Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Gohan has two major concerns in his life: insufficient firepower and death. Having experienced death once, he is not afraid of it; instead, he sees every extra day he lives as a gain and cherishes it immensely.
Now that he has wished for immortality, his mindset undergoes a significant change. Immortality means more possibilities, allowing him to act with confidence.
If he won't die, he will have more ways to protect those he cares about and more means to defeat his enemies. Although his immortal body might not withstand the likes of Zeno, the Grand Angel, or the God of Destruction, his survival ability has undoubtedly been greatly enhanced.
Gohan feels a newfound clarity and happiness. This also helps him sense that he is just one step away from breaking through to Super Saiyan 2.
Feeling incredibly positive, he looks at the dragon with gratitude. At this moment, the dragon in the sky speaks again, "The second wish has been fulfilled. Do you have any other wishes? I can still grant one more."
As Porunga speaks, it gazes at Gohan with awe. Despite Porunga's massive size, it recognizes the terrifying power that Gohan possesses—enough to easily destroy the entire universe. In the world of the strong, size is not the sole measure of strength.
Gohan looks around at all the Namekians present, finally focusing on the Great Elder. He asks, "Great Elder, do you have any wishes?"
Great Elder Moori shakes his head: "No, we rarely need Porunga's help."
Gohan, with a glimmer of hope, asks, "Oh, then I want to ask: Is there any way to resurrect people who have been dead for more than ten years?"
Great Elder Moori shakes his head and says: "Porunga cannot resurrect beings that have been dead for more than a year. As for other methods, I don't know."
Gohan continues, "What if the body is still intact, and the soul available but currently in the underworld or training with King Kai? Is there no way to resolve that?" Great Elder Moori shows a shocked expression. This situation completely overturns his understanding of life and death.
Gohan then explains the situation of Son Goku, Vegeta, and others to the Great Elder. After listening, Great Elder Moori is amazed but still shakes his head: "Porunga cannot resurrect them, and I can't think of any other way. I'm so sorry, Mr. Gohan. I didn't expect so many things to have happened on Earth, even Mr. Son Goku's passing is such a pity."
Gohan had guessed this outcome, so he wasn't too hopeful when he asked. Thus, he isn't disappointed, just regretful. He muses that perhaps those companions who have been dead for many years might not want to be resurrected, as they seem carefree in the underworld with King Kai, free of troubles. Alas.
Considering the third wish, Gohan thinks for a moment and says to Dende, "In that case, Dende, let's ask for the address of Planet Yardrat."
"The address of Yardrat?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Dende nods and makes another wish to Porunga. Porunga's eyes flash red, and a piece of information enters Gohan's mind: the location of Yardrat.
Wish fulfilled! Porunga's voice echoes, "Okay, all wishes have been granted. Goodbye~" Then, golden light explodes from its body, and Porunga disintegrates. The seven petrified Dragon Balls fall to the ground with a thud, creating several deep pits.
Besides their size, the Dragon Balls of Namek differ from Earth's Dragon Balls in that, after a wish, the petrified Namekian Dragon Balls do not fly away. This is because the Namekians, who love peace and are kind by nature, rarely use the Dragon Balls. The Great Elder set it so that after a wish, the petrified Dragon Balls remain in place to be guarded by the seven tribes. In contrast, Earth's Dragon Balls scatter after a wish to prevent endless desires from being fulfilled too easily, though Bulma's Dragon Radar eventually bypassed this difficulty.
After Porunga disappears, the black clouds quickly disperse, and Namek's sky returns to its usual clear state in mere moments. Sunlight bathes the land again.
Gohan walks up to the Great Elder and says, "Elder, I have another request."
Elder Moori replies, "Mr. Gohan, if you have something to ask, just say it directly. It is our honor to help our benefactor."
Gohan explains, "Haha, it's like this: Earth needs a new Guardian. So I would like to ask if someone from Namek could go to Earth to be the new Kami."
Great Elder Moori says, "Oh, of course, there is no problem, but we still need to seek the other party's consent. Do you have someone in mind, Mr. Gohan?"
Gohan points to Dende and says, "Well, Great Elder, I want Dende."
Dende seems a little surprised. The Great Elder smiles and looks at Dende, asking, "Dende, are you willing to go to Earth to be the new Kami?"
Dende looks stunned, "Me, can I?"
"Dende, although your fighting ability is average, you are an excellent Kami candidate with very comprehensive abilities. Of course, you can be the Kami of Earth," says Great Elder Moori.
Gohan adds, "Dende, do you have any concerns about going?"
Dende quickly shakes his head, "No, no, I'm just worried I might not be up to the task."
"It's okay, believe in yourself. You heard what the Elder said; he believes in you, and so do I. You will become a great Kami," Gohan encourages.
"Then I'll try," Dende agrees.
Feeling needed by others, Dende is both uneasy and happy. He likes the feeling of being helpful. After some farewells, Dende says goodbye to the Great Elder and others.
For the Namekians, who do not need to eat, a farewell is just that—a simple goodbye with no need for a feast. Gohan takes out a capsule and throws it on the ground, turning it into a spaceship. Everyone is amazed by this method. Gohan doesn't explain much and quickly calls Dende aboard.
Once aboard, Gohan inputs the Earth's coordinates, presses the start button, and the spaceship disappears into the sky, rushing into the vast universe. Half a month later, the spaceship arrives on Earth and lands successfully.
Gohan and Dende disembark, and Gohan puts the spaceship away. After ensuring the Earth is safe using his Ki, he says to Dende, "Let's go, Dende. Let's head to the Lookout."
"Okay," Dende nods.
The two fly towards the Lookout. Moments later, they arrive, just as Trunks and Bulma do. Trunks, sensing Gohan's aura, rushes over with Bulma.
Upon seeing Gohan, Trunks excitedly runs over, examining him closely, "Brother Gohan, you're back! That's great. Wow, your hand has grown back, and you even have a tail. Amazing!"
Gohan ruffles Trunk's hair with a smile, "Good boy, I haven't seen you for just a month, and you've become such a chatterbox?"
"No, I'm just really happy," Trunks beams.
"Mr. Gohan," Mr. Popo greets him. Gohan smiles and nods at him.
"Gohan, you've become more handsome. The scar on your face is gone, your left arm has grown back, and you seem taller. Hahaha, I declare that you are now the most handsome man I've ever seen," Bulma laughs, hands on her hips, reminiscent of her younger days. She then curiously looks at Dende next to Gohan, "Is this the new Kami you found?"
Gohan replies, "Haha, yes, Aunt Bulma, actually, you've met him before."
"Oh, really?" Bulma looks at Dende in surprise. Unfortunately, most Namekians look very similar, and she can't remember Dende specifically. The only Namekian she clearly remembers is Piccolo. Dende feels a little embarrassed but remembers Bulma. Despite the passage of more than ten years, Bulma has maintained herself well, with only a bit more maturity.
Gohan introduces them with a smile, "This is Dende, the new Kami I went to Namek to find. Aunt Bulma, you might remember him from Namek, the boy who could perform healing spells."
"Oh, now that you mention it, I remember!" Bulma exclaims.
"Hello, Miss Bulma, long time no see," Dende greets. "Hello, hello," Bulma responds, happy to see an old friend.
"Dende, this is Trunks, Aunt Bulma's son and my apprentice. This is Mr. Popo, the guardian of the Lookout. He will assist you in your duties." Gohan introduces them.
"Hello, nice to meet you," Dende nods politely.
Trunks also nods, "Hello, Brother Dende."
Mr. Popo bows to Dende, "Hello, Lord Kami. You can just call me Popo from now on."