Chapter 4 – The Beast Within and the Calm Without (Part 1)
The stars above shimmered like whispers of forgotten destinies. Raiku sat in stillness, the fire beside him long faded into embers. Roshi had gone to sleep hours ago, snoring faintly in the tent, but Raiku's thoughts were far from rest.
He opened his eyes.
"System," he said aloud, voice calm but resolute. "Show me the perk categories."
> [SYSTEM RESPONSE – Tier 1 Perk Slot Available]
Please Select a Path:
1. Combat Techniques – Craft and evolve signature moves through discipline, fusion of styles, and battle insight.
2. Elemental Ki Pathways – Align Ki with nature's forces (fire, wind, etc.) to unlock unique abilities and enhancements.
3. Passive Enhancements – Increase resistance, reaction time, Ki efficiency, and internal power scaling.
He studied each one.
The Elemental Ki sounded… interesting. Foreign. But he didn't feel any natural bond to this planet's energy yet.
The Passive Enhancements were tempting. Efficiency, growth… power gains. But it felt like leaning on shortcuts.
His gaze settled on the first.
Combat Techniques.
It was a craft—a long road. No shortcuts. No sudden spikes. Just pure refinement. A way to turn legacy into creation. A way to forge something entirely his.
> [You have selected: COMBAT TECHNIQUES]
Perk Initialized: Living Arsenal – Tier 1
Description: Enables creation, refinement, and evolution of original techniques. Style sources: Saiyan Royal Archives + Earth Martial Systems (Master Roshi – Registered).
Current Focus: Basic Ki Foundation
Unlock Milestones:
– Internal Stability: Complete
– Form Control: In Progress
– Intent Sharpness: Pending
Long-Term Goal: Create a signature technique powerful enough to rival divine energy.
Raiku smiled faintly. "Now that… feels right."
He imagined it—his own style. Not just brute blasts or copied strikes. A technique that fused the ruthless precision of the Saiyan royal guard with Roshi's Earth-honed mastery of balance, flow, and stillness.
It would take years. He didn't care.
> [System Notification – Foundation Style: Initiate Fusion Template]
Style Name: [Input Required]
Components Registered:
– Royal Close-Combat Saiyan Kata: "Black Fang" (inherited, untrained)
– Earth Martial Form: "Turtle Style – Defensive Core" (partial exposure)
He paused, thoughtful.
"…Name it 'Heavenpiercer'."
> Style Initiated: Heavenpiercer (Prototype)
– Tier: Conceptual
– Refinement: 0%
– Compatibility: 18%
– Next Step: Assimilate Techniques (2/10 minimum)
He stood slowly. The night breeze brushed his face.
"I'll make something the gods themselves can't ignore."
Behind him, Roshi stirred from the tent and mumbled something about talking sea cucumbers, then fell silent again.
Raiku chuckled under his breath.
But the smile faded as he looked up at the moon.
It hung there like a quiet threat. Full. Watching.
And somewhere inside him, a pulse responded to it. Heavy. Primal.
> [Warning: Lunar Shift – 8 Days]
Gene Trigger Risk: 82%
Without Suppression Below 20 or External Block, Great Ape Transformation is imminent.
He clenched his fists.
This wasn't just about discipline anymore. If he lost control, he wouldn't be training… he'd be destroying.
He walked quietly toward Roshi's tent and tapped the frame.
The old master grunted and stirred.
"Wha—huh? Are we bein' invaded? Did you break my rice pot again?"
"No," Raiku said quietly. "But we need to talk."
Roshi sat up and blinked. "It's the middle of the night. I'm old. That means sleep is sacred."
"This is important," Raiku said, sitting across from him.
Roshi tilted his hat back and squinted.
"You really like the dramatic mood lighting, huh?"
Raiku's tone darkened. "Have you ever seen someone… transform under the moon?"
Roshi paused. "Can't say I have. Why?"
Raiku turned his head slightly, letting the light of the moon catch the curve of his tail.
"You said it was strange. The tail."
"Y-yeah," Roshi muttered. "Looked like a monkey's. Always assumed it was… alien stuff."
"It's not just for balance," Raiku said. "It's a trigger. Under the full moon, Saiyans transform. We become something monstrous."
Roshi's eyes narrowed beneath his glasses.
"What kind of monstrous?"
Raiku's voice dropped.
"A giant ape. Towering. Wild. Ten times stronger… and out of control."
The fire crackled.
"You're tellin' me," Roshi said slowly, "that in eight days, you might turn into a skyscraper-sized gorilla and go on a rampage?"
"If I don't suppress my energy beneath a level I've never reached," Raiku replied.
Roshi rubbed his temples. "Well, isn't that just delightful."
"I need to train for it," Raiku said firmly. "I don't want to run from it. I want to master it."
Roshi looked at him, long and slow.
"You're serious."
"I'm always serious."
"You're also nine."
Raiku smirked. "And a prince."
"Yeah, yeah. Prince of bananas. Listen—this isn't just about tail tugs and power control. You're talkin' about a biological transformation. No mind. No restraint."
"I want to change that," Raiku said. "I refuse to be ruled by instinct."
Roshi leaned back, the fire's glow reflected in his lenses.
"…Then we better start first thing in the morning. We've got less than eight days to teach a volcano to meditate."
Raiku nodded, prideful but grateful.
"I'll do whatever it takes."
The System responded instantly.
> [New Quest Chain: Moonbound Discipline – Initiated]
Stage 1: Meditate Under Lunar Light (0/3 Nights)
Stage 2: Survive Simulated Rage State (Locked)
Stage 3: Anchor Self During Tail Agitation (Locked)
Final Goal: Prevent Uncontrolled Oozaru Shift at Full Moon
Rewards:
– Transformation Control Pathway
– Unique Saiyan Trait: Royal Will (Dormant)
– Additional Stat Bonus: +5 Wisdom, +3 Ki Control
Raiku stood again and looked up at the moon.
"You won't rule me," he muttered.
The wind answered with silence.
Behind him, Roshi scratched his chin and muttered, "Better stock up on duct tape and earplugs…"