NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: returning
After celebrating with Goku and his friends, Mori still felt a fire burning inside him—a desire to grow stronger. Despite enjoying the time spent with them, the defeat against Goku lingered on his mind. The excitement of the tournament had awakened something deep within him, and he knew he couldn't rest until he became stronger. Parting ways with the group, Mori decided it was time to return home and seek his father's guidance.
The familiar path to his hidden village was a reminder of how far he'd come. Memories of his training with Daichi, his father, and the village elders flooded his mind. As soon as he arrived, he went straight to Daichi. The older man, a seasoned fighter with deep brown eyes and hair that had begun to gray at the temples, listened intently as Mori recounted the events of the tournament. Mori left out the part about Goku's transformation, sensing that it was something he needed to confront on his own someday.
"Father, I need to become stronger," Mori said, determination radiating from his voice. "I need new techniques, better fighting skills—anything to give me an edge. Next time, I won't lose."
Daichi studied his son, seeing the fire in his eyes that mirrored his own at that age. He gave a slight nod and replied, "If you're serious about this, then be prepared. Training will be tougher than anything you've experienced. I'll show you things you won't learn in any tournament—techniques passed down in our family, and ways to harness your inner strength that will push you to your limit."
And thus, began Mori's training—a grueling, three-year journey. Daichi's training regimen was relentless, and the young fighter pushed himself harder than he ever thought possible. His father started with basics, drilling the fundamentals to a near-perfection level: speed, reflexes, strength, and stamina. Every day was a test, pushing Mori's body to its breaking point, only for him to come back stronger each time. They trained in the harshest of conditions—on mountain tops, in dense forests, even beneath waterfalls where the force of the water crashed down with unrelenting power.
The advanced techniques began once Mori had surpassed his former limits. Daichi showed him how to manipulate ki in ways Mori hadn't explored before, focusing not just on blasts, but on subtle applications to enhance physical prowess and resilience. They practiced ki control, shaping and refining his energy for different combat purposes. Daichi revealed secret moves passed down through generations, techniques designed to catch an opponent off guard and maximize the power behind every strike.
Mori's training wasn't just physical. Daichi insisted on meditation and mental discipline, teaching him to clear his mind and enter a state of absolute focus. This would prove crucial in a fight, as it allowed Mori to keep his emotions in check and maintain clarity even during intense battles.
Throughout these three years, Mori also developed the ability to fly by focusing his ki beneath him and lifting off the ground. It wasn't easy at first; his attempts saw him hovering only a few inches before crashing back down. But gradually, as he refined his control, he was able to soar higher and farther. Eventually, flight became second nature, as easy as walking.
As the years passed, Mori grew stronger, faster, and more skilled than ever before. His body was now lean and toned, his movements sharp and precise. His ki control had reached a new level, allowing him to deliver devastating attacks or sustain flight for extended periods without losing energy. Mori had grown not just in strength, but in his understanding of what it meant to be a martial artist.
When the time came for the next Tenkaichi Budokai, Mori's confidence was at an all-time high. He made his way back to the tournament grounds, where crowds gathered to witness the world's strongest fighters. The excitement in the air was electric, and Mori couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he stepped up to the entrance booth.
"Name?" the tournament attendant asked.
"Mori," he replied with a smile.
With his name registered, he made his way backstage, eager to see familiar faces again. As he entered the backstage area, he saw Goku and the others talking and laughing together. His eyes scanned the group: Bulma, Yamcha, Krillin, Oolong, Puar, and even Launch.
Walking up to them, Mori grinned and greeted, "Wassup!"
Goku turned around, a big smile spreading across his face as he recognized the familiar voice. "Mori! You're here! I was hoping you'd come back!"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Mori said, exchanging a fist bump with Goku. "This time, though, I'm not planning on losing."
Krillin chimed in, "Well, looks like it's gonna be even tougher than last time. We've all been training like crazy!"
Mori chuckled, "Guess we'll see who's improved the most. I've been doing my own thing too—let's just say you'll be in for a surprise."
After catching up with the others, Mori decided to find a quiet spot to wait for the tournament to begin. He sat down on a bench outside the main arena, closing his eyes to focus his thoughts. He could feel the strength flowing through his body and the refined ki coursing through his veins. He had put in the work, and now, it was time to put his training to the test.
He opened his eyes, a confident grin on his face. "This time, I'm going all the way."