At the bottom floor, John lay down to rest for a while, taking out all the remaining rations to replenish his energy.
After resting, John walked up the stairs to the second floor, where he saw a large white cat lying on a bed, sleeping. This was the guardian of Karin Tower, Master Karin.
John knew that Master Karin must be aware of his arrival. However, since Master Karin did not wake up to summon him, John chose not to disturb him and instead found a clean spot nearby to sit cross-legged and meditate.
Of course, John's meditation was not about cultivating energy but about refining his mental state. In the Dragon Ball world, the accumulation of energy is related to the strength of one's physical body; the stronger one is, the more energy one can hold. Energy cannot be actively drawn from the air.
Master Karin had naturally sensed John's arrival. He did not get up to greet him as a test of John's character. If John had chosen to disturb him at that moment, Master Karin would have decided to teach him a lesson and send him down from Karin Tower.
However, if John did not disturb him, he would give him a chance; ultimately, how much he could learn would depend on his own understanding.
The next day, Master Karin finally woke up. He had intended to deliberately delay getting out of bed to test John's character further.
Unexpectedly, John did not act like a typical young person; even though Master Karin remained asleep, John sat there calmly meditating without showing any signs of impatience.
With no other option, Master Karin had to get up himself and prepare breakfast.
Just as Master Karin was preparing to eat breakfast, John also woke up from his meditation. Without waiting for an invitation from Master Karin, he sat directly across from him and began to enjoy the breakfast prepared by Master Karin, much to the latter's surprise.
Master Karin, who initially wanted to maintain an image of superiority, immediately lost his composure and asked, "Meow... What are you here for? Did you come just to irritate me?"
Seeing that Master Karin finally spoke, John put down his chopsticks and innocently replied, "Oh, so you can talk! I thought you were just Master Karin's pet."
"Meow... Your words are really irritating! I am Master Karin! Who are you and what do you want?" Master Karin said somewhat angrily.
John certainly did not want to truly anger Master Karin. He needed to train at Karin Tower and would require Master Karin's credentials later for further training in the Heavenly Temple. Thus, it was essential for John to maintain a good relationship with him.
John replied, "Hello, Master Karin! My name is John. My master is Master Roshi."
After all, Master Roshi was the only person who had climbed up Karin Tower in 300 years; mentioning his name might help establish a connection with Master Karin.
Master Karin's expression changed from annoyance to calmness upon hearing John's words. He said, "Meow... I never expected that such a young disciple would be able to climb up Karin Tower! Truly impressive."
"Meow... Let's eat breakfast first. After we finish eating, we will begin formal training," said Master Karin.
John felt a bit embarrassed and said, "Sorry, Master Karin! My appetite is quite large; this amount of food is not enough for me."
Master Karin was taken aback by John's words and silently turned around. He took a Senzu Bean from a jar behind him and handed it over to John, saying, "Meow... This is a Senzu Bean. Eating one will keep you full for ten days."
John came here not only for training but also with the goal of obtaining Senzu Beans. They were incredibly valuable items that could heal both internal and external injuries; as long as one was not dead, one bean could restore one completely—truly an overpowered item! Later on, the author limited its abilities by having Yajirobe consume most of them.
John took the Senzu Bean thrown by Master Karin and swallowed it whole. Instantly he felt his previously empty stomach fill up completely while any hidden injuries from his training healed entirely. At that moment, John's physical condition was better than ever before.
Master Karin looked at the young man before him and stroked his beard before asking, "Meow... Young man! Did you come here wanting to drink 'Super Holy Water'?"
John shook his head and replied, "No! I have no interest in that 'Super Holy Water.' This time I came here mainly to train with you and also because I want to drink 'Ultra Divine Water!'"
Upon hearing this, Master Karin's expression became serious. He said sternly: "How do you know about 'Ultra Divine Water'? Even Master Roshi does not know of its existence!"
"And do you know what happens if you drink 'Ultra Divine Water'?"
John explained: "'Ultra Divine Water' is a treasure made by the gods of ancient times on Earth. It can unleash human potential including strength, spirit, and stamina; however it is also extremely toxic. If one cannot resist its toxicity, the only outcome is death."
"Then why do you still want to drink 'Ultra Divine Water'? Do you know how many people have drunk it since I became Master Karin? How many survived?" he asked seriously without even using his habitual phrase "meow..."
John shook his head again: "I am not sure."
Master Karin continued: "In total fourteen people have drunk 'Ultra Divine Water.' All fourteen were once great heroes—number one in the world—but after drinking it none survived. Do you really think you are stronger than those fourteen?"
John insisted: "Their failure does not mean I will fail! I am different from them; I can feel an immense power hidden within me that I have yet to fully develop."
After a moment of silence, Master Karin said: "You really don't need to take this risk; you can continue training as your current strength means that with just a few more years of training you'll be number one in the world."
John shook his head again and replied: "Time waits for no one! The enemies in my future won't be something I can handle just by training for a few more years."
Master Karin paused in confusion but could see John's determination in his heart. So he said: "Alright then! If you want 'Ultra Divine Water,' you'll have to defeat me first; otherwise I will never give it to you."
"Okay then! Let's get started!" With his stomach full now, John wanted to begin training immediately.
"What? You're full? I still need breakfast! You wait for me!" After saying this with irritation, Master Karin sat back down again and resumed enjoying his breakfast—one bowl of rice and a piece of dried fish.