The journey to Planet Yardrat took approximately five standard days. Upon arrival, Goku was met with a breathtaking vista. It was more visually stunning than any alien world he had previously visited, though in his heart, it still couldn't quite match the serene beauty of Earth. The gravity here was intense—roughly four to five times that of Earth's. As a result, only Goku could move about freely; companions like Saeko had to remain safely within the confines of the World Ring.
As he wandered, Goku took in the alien scenery with open curiosity. He found himself in a forest teeming with flora utterly foreign to him—trees with spiraling bark, flowers that seemed to pulse with a soft internal light, and grasses that shimmered like crystal.
"Huh? That fruit looks sort of like an apple… but it's the size of my head and glowing red." Spotting a towering fruit tree, Goku ambled over, plucked one of the massive fruits, and gave it an experimental sniff. "Wonder if it's edible?"
"HELP—!"
A girl's terrified scream ripped through the tranquility, followed immediately by a guttural, bestial roar. Goku spun around just in time to see several massive trees splinter and topple. Charging through the wreckage was a monstrous creature: a one-horned, winged beast with scales like jagged stone.
Huh. That thing's battle power is at least twenty thousand. This planet's no playground.
In an instant, Goku flashed between the beast and its target—a petite girl frozen in fear as a claw the size of her torso descended toward her.
"Picking on someone your own size would be more sporting," Goku remarked. A single, casual kick launched the monster through the air. It tore through a swath of forest, cratered a distant hillside, and lay still under a pile of rubble.
"Hey, you alright?" Goku turned his attention to the girl. She was tiny, barely over 1.5 meters tall, with a delicate, almost doll-like features. So Yardratians are practically human… and this one's quite cute, he noted, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"S-so strong…" the girl stammered, her eyes wide. She quickly gathered herself and bowed deeply. "Th-thank you for saving me! My name is Anjēru. May I know my benefactor's name?" A faint blush colored her cheeks.
"Name's Son Goku. I'm from Earth. Guess that makes me an alien here."
"An alien? Where is Earth? But… you look just like us!" Anjēru stared in amazement.
"Earth's about a month's journey from here. But you're right, the resemblance is surprising. The universe is vast, but truly humanoid races aren't that common."
"Really? I've always dreamed of seeing other worlds someday," she said, her voice filled with wonder.
Goku chuckled. "If the chance comes up, I could show you around."
"Truly? You mean it?" Her eyes lit up like stars.
"Sure, why not? I'm touring the stars anyway. But more importantly, what's a girl like you doing alone out here? This place seems pretty dangerous."
Her expression sobered. "My father was injured while hunting. I came out to find a medicinal herb called the Hoshi Midori-gusa—the Emerald Star Grass. But the monsters… I was starting to think I'd never find it." She looked down, dejected.
"Emerald Star Grass, huh? What does it look like? I'll help you look for it."
"Really?" She glanced toward the rubble pile that was the monster, then beamed at him. "With your strength, I'm sure we'll find it!"
"So, where does it usually grow?"
"The elders say it clings to the cliffs up ahead… but that area is the nesting ground of the Kyōfu Sutorāiku—the Terror Shrikes. It's considered impossible to approach."
"Then let's go."
"A-are you sure? The Terror Shrikes are vicious, and they attack in swarms…" Now it was her turn to hesitate, concern flashing in her eyes.
"They're just birds. It's no trouble." Taking her hand gently, he led the way deeper into the woods. Any monster that dared approach was dispatched with a casual flick of his wrist or a light tap. Anjēru watched in awe; the creatures that gave their village's best warriors so much trouble were like gnats to this mysterious stranger.
Twenty minutes later, they reached the base of a sheer, mist-shrouded cliff. The Terror Shrikes were immediately visible—massive, leathery-winged creatures resembling grotesque, oversized pterodactyls, their beaks filled with razor-sharp teeth.
"Brother Goku, look! There it is!" Anjēru pointed excitedly at a small cluster of vibrant green plants with distinctive star-shaped flowers, clinging to the rock face about halfway up the cliff.
"Wait here."
In a blur, Goku was standing effortlessly on the vertical cliff face beside the herbs. "So this is it. The flower really is shaped like a star."
SCREEEECH—!
"Behind you!"
A Terror Shrike dove from above, its beak aimed directly at Goku's head. Nearby, a nest held several squawking fledglings.
Without even turning, Goku swatted the attacking bird aside. It hit the cliff with a dull thud and slid down, dazed but alive.
"For your chicks' sake, I'll let you live," Goku said, plucking the herbs. But the shrike's distress cry acted as a beacon. A moment later, the sky darkened as hundreds of the creatures descended toward him in a shrieking, furious mob.
"Tch. Annoying."
He stored the Hoshi Midori-gusa safely in his World Ring. Then, with a small, controlled exhalation, he released a pulse of his ki—not even an attack, just a wave of sheer, intimidating pressure. Every shrike in the swarm was instantly knocked unconscious, raining down harmlessly onto a broad ledge below.
"Amazing!" Anjēru cheered, clasping her hands together. "You're incredible! Even the big brother of Zamu, the strongest in our village, is nothing compared to you, Brother Goku!" She gazed up at him, her expression one of pure, star-struck admiration.
Goku flashed back to her side and presented the herbs. "Here. Keep it safe. Now, which way to your village? I'll fly us back."
"It's… that way." She pointed northeast, still slightly breathless.
Nodding, Goku carefully scooped her into his arms. With a soft rush of wind, they lifted into the air, soaring swiftly over the now-peaceful treetops toward her home.