Chapter 20: Defeating the Cat Sage

With a full stomach, the Cat Sage was ready to begin the training. John Doe, not in a hurry, did push-ups while waiting for the Cat Sage to finish his meal.

Even the most lavish breakfast eventually comes to an end, and the Cat Sage's meal was not particularly extravagant.

John, curious, asked, "Cat Sage, do you like fish a lot?"

"Meow... Of course. I may be the Cat Sage, but I'm still a cat, and cats love fish," the Cat Sage replied happily.

Upon hearing the Cat Sage's fondness for fish, John nodded silently, formulating a plan in his mind. He intended to use fish as a bargaining chip to obtain Senzu Beans from the Cat Sage, ensuring they wouldn't be wasted by Yajirobe.

However, this plan would have to wait, as it was still almost three years before the arrival of King Piccolo.

Ignoring John's thoughts, the Cat Sage cleared the table and approached him. "Meow... Let's see how strong you are and if you're worthy of the 'Super Divine Water.'"

The two opponents took their stances, and John launched the first attack. The Cat Sage, agile as ever, leaped into the air, swinging his cane towards John's waist.

To the Cat Sage's surprise, John's initial move was a feint, and the cane only struck an afterimage.

The Afterimage Fist, the Cat Sage's signature technique, had been learned by Master Roshi from the Cat Sage and later passed on to John and Goku.

The Cat Sage was taken aback that John had started with his own invented technique.

Seeing the Cat Sage fall for his trick, John lunged forward to grab him.

The Cat Sage, not one to be easily defeated, quickly blocked John's attack with his cane and jumped onto the roof. He then dove towards John, attacking again.

John leaped into the air, kicking at the Cat Sage.

However, John's kick passed right through the Cat Sage, who had also used the Afterimage Fist. After a few exchanges, both combatants landed back on the ground.

"Meow... Young man, you're quite impressive. I didn't expect your Afterimage Fist to be so well executed," the Cat Sage said, pleased, his mustache twitching with delight.

John smiled and humbly replied, "Not at all, not at all. I'm still no match for your skills, old man!"

The Cat Sage's expression turned sour at John's words, finding him rather tactless. "But in martial arts, strength is the ultimate decider. Techniques may be advantageous, but they are not the determining factor. And your speed is far too slow."

With that, the Cat Sage vanished from his spot, his ki floating in the air, making his position uncertain.

John followed the Cat Sage's ki, constantly adjusting his own position.

"Here!" John kicked out, but only struck thin air.

"Thud!" The Cat Sage's kick sent John flying.

The Cat Sage looked at John with surprise and said, "I didn't expect you to be able to determine my position by sensing my ki. You're not quite proficient at it yet, and your speed is also too slow."

John remained undeterred, knowing that he had come to learn from the Cat Sage due to the gap in their strengths.

"Meow... Today's training is over. Keep practicing, and when you feel ready to challenge me again, come back," the Cat Sage said.

John nodded in agreement. He looked at the base of Karin Tower and thought of the Saiyans' ability to constantly break through their limits. He decided to climb down the tower and then climb back up, repeating this cycle until he was completely exhausted.

With the help of Senzu Beans to restore his energy, John managed to reduce the time it took him to climb Karin Tower from a full day to just one hour.

On his final ascent, John climbed the tower like a gust of wind, his speed causing the white clouds to scatter.

Feeling he had reached his limit, John challenged the Cat Sage again.

The Cat Sage had been closely observing John's training over the past few days and was surprised by John's unconventional method of using the tower to improve his speed. Moreover, John's progress was astonishing, and the Cat Sage had a sinking feeling that he might be about to lose his first battle in centuries.

The two opponents resumed their stances, and John launched a surprise attack, rushing towards the Cat Sage before he could react.

Startled, the Cat Sage jumped back to avoid John's attack, only to realize that John wasn't actually attacking.

Seeing the Cat Sage's reaction, John smiled and dodged the Cat Sage's cane with a swift movement, grabbing his tail as they both landed.

The Cat Sage found himself hanging upside down in John's grip, looking rather disheveled. He shouted, "You rascal, put me down this instant!"

Smiling, John said, "Then will you give me the 'Super Divine Water'?"

"Fine, I'll give it to you," the Cat Sage grumbled.

Hearing the Cat Sage's agreement, John set him back on the ground.

The Cat Sage smoothed his ruffled fur and said to John, "You're just like Master Roshi, a real troublemaker."

John rubbed his nose, wondering how Master Roshi had offended the Cat Sage. He decided to remain silent.

"Follow me," the Cat Sage said, leading the way to his bedroom.

In the corner of the Cat Sage's room were several jars, which he used to observe the entire Earth. These jars also served as portals to various dimensions where the Cat Sage stored his possessions.

The Cat Sage opened one of the jars and retrieved a teapot with a large 'God' character on its body.

John wondered if this teapot contained the 'Super Divine Water' and asked, "Cat Sage, are you really going to give me the 'Super Divine Water' so easily? Don't I need to go on some adventure to earn it?"