After exchanging a few polite words with Chi-Chi, Korin turned his gaze back to Goku.
"Goku, putting that aside—what brings you here this time?"
Before Goku could answer, Chi-Chi stepped forward respectfully.
"Korin, I'd like a Flying Nimbus. Is that okay?"
Korin looked her up and down, then nodded.
"For Goku's sake, if you can ride one, I'll give you a cloud."
"Thank you, Korin!"
Soon, Korin summoned a large cluster of Flying Nimbus clouds.
Chi-Chi hopped onto them, rolling around playfully for a bit before finally choosing one she liked.
Just as Goku and Chi-Chi were about to leave, Korin suddenly called out to him.
"Goku—wait."
Goku turned back curiously.
"Korin, do you have something you want to tell me?"
Korin said solemnly, "Goku, I'd like to ask you for a favor."
"Could you gather the seven Dragon Balls and revive those who were killed by Demon King Piccolo?"
Goku blinked.
"Korin… don't you know that Shenron was already killed by Demon King Piccolo?"
Korin nodded.
"Yes, I saw Piccolo kill Shenron with my own eyes."
"But… the Guardian might be able to revive Shenron."
Goku's eyes narrowed slightly.
"The Guardian?"
Korin nodded firmly.
"You heard correctly. The Guardian."
Goku fell silent.
Korin should know that Piccolo and the Guardian were originally one being.
If Piccolo died, the Guardian should have died as well.
There was no way Korin didn't know that.
But Goku couldn't voice his doubts directly—there would be no way to explain how he knew so much.
So he simply asked,
"Korin… what exactly do you mean by the Guardian?"
Seeing Goku's interest, Korin immediately explained.
"Above Korin Tower, there is a Heavenly Temple where the Guardian resides."
"The Dragon Balls were created by him."
"I was thinking… those people killed by Demon King Piccolo were too pitiful."
"If the Guardian could repair Shenron and revive them, how wonderful that would be…"
As he spoke, Korin lifted his head toward the sky, his expression filled with concern for the world.
Goku followed his gaze upward.
He, too, wanted to see the Heavenly Temple.
Even if Korin didn't know that the Guardian had already died—
This would be a perfect chance to visit the temple… and to meet Mr. Popo.
Goku had never considered the Guardian especially powerful.
But Mr. Popo's strength, on the other hand, was unfathomable—ageless, undying.
He had served multiple Guardians and was said to be even older than the first.
Goku wanted to see for himself whether Popo was truly as mysterious and terrifying as the legends claimed.
So he said,
"Going up there isn't difficult for me."
"Since you're asking, Korin, I'll make the trip."
Korin immediately replied,
"To reach the temple, you must use the Power Pole."
"It's the sacred artifact that connects Korin Tower to the Heavenly Temple."
As he spoke, Korin glanced at Goku's back—empty.
"Hm? Goku, you didn't bring the Power Pole?"
Goku shook his head.
"The Power Pole? I stopped using it after I grew taller."
"But reaching the temple shouldn't require it. My flight technique is pretty good—I should be able to fly up there."
Korin hurriedly shook his head.
"No, that won't work."
"Even if your stamina is sufficient, you still can't enter."
"There's a barrier above. If you fly straight up, you'll be repelled."
Goku scratched his head.
"A barrier? The temple has one?"
Korin nodded.
"Yes. The Heavenly Temple isn't a place just anyone can reach."
"At present, the only way up is the Power Pole."
"It's a relic the Guardian left behind to connect the two realms."
Goku suddenly understood.
No wonder no one could reach it in the early days—
while later on, Bulma's aircraft could freely land there.
So that was the difference.
"Got it," Goku said.
"The Power Pole is at my house. I'll go get it."
As he spoke, he took Chi-Chi's hand.
"Chi-Chi, sorry. Looks like I've got something else to do again."
"Why don't I take you home first?"
Chi-Chi nodded quickly.
"Yeah… I just realized I left without telling Dad."
"If he notices I'm gone, he'll definitely panic."
So Goku escorted Chi-Chi home.
After that, he returned to Mount Paozu, retrieved the Power Pole, and came back to Korin Tower once more.
The method to reach the Heavenly Temple was simple—
Extend the Power Pole until it inserted into the small opening reserved above.
Once connected, the barrier would open.
However, as Goku ascended, lightning flashed violently.
He was struck repeatedly, leaving him charred on the outside and scorched on the inside.
After enduring countless trials, Goku finally soared toward the front of the Heavenly Temple.
The moment he landed, he saw a figure standing there.
A pair of wide, innocent eyes stared directly at him.
It was exactly as Goku remembered—
Expressionless. Motionless. Like a statue.
He stood perfectly still.
Goku couldn't sense even the slightest trace of Ki from him.
It was as if he didn't exist at all.
Goku waved his hand tentatively.
"Hi!"
The man immediately mirrored the exact same motion.
"Hi!"
Goku blinked.
"Hello?"
"Hello!"
"My name is Son Goku!"
"My name is Popo!"
Goku laughed.
"Mr. Popo, you keep repeating what I say—I almost thought you were some kind of machine."
Popo replied calmly,
"I know who you are."
"You are the one who defeated Demon King Piccolo."
Goku's curiosity deepened.
"How do you know that?"
Popo answered,
"The Guardian knows everything. The Guardian is very great."
Goku's gaze sharpened.
The Guardian… was still alive?
He immediately asked,
"Can I meet the Guardian?"
Popo replied flatly,
"I am the Guardian's servant."
"You must test your strength against me."
"Only if you defeat me may you meet the Guardian."
A ripple of doubt passed through Goku's heart.
If Piccolo had truly died, the Guardian should have died as well.
Then why would Popo speak this way…?
Though his thoughts churned violently, his expression remained calm.
"So if I defeat you," Goku asked, "I can meet the Guardian immediately?"
"Yes," Popo replied without the slightest emotional fluctuation.
So the Guardian was indeed still alive.
At the mention of battle, a spark of excitement flared in Goku's eyes.
He had long wanted to test himself against Mr. Popo.
Between relentless training and constant system enhancements, his power had already far surpassed this era.
Goku intended to let Popo experience the overwhelming charm of pure numbers.
He immediately assumed a fighting stance.
"Come on, Mr. Popo. I might be stronger than you think—"
"Don't underestimate me!"
Popo nodded.
"You seem very confident."
"Then… come at me."
Goku steadied his breathing, then burst forward at full speed.
But in the instant he closed the distance and prepared to strike—
Popo's fist moved first.
A single punch landed squarely on Goku's face.
The pain exploded instantly, forcing Goku to stagger backward and widen the distance.
On the surface, Goku remained calm.
But inside, a storm erupted.
Damn… I just got slapped in the face.
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