Chapter 24 - Kami's Plan

Yajirobe was evidently intimidated by the aura that Lin Chuan emanated.

He didn't dare to make any rash moves, and although he saw Bulma and Lin Chuan standing together, he dared not approach.

At this moment, perhaps sensing the early arrival of Lin Chuan and Bulma, a figure slowly emerged from the depths of Kami's Lookout.

Undoubtedly, it was Kami himself!

Due to his appearance, Yajirobe took action, positioning himself by Kami's side as if seeking protection or acting like a bodyguard.

Situated in the center of the spacious platform, Lin Chuan and Bulma both turned their gazes towards him.

As someone who had crossed from another world, Lin Chuan certainly recognized him.

Bulma, having met him a few years ago during the World Martial Arts Tournament, was similarly unfazed.

Not only that, her current feelings towards Kami were none too favorable.

Back then, because he was Kami, she revered him, keeping him in her heart. But now, Kami had outright ignored her presence, and her frustration was not going to dissipate easily.

Advancing, Kami stood on the vast platform and introduced himself: "Welcome to my abode, Saiyans from another world. I am the guardian of this Earth."

As Kami spoke and looked towards Lin Chuan to assess his strength, Lin Chuan casually scrutinized him in return.

To Lin Chuan, Kami's attempt to probe him was completely disregarded.

For Kami, on the other hand, Lin Chuan's invasive gaze felt like being preyed upon, which was exceedingly uncomfortable.

Being Earth's guardian, he had always been considered supreme.

Now, however, he found himself diminished to the status of an ant in someone else's eyes.

If Lin Chuan had been weaker, Kami would have shown him his place, as disrespecting a deity such as himself warranted punishment.

However, aware of Lin Chuan's formidable power, Kami knew he stood no chance against him.

Time and its evolution, from years past to the present, had rendered him unable to dictate affairs as he once could. At best, he could influence events based on his long experience.

"A Namekian becoming Earth's Kami is indeed impressive."

"Unfortunately, as I've mentioned, your strength, like that of the previous Kami, is far too weak! If you were combined, perhaps your strength could exceed ten thousand, maybe even more…"

As Lin Chuan spoke, not waiting for Kami to respond, another figure suddenly shot up from below, stabilizing smoothly upon Kami's Lookout.

It was unmistakably Raditz.

Lin Chuan, unable to endure the slow pace any longer, had surged up in a burst of speed, catching up in frustration.

"Is this what you call Kami's Lookout? The residence of a deity?"

"A Namekian as Earth's Kami, how ludicrous! It only confirms that Earth remains a lower-level planet, that a Namekian can be deemed a god."

Raditz looked around, his words sparing no dignity for Kami.

Kami was angry but unable to retort; he had to remain calm and keep his displeasure hidden.

For him, having only recently learned of his Namekian heritage and now facing someone of such strength, he had no choice but to swallow his pride.

Kami was indeed a clever being. Although his power was insufficient, his foresight was sharp.

He had already planned everything, awaiting only the arrival of Goku and the others to implement his strategy.

For Earth's sake, he was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, even at the cost of his dignity.

For Earth, he was even ready to go all out, hoping to retain and perhaps convert Raditz, along with Lin Chuan.

Thus, at least for the short term, Earth's safety might be secured.

Not long after, Goku, carrying Gohan, also ascended to Kami's Lookout.

Following them, Popo, piloting the Flying Nimbus, arrived with Krillin and Master Roshi.

"Finally, you are here, Goku, and that bald Krillin and Master Roshi." Seeing reliable figures, Yajirobe approached.

He had been scared by Lin Chuan initially, then intimidated by Raditz's cold and ruthless demeanor to the point of being too frightened to speak.

"It's been a while, Yajirobe. Did Kami call you up here, too?" Goku said with a smile to Yajirobe.

Krillin, standing aside, scolded, "Don't you have any manners? Call me by my name when addressing me, even if I am bald!"

"Alright, Krillin. I'm sure Yajirobe didn't mean it... Besides, Kami is here. Let's be quiet," Master Roshi quickly advised Krillin to control his emotions and maintain basic respect in the presence of Kami.

"Humph! Like I'd get mad at him," Krillin responded gruffly.

"That wasn't intentional,

 really, you're such a grouch," said Yajirobe, who tended to be informal and careless in his speech, fitting his character as a laid-back wanderer.

This trait got him into trouble, but being Goku's acquaintance gave him the opportunity to reach the Korin Tower and ultimately make it his home.

The scarcity of Senzu Beans in the original story can largely be attributed to him.

Putting aside Krillin and Yajirobe's interactions for now.

Goku, holding his son, stepped forward to introduce him to Kami, "Allow me to introduce my son, Gohan. Gohan, this is Kami, whom I've told you about."

The timid Gohan, under Goku's guidance, showed none of his initial timidity.

Perhaps it was his natural affinity with Namekians, but upon seeing Kami, he said, "My name is Gohan. I am four years old, hello, Grandpa Kami."

With a simple greeting, Kami beamed with joy.

However, there was a better time for pleasantries. He nodded and remarked, "Ah, it's been a few years, and you have a son. I can tell he has extraordinary potential, and his future achievements will be boundless."

"Heh, then let's hope for the best, Kami. Now that we are all here, if you have any plans, please let us know," Goku said cheerily.

With that, Kami took a deep breath, composed himself, and began to speak…