Vegeta's expression shifted slightly; he hadn't sensed anyone approaching him at all.
While hastily putting distance between himself and the newcomer, Vegeta sized up the man before him. The man's attire was strange, something Vegeta had never seen before.
"You're not a Namekian?" Vegeta asked, surprised.
Yet, what puzzled him was that the combat power detector on his left eye initially registered this man's battle power as only "5."
However, Vegeta was different from Nappa. He was significantly stronger and far more perceptive.
His combat instincts screamed that this man was dangerous!
Especially since he couldn't sense the man's ki, nor could he detect even the faintest trace of life energy.
This struck Vegeta as bizarre, instantly putting him on high alert.
As Vegeta scrutinized Hashirama Senju, Hashirama was also studying Vegeta with curiosity.
"So this is also a Saiyan, the warrior race the Chairman mentioned? He seems a bit stronger than Son Goku, but far weaker than Nail," Hashirama thought to himself, making a quick comparison based on his senses.
However, Hashirama didn't immediately attack. Instead, he said, "I am indeed not a Namekian. You've come to someone else's planet, yet you don't bother to pay your respects. Isn't that rather rude?"
"Hmph! I come and go on this planet as I please. Who can stop me?" Vegeta snorted coldly.
He paused, then looked at Hashirama. "Since you're on this planet, do you know the whereabouts of the Dragon Balls?"
"The Dragon Balls? Of course I know. We even summoned Shenron and made a wish not long ago!" Hashirama replied straightforwardly.
Vegeta's eyes lit up with excitement. "So the legend of Shenron granting wishes is true?"
Hashirama nodded earnestly. "Yes. Although Shenron looked a bit... timid, his power is quite formidable. It seems he can fulfill most wishes!"
"Hahaha! The heavens are truly aiding me! Frieza, I'll be coming for you soon to defeat you!" Vegeta laughed triumphantly.
He had heard rumors about the Dragon Balls before, but their authenticity was uncertain. Coming to Namek was to verify them. Now, with a confirmed answer, his heart swelled with excitement.
Vegeta turned a cold, sharp gaze on Hashirama and barked, "Tell me where the Dragon Balls are and take me to them. If you dare lie to me, I'll kill you!"
"Sigh, why are young people these days so impatient and lacking in respect for their elders?" Hashirama sighed softly.
"Enough talk! Take me to the Dragon Balls, or I'll end you right now!" Vegeta threatened again.
Now that he knew the Dragon Balls were real, Vegeta was burning with impatience to summon Shenron and make his wish. The sense of danger he initially felt from Hashirama was pushed aside.
Hashirama shook his head. "I can't do that. The Dragon Balls aren't mine. Shouldn't we at least ask the Namekians for their permission?"
Vegeta's last shred of patience vanished. He felt Hashirama was deliberately provoking him, and rage surged within.
"In that case, just die! I'll find them myself!" Vegeta roared.
A purplish-red energy ball rapidly coalesced on his fingertip and shot straight at Hashirama.
"Young people and their fiery tempers. What can one do?" Hashirama said with a smile.
As he spoke, his hands swiftly formed seals.
"Wood Style: Wooden Shield Jutsu!"
A wooden shield shaped like a fanged demonic face appeared before him, blocking Vegeta's energy blast.
A loud explosion erupted as the energy ball detonated, shattering Hashirama's wooden shield into pieces.
Seeing this, Vegeta sneered. "Hmph, did you think something like that could block my attack?"
Swiftly, he began gathering energy balls in his palms and firing them in rapid succession...
In an instant, over a dozen energy blasts shot toward Hashirama.
"It seems pure ninjutsu alone still can't withstand attacks of this level," Hashirama murmured, shaking his head with a light sigh.
"In that case, let's add another type of power!"
Hashirama activated the "Wooden Shield Jutsu" once more, but this time, he coated the wooden shield with a layer of black Haki!
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The energy blasts continuously hammered against the shield before Hashirama. A series of violent explosions erupted, reducing the surrounding vegetation to dust under the tremendous force.
However, when the smoke cleared, Vegeta's face revealed a look of astonishment.
That black wooden shield, despite being covered in cracks from his barrage, had not been destroyed.
"What is that shield? How can it withstand my attacks?"
Vegeta's heart stirred. When he looked at Hashirama again, his expression grew several degrees more solemn.
As expected, this guy wasn't weak!
During the brief exchange, he had also noticed on his combat power detector that Hashirama's battle power had increased dramatically. Clearly, he had used some method to conceal his true power, one that even the detector couldn't penetrate!
"Hmph! Fine then, let me see just how strong you really are!"
Vegeta roared, his ki erupting violently. He moved at high speed, charging straight at Hashirama.
"Haha! In that case, let's have a proper fight!"
Hashirama laughed heartily. Chakra surged within him, and his figure vanished in an instant, soon clashing fiercely with Vegeta in the air.
----------
T/N:
You'll also get 5 extra chapters just for being a free member!
Access 60 chapters in advance on my Patreon: [email protected]//allbluestories