Popo's Training

Gaino and Laiya arrived at Kami's Lookout, where Kami and Popo were already waiting for them.

Kami said, "Welcome, distant guests, to my Earth. I am the Guardian of Earth. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Gaino took one look and saw an alien with green skin and two antenna-like appendages on his head, standing alongside a person with a blank expression, a large nose, thick lips, and entirely black skin.

Gaino immediately said, "My deepest apologies for the intrusion. We have traveled a great distance to Earth specifically to learn how to master Earth's ki. We hope Kami will not begrudge us your guidance."

"It is no trouble at all. We on Earth are very hospitable, though that does not include those who harbor hostility toward our planet," Kami replied.

"Rest assured, Kami! We have come only to learn, not to invade," Gaino said.

"I know this, of course. If you were hostile, the warriors of Earth would not stand idly by, even if we were not your match."

"I am well aware of that. Earth's warriors have no patience for invaders."

"In that case, let us begin your training!" Gaino said.

"Popo, I leave their training to you," Kami said to Popo, who stood beside him.

"Very well, Kami. I will do my utmost to teach them," Popo replied.

"Good, I trust you, Popo."

Kami leaned on his staff and walked into his sanctuary.

Popo said to Gaino, "The two of you, follow me."

They arrived at a vast, open area. Popo said to Gaino and Laiya, "Master Roshi and Karin have already taught you the cultivation of ki, so I will not repeat those lessons."

"I have only one thing to teach you: how to fight perfectly."

Upon hearing they could fight, Gaino and Laiya's eyes lit up with excitement.

Laiya asked Popo, "Mr. Popo, does fighting have nothing to do with the size of one's ki?"

It was rare for Laiya to take the initiative to ask someone for advice.

Popo said, "The amount of ki within your body is related to combat, but it has nothing to do with fighting technique. How about this? Both of you attack me at once. You will understand once you experience it for yourselves."

Laiya and Gaino exchanged a glance and launched their attack on Popo.

Laiya released her ki to its maximum, causing the entire Kami's Lookout to tremble. Once her aura was fully unleashed, she charged straight at Popo.

Laiya threw a punch toward Popo's face, but just as her fist was about to make contact, Popo tilted his head to the side and dodged the attack.

Seeing Laiya's aggressive approach, Gaino thought, As expected, Saiyans still prefer to solve problems with brute force.

Compared to Laiya, Gaino's approach was vastly different. He suppressed his ki to the absolute minimum and charged at Popo, but instead of attacking head-on, he flashed to Popo's side just as he closed the distance and threw a punch.

Gaino's attack was compact but carried immense force. As he struck, Popo realized he couldn't dodge in time and was forced to block with his arm.

The moment Popo's arm met Gaino's fist, a massive surge of power erupted, sending Popo flying backward.

Gaino pressed his advantage, quickly moving behind Popo to land another blow, but Popo slapped Gaino's fist with his palm and used the momentum to land steadily on the ground. Then, Popo launched his own counterattack.

Popo's speed was astonishingly fast. In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of Gaino. Caught off guard, Gaino couldn't react before Popo's fist slammed into his stomach. Gaino's eyes bulged, and a colorless liquid sprayed from his mouth. He was sent flying backward, crashing into the gates of the sanctuary with a thunderous boom.

Having downed Gaino, Popo flashed behind Laiya and kicked her, sending her flying as well.

Emerging from the rubble, Gaino rubbed his stomach and muttered, "Tch, that hurts."

"Mr. Popo is truly formidable. Since I began my training, I have never been struck like that."

"Truly, there is always someone stronger."

Laiya climbed out of the rubble as well. "My, Mr. Popo really is something. He gave both Gaino and me quite the beating."

Popo asked, "Well? Shall we continue?"

Gaino and Laiya replied in unison, "Of course! We couldn't ask for a better opponent than Mr. Popo."

"Mr. Popo, be ready. We are attacking."

Popo gave a faint nod.

Gaino and Laiya attacked together, their coordination seamless. At first, they were repeatedly sent flying by Popo.

However, they were incredibly tenacious; every time they were knocked back, they charged right back at him.

Through this constant repetition, the number of times they were sent flying began to decrease.

Gaino and Laiya continued to learn and grow throughout the battle.

This training pattern lasted for over an hour until, exhausted and drained of stamina, Gaino and Laiya were finally knocked to the ground by Popo.

During that hour of combat, their stamina had depleted rapidly, while Mr. Popo remained cool and composed—though, given his dark complexion, it was impossible to tell if he was flushed or not. Mr. Popo said, "That is enough for today's training."

"Reflect on our battle and see what you have gained. I still have to prepare a meal for Kami. Excuse me."

With that, Popo walked into the sanctuary.

Watching Popo disappear, Laiya panted and said, "Brother Gaino, who would have thought? A low-level planet like this would have such a master."

Gaino said, "Well, was it worth coming here?"

"Worth it? It's a massive windfall, that's what it is," Laiya replied.

Gaino said, "Laiya, if we complete Mr. Popo's training, I believe our combat power will increase significantly."

The next day, Gaino, Laiya, and Popo continued their training.

Popo blocked their attacks and spoke to them.

Combat is about achieving the greatest damage with the least amount of effort.

The stance of a fighter should be as free as the wind and as swift as lightning.

Hearing this, Gaino hurriedly pulled back.

He then closed his eyes. Seeing Gaino's state, Laiya seemed to understand something and closed her eyes as well.

Watching their expressions, a smile actually appeared on Popo's usually stoic face. Fortunately, Gaino and Laiya did not open their eyes; had they seen Popo's smile, they would have been utterly shocked.

Popo did not disturb them, standing quietly before them.