Time passed quickly, and before long it was the next day.
After a night together that soothed Bulma's emotions, Vegeta brought her to Planet Vegeta-79.
He took care of some arrangements, brought several subordinates along, and established a communication link between Earth and Planet 79.
Bulma then returned to Earth to begin studying the time machine.
She had her priorities in order — understanding the machine came first.
Dr. Brief, meanwhile, focused on tracking down Dr. Gero.
He had already begun yesterday. He thought locating Gero using the recorded address would be easy… only to discover it was fake.
That complicated matters. Once Dr. Gero chose to hide, finding him would be almost impossible.
Vegeta vaguely remembered that the original timeline mentioned the location of Gero's underground laboratory — but that sort of minor, non-essential detail wasn't something even obsessive fans could recall perfectly.
So there was no shortcut.
They would need to rely on Dr. Brief's network and influence to find clues slowly.
Fortunately, there was no urgency.
The android crisis would not erupt for at least four more years.
As for preventing Gero from modifying Lapis and Lazuli into Android 17 and Android 18… that ship had already sailed.
Based on Vegeta's calculations, 17 and 18 should already have been created; otherwise Cell wouldn't have chosen this exact point in history to appear.
Four years was just enough time for Gero to:
Collect genetic samples to create Cell
Build Android 19
Convert himself into Android 20
Even if it were technically possible to save Lapis and Lazuli now, Vegeta had zero intention of changing that part of history.
If he intervened, the two would never become 17 and 18.
And besides — their transformation was the beginning of their opportunity.
Yes, they would be controlled for a while, but eventually they would break free and obtain limitless energy.
Seeing that he couldn't help Bulma with research or Gero's search, Vegeta recalled something else on Earth and acted immediately.
He used Instant Transmission to return to the Lookout.
After exchanging greetings with Mr. Popo, he stepped off the platform and flew straight down toward Korin Tower.
Since he was already back on Earth, he absolutely had to secure two things:
Senzu beans
The Ultra Divine Water
Especially the senzu beans — Vegeta wanted not only the current stock but a permanent, exclusive supply.
In early Dragon Ball, jars full of senzu beans were common.
By the beginning of the Z-era, each batch barely had a few.
There was only one man to blame:
Yajirobe.
Because of that gluttonous fool, senzu beans nearly went extinct.
If not for him, the Z-Fighters wouldn't have had to ration beans like precious jewels, breaking one bean into pieces during emergencies.
…
Descending from the Lookout, Vegeta soon spotted the top of Korin Tower — and immediately sensed someone whose presence irritated him.
A fat, short figure with ridiculous clothes…
Of course it was Yajirobe.
His irritation wasn't only the reincarnated Vegeta's frustration — even the original Vegeta despised him.
After all, Yajirobe had once cut off his tail.
Even though it had regrown, that humiliation was unforgettable.
To both Vegetas, Yajirobe was nothing more than trash.
Yajirobe hadn't noticed him yet — his back was turned.
Only when Vegeta let out a cold, mocking chuckle did he snap around.
"Who's laughing?!"
He turned — saw Vegeta — and instantly froze.
"V–Ve–Ve–Vegeta!!!"
Pure terror.
Yajirobe immediately tried to run.
But run where?
Realizing escape was impossible, he suddenly screamed toward the tower interior:
"Hey! Get out here! You stupid cat! Where are you hiding?!"
Yes.
He really called Korin "stupid cat."
Truly disrespectful — he acted like he owned the tower.
"So noisy," Vegeta said with a contemptuous smirk as he descended onto the platform.
At that moment, Korin — the Cat Hermit — emerged from inside.
It seemed he had been expecting Vegeta; there was no fear, only calm respect.
"Welcome, noble Saiyan Prince. I am Korin — though most call me the Cat Hermit. You are welcome here."
He shot Yajirobe a subtle glare, internally sighing.
Seeing his "guardian" appear, Yajirobe immediately hid behind Korin like a coward.
Vegeta stared at the fat swordsman with cold disdain.
To think such trash once cut off the tail of the Saiyan Prince — it was insulting just remembering it.
Korin could feel the murderous tension.
He doubted Vegeta had come here just to kill Yajirobe, but Vegeta's current power was terrifying; if he decided someone should die, no one could stop him.
Trying to defuse the situation, Korin asked respectfully:
"May I inquire what brings Your Highness here today?"
Vegeta shifted his attention and answered bluntly:
"Senzu beans."
Straight to the point.
Korin immediately understood.
"I see. Senzu beans can be provided, but because their number is limited and cultivation requires—"
Vegeta cut him off.
"I don't want a handful. I want all the senzu beans you produce in the future."
"All… of them?"
Cold sweat rolled down Korin's forehead.
He had assumed Vegeta would take a few beans and leave.
But this…
This was no request.
This was a monopoly.
And with Vegeta's current strength…
Refusing could be lethal.
~~~~~~
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