Blue

Age 750, April 10, Afternoon, The Lookout

Ten

The air was crisp, and every breath filled my lungs with a sense of clarity.

My clone and I stood a few feet apart, each of us mirroring the other’s stance. The blank, featureless face of my opponent still gave me an eerie feeling, but I pushed it aside.

I’d come a long way since my training began here, and today I intended to prove it.

I took a deep breath, centering myself, and then launched forward, my feet barely touching the ground as I closed the distance.

My double met me halfway, our fists colliding in a flurry of punches and blocks. Each strike was a calculated effort, aiming for vital points— throat, solar plexus, temple— but we were evenly matched.

My right fist shot out in a quick jab towards its jaw. The clone tilted its head just enough to avoid the hit, countering with a swift punch aimed at my ribs.

-1,500 HP!

Gritting my teeth, I twisted my torso, absorbing the impact with a flexed oblique and grabbed its arm, pulling it off balance. My clone reacted an instant later, using the momentum to spin in mid-air and deliver a backhanded strike to my temple.

I ducked, feeling the rush of air above me even as I launched an uppercut into its chin, flinging its head back like a ragdoll and sending it tumbling into the floor. I didn’t let up, intending to crush it while I still had the advantage.

But it was not to be. The clone quickly got back to its feet, stepped back, and we circled each other, each looking for an opening. My heart pounded, the adrenaline making every second stretch.

Without warning, the doll darted forward, its left leg sweeping low in an attempt to knock me off my feet. I jumped, bringing my knee up towards its face. The clone blocked it with its forearm, pushing me back. We both landed, sliding slightly on the smooth tiles of the Lookout.

The next time, I moved first, feinting a left hook before pivoting on my right foot, aiming a powerful roundhouse kick at its side. The clone anticipated my move, catching my leg mid-kick and twisting it.

-1,000 HP!

Pain shot up my leg, but I didn’t let it distract me. Using the momentum, I flipped forward, wrenching my leg free and bringing my other foot down towards its shoulder. It dodged, but just barely, the force of my kick creating a gust of wind.

We both stood there for a moment, breathing heavily but evenly. I could see the minor scuffs and bruises already forming on my clone, mirroring the ones on my own body. Despite the intensity, I felt a strange sense of satisfaction. This was a true test of my skills, and I was finally holding my own.

I sensed it then. My doppelganger was building up Ki.

A faint blue glow emanated from its palm, telling me what it was planning to do. I mirrored the action, feeling the energy build until it could no longer be held back.

-4,500 Ki!

“Ha!” We fired simultaneously, the blasts colliding in the air with a resounding crack, sending shockwaves in all directions.

I squinted through the light, barely managing to see my clone rushing through the dissipating energy.

A distraction!

It was on me in an instant, our fists once again a blur of motion as we exchanged blow after blow. I could feel the strain in my muscles, the burning in my lungs, but I pushed through.

I knew how to fight it, now. The answer had been in my mind ever since Mr. Popo had demonstrated his ability to accurately deduce my moves without even looking at me.

As my clone and I clashed again, I focused not just on its movements but on the subtle fluctuations in its ki. I felt a connection, a faint echo of its intent, and used it to anticipate its next move.

It came at me with a flurry of punches aimed at my torso. I blocked and deflected, my forearms absorbing the impacts.

Left-leaning.

-350 HP!

Right-leaning.

-500 HP!

Center.

-250 HP!

Upper right.

-400 HP!

I could sense its next move— high kick. I ducked under it, pivoting on my heel to sweep its other leg out from under it.

The clone stumbled but recovered quickly, leaping back to avoid my follow-up strike.

I pressed the advantage, stepping in with a rapid combination of punches and kicks. My right fist connected with its jaw, snapping its head to the side. I followed up with a left hook to its ribs, feeling the satisfying thud of impact. The clone tried to counter with a hook of its own, but I saw it coming and blocked the strike.

It then tried to drive its knee into my gut, but I slapped its thigh back down, using the momentum from its own strike to carry my elbow into its chin with enough force to lift it off the floor.

It grunted in pain, its blank face unable to express the discomfort I knew it felt. I didn’t let up, channeling my ki into my next strike.

-5,000 Ki!

“Ha!“

The blast struck its solar plexus with enough force to send it flying back at great speed. The clone skipped off of the tiles a few times before slowing down enough to skid for a few moments, eventually stopping.

It scrambled to its feet, but I was already there, launching a spinning kick that caught it in the side of the head.

The clone’s head snapped to the side, and I could see the strain in its movements now. It was faltering, and I was gaining the upper hand. It charged at me, desperation evident in its attacks. I blocked a wild punch and countered with a knee to its stomach, then an elbow to the back of its neck as it doubled over. The clone dropped to one knee.

This is it!

I unleashed a barrage of quick strikes, each one precise and devastating, and increasingly charged with energy.

-500 Ki!

-700 Ki!

-1,000 Ki!

A punch to the face, a chop to the shoulder, and followed by a kick to the side. The clone tried to fight back, but its movements were sluggish, not allowing it to guard against my moves at all.

In a final, decisive move, I grabbed its wrist, twisting it behind its back and forcing it to the ground. My knee pressed into its spine, and I held its arm in a lock, my other hand ready to strike if it tried to move. The clone struggled, but I could feel its energy waning.

It was over.

“I did it.” I dared to breathe out as I stood up, releasing the clone and stepping back. It lay on the ground, its energy all but spent, and I took a moment to catch my breath.

It was then that Mr. Popo’s words came from the sideline. 

“Well done, Ten.” He said, his voice as calm as it always was. “You’ve made excellent progress.”

I turned to see him giving me a nod of approval. His expression was as unreadable as ever, but the nod said it all. I had earned his respect, at least for today. My chest swelled with a mix of pride and relief.

My gaze then shifted towards Chichi as Popo undid the enchantment on the doll, causing it to fade from view, as if it had never existed.

Chichi, for her part, had been sitting quite a distance away, but still close enough for me to see her. She was in quiet meditation, her body glowing with a greenish-white Ki.

The soft aura around her seemed to pulse gently, indicating a deep state of concentration. Despite the trials she had faced, she looked serene and focused, completely in tune with her energy.

“Chichi’s been working quite hard, too.” Mr. Popo added, following my gaze. “Her own progress is no less remarkable.”

I nodded, appreciating the sight. I was truly happy for her. Despite all that we had faced, she was still finding a way forward through sheer will.

I don’t know if I could have withstood what she did with as much dignity.

As I watched her, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of determination.

Yes. If she could overcome her struggles, then so could I.

I linked my power with hers and invoked [Insight].

---

Chichi – Lv 45

Race – Human / Ṉ̸͇̌̾ȧ̴̭͔̏̏m̶͚̺̎̉ȅ̶̡̧̡͂k̷̡͍̈́ḭ̴̞̃͌̆ä̴͇̰̟́̓͂n̵͎̔̑̀
Age – 14

HP: 60,000
Ki: 60,000/65,000
MP: 8,500/10,000

Rep: Exalted [Max]

Description: The Princess of Fry Pan Mountain, Chichi was subjected to the Greenlight Serum, a cruel concoction devised by the Red Ribbon Army, which contains the modified cells of King Piccolo, as well as a slew of genetic treatments meant to condition the mind into a state of pure obedience.

However, with the help of Kami and Ten, the man she loves beyond anything in the world, the brainwashing and corruption were removed before they could take hold, returning her soul where it belongs— under her own control.

She has vowed to repay both Kami and Ten, in whatever way she can.

She is currently experimenting with her powers.

Battle Power: 315

---

Her stats were impressive, a testament to her relentless determination and hard work. I marveled at her growth. She had come so far from the tormented state in which I’d found her.

Truly, once she began to cast off the shackles of the Red Ribbon conditioning, as well as King Piccolo’s taint, her progress had become remarkable. She was swiftly approaching me in strength. A few months and she would even surpass me.

Without saying a word, I simply observed her in quiet admiration. I didn’t wish to disturb her concentration, though I sensed her power responding to mine in a pleasant manner, like a caress on my cheek.

I smiled at that before turning to Mr. Popo.

“Is there anything else for me to do Mr. Popo?” I asked. “Since I’ve completed this training.”

“You’ve defeated your double— a great achievement, to be sure.” Mr. Popo said, nodding in acknowledgement. “But I would urge you to not consider your training complete in any way. You have only begun to grasp the very basics.”

I frowned, but nodded at this.

“It is understandable that you wish to increase your strength and reserve of power.” He continued, realizing that I wasn’t pleased with his answer. “But your weakness is not a lack of power, but skill and technique. You’ve learned a good deal on your journey, that is true. However, until you first came to this place, you had not had the time to acclimate to your rapidly growing power, and so you didn’t know your own limits. Your ‘nerf’, as you put it, has only complicated matters further.”

“You’re right.” I said, taking a breath and reaffirming my resolve. “I still have much to learn from you and Kami.”

“Very good. That is precisely the attitude to have.” Mr. Popo said. “Despite his misgivings, Kami has nevertheless decided to place his faith in you, Ten of South City.”

“I will do my best.”

Mr. Popo considered this, his expression thoughtful.

“As for further opportunity for training, there are indeed a few avenues to explore, however…” He began, but then stopped abruptly, his eyes glazing over as if he were in a mental conversation.

I assumed it was with Kami.

And so I waited patiently, until it was done.

It did not take long.

“My apologies.” Mr. Popo said. “It seems that Kami has detected something concerning and wishes for Chichi and yourself to join him at once.”

Curiosity transformed into concern. Chichi abruptly stopped her meditation a distance away, moving to stand at my side as she asked Popo what was going on.

“What has he detected?” She asked, and she looked ready for a fight.

“You heard that from all the way over there?” I said, incredulous.

“My hearing’s much improved.” Chichi said, sending me a smirk. “And yes, Ten. I’ve heard all your grumbling.”

“I…” I said, feeling like the wind was taken out of my sails. “I got nothing.”

“If you two would follow me?” Popo said, smiling slightly at our exchange.

Without another word, he led the way toward the Overlook. I hadn’t been there since my first day here. It had been a breathtaking room, where the earth and sky seemed to converge on the vast, open expanse.

As we walked, I exchanged a glance with Chichi. Her eyes mirrored my unease, the concern etched on her face a reflection of my own. Whatever Kami had found, it was serious enough to call us both immediately.

Popo led us through the hallways to the familiar door, opening it without fanfare. The Overlook came into view, a wide platform bathed in the ethereal glow of the Sun. The horizon stretched infinitely, where the sky kissed the curvature of the Earth. Kami stood at the edge, his white robes billowing softly in the breeze, his gaze fixed on something far below.

We approached quietly, the silence between us thick with anticipation. As we drew closer, Kami turned to face us, his expression grave and contemplative.

“Thank you for coming so quickly.” He said, his voice steady but with an undercurrent of urgency. His eyes met mine before shifting to Chichi. “There is something you both need to see.”

I stepped closer to the edge, preparing to see whatever had disturbed Kami so deeply. We looked over in the direction Kami was gazing, but all we saw were the vast clouds beneath.

Then, Kami took both my shoulder and Chichi’s, and suddenly, the world below began to zoom in like an image on a phone. It was almost as if I was flying through the entirety of the earth. The sensation was surreal and disorienting, my vision hurtling through landscapes and cities at an incredible speed.

Finally, our focus settled on a military base hidden in the cover of a heavily dense forest valley, the familiar insignia stark against the drab buildings and military vehicles.

“Red Ribbon.” I snarled, the sight stirring a deep, instinctual anger within me. “Is this where they’re keeping Piccolo?”

Kami, however, said nothing for a moment. His silence was heavy, his expression unreadable. Then, he spoke, his voice calm but grave. “No, Piccolo is still hidden. This is something different.”

His words confused me. Different? What could be more pressing than finding Piccolo? I glanced at Chichi, who looked equally puzzled and concerned.

“What do you mean, Kami?” She asked, looking around the base. “I can sense the strong powers here, but…”

Kami sighed, his gaze still fixed on the image of the base below. “The Red Ribbon Army is mobilizing. Their activities have increased significantly, and their intentions are unclear. As you have said, there is a significant collection of power there, and I do not know what it means. This requires our immediate attention, but not reckless action.”

My fists clenched at my sides, the desire to confront them burning within me.

“Whatever they’re planning.” I said, my voice low and determined. “We’ll stop them.”

Chichi nodded beside me, her resolve mirroring my own. “Yes, we will.”

Kami’s expression softened slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes. “Be cautious. This may be more dangerous than you expect. Prepare yourselves, but you cannot rush into this blindly, else you might suffer the same fate once again.”

“You’re right, Kami.” Chichi said. “We will have to contact the relevant authorities and plan accordingly.”

“… Then I guess our training ends short.” I said, agreeing with her as Kami began to bring us out of the valley, gently moving us away.

But, then, I felt it— a powerful force seemed to bind us to the image, refusing to release its grip. It sent a shiver down my spine, the energy distinctly familiar and undeniably potent.

“We are being kept here.” Kami said, disturbed. “I can unbind us, but this mind seems decidedly potent to be able to do this much.”

“Wait, Kami. This is…!” I interjected, my voice tinged with instinctive alarm. “There’s something about this… I’ve felt this presence before.”

Kami’s brow furrowed in confusion, his expression reflecting his uncertainty. “You’ve encountered this energy before?”

I nodded slowly, my thoughts racing to recall where and when I had encountered this formidable presence. “Yes, but I can’t place it exactly. It’s familiar, very familiar.”

“But who?”

“I don’t know.” I said in frustration. “But the power… it feels like someone I should know. Kami, may I be allowed to communicate with this presence?”

Kami regarded me with a wary gaze, though he relented. “Very well, Ten… However, the instant I feel that we are in danger, I will break the connection.”

“Thank you.”

Taking the equivalent of a mental breath, I delved deeper into the connection.

The image of the military base wavered before me, replaced by a long and dark, half destroyed hospital corridor. The walls were smeared with gore and covered with deep gashes and bullet holes. Scattered around were several smashed bits of equipment and furniture.

Half the lights in the ceiling had long since burned out, while the other half occasionally flickered on and off.

I looked around, seeing no sign of Kami or Chichi anymore— the presence had expelled them but kept me here. Swallowing nervously, I made my way cautiously through the corridor, my eyes continually adjusting to the flickering lights.

Finally, I reached the end of the corridor, leading into a space of pure darkness. I stopped before it, wondering whether I should light the passage up with my Ki.

Before that happened, though, I saw a pair of familiar blue eyes open in the inky black.

Suddenly, a powerful mental assault struck me. It felt like a psychic shockwave, forcefully expelling me from this space. I staggered back, disoriented and gasping for breath, finding myself kneeling on the transparent floor of the Overlook.

“Ten!” Chichi’s voice came from my side, and I saw her worried green eyes. “Are you all right?” What happened?”

Kami also spoke, his expression grave as the two helped me up. “We were forcibly expelled. There was a presence down there, powerful and aggressive. It repelled us, and yet it kept you.”

Chichi shook her head, visibly shaken by the encounter. “It felt like we were being attacked mentally.”

I nodded, trying to collect my thoughts amid the lingering echoes of the psychic assault. “I was attacked too, but there was something about it… Why can’t I put my finger on it?”

Kami’s gaze turned to the distant horizon, his brow furrowed with concern. “This changes things. The presence we sensed is not to be underestimated.”

I didn’t speak for a few moments, my mind racing to process the intense experience we had just endured. As I gathered my thoughts, I became aware of a lingering residue left behind by the force that had brushed up against my essence.

It felt like a psychic imprint, a message left in the wake of the mental assault.

Finally, I broke the silence. “There’s something left… It left something in my mind.”

Kami’s expression grew more concerned, his ancient features creased with dismay as he focused his attention on me.

I accessed the psychic remnants, and two distinct impressions emerged. The first was clear— a date and location: May 7th, Papaya Island.

I repeated the words out loud, and Chichi’s eyes widened as she came to the same conclusion I did. “That’s the venue for the Strongest Under The Heavens!”

“The World Tournament…” Kami murmured.

But it was the second impression that sent a chill down my spine. Laughter— an unmistakable voice that I recognized all too well.

“I know who it is; I wouldn’t ever mistake that voice for anyone else. General Blue…” I said, disbelief and alarm rising within me. “But he’s… he’s dead!”

Kami’s expression hardened, his gaze distant as he contemplated the implications.

“We need to tell the others.” Chichi said, but stopped at Kami’s raised hand.

“Not yet.” Kami said.

“What do you mean?” I said, incredulous. “We can’t just sit back and do nothing! We have to confront them as soon as possible!”

“Have you perhaps considered, Ten, that…” Kami said, ever calm. “That it’s exactly what the Red Ribbon Army wants? They would like nothing better than to fight you on their own ground.”

“…” I let out a deep, frustrated exhale through my nose before speaking again. “You’re right, but they can’t be left unchecked. Time is their ally, and waiting would only allow them to build their forces and be that much closer to completing their plans.”

“Reactive measures aren’t enough.” Chichi said, backing me up. “We need to take proactive steps, or they’ll ensnare more people, just as they did with me.”

Kami remained resolute, despite our arguments.

“There’s more at play here. I can sense it.” He insisted, his voice tinged with concern. “There is a greater power, carefully orchestrating these events. General Blue— this man’s power had never been hidden to my eyes. I witnessed his rise as well as his death at your hands. He did not know of my existence, so how could he have anticipated our attempt at peering into their territory so swiftly? His reaction was too fast— unless they already knew of your training at the Lookout.”

I pondered his words. It didn’t make sense. The Red Ribbon couldn’t have possibly known about my training— I didn’t even know this place existed until long after I had defeated Blue. So how had he anticipated this move?

The unanswered questions gnawed at me, adding to the urgency of our situation.

“Perhaps they possess some other means of gathering intelligence.” Mr. Popo suggested, his voice as calm and measured as ever.

“Or perhaps they’ve been monitoring us for longer than we realize.” Chichi said. “Even the smallest mention of a place above Korin’s Tower could have been overheard at some point, and we certainly spoke of it on more than one occasion.”

“You could be right.” I allowed.

Kami nodded thoughtfully. “Regardless, we cannot rush into this blindly. We need more information, a clearer understanding of their motives and capabilities.”

Reluctantly, I acquiesced. Deep down, I knew Kami was right. Rushing in without a comprehensive plan would play right into the enemy’s hands.

I needed to be strategic, to gather intel, and to prepare ourselves for the inevitable confrontation with the resurgent Red Ribbon Army.

“I’m just wondering how he came back in the first place.” Chichi said, looking at me with an inquisitive expression. “You told me, by the end, he’d been torn in half, missing an arm—”

“And I drove [Stinger] into his chest.” I said, images of the horrid battle coming back to my mind. “I watched him die.”

“And yet he lives.” Mr. Popo said.

“And yet he lives.” I repeated. “The only thing that could possibly regenerate him from that state is…”

I stopped, pinching the bridge of my nose before glancing at Chichi beside me, knowing she was following the same train of thought.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” I asked her quietly.

“They used the greenlight serum to restore him.” She replied solemnly.

“But that can’t be how he knows.” I said. “I find it very hard to believe that they’ve been monitoring our conversations in the middle of the wilderness, so there’s only one other possibility here.”

“I don’t follow.” Chichi said as I looked towards Kami.

“But you do, don’t you, Kami?”

The wizened guardian said nothing, and I took that as a sign to keep talking.

“Only a select few know of your existence, let alone your location.” I said, piecing the puzzle together for Chichi. “As far as I know, Master Roshi and Korin know. I would presume to think that Fortuneteller Baba also has an inkling.”

“You would presume correctly.”

“Then the only remaining being with this knowledge has to be King Piccolo himself.” I said, pursing my lips. “Meaning that he’s in direct communication with Blue. That’s how he knew to expect us. That’s how only you and Chichi were expelled while I was kept behind.”

“That is my conclusion as well.”

“…”

“So, what do we do about it?”

No immediate answer came.

oooo

Some Time Later, Kame House…

Muten Roshi

Roshi reclined comfortably in his armchair, a lecherous grin playing on his lips as he observed Launch in the living room of Kame House. The television cast a soft glow over the cozy room, its screen displaying an aerobics channel that Launch had taken a keen interest in. Her vibrant blue hair swayed with each movement as she enthusiastically mimicked the exercises being demonstrated.

That’s it! Swing the other way! Roshi crowed within his own mind, doing his best not to gain her attention— the jig would be up, by then.

His elation did not last long, as he felt a foreign presence brush against his mind.

Roshi froze mid-thought, the cheerful demeanor replaced by a wary countenance. An aged voice resonated in his mind, calling out his name. He scanned his surroundings instinctively, searching for the source of the intrusion.

Who dares invade my thoughts? Roshi demanded, his tone edged with caution.

It is I, Kami. Came the reply, reverberating in Roshi’s mind with a gravity that demanded attention.

The old master knew in an instant that it was true. He could feel it now, the strangeness of this aura, the alien nature of the mind he dealt with. Yes, it could only be Kami.

Roshi’s eyes widened slightly.

He had heard of Kami from his time training under Korin— a powerful and wise deity in his own right. He had attempted to earn the privilege of training under the elusive guardian of Earth, but his request had been denied.

His motives, back then, had been less than pure, and so he understood.

Still, why was Kami contacting him now?

Had Ten met a terrible fate? The last time he’d seen the boy, he’d sent him off to meet the guardian. Roshi worried about the boy— though he was never an official student of his, he had attempted to guide him in his own way.

How can I help you, Kami? Roshi asked, trying to conceal the unease in his voice.

You may ease your mind on the matter of Ten; your erstwhile, though temporary pupil has reached me safely many months ago. Kami told him and Roshi was about to sigh in relief when Kami struck him with the grave news. But do not be too at ease. King Piccolo is regaining his strength.

Roshi’s heart skipped a beat. The name King Piccolo sent chills down his spine, dredging up memories of his master Mutaito’s final battle and sacrifice.

King Piccolo? Roshi echoed, disbelief laced with dread. But… that’s impossible! My Master defeated him and sealed him away, never to be found again. I made sure that any leads were gone!

And yet, despite your efforts, he has indeed been found. Kami said, his tone regretful. Moreover, he is not alone. His influence infiltrates the world once more, even as we speak. The Red Ribbon Army is now, at least partly, under his control. I do not yet know the full reach of his mind, but it is enough to be worrisome.

Roshi’s skepticism wavered, replaced by a cold realization. Then… What… What can we do?

Even in his prime, he could scarcely imagine battling against such a foe. Now that he was old and admittedly far less polished of a fighter than he used to be, he doubted his chances.

There is no need to fear, for there is one who has already encountered foes enhanced with King Piccolo’s power. Kami revealed, his voice grave. None other than Ten.

Roshi’s breath caught in his throat.

Ten. The thought of him facing such a formidable foe filled Roshi with a mix of pride and deep concern.

He faced one of those monstrosities and lived? Roshi thought in incredulity. Piccolo’s spawn have never been ones to pull their punches— brutal in their demeanor and fighting styles. They fight to kill in the most painful ways imaginable.

He should know; Piccolo’s children had killed most of his classmates in Mutaito’s school.

Indeed they have. Kami said. However, the situation is different from what it was…

And so Roshi sat there, listening as Kami explained it all.

So… Roshi tried to sum things up. Ox’s girl has been enhanced with Piccolo’s power and afflicted with his hatred, and yet she gains a slow mastery over herself. Ten is training under your guidance, improving his skill and technique. And you say that something is going to happen during the Tenkaichi Budokai. That we must be ready for anything.

Yes.

I… Roshi thought for a moment. He hadn’t experienced such unease in decades. The boys are not ready. They can barely handle their weight training— they’re not getting used to the weights at all. I’m not sure I can prepare them for this— not for such an enormous threat!

You must. Kami urged, his tone unwavering. The tournament approaches. It will be a battlefield unlike any they have faced.

Roshi stood in silence, absorbing Kami’s revelations about the gravity of King Piccolo’s return and the impending danger. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily upon him as he contemplated the task ahead.

There is cause to be at ease, however. Kami’s voice resonated in Roshi’s mind once more, this time with a hint of amusement. The reason the boys struggle with their training is not what it seems.

Roshi furrowed his brow in confusion. What do you mean?

He heard Kami’s soft chuckle in his mind, the sound carrying an otherworldly warmth. Through the request of Ten, I have been subtly adding more weight to their turtle shell over the months, pushing them constantly to break through their limits. They have shown remarkable resilience and determination, and I have judged them worthy of such challenges. They are far stronger than you realize.

Understanding dawned on Roshi’s face, mingled with a sense of relief.

“So that’s why…” He murmured to himself, his earlier doubts starting to dissipate. He’d begun wondering, for some time, whether his methods were as effective as he remembered.

It was an honest relief to know that he wasn’t wrong.

Yes. Kami confirmed. They may not realize it, but they have been preparing for this whole time. Whether they will be ready in a month, however, is something only you can do.

Roshi took a deep breath, his resolve strengthening once more. Very well, Kami. I will do everything in my power to prepare them.

That is all I can ask for. Kami replied solemnly. The fate of the Earth could rest in their hands, if my own charges fail.

Roshi nodded resolutely. I understand.

As Kami’s presence faded from his mind, Roshi turned his gaze outside, where Goku and Krillin were struggling with their pushups. He got up, though he took one final, regretful look at Launch before heading out to the training field.

“All right boys! Time for some more advanced training.”

The things I do to save the world. He thought as the two boys stopped in an instant, staring at him with wide eyes.

“Tell me, what do you know about the Kamehameha…?”