Raditz kept low as he moved through the dense forest. Each step was careful and calculated, his senses on high alert for any power levels nearby. His encounter with Piccolo's faint ki signature the previous night was a reminder of just how precarious his situation was. One slip-up, and the Z Fighters would be on him like wolves.
"Focus," he muttered, his voice low. "Keep it together. You've got this."
Suppressing his power to almost nothing took constant effort. The Saiyan side of him raged against it, his instincts urging him to let his energy flare freely, to establish dominance. But his human mind kept him grounded.
Pride can wait. Survival first.
His stomach growled loudly, cutting through the quiet. Raditz sighed, clutching his abdomen. He had eaten yesterday, but it wasn't nearly enough to fuel a Saiyan body. He'd need to find more food soon and water.
You're not going to get stronger if you're starving, he reminded himself grimly.
The forest was vast, with towering trees that provided cover but also hid potential dangers. Raditz moved with a hunter's precision, his eyes scanning every shadow, every movement in the underbrush. After about an hour, he stumbled upon a flowing stream.
Kneeling by the water's edge, he cupped his hands and drank deeply, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat. For a moment, he allowed himself to relax, his thoughts drifting back to the task ahead.
"Namek," he whispered. The word felt foreign yet hopeful. It was his lifeline, his chance to rewrite everything. But before he could even think about leaving Earth, he needed to train. His current power level whatever it was was nowhere near what he needed to survive in Frieza's world.
He clenched his fists, his reflection rippling in the water. "I need to start now. No more stalling."
Finding a clearing deeper in the forest, Raditz began experimenting with his ki. He stood with his legs shoulder-width apart, his arms raised as he focused inward.
"Let's see what I've got left."
With a roar, he unleashed his energy, a faint purple aura flickering around him. The ground trembled slightly, and nearby trees rustled as his power surged. But it wasn't enough. He could feel it weakness, hesitation, the lingering effects of his injuries.
Raditz grit his teeth. "Pathetic. I'm a Saiyan, damn it! This is nothing!"
He dropped into a fighting stance, his fists flying in rapid punches through the air. Each strike was precise, his body moving with a fluidity that surprised even him. Memories of martial arts moves he'd seen on Earth boxing, karate, even capoeira flooded his mind.
"This is new…" he muttered, pausing to catch his breath. His human memories were merging with Raditz's innate combat instincts, creating a style that felt both foreign and familiar.
Raditz's training pushed his body to the limit. He leapt from tree to tree, his movements growing faster and more fluid with each attempt. He practiced energy blasts, aiming at boulders and trees, refining his control until his strikes were precise and efficient.
Hours passed. The sun was high in the sky when he finally collapsed to the ground, his chest heaving. Sweat dripped from his brow as he stared up at the canopy of leaves above.
"This body… it's incredible," he whispered. Despite the pain, despite the exhaustion, he could feel himself growing stronger. Every punch, every blast, every drop of effort was paying off.
This is what it means to be Saiyan, he realized, a small smirk forming on his lips. The pride he had suppressed earlier began to stir again, but this time it felt earned.
The peace didn't last. As Raditz lay catching his breath, a faint power level flickered on the edge of his senses. It wasn't Piccolo it was weaker, less refined but it was moving closer.
Raditz cursed under his breath, scrambling to his feet. He pressed his energy down, suppressing it as much as he could, but whoever was approaching was already too close.
The bushes rustled, and a young man emerged, his face familiar. Raditz recognized him instantly: Yajirobe. The rotund swordsman looked startled, his eyes widening as he spotted Raditz.
"W-Wait a minute!" Yajirobe stammered, taking a step back. "You're that guy! The Saiyan!"
Raditz froze, his mind racing. Yajirobe wasn't a fighter not really but he was still a connection to the Z Fighters. If Yajirobe reported this back to the others, Raditz's cover would be blown.
"Relax," Raditz said, raising his hands in what he hoped was a non-threatening gesture. "I'm not here to fight."
Yajirobe didn't look convinced. "Yeah, right. Last time I saw you, you were trying to kill everyone!"
Raditz sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Look, I don't have time for this. I'm just passing through. You didn't see me, got it?"
But Yajirobe's gaze lingered on Raditz's bloodied armor and disheveled appearance. "You look like you've been through hell," he muttered. "What happened to you?"
For a moment, Raditz considered his options. He could easily overpower Yajirobe, but that would only create more problems. Instead, he decided to take a gamble.
"I was betrayed," he said, his voice low and bitter. "By my own comrades. I'm no threat to you or your friends. I just want to be left alone."
Yajirobe hesitated, his grip tightening on his sword. But after a moment, he nodded slowly. "Fine. I didn't see you. But if you try anything…"
Raditz smirked. "Don't worry. I won't."
As Yajirobe disappeared back into the forest, Raditz let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. The encounter was a reminder of just how precarious his situation was.
"I need to get out of here," he muttered. "The longer I stay, the more risks I take."
The encounter with Yajirobe spurred Raditz into action. He couldn't afford to waste time. His training could continue on Namek, away from the watchful eyes of the Z Fighters and Kami.
That night, as he stared up at the stars, his resolve hardened. "Namek is the key," he whispered. "If I can get there, I can change everything."
But getting to Namek was easier said than done. He didn't have a scouter, a ship, or any allies. All he had was his wits, his growing strength, and the determination to survive.
One step at a time, he reminded himself. And with that thought, he closed his eyes, his mind already planning the next move.