The jungle clearing was still heavy with the silence of meditation. The air felt purer, lighter, as though the earth itself had acknowledged the discipline of those who had endured. The night's trials had shifted something deep within the warriors — Tien, Piccolo, Roshi — and even Krillin, though doubtful, could sense a faint change.
At dawn, Rudra finally opened his eyes. His calm presence radiated authority, and the Z Fighters instinctively turned toward him.
"Your patience and endurance have awakened a new stage of discipline within you," Rudra said, his voice deep and steady. "But meditation alone is not enough. A warrior must also wield tools suited to his spirit. Each of you is unique… and so the techniques I pass on will also be unique."
The fighters exchanged surprised glances. A hush settled over the jungle as Rudra raised his hand.
---
Krillin's Technique
"Krillin," Rudra called, his piercing eyes meeting the short warrior's.
Krillin stepped forward nervously. "Uh, me first?"
"You have always fought enemies far stronger than yourself," Rudra said. "But what makes you dangerous is not raw power… it's your creativity."
Rudra pressed two fingers to Krillin's forehead. A surge of warmth rushed through him, his mind spinning with dizzying flashes of distorted images, strange afterimages, and shadows that weren't really there.
"This is the Illusion Technique. You will be able to project false images of yourself in battle. Your enemies will strike at phantoms, wasting energy. Use it alongside your Solar Flare… and even gods will find it troublesome."
Krillin's jaw dropped. "Wait—an illusion? You mean… I can make copies of myself?!"
Rudra smirked. "Copies that hurt the enemy more in the mind than the body. Many underestimate fear. That is your strength."
Krillin scratched his head, a little disappointed. "Eh… it's not exactly the kind of flashy move I was hoping for… But…" He sighed, then clenched his fist. "Fine. If it's useful, I'll master it!"
---
Tien's Technique
Next, Rudra turned toward Tien. The three-eyed warrior straightened his posture, determination burning in his gaze.
"You have discipline unlike any other," Rudra said. "But discipline alone must be sharpened with adaptability."
He extended his hand toward Tien, who immediately felt his Ki stir unnaturally. His body tingled, as though it wanted to separate into different forms.
"This is the Swapping Technique. With a flash of Ki, you will be able to switch places with your opponent or ally. Distance, position, strategy — all will bend to your will."
Tien widened his eyes. "You mean I can instantly swap myself with… anyone? Even mid-battle?"
"Exactly," Rudra confirmed. "It is not brute force, but the chessboard of combat will now belong to you."
Tien clenched his fist, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "This… this could change everything in a fight. Thank you, Rudra. I'll make sure I master it to perfection."
---
Piccolo's Technique
Rudra's eyes shifted to Piccolo, who was sitting calmly with arms crossed, his sharp Namekian features unreadable.
"You are wise, Piccolo," Rudra said. "But even wisdom must be complemented by precision. For you, I will gift a weapon of timing."
Rudra raised his hand and let his Ki flicker like lightning. He touched Piccolo's chest lightly, and instantly Piccolo felt a strange reversal energy coursing through his veins.
"This is the Flicker Technique. When an enemy launches a Ki blast, you may seize its flow and return it — magnified — back to its owner. Their own fury will become their punishment."
Piccolo's eyes narrowed. He lifted his palm, letting a small orb of Ki form. He fired it at a tree… then instantly felt his own Ki pull it back, redirecting the blast right into the opposite direction.
A rare smirk appeared on Piccolo's lips. "Hmph. Not bad. I like this one."
---
Master Roshi's Choice
Rudra then turned to the old master. Roshi stood silently, staff in hand, expression uncharacteristically serious.
"And you, Master Roshi. For you I had planned something… but you are free to decide."
Roshi shook his head gently. "I don't need anything, Rudra. My time of new techniques has long passed. My duty is to guide, not to compete. Let the younger fighters take these gifts."
Rudra studied him for a moment, then smiled softly. "A true master knows when to refuse power. Very well, Roshi. You already carry a strength no technique can replicate."
---
Yamcha's Disappointment
At that moment, Yamcha finally descended into the clearing, yawning as if he had only just woken up. "Hey, hey, did I miss something? What's going on here?"
Krillin groaned. "Oh, perfect timing, Yamcha…"
Rudra's expression hardened. "You did not endure the meditation. You left when discipline was most needed. For that… you receive nothing."
Yamcha's eyes widened. "What?! Hey, that's not fair! I—"
"Discipline is the first gate to mastery," Rudra cut him off. "Without it, no gift will serve you."
Yamcha clenched his teeth, fists trembling with frustration. "Tch… Fine. Whatever…" He turned away, masking his embarrassment.
---
Chiaotzu's Case
Chiaotzu stepped forward nervously. "Um… Rudra? What about me?"
Rudra's eyes softened, but his words were steady. "Your spirit is kind and loyal, Chiaotzu. But these techniques require deep reservoirs of discipline and Ki mastery. At this stage, giving you one would only harm you. Your path lies in support, not offense."
Chiaotzu lowered his head, disappointed, though Tien placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll fight together. That's what matters."
---
The Aftermath
One by one, the fighters processed their new gifts. Krillin frowned at his Illusion Technique, muttering, "Man, why couldn't I get something cooler like Tien's swap move…" But deep inside, he knew Rudra was right — strategy was his survival.
Tien sat cross-legged, already experimenting with instant swaps, vanishing and reappearing at different points in the jungle. His third eye glowed faintly, signifying his connection to the new art.
Piccolo practiced in silence, casually deflecting his own Ki blasts back at trees and rocks, each time with more precision. The destructive echoes of his power shook the jungle, but he smiled faintly, pleased with the new edge.
And Master Roshi simply chuckled softly, puffing on his pipe. "Hah. These kids don't know it yet… but Rudra may have just saved Earth for another generation."
Rudra watched them all, his gaze lingering in quiet satisfaction. "Remember… these gifts are only seeds. How you cultivate them will determine whether they bloom into weapons… or wither into wasted potential."
The Z Fighters nodded solemnly, each realizing the weight of the responsibility Rudra had just placed upon them.
The jungle rustled as dawn fully broke. The training was far from over… but for the first time, the warriors felt they had truly stepped onto a higher path.