Back with Cado and Vegeta, the two Saiyans stood amidst the rocky terrain of Namek, their scouters locked onto a transmission. The faint sound of voices carried through the devices as they listened intently to Frieza, Zarbon, and Dodoria at work. It was clear that another Namekian village was under siege.

The elder of the village could be heard addressing Frieza with a trembling voice. "The Dragon Balls are sacred artifacts… they are not meant for those who harbor ill intent. If you truly wish to use them, you must pass the trials and prove yourself worthy."

Dodoria's booming laughter erupted from the transmission. "Trials? Who has time for that nonsense?! I think you're forgetting who you're dealing with, old man!"

Zarbon's calm, cold tone followed, laced with menace. "We've already heard this little fable from the last village elder we... spoke with. You see, your people have a habit of clinging to these foolish traditions. But in the end, you all make the same choice. Spare us the theatrics, and hand over the Dragon Ball."

The elder hesitated, the strain in his voice growing as he clung to his pride. "I will not—"

His defiance was cut off by a blood-curdling scream in the background. One of the villagers had fallen victim to Dodoria's brutality.

"You were saying?" Frieza's calm, almost bored tone carried a cruel edge. "If you truly value the lives of your people, you'll do the sensible thing and hand over the Dragon Ball."

Another agonizing silence followed before the elder's defeated voice broke through. "Fine… take it. Just stop this madness."

Frieza chuckled softly. "Much better. Cooperation always makes these little interactions so much more pleasant."

As the scouter transmission ended, Vegeta smirked, his arms crossed over his chest. "Oh, really? How interesting," he said with a dark chuckle.

Cado, standing beside his father, frowned slightly but remained quiet, processing what they had just heard. Frieza's methods were no surprise.

Vegeta turned to Cado, a wicked grin on his face. "Well, boy, it seems Frieza's little scavenger hunt is off to a great start. But he's not the only one who can play this game. Come on, we're heading to a village."

Without waiting for a reply, Vegeta took to the air, his aura flaring around him as he rocketed toward the nearest Namekian settlement. Cado followed closely behind, his thoughts racing. While Vegeta seemed confident and even amused by the situation, Cado couldn't shake the feeling that they were wading into dangerous waters. Frieza was no ordinary enemy, and if they weren't careful, this game for the Dragon Balls could end very badly.

Some time later, Vegeta and Cado soared through the Namekian skies, the green horizon stretching endlessly before them. The two Saiyans flew in silence until their scouters began to beep frantically, indicating nearby activity.

"Hmm?" Vegeta muttered, tapping his scouter to focus on the signals. "We've got something."

The display lit up with a cluster of power levels near the area they were heading. The readings fluctuated as blasts of energy spiked and faded.

"Someone's attacking Frieza's men," Vegeta remarked, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Whoever it is, they're bold. Maybe some of those so-called Namekian warriors?"

Cado raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Could they be strong enough to stand up to Frieza's forces?"

Vegeta scoffed. "Doubtful. But anyone foolish enough to challenge them might provide some entertainment."

Just as Vegeta finished speaking, their scouters picked up something unusual. A single large power level, far stronger than the others, was chasing two significantly smaller ones. The smaller power levels were moving erratically, as if desperately trying to escape.

"What's this?" Vegeta mused, his lips curling into a sly grin. "It seems someone has managed to anger a powerhouse. Perhaps Frieza has finally sent someone interesting."

Cado narrowed his eyes at the scouter readings. "The smaller ones... they're running, but they're not just grunts. Their power levels are higher than the average fodder we've seen so far."

Vegeta laughed, a low, dangerous sound. "Interesting. Let's investigate. This could be worth our time."

Without hesitation, Vegeta changed course, his aura blazing as he increased his speed. Cado followed closely, his own curiosity piqued. As they closed the distance, the scouters' readings grew clearer. The large power level was monstrous, towering over anything they had sensed so far. The two smaller ones were darting through the air, their movements frantic as they tried to evade their pursuer.

"Whoever's chasing them," Cado said, glancing at his father, "they're not holding back."

Vegeta grinned, his excitement barely concealed. "Good. Let's see what kind of chaos awaits us." The two Saiyans sped toward the scene.

As Vegeta and Cado continued their flight, their scouters beeped again, picking up more precise readings. The smaller power levels were now moving away rapidly, their energy signatures retreating further and further. However, the larger power level—the one Vegeta had taken particular interest in—remained stationary.

"Huh," Vegeta murmured, his grin widening. "It's not even bothering to chase them anymore. Lazy or overconfident... or both."

Cado glanced at his scouter. "The smaller power levels are heading in the opposite direction. Whoever this is... they're staying put."

As they closed the gap, the scene finally came into view. The vast green ocean stretched below them, with two smaller figures disappearing on the horizon. Vegeta's sharp eyes locked onto a large, pink-skinned figure hovering just above the water, arms crossed and a smug grin plastered across his face.

"It's Dodoria," Cado observed, narrowing his eyes. "No wonder the smaller ones ran."

Vegeta's smirk turned predatory. "Oh, this is too perfect."

Without another word, Vegeta suddenly accelerated, his aura flaring. Cado barely had time to keep pace as Vegeta shot ahead, barreling toward the unsuspecting Dodoria. Before the brutish alien could react, Vegeta slammed into him with a bone-crushing kick to the chest, sending Dodoria spiraling out of the sky and crashing into the ocean below. The impact created a massive splash, sending waves rippling outward.

Cado slowed down and hovered over the scene for a moment before descending toward a small patch of land nearby. Vegeta had already landed, arms crossed, waiting with a cold, amused expression. Cado landed beside him as Dodoria emerged from the water, coughing and sputtering, his hulking form dragging itself onto the rocky shore.

Dodoria groaned as he crawled onto the land, shaking water from his head. He wiped his face and blinked, trying to regain his bearings. When his vision cleared, he froze. Standing before him were two very familiar Saiyans—Vegeta, with his signature cocky grin, and Cado, watching him with a cool, calculating gaze.

"You!" Dodoria spat, his face twisting into a snarl. "Vegeta! What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Vegeta chuckled darkly, his arms still crossed. "Isn't it obvious, Dodoria? I'm doing what I've wanted to do for a long time: putting an end to you."

As Vegeta and Cado continued their flight, their scouters beeped again, picking up more precise readings. The smaller power levels were now moving away rapidly, their energy signatures retreating further and further. However, the larger power level—the one Vegeta had taken particular interest in—remained stationary.

"Huh," Vegeta murmured, his grin widening. "It's not even bothering to chase them anymore. Lazy or overconfident... or both."

Cado glanced at his scouter. "The smaller power levels are heading in the opposite direction. Whoever this is... they're staying put."

As they closed the gap, the scene finally came into view. The vast blue ocean stretched below them, with two smaller figures disappearing on the horizon. Vegeta's sharp eyes locked onto a large, pink-skinned figure hovering just above the water, arms crossed and a smug grin plastered across his face.

"It's Dodoria," Cado observed, narrowing his eyes. "No wonder the smaller ones ran."

Vegeta's smirk turned predatory. "Oh, this is too perfect."

Without another word, Vegeta suddenly accelerated, his aura flaring. Cado barely had time to keep pace as Vegeta shot ahead, barreling toward the unsuspecting Dodoria. Before the brutish alien could react, Vegeta slammed into him with a bone-crushing kick to the chest, sending Dodoria spiraling out of the sky and crashing into the ocean below. The impact created a massive splash, sending waves rippling outward.

Cado slowed down and hovered over the scene for a moment before descending toward a small patch of land nearby. Vegeta had already landed, arms crossed, waiting with a cold, amused expression. Cado landed beside him as Dodoria emerged from the water, coughing and sputtering, his hulking form dragging itself onto the rocky shore.

Dodoria groaned as he crawled onto the land, shaking water from his head. He wiped his face and blinked, trying to regain his bearings. When his vision cleared, he froze. Standing before him were two very familiar Saiyans—Vegeta, with his signature cocky grin, and Cado, watching him with a cool, calculating gaze.

"You!" Dodoria spat, his face twisting into a snarl. "Vegeta! What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Vegeta chuckled darkly, his arms still crossed. "Isn't it obvious, Dodoria? I'm doing what I've wanted to do for a long time: putting an end to you."

Dedoria clenched his fists, his frustration mounting as Vegeta's smirk widened. "You think you're so superior, don't you, Vegeta? Sure, your power level is 21,000, but mine is 22,000! I'm still stronger than you! Don't forget, I've seen you struggle before, and I know what you're capable of!" He sneered, pointing at Vegeta with a confident glare. "Your fight with Cui was proof you're still nothing special."

Vegeta tilted his head back and laughed, his voice echoing across the rocky terrain. "Cui? You think I fought that weakling?" He gestured toward Cado, who stood silently beside him. "No, Dedoria. That wasn't me. That was Cado."

Dedoria froze, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. "What? Don't play games with me, Vegeta. He's just a child! There's no way he could've beaten Cui!"

Vegeta's grin grew even more sinister as he crossed his arms. "Believe what you want, but it's the truth. My son fought Cui and crushed him, just like the weakling he is. Perhaps you're struggling to accept the fact that a 'mere child' has already surpassed you?"

Dedoria's face contorted in anger, his voice rising. "Liar! There's no way! Cui's power level was 18,000—no child could beat him!" He paused, his eyes narrowing as a thought crossed his mind. "Wait... then you must know something. That brat—someone who looked like a short Saiyan—attacked me earlier today! That was him, wasn't it?!"

Vegeta's amusement didn't falter as he shrugged. "Perhaps. But from your tone, it sounds like you were struggling against that same 'brat.' Pathetic."

Dedoria growled in fury. "I don't need your mocking, Vegeta! That power level I detected earlier—it was clearly a malfunction! There's no way it could've been real!" His aura flared as he raised a hand and fired a massive ki blast at the two Saiyans. "Let's see you mock me after this!"

The massive blast tore through the air, kicking up a storm of dust and debris. Vegeta and Cado dodged effortlessly, moving to opposite sides as Dedoria followed up with a relentless volley of smaller blasts. The energy lit up the sky, shaking the ground beneath them.

As the smoke cleared, Vegeta stepped forward, brushing dust off his armor. "Cado," he said without turning back, his tone firm and authoritative. "You've had your fun with Cui. Sit this one out. I'll deal with this fool myself."

Cado, his expression calm but obedient, nodded and stepped back, crossing his arms as he watched from the sidelines. Vegeta smirked and cracked his neck. "Now, Dedoria... let's see just how 'superior' your 22,000 really is."

Dedoria's face twisted into a snarl as he charged forward, fists blazing with energy. Vegeta stood his ground, his smirk never fading as the battle began.

Dedoria roared as his massive fist swung through the air, but Vegeta effortlessly sidestepped it, his movements fluid and precise. Before Dedoria could recover, Vegeta maneuvered behind him with blinding speed. Dedoria, sensing the Saiyan's presence, attempted a desperate backhand strike, only for Vegeta to catch his arm mid-swing.

"Too slow," Vegeta taunted, his smirk widening as he twisted Dedoria's arm behind him.

Dedoria growled in pain and frustration, using his other hand to attempt another backhand. Vegeta caught that arm as well, locking both of Dedoria's massive limbs behind him. He placed his knee firmly in the alien's back, pulling Dedoria's arms backward with a sadistic grin.

"You've always been all talk, Dedoria," Vegeta sneered, applying gradual pressure to Dedoria's arms. "You should have stayed hiding behind Frieza instead of challenging me. This is where it ends for you."

Dedoria let out a guttural cry of pain, his face contorted as the pressure in his shoulders intensified. "Damn it... damn it, Vegeta! You're making a mistake! If you kill me, you'll never know the truth!"

Vegeta's grip tightened as his expression darkened. "The truth?" His tone was calm but laced with venom. "What truth could you possibly have that's worth sparing your miserable life?"

Dedoria winced but seized the opportunity to keep talking. "It's about the Saiyans! Frieza— Planet Vegeta didn't blow up because of a meteor! It was him! He destroyed the entire planet!"

Vegeta froze, his smirk fading into a cold glare. "What did you just say?"

Dedoria, sensing Vegeta's interest, continued quickly. "He was scared of the Saiyans! Scared of their potential! That's why he destroyed your home planet—your people! You're nothing more than a pawn in his game, Vegeta!"

Vegeta's grip loosened slightly as his mind raced, the revelation sinking in. He had always suspected there was more to the destruction of his homeworld than Frieza's official explanation. Hearing it confirmed sent a cold fury coursing through him.

"You're lying," Vegeta spat, though his voice betrayed a hint of doubt. "Tell me everything, or I'll rip you apart piece by piece."

Dedoria, desperate to save himself, stammered, "I'll tell you everything! Just don't kill me!"

Vegeta's smirk returned, but it was colder now, devoid of humor. "You'd better start talking, Dedoria. And choose your words wisely—your life depends on it."

Vegeta released Dedoria, shoving him forward with disdain. The massive alien stumbled but quickly turned to face Vegeta and Cado.

"You want the truth, Vegeta?" Dedoria sneered, rubbing his sore arms. "Fine, here it is. The Saiyans were getting too powerful and too unpredictable for Frieza's liking. You were all just barbaric pawns, nothing more. Frieza decided it was easier to wipe out the entire race than to risk rebellion."

Vegeta's glare burned with intensity, but he remained silent, his arms crossed as Dedoria continued.

"You were spared because Frieza saw potential in you, Vegeta—a dog that could be trained. As for your mother—" Dedoria turned his gaze to Cado, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "She was a problem. Too rebellious, too much of a free spirit. Frieza sent her to conquer a planet she had no hope of taking. It was a death sentence. He wanted her out of the picture because she was a bad influence, especially on you, boy."

Cado's eyes widened, his stoic mask cracking for a brief moment. "My... mother?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Yes, your mother," Dedoria hissed, taking pleasure in the visible impact of his words. "Frieza saw potential in you, too. That's why he had her killed. She was too much of a liability. But you? You're still useful—still trainable. Just like your father."

Cado stood frozen, his mind swirling with thoughts and emotions he couldn't fully grasp. For the first time since the day his mother had died, he felt something stir deep within him. Anger? Grief? Rage? Guilt? He didn't know. The emotions surged like a storm inside him—then just as quickly, they were gone. It was as if they had been locked away, sealed behind an impenetrable wall.

Dedoria noticed Cado's distant expression and laughed. "Look at you, boy! You don't even know what to feel, do you? Maybe you're more like Frieza than you think—cold, empty, and broken."

As Dedoria turned to leave, chuckling to himself, Vegeta finally spoke, his voice sharp and venomous. "I don't give a damn about my parents, that woman, or that planet."

Dedoria paused, glancing back with a smug expression, but Vegeta wasn't finished.

"What I care about," Vegeta continued, his tone growing louder and more furious, "is how you and Frieza thought you could control me my entire life!"

In an instant, Vegeta raised his hand and unleashed a searing beam of energy. Dedoria's smug grin turned to shock as the blast struck him, obliterating him in an instant. The ground trembled, and smoke filled the air, leaving no trace of Dedoria behind.

Vegeta lowered his hand, his expression hard and unreadable. "No one controls me," he muttered.

Cado, still silent, stared at the spot where Dedoria had stood, the storm within him threatening to break through again. But as always, he buried it, locking it away deep inside, as he clenched his fists and followed his father.