yelled as he stood up and slammed his hands on the table, "I have a brother?!"
"Did I forget to mention that?" Roshi asked as he rubbed at his bald head sheepishly.
"Where is he? What does he look like?" Naruto asked, his heart racing as he realized he had a brother, an actual brother! He always wanted one of those!
"Well you could say you both look very similar except he has your father's dark hair and he has a tail like you." Roshi's words had Naruto in a daydream as he tried to picture what his brother looked like, "And I believe he is currently training with Piccolo."
"Piccolo huh?" Naruto said as he thought about going to look for his brother but he put that to the side for the moment as he asked his master a question that had been on his mind for months, "Master, do you know if there is a way to heal someone super fast?"
"Why do you ask my boy?" Naruto couldn't reveal it was actually for his uncle, the same man who got his father killed. So he wasn't entirely truthful.
"Just in case we need it for the upcoming battle." Roshi hummed as he thought of Naruto's words.
"Well, there are the Senzu beans. Just one will bring you back to full strength and any wound would be healed as if it never existed." The old turtle hermit told his pupil, thinking it wouldn't hurt to maybe send him Korin's way so he may become familiar with the old cat,"Perhaps it's time you see Kami's lookout while you're at it. You're definitely more than ready."
"Then I'll head there right away. Where do I need to go, Master?" Naruto asked as he rose to a standing position, rolling his shoulders and doing some light stretches to make his food go down quicker.
"To the sacred lands of Korin, a bountiful forest to the west of the desert. There's a grand tower that reaches the sky itself, you can't miss it." Roshi told his pupil, making sure to be detailed as possible so he wouldn't get lost.
"Right, I'm on my way!" Naruto yelled as he ran out of Roshi's home, taking to the skies in a burst of silver, only to return seconds later with a sheepish smile as the Saiyan boy asked, "Um, Master, which way is west?"
Roshi chuckled before pointing in the direction of the west, saying, "That way my boy."
"I'm on my way!" Naruto once again declared as he left Kame house and took to the skies, heading west as he hoped to get a senzu bean for his uncle Raditz. While he was healing fast, he would be in no condition to help for when the Saiyans arrive, he needed to be able to fight as soon as possible and the senzu beans seemed to be the only way to do that.
As Naruto flew through the bright blue sky, he started to think of his brother, once again wondering what he looked like, what he sounded like, if he was kind and gentle or if he was hyper and playful like Naruto himself. Nevertheless, the saiyan boy promised himself he would find his brother once he had fully healed his uncle.
In a world beyond earth, the heavens if you will, was a small planet surrounded by endless yellow clouds. On this planet was none other than Son Goku, the father of Naruto and Gohan, training hard by the instruction of his new mentor King Kai.
Said Saiyan was taking a break, breathing heavily as his body was still adjusting to the gravity of King Kai's planet, thanking the monkey bubbles as he took a towel and wiped his face with it. Goku sighed as he took a seat on the soft grass, staring up at all the yellow clouds with a thoughtful look.
Goku was left worried for six months, upon his arrival at King Yemma's desk, the warrior of earth learnt that his brother did not in fact die and that he was still alive on earth but greatly injured and wouldn't be recovering anytime soon without aid. While troubled Goku still ran along the great and long Snake way with the intention of being trained by King Kai but it wasn't until he finally made it to said god's planet and became his pupil did he find out the reason Raditz survived was because he was found by his son, a son Goku didn't even know about. So with King Kai's help, Goku finally was able to see what his son looked like, and learned his name from simply observing him.
The strongest warrior of earth was surprised by Naruto, especially since his son could see a light in Raditz that Goku could not. The younger son of Bardock thought his older brother was a lost cause, evil just like the Saiyan's that steadily approached earth but it seems day by day, Naruto had slowly begun to chip through the shield Raditz had placed around himself and perhaps could redeem his brother where Goku could not. That was why he hadn't told anyone on earth that Raditz was alive.
While he didn't know Naruto as well as Gohan, that was still his son and he trusted him.
"You're doing well Goku, I'm sure you'll master the Kaioken in no time." King Kai praised his new student as he sipped on some tea, his monkey bubbles cooing by his side.
Goku grinned at the blue skinned big man, laughing as he said, "Hehe, thanks King Kai. I already feel way stronger than how I was back on earth."
King Kai nodded sagely as he took note of Goku's growth in strength, "Yes, your growth has been most impressive. You may become my most gifted student."
The Kai looked at his pupil with a raised brow, not used to seeing the saiyan looking so lost in thought, "Thinking about your son?"
Goku let out a sigh as he rested his cheek on his palm, mumbling, "I can't believe I didn't know he was out there. Why didn't Suno tell me?"
"Who can say. Perhaps she had her reasons, perhaps she didn't wish to disrupt your life." King Kai said wisely, as he knew no one could truly know why Suno did what she did but Suno.
"Maybe but I'm sure ChiChi would have understood…" Goku whispered out before his eyes sprung open, leaping to his feet as he held his head in despair, "Oh man, Chichi! How am I going to explain this to her?"
"Hahaha! I don't envy you, my pupil. From what I heard your wife can be quite frightening." King Kai accurately deduced, having no idea how frightening Goku's wife could truly be when she was upset.
"You have no idea…" Goku said, scratching the back of his head as he thought of his wife, his sons, his friends who were all surely working hard and the Saiyan's who were only half a year away.
'Just keep working hard everyone, it won't be much longer before I'm back home. I'm also looking forward to meeting you, Naruto…'
The son of Goku passed through the vast desert, hand hovering above squinted eyes as Naruto searched for the forest with the tall tower that his master told him to find. He had been flying for a good hour in his search, the heat of the desert not quite effecting him from this height but still steadily started to build up a sweat on the saiyan youth.
"Oof, it's hot here." Naruto muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the landscape until he came upon a vast forest, faintly spotting what he hoped was Korin's tower. He landed in a clearing, admiring the tall white pillar with a whistle and a smile, then his attention was drawn to a roaring fire and where a large hut wasn't too far from.
Out from the hut walked a young man with dark skin and beady eyes. He had his long black hair braided with a red and white feather resting in the back of his hair. It was clear he was a native of these lands.
"Who goes there?" His call drew the attention of a much larger, even more imposing man, who Naruto could only assume was the older boy's father.
"Yo, the name Son Naruto, nice to meet you." The saiyan boy greeted the father and son duo with a wave.
The father approached cautiously, asking the monkey tailed boy, "You wouldn't happen to be related to Son Goku?"
Naruto couldn't help but give a cheeky grin as he scratched the back of his head with an impish grin, "Well, he is my father."
"Ahaha I should have known with that smile and tail. It's a pleasure to meet you, my name is Bora and this is my son Upa. We're friends of your father." The Now named Bora greeted as he introduced his son, walking up to Naruto to shake his hand, an action his son mimicked.
"I didn't realize my dad had so many friends." Naruto said in amazement.
Both Bora and Upa smiled fondly as they thought of the spiky haired boy who dared to fight against the Red Ribbon army and help Upa bring his father back from the dead, "Your dad is a special person with a good heart. You can't help but want to become his friend."
Naruto gave a sweet sincere smile as he gazed up at the sky, quietly saying, "I'm starting to realize that."
"What brings you out here?" Questioned Upa, hoping there was a way he could help Naruto.
"My master sent me to go to Korin's tower and after that, Kami's lookout." Naruto told the father and son as he gestured a thumb at the pillar.
"Well you're definitely in the right place. All you have to do is travel up that pillar and you'll find Korin." Naruto let out a relieved sigh at the native man's words.
"Awesome, I thought I was in the right place. Sorry I have to go, I'm kind of in a hurry. It was really nice meeting you both!" Naruto said as he started to walk towards the white stone structure that was connected to Korin's tower.
"Good luck, Naruto." Bora wished the saiyan boy, waving goodbye with his son as Naruto started to float then took off with a wave of his own.
Within minutes, Bora and Pua became nothing but tiny specks on the ground and still Naruto had yet to reach Korin's tower. It was only after he had passed the clouds and even then it took five more minutes before Naruto finally made it to the oval dome structure that is Korin's tower. Naruto gently floated down onto the floor, looking around with a hum until his eyes settled on a large fluffy cat standing on his hind legs with one arm behind his back while the other held a stick that was a makeshift cane.
Naruto thought the animal was asleep and because of that he didn't think twice about walking up and petting the white fluffy cat, receiving a bonk on his head for his troubles, "hey!"
"What the hell is the matter with you? You don't go around petting people!" The cat, who was clearly Korin, yelled as he was embarrassed at having being petted by the saiyan child.
Naruto, who was rubbing his head, yelled back, "I didn't know you could talk!"
"Try asking next time!" Korin said with an exasperated sigh.
"You're right, I'm sorry." Naruto apologised, sheepish at his own blunder.
"Don't sweat it kid. Now, what can I do for you?" Korin asked as he couldn't help but think Naruto reminded him of someone.
"I was sent here by Master Roshi because I was curious about senzu beans." Naruto explained, hoping the old cat would be kind enough to spare him a single bean.
"I see. So you're curious about senzu beans huh?" Korin asked as led Naruto over to a large pot, opening the lid to reveal it was full of green beans.
Naruto wondered how something so small could heal someone instantaneously but decided not to question it as he told Korin, "Well, I was actually hoping to get one to heal someone."
"Hmmm. I suppose I can give you one of my senzu beans." Korin agreed as he stroked his small cat beard.
"Awesome!" Naruto cheered much to the old cat's amusement.
"But I need you to do a little task for me." Naruto raised a brow at the eight hundred year old cat.
"Sure, what do you need?" The saiyan boy asked, curious what task the feline would have him do.
"It's such a pain in my backside to get up and down my tower to get food and I'm feeling a little lazy today. Do you mind getting me a fish from the river down there? You do that and the senzu's yours." Korin swore, wondering if the boy would actually do his request.
"You can count on me, Korin. I'll be back in a jiffy." Naruto promised as he jumped out of the tower, going into a free fall with a happy yell.
"That boy." Korin muttered as he shook his head with a chuckle.
(River)
Naruto found the river with no problem, using his ki to sense life in the water and found himself surprised with how deep it truly was. The still calmness was a deception to hide the many great beats swimming in its murky depths. Naruto had folded his Gi neatly on a rock so as not to get it wet, leaving him only in a pair of baggy boxers. The saiyan was already showing outstanding muscle development, development that shouldn't be possible for a child but was because of his Saiyan dna.
Naruto did a few little hops before leaping into the water with a medium sized splash. Naruto traveled into its watery depths without fear, swimming past all the smaller fish as he was looking for something much bigger.
Naruto was briefly still as he floated in the water, his hair swaying in the underwater current as he searched for Korin's meal. The monkey tailed boy seemed unaware of the monstrous creature slowly drifting towards him with its mouth, filled with rows of spiked teeth, wide open. Yet it was Naruto who surprised the ruler of this river with a sudden turn, grinning devilishly at the massive fish as he launched himself forward and slugged the gigantic creature with a mean uppercut. A gigantic splash was the only warning any nearby creatures would get before a crash shook the area as the titanic tuna lay dead in the small crater its body had created.
Naruto burst from the water seconds later, his soaked hair briefly obscuring his vision. The halfling shook his head like a wild dog, using his right hand to push his damp bangs back, staring at his catch with delight. He was sure Korin was going to be more than happy. The halfling dried himself with a burst of ki and within seconds he was back in his trusty Gi.
Naruto gripped the aquatic beast tightly by its tail fin, silver aura surrounding the boy like an unstoppable flame. Naruto was in the skies within seconds. It didn't take him long to mak it back to Korin's tower, calling out to the fluffy cat, "Hey Korin! Will this do?"
"How are you supposed to fit that in here?" Korin asked, more than impressed by the monkey tailed boys catch,
Naruto seemed to notice his blunder, the boy let out a little laugh as he said, "Whoops. Hang on a second Korin!"
The saiyan boy flew away from the tower, spinning then throwing the titanic fish upwards. Naruto yelled as he dashed at the falling river creature, cutting the fish into even pieces with high speed chops of his hand. He then took the dieced up fish and placed it neatly in front of Korin, "How's that?"
"That's more than enough, thank you, kid," Korin said as he bowed his head. He then surprised Naruto by throwing him the senzu bean, "You earned it."
"Thank's Korin. It was nice meeting you!" Naruto said as he leapt out of the tower, starting to ascend towards Kami's lookout, stopping when he noticed a long red pole sprouting from the top of Korin's tower, as if someone placed it there. Naruto couldn't help but reach out and touch what he now identified as a staff, watching in shock as it rapidly shrunk until it was the perfect size for the Saiyan youth. Naruto gave the staff a twirl and then a practice swing, smiling as he thought it felt right to use. "Well, I'm definitely gonna keep you."
Naruto held the staff tight as he traveled higher and higher into the sky. Not quite reaching the upper atmosphere but still incredibly high. Naruto spotted what could only be described as an ancient red and gold floating platform with a wide flat square tiled surface. Palm trees were planted in elegant rows, currently being watered by a genie with skin as black as night. Wide eyes and a smile full of innocence turned to face the approaching Saiyan, saying, "Ah Son Naruto. We have been expecting you."
"Expecting me?" Naruto as he started to follow the genie to the grand building in the center of the lookout.
"Indeed, although, I didn't think it would be so soon." The genie said, more to himself than Naruto, as he led the saiyan boy inside and not before long, the halfling could see a noseless short bald monk, speaking to a tall but old, green alien creature, "Kami, Son Naruto is here."
"Son?" The short monk questioned in disbelief, eyes bulging when he saw the boy's monkey tail and a very familiar staff.
"Naruto, welcome. Thank you for bringing him, Mister Popo." Kami said kindly as he walked over to meet Naruto, the monk, still in silent disbelief, walked with the deity of earth, anxious to meet the son of his best friend.
Naruto, not one to be rude, greeted them both with a friendly wave and a quick, "Yo."
"So your Goku's son huh?" The bald monk asked as he rubbed his chin, inspecting the boy with a hum.
"That's me."
"Well it's nice to meet you. I'm your old man's best friend, Krillin." The short man introduced himself with a smile, one Naruto happily returned.
"You must be super close with my dad right?" Naruto asked as the half human and full blooded human moved to sit on some steps as they talked.
"Definitely. Your dad is probably the most amazing man I've ever met." Krillin said, being completely honest as the boy's father was the reason he was back from the dead after being killed by one of King Piccolo's spawn.
Naruto gave a more somber smile as he rested his cheek on his hand, sighing as he said, "That's what everyone keeps telling me."
Krillin patted Naruto on the shoulder, saying, "Hey only six more months and then you'll be able to finally meet him and I bet he's really looking forward to meeting you too."
"You think so?" Naruto questioned, hoping what the bald monk was saying was true.
"If I know Goku, which I like to think I do very well, he's just as excited as you are." Krillin said confidently, sending the smaller boy a grin as he thought of his oldest friend and how hard he was working in other world.
"Hehe, I can't wait to meet him."
Krillin, wanting to spend some time with the monkey tailed boy, asked him, "Hey, want to see something cool I've been working on?"
"Sure." Naruto agreed eagerly, never wanting to miss the opportunity to see a new technique.
"Hey Kami, I'll be back for more training soon." Krillin promised as himself and Naruto started to float, flying away from the lookout to the earthy grounds below.
"I'll inform Tienshinhan and the others. Take your time." Kami said as he waved goodbye to the two.
After nearly half an hour of flying filled with chatter, mainly Krillin telling Naruto stories of his youth with the boy's father, the two warriors of earth found a clearing for Krillin to brandish his new move safely.
After having Naruto put himself at a safe distance, the blond boy watched eagerly as the bald monk raised a single hand, manipulating and harnessing his Ki to his desire. The ball of Ki in his palm started to spin, becoming thin from the continuous motion. The more power Krillin pushed into his attack the more it expanded.
When the ki disc was ready, Krillin tensed his arm, taking aim at a formation of earth that was steadily on it's way to becoming a mountain and shouted the name of his attack with a mighty throw, "Kienzan!"
The ki disc soared through the air at impressive speeds, reaching the formation of rock and bisecting the formation of earth and stone like a hot knife through butter. There was no resistance as it was cut in two even pieces that crumbled when hitting the ground.
Naruto had stars in his eyes, leaping to his feet with a shout, "That was so cool Krillin!"
Krillin couldn't help but appreciate the praise, laughing with his eyes closed as he rubbed the back of his bald head modestly, "Hahaha, thanks Naruto. I've been practicing on that one for a while but I finally perfected it a couple days ago. Pretty neat huh?"
"Could you teach it to me?" Naruto asked, hoping the bald monk wouldn't mind.
Krillin did not, in fact he was quite flattered the little saiyan wanted to learn from him, "I don't see why not but don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away." Krillin then directed Naruto where to go, saying, "Here, stand where I was and raise your hand like I did."
"You got it, Krillin sensei." Naruto responded back with a thumbs up.
Krillin laughed at the blond monkey tailed boy. The fellow martial artist made sure to check Naruto's stance, correcting the boy if he needed it but found there was very little needed to be corrected. Then he said, "What you want to do is generate ki in your palm, visualize in your mind the form you want your energy to take. Make it flat but sharp."
Naruto did as he was instructed, generating his ki and attempting to manipulate it just like Krillin did but for whatever reason, the saiyan was struggling. Possibly because he was hungry. Naruto mind soon drifted away from focusing on his ki and went to food instead, 'Mmm, pizza~'
Krillin's eyes widened in disbelief as the ki morphed and formed into a rapidly spinning disk just like the one he formed earlier, "Holy crap! Naruto, you did it!"
"Huh?" Naruto looked up at his hand, eyes widening as a happy but shocked smile spread across his face as he threw the ki disk at a rock formation, slicing it in half just as Krillin did with his.
Krillin's disbelief shifted into awe and pride and maybe a little envy as he thought, 'Jeez, it took me six months to master that move and you did it on your first try. Heh, you're definitely Goku's son.'
"So cool! I really appreciate you teaching me Krillin."
"Think nothing of it. I've never really taught anyone before." Krillin said as he started to float in the air, "Sorry to run like this Naruto but I gotta get back to my training with the others. I'll see you when the Saiyan's arrive?"
"You know it." Naruto promised with a salute and a cheeky grin a grin Krillin couldn't help but match as he waved goodbye.
"Take care of yourself kid."
"Bye Krillin!" Naruto yelled as he waved goodbye to the short monk. Having enjoyed the brief time they spent together. Naruto too started to fly, in a burst of silver, traveled across the sky in the direction of his home to go gather some money, 'I'll bring uncle Raditz a surprise.'
The brother of Kakarot rested silently in his bed, it was all he could do as he slowly healed. The wound that damned Namekian had given to him was so grave that it seemed it would take perhaps another year before he was whole and in proper fighting condition. It was maddening for the saiyan as he grunted, rising to a sitting position as he glanced towards the door, "I can sense you boy."
Naruto peaked his head into the room with a sheepish grin, holding two large white boxes, "You're getting good at sensing energy uncle Raditz."
Raditz grunted in annoyance as he accepted the flat white square box with a rather appetizing aroma, "Tch, I don't have a scouter anymore and I can't do anything without injuring myself. It's the only thing I can do to keep busy."
"That does sound like a pain but I know what will make you feel better." Naruto started to lift the top of the box containing Raditz's delicious food, "Pizza!"
Raditz looked intrigued by the different types of meat, the melted cheese and all the different toppings that it couldn't help but make his mouth water, "Is this an earthling dish?"
"Mmhmm. One of earth's best foods, right after noodles of course." Naruto told his uncle as he shoved nearly an entire slice of pizza into his mouth.
Raditz found himself agreeing and found himself thinking that it was possibly the best thing he had ever eaten, "The earthlings aren't much but the food is exquisite."
"I knew you would like it." Naruto said with a grin as he grabbed his third large slice. The two ate in silence, Naruto was thinking that even though his uncle wouldn't admit it, he had started to grow on the older saiyan, slowly winning him over. Naruto put aside his food as he crossed his arms, becoming serious, something Raditz had never seen before, "Hey Uncle, if I said I had something that could heal you instantly, would you take it?"
"What kind of question is that?" Raditz asked with a scoff, shaking his head as he nearly finished his food.
Naruto gave an exasperated sigh as he lightly glared at his uncle, "Just answer the question."
Raditz grunted as he looked away from his nephew, muttering, "I suppose I would."
Naruto smiled as he reached into his sash where he placed the senzu Korin gave him earlier, holding it out for Raditz to take, "Then here, eat this."
Raditz gave Naruto a question look as he took the tiny green bean, asking, "What the hell is this?"
"It'll make you all better. Trust me." For better or for worse, Raditz did trust the little saiyan. The boy had saved his life when he didn't have to, he continued to show him kindness even after learning about what happened to his father and his personal hand in it all. He owed Naruto a debt and he knew that, so he took the senzu and ate it.
It was miraculous as he felt all his wounds and aches heal instantly just as Naruto had promised. Raditz had never felt stronger as he flexed his muscles, grinning as he was sure his power had grown three times in size.
He had never felt more powerful in all his life.
"Much better right?"
"Thank you, Naruto. Truly." That was the first time Naruto had ever heard Raditz use his name, the boy couldn't stop grinning even if he wanted to.
Tsunade chose that moment to enter the room, finding herself baffled when she saw Raditz was throwing punches, rolling his shoulder and moving in ways that shouldn't be possible for a man in his previous condition.
"Wha-how? Naruto, what's going on?"
"We'll tell you later Tsunade. Come on Uncle Raditz, let's go flying." Naruto cheered as he leapt out the window leaving the high pony tailed girl to stand there stunned as the boy's uncle followed suit.
The two Saiyan's soared through the cloudless sky. The night was shimmering with stars, it gave Raditz a chance to see some of Earth's beauty.
"So why have you brought me up here boy?" The older saiyan questioned as he crossed his arms.
"Because I wanted to speak to you, Saiyan to Saiyan." Naruto said, catching his uncle's attention. The usually playful boy became more serious as he pointed out, "Your friends are coming to earth."
Raditz grunted as he looked away, muttering, "They're not my friends."
Naruto wouldn't let the issue be dismissed so easily as he continued, "Still, they're making their way here and you know just like I do what they will do when they finally arrive."
Raditz grew more frustrated at the second as he knew what Naruto wanted to ask but was hesitant to do, growling out, "Just spit it out and say what you want to say boy!"
"I want you to fight with me when they arrive." Naruto made it sound simple but to Raditz it was anything but.
"Fight them? Perhaps we could take out Nappa but Vegeta? He'd slaughter us both and anyone who dares to stand up against him." Raditz knew how his fellow Saiyan's thought, how cruel they were, not just to their enemies but even their own comrades.
"I don't care if he's the strongest Saiyan that has ever lived, I won't let them destroy my home and I want you to be there or does your honor as a Saiyan mean nothing to you?" Naruto asked, waiting to see how his uncle would respond and hoping that he would make the right choice.
"Damn brat…" Raditz whispered as he clenched his fists tight. If this was mere months ago when he first met the boy then he would have scoffed and tried to fight the boy for his arrogance but this was now. As much as he hated to admit it, he had grown fond of Naruto. "Fine. They would probably kill me anyway for desertion."
"Hehe, thanks Uncle Raditz." The monkey tailed boy said as he gave his uncle his signature grin. Yet that same grin took on a more serious undertone as his Nephew continued, "Oh and Uncle, if you ever think about betraying us…" a flare of his power had the older Saiyan trembling in realization, he had no idea how vast the difference between their strengths was until now and Raditz knew that this wasn't a threat but a warning from one Saiyan to another, "…I won't be happy."
'I-It can't be…is he nearly as strong as Vegeta?!' Raditz thought nervously to himself as a bead of sweat rolled down the side of his cheek, he never planned on betraying Naruto but this only cemented his loyalty and actually impressed the older saiyan if he was honest, he didn't know the boy had it in him. Raditz spoke honestly as he said, "I owe you a debt, kid and I'm going to honor it. I swear I will fight by your side, Naruto."
Naruto seemed to search Raditz's eyes for a moment, becoming kind when they found what they were searching for, "I know you will, Uncle."
Much more wasn't said after that. Only a challenge for a spar, a challenge Naruto happily accepted. The monkey tailed boy fought his uncle well throughout the night, awakening Raditz 'desire to train and become stronger just like his nephew.
Another month had gone by and during that time, Naruto and Raditz had trained near none stop, only putting aside training for when Naruto had his lessons with Master Roshi or for when Naruto would ask Raditz to tell him stories about the Saiyan's, about planet Vegeta and about his grandparents. While the older Saiyan was young when his home was destroyed, he still had many fond memories of the beautiful and kind woman his mother was. How strong and fierce his father always seemed. His determination and spirit, a saiyan Raditz always inspired to be but felt he came short in comparison. An inferiority complex that the man was steadily overcoming.
Naruto had even brought his uncle over to meet his family, introducing his mother and Eighter to the older saiyan, who they welcomed with open arms and a feast for the two Saiyan's.
When Naruto wasn't spending time with his uncle or training with his master, he was talking and learning the arts of healing with Tsunade, becoming closer with the sassy girl and her kind grandfather.
But today Naruto wasn't with any of the people he would consider precious. Today he was by himself in the green plains of his favorite hunting ground, staring up at the cloudy sky with a lazy smile, enjoying the peace of the land and the serenity that came with it.
Booom!
Or rather he was, until a heavy rumble disturbed Naruto's peace. The monkey tailed boy leapt to his feet and followed the source of the disturbance, not taking too long before he found a rocky plain destroyed and disrupted from an intense battle or possibly an intense training session.
Naruto moved his head to the side as a stray ki blast went soaring past his cheek, it didn't seem it was aimed directly at him but rather batted away by a boy in a purple gi with long spiky black hair. The boy couldn't be less than a year younger than Naruto. He looked exhausted but even so, he fought like his life depended on it and given how ferocious the green alien warrior, who could only be Piccolo Jr, was fighting the boy, he would likely need a break soon.
"I know you're there." Piccolo called out to the monkey tailed boy, moving to stand in front of Goku's youngest child, Gohan.
Naruto rolled his eyes as he gently touched down on the ground, saying, "I wasn't exactly trying to hide, you know?"
"Who are you? Are you one of those Saiyan's?" Piccolo kept himself on guard, moving to stand in front of Gohan, just in case the boy tried something.
Naruto tried to deescalate the quickly growing conflict, keeping his hands slightly raised to show he didn't mean any harm, "Well, I am a Saiyan but I was born here on earth. My name is-"
But unfortunately for the monkey tailed boy, his uncle chose a horrible moment to make a surprise arrival, "Naruto. I've been looking for you everywhere boy."
"No, it can't be." Piccolo whispered, eyes widening in horror. Gohan seemed to be paralyzed by fear at the sight of the man who kidnapped him and fought his father, "How the hell are you still alive?!"
"Nice to see you too, Namekian." Raditz grunted with a scowl, the scar on his chest a constant reminder of his brush with death and the one who honored him with such a terrible wound. The older saiyan couldn't help but take a jab at the green warrior, "Looks like your arm grew back, I wonder if it will grow back a second time?"
"Why don't you come over here and find out, bastard!" Piccolo growled as he flared his ki, startling his pupil.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! There's no need to kill one another!" Naruto yelled as he got between Raditz and Piccolo, holding his hands out to keep the two separated, "I guess you're the guy who nearly made uncle Raditz bite the dust huh?"
"Uncle?" Piccolo muttered as he stared at Naruto with a confused frown, his eyes briefly glancing to Gohan then back at Naruto, narrowing as he asked, "Who are you?"
"Feels like I've been introducing myself a lot lately." Naruto joked hoping to break the tension but given the green man's stern face, he failed poorly. Naruto let out a sigh before straightening his back and introduced himself proudly, "The name's Son Naruto and if I had to guess, you guys are getting ready for the saiyan invasion, am I right?"
"Your last name is Son?" Gohan asked, speaking up for the first time. Naruto turned his attention to the smaller boy, giving him a smile that he couldn't help but mimic.
"Yep! And if I had to guess, your name is Gohan."
"Y-Yeah." Gohan said timidly, wondering how this boy knew his name.
Naruto's smile was sweet and gentle as he walked towards his brother, "I've been really looking forward to meeting you. I'm your older brother, Naruto."
"Really? You're my big brother?" Gohan couldn't believe it but somehow, he felt a connection to his fellow saiyan. It was as if his instincts or maybe even his heart were telling him everything Naruto was saying was true.
"Pretty crazy right?" Naruto asked with a laugh.
Piccolo was quick to show his distrust as he said, "Hang on, how do we know this isn't some trick?"
Raditz felt offended on his nephew's behalf, growling out, "Question my honor all you want but don't doubt the boy. He has no reason to lie."
"I have no reason to trust you, Saiyan." Piccolo snarled, crossing his arms as he felt like he should just take Gohan and leave.
Naruto felt like they weren't getting anywhere, especially with the way his uncle and Piccolo were acting and the little saiyan felt like he might have an idea to help them get over their issues, "You guys should fight."
Raditz and Piccolo glance at one another then at Naruto with his uncle asking "What are you getting at?"
Naruto shrugged, thinking it was all quite simple as he explained, "There's too much tension. Just fight and get over whatever issues you guys still have, otherwise how are we going to work together to take out the Saiyan's?"
"I'm game if you are, unless you're scared, Namekian?" Raditz spoke first, offering the challenge and waiting to see if Piccolo would reciprocate.
"Tch, I'll make you eat those words." Piccolo promised as he floated into the air, quickly followed by the older Saiyan. Naruto and Gohan moved to go sit on some rocks to watch the fight but also to talk and get to know one another better.
Raditz and Piccolo both wasted little time before powering up to their full power. The Namekian was left a little disappointed and slightly infuriated to find the Saiyan's power was slightly greater than his own but that didn't mean the battle was decided, far from it. Piccolo roared as he soared at Raditz, throwing out a high knee that was perfectly blocked but Piccolo wasn't going to allow that to stop his ferocious assault. He went for a heavy elbow downwards but Raditz was quick enough to get out the way but responded with a punch of his own that the Namekian warrior blocked with his arm.
Piccolo showed quick thinking as he slammed a ball full of Ki into Raditz's chest, sending the Saiyan spiraling backwards but he managed to stop himself with a yell before immediately charging forward, nailing Piccolo in the stomach with a deathly gut punch. Piccolo's pupils briefly shrank as spittle left his mouth but this mighty warrior preserved through the pain and reached out with both hands to snag the saiyan by his long spiky locks and bashed his knee aggressively into
Raditz's face.
"Gah!" This temporary moment of stuness provided Piccolo with an opening. Right hook, left hook, right hook again and a multitude of guts punches as payback but Piccolo refused to end it there, no, he delivered a high kick to Raditz's chin, a kick so powerful that it sent Raditz flying into a pile of rocks.
"HA!" Piccolo threw his hand forward as he fired a masenko packed with a decent amount of power at the rock covered saiyan, causing a blast that briefly illuminated the area yellow. When the rubble fell and the smoke cleared, Raditz was traveled to be completely unharmed bar the brief trickle of blood trailing down his chin.
"So you have grown stronger, I was worried you were just as weak as before." Raditz said, giving the Namekian a backhanded compliment as he strolled towards Piccolo, rolling his shoulder to smooth out any knots.
Piccolo didn't let his anger overtake him, he knew that was what Raditz wanted. The green alien warrior charged forward, fist drawn back as he made it clear he intended to win this 'spar', "Cocky bastard, don't think this battle is over before it even started!"
Raditz blocked Piccolo's punch and then responded with an elbow to the chin, dazing Piccolo briefly but long enough for Raditz to grab the green warrior by his arm tight and throw him over his shoulder. Piccolo skidded across the ground like a stone until he made himself stop, lifting his head just in time to see twin purple ki blasts were quickly approaching his still form. Thinking and acting quickly, Piccolo fired a ki wave at the ground to send himself flying into the air, dodging Raditz Double Sunday by the skin of his teeth.
A flare of his instincts saved Piccolo from a nasty kick to the back of his head, eyes narrowed as he attacked Raditz back in retaliation. An epic dance of kicks and punches were exchanged between the two while Naruto and Gohan continued to talk.
Naruto, who had been telling his little brother about his home and his family, finished talking by saying, "-And I'll have to introduce you to my mom and Eighter, I know they'd love to meet you."
"I'd like to meet them too." Gohan replied, trying to picture the snowy land that was Naruto's home.
"But it's pretty cold where I live, so we'd probably have to pack you a jacket." Naruto said, thinking out loud, not caring as the area shook from Raditz and Piccolo's latest clash.
"I've never seen snow before." Gohan muttered, having spent all his life in a warmer climate near the mountain.
"It's everywhere and there's tons of games we can play and we can even build a massive snowman together." Naruto promised, feeling his heart swell when he saw his little brother's eyes lit up in excitement.
"That sounds like a lot of fun!"
"Hehe, I knew you'd like that idea. We're going to have so much fun together when we beat the saiyan and the best part is Dad will be there with us." Naruto could already picture it now. They'd go hunting, fishing, camping and spend time together like a proper family. It would be a dream come true.
"I can't wait, big bro." Gohan told Naruto with a grin, laughing when the older blond tousled his long spiky locks.
"I can't either." Naruto said as he turned his attention back to the fight, watching just in time as Raditz smacked Piccolo back to the ground with a double ax handle. Giving chase as held one hand cupped by his side, generating tremendous power into a sparking pink ki blast.
"Let's see how you handle this!" Once the Ki blast left his hand, it grew rapidly in size, nearly dwarfing Piccolo as it drew closer and closer until it seemed as if it swallowed Piccolo whole but the Namekian was stubborn as he was tenacious by flying over the attack, faint whips of Ki burnt part of his Gi but still he dodged the dangerous attack. Piccolo surprised Raditz by extending his arms at lengths the older Saiyan didn't know was possible. He was too surprised to act and found himself constricted in the Namekians boa like grip, struggling to breath as Piccolo started to swing his whole body and therefore Raditz as well to the ground, sending Raditz into a crater but Piccolo didn't seem satisfied to let it end there, charging ki into his hands as he unleashed a barrage of ki blasts that destroyed the land scape, panting as he waited to see what Raditz would do next.
"Filthy slug!" Raditz roared as he charged at the green alien warrior, he became shrouded in purple ki, his left arm was held straight as it led the charge. Raditz growled as he gathered ki to his right hand, the fist clenched so tight, his knuckles went white from the pressure
Piccolo waited until Raditz was just about to hit him and then dodged last minute but not before shoving a ki blast into the saiyan man's face, more in an act to temporarily blind rather than hurt. Piccolo succeeded in his endeavor, leaving Raditz to yell angrily as he clutched at his face, growling as all he could see was a white light. Naruto watched with a frown as Piccolo quickly landed on the ground, glaring at his uncle as he brought two fingers to his forehead, a vein bulging near as he startled to generate Ki. His power spiking as he charged his ultimate technique.
The flaring nature of Piccolo's Ki was a perfect beacon for Raditz to lock onto even while blinded. He charged recklessly towards Piccolo as his vision started to clear, unaware of the danger that was near. Piccolo had finished charging his technique, he planted his feet and took aim, barring his teeth as he roared the name of his technique, "Makankōsappō!"
A thin yellow ki beam followed by a second stream of purple ki coiling around the yellow beam like a snake. The deathly technique that nearly had Raditz on death's door was rapidly approaching and as for Saiyan and his clearing vision, he could do nothing but float, frozen in the air by his own fear. Naruto could sense his uncle wasn't going to be able to dodge the deathly technique in time, so in a burst of speed that no one in the area could hope to follow, appeared in front of his paralyzed uncle and held his hand out, eyes glowing as he activated the power of limitless and used the technique of his own creation to form a barrier with infinity. The powerful and deadly Makankōsappō drilled against infinity, creating sparks that illuminated Naruto's frowning face. The Saiyan's boy couldn't help but show off his power as he flung the drilling beam into the sky and steadily out of earth's atmosphere.
Naruto spoke directly to Piccolo as he said, "This is just a spar. There's no need for moves like that."
Yet Piccolo couldn't speak, too stunned by what he could sense. Naruto's power was immense. He only felt what truly lay hidden for a moment but that moment was long enough for him to realize Naruto was stronger then himself and Raditz combined. 'What kind of monster is he?'
Naruto, seeing Piccolo was currently thinking to himself, turned to his uncle, asking, "You feel better now?"
"As long as the Namekian doesn't get in my way, I'll be fine." Raditz muttered as he followed Naruto who was walking towards the quietly speaking master and pupil.
"Well, I guess that's a good start." Naruto said to his uncle before turning his attention to his younger sibling with a grin, "Man, a good spar always makes me hungry. Are you hungry, Gohan?"
"Yeah!" Gohan answered quickly as his belly started to rumble viciously.
"Then let's go hunting little brother!" Naruto cheered as he started to run in a random direction with Gohan quickly following behind.
"Wait for me, Naruto!"
Raditz watched the scene with crossed arms and a faint smile, wondering to himself, if things had been different, if Planet Vegeta never blew up, could that have been Kakarot and himself in another life? Foolish thinking perhaps but something to consider all the same.
"Hey…" Piccolo called out to the older Saiyan, glaring as he made it clear, "I don't know what you're planning but if you try to betray us on the day the Saiyans arrive, I'll kill you myself." With that all said, Piccolo flew after the saiyan brothers, not sparing Raditz a second glance.
Raditz didn't give him a response as he too flew after his nephews. He understood why the Namekian warrior said what he said and that made the older saiyan even more determined to prove himself different to the saiyan he once was. For Naruto's sake.
Four months came as quickly as they passed and during that time, Naruto, Gohan, Raditz and Piccolo trained every day; all day, from sunrise to sunset and all of them had grown much stronger for it but it wasn't just there strength that had grown but in a sense, their comradery. No longer did Piccolo have suspicions regarding their intentions when it came to earth but that didn't mean the namekian had any positive feelings when it came to Raditz, he just trusted him enough not to stab him in the back.
Naruto on the other hand, had found a way to place himself on a list of people that Piccolo actually liked and considering that the other person was his brother was actually saying something. There was just something about Naruto that drew people in, making them want to be the little Saiyan's friend. Perhaps it was his strength or even his kind hearted nature that he inherited from his father but regardless, Naruto was special.
But that wasn't to say, Naruto was the only one to win someone over. Gohan made great progress in the many months he spent with his uncle to get over his previous fear of the man, showing Naruto wasn't the only one to inherit Kakarot's kind heart. It was a work in progress but steadily Raditz was forming a strong bond with his other nephew, becoming quite attached to them both.
But alas, such peaceful times were never meant to last as something unforeseen happened. The Saiyan's were set to arrive a month earlier than expected and it was only thanks to King Kai's timely warning that Roshi and Bulma were able to gather all the dragon balls and have them on stand-by to summon Goku.
The Z-warriors felt the approaching threat as two space pods, similar to the one Raditz used to arrive on earth, breached the atmosphere. Falling across the sky like two heavy comets waiting to impact the ground. They soared into the heavy populated and thriving community that is East City. The saiyan pods showed how strong they truly were as they barreled through buildings like paper, killing thousands upon thousands by simply landing. Craters were formed from the impact of their ships and the innocent humans of earth could do nothing but stand and stare in fear as the pods slowly opened. The first one to greet the humans could only be described as a menacing bald giant. His black eyes scanned the crowd with an evil sneer.
The second Saiyan to emerge was much shorter than his titanic companion but what he lacked in stature, he made up for with presentation. His mere presence has many falling to their knees, turning white and sickly from his power alone.
His tall spikes of black hair blew in the wind as he let out a wicked chuckle, "So this is 'Earth'? Promising…"
"Hey Vegeta, let's give these 'insects' a little show." All it took was a flick of the giant's fingers and then, East City was no more. Gone in a blink of an eye.
It was a shuddering thought to realize the terror of the Saiyan's had only just begun…
[To Be Continued…]
