Part 1, Chapter 4: The Saiyan's Teacher

Whoa! Is this the same as that trick you used earlier?!

Are you kidding?! My magic is dwarfed by such...awesome...

Wait just a minute! Why did you bring me along too?

Training is more effective with greater numbers. Anyway, we should find them camped around here.

... Who the hell are you? Identify yourselves!

I-Is that...our master?!

Indeed. He is also a Saiyan. What better way to learn how a Saiyan fights?

Hi, Vegeta. I had a little favor to ask...

A favor? You suddenly wander up and begin by insulting me... You must have a death wish!

Wow, Vegeta...That's quite a mouth you've developed!

... Beerus, this Vegeta is from before you were reunited, and doesn't remember you.

Ngh... This is so confusing! I'm tired of time getting twisted... Listen, my name is Beerus!

Your dad gave me quite a feast. ... Do you remember that?

Beerus? ... Beerus...! You mean, you're...?!

... S-So what does this Beerus want with me?!

... "This Beerus", huh? You still don't understand your place, I see.

Ungh... ... Grr...! ... S-Sorry...sir!

... Fine... As for my business, I want you to make these three into real fighters.

Wh-Why should I?

You can't refuse. If I say do it, then do it. Got that?

Nrrr... Ungh... Very well...sir...!

... I guess this Beerus fellow is pretty important, huh?

Well... he's full of self-importance, that much is for sure.

... Are you sure this guy should be our master at all?

... Tch! Hey! On your feet, Nappa!

Wha...? *yawn* What's up Vegeta? Enemies?

I want you to test this lot for me... Play with them, but don't kill them!

Huh?! Right now?! What's going on, Vegeta?

Shut up and do it!

*pant* Th-This guy is tough!

*yawn* This doesn't even work as a morning stretch! Why am I saddled with this?

I knew you were feeble, but this... Tch... How am I supposed to turn these worms into fighters?!

What was that?! Y-You dare insult me?!

Lowborn fool... Power speaks... I am the prince of all Saiyans! Watch your tongue with me!

Ugh...!

Okay... Let's head on home. Do a good job, Vegeta!

W-Wait a sec! I can't learn how to fight from a guy like this!

Beggars can't be choosers. Just be grateful I found you a master at all.

... Tell me, why are you going through all this trouble for me, anyway?

... Hmm... Well, I guess you're... an unusual case, that's all.

... Unusual?

Saiyans in this universe are known for their cruelty and belligerence.

To most, someone like Raditz would be a normal Saiyan.

... That guy is...normal?!

... This is crazy! I'll never be like him! I swear it!

... I thought so. That's what makes you unusual. And that's why I'm helping you.

... Pitiful! I've never seen a Saiyan so weak...You make me ashamed of my race!

Say that again!

... Good grief... Well, I found you a good master, so work hard and grow strong.

Ah... Testing. Testing. Okay! I have a clear video feed. Audio sounds good, too!

Wh-What in the world?! You're far off, but it's like you're right here! This feels gross!

What do you mean gross? ... Anyway, as long as you have this transceiver, we can talk no matter where we go!

... So, Shallot, how is this master you'll be training under?

Well, they're strong, at least. That much is for sure. But...

I have no patience for training talentless lowborn fools like you!

Who even wants to train under a jerk like you?!

J-Just calm down, Shallot! You can't pick a fight with your own master!

I'll show you who's master! And what are you, anyway? You're not even a Saiyan!

I didn't choose to be here, either!

B-But...if we don't train, Beerus will get mad at Vegeta and his friend, too!

Tch! I already know that! But at your level, you'd die in the middle of training!

Rrrgh! I'm tired of this! Let's just kill 'em all now!

S-Stop, Nappa! If you do that, we both end up dead!

Wh-Why not? This isn't like you, Vegeta... Are you sick or something?

... Enough! You are all too weak to even begin training! Come back when you're stronger!

*sigh* When it rains, it pours! Why does it always have to happen to me, though?

W-Well, we're the ones who barged in demanding training out of the blue.

I only got dragged into training here because of you all!

... Just stay calm. Well, it's only reasonable to balk at training under Vegeta.

Why even ask him to train us? I'd rather train on my own and come kick his butt later!

(Hey... We're starting to stray from our goal of beating Raditz.)

B-But how do we train with no master?

We can do our training without a dumb master yelling at us.

Huh? You mean on our own?

I can show you how we train at the Galactic Patrol!

... So, how do you train, anyway?

... Hey! Don't ignore me?

How? That's a tough question... Meditate... Hone your focus...

... Does that make you stronger? Have you even trained before?

I'm not a musclehead like you! I train my mind!

What about you, Gohan? You trained with that green guy, right?

Right! Back then... I fought Piccolo whenever I wasn't eating or sleeping!

... Your master was awfully strict.

Yeah...! That's a good idea! We can all spar and stuff together!

Sure!

... Please... I really don't like getting sweaty. I'll be meditating on my own.

Whoa, Shallot! You can't go 100% against a kid!

D-Don't be silly! This...kid is a real tough one!

You too, Shallot! I've never seen a style like yours! I'm learning a whole lot!

Y-You're unbelievable! And you're just a brat!

(... Still, even like this, we're nowhere near Raditz's level!)

(... Dang it! What's with everyone?! All the people I run into are absurdly powerful!)

... What is Zahha doing? He's just sitting around... Has he given up already?

Piccolo used to do that, too. He'd just sit there on his own. He said it was training.

Just sitting around? How does that make you stronger? Sounds like he's just being lazy.

That Piccolo guy got beaten up by Raditz, too, didn't he?

*sob*

... Shallot, you oaf!

... Ah!

... Even I caught that one. You should be ashamed, Shallot.

But...Piccolo...is really strong!

Ugh... Yeah, but he lost, right? I'm only saying what happened!

*sniff* *sob*

... Come on! That's no reason to cry! You're so annoying!

...

... Grr! You weren't like this when we were fighting a minute ago...

... You'd feel better with a full belly. I'll go grab some food... Stop crying before I get back!

...

... Shallot, if you feel that bad, you shouldn't have talked like that.

I don't feel bad!

Apologize to Gohan later! Got that?

... Tch. Leave me alone!

... *sigh*

...

Hi! How's the training going?

...!

... Oh, it's you... Are they done sparring, yet?

Bulma kept pestering me to come see how you were doing... Just taking it easy, huh?

I told you already, meditating like this is more important for me than sparring.

Strength is important, too. Sparring is a way better way to get stronger.

*sigh* It doesn't make a difference... You think you can match Raditz? Or even that guy Nappa?

... Hmph!

... Anyway, this is a good time. I'm gonna go.

Huh?! Y-You can't! We just got to know each other! Stay a while longer!

I've told you again and again, our paths happened to cross for a while, that's all.

I'm going to ponder on how to survive the upcoming battle in my own way. ... See you.

You coward! Are you chickening out on us?

... What was that?

Don't you have any pride? If we were stronger, Gohan's master wouldn't have gotten hurt!

... I don't like dealing in ifs. The weak will perish... Those are the rules for this battle!

So... Why did you save Gohan, then?

Because he's a child! Unlike Piccolo, he's not ready for this sort of thing!

C-Come on, now! We don't need to fight!

So it's fine if you're ready, huh? I don't buy that excuse from you for even a second!

That's because you're naive! If you're not ready for this fight, then stay out of it!

You think you can tell me that, you...!

Gotcha!

Wha...?!

Look out!

Aagh!

Shallot!

Tch! It seems I missed!

Wh-What was that noise? Sh-Shallot? Shallot!

You! How long have you been waiting for this chance?!

Heh heh heh! Well, there's no one around and you were shouting at each other so loudly!

Ch-Cheater! Sneaking up like that is cowardly!

Hmph! What does a kid know? Survival is all that matters in combat! Cowardice is just a word!

... He's completely right! In this game...surprising a foe is a valid option.

... But watching you now taught me something...how awful it feels to use that option!

I won't become a person that takes the lives of others from safety while never risking my own!

... Shallot!

... Ngh... Hm? Th-The pain is...

Hrrn?!

Shallot's wound healed up right in front of me!

"Cowardice is just a word." That's what you said, right?

In that case, you won't mind the three of us fighting you at once!

F-Fools! I'm the world's foremost assassin! You think three kids will be enough to stop me?!

... Let's find out! Don't go crying to Mommy!

(Wh-What's going on? I feel energy rushing through me? Did Zahha make this happen?)

Alright... You're cornered. Are you ready to meet your doom?

Rats! Well, it's come to this... Time to use that thing the weird alien sold me earlier!

Gi... Gigigigi!

Saibamen?! Where did you get those?!

L-Listen up! Hold them off while I get away!

You really are a coward!

Grr... He got away... He's a cunning old man.

... Oh, well. At least your injury seems to have healed, Shallot.

... Hm? Oh... Yeah... I guess so!

... That spell was the ace up my sleeve. I try keep that talent hidden.

... Hmph. Whatever you like! Don't expect me to thank you!

Oh, please... You aren't a child, you know!

... I don't expect thanks... Think of it as an apology. You're ready to risk your life. I understand that, now.

... Oh? I'm not sure you do understand. I don't wanna die.

You almost died trying to save my life just now! Are you...really that dense?!

That's enough! We were talking about something more important, Zahha!

... No, there's no need. ... I'll train with you.

... Huh? Why go along quietly now?

I thought of using tricks like that old man, but...that just isn't my style.

Sticking with you is my best chance at training for the time being.

... Heh. Is that so? Whatever you have to tell yourself!

... Shallot? Are you in a position to talk that way about Zahha? ... What do you think, Jaco?

Yes, I believe you're forgetting something you need to tell Gohan.

Hrmph...! F-Fine! But I'm doing this because I want to!

... ... Hey, Gohan!

...? Yeah?

... That old man slowed me down, but I'll get something tasty for you quickly.

... That'll make us even! Got that?

...! S-Sure!

You really are as stubborn as a mule! Can't you just say you're sorry?

Heh heh heh... Hey! Forgot about me, kids?! Did you think I was finished?!

... You are. Your wicked path stops here, Mercenary Tao!

What?! I-It's you!

Alright... back to training, this time with you in the mix!

Okay, but like I said, I'm not going to spar with you all forever.

... What was that? Listen up! You're in no position to argue!

And you have a right to talk? ... Wait, just hear my out.

If you already know your opponent's moves, spending too much time fighting them is a waste.

So...what do you mean?

In short, we need to challenge other survival game participants to train effectively.

Just say it straight, then! ... I mean, it's not a bad idea. Wanna go look for someone?

Yeah, but it looks like someone found us first.

Tien! There you are!

... Were you the ones fighting here earlier?

Hey... This guy looks strong. I can feel it from him!

... Ugh...!

...! That old man from before! So, you brought friends, did you?!

Wait, it doesn't look like that's the case, here.

That's right. I have no desire to fight you.

My name is Tien. This is Chiaotzu.

Hi there!

It seems that he caused you some trouble... ... We came to apologize.

You have a lot of nerve talking like that, traitor!

Even if you have lost your honor as a warrior, you are still my senior in training!

Our paths have diverged, but we came from the same school! I will remove stains on its name.

Hey. I don't understand any of this.

... I wouldn't expect you to.

... In any case, I'd like to make amends in any way I can.

Perfect! I know just the thing! We were looking for someone to train with. Come and fight us.

Huh?!

F-Fight to make amends?! Besides...are you okay? You were hurt pretty bad earlier.

Heh! I feel even better than before I took that shot!

A fight? Very well. If that's what you want, then I'll comply!

... Are you sure? You don't have to listen to Shallot's nonsense.

Of course. As a fighter, I'd like to test the strength of the ones who beat Tao.

Heh heh... Great, then! I'm glad this worked out!

Agh... Ow...! Y-You're tough! Ouch... Heh heh!

*pant* ... I'd say the same... about all of you!

You're all very strong!

B-B-But...! Th-These kids are one thing, but even Tien and Chiaotzu are this powerful?!

I'd like to stay and help out with your training some more, but I have to take Tao to the city.

Heh heh... Thanks for coming, Tien and Chiaotzu!

...

...? Wh-What is it? Is there something on my face?

... No, you just remind me of someone I know, that's all.

Anyway, we're off. Take care, everyone.

Thanks. Best of luck in your battles.

Heh heh... I could get used to this kind of training!

Yeah, it's not bad! Ha ha ha!

... It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but it's all right. We all benefited from it.

Polishing our skills like this should be better than constantly fighting the same foe.

Great! Let's get to it! Just you wait, Vegeta!

What're you doing here? Don't you know it's rude to interfere with a man's work?

We don't care if you're working! You're gonna help us train, you got that?!

Heh! You're too dumb to live! Come on and die, then!

You got it... Here I come!

Gyaaah!

You call that working? You're just stealing food.

That's one down! Okay! Who's next?!

Hey! Hand over your food and money if you don't wanna get hurt!

Nice! You look a lot tougher than that other food thief! Come on!

Y-You'll regret talking like this ...when you're six feet under!

Let's find out! Come and try me!

Rgyaaaagh!

And there's another! Keep 'em coming!

Th-This doesn't seem right... Isn't this what bandits do?

... W-Well, the people we're fighting are mostly bad guys, so we're like...vigilantes.

... Heh heh! All this fighting and I'm not even out of breath anymore!

... It's getting hard to cheer you on. I'm starting to feel sorry for the bad guys.

The fewer villains there are, the better. If it brings me no trouble, Shallot's training is fine by me.

When you say things like that, I wonder how elite you really are.

Anyway, Shallot's getting stronger right in front of our eyes! It's amazing!

Yeah, it started happening after Zahha patched me up! I've been feeling unusually good ever since...

... All my magic did was heal your injuries. It didn't make you stronger or anything.

(... But this really is strange. His strength has gone up dramatically after he was hurt.)

... Alright, let's try something!

Hm? What do you wanna try?

We've done enough training for now... Let's test our new limits against each other!

Now you're talking! Now that you mention in, the two of us haven't fought yet!

Then the time is ripe. A fight isn't all about strength... I'll prove it to you!

Hmph... Talk all you like! I'll show you once and for all which one of us is more powerful!

How's that?!

A-Amazing! Shallot is way more powerful!

Ugh... Hey! You're completely different from before!

(... Could it really be that my magic is what made him stronger?!)

(... No... This has to be related to the fact that he's a Saiyan.)

... Yeah! We're making progress! If we can keep this up, we'll be fine!

We can do it! I know it!

I really hope so...

... You dare show your faces again?

We're not here to beg for training, but we took a beating last time, and want to settle the score!

Quit pestering us. Picking on you is too easy to be any fun.

Why don't you try one more time to make sure?

Oh? You sure talk a big game.

I can guess from your attitude that your egos aren't the only thing to have developed.

What do you say, Vegeta? I'm tired of their faces. Let's smash 'em for good!

I told you before, if we kill them, then we're as good as dead ourselves!

Hmph! We're fine if they live, right? I'll just pound them until they can't move anymore!

Eep!

Hmph. Fine. If they can't fight, then there's no need to train them anymore, after all. Heh heh heh...

Are you kidding?! You are absolutely vile!

Listen, everyone! Forget them and come back home!

Stay out of this, Bulma... I want to teach these two a lesson... They'll learn my strength!

Fool! Beating Nappa would be an impossible task for someone of your level!

Hold on, Vegeta. If they aren't serious, then it won't be fun to knock 'em down a peg.

I'll make you a deal, not that it has a chance of happening!

If you land one solid hit on me, then I'll help you train! Gwa ha ha ha!

... Are you sure? I'll knock you into the clouds!

Heh... You're a bit quicker than before... But just a bit!

Dang it! I'm still not strong enough to fight him!

Well, low-born warriors have their limits! Go on and die, now!

Ungh!

... One day I'd like to be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you and fight... Keep at it!

...! I-I'm not gonna lie down... and die for you!

... I can't stand being weak! I don't know why, but I have to grow stronger!

... I need more power... to catch up... and push beyond!

Whaa-oh?!

...! What?!

... H-He landed a hit! A good, square blow! It has to be enough!

... You worm! That actually hurt!

*pant* Ngh! Even that wasn't enough?

... Listen up...

... You just said you need more power to catch up, didn't you?

Huh? I don't remember that! Did I?

You look up to me that much, do you? I guess you know your place!

... Huh? Whaa--?!

Great! I think I like you! You've got real guts!

D-Don't get the wrong idea, you creepy old man!

Don't call me old man! From now on, you can call me "master"!

Huh?! M-Master?!

Gwa ha ha! "Master"! I like how that sounds!

A deal is a deal! I'll take you on as a student, and beat you until you've learned all I know!

H-Hooray?

... *sigh*... And now Nappa's lost his mind, too!

Listen up! I didn't fight you because I wanted to become your student!

I know that! But you want to catch up with me! Couldn't be clearer than that! Gwa ha ha!

Would you listen?!

... I don't know how much of this I can take...