Tsuru floated in the air, experiencing a sensation that defied any description.
"This is... amazing... simply amazing." He clenched his fists, taking a deep breath as excitent overtook him. Looking at the blue sky beyond Korin's tower, he leaned forward and began to fly slowly.
"This is wonderful!"
Like a child who had just learned to run, Tsuru played in the sky, flying in circles around the elliptical-shaped tower.
Is this guy really a villain? Taro thought, leaning against the parapet of the hall. He was a little speechless at Tsuru's almost innocent energy.
Over the days, Taro had abandoned the image of Tsuru as a villain from the original story. In reality, Tsuru was nothing more than soone with a difficult temperant, a sharp tongue, and an impulsive attitude.
Korin approached Taro, scratching his whiskers. With a sleepy gaze, the cat looked up at Tsuru, who was flying back.
"Are you guys leaving?" He asked.
"Yes. The sooner we secure the artifact that seals the Great Demon King, the sooner we can go ho." Taro smiled, thinking of Fanfan, who was probably waiting anxiously for them at Mutaito Mountain.
He pulled out a map he had redrawn over the past few days, indicating the route Korin would take to the seer Baba's village.
Tsuru landed on the tower, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"When do we leave?" He asked.
Taro gave him a brief look and folded the map before tucking it away.
"You just learned Bukujutsu. Are you sure you can handle the entire journey like this?"
"Bukujutsu? What a weird na!" Tsuru grumbled, not realizing that this was a technique he should have developed himself originally. "Anyway, with my current level, I won't be able to fly very fast or for very long... Hey, old man, I bet you've got a bunch of Senzu beans stashed away, right?"
---
Two figures streaked across the sky at high speed, one carrying a package wrapped in brown cloth.
Vuuum.
Flying over a tropical forest, the two were covered in sweat. Tsuru, shirtless, looked exhausted, while Taro, also sweating, suggested:
"If you can't keep up, we can land and walk for a bit. No need to push yourself so hard."
Although the aerial crossing was a kind of training, similar to the climb up Korin's Tower, Taro knew there was no need to overdo it.
"Shut up!" Tsuru snarled, determined not to show weakness in front of Taro. With his teeth clenched, he insisted on maintaining the pace. He even pushed his body to fly faster, just to prevent Taro from slowing down to match him, which would be even more humiliating.
Over ti, the vegetation below began to thin out.
Suddenly, Tsuru lost control and started plumting toward the ground. Taro squinted his eyes and saw that Tsuru, already out of energy, quickly pulled out a Senzu Bean and swallowed it.
In an instant, he regained his strength and returned to Taro's side as if nothing had happened.
Taro too was starting to feel the limits of his body. The truth was, his Ki capacity wasn't much higher than Tsuru's. Even with superior talent and understanding, his body couldn't ignore the inherent limitations of humans.
In the world of Dragon Ball, this was evident. The biggest example was training with gravity. Goku and Vegeta made incredible advances using gravity chambers before achieving Super Saiyan. However, human warriors like Krillin, Yamcha, and Tenshinhan never followed the sa path.
The explanation was obvious: the human body had defined limits. Training in extre gravity was more harmful than beneficial for them. After all, humans didn't have the Saiyan ability to grow stronger after near-death experiences.
Brutal training simply wasn't ideal for humans.
On the other hand, Taro had the advantage of his previous ninja experience, where long forced marches and careful chakra managent were essential skills. His familiarity with energy conservation, combined with the "Ki control" of his Mangekyou Sharingan, gave him a slight edge in endurance over Tsuru.
Of course, even Taro had his limits. When he could no longer endure, he would land, rest on the spot, or walk for a while. He avoided relying too much on Senzu Beans. From his past life's experiences, he knew that frequent reliance on "crutches" like dicine could weaken a person's inherent "immunity."
It's like soone who's grown dependent on sleeping pills and can no longer fall asleep naturally.
The two continued their journey, flying intermittently and traveling day and night. Finally, after six grueling days, they hovered in the air above a vast desert, gazing down at an oasis where a primitive village lay nestled.
Sweat covered their bodies as the desert's relentless heat bore down on them. Even their martial arts-trained endurance was tested to its limits. Sharing a glance, Taro and Tsuru shot downward in a swift dive—
And what greeted them below was entirely unexpected.
A group of villagers rushed out from the settlent. Their skin was darkened by the harsh sun, and they carried primitive weapons—wooden spears, stone knives, and axes. They surrounded the two strangers with fierce determination.
"Who are you?"
"What do you want in our village?"
"Leave at once!"
The villagers barked these words without hesitation, pointing their weapons directly at Taro and Tsuru.
"How did these primitives know we were coming?" Tsuru muttered, frowning as he studied the dark-skinned tribesn blocking their way.
Taro, however, seed thoughtful.
"I already told you." he said. "My sister is a highly skilled shaman. Judging by their reaction, she must hold a position of importance here—likely a priestess or spiritual leader."
"Is it really that powerful? Able to foresee our arrival?" Tsuru raised an eyebrow, incredulous. He had learned to sense Ki with Taro's help, but his ability was still rudintary, limited in range and accuracy.
Tsuru knew he wouldn't be able to detect soone approaching from so far away, let alone organize an ard reception. This realization surprised him but also irritated him. After all, why was even Taro's sister so impressive? He, who had once been a rival of similar level, now seed light years behind.
It was frustrating.
Suddenly, Taro stepped forward and shouted:
"Sister! It's , Mu Taro! I've co to find you!"
The natives looked at each other, confused, but continued to stare at him with suspicion.
"What's this kid talking about?" One of them pointed a spear so close to Taro's face that he could feel the air moving.
However, after a brief stir, the group fell silent. Gradually, the n parted ways.
Taro and Tsuru looked up to the end of the human corridor and saw a woman about 1.60 ters tall floating toward them. She had purple hair and wore a long black tunic. Her bare feet didn't touch the ground, and beside her floated a crystal ball, as if it were a living servant.
It was the seer Taro had t at Korin's Tower. Or rather, his sister.
"So it's you, Taro... Weren't you training with Mutaito? How did you find the ti to co here?" She passed by the group of natives and stopped in front of Taro and Tsuru. Her piercing gaze t Taro's with coldness.
Uncomfortable under her stare, Taro raised the package he was carrying.
"I ca because of this. My master sacrificed his life to seal the Great Demon King inside this object. I know you specialize in powerful magic, so I want to know where would be the safest place to keep it."
The seer observed him for a few monts, then shifted her gaze to Tsuru, who looked impatient and irritated.
"Hmm... You passed through Korin's Tower before coming here, didn't you?" She asked, as if already knowing the answer. Clearly, she recalled when her privacy had been disturbed weeks ago.
Turning away, she murmured to herself:
"My master is gone, and now that cat has beco bold... Interesting."
"What's this woman mumbling about?" Tsuru grumbled, crossing his arms.
"... Co."The seer ignored Tsuru and floated into the village, ordering the natives: "They are our guests."
Without questioning, the n lowered their weapons.
Taro and Tsuru exchanged glances before following the woman.
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