Part 1, Chapter 5: Training Before the Battle!

Welcome to boot camp, kids. Ready to go from wimps to warriors?!

Y-Yes, sir! Nappa, sir! Thank you, sir!

The runt's really on board.

Tch.

Okay, coach. What's on the training menu for today?

Nothing pleases me more than to see students taking the initiative! To reward you... let's start NOW!

W-We're starting? Already?!

Is he serious? It's only been ten minutes since we took the test!

Nappa. About as smart as a rock... but tough as one too.

Are you gonna be providing commentary the whole time, or do you plan on contributing a little?

This is Nappa's little spree. To me, those WEAKLINGS, are still just that!

Ugh. Like arguing with a stop sign... That's a real turn-off, you know?

*stifled laughter*

What's got you in stitches, space boy?

...Nothing. Nothing at all!

Will someone stop that woman's incessant blathering?!

You! Sorry excuse for a Saiyan! Turn off that blasted communicator before my ears begin to bleed!

As far as I'm concerned, you're BOTH too loud! Also, I don't know a thing about gadgets. Sorry.

Good! 'Cause you won't need any while we're training! Now, what should we start with...?

We just finished the test. Would it hurt to take a break? ...Just a teeny one?

Ha! Outta gas already? That test was nothing! What you lot need is stamina!

...An agonizing battle of attrition will give you just that! Who's up for a virtually endless mashing?!

Another fight? We just got done getting the crap kicked out of us! What we need is res...

More enemies! Way ahead of you. See these? Saibaman seeds!

Screw the Saibamen and LISTEN to me for a second, you big lump!

Ga ha ha! A master must make his students look weakness in the eye... AND SMASH IT!

You ready to rumble? Actually, I don't care! Let's just go!

This... won't be pretty.

You can say that again. Glad I hung back in the Capital.

Go on, boys! Break 'em in reaaaaal nice-like.

What's with this guy? Is he nuts or some kinda sadist? ...Or both?!

Cut the whining! If you wanna be like me, consider this step one!

For the fifteenth time, I DON'T!

Good job! You deserve seconds! Here ya go!

H-He's insane. Worst coach ever is an understatement!

Agh! Screw this meathead! You wanna play rough? Fine!

Ga ha ha! That's the spirit! Keep fighting 'til you drop! You'll get stronger. Oh, I guarantee it!

Call me crazy, but I don't think this guy's trained anyone before.

Yeah. You THINK?!

I've had enough of this mutated cabbage patch! Bring it! I'll put all of you back in the ground!

Nappa isn't the only one that's fired up. Geez Louise...

*pant pant* I can't... keep this up!

On second thought, parting ways with Shallot would've been much, much better!

Great work, boys! So great, I think you're ready for your next lesson!

Enough, Nappa! You're wasting Saibamen!

Darn. You got off easy, boys. Saved by the yell, eh?

*gasp* *pant* Th... That all you got? I was just... getting started...!

Shut your face, Shallot! This guy's stupid enough to take you seriously!

*gasp* *sputter* I'll admit... this training's crazy. But it'll get us damn strong!

At this rate, I'll be punching holes in Raditz before dinner!

Whazzat? Radish boy's out here too?!

Huh?

You know Raditz?

Vegeta! What do you make of this?

Doesn't matter. Our mission remains the same. We train these buffoons.

You're the ringleader of this godawful mess. It's your responsibility to see it through.

Don't you worry. These punks are pretty tough. Putting 'em through the wringer is strangely satisfying!

Okay, ladies! Break's over! You do wanna rip Raditz a new one, right?

What? You can't be...

Eh. Screw it. Whatever you've got, I can take it!

Stop egging him on, you twit!

Hyaaagh!

Wow. Bwa ha ha! You're actually not THAT pathetic anymore!

Nappa, the carefree dolt. He's actually enjoying his role as teacher.

You won't find any enjoyment here.

Speak for yourself. I'm starting to like this!

Hmph. Birds of a feather. Two inexplicably dumb birds...

Can't you say ANYTHING positive? I bet you don't have any friends!

I merely find this display of camaraderie as vulgar as it is useless. And I do not require friends!

Bulma? Don't give Vegeta an excuse to fry us! Because he will. He so will.

I'd rather die in a more meaningful way, thank you!

Glad to see training is moving along swimmingly!

Holy, Since when were you here, Whis?

You! What is your business here?

Ho ho ho! I'm here on Lord Beerus' behalf. The almighty destroyer requests you "pick up the pace."

And how, pray tell?

On the final day of training there will be a test.

This test will pit all trainees against you, Vegeta.

Vegeta? You're kidding!

Pah! Against them? They might as well be six feet under already!

Should they fail, thus proving their training to be insufficient...

You will shoulder the blame, dear prince, and may very well be destroyed.

WHAT?!

Lord Beerus' words, not mine. Happy training, boys! Buh-bye!

...

Whoa. Check out the look on Vegeta. Never seen him like that.

Now THIS is rich!

...worms.

Come again?

Get back to training, you worms! I'm not running a damned lounge! This time, I'LL be beating you into shape!

What? ...WHAT?!

But don't get the wrong idea. You will NEVER compare to me. The notion of me losing is a mathematical impossibility!

Do you want us to pass or not? Make up your mind already!

Surely you're more competent than this! I'm not even trying!

Vegeta's really getting into it! I'd better step my game up!

Round two, ladies! Don't drop those dukes!

This is beyond insane! You trying to kill us?

You're damned right I am! Every time a Saiyan is forced to grapple with his mortality, he comes back stronger!

Fight until you are an inch from death! Only then will you truly grow as a warrior!

(A brush with death makes them stronger...?)

Are you okay? You got pretty banged up earlier.

Better than okay. Heck, I feel better than BEFORE I got ruined.

(Those Saiyan genes must be why Shallot can power up at such a beastly pace.)

Hold the phone. I'm not a Saiyan! I'll die before this is all over!

Aaaaaagh! Heeeelp!

We're in the final stretch of your training. Compared to your pitiful earlier selves, you've come far.

Y-You think? Gee thanks, Vegeta, Nappa!

Don't thank me just yet! This is where things get grisly.

Nappa! Fight these nitwits at full power. That's FULL power, got it?

You sure about this, Vegeta? What if I, er... kill 'em dead?

Yeah, what IF you "kill 'em dead"? Beerus won't be happy about that!

If Nappa can knock them off, they would fail the final test anyway. Meaning I'm good as dead too.

Fight for your lives... so that we may ALL live. Got that?!

He's got a point. Astoundingly logical, for a coldblooded killer.

Don't compliment him, you oaf!

Will you can it, Bulma? The plan's fine by me.

I can see the moxie in your eyes, boy! Guess you're ready for an epic bashing?

Guess so. I've gotten used to almost dying every other minute. Geez, will you listen to me? This IS crazy.

I've gotten used to it too. Yeah, a scary thought. Ha ha...

...Don't look at me. You won't catch me laughing.

Ready or not, here I come! Try to survive a few wallops, will you? Make it fun for me too?

Right back at you! And don't you dare hold back!

Nrrrrraaaagh! The... hell?!

We... won!

We did it! We really did it! We beat Nappa!

(They toppled Nappa at full strength! Unbelievable!)

(I see why Beerus coddles the boy. His fighting instinct and raw potential are unprecedented.)

I trust Nappa's crumpled body speaks for itself, eh, Vegeta?

Let's hope your confidence holds until tomorrow. The real test is yet to come.

Pssht. As if I didn't know that.

I look forward to our match, Vegeta! ...Er, Vegeta, sir!

Our dignified master's been laid out flat. Shouldn't we get him to a...

That idiot will be up and about soon enough.

Whew! I felt that one! Who woulda thought these greenhorns'd put me out for the ten count?

See? Like I said.

Uh. I knew he was tough... but this is next-level tough.

I've been waiting.

Guys? Is that really you? You look nothing like before!

I'll say. The video images can't hold a candle to the real thing.

As requested, I have fashioned these amateurs into capable warriors.

Vegeta! Why cower in front of this scrawny... cat... thing?

Nappa, you imbecile! Shut your mouth before our atoms get split!

Let's skip to the show, shall we? I want to see what this scruffy squad can do.

The test will now commence. I trust all participants are ready?

Yep!

It's now or never!

Like it or not, this has gotta go down...

Before we do battle, I'll say this.

I take back my earlier assessment. You are not low-level trash.

Make no mistake, you are still impudent brats! But... warriors, nonetheless! And I intend to engage you as such.

Therefore, I will NOT tolerate a poor show! Fight with the intent to kill! Do you understand?!

Y-Yes, sir!

I wouldn't have it any other way!

Gaaaagh?!

Game set and match.

*gasp* *pant* Did we... actually... win?!

I should have known better than to risk these odds! What an upset.

Uh, we'd never go toe-to-toe with you ALONE. Instant fatality.

Though it pains me to admit it, that was my best. You pass the test. There, happy?!

Very. Your task is now complete. Well done, Vegeta.

What a waste. Do we have to hand these guys over to the cat man, Vegeta?

That we do, Nappa. But mark my words... we will meet them again. I know it.

I can't thank you guys enough. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask!

Pah! The pipsqueak thinks he can help us!

I'm the master here. No help required, thank you! Ga ha har!

Nappa, the fool. He's taken on these imbeciles' sentimentality!

Oh? And you haven't?

Correct. The sight of a weak Saiyan sickens me. Nothing more.

That so? Either way, some thanks are in order. You really helped us out.

You can thank me by not dying the second you set foot out there, thus voiding our efforts.

Take care, you rascals!

Yeah. You too... master.

Are we done? Need a hanky?

Next on the agenda... a decisive showdown with Raditz himself.

Good! Because I'm ready to mangle him something fierce!

I hope so. We have to come out on top in this tournament. Plus, ol' "master" wouldn't have it any other way.

You said it!

Speaking of Raditz, where the heck is he?

A ways away from here. But by air, we could reach him in a matter of minutes.

And how do you know that? This another one of your voodoo tricks?

Shallot, don't tell me you...

Can't sense Ki. Unbelievable... considering how strong he's gotten.

...Senski? Who's that?

"Sensing Ki" is a technique Earthlings excel at...and is foreign to Saiyan culture entirely.

Hey, I'm from Earth! Why haven't I heard of this?

It's true! My dad's a Saiyan, but he can sense Ki no problem!

First you focus... Then you sweep your surroundings, as if you could see with your whole body.

Okay. Focus... See with body...

I knew the kid was big on brawn... but to think he actually had no brain at all.

Put a sock in it! I'm trying to concentrate!

...

Gotcha! He's over there!

Okay! Let's go!

Oh, but not you, Bulma, Jaco.

You guys stay here. So you don't, you know. Die and stuff.

Gee, could you be blunter? Fighting Saiyans isn't my idea of fun, anyway.

Knock his block off, Shallot!

Tch. Not here either!

There's the brute. He's demolishing the city...!

Son of a... Stop right now!

What's this? Kakarot's brat? And that Saiyan failure from before!

Come to lay your heads on the chopping block? How kind. Saves me the trouble of smoking you out!

Is that why you were torching the city?

That's horrible! You'd wreck an entire city just to find three people?

You have only yourselves to blame. Because of your little vanishing act, I had to make this town vanish.

...

...Along with the people in it. Keh heh heh!

Shut up. Not another word.

Hm?!

You monster.

Parasite!

I'm gonna end you!

What's with this kid?!

You'll regret writing us off as weaklings...

...demolishing this city...

...and running into ME!

I don't get it! How is he...?!

I told you to shut your trap! I guess I'll shut it for you...permanently!

You ready for a fight? Too bad... 'Cause this will be a MASSACRE!

Gwahaagh!

*pant* H-How do you like me now? You're done, Raditz! I... beat you!

Grrngh...! I've seen such techniques before!

He sent you! Yes, this is HIS doing!

Vegeta! The damned schemer!

Huh?!

Grngh... AAAAGH...!!!

The hell just happened to him?

His Ki is nothing like before. It's... scary!

*slow exhale*

Is the whole universe out to thwart my vengeance?!

I'll slaughter you all! Vegeta and Nappa too!

None will stand in my way again!

Let the blood flow!

He's coming! Shallot, Gohan!

Finish him, Gohan! Now!

Haaaaa!

Masenkoooooo!

Dammit! Damn it...

...ALL!!!

*pant*

NOW he's done. And not a second too soon.

Is it safe to breath easy? Good.

I still don't get how he powered up at the end like that.

Yeah. His Ki suddenly skyrocketed.

That smelled like all kinds of danger. My nose is still tingling.

Whatever happened...it's finally over. Case closed.

Look who's back.

Hey, Shallot! Glad to see you're in one piece. I take it you juiced Raditz?

You bet! He's nothing more than a burn mark now.

Meaning Gohan's task of avenging Piccolo is hereby complete.

What will you do now?

Good question. I was thinking of a meal and a nap. I'm pooped!

I meant long-term goals. Got any?

Getting stronger, I suppose. To survive the tournament. But I think that applies to everyone here.

With no memory and all, I honestly don't know.

Even if I won this thing, I'm not sure what I'd wish for. What about you, Gohan?

I...

Will train with me. Same as always, no matter the era.

P-Piccolo?!

Up and about already?

I've slept for far too long actually.

But, I'm done with babysitting strangers, let alone a bunch of weaklings who can't even sense Ki.

His attitude is making me severely regret being so generous.

Lord Beerus, might I remind you that...

Yeah, yeah. He doesn't know me yet.

(Hm? I can't sense their Ki... But they've got this air of fathomless power... Just who are they?!)

Piccolo! You won't believe it, but I've gotten way stronger!

I certainly can and, will. Good job, Gohan.

Piccolo? Can I ask a favor?

A favor? Name it.

While we train, I'd like to look for my dad.

Goku, eh? He may very well have come to this age too.

Frankly, you shouldn't get your hopes up. Goku is despised by villains of all eras.

Multiple versions of your Saiyan hero likely made it here. What's not likely... is their survival.

Goku. Always with a target on his back. Karma works in strange ways.

I know it's a gamble. But I still wanna find Dad!

I know he's out there. Even in a crisis like this... he'd never give up!

Junior's got a point.

Normally I would never cooperate with the likes of Goku.

But this case is special. We need his strength. All right, Gohan. Let's look for your father.

The old Piccolo was a real Negative Nancy.

That's an understatement. But time with Goku really changed him.

Now that we have a goal, let's get to accomplishing it. Enough hanging around here.

Hey, you. Green man.

What?

Be nice to Gohan. It wouldn't kill you.

Hmph. Mind your business.

Thanks for everything, guys! Take care!

He's the spitting image of his dad, right down to the way he takes off. Not an ounce of doubt in him.

I'm of the same mind as Shallot. I could kill for some eats and a snooze.

The perfect excuse to hit the town! What do you say, boys?

Music to my ears! I just hope my stomach can withstand the epic stuffing that's about to occur!