Chapter 11: Planning for the Future!

Sitting in his [Space Pod] as it left [Planet Yardrats] atmosphere, Arlic had his eyes closed, while lost in thought. He was finalizing what he had confirmed about the universe over the past three years. Both Paragus and Cooler being present here were evidence that Dragon Balls many movies held true in this reality.

That meant he would have to plan for them in advance, as some held the potential for far reaching consequences. Others provided him with incredible opportunities… well, so long as he played his cards right, that is.

Arlic had also confirmed that this was truly Universe 7. A version of it, anyway. He had done so by asking very specific questions of a few of the Yardratian elders and some of his fellow students from other species. In particular, he'd asked about any destroyer god myths they might know of.

[Lord Beerus] was the response of every single person who knew anything about this question. Confirming his hunch, however, was not at all comforting. It meant that his interaction with Earth would have to be minimal at best. This was because he would be a fool to tamper with the one thing he could count on with absolute certainty. That being the main story of Dragon Ball Super.

Potential allies that would train themselves for what would come, would be few and far in-between. There was also the matter of the [Omni-King] and his future relationship with Goku. Ultimately, that relationship was something that would give all universes and their people a chance at surviving Grand Zeno's childish nature.

That said, outside of Earth, he was going to change quite a few things. What he intended to change over all else, was in creating an empire atop the bones of Frieza's, which would begin to collapse when the [Galactic Conqueror] perished. It would require careful planning and precise timing on Arlic's part. Most of all, however…

'It will take great patience on my part…'

Despite his young appearance, Arlic was not naïve. He understood that if he were to build anything, he would have to take his time in doing so. No empire in all of history, in any reality, was built overnight. It would require a strong foundation and capable people to oversee its day-to-day function.

'The real question… is where will I find such people?'

Finalizing his thoughts, Arlic decided his next destination. It would not only be key to his future, but the start of his empire… to be precise, he was headed towards [Planet Namek] in order to secure the [Dragon Balls]. Or at the very least, the right to use them.

The Namekians were a gentle, yet proud people. They would at least hear him out. And as he only need to win the trust of their leader, [Grand Elder Guru], it would likely be an easy task so long as Arlic remained sincere.

Guru had lived a long time and lies wouldn't work on him. So, in order to win his trust, Arlic planned to make the elder a promise. One that would gain the man's trust and with it, gain Arlic the wishes he desired. The wishes Arlic would ask for would grant him knowledge, while the loyalty of Guru would grant him an ally that he may well need in the future.

'All I seem to do anymore is plan…'

Arlic found his plans to be worthwhile, even more so, as he believed that the [Planet Trade Organization] was a necessary evil. The galaxy needed stability and the [P.T.O.] tried to provide it. Granted, it was often through violent means. In his opinion… that was their greatest mistake.

The [P.T.O.] allowed the thrill of power to taint their original purpose. They allowed greed to affect the purity of their original cause. And in doing so, they had become criminals in the eyes of most civilized worlds.

'That wouldn't be a problem, if not for…'

The [P.T.O.] actively purged the native populations of most worlds they conquered, unwittingly aiding in Universe 7 not being exempt from the far off [Tournament of Power]. The tournament would determine whether [Grand Zeno] would wipe out a universe, or not. Furthermore, a universe's inclusion was based on the overall power levels of a given universes mortal inhabitants. Because of that, the tournament would be a huge wake up call for all twelve universes.

Arlic would do what he could to mitigate the consequences of the [Planet Trade Organization's] actions, even if it only added to his own problems. He also realized that the changes he noticed between the series and his new reality might also pose an issue, any change he noticed would have to be documented and carefully monitored. Arlic wasn't a fan of unwanted surprises, after all.

The other mistake that the [P.T.O.] made, was forcefully subjugating the worlds it thought would be useful. Doing so in a domineering way gained them no true loyalty from the subjugated worlds or their people. A new approach would be needed, as Arlic disagreed with such a practice.

Tyranny in any form was not capable of creating the lasting empire he desired. Instead, he would unite their worlds while offering each one a seat at the galactic table… relying on force only when diplomacy failed. This would show that he had the strength to protect those who followed him, as well as the humility required to listen to the wisdom of others.

That was one of the reasons that Frieza's own forces would turn against each other. Bootlickers made for poor leaders. And without a capable governing body, his forces would inevitably scramble for power. A scramble that would result in the collapse of all his family had built.

"Still… Frieza is no fool. Megalomaniacal, yes… but I doubt he's failed to realize what would happen to the P.T.O. with him gone…"

Arlic frowned, before continuing.

"Then again… maybe he just doesn't care."

Breaking away from his musings, Arlic activated his [Space Pods] stasis function. His destination set and stasis putting him into a deep sleep. Waking outside Namek's outer atmosphere, Arlic rubbed the back of his neck, while confirming his landing zone. Doing so, he released his [Ki], making no attempt to hide his power whatsoever.

--- Planet Namek, Surface ---

Sitting before a large, spiked dome, which had a whitish tint to its color, a Namekian sat in meditation. It was something he did most days. This day, however, he found himself interrupted. Midway through his meditation he felt a horrifying power approaching from the sky. Startled, he heard a booming voice from inside the spiked dome behind him.

"Nail, do you sense that, my child?"

Entering the home of his father, Grand Elder Guru, he had a serious expression on his face. Soon sitting before his father, who was being given a large cup of fresh water by his youngest brother Dende, he crossed his arms before responding.

"Yes father. Do you think it could be an enemy?"

Guru shook his head.

"No child… I feel no malice from this energy. Still, it never hurts to be cautious. At least until we know…?!"

Guru didn't even complete his last sentence when the power they felt vanished, reappearing moments later right outside his home. Nail, startled by the strange occurrence, darting towards the door, where he stopped suddenly. A calm childish voice had wrang out through their surroundings.

"Grand Elder Guru, I have come to your world in order to discuss a trade that I wish to make. Might I enter your home, so that we may speak face to face?"

Nail found himself startled yet again. Blanching at the fact that such a horrifyingly powerful being knew his father, and more so wanted to trade peacefully. He didn't trust it. As he was about to protest, his father held up a hand to stop him.

"Nail, go and show our guest inside. He showed respect by asking… now it's our turn. At the very least, I will hear him out."

Although he disagreed, Nail nodded in reply, swearing in his heart that he would protect his family should something go wrong. He stepped forward, opening the door. What awaited Nail was a young boy who smiled at him with a hint of nostalgia in his youthful eyes.