Shen, along with Launch, are at the doorsteps of the Namekian Grand Elder's residence—a two-story spherical white building, Its a common design, typical throughout the universe.
The two humans are on the cusp of meeting one of the wisest individuals in the entire universe, but someone stands in their way—Nail, the sole guard of the Grand Elder is barring them from proceeding any further.
"Now, now, don't be so quick to dismiss us. Let us meet the Grand Elder first." Shen is conversing with the guard. well at-least he is attempting to do so.
"No! Not possible. Please turn around and leave."
"Ah! I was saying, why don't we cooperate?" It is the blue haired Launch who speaks up this time. "If we work together, we can find a solution, right?" She is worried a fight may break out anytime now, between the two.
To avoid her causing a scene in this place, Shen had taken precautions ahead of arriving here. Without the other, blonde haired Launch noticing, he had sneakily made her sneeze using some fluffy pollen and changed her personality, ensuring the girl wouldn't cause any sort of commotion at this important place.
Nail is getting annoyed by the two pesky aliens. (A/N- humans are aliens to him)
"You! I said leave, right this instant!" Without warning, Nail fires his ki at point-blank range toward the two intruders.
"Kyaaa!!" Launch screams in horror, yet, "Ara~! Nothing happened..."
Shen had quickly grabbed Launch out of harm's way and immediately deployed an invisible dome made entirely out of his psychic energy around them, shielding them both using psychic powers. It is a brand-new technique he developed during his stay in King Kai's planet..
On the other hand, in the case of Nail: "That was just a warning. Leave before I get serious." his intentions are clear.
"It seems we can't solve this with words," Shen mutters, squeezing his muscles, ready to retaliate.
"Nail, enough!" An elderly man's voice echoes in their heads, most likely through telepathy. 'How could you attack our guests unprovoked like that?"
"But, Grand Elder-sama," the guard tries to protest, but the elder is also adamant "It is fine. Let them come in."
Reluctantly, Nail does as he is told.
Shen and Launch are now in front of the Grand Elder, Guru. He is a giant, especially compared to a regular Human or a Namekian.
Behind them, Nail has his head down, but his eyes look up, pointing daggers at the two, although his expression indicates more dissatisfaction and worry rather than actual hostility. His vigilant gaze reveals the loyalty of a devoted servant.
The air is heavy. The Grand Elder, bedridden in a chair, shows signs of time catching up with him.
Shen senses Guru's knowing smile fall on him.
He then proposes a deal: in exchange for Guru unlocking the two of their; Launch and Shen's hidden potential, using his mystical powers, the Earthling will help extend the old Namekian's life using all of Earth's resources and brightest minds.
One shouldn't underestimate earth's geniuses just because superficially, on the basis of visible development indication, Earth may outwardly seem like a backward planet, however one shouldn't be very quick in judgement, Dr Brief who made the hoi poi capsule is one prime example.
The Namekian elder, however, initially rejects the proposal, stating that no medicine or any special method can prevent old age from consuming oneself. Everyone's time eventually comes; his just happens to be near.
Guru is even willing to unlock their potential without asking for anything in return. Still, when Shen and even his guard Nail insist on trying out the medical help of earth, the elder is left with no choice but to agree to the youngsters' request.
Placing his hand on Shen's head, the elder's mysterious smile becomes even more pronounced. maybe he saw something in Shen, 'could he have unearthed my secret?' Shen ponders.
The two humans are left speechless after having their potential unlocked. Even the guard, Nail, is too astonished to speak. Shen's power has essentially skyrocketed. He estimates that even Frieza, in his weaker form, wouldn't be able to contend with the current him—this without Shen even using Kaioken to multiply his strength.
In addition, if Shen stacks Kaioken and techniques like Kikoho on top, he might just defeat Frieza—though this doesn't take into account the alien's final form.
Shen looks pleased with the results and is grateful to Elder Guru. 'Considering the threats I may face in the future, this increase in power will be a lifesaver' he reflects in his heart.
(A/N: Don't worry, I won't make the weak version of Frieza into a major villain and bore you like the thousands of times it's been done before. There are more threatening villains I have in mind.)
Not wanting to overstay their welcome, Shen notices how tightly Nail is clenching his fists, likely worried about what other requests these humans might have. Their business on the planet finished, Shen and Launch take off again.
Inside the ship, Shen gazes through the small window at the quickly shrinking Planet Namek, now a mere dot in space. His mind is already focused on their next destination.
'Planet Cereal should be somewhat familiar to every Dragon Ball fan. Though, most casual fans probably wouldn't know much beyond its name—at least that was the case when I was alive.'
.
.
.
Earth... Dragon Tower...
Before leaving the planet, Shen had used Earth's Dragon Balls to make a wish to Shenron.
His disciple Giran thinks about this while looking at the monitor showing people climbing the Dragon Tower.
A pack of chips in hand, he eats the last piece and stands up.
'Well, I better start doing what Master told me—expanding the hideout and making it more visible to the general public. It's about time I get to work.'
Now that the whole world knows about them and martial arts culture is spreading worldwide, keeping the hideout secret feels counterintuitive. Opening up to the world to inspire competitiveness is the logical next step.
Moreover, it's inconvenient to constantly use a submarine to enter and exit what is essentially their home. It's also tedious to transport daily necessities and Dr. Flappe's inventions through a narrow underwater cavern.
Giran had wanted to use the Dragon Balls for this task, but Shen denied the request, warning against relying too heavily on them due to the unforeseen consequences they may potentially harbor, if overused.
This time, there's no Launch to assist him, and he refrains from requesting help from Dr. Brief or Kami. Instead, he uses Master Shen's Crane Enterprise, Dr. Flappe's inventions, and newly manufactured work-bots. Alongside them are fellow Crane School disciples—Violet, Silver, and especially Blue and Tien Shinhan, whose psychic abilities are particularly invaluable.
In the first place, one may ask... why build a new school, when they can simply return to the old Crane School's location, where the previous Master Shen used to reside? And even before that, why build a secret hideout? Why recruit disciples instead of using resources on more productive things?
Bluntly stated: it's all wish fulfillment. People are simple creatures, filled with childish dreams. Shen is no exception. There's a notion that adults are supposed to be logical and perfect, however people are inherently illogical and selfish. Everyone is, Shen included.
For most people, what were once desires become regrets. Do kids just suddenly grow up when they turn 18? No. They grow up when they learn to hide their true selves—masking playfulness with a layer of stoicism.
Now that Shen has the resources and ability, he wants to build a giant tower, a hideout, robots, and a grand symbol of his school. Why? Of course, because he can.
***Pov...
[ It has already been more than six months since I became a disciple of Master Shen. Six months ago, I knew nothing about martial arts... now, I am aware of many new things. Every day, I learn from my seniors at the school.
During all this time, the days at the school have always been the same. Some days get boring, but most of the time, it's fun. I wish my mother were here, living with us.
Today, Senior Brother Giran has gathered us from the hideout along with a lot of other people to do some work on a tiny island near our underwater school. It is Senior Brother Namu who brought us here after he received the call.
The sun is shining bright as always. The workers, along with us junior disciples currently in training, are waiting for orders.
Senior Brother Giran and Senior Brother Namu are hovering above in the sky, discussing things. I can't see them properly because of the sun.
I don't remember the last time I saw so many people together. Normally, I only see a few people at the hideout.
Everyone is a senior to me, as I am the last one to join our school. They all call me a kid, even though I'm already five years old.
Brother Blue, who is older than me, is standing right beside me. He looks worried for some reason...
"Oi, Tien!" he says, turning toward me and kicking off a conversation, "Wanna bet with me?"
"Bet?" I ask, confused.
"Yes, bet," he replies. "A competition between us. A lot of the work assigned to us will probably require our specific abilities, like going deep underwater to remove large rocks or levitating soil and mud to move them around.
I listen closely to what he's saying.
"So, the bet is that the one who accomplishes the most work will win. Whoever loses will have to do something the winner orders. If you win and I lose, I'll do anything you tell me to do. What do you say? Deal?"
After thinking about it for a while, I respond, "Deal." It's not a problem even if I lose; what could he really ask me to do? It probably won't be that hard, right? I think it's fine... but should I be worried?
I've wanted to learn more powerful new moves for so long, but Senior Brother Namu and Master Shen never taught me anything beyond basic martial arts. This could be the perfect chance for me.
I overheard Master Shen talking to the two senior brothers—apparently, new disciples will be joining our school. When they arrive, I won't be the youngest disciple anymore. That means I'll have to work extra hard not to be overtaken by them.
I have to keep improving... If I don't, it will be bad. I'm already five years old, but I'm still so weak compared to the older disciples, who are just a batch senior to me. Time is running out. I have to be strong.
...
Senior Giran and Namu land from the sky. Brother Blue walks up to them and says something in a low voice, but I can't hear what he said.
The two senior brothers, standing at a distance, look at me, confused. "Tien! Is it true you want to work together with Blue?" Senior Namu asks loudly.
"Yes!" I reply.
Right at that moment, I feel a cold sweat slide down my back. Weird!
After that, everyone gets to work immediately.]
...Pov***
{Key Overview of the New Crane School's Construction - Source: Compilation of Giran's Report to Shen}
The project is set to begin on a tiny uninhabited island, about 1 km away from the hideout. Since it is such a small landmass unfit for large-scale development, the plan is to expand the island by reclaiming land from the ocean. After the initial phase, the land can be further expanded as needed.
The process will be difficult, but the site chosen for construction is in relatively shallow waters—among the shallowest in the nearby ocean, making it an ideal location under the circumstances.
Week 1 and 2
Construction begins with Tien and Blue working together to transport large stones from closest islands where they are abundant. A large fleet of transport ships assists in the effort. Tien and Blue float the giant stones and place them on the ships, which then bring the stones to the construction site.
Once the stones are delivered, the remaining workers, with the help of heavy machinery and the martial artists' unique abilities, will use the stones, sand, gravel, and soil to reclaim land from the ocean and expand the foundation.
By the end of the second week, the area has expanded to nearly 600 meters.
Week 3
After the initial reclamation, reinforcement begins with the construction of a seawall in high-risk areas where tides are especially harsh. Sea barricades at the base of the land, underwater, will also aid in stabilization.
Week 4
Further filling of the newly formed land with soil creates a large mound, raising the elevation slightly. This slope will be essential in case of a rise in sea level, as it is always better to be safe.
Weeks 5–7
The foundation of the school building is finally laid. Starting with a simple five-story circular structure, covering exactly 200 meters in all directions, it is placed at the highest point of the island—at the center. Made with extremely durable materials, this building will serve as a platform for the main symbol of the island: a grand pagoda.
A grand stone stair-way is also built at the front of this building, leading straight to the top, with entrances to the building at either side of the stairs.. Later on, an elevator will be added to connect the building below, directly to the inside of the pagoda.
These five levels of the building will serve as the ideal location for the disciples' training hall, sleeping areas, and other school facilities. It took longer than expected to prepare this building.
____________