>>6153952You realize that Freeza has something he wants to say, but can't quite find the words. And you know, through your time together that pushing him won't get him to talk. Instead you have to wait, let him find the words in his own time. So you remain silent, watching over the party and your granddaughter enjoying herself as her Modoriiromoukin circles the village and valley overhead, clearly enjoying its newfound size as it flies with ease. The silence between you deepens for several minutes, until, finally, Freeza speaks up.
“So, how's your training been going?” he asks you.
“Well, I've been pushing my own gravity chamber up to 100x New Salda's gravity, high as it can go.” you tell him, seeing Freeza raise a brow in response. “And I've been working on a new technique or two. But other than that, the kids' various trainings are going well. They're all growing stronger by the day.”
“I see...” he replies, voice trailing off. Seemingly hoping that this would have led into the conversation he wants to have. Then, after a moment's silence he sighs out, turning from the village below to fully face you. “Look. There's something I want to ask you, Karn.”
“Of course. What is it?” you ask him, turning to meet his gaze. “What's going on?”
“It's, well... Pah. It sound so stupid when I say it aloud.” he says, shaking his head. But after a moment gets his thoughts in order, looking up to you. “Do you prefer training with me, or my brother? Be honest.”
“What? Where did this-?” you try and ask, but he's unrelenting.
“No, no questions. Who do you prefer to spar with? Me, or my brother?” he asks, something unreadable in his expression. Something that tells you this is more important to him than you'd thought, from your conversation before. So, you decide to be honest.
“Right now, after you left he's the strongest sparring partner I've got. And while not as skilled as you are, at least not yet, he isn't nearly as merciful when we fight.” you tell him. “I know you pulled back, you wouldn't exploit every opening you could get when we'd spar for the last year. When you'd hold back, he'd try and crush me, forcing me to be better.”
“I see.” he replies, taking a deep breath then sighing out. “Heh, look at me. Getting all jealous like a jilted lover. Must think I'm pathetic, huh?”
cont
