"Rhode, this idea of a Martial Arts Hall is excellent!" Dr. Brief greeted him with a broad smile, surveying the organized chaos of construction. "Once it's operational, we'll have an in-house security force of real martial artists. It brings a whole new level of stability to the company!"
"Haha, you're right!" Rhode laughed, easily picturing the synergy. Capsule Corp was a global titan; offering its graduates a prestigious career path would be a major draw for serious students. It gave them a tangible future, a way to translate discipline into a good life. Of course, the truly exceptional might aim higher, but the option was a solid foundation.
"Then it's settled!" Dr. Brief declared, his mind already leaping ahead. "We should integrate the designs—connect the Martial Arts Hall directly to the main corporate campus. For efficiency."
"That works," Rhode agreed. "But limit the connection to the rear section. That's our private living and training area. It'll keep casual foot traffic out."
"Understood." Dr. Brief nodded, already sketching a mental note. His gaze then fell back to the Gravity Chamber blueprints in his hand, and Rhode saw an opportunity.
"Speaking of the chamber, Doctor, I've been thinking. We should build several. One large, primary unit, and a few smaller ones. People adapt at different rates; having options would be more practical." He paused, ensuring his intent was clear. "And for the gravity multiplier—no upper limit. Push it as high as the technology can possibly go."
Dr. Brief stroked his mustache, considering. "Hmm, that's perfectly feasible. More chambers just means more materials and time, not a fundamental challenge. We'll follow your specifications." For a man of his resources, it was a matter of logistics, not possibility.
Satisfied that the initial construction phase was proceeding smoothly without needing his direct oversight, Dr. Brief prepared to return to his labs. Then he remembered something. "Oh, Rhode! That special combat fabric you gave me over a year ago—we've successfully replicated it. We've even produced a batch of garments. Would you like to come and see?"
"Really? That's fantastic!" Rhode's face lit up with genuine excitement. The battle suit from Frieza's forces had served him well, but it was singular and damaged. Earth's ordinary fabrics were laughably fragile in comparison. This was a major quality-of-life upgrade.
"Let's go, let's try them on right now!" He ushered Dr. Brief along, their conversation flowing easily as they made their way back to the main Capsule Corp complex and into a secure storeroom within the R&D wing.
Inside, arranged neatly, were two distinct sets of clothing. One for him, one for Aira.
For him, there were ten outfits. Five were variations of the classic battle suit design—sleek, form-fitting, and durable, with subtle stylistic tweaks and a range of colors. The other five were for civilian life: three sets of high-end casual wear and two impeccably tailored suits, all woven from the same incredibly resilient material.
Aira's collection was similarly comprehensive. Five battle suits, slightly more tailored to a feminine form. But it was the other five sets that showed remarkable consideration: two were elegant dresses, one was a practical pants-and-top set, and the final two were sophisticated suits, one of which was also a dress design. They covered every conceivable need from battlefield to ballroom.
"Thank you, Doctor," Rhode said, his gratitude sincere and touched with awe. "This is... incredibly thoughtful." He found it hard to reconcile the image of the meticulous, often-absentminded scientist with such nuanced sartorial planning.
"Hehe," Dr. Brief chuckled, waving off the credit. "I just cracked the material science. The designs? That was all my wife and Bulma. They put a lot of heart into it." The image of Mrs. Brief directing tailors and a pre-teen Bulma offering fierce fashion critiques brought a warm smile to Rhode's face. His new life on Earth, it seemed, was being woven together by more hands than his own.
Hearing this, Rhode had a sudden realization and couldn't help but smile. "Is that so? No wonder the styles are so extraordinary. The designs are excellent, unique, and full of character—truly great taste!"
"Naturally! Hehehe~" Dr. Brief beamed, immensely pleased by the praise. Seizing the moment, he pulled Rhode deeper into his labyrinthine laboratory, eager to showcase more fruits of his cosmic-tech research.
For the next several hours, Rhode was given a whirlwind tour of prototypes and experiments, subjected to a torrent of technical jargon that made his head spin. Dr. Brief's enthusiasm was boundless, his explanations detailed and relentless. Rhode, whose expertise lay in energy manipulation and combat forms, could only nod politely, feeling increasingly out of his depth.
Finally, during a brief pause while the doctor fumbled for a particular data-slate, Rhode saw his chance. "Ah, Doctor, this has been fascinating, truly! But I should really let you get back to your work, and I need to... deliver these." He hefted the bag of new clothes. "Thank you again!"
With a hasty but respectful bow, he made his escape, the laboratory door sliding shut behind him with a soft hiss.
He really is a top-tier scientist, Rhode thought, shaking his head with a mixture of respect and exhaustion. The sheer depth of his dedication is humbling.
Bag in hand, he sought out Aira. He found her just as she was emerging from the Time Chamber, her expression one of focused calm that dissolved into curiosity at the sight of his burden.
"What's this?"
"The Doctor successfully replicated the battle suit material," Rhode explained, handing her the bag designated for her. "These are new outfits made from it. Here are yours."
"Oh!" Aira's eyes lit up with immediate interest. Her original suit was heavily damaged, and Earth's fabrics were pathetically fragile under Saiyan stress. This was a timely and welcome solution.
She rummaged through the bag. The five sleek, practical battle suits met with her immediate approval—simple, functional, perfect for unhindered movement. But then her fingers brushed against the softer fabrics of the casual wear, and she pulled out one of the tailored suit-dresses. Her nose wrinkled slightly.
"What's this? Earth women's fashion? Can you even move in these things?" she complained, holding up the elegant garment with a look of mild disdain.
Rhode shrugged. "Wear whatever you like. The other sets are more than enough."
"You're right about that," Aira conceded, though the complaint was more habit than true objection. Having lived on Earth for the better part of a year, she was familiar with local attire. She didn't dislike it; she just found it impractical for her lifestyle.
Taking the bag, she ducked back into the Time Chamber to change. Moments later, she emerged clad in one of the new, dark blue battle suits. The material hugged her form perfectly, flexible yet radiating durability. She stretched, threw a few experimental punches, and gave a satisfied nod.
Then she turned to Rhode, a familiar, challenging glint returning to her eyes. "Want to train together?"
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