---
Kami's Lookout — Morning
Fresh air filled the ancient platform as Krillin and Yamcha emerged from the Time Chamber, their bodies carrying the weight of a full year of training.
The tension in Krillin's shoulders had faded. His steps were grounded, deliberate. His aura was sharp—like a blade drawn just enough to warn, but not enough to threaten.
Waiting for them at the far edge were Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu.
Tien's third eye narrowed the moment they stepped into view. "...That power."
Chiaotzu hovered slightly higher, blinking. "You two feel... different."
Krillin offered a relaxed smile. "One year's worth of training in a day will do that to you."
Tien crossed his arms. "What kind of training?"
"Controlled ki manipulation, heavy gravity, combat strategy, close-range discipline," Krillin answered. "And… survival."
Yamcha grinned. "He turned into a little general in there. I nearly coughed up my lungs more than once."
Tien's eyes flicked to Krillin. "You're different."
Krillin's voice dropped into a more serious tone. "I had to be."
---
Private Conversation: Krillin & Tien
Later, Krillin pulled Tien aside. "I want you to go in next."
Tien looked at him carefully. "Because of the Saiyans?"
Krillin nodded, but his eyes were scanning the sky, as if looking past it. "Yes... but not just that. Think about it, Tien. These Saiyans—they show up out of nowhere, with planet-destroying power. That shouldn't happen unless the universe is far more dangerous than we ever realized."
Tien frowned. "You think they're outliers?"
"I think they're the beginning," Krillin replied, his tone clipped. "And if enemies like that exist... you can bet worse ones are coming."
He didn't speak about Frieza, or Cell, or Majin Buu—but the thought was there, gnawing at his brain.
"If we don't train like hell now, we won't have another later."
Tien nodded slowly, absorbing every word.
---
Krillin's Mastery: Destructo Disc Evolution
During his year in the chamber, Krillin had thrown thousands of Destructo Discs.
He learned to bend them. Multiply them. Control their angle mid-flight.
He could now form three at once, and even one massive disc, nearly twice his height, powered by compressed ki layers.
The most dangerous innovation?
Remote detonation.
Krillin had discovered that by binding his ki signature within the core of the disc, he could cause it to explode at will. A delayed spark. A trap.
"If Frieza got his tail cut just by one… what if I made five? Ten? What if I detonated them at the same time? No one, not even Frieza, would survive that."
But he kept it quiet.
A hidden trump card for the battles to come.
---
Tien Enters the Chamber — Piccolo Stalls
Tien stepped into the Time Chamber alone, his expression calm.
Chiaotzu remained behind, agreeing to train with Yamcha under Mr. Popo's guidance.
Krillin, meanwhile, turned his attention to the last piece of the puzzle.
Piccolo.
He reached out via Kami's telepathy and tracked his power.
---
Wastelands — Where Gohan Trains
Piccolo stood with his arms crossed, watching Gohan struggle to levitate over a canyon.
When Krillin landed behind him, Piccolo's scowl deepened.
"What do you want, Baldy?"
Krillin stepped forward calmly. "The Saiyans will be here soon. We both know Goku won't be back in time to deal with them alone."
"I'll be ready," Piccolo said flatly.
"You won't," Krillin snapped.
Piccolo turned. "What did you say?"
"You think you're ready because you're the strongest Namekian on Earth? Wake up. I've seen what they're capable of. You're strong—but not strong enough."
Piccolo growled. "So what, you came to nag me?"
"No," Krillin said, sliding into a stance. "I came to prove it."
---
Krillin vs. Piccolo — Short but Brutal
They clashed.
Krillin launched a flurry of ki blasts. Piccolo batted them aside—then was forced to dodge mid-air as three Destructo Discs sliced past him from different angles.
"WHAT?!"
Krillin blinked behind him—Solar Flare.
Piccolo was blinded for half a second. That was all it took.
BAM! A fist cracked into Piccolo's gut.
He skidded across the ground, panting.
"You're smarter than before," he admitted, coughing.
Krillin lowered his stance. "Because I know we don't have time for pride. Come to the Time Chamber. Train with Tien. It's the only shot we've got at standing a chance."
Piccolo groaned, wiped his mouth—and stood.
"I hate to admit it... but you're right."
---
Time Chamber — Tien and Piccolo Enter
The two warriors entered together.
The door shut behind them with a soft boom.
For the next day, Earth was quiet... but atop the Lookout, Krillin waited.
He trained, meditated, refined his remote Destructo Disc variant, and kept glancing at the sky.
"Vegeta and Nappa... how close are you now?"
---
The Day After — Return of Powerhouses
The door opened.
Out stepped Tien and Piccolo, their auras flaring with intensity.
Piccolo's cape fluttered under a self-controlled surge of energy.
Tien's third eye gleamed with purpose.
Yamcha blinked. "Whoa… what happened in there?"
Krillin smirked. "They trained like the world was ending."
Piccolo stepped beside him. "You'd better keep up, Baldy."
Krillin grinned. "Oh, I intend to lead."