Dragon Ball: The Strongest Training

Eventually, Krillin managed to calm his mind. Sitting cross-legged, he began meditating and training, with waves of spiritual energy emanating from him.

Time flew by quickly during training, and before he knew it, the next day had arrived.

Krillin slowly opened his eyes, exhaling a long breath of turbid air. His breathing was deep and steady, a clear sign that his strength had improved yet again.

"I wonder if Ciel will come today," Krillin thought nervously. He worried that he might have scared her off yesterday.

Standing up, he headed toward the same plaza where they had met the day before, feeling anxious with every step.

When he reached the quiet, desolate plaza, his heart sank. She didn't come after all.

Meanwhile, back at the temple, Princess Ciel was pacing back and forth, her expression unusually conflicted.

"It's about the same time as yesterday. Am I really not going?"

She continued pacing, a worried look on her face. "Krillin might already be there by now…"

The future of the Perseus people rests on my shoulders. I shouldn't let my heart waver like this! Thinking this, her resolve hardened slightly.

"No, I won't go!" she told herself firmly.

Oddly, ever since returning yesterday, she'd noticed her mental strength had recovered by nearly half. With the temple's healing spring, she could undoubtedly restore herself even further.

Determined, Ciel's brilliant, crystalline eyes reflected her decision.

Krillin had been waiting for a while, but there was still no sign of Ciel. "She's not coming, huh? Should I head back?"

But he couldn't quite bring himself to leave yet. "Maybe I'll wait a bit longer."

Finding a quiet spot, he sat down, though his expression betrayed his disappointment.

Ciel, having firmly decided to stay, seated herself by the healing spring to continue her recovery.

Yet her thoughts were restless, repeatedly drifting back to Krillin's clear, sincere gaze from the day before and his firm promise.

If I don't go, he'll definitely be disappointed, she thought.

The more she thought about it, the more agitated she became, unable to sit still.

She resumed pacing around the room, her delicate features becoming even more radiant with her flustered expression.

"Maybe I'll just take a quick look? If he's not there, I'll leave immediately!" she reasoned with herself.

The moment the thought surfaced, it took hold and grew. The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like a good idea.

Ciel changed back into the crimson dress she had worn the previous day. After carefully brushing her silver hair, which gleamed like a flowing river, she found her cheeks had turned slightly red. She wasn't sure why she had chosen the same outfit but figured it was a subconscious choice.

Walking toward the plaza, she glanced around, relieved to see most of her people were busy with their work.

When she reached the plaza, she saw it was empty. Her heart sank.

He's not here after all…

"Cough, cough. You're a bit late today," came Krillin's voice.

As soon as she arrived, Krillin had sensed her presence. He sounded both excited and relieved—she had come after all.

Ciel turned toward the sound of his voice, spotting Krillin walking toward her. Her face immediately flushed a deeper red. In a voice as soft as a whisper, she replied, "Mm." Then, silence.

Seeing Ciel's rosy cheeks, Krillin guessed at what might be going through her mind but chose not to press her. Keeping his tone calm and gentle, he asked, "Where should we walk today?"

"The same as yesterday… I guess," Ciel murmured softly, her voice hesitant. She avoided meeting his eyes, her gaze darting nervously.

"Alright, let's take it slow," Krillin replied, his tone teasing as he noticed her flustered expression.

Hearing his words, Ciel grew even more flustered. She quickly turned away and began walking ahead, deliberately slowing her pace.

Watching her shyly avert her gaze, Krillin chuckled inwardly. She's even cuter like this!

Following a few steps behind her, Krillin silently issued a command: "System, begin the second treatment."

"Ding! The second treatment has started. Please ensure the target remains within a 3-meter range."

As Ciel walked, her heart raced wildly. Suddenly, she felt a cool, refreshing sensation sweep through her mind, causing her to pause momentarily before continuing.

It's the same as yesterday—this soothing coolness that gradually restores my mental strength.

Feeling the system's energy waves at work, her heart began to calm.

"This cool sensation must be related to Krillin," she thought, her spirits lifting as she continued walking, her steps lighter and more graceful.

Krillin, following closely, couldn't take his eyes off her. Her long silver hair, cascading down like a river of silk, shimmered in the sunlight. It was so smooth and lustrous it looked as if she had just brushed it.

Thirty minutes passed, and the energy waves from the system faded completely.

Noticing the absence of the cooling sensation, Ciel realized the mysterious treatment had ended. A small sense of reluctance welled up in her heart—not because she minded the treatment ending, but because it meant she would have to part ways with Krillin again.

Ahead of him, Krillin noticed her dainty hands swinging lightly at her sides, a movement that seemed almost subconscious. Perhaps she was hoping for something, a small gesture like holding hands.

But Krillin, unaware of this, resolved not to overstep his bounds.

Seeing that the treatment had ended, and still sensing no further action from Krillin, Ciel felt a faint twinge of disappointment. She turned her head slightly and quietly said, "Thank you, Krillin."

"Why are you thanking me again?" Krillin replied, pretending to sound angry.

Hearing his mock anger, Ciel couldn't help but giggle, the tension in her heart easing. Deep down, she didn't want to be so formal with Krillin. Her earlier thanks had been deliberate.

Her smile was devastatingly beautiful. That radiant expression left Krillin momentarily dazed.

When his gaze lingered on her delicate face, Ciel, unable to handle his direct stare, blushed furiously and stammered, "I-I'll head back now… See you tomorrow."

Flustered, she turned to leave.

"Wait!" Krillin called out, snapping back to reality.

Ciel hesitated, turning back to face him with a questioning look.

Krillin approached her slowly, bending slightly as he reached for her hands. Gently, he clasped her delicate hands in his own.

Caught off guard, Ciel felt her heart race uncontrollably.

Krillin held her hands to his chest, feeling their warmth. Yesterday, they were as cool as jade, but today, they feel like warm, polished stones.

Ciel, her hands held against Krillin's chest, could feel his heart pounding. Her mind went blank, unable to process anything else.

After a moment, Krillin released her hands and said in a reassuring tone, "You've recovered well. You can head back now."

"Hmm? What did you say?" Ciel asked, startled back to reality, not having heard him clearly.

"I said, you're good to go!" Krillin replied, grinning playfully.

Realizing what had just happened, Ciel's hands instinctively curled into fists. She lightly punched Krillin's chest, her face a deep red.

Without waiting for his reaction, she quickly turned and ran back toward the temple.

Krillin stared at his hands, still damp with sweat, and then at Ciel's retreating figure.

With a grin spreading across his face, he muttered, Man, I was so nervous just now! But hey, that went pretty well!

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