Chapter 19: Training at Karin Tower

On the lowest floor, John Doe rested on the ground, replenishing his energy with the remaining provisions he had brought.

After a brief rest, he climbed the stairs to the second floor, where he found a large white cat lying on a bed, none other than the guardian of Karin Tower, the Cat Sage.

John was aware that the Cat Sage was likely aware of his arrival, but since the Cat Sage hadn't summoned him, he chose to meditate quietly nearby, focusing on his mental state rather than cultivating his ki.

In the Dragon Ball world, the accumulation of ki was directly linked to one's physical strength. The stronger the body, the more ki it could contain, and ki couldn't be actively drawn from the air.

The Cat Sage, having sensed John's presence, deliberately remained silent to test his temperament. If John disturbed him, the Cat Sage would teach him a lesson and send him away. However, if John showed patience, the Cat Sage would give him a chance, and the extent of his learning would depend on his own understanding.

The next day, the Cat Sage finally woke up. He had planned to prolong his slumber to further test John's patience, but to his surprise, John, unlike most young people, remained calm and continued meditating without any signs of impatience.

With no choice, the Cat Sage got up and prepared breakfast.

As the Cat Sage was about to eat, John emerged from his meditation and sat across from him, ready to dig into the breakfast without waiting for an invitation. The Cat Sage couldn't help but stare at him in disbelief.

The Cat Sage, who had intended to maintain an air of superiority, was caught off guard and asked, "Meow... Are you here just to annoy me?"

John put down his chopsticks and feigned innocence, "I didn't know you could talk. I thought you were just Karin's pet."

"Meow... Your words are truly irritating. I am Karin, the Cat Sage. Who are you, and what brings you here?" the Cat Sage said, slightly annoyed.

John, aware of the need to maintain a good relationship with the Cat Sage, especially since he required the Cat Sage's endorsement to ascend to the Temple of Heaven for further training, replied, "Greetings, Cat Sage. I'm John Doe, a disciple of Master Roshi."

Mentioning Master Roshi, the only person to have climbed Karin Tower in 300 years, might help John establish a connection with the Cat Sage.

Upon hearing Master Roshi's name, the Cat Sage's expression softened, and he said, "Meow... I never expected that the young man who climbed Karin Tower 300 years ago would have such a talented disciple. Truly, each generation surpasses the last."

"Meow... Let's eat breakfast, and then we'll begin our formal training," the Cat Sage added.

John apologized, "I'm sorry, Cat Sage, but my appetite is quite large, and this food won't even fill the gaps in my teeth."

The Cat Sage was taken aback by John's words and silently turned to retrieve a Senzu Bean from a jar behind him. He handed it to John, saying, "Meow... This is a Senzu Bean. Eating one will satisfy your hunger for ten days."

John had come to Karin Tower not only for training but also for Senzu Beans. These beans were incredibly valuable, as they could heal any injury, internal or external, as long as the person wasn't already dead. Later in the series, the author limited the power of Senzu Beans by having Yajirobe eat most of them.

John accepted the Senzu Bean and swallowed it, instantly feeling his empty stomach become full, and any injuries he had sustained during his training were completely healed. He was in the best physical condition he had ever been in.

The Cat Sage stroked his beard, observing the young man before him, and asked, "Meow... Young man, did you come here for the 'Super Holy Water'?"

John shook his head, "No, I have no interest in the 'Super Holy Water.' I came here to train with you, the Cat Sage, and to drink the 'Super Divine Water.'"

Upon hearing John's request, the Cat Sage's expression turned serious. He spoke in a grave tone, "How do you know about the 'Super Divine Water'? Even Master Roshi doesn't know of its existence."

"Moreover, do you understand the consequences of drinking the 'Super Divine Water'? It is a powerful elixir created by the ancient gods of Earth, capable of unlocking one's potential in strength, spirit, and stamina. However, it is also highly toxic. If one cannot withstand the poison, the result is certain death."

"Do you know how many people have drunk the 'Super Divine Water' since I became the Cat Sage, and how many have survived?" the Cat Sage asked sternly, his usual 'meow' absent from his speech.

John shook his head, "I'm not sure."

The Cat Sage continued, "Fourteen people have drunk the 'Super Divine Water' since I've been here. They were all exceptional warriors, the best in the world. Yet, every single one of them died from the poison. Do you truly believe you are stronger than all fourteen of them?"

John remained steadfast, "Their failure doesn't mean I will fail. I am different from them. I can sense an immense power within me, but I haven't been able to unlock it fully."

The Cat Sage fell silent for a moment before speaking, "You don't need to take this risk. With your current strength, a few more years of training will make you the strongest in the world."

John shook his head, "Time is of the essence. The enemies I will face in the future won't be defeated by a few more years of training."

The Cat Sage was taken aback, not fully understanding John's words, but he could sense the young man's determination. "Very well, if you want to drink the 'Super Divine Water,' you must defeat me in battle. Otherwise, I won't give it to you."

"Let's begin," John said, feeling full from the Senzu Bean and eager to start training.

"What? You're full, but I still need to eat my breakfast. Wait for me," the Cat Sage said, sitting down to finish his meal of rice and dried fish.