Kakarot and the Z warriors stood in a huddle formation as they discussed where to go from now. It had been a month since the other Z warriors had finished their training with Kami, marking the third month since the crusade to defeat frieza had begun. The Earth raised saiyan was pleasantly surprised by the overall change in his friends.
While their power levels had not risen overmuch, their teamwork, resolve and the eagerness with which they threw themselves into training gave him cause to believe that Kami had done something to put the fear of… Kami, into them.
In another turn of events that Kakarot found rather encouraging, Piccolo had even begun showing up once more to train with the group. The saiyan didn't understand what caused the sudden change in heart and he didn't pretend to. He was just glad that the man that had once been his greatest foe was finally opening up his heart at last. Even if it was in his own little way.
Kakarot had sensed the first time they exchanged blows, through Piccolo Jr's Ki, that he was not inherently evil. He was just confused and scared. While he may have had the unfettered physical and mental capacity of a full grown man, the being had been no older than Gohan's current age, at most. He lacked the experience and knowledge to make informed decisions about the way the world and its people work.
Now at last, years after they fought he was hoping he could show the green man that he had the ability to make his own destiny. To choose a better way. Life is all about the choices we make. Plus as far as Kakarot was concerned, Piccolo Jr. had never actually hurt anyone himself, though he may have tried at the world tournament. In the end it was no harm, no foul. How could he lose such a great rival over something that he might have done?
Kakarot's brother for his part, thought participating in these little 'team meetings' was an utter waste of time but it was the only way Kakarot would agree to train with him and though he loathed to admit it, the long haired saiyan had never improved so quickly in his entire life.
His time here gave Raditz a reason to reflect on his years spent traveling with his fellow saiyans, Vegeta and Nappa. The more he thought back on it the more he realized he had inadvertently always been seen as the butt of some joke. Though he was an elite in title, he ranked far below the head commander of the military and the prince of all saiyans.
Vegeta always sent him on the shittiest missions where oftentimes Raditz would be left alone for long periods of time. Always upon his return the prince would praise him for a job well done and then dismiss him, ordering for him to await his next assignment. Of course Raditz, like the ignorant foolish dog he had been, lapped it all up. But maybe a part of him had always known.. Afterall. Hadn't he heard their muffled snickers and shit talking when he walked away?..
His brother was a different breed of saiyan altogether though. When his brother looked at you he truly saw you and all that you were. It was as if Kakarot peered into his very soul and the younger saiyan then custom tailored Raditz's training to suit his needs. Raditz shuddered to think that his younger brother's battle instinct may have even surpassed their father's, who had become revered for his psychic like abilities in the last few months of planet Vegeta's existence.
He had discovered a whole new side of fighting that he had never even known existed. He was beginning to learn the basics of sensing energy, and better controlling his own so that he could raise and lower his power level at will, and gather Ki quicker during battle. 'He's a fucking literal genius.. Just like our father…' He growled internally.
"All right guys thanks for gathering around like this." Kakrot began. "I just wanted to set a game plan for the remaining nine months we have to prepare before Raditz's allies take us into deep space." The Z warriors nodded in concurrence once the man had finished his opening statement. Continuing unabated the saiyan pointed towards krillin's group which currently consisted of every Earthling except Gohan and Bulma.
Bulma was currently hard at work on something that she would not allow her husband to be privy to. She had only briefly teased that it was a 'surprise and gift.' For his taking on the responsibility of unofficial-official leader of the Z warriors. Gohan for his part wouldn't be training with the other Earthlings because he would be fighting with Piccolo today.
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At first Kakarot had been reluctant. He thought it an extremely odd request from the green alien, the origin of which Kami disclosed as a Namekian, to train his son. Though he couldn't deny that Piccolo was an extremely talented fighter and intelligent man all around. He was a master of a wide variety of abilities that would help Gohan grow into a well rounded warrior.
Yet.. it wasn't long ago he tried to kill Goku and this was the first time the man had ever expressed any outward desire to train with the kind hearted saiyan, so simply giving him responsibility over the most precious person in his life… It made his fatherly instincts flare and his blood boil with trepidation as the thought of the worst possible scenarios flashed through his mind.
Not To mention if Bulma found out he would absolutely be Kamehameha'ed, and not in a good way...
Nevertheless, he sensed no ill intent in the Namekian's words when he had made the request. If anything he felt a little guilt and anxiousness from the man as if Kakarot was going to scold him like a child.
The saiyan truly believed that trust and empathy were a major first step in reforming a wicked heart. He hoped that by showing Piccolo that he trusted him, and was willing to form that bond of friendship, the freakishly tall man would eventually do the same in kind. It was the proverbial olive branch.
"Krillin, I want you and your group to take the left hand side of the chamber, the whole thing OK? The other half alone is almost a quarter of Kami's lookout so we saiyans should have plenty of space to go all out with just half, ok? Over there in that section you'll find a whole bunch of training equipment and machines created by Dr. Gero to help you train in specific key areas. Good luck, and let me know if you need anything or if the gravity is too intense."
The bald monk in question was currently doing stretches in an attempt to get used to the gravity of the chamber which was ten times the Earth's own. For at least a month or two they would start at this level so the Earthlings could adjust a bit before they cranked it back up to 20. Besides at this point in their training both Gohan and Raditz were primarily working on Ki control which was much easier when the body and mind weren't under extreme duress.
"Sounds good Goku, but we should be fine man. The teams come so far, honestly. You just focus on being the best you can be and trust us to have your back like we always have." He said confidently. Kakarot gave his friend a bright, closed-eye smile and giggled. "Heheheee. Right! Thanks, Krillin. I mean it."
With that out of the way the group of five Earthlings made their way over to the designated training area assigned to them. Kakarot turned towards Piccolo and Gohan next. "OK so, Piccolo I'll leave Gohan in your capable hands, but you know you can just ask if you need absolutely anything right?" He asked sincerely.
Piccolo nodded in response. "Don't worry Goku, despite the ambiguity between you and I, I harbor no ill will towards the kid. In fact, I've seen his incredible talent and I think he may be our best hope at beating this Frieza character."
Kakarot beamed at the large, caped man before him. "Absolutely! I agree 100% percent. Bulma doesn't quite see it though so we're trying to keep him relatively safe for now. Oh and.. maybe don't mention the fact that we're all training together to her?" He asked sheepishly.
Beside the two, Gohan was flushed red and beside himself with pride and embarrassment. He couldn't believe he was being praised by not only his father who he loved and respected, but a being that the boy largely considered to be one of if not the coolest heros from Earth.
Piccolo sweat dropped before saying, "Sure thing, Goku. But won't she uhh.. catch us if she walks in on her own accord?" He asked, confused. This was kind of her house after all..
Kakarot merely shook his head and responded, "Naaah. When she gets buried in her work like this, it could be months before she checks in on us. If she had to watch Gohan it would be different but without her motherly instinct to ground her she basically leaves this planet for a while in her head. She's worse than me with training sometimes…" He finished his long winded explanation with a sigh and scratched the back of his head.
Piccolo nodded slowly. "There was.. Umm.. Maybe one other thing I wanted to run by you, Goku." He began, looking uncharacteristically insecure. Again, Kakarot was reminded of a child confessing sins to a parent. It just looked extremely out of place given the man's stature and power. He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "OK, shoot. What is it?"
"Well.. I was thinking that maybe the boy could use a weighted cape.. Like.. Mine.. If he wanted. You know, for training purposes!?" The Namekian stammered, holding the back of his neck and looking first at Gohan and then the ceiling. Everywhere but at the saiyan to whom he was speaking.
Kakarot laughed hysterically both at Piccolo's antics and his own son's as the boy began jumping excitedly up and down and waving his arms. "Yeah, yeah. Yeah, dad pleeeease!? I want to train with Mr. Piccolo!" He yelled in delight.
Kakarot winced at the decibel with which his son's voice assaulted his ears. He snickered in humor before smiling fondly at his son. "Absolutely, if that's what you want to do. Just remember, be safe, and be polite, ok Gohan?" He asked, putting his hands on his hips. The boy nodded vigorously in response and Kakarot turned to Piccolo.
Making a pinching motion He said, "Also.. maybe while we're just starting out keep the weight low. Thanks to our saiyan biology we usually don't have to worry about overexertion on our bones and muscles but.. I want him to be comfortable."
After the two made the final agreements of their arrangement Kakarot turned toward his brother. "Sorry that it took so long to get everything situated… I'm ready for some intense training now!"
Raditz crossed his arms and turned aggressively to face his brother. "About damn time, Kakarot!" I was about to start on my own." He said as he stomped off toward their designated area. Kakarot closed his eyes, giggling before following his older brother. Raditz always fought the hardest when he was angry. This was gonna be fun.
End of chapter 9.