For Robert, Kara's emotional changes had become something he was accustomed to, or rather, something he chose to ignore. As long as Kara was willing to be his sparring partner, he wouldn't let her mood swings bother him, not even in his thoughts. That was a promise Robert made to himself and intended to keep.
Soon, Robert brought Kara to the Kent farm. The sudden visit from Kara left the Kents somewhat baffled. They instinctively thought Robert had brought home a girlfriend...
But could Robert really keep his secret? Almost at the same moment, a thought flashed through the Kent's minds, followed by worry.
"Mom, Dad, this is Clark's kin..." Robert hadn't realized the Kents were capable of such imaginative thoughts. Seeing them frozen in place, unsure of what to say, he introduced Kara's identity.
"Hello, uncle and auntie, my name is Kara. I'm Robert's classmate and also Carl's... I mean, Clark's cousin!" Facing the Kents, Kara switched to a more demure demeanor to introduce herself.
"Cousin?" The Kents nodded, then suddenly sensed something was off, scrutinizing Kara's age with an indescribable bewilderment.
The Kents: ·—··—·
"Let's go inside and talk!" Robert said helplessly, softly suggesting, "Mom, I'll help you with the cooking. Clark won't be coming back for dinner tonight..."
While Robert helped Martha with the cooking, he explained Kara's background and Clark's current situation. Kara sat quietly, curious about the energy Robert was demonstrating but refrained from asking questions.
After hearing Robert's story, the Kents were somewhat worried about Clark but knew that it was best for Clark to figure things out on his own. If Clark truly couldn't come to terms with his feelings, they would step in to guide him through his troubles.
After Martha and Robert were busy for a while, a hearty dinner was ready. Kara and the Kent family had a harmonious meal, which pleased the Kents. They were quite satisfied with Clark's cousin, despite her young appearance.
"It's getting late; I should be going now, Martha, Jonathan. I'll visit often!" After dinner, Kara warmly bid the Kents farewell.
"Leaving already? Robert, could you walk Kara out? It's dark, and it's not safe outside..." Martha hinted at Robert.
"Not safe?" Robert blinked, believing that no one could pose a threat to Kryptonians like Clark and Kara, whether through firearms, ammunition, or the recently heard spells.
Nonetheless, Robert stood up, as he still wanted to discuss the sparring matter with Kara.
Under the night sky, Robert and Kara walked outside. Kara stretched, showcasing her splendid figure, which Robert didn't notice as he was contemplating how to persuade her to be his sparring partner.
After all, Robert knew it was nearly impossible for a woman to be as belligerent as him, especially in the world of Dragon Ball where female fighters were few and far between, like early Ranchi, Chi-Chi, and later, Android 18, who gradually gave up their fighting capabilities for a more ordinary life.
Even Android 18, whose strength hadn't waned, was no exception. Robert, who participated in the Tournament of Power, replaced Android 18's spot.
Thus, Robert pondered how he could entice Kara...
Meanwhile, Kara was displeased because she stretched and Robert didn't notice, lost in his thoughts. She wondered if he was still thinking about food.
"I think the environment here is very nice. I plan to move nearby!" Kara took a deep breath to calm herself and mentioned her plans to Robert.
"Ah?" Robert was surprised, then visibly excited, saying eagerly, "That's great! If you move here, that would be wonderful. With your speed, we could go to school together every day!"
"You're looking forward to me moving here?" Kara blushed slightly, shyly asking Robert.
"Of course! Once you're here, you can train with me. We can spar and improve our strength together. How does that sound?" Robert was already envisioning the wonderful life that awaited them once Kara moved in.
First, they would train together to enhance their strength, and later, switch the sparring partner to Clark. With two Kryptonians as sparring partners, Robert believed his strength would advance by leaps and bounds!
However, this wonderful life was Robert's vision. Kara might not see it the same way...
"Swoosh!" Just as Robert was dreaming of a beautiful life, a sense of crisis hit him. Almost instinctively, he blocked in front of his chest, and then a punch landed on his arm.
"Boom!" Robert was sent flying, landing in the dirt in a somewhat embarrassing state, but he was unhurt.
"I'll fight your head off!" came Kara's annoyed voice. Before Robert could regain his senses, Kara had already vanished.
Kara: ヽ(｀⌒メ)ノ
Robert: (_???)
"Why are you angry again? Did you agree or not? At least give me an answer!" Robert was confused as he watched Kara leave. His training was important to him, but Kara, having heard his voice, didn't seem inclined to respond.
"Why is she angry again? Maybe Kryptonians think differently. After all, Clark isn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed..." Robert dusted himself off, rising from the ground, and mumbled to himself.
What? Hadn't Robert promised not to mutter under his breath about Kara's mood swings?
That was under the assumption that Kara agreed to be his sparring partner. Now, it was clear she was angry and hadn't agreed, so Robert didn't consider it breaking his promise.
Feeling helpless, Robert didn't head straight home but began training again. After all, he had already wasted some time on the way home, and the matter of Kara becoming his sparring partner remained undecided. Plus, the emergence of spells and the suspected appearance of the Holy Master made Robert feel a sense of urgency.
Although Robert didn't know where to find the Holy Master and spells, he believed that as long as he continued to improve his strength, he would eventually sense their presence.
Regarding unknown powerful beings whose origins and intentions were unclear, Robert wouldn't recklessly approach to avoid misunderstandings. However, for a villain like the Holy Master, Robert wouldn't hesitate to seize the opportunity for a good fight!