Dragon Ball: The Strongest Training

Krillin remained completely still, careful not to disturb the peacefully sleeping Siyar in his arms.

Perhaps it was the long absence of her loved ones, or maybe it was the lack of a sense of security for so long. At this moment, Siyar seemed to have found a rare feeling of comfort, clinging to Krillin like an octopus, her previously furrowed brows now relaxed.

Beautiful moments always pass quickly… Five hours later.

"Skar! How are you even guarding the princess? She's missing! If something happens to her, how will you answer to the people of Perseus?" Rael was visibly upset, his tone sharp as he scolded Skar.

Skar's eyes were filled with guilt. The princess had been gone for over ten hours, and he had only just found out. The failure of his guard team was undeniable.

"There's no use blaming me now. Finding the princess is the priority. After we've brought her back, I'll accept any punishment you see fit!" Skar said, his tone unusually distressed.

"Fine!" Though still furious, Rael knew that rescuing the princess was the top priority.

"Mobilize the last line of defense and prepare the interstellar ship," Skar ordered, calming himself. "If the princess has disappeared from Zisan Star, the enemy must be heading for the wormhole to reach the Perseus system."

Rael hesitated briefly. "Skar, have you considered… If the enemy's strength is such that they could abduct the princess without a sound, they must be…"

"Even if Kevira himself descended, we would save the princess without hesitation. Even if it costs every last one of us our lives, so be it!" Skar's voice was resolute, his determination unshakable.

"Yes, you're right," Rael agreed, his gaze turning grim. "Without spirit, the Perseans have no purpose. For the princess, we will fight without regret!"

"Good. I'll go rally the remaining forces," Rael said before flying toward the guard post.

"This is Rael. Activate the final defensive forces immediately!" Rael barked into his communicator.

The voice on the other end hesitated. "Captain Rael, are you sure about this?"

"Execute the order!" Rael snapped.

"Yes, sir. Activating final defense forces now!"

Meanwhile, Krillin watched from above as the Perseans hurried about below, clearly agitated.

"What's going on today? Why is everyone so tense? Did something happen?" Krillin mused, momentarily puzzled.

But as he looked down at the sleeping Siyar in his arms, his earlier questions seemed to fade from his mind.

"Captain Skar, the troops are assembled. Awaiting orders," reported a squad leader clad in battle gear.

"Prepare to board the ship!" Skar ordered.

The squad leader hesitated, then added, "One last look at Zisan Star…"

Skar glanced at the squad leader, his voice heavy. "Yes, one last look."

The Persean civilians, hearing the news of the final defense being activated, understood that Zisan Star's days were numbered. Sadness spread through the population.

Though they had long prepared for this day, knowing it was inevitable, their primary worry now was the safety of Princess Siyar.

"Mmm…"

Siyar stretched lazily in Krillin's arms, murmuring softly. She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept so soundly. It felt as if she were back in her father's embrace.

She opened her eyes slowly, only to find herself cradled in Krillin's arms.

In an instant, her face turned bright red. She realized the warmth she felt in her dream had come from Krillin.

Flustered, Siyar lowered her head, unable to meet Krillin's gaze.

Krillin looked down at her, his wide eyes filled with curiosity. But Siyar, embarrassed, buried her head deeper into his chest instead of pulling away—a detail that delighted Krillin.

As Siyar's gentle breath tickled Krillin's chest, he struggled to suppress a chuckle.

Meanwhile, Siyar inhaled Krillin's faint yet comforting scent, feeling a bit entranced. She kept her head down, avoiding eye contact, lost in thought.

Krillin tried speaking to her, but all Siyar managed in response was a shy "Mm" in a soft, almost inaudible voice.

"By the way, I noticed your people gathering earlier. Is something important happening?" Krillin asked, recalling the unusual scene below.

Hearing this, Siyar lifted her head abruptly, their eyes meeting. Her face was still flushed as she asked anxiously, "Is that true? Did you really see that?"

"Yes," Krillin confirmed.

"Oh no! Something big must have happened!" Siyar exclaimed, her tone panicked. "I've been gone too long, and Skar must have mobilized the final rescue forces."

Krillin immediately pieced it together: this was probably his fault. Still, he reassured himself that they could resolve it in time.

"We need to go back immediately! Otherwise, they might head for the wormhole," Siyar said urgently.

"Alright, let's go," Krillin agreed, nodding.

However, Siyar didn't move, prompting a confused look from Krillin.

Siyar glanced at him with teary eyes, pouting slightly. "My legs are numb…"

Krillin stared at her soft, pleading eyes, feeling momentarily disconnected from everything else. After a brief pause, he recovered and laughed.

"I'll carry you back," Krillin said with a grin as he scooped her up.

Siyar blushed deeply and muttered a faint "Mm…" so quietly it was barely audible, but Krillin heard it clearly.

"Hold on tight. We're taking off!" Krillin said.

Unsure of what to do with her hands, Siyar fidgeted nervously. Seeing this, Krillin leaned closer and gently whispered, "Wrap your arms around my neck."

Flustered, Siyar leaned forward and did as he said, their foreheads accidentally brushing together.

For a moment, their eyes met at an impossibly close distance, and Krillin could even smell the faint, sweet scent of her lips.

"Stop fooling around! Just take me back!" Siyar said, her clear voice breaking the spell.

"Who's fooling around? I don't know what you're talking about," Krillin replied with a smirk, shrugging slightly.

Flying at high speed, Krillin shielded Siyar from the harsh winds with his body.

Noticing this, Siyar felt a surge of warmth in her heart. At the same time, she was amazed at Krillin's speed, which was more than twice her own.

When they neared the guards' base, Siyar spoke softly, "Put me down. I can walk now."

"No need. We're almost there," Krillin replied firmly.

Defeated by his determination, Siyar blushed again, her face resembling a ripe apple.

As they landed, Skar rushed over, his expression shifting from confusion to sheer relief upon seeing Siyar safe in Krillin's arms. Tears welled up in his eyes as he experienced the emotional rollercoaster of despair and joy.

"Put me down quickly!" Siyar whispered urgently, noticing the approaching guards.

Krillin obliged, gently lowering her to the ground.

Unsteady on her feet, Siyar wobbled briefly, prompting Krillin to steady her. "Take it easy," he said kindly.

"I'm not a child!" Siyar muttered, brushing him off before walking toward Skar.

"Princess, where were you? We were so worried!" Skar asked, his tone filled with genuine concern rather than blame.

Realizing the trouble she had caused, Siyar explained, "I achieved a breakthrough in my mental strength. I forgot to inform the guards because I was too focused on the process."

Upon hearing this, the guards were relieved and amazed. "The princess has broken through again? Truly worthy of being the king's daughter!"

At the mention of her father, Siyar's expression grew heavy. She quietly said, "I'm tired. I'll head back now," before flying away.

Skar, realizing he'd touched a sensitive topic, regretted his words. Watching Siyar disappear into the distance, he sighed deeply.

Krillin, confused by the sudden shift, looked to Skar for answers.

"I'll explain later," Skar assured him, before dismissing the guards.

As the guards departed, many of them shot cold, hostile glares at Krillin, their eyes brimming with suspicion.

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