Master Mutaito faced Piccolo with determination but needed time to prepare his secret technique.
He knew that only Kaelor could help by immobilizing the monster for a few precious moments. The problem was that Kaelor had no specialized technique for that purpose.
However, he had a brilliant idea.
Kaelor remembered the unique power of his metamorphosis, which worked in a supernatural way.
He didn't need to detail all aspects of his transformation; it was enough to imagine the essence of the creature.
Inspired by the chameleon, an animal capable of perfectly camouflaging with its surroundings, he decided to bet on this strategy.
Retreating into the crowd, Kaelor activated his metamorphosis. His body began to change rapidly, taking on the form of a chameleon.
He then used his newfound camouflage ability to merge into the scenery, disappearing entirely from everyone's sight. Silent and agile, he began to stealthily approach Piccolo, who continued his brutal rampage.
Getting close enough, Kaelor concentrated all his Ki and, with a burst of strength, grabbed Piccolo, trapping him in a fierce embrace.
The scene was both comical and impressive: a boy with a monkey tail holding a green monster over two meters tall.
Kaelor shouted with all his might:
"Master Mutaito! Execute your secret technique!"
Mutaito advanced at an astonishing speed, holding a mysterious jar in his hands, his expression filled with focus.
He positioned the jar firmly near the monster and shouted with all his strength:
"Mafuba!"
Gathering all his life energy, Mutaito unleashed a torrent of Ki that surpassed any human limit. A colossal aura surrounded him, overwhelming and oppressive, as he channeled his power with precision to imprison Piccolo.
The green monster roared furiously, fighting fiercely against the energy surrounding him.
Despite the immense effort and physical strain, Mutaito remained steadfast, completing the technique and sealing Piccolo in the jar.
As he successfully closed the jar, he showed a serene smile before collapsing on the battlefield. His heroic sacrifice had not been in vain: Piccolo was sealed forever.
Kaelor, panting and visibly exhausted, sat on the ground as he observed the scene around him. It was a desolate chaos.
Piccolo's subordinates surrendered, while his offspring were mercilessly struck down by allied warriors. It was a brutal scene, marked by destruction and loss of life.
With his eyes on the ground, Kaelor whispered to himself:
"I intervened in the past… Now, should I head to the Lookout to return to the future, or will I be summoned directly?"
Getting up with effort, he dusted himself off and began to fly away from the battlefield without looking back. His only goal was the Lookout.
While flying, Kaelor observed the destruction caused by Piccolo. Buildings lay in ruins, entire families devastated, and countless lives lost.
It was a true scene of war and suffering, showcasing the cruelty of a tyrant.
After some time, Kaelor finally reached the Lookout. He landed gently and searched for Mr. Popo but didn't find him.
Intrigued, he headed to the Room of Time, guided by a hunch.
Upon arrival, he noticed the portal was open. Without hesitation, he crossed it. A sensation of vertigo enveloped him, as if time and space had twisted.
When the feeling passed, he realized he had returned to his timeline.
Mr. Popo awaited him on the Lookout, wearing his usual enigmatic expression.
"Did you achieve what you wanted?" the assistant asked in a neutral tone.
Kaelor reflected for a moment before answering:
"I think so. The battle I experienced taught me many things… and also a powerful technique."
Mr. Popo, with a faint smile, replied:
"Then we can say your training is complete."
Kaelor silently agreed. He had spent an entire year training intensively in martial arts, and his power level had multiplied exponentially.
He felt powerful but not blind to his limitations.
"On Earth, I might be arrogant and authoritarian," Kaelor reflected, "but on a universal scale, I know
I'm still just a drop in the ocean. In space, I must be humble and cautious."
After his reflection, he asked the question that had been bothering him. "Mr. Popo, are you so powerful that you can manipulate time?"
Mr. Popo replied, "I thought you had realized it was an illusion, but to answer your question: no, I didn't send you to the past."
Understanding the situation and finding peace knowing he hadn't altered history, Kaelor sighed in relief and began pondering his next step.
"What should I do to become stronger now? I've explored the map, learned martial arts and impressive techniques, but what I need now is raw power."
Then he remembered an invitation he received some time ago after finishing his studies at the Southern Transformation Kindergarten.
"That's it! I should learn magic from Fortuneteller Baba!"
Magic was a mysterious and formidable power. Examples like Moro and Babidi demonstrated the potential of this ability.
Even without rigorous physical training, they had become fearsome.
Kaelor searched his backpack and found the invitation. Beneath the name World Magic Institute, there was an address.
Excited by the prospect, he bid farewell to Kami and Mr. Popo and descended to Korin's Tower.
Upon meeting Master Korin, Kaelor spoke bluntly:
"Master Korin, I need a favor. I want some Senzu Beans."
During his training, Kaelor had learned to value the restorative power of these beans.
He planned to secure a good supply and eventually learn to cultivate them himself.
Fortunately, Korin had a jar overflowing with Senzu Beans.
Generous as always, he handed Kaelor several well-stocked containers.
"Use them wisely," Korin said with a smile.
Kaelor thanked him, traveled to his spaceship, stored the beans, and departed immediately for the World Magic Institute.
Located in the heart of a valley shrouded in eternal mist, the institute seemed straight out of a medieval European tale.
Its Gothic towers pierced the cloudy sky, while the surrounding mountains formed imposing natural walls.
Surrounded by a dense and mysterious forest, it was a place as isolated as it was majestic, evoking a sense of mystery and reverence.
Observing the building's design and location, Kaelor couldn't help but chuckle.
"The architects of this world all studied together? It's always an isolated building in the middle of nowhere," he murmured, laughing to himself as he advanced toward the main entrance.
Walking toward what he assumed was the admissions area, Kaelor noticed the fascinating diversity of people in the place.
Among them were exotic figures: from humans with animal traits to entirely anthropomorphic creatures. Among these, a particularly striking figure stood out—a muscular man with the neck and head of a giraffe.
Kaelor raised an eyebrow and muttered to himself:
"It must be tough living with a giraffe head... low ceilings must be a nightmare."
Without hesitation, he approached the man and showed his invitation. The giraffe-man, accustomed to unexpected approaches, adjusted the collar of his magical robe and said:
"The enrollment period closed a month ago."
Kaelor was slightly surprised but didn't let it show. After a moment, he asked:
"May I know your name, sir?"
The man, with a polite smile and eyes that sparkled with a certain pride, replied:
"I'm Kirinaga."
Kaelor adopted a melancholic expression and began to act naturally.
"My mother passed away… right when I was supposed to be here for enrollment. Her last wish was for me to learn magic. You understand how important this is, don't you? By the way, I was recommended by Pongitsune. She herself suggested I come to study with Baba."
The name Pongitsune provoked an immediate reaction in Kirinaga, who gulped nervously and spoke anxiously.
P-Pongitsune? Did she mention... anything about the letter I sent her? Any response?"
The way Kirinaga expressed himself showed Kaelor that he had an interest in Pongitsune. It was evident that Kirinaga and Pongitsune had some kind of special relationship or that he was courting her.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Kaelor became even more persuasive.
"Actually, she specifically asked that I become Baba's disciple and that you handle my situation here at the institute. I'm sure you wouldn't want to disappoint her... would you?"
Kirinaga, visibly torn, replied with determination:
"I… of course not! But unfortunately, enrollment has already closed. Even if I want to help, I can't change that. However..."
He paused, gazing at Kaelor as if analyzing his intentions, before continuing:
"To be honest, this school isn't all that great. What you really need is to become Baba's disciple. She's the most powerful master there is. What you'll learn from her will surpass everything the institute can offer."
Kaelor realized he was getting exactly what he wanted and allowed a sly smile to appear on his face.
"So… what do I need to do?"
Kirinaga relaxed his shoulders, seeming more resolute.
"Luckily, I can take you to her directly. I can arrange an immediate audience, but whether you get accepted depends on you convincing her. Understand?"
Kaelor stepped forward, his eyes shining with confidence.
"An opportunity is all I need, Kirinaga."
With a firm nod, Kirinaga asked Kaelor to follow him. The giraffe-man led him down a winding path, passing through corridors adorned with glowing runes until they reached an office radiating a mystical aura.
"We're here," Kirinaga said, straightening his posture to appear as dignified as possible before opening the door for Kaelor.