"What beautiful specimens," the pink-skinned stranger continued, his brutish voice carrying across the crystalline landscape as an oppressive aura settled over the area like a suffocating blanket. "A Saiyan child and a human?. How... entertaining."
Gohan instinctively stepped protectively in front of Krillin, his golden aura beginning to flicker as Guru's awakening responded to the threat. The power radiating from this newcomer was unlike anything they'd encountered—not the calculated cruelty of Vegeta or the mindless brutality of Nappa, but something more savage, more gleefully violent.
The alien was a grotesque sight—massive and corpulent, with pink skin covered in yellow spikes protruding from his arms and head. His small, beady eyes glittered with malicious intelligence, and when he smiled, it revealed rows of sharp, predatory teeth designed for tearing flesh.
"Who are you?" Gohan demanded, his young voice carrying surprising authority despite the tremor of fear running through it. The months of training and recent battles had aged him beyond his years, but facing this creature brought back memories of helplessness he'd fought so hard to overcome.
The pink behemoth chuckled, a sound like grinding stone. "How delightfully brave! I am Dodoria, Lord Frieza's most trusted enforcer. And you two have something that belongs to my master."
Krillin's scouter was screaming warnings about the power level readings, numbers climbing beyond anything they'd recorded except during the most intense moments of their battle with Vegeta. "Gohan," he whispered urgently, "his power level... it's over 22,000!"
"Twenty-two thousand exactly," Dodoria said casually, having overheard with enhanced senses. "Though that's merely my resting state. Now then, about that Dragon Ball you're carrying..."
Several Miles Away - Frieza's Mobile Command Center
Lord Frieza sat in his hover chair, the very picture of aristocratic composure as he reviewed tactical displays showing Namek's surface. His pale, almost translucent skin gleamed under the artificial lighting of his command ship, and his cold reptilian eyes tracked the movements of his forces across the planet with calculating precision.
The tyrant's appearance was deceptively small and refined—barely over five feet tall, with a sleek, bio-mechanical tail that moved with serpentine grace. His voice, when he spoke, carried the cultured tones of galactic nobility, but those who knew him understood that beneath that civilized exterior lay power that could annihilate worlds.
"Status report," Frieza commanded, his voice soft but carrying absolute authority that made his subordinates scramble to respond.
"My lord," one of his technicians replied nervously, "you have successfully collected four Dragon Balls. Teams Alpha and Beta are moving toward the remaining village coordinates."
"Excellent," Frieza purred, his tail swishing with satisfaction. "And what of my dear Zarbon? His mission to recruit that troublesome Prince Vegeta should have been completed by now."
The technician's face went pale as he checked his readings. "My lord... Zarbon's life signs... they've gone dark. His scouter stopped transmitting twenty-seven minutes ago."
The temperature in the command center seemed to drop several degrees as Frieza's expression shifted from mild interest to something far more dangerous. His red eyes narrowed to slits, and the casual movement of his tail became sharp, predatory strikes through the air.
"Gone dark?" Frieza repeated, his voice maintaining its cultured tone despite the menace beneath. "Are you suggesting that Zarbon has been... eliminated?"
"It... it appears so, my lord. The last readings showed him engaging a power level of approximately 24,000 before all signals ceased."
Frieza was silent for a long moment, processing this information with the calculating mind that had conquered most of the known universe. Zarbon had been more than a subordinate—he'd been a useful tool, aesthetically pleasing, and loyal to a fault. More importantly, his power level of 23,000 made him one of the strongest warriors in Frieza's forces.
"How interesting," Frieza mused, his voice taking on a dangerous edge. "It seems our Saiyan Prince has grown considerably stronger since his... educational experience on that primitive world. Twenty-four thousand, you said?"
"Yes, my lord. Though the readings were fluctuating wildly before they cut out."
Frieza's mind worked through the implications with cold efficiency. A Saiyan growing that much stronger in such a short time frame was... troubling. The legendary warrior race had always been useful servants, but their potential for growth had been the very reason he'd eliminated Planet Vegeta in the first place.
"Summon the Ginyu Force," Frieza commanded, his decision made with typical ruthless pragmatism. "Inform Captain Ginyu that I have a special assignment requiring their... particular talents."
"My lord, the Ginyu Forcehave already arrived in-system. They're requesting permission to—"
"Perfect timing," Frieza interrupted, a cold smile playing across his lips. "Patch me through to Captain Ginyu immediately."
The main viewscreen flickered to life, revealing five figures standing in the cargo bay of their distinctive spacecraft. The Ginyu Force—Frieza's elite special operations team, each warrior hand-picked for their unique abilities and absolute loyalty to their emperor.
Captain Ginyu himself was an imposing figure—tall, purple-skinned, with distinctive horns and the kind of military bearing that came from years of successful conquest. His four subordinates stood at perfect attention behind him: the massive red-skinned Recoome, the diminutive but deadly Guldo, the effeminate but lightning-fast Jeice, and the stoic Burter with his blue skin and incredible speed.
"Lord Frieza!" Ginyu saluted with theatrical precision, his voice booming with professional enthusiasm. "The Ginyu Force reports for duty! What is your command?"
"My dear Captain," Frieza purred, his tone deceptively pleasant, "it seems we have a bit of a Saiyan problem. Prince Vegeta has apparently grown... troublesome. He's just killed Zarbon and is presumably seeking to interfere with my Dragon Ball collection."
Ginyu's eyes widened with genuine surprise. "Zarbon is dead, my lord? That's... unexpected. The Prince's power level was only 18,000 when we last encountered him."
"Indeed. Which brings me to my orders." Frieza's voice took on the cold authority that had cowed entire star systems. "I want Prince Vegeta brought to me alive, if possible. I have... questions about his recent power increase. However, there appear to be other Saiyans on this planet as well—eliminate them without hesitation."
"Other Saiyans?" Recoome rumbled, his brutish voice carrying excitement at the prospect of violence. "I thought the Prince and that half-breed were the only ones left!"
"As did I," Frieza replied, his tail lashing with irritation. "But intelligence suggests at least two others—possibly the same ones who gave Vegeta such... difficulty on that primitive world called Earth. Consider them extremely dangerous despite their apparent low-class origins."
Ginyu nodded with professional understanding. "Understood, my lord. Rules of engagement?"
"Full force authorized. These Saiyans have already proven capable of growth that exceeds normal parameters." Frieza's voice grew colder, more calculating. "There's something about this situation that... concerns me. My instincts are rarely wrong, Captain, and they're telling me that these particular Saiyans represent a threat beyond their current power levels."
The tyrant paused, his red eyes distant as an ancient fear stirred in the back of his mind—whispers of legends, half-remembered prophecies about a golden warrior who would rise to challenge his rule. The Super Saiyan of legend, a transformation so powerful it was dismissed as myth by most of the galaxy.
"There's another matter," Frieza continued, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "Long-range sensors detected a spacecraft approaching Namek at impossible speeds. Arrival estimated within hours. The energy signature is... familiar."
"Familiar how, my lord?"
"Saiyan," Frieza hissed, the word carrying centuries of hatred and fear. "Another survivor, and one with power that's been growing at an alarming rate. I want him intercepted and eliminated the moment he sets foot on this planet."
Ginyu saluted again. "Consider it done, Lord Frieza. The Ginyu Force will handle all Saiyan threats personally."
"See that you do, Captain. And remember—I want those Dragon Balls secured before these interfering monkeys can complicate matters further. Immortality is within my grasp, and I will not allow some primitive warrior race to deny me my destiny."
The transmission ended, leaving Frieza alone with his thoughts and growing unease. The Saiyans had always been dangerous—their potential for growth, their stubborn refusal to accept defeat, their ability to grow stronger through adversity. It was why he'd made the decision to eliminate their homeworld twenty years ago.
But now, with multiple survivors gathered in one place and displaying power growth that defied conventional understanding, those old fears were beginning to resurface. The legend of the Super Saiyan wasn't just about power—it was about a warrior who would rise to challenge the strongest in the universe.
Frieza had worked too hard, conquered too much, and come too close to true immortality to let some monkey fulfill an ancient prophecy.
Deep Space - Approaching Namek
The spherical Capsule Corp spacecraft cut through the void like a silver bullet, its revolutionary gravity manipulation systems allowing speeds that would have been impossible with conventional propulsion. Inside the ship's training chamber, Goku knelt in perfect meditation pose despite the crushing weight of one hundred times Earth's gravity pressing down on every cell of his body.
Sweat poured from his brow, his orange gi soaked through with the effort of maintaining consciousness under such extreme conditions, but his breathing remained steady and controlled. The months of training with King Kai had prepared him for this kind of punishment, but Dr. Brief's gravity machine pushed the boundaries of what even a Saiyan body could endure.
"One hundred times gravity," Goku murmured to himself, slowly rising to his feet with movements that would have been impossible for him just weeks ago. "And I can actually move freely now."
He began flowing through a series of kata forms, his movements precise despite the crushing pressure. Every punch cut through the thick air with explosive force, every kick generated shockwaves that rattled the reinforced walls of the training chamber.
"Kaioken times ten," he said experimentally, his aura flaring crimson around his body as he pushed the technique to levels that would have killed him during the battle with Vegeta. The red energy field crackled with barely contained power, but his body remained stable, controlled.
"Times fifteen," he continued, his power climbing to heights that made the air itself seem to burn around him. The gravity machine's readings went haywire, unable to calculate the energy output he was generating.
For a moment, Goku held the technique at its absolute peak, feeling the incredible surge of power flowing through every fiber of his being. His strength at this level was beyond anything he'd ever imagined possible—enough to match or exceed even Prince Vegeta's elite power in his ape form.
But the cost was still too high. He could feel his muscles beginning to tear, his bones starting to stress beyond their limits. With careful control, he allowed the Kaioken to fade back to normal levels, his breathing heavy but satisfied.
"Still not perfect," he admitted to himself, "but good enough to make a difference."
The ship's speakers crackled to life, Dr. Brief's voice echoing through the training chamber. "Goku! your approaching Namek's solar system. ETA is approximately two hours. You might want to get some rest before we arrive."
"Thanks, Dr. Brief!" Goku called back, his natural enthusiasm cutting through the exhaustion. "How are the energy readings looking?"
"Concerning," came the scientist's reply. "I'm detecting massive power signatures all over the planet's surface. Whatever's happening down there, it's big."
Goku's expression grew serious as he considered the implications. Gohan was down there, along with Krillin and that mysterious Saiyan warrior who'd tried to help during the battle with Raditz. The same Saiyan who had caused his death, but whose eyes had shown genuine regret for the mistake.
"Hang on, everyone," he whispered, looking out at the alien stars rushing past. "I'm coming."
Back on Namek's Surface
"Now then," Dodoria rumbled, his massive bulk shifting as he took a step closer to the ship, "let's discuss this like civilized beings. You have a Dragon Ball, I need that Dragon Ball. You can hand it over peacefully, or I can take it from your corpses. I'm flexible either way."
Gohan's power flared in response to the threat, his golden aura crackling with energy as Guru's awakening responded to his emotional state. "We won't let you hurt innocent people! The Dragon Balls aren't meant for someone like Frieza!"
"Innocent people?" Dodoria laughed, a sound like grinding metal. "Child, do you have any idea how many 'innocent people' I've killed in service to Lord Frieza? Entire civilizations, whole species—all extinct because they had something my master wanted."
The casual admission of genocide sent a chill through both defenders. This wasn't just a powerful warrior—this was a creature who took pleasure in mass murder.
"You're a monster," Krillin said, his voice steady despite the fear he felt. "But we've faced monsters before and won."
"Have you now?" Dodoria's beady eyes glittered with amusement. "Tell me, little human, what was the strongest opponent you've ever defeated? Some planetary champion? A regional warlord?" His power level began climbing as he prepared for battle. "I've personally exterminated warriors with power levels exceeding 20,000. You barely register on my scouter."
The pink giant's aura exploded outward, a sickly yellow energy that made the very air feel poisonous. The ground cracked under his feet, crystalline formations shattered from the pressure, and both Gohan and Krillin found themselves struggling to breathe in the face of such overwhelming malevolence.
"Last chance," Dodoria said, his voice taking on a sing-song quality that made his threats even more disturbing. "Dragon Ball. Now."
Gohan and Krillin exchanged glances, communicating without words. They both knew they were outclassed, but they also knew they couldn't surrender the Dragon Ball. Too many lives depended on gathering all seven spheres—their fallen friends, the murdered Namekians, everyone who had died because of Frieza's ambitions.
"Together," Gohan whispered.
"Together," Krillin agreed.
Both warriors launched themselves at Dodoria simultaneously, their combined power creating a brilliant light show as golden and white energy streaked through the alien sky.
But their coordinated attack, which had been effective against lesser opponents, barely registered against Frieza's enforcer.
Dodoria caught Gohan's punch in one massive hand and backhanded Krillin with casual force that sent the human flying across the landscape.
The young Saiyan hybrid's power was impressive for his age, but still far below what was needed to challenge an elite member of Frieza's forces.
"Disappointing," Dodoria sighed, lifting Gohan by his throat. "Lord Frieza was hoping for more entertaining sport from Saiyan survivors."
Meanwhile, Racing Across Namek's Surface
Sage and Vegeta flew side by side through the alien atmosphere, their scouters picking up the massive power signatures converging near their ship. The readings were enough to make even Vegeta's royal confidence waver—multiple contacts, all with power levels exceeding 22,000.
"That pink energy signature," Vegeta muttered, his face pale with recognition. "Dodoria. One of Frieza's personal enforcers."
"How strong?" Sage asked tersely, his violet aura flickering around him as he pushed his speed to maximum.
"Strong enough to kill us both without effort," Vegeta replied grimly. "Twenty-two thousand base power level, and years of experience butchering entire armies. If he's engaging your friends..."
He didn't need to finish the sentence. Both Saiyans pushed themselves harder, drawing on every ounce of speed their transformations could provide.
It was then that their scouters began screaming warnings about new contacts—five energy signatures approaching from orbit at incredible speed. The readings were staggering: 40,000, 45,000, 65,000, 120,000, and at the center of the formation, a power level that made Vegeta's blood run cold.
"No," he whispered, his face going white with terror. "Not them. Anyone but them."
"What is it?" Sage demanded, noting the Prince's reaction.
"The Ginyu Force," Vegeta said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Frieza's elite special forces. Captain Ginyu himself has a power level of 120,000."
The implications hit Sage like a physical blow. Even with their recent power increases, even working together, they would be completely outclassed by opponents with that level of strength.
"How long until they reach the surface?" Sage asked.
"Minutes," Vegeta replied, checking his scouter readings. "Maybe less."
Both warriors redoubled their efforts, but even as they raced toward the battle, they could see the distant explosions marking Dodoria's engagement with their allies. Flashes of golden and pink energy lit up the horizon like a deadly fireworks display.
They were too far away, the enemy was too strong, and time was running out.
Dodoria's casual brutality was overwhelming Gohan and Krillin's desperate defense. Every technique they'd mastered, every combination they'd practiced, every burst of power they could muster was effortlessly countered by the pink giant's superior strength and experience.
Krillin's Destructo Disk, which had proven effective against Saiyan armor, simply bounced off Dodoria's bio-mechanical hide without leaving a mark. Gohan's most powerful energy blasts were absorbed or deflected with contemptuous ease.
"This is pathetic," Dodoria rumbled, grabbing Krillin by the leg and slamming him into the ground hard enough to create a crater. "Lord Frieza was expecting warriors capable of challenging Zarbon. You're not even worth the effort it takes to kill you."
Gohan's rage flared at seeing his friend brutalized, his power spiking beyond anything he'd achieved before. Golden energy erupted around him like a miniature sun, and for a moment, his strength actually approached levels that gave Dodoria pause.
"Interesting," the enforcer mused, studying the young half-breed with professional curiosity. "Emotional triggers enhancing power output. Lord Frieza will want to study this phenomenon before I kill you."
But even Gohan's rage-enhanced power wasn't enough. Dodoria's years of experience and overwhelming base strength allowed him to weather the assault and respond with devastating efficiency. A single punch to the stomach doubled Gohan over, gasping for breath, while a follow-up strike sent him crashing into their ship's hull.
"Playtime is over," Dodoria announced, raising his hand as deadly energy began gathering around his palm. "Lord Frieza grows impatient."
It was at that moment that Sage and Vegeta finally arrived on the scene, their combined energy signatures blazing like twin stars as they descended from the sky at maximum speed. Sage's violet transformation was fully active, his bestial features pronounced and predatory, while Vegeta's golden aura crackled with elite-class power.
"Dodoria!" Vegeta snarled, his voice carrying all the authority of Saiyan royalty. "Stand down! These are under my protection!"
The pink giant turned slowly, his beady eyes widening with surprise and amusement. "Well, well. Prince Vegeta, alive and well. And with a power level that's... impressive. Twenty-four thousand? My, you have been busy."
Dodoria's gaze shifted to Sage, and his expression grew more interested. "And who might this be? Another Saiyan survivor? How delightfully unexpected."
"I am Sage," the wild warrior replied, his voice carrying a predatory growl. "And you're in my way."
"How dramatic!" Dodoria laughed. "Two elite-class Saiyans, thinking they can challenge one of Lord Frieza's personal enforcers. This might actually be entertaining."
The pink giant's power began climbing as he prepared for serious combat, his aura shifting from casual menace to focused lethality. But before the battle could begin in earnest, all five warriors' scouters began screaming warnings about incoming contacts.
Five energy signatures were descending from orbit like falling stars, their power levels dwarfing everyone present. Even Dodoria's confidence wavered as the readings continued climbing.
"The Ginyu Force," Vegeta whispered, his face going pale with terror. "They're here."
The five warriors landed in perfect formation, their dramatic poses and synchronized movements marking them as Frieza's most elite special forces unit. Captain Ginyu stood at their center, his purple skin gleaming in the light of Namek's three suns, while his four subordinates flanked him with military precision.
"Greetings!" Ginyu announced with theatrical flair, his voice booming across the battlefield. "We are the Ginyu Force, Lord Frieza's most elite warriors! And you are all under arrest for interfering with our master's operations!"
Vegeta's reaction was immediate and desperate. "Everyone, retreat! Now! Scatter and gather the Dragon Balls quickly! There's no way we can survive a direct confrontation with the Ginyu Force!"
For once, nobody argued with the Prince's assessment. Even Dodoria was backing away from the five elite warriors, recognizing the hierarchy of power within Frieza's forces.
"Scatter pattern!" Sage barked, his tactical mind immediately shifting to survival mode. "Gohan, take Krillin and head for the nearest village! Vegeta, you're with me!"
"Wait!" Ginyu called out with mock politeness. "Where are your manners? We haven't even introduced ourselves properly!"
But the warriors were already scattering to the winds, their survival instincts overriding any thoughts of heroic last stands. The power gap was simply too vast to bridge, even with their recent improvements.
As they fled in different directions, Captain Ginyu's laughter echoed across the battlefield, a sound that promised this was far from over.
The real war for Namek's Dragon Balls was about to begin.