Ino was just pondering the connection between several matters when, out of the blue, she saw the short and stout North Kai waving vigorously at her from up ahead.
"What is it?"
"Follow me, quickly! Something unexpected has happened in the tournament. That scoundrel, the West Kai, really did have a secret trick up his sleeve! Hurry, run faster!"
He said to run faster, but the one actually dragging his feet was the North Kai himself. This guy was too fat, severely lacked exercise, and on top of that, had short legs.
Ino had to stop several times to wait for him.
When they rushed to the tournament venue, they arrived just in time to see the Fourth Raikage's match.
The Fourth Raikage's opponent was a tall warrior with green skin all over, no nose, square ears, and a white turban wrapped around his head.
The opponent was very young, and in battle, he possessed a calm state of mind far exceeding that of ordinary people. Every move and form wasted not a shred of energy; the entire combat process was as precise as a machine.
The Fourth Raikage had entered Lightning Release Chakra Mode early on. Having cultivated in the Underworld for several years, sparring with deceased powerhouses and undergoing high-gravity training, his strength was several times greater than when he was in Kumogakure. To tell the truth, if he were to go back now and fight Uchiha Madara, the chances of Lord Madara winning would be less than forty percent.
Even so, the significantly powered-up Fourth Raikage gained no advantage against the green-skinned young man. His punches came faster and faster, his figure moving as swiftly as lightning, yet the green-skinned youth simply tilted his head or turned his body with minimal movements, dodging all of his attacks.
After fighting for over thirty moves, the opponent appeared behind the Fourth Raikage like a ghost. The Fourth Raikage sensed the anomaly behind him and stomped the ground fiercely with both feet. The reinforced arena floor cracked into a large spiderweb pattern as he attempted to open up the distance, but he was still hit by a hand chop, ending the battle in a rather humiliating fashion.
"This guy has already fought two matches. His martial ethics are very good; regardless of whether the opponent is strong or weak, he will fight for a while so as not to make the opponent too embarrassed," the North Kai whispered.
The North Kai's battle power was weak, but his discernment was high enough.
Ino had also noticed this issue. The green-skinned young man's strength was much higher than the Fourth Raikage's; fighting for this long was entirely to save face for the other party. It was just like Lin Chong in Water Margin—whether fighting imperial generals or heroes of the wild, Instructor Lin would always exchange twenty moves with you first. Afterwards, he would either knock you off your horse or repel you, ensuring you didn't lose too much face.
Hiss. Ino felt a bit of a toothache coming on. The guy on the stage was truly strong. Let alone the Fourth Raikage and the others, even if she went up herself, she feared she wouldn't be his match.
"What is this guy's name?" she asked.
The North Kai's fat face was full of dejection: "It's the warrior of the West Galaxy, Pikkon. I heard he was a genius martial artist when he was alive, having saved his planet. Afterward, he was granted a body and allowed to cultivate in the Underworld."
Ino had long since recognized the identity of this genius martial artist. Speaking of which, this person's strength was a bit fluctuating, but looking at it comprehensively, in the original timeline's First Other World Martial Arts Tournament—which would be twenty years later—he should have the level of a Super Saiyan 2 at that time.
According to the Underworld's calculation, the Fourth Raikage had been dead for three years, counting as three years old. Pikkon was currently less than a year old and not yet as strong as in the future. But this "strength" was a result of comparing him to his future self; compared to ordinary people, this guy was already immeasurably powerful.
"What should we do?" The North Kai didn't mention calling Son Goku back. Living people could not participate in the Underworld Martial Arts Tournament; this was an iron rule. To let Son Goku participate, they would have to kill him again, which was too evil.
"It's fine... Originally, I prepared an unforgettable match for Goku. Since he has been resurrected, let's leave the surprise for this West Galaxy warrior."
Coming to a secluded spot, Ino rang the bell, scattered the ashes, opened the Nai-He Bridge, and awakened Bardock's soul.
Ino didn't just scatter bone ash; she had also brought Bardock's remains from eight hundred years ago to the current point in time. She repaired the body and then let the soul return to its place bit by bit. Fifteen minutes later, Bardock opened his eyes.
Son Goku's temperament was optimistic and never admitting defeat. His father was completely different from him; Bardock was a very pure warrior. However, compared to his kin who would kill and commit arson at the drop of a hat, he still possessed his own humanity.
Unlike Son Goku who grew up on Earth, in the general environment of the Saiyans, his humanity appeared very distinct. Everyone around was a villain, yet you alone were a good person? That wouldn't do. We are all in the quagmire; you must come down here with us.
In that moment of reawakening, there was struggle and pain on his face, but mostly confusion.
"This is Goku's father?" The North Kai had good judgment; he wouldn't go so far as to say this was Turles's father.
"Was it you who awakened me? Where is this place?" Bardock looked around, finding the scenery before him very unfamiliar. Relying on a faint connection in his soul, he knew it was Ino who had awakened him.
Ino frowned slightly. This connection was much more uncomfortable than when she had awakened Izuna and Sasori.
What was transmitted through the soul connection were emotions entirely of mania, rage, and pain. The instant they connected, she felt as if her body were pierced by over a dozen sharp blades, followed by suffering countless heavy blows. Fortunately, her strength was not insignificant; the tea tree in her spiritual world rippled, eliminating all discomfort.
"Yes, Mr. Bardock, I awakened you. I need to borrow your combat ability to secure victory for the team I represent."
Bardock refused almost without hesitation: "I refuse. I am tired of this kind of meaningless fighting. Let me rest in peace."
Ino was not surprised by this. Back then, Izuna had also refused to pursue Madara. Her Nai-He Bridge was more like a platform for mutual selection; her initiative was higher, but if the other party was unwilling, she couldn't force them.
"In that case, how about we make a deal?"
"Saiyans don't do..."
"I will let you meet your son. I can even send you back to the Living World for about a day. You don't have to worry about not finding anyone, because I know where they are."
Bardock indeed hesitated.
"They? I remember I only have two sons. Do you mean to say both my sons are alive?"
Ino rejoiced. It was fortunate that she hadn't casually killed Raditz that day; now she had one more bargaining chip in her hand.
"Raditz, or Kakarot. It depends on which son you want to see. Seeing them together is a bit troublesome, but I can arrange that too."
The determination on Bardock's face faded slightly, taking on a hint of an old father's demeanor. He thought back: "I remember Raditz went on a mission before Planet Vegeta was destroyed. That child has a bad personality and insufficient talent for battle. Living for so many years, has he really not been beaten to death yet?"
Ino looked at the North Kai, and they smiled. No one knows a son like his father. "That guy indeed hasn't been beaten to death. I heard he eats over ten bowls of rice at a meal now."
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