Worthy

There are several reasons for strength, and how people go about it also differs. 

Some want strength for self-satisfaction, to protect others, to kill others, or to be better than others. That's all I could think of at this moment.

Did any of them align with my reasons?

Yes, I fall under them, like finding an insect under a rock. I wouldn't say I was fit in my old life, but I wouldn't say I was unfit either. I didn't need to work out or impress anyone, so I neglected to train my body to its limit.

I didn't want to be some buff guy like the Tren Twins, who make valid points about not wasting one's potential. 

I felt my words dry up within myself as if I suddenly swallowed sand. 

"I don't have some grandiose sense of justice, nor am I entirely heartless. I want to protect those I can. That is my reason for wanting strength as fast as possible."

My reply was swift, keeping myself mysterious under the moon's gaze. The Namekian didn't react to my response, nor did he look impressed, carrying the stoicism I'd expect from them. 

Although I can feel that he was calculating something, evident by the sway of his antennas, was he expecting a different answer, or perhaps he wasn't great at expressing himself?

I felt my right hand instinctively form a finger gun. My survival instincts were on overdrive in this silent situation. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, which made any attempts at reading him null. 

"Commendable, but those are merely words. Although you're a child, I will not hold back."

This guy is serious, huh?

Well, this can be considered my first fight in this world. I can use this as practice for when I eventually fight Gas and his siblings. 

The nameless Namekian dashed. His movements became a blur, even for my right eye, and immediately, I was slapped across my face and sent flying into the wall. 

Everything happened so fast, and I felt my eyes rolling around like I was a Pokémon that had been knocked out. 

I recovered not a second later, and my eyes began to work overtime as I saw the Namekian speed at me again. I was studying his speed, hoping to incorporate that into myself.

I rolled to the left, dodging a stone-shattering fist. I put my hands up and began firing ki bullets. To my surprise and his, they came out as if shot by Uzi.

For some reason, I felt my lips curve into a trigger-happy smile, which was a completely new feeling for me; although I liked guns, I preferred stuff like rocket launchers and other big weapons that can cause a lot of damage.

That sounds weird.

Ah, who cares!

This was exhilarating! 

The Namekian narrowed his eyes as he expertly dodged the incoming rain of bullets. His movements, like an experienced veteran's, left Granolah speechless before he countered with his own strike.

When firing my shots, I mentally released the trigger I seemed to pull and tilted my head as the Namekian arm stretched for me. However, I didn't realize that he had used that to propel himself forward and land a savage knee strike into my gut. My face twisted into a pained expression, and before I could even fly back, he grabbed me by the back of my head and held me up.

"You're still untrained and unrefined, but you have some awareness and-"

I didn't let this guy finish his monologue as I slammed a ki ball into his stomach, which exploded like a flash grenade. 

I felt his grip release me as I fell onto the floor a few feet away. My stomach was in pain as if a pile driver was piercing it. I never felt this much pain in my life.

If one knee attack made me feel like this, I would have to commit this to memory and use it to strengthen my durability. 

"I see. You're quick to use any chance to attack. I can't call such a thing cowardly; this is a fight. However, I think you're at your limit."

Shit, he was right. I pushed this tiny body to its limit. It may not seem like much, but I didn't have Saiyan physiology, as it's proven that Saiyans are extremely durable, and to top it off, they possess Zenkai Boosts, something I seem to realize I desperately need.

Although it caps at a certain point, it would be great to have early on. 

Before I could speak, I heard the sound of the door opening and the hasty steps of a new individual.

"What's going on!"

"Father, ehrm...Teacher Monaito," I heard the Namekian say with a stutter, and…excitement as well?

Wait, Monaito? 

This guy is…

I moved my body, but I was pulled by my hair by the Namekian. The grip wasn't as strong as it was when we were fighting. 

"I was engaging in battle with this intruder. He possessed knowledge about the Dragon Balls."

A deep silence followed after those words, and I could feel the weight of my actions show themselves as I stared at the aging Namekian in front of me. 

And no doubt, it was Monaito.

I felt my heart sink a bit, seeing the look on his face, a mixture of disappointment and a tinge of surprise. I don't know if Granolah was affecting me or if this was my true feelings, but my regret was like unbreakable chains.

"I see, Granolah. You're not supposed to know this information."

Damnit, he knew me already? I thought they met by chance when the Saiyans invaded. 

Is this a sign of the butterfly effect? Did it take root before I came here?

"You know this kid, Teacher?"

I heard Monaito release a heavy sigh. It was clear his age was affecting him severely. Wasn't he well over 450 years old now? 

"Put him down, Rok."

Heeding Monaito's words, Rok complied without arguments. Monaito's grip on his cane was heavy, and I could even hear the squeaking sounds from the sweat. 

Monaito looked at Granolah with a frown. His disappointment was palpable, but I didn't let him see my regret. I stood firm but relaxed as well, feeling an undeniable sense of relief at the sight of the elderly Namekian. 

"How did you find out?" Monaito questioned me, walking slowly toward the lone Dragon Ball at the center of the building.

"I overheard a conversation," I answered honestly, even though lying hurts me.

"I see. Why did you come to seek out the Dragon Balls?"

"I need power, I have people I need to protect, and I can't wait years for it…I just can't."

My words hung strong in the air. Rok had his arms behind his back, remaining impassive, while Monaito had a distant gaze at the Dragon Ball.

"You've changed, but simultaneously, you talked about something similar. However, you're not at the adequate level for it."

"Teacher?"

"The Dragon Balls can grant such a wish, but you need to beef yourself up, yes?" 

"!!!"

Was he?

"Your desire for strength isn't selfish, but something worth helping you achieve. You shall train with Rok, and when he deems you ready, you will be granted your wish."

I twisted my lips. And my hands tightened. 

From what I remember, Monaito wanted the best for Granolah, wanting him to let go of the hate that resided in his heart, and I can see why Granolah stuck by this man's side.

Monaito reminded me of Kami, and although Rok was similar to Piccolo, they had many differences. 

"I will see to it that the boy becomes the strongest. If I can't do that, then I have no right to be the protector of the Dragon Balls."

Monaito released a raspy chuckle. His eyes lightened as if a deep burden was whisked away.

"Ha…I won't tell your mother. She'd kill us both. She was in the military before, and I have no doubt her shooting is still at its peak."

If my mother had great aim, it's my job to live up to her marksmanship.

I can tell things are going to change drastically, but the reality is that I can't save everyone. 

Monaito and Granolah were the last Namekian and Cerealian on Planet Cereal, but I can make a slight difference.

I have to.

I don't even know if I'm my own person or Granolah at this point, but what I do know is-

Our thirst for strength at a fast pace was similar, but I won't throw away my lifespan; that's our key difference. 

"Alright, Mister Rok, I'm in your care."

"Hmm, don't expect the training to be easy. You will regret your choice."

I playfully snorted. 

"I won't."

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AN: Short fight scene in this chapter, but I wanted to showcase that Granolah needs to be properly trained and used to fighting before I send him to the wolves.

I wrote this chapter for today (Sunday) due to the Power Stone reset, so if you feel I deserve them, drop them by! Also, this story has already reached 100+ Collections, and I'm thankful for that; I didn't expect this story to blow up.

Once again, I'm reading the comments and suggestions you're all giving me, and even though I won't use all of them, some of you gave some pretty good ones.

Let me know your thoughts!