With everything finally sorted at the company, I began to take stock of what had changed during my absence.
Thanks to my influence, Dr. Brief had made leaps in technology years ahead of schedule—micro-capsules, advanced robotics, hover vehicles.
The world was already reshaping itself, sparking competition that pushed companies to innovate faster than ever. And it was partly due to our collaboration, the many late nights of research, the constant exchange of ideas.
Meanwhile, the media and gaming industries had expanded at a staggering rate, with countless developers flooding the market.
My previous ventures might not sustain their value in such a crowded field. To stay relevant, I'd have to launch new, groundbreaking ideas—investment apps, editing software, even platforms that could alter the media landscape. It was time to get creative.
---
Four months later, after setting a steady course for the company, I handed Mia a thick, leather-bound notebook filled with meticulous notes.
"Mia, I've written down every potential problem you could face and how to handle them.
If there's an issue, you'll find a solution in here. And if something comes up that you can't solve, then contact me."
I placed a hand on her shoulder, steadying myself.
"I'm also giving you the authority to run everything if I'm unavailable. Make the calls you need to."
She looked at me, her eyes wide in shock. "Boss! Are you… leaving again?"
"Yes, Mia. There's more I need to learn. More strength to gain."
Her brow furrowed as she searched my face. "Why, Boss? Why chase power like this?"
I hesitated but decided to tell her part of the truth. "Mia, as a martial artist, I have a sense that Earth may face threats in the future. And I need to be ready. To protect it."
She narrowed her eyes, her doubt evident. "As if…" she murmured with an exasperated look.
"Mia, one last request. I need thirty billion zeni to make something crucial for my training. I promise, next time we meet, you'll see the results."
"Thirty billion?" she repeated, visibly struggling to grasp what I could need it for. But she nodded. "I'll make it happen."
With that, I lifted myself into the air, letting the wind sweep past me as I looked down at her one last time. She stared up, her mouth hanging open in shock as I rocketed skyward, her disbelief carrying up to me.
"Good heavens!" she gasped. "What… on… earth…?"
---
I flew for miles, relishing the freedom and power in every muscle as I neared my destination: a tiny, secluded island. Master Roshi's Kame House.
As soon as I touched down on the sandy shore, I saw the old turtle hermit emerging from his house, jumping with excitement before pausing in confusion.
"You've got the same energy as Kairos, but… your appearance…"
I realized my transformation had even changed my face. "Master, it's me. Kairos."
His face softened with recognition, and I quickly crafted a simple story about the "experiment" that changed my appearance. He nodded, convinced by the familiarity of my energy.
After a long chat, I finally cut to the chase.
"Master, I've gained strength too quickly, and my body can't keep up. My movements… they lack the precision I once had."
He looked at me for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully.
"Very well, Kairos. Show me your skill."
He motioned for me to step back, taking his stance a hundred meters away on the sand.
I stretched my limbs, focusing on sealing my power to match his level, craving the thrill of a challenging match.
---
Our sparring session began with a mutual rush forward, sand kicked up in clouds around us.
Master Roshi's experience became immediately evident; each of his moves was a masterclass in efficiency, flowing seamlessly into the next.
Despite my speed and power, he outmatched me in finesse, countering my attacks with a calculated grace that left me reeling.
I pressed harder, fighting with every ounce of strength, refusing to back down. I could feel my blood boiling with excitement as we exchanged blows, each one testing the boundaries of my new body.
His technique was flawless, his movements so refined that I struggled to keep pace, and I found myself on the defensive. Blood trickled from my mouth, my muscles straining against his unrelenting barrage. Despite my Saiyan endurance, I was beginning to falter.
Just when it felt like he'd cornered me completely, something inside me sharpened. My senses adjusted. The punches came into focus, their rhythm and cadence clearer. I moved more naturally, my fighting sense evolving, instinct taking over.
Roshi's eyes flashed with a glint of recognition as he caught my improvement. And in a flash of cunning, he slowed, putting his hands up. "Enough, Kairos. That's enough for today. You took a heavy beating, and pushing yourself further might strain your body."
I opened my mouth to protest but thought better of it. The match had ended as a draw, and I could tell Master Roshi had planned it that way. He'd seen the potential of my power and had chosen to end it before I could turn the tide.
As I sat on the sand, catching my breath, Roshi leaned over. "It seems you're hiding more strength than you're letting on," he said, a knowing smirk crossing his face. "But I also see that after three years without practice, your movements have stiffened. You're rusty, Kairos."
I nodded, feeling a newfound humility under his gaze. "Master, what should I do?"
He thought for a moment, stroking his beard. "Start with the basics. Wear weighted bands—four of them, each weighing forty kilos. And a body armor weighing one hundred kilos. Run a hundred kilometers each day, and do ten thousand push-ups. That should help you master control over your movements."
His eyes glinted. "Once you can move with precision, I'll teach you a few skills worthy of your strength."
A fire ignited in my chest at his words. I was closer to reaching my potential, to controlling this power fully.
---
Finally, I took a moment to check my status panel.
---
**No Pain No Gain**
Name: Kairos
Year: 743
Power: 2407
Life Stage: 0.001
Intelligence: 330
Endurance: 1900
Ability: None
Techniques: Floating Technique (Level 2), Ki (Level 6), Afterimage Fist (Level 2)
Bloodline: Half-Human Saiyan
Physique: Half-Human Saiyan
Evolution Stage: 0.006
Talents:
Mechanical Engineer (Level 7)
Biological Researcher (Level 8)
Mathematician (Level 8)
Cellular Biologist (Level 9)
Researcher (Level 7)
Accounting (Level 4)
Programming (Level 4)
Coding (Level 7)
Genetic Engineering (Level 6)
Gene Expression Data Analyst (Level 5)
---
I laughed, the reality sinking in. My endurance had increased, and my body had adapted. But getting stronger by taking beatings wasn't exactly a habit I wanted to develop. I didn't have Vegeta's taste for that.
Looking up at the sky, I felt my resolve settle. I'd train, harder than I ever had, and soon, I'd be ready for the battles I sensed were coming.