Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Preparation
"I don't know who that is, but he's got some nerve calling me a dwarf. Let's go, Nappa. I'm going to tear him apart," Vegeta seethes, his pride wounded by the insult.
"Right away, sir," Nappa responds dutifully.
With determination in their eyes, the two Saiyans make their way to their space pod and set course for Earth.
"I'm certain Raditz is already dead. The one who dared to mock me must be the same one who killed him," Vegeta asserts, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and determination.
"I wonder what race he is. There's no Earthling capable of defeating Raditz so easily," Nappa muses, his curiosity piqued.
"Indeed. But for now, it's time for a long rest. I can't wait to tear that guy apart," Vegeta declares, his anticipation evident as he looks forward to the impending confrontation.
The following day,
Piccolo hovers in front of Capsule Corporation, maintaining a meditative stance as he waits.
After some time, a voice interrupts his meditation, "Hello there! Are you one of Bulma's friends?"
It's Bulma's mother, Mrs. Brief.
"I'm merely an acquaintance," Piccolo replies.
"Please, come inside," Mrs. Brief insists, linking her arm with Piccolo's in a surprisingly warm gesture.
Piccolo offers a small smile, momentarily touched by Mrs. Brief's hospitality.
Led inside, he is ushered into the living room to wait.
"Wait a moment, I'll whip up some drinks for you," Mrs. Brief offers, her smile warm and inviting.
Piccolo hesitates, wanting to decline but finding it difficult to refuse her kindness.
As he waits, Bulma enters the living room, her surprise evident at seeing Piccolo sipping on a drink provided by her mother.
"What... what are you doing here?" Bulma questions, her wariness still palpable.
"I promised I'd visit you soon," Piccolo reminds her calmly.
"Right, then follow me," Bulma sighs, motioning for Piccolo to accompany her.
"Thank you," Piccolo nods gratefully to Mrs. Brief, offering her a warm smile.
"You're welcome. Once you're done talking, we'll eat together," Mrs. Brief says, her smile unwavering.
"Okay," Piccolo responds with a smile, genuinely touched by her hospitality.
As they walk to the workshop, Bulma finds it hard to reconcile Piccolo's respectful demeanor with her perception of him.
"Is this some kind of act?" she finally asks, unable to contain her curiosity.
Piccolo pauses, understanding her skepticism. "No, it's simply a mark of respect for someone older than me," he explains.
"But you're not younger than my mom," Bulma points out.
"In terms of age, no. But in terms of this body's existence, it's only been five years. My mind, however, is much older," Piccolo clarifies.
"Really?" Bulma's confusion deepens.
"You're probably wondering how. Let's just say that Namekian physiology operates differently," Piccolo offers cryptically.
"Namekian? So you're an alien too?" Bulma's bewilderment grows.
"Yes," Piccolo confirms simply.
Bulma decides to change the topic as they enter the workshop, feeling overwhelmed by the revelations.
"I've successfully reverse-engineered it," Bulma announces proudly.
"Good," Piccolo acknowledges with a nod.
Bulma dons the scouter and activates it. A beep emits from the device, displaying a power level of 1.
"Is it malfunctioning?" Bulma murmurs, puzzled by the low reading.
Piccolo subtly increases his power, causing the scouter to register a spike to 1,000.
"It's functioning perfectly. I simply suppressed my power," Piccolo explains.
"You can do that?" Bulma questions, impressed.
"I can, but that's not why I'm here," Piccolo replies cryptically.
Bulma's curiosity piques, but before she can inquire further, Piccolo advances toward her, cornering her against the wall with a smile. "Please create a gravity chamber," he requests.
Startled, Bulma agrees hesitantly, "I'll try."
"Great. Until then, Bulma," Piccolo says, clapping his hands and exiting the workshop, a mischievous grin lingering on his lips.
"I'll see what I can do," Bulma mumbles to herself as Piccolo's playful antics leave her both bewildered.
Bulma exhales heavily once Piccolo leaves, her mind racing with questions.
"What is he plotting with that?" she mutters to herself, feeling a sense of unease linger in the air.
Meanwhile, Goku, Chi-Chi, and Gohan find themselves at The Lookout, standing before Kami and Mr. Popo.
"Piccolo said that to you?" Kami sighs, concern etched on his features.
"Yeah, he mentioned I need to get stronger," Goku confirms.
"Why did you bring your family?" Kami inquires, puzzled.
"I won't be able to stay with them. Can you help take care of them?" Goku requests earnestly.
"Of course, Goku," Kami agrees without hesitation.
Goku leans in to whisper to Kami, "And also, please train Gohan while you're at it."
"I'll do my best, but first, let's go meet with King Yenma to request permission," Kami responds, determined to fulfill Goku's wishes while ensuring proper protocol is followed.
Back at Capsule Corporation, Piccolo sits down to enjoy a meal with Mrs. Brief.
"This is delicious," Piccolo compliments sincerely.
Mrs. Brief smiles warmly, urging him to eat more. "Please, help yourself," she insists.
"I definitely will," Piccolo replies, relishing the food before him.
Suddenly, Mr. Brief enters the room, taken aback by the sight of an unfamiliar face.
"Who's this?" he asks, his curiosity piqued.
"Oh! I completely forgot to ask your name," Mrs. Brief realizes, slightly embarrassed.
"I'm Piccolo," Piccolo introduces himself calmly.
"The Demon King Piccolo?" Mr. Brief questions, surprise evident in his voice.
"He was my father. I'm simply Piccolo," Piccolo clarifies.
"You're his son?" Mr. Brief probes further.
"Yeah, sort of. But don't worry, I'm not here to take over the world," Piccolo reassures with a small smile.
Mr. Brief finds himself pondering why Piccolo seems so different from what he expected, based on Bulma's description.
"So, why exactly are you here?" Mr. Brief takes a seat at the dinner table, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"I require a gravity chamber. Two enemies is set to arrive on Earth, threatening the lives of every species. I need to enhance my strength within this year," Piccolo explains earnestly.
Mr. Brief studies Piccolo for a moment before nodding. "I'll assist my daughter with that. Don't worry, you'll have it soon enough."
"Thank you," Piccolo acknowledges sincerely, grateful for Mr. Brief's willingness to help.
"He's nothing like the Demon King Piccolo, who sought to rule the world," Mr. Brief reflects silently.
Mrs. Brief, on the other hand, pays no heed to such thoughts. Having already witnessed Piccolo's true character, she decides to treat him like any other of Bulma's friends.
"Just out of curiosity, where do you live?" Mrs. Brief inquires, concerned that Piccolo might be without a home like some of Bulma's other friends.
"I reside in a green plains," Piccolo replies simply.
"And what do you eat?" Mrs. Brief probes further.
"I sustain myself with fish that I catch," Piccolo explains.
Mrs. Brief glances at her husband, receiving a nod of approval. Turning back to Piccolo, she suggests, "Why don't you stay here with us?"
"I can?" Piccolo asks, surprised by the offer.
"Of course you can. Our home has plenty of space, and you're one of Bulma's friends," Mr. Brief interjects.
"Thank you, but I must respectfully decline. I don't think Bulma would appreciate me being here," Piccolo declines, mindful of Bulma's potential reaction.
As Bulma enters the room and finds Piccolo still present, she questions, "What are you doing here?"
"Eating," Piccolo responds calmly.
"Mom, Dad, why is he still here? He's Demon King Piccolo," Bulma protests.
"Bulma, it's not polite to be rude to our guest," Mrs. Brief chides gently.
"He's the son of Demon King Piccolo, not the same man who sought to rule the world. Let's not be prejudiced and assume they're alike," Mr. Brief interjects, attempting to diffuse the tension.
Feeling threatened, Bulma accuses, "Did you hypnotize my parents?"
"No, I didn't. I don't possess that ability," Piccolo assures her.
"Bulma, please treat him with kindness," Mrs. Brief urges.
"It's all right, Mrs. Brief. I understand that she doesn't like me. I'll leave," Piccolo states calmly.
With that, Piccolo exits the room and flies away.
"Bulma, what did you do?" Mr. Brief's tone carries a hint of disappointment.
"I made him leave," Bulma replies bluntly.
"Has he ever done anything to harm you?" Mr. Brief probes further.
"...No," Bulma reluctantly admits.
"Bulma, don't judge a book by its cover. He's a good kid. I can see it in his eyes," Mr. Brief advises, his voice gentle but firm.
"Dad, you'll regret it when Piccolo turns evil," Bulma retorts defiantly.
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