Ducks in a Row (Nero)

T’was business as usual in Grand Elder Village, many of the locals and attendants to them were making their rounds, quickly conversing with each other on various matters. Some people from other villages arrived to deliver some things or otherwise take things to deliver them elsewhere. Other locals of Namek passed by, usually to see some friends here and there. While not as fast as say, Dend Capital, there was a fair amount of activity going on here.

Noticing Gandigan, some people took a cautious interest, others were more directly curious; though out of respect for another being, none got in his way since he looked like he was walking somewhere with purpose. Reaching the largest of the shelled buildings; Gandigan found a young Namekian tending to the garden outside. “Just a moment, just a moment!” The Namekian said, carefully re-planting an array of flowers that were rare to see in the wilds of Namek. “There. That ought to do it.” With a confident nod, the Namekian turned to face Gandigan, revealing that he had four bright yellow eyes, and huge fanged teeth— this was a Mazoku! “How can I help yyyyyyy— Ay Porunga!” He blinked rapidly, stunned to see Gandigan. “You’re Gandigan right? Wait. King Gandigan? Daimaō? Actually, wait, hang on, hang on.” He took a calming deep breath in and out.

“My apologies. I’m Kodi” Introducing himself, Kodi bowed politely. “How would you prefer to be addressed? With or without a title? I used to uh. Speak super formally, but Nero taught me to loosen up a bit. I know he prefers to be spoken to casually, but he also advised me to ask people what they are comfortable with.” Kodi further explained, looking somewhat bashful about it. “Anywho, he should be around here somewhere. Last I heard, he went to help some of the kids from here fix a water fountain.”

“Actually, we just finished up.” Nero spoke up, floating along the ground atop his white Nimbus Nocti. “Heya Kodi, Gandigan.” He gave the both of them a friendly wave. “Good job on the flowers, by the way. Everyone will love it.” Hearing the compliment, Kodi stood up straight and saluted Nero. “It was my pleasure! Thank you for the opportunity to show my skills!”

Direct and to the point, Kodi definitely appreciated that. “Understood, Daimaō Gandigan.” The Namekian gave a nod. With Nero’s approach, the majority of Gandigan’s attention would be directed towards the Guru of Namek. Nero gave a small smile, he could relate to a lot of what Gandigan had said. “Haha, nah man, it’s fine. I get it.” The moment that Nero was revealed to be Guru was one thing, but after it was news across the planet there was a lot that he needed to catch up on— it was simply lucky that he already was attending to most of his responsibilities prior to true ascension by virtue of just being himself.

To Kodi’s surprise, Gandigan had asked to purchase a batch of the flowers that he had just finished tending to. “O-oh, uh.” Kodi was very much caught off guard, but settled when Nero gave them a thumbs up and an encouraging smile. “I can have some of the seedlings that I possess sent to the castle— I’ll plant them myself actually! No extra charge.” Kodi said confidently with a toothy grin. “See? I told you that all you needed to do was put your talents to work where others could be witness it all, Kodi.” With that, Kodi hurried away to prepare himself for the task ahead, which would leave Gandigan and Nero to their discussion.

“Alright, what’s up?” Nero asked, and Gandigan would soon bring out a map, placing it on a garden table for easy access. “Really? I would’ve thought that it was pretty obvious. But hey, if people are asking, may as well make sure.” Nero reviewed the map of the Northern Scar, it was quite well done. “Alright, well, aside from the obvious in having my assistance as my position governs the whole planet, this is what people will need to know.” He brought out a pen encased in some sort of shell, and tapped on the map; the outline became a solid colour, matching the colour of Nero’s Ki. “For one thing, the Outer Plait is a majority of Mazoku land as we both know. I’m sure you’ve experienced that it’s where a lot of your focus is going to be at this point.” The magic of the pen filled in the boundaries of the Outer Plait with the colour of Gandigan’s Ki, centered on the castle within the land. Twirling the pen around his fingers he tapped a different region, the First Scar, it also filled in with the colour of Gandigan’s Ki, but the outline of it would glow a slight red. “The First Scar is similar, it’s just the more dangerous area which is why the boundary is red. Either you or I would have our work cut out for us in making progress there, but it’s doable.” With another tap to the paper, the other lands of the Northern Scar filled in the same as before, but with a white outline. “With this here, you’ll find it similar to other wild areas, maybe a few people living in them that you should keep an eye on but nothing too ridiculous.” He explained, putting the magic pen away. “For the most part you’ll be handling the needs of the Northern Scar, but I’ll still make time to do the same as I’ve always done— and if you’re ever stumped or think there is something that’ll need my attention you can always ask for my help.” He had some great experience with leading at this point after all. For now, the work on the map should help anyone that was confused or lost.

“You had another matter to bring to me, yeah? Since it’s a personal one we can discuss it properly inside the house rather than here in the garden.” Wait, so this building belonged to Nero? What luck! He opened the door and went inside, holding it open for Gandigan to follow. “Please excuse the emptiness though, me and some friends have been working on refurbishing the place.”

“I can imagine that would’ve been the case. They’re free to negotiate with each other on shared resources outside of the borders of course, but that will be up to them and whoever they’re negotiating with. If anything escalates too far, they would need to bring it up to both of us for the best results.” So long as everyone was mature enough to have an open and calm discussion, things should go smoothly in that regard.

Nero did notice that Gandigan seemed slightly on edge too, unsure of how to bring up his personal inquiry. Hechecked on a stack of carved wood momentarily as he patiently waited for the Namekian to speak. Apparently Gandigan had some business to take care of offworld. “You only recently claimed the role of Daimaō so don’cha think that’s a bit hasty?” Nero asked curiously, though he was sure Gandigan had his reasons. “If you do go, the rest of us will do as we always do, so don’t worry too much, yeah?”

That being said, Gandigan’s uncertainty did imply he wanted to deal with something a bit more serious than just investigating other planets. Which of course turned out to be true— he wanted to hunt down Lottus of all people. “Yeah, I’ve heard about him unfortunately.” Nero exhaled sharply. The drama of Plant always had a way of bothering everyone else. He knew a fair bit about the general situation regarding the Saiyan madman, and could potentially offer some tactical advice, but before any of that, Nero had a few questions of his own. “Does anyone else know? Or do you intend to go alone?”

“If you agree, then you already know what I’d advise you to do.” Still, Nero understood Gandigan enough to know that he was a driven person, and would surely give it his all once he encountered the foe he sought. “I’ll keep things together here, as I’ve always done.” If he had the time, he might conjure yet another miracle.

It was good that Gandigan had told some others that he was going, but Nero didn’t entirely agree with them not being told things fully— but he liked to think this was just Gandigan not wanting the others in danger. “Okay. I might not agree with how you’re doing this, but I know you’ll give it your all. Just don’t underestimate him, you might be stronger than before, but he likely will be too.” That was simply how Saiyans worked. “Oh, and he has an ability that can cause madness and fury to overtake you, so be aware of that. I can’t imagine you’d want to be a victim to that sort of manipulation again.”

Soon Gandigan moved to depart, wishing Nero to watch over the Mazoku. “Of course, I’ll watch over them.” It was his duty as Guru, and just what he would do regardless, after all. Nero waved goodbye to Gandigan before returning to his own duties.