Chapter 4

Gine stood on the edge of the cliff, her eyes fixed on the horizon. The wind swept her wild, black hair back as her Saiyan tail swayed with the rhythm of the breeze. She extended her hands slowly, her palms glowing with a crackling blue energy. Kakarot, now perched on a rock nearby, watched with rapt attention, his stubby tail flicking excitedly behind him.

"Watch closely, Kakarot," Gine said, her voice firm yet warm. "You'll learn to do this one day."

She shifted her stance and thrust her arms forward, unleashing a beam of spiraling energy that roared through the air, tearing through the waves below. The sea hissed and churned, geysers of water erupting into the sky.

"Void Wave!"

The attack dissipated, leaving a vortex spinning in the water. Gine exhaled, beads of sweat forming on her brow, but a proud smile played on her lips.

Kakarot clapped his hands wildly. "Again, Mama! Do it again!"

Gine chuckled and crouched down to ruffle his spiky hair. "Not now, little one. You'll need to save your energy for your training later."

From the shaded porch of the house, Master Roshi adjusted his sunglasses, an impressed grin spreading across his face. "Gine, you've really outdone yourself this time. That move could level mountains."

Gine stood and dusted her hands off, her expression softening as she looked back at him. "It's not about leveling anything, Roshi. It's about protecting what matters most." Her eyes shifted to Kakarot, who had taken to chasing a hermit crab across the sand.

"That's the heart of a true warrior," Roshi replied, nodding approvingly. "And you're teaching him well, even if he doesn't know it yet."

As the sun climbed higher, the trio gathered for lunch, Kakarot devouring his meal with the vigor only a Saiyan child could muster.

"Slow down, Kakarot, or you'll choke," Gine said, though her tone held no real admonishment.

"Mama, are we gonna fight bad guys someday?" Kakarot asked between bites, his wide eyes shimmering with innocent excitement.

Gine's smile faltered for just a moment. "Maybe, Kakarot. But first, we train to make sure we're strong enough to protect those who can't protect themselves."

Kakarot nodded, the words settling in his young mind. "Like you protect me?"

"Exactly," Gine said, her voice soft. She reached across the table and ruffled his hair again, a tender glint in her eyes.

That evening, as the stars blanketed the sky, Gine sat alone on the beach, her knees drawn to her chest. The ocean's rhythm usually brought her peace, but tonight, her mind was restless.

"Raditz…" she whispered, the name carrying both love and longing.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind her. Roshi settled down beside her, his staff sinking slightly into the sand.

"Thinking about your older boy again?" he asked gently.

Gine nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "I can't help it. He's out there somewhere, but I don't know if he's safe… or if he's even alive."

Roshi stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Saiyans are survivors, Gine. And from what you've told me, Raditz is as stubborn as they come. Don't lose hope."

She turned to him, a small, grateful smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Roshi. Your wisdom has kept me grounded these past two years."

"Not wisdom, just experience," he said with a wink. "Now, go get some rest. You've earned it."

As she rose to her feet, a tiny voice called from the house.

"Mama! Come look at the stars with me!"

Gine turned, her heart swelling. Kakarot was leaning against the doorway, clutching his favorite blanket.

"Coming, my little warrior," she replied, her worries momentarily forgotten.