Dragon Ball: RNG Rebirth

His smile widens, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "How delightful," he purrs. "I'd be more than happy to show you how beneath me you truly are, young one."

The challenge in his words is palpable, and my blood starts to boil. But I keep my cool. This is exactly what I've been waiting for—a chance to prove myself against the best. I can see Zelle watching us, a mix of surprise and concern on her face. But she knows better than to interfere. This is between me and my new mentor—my past and my future, colliding in a dance of power and ego.

Zarbon leads me to a secluded part of the arena, the echo of our footsteps the only sound. He's wearing his regular armor with those blue thigh highs and that headress he has, the elite uniform reserved for those who have proven themselves. "Let us begin," he says, and without another word, we square off.

As I charge at him, my scouter beeps frantically, the words "ABORT, THIS IS FRIEZA'S MOST ELITE, THIS WON'T END WELL, ABORT!" flashing across the screen. I ignore it, my eyes locked on Zarbon's smug expression. I know he's holding back—his power level is in the millions, after all—but I can't help but feel a twinge of fear. He's one of the strongest in the Frieza Force, and I'm just a cocky grunt playing with the big boys.

My fist flies towards him, but he seems to anticipate it, moving aside with a grace that belies his size. "Is that all you've got?" he sneers, his voice dripping with condescension.

The remark hits a nerve, and I let out a snarl, launching a barrage of energy blasts. They're fast, but he dodges them with ease, his movements almost serpentine. "Impressive," he says, his voice mocking. "But you're still a child playing with a toy sword."

My scouter beeps again, the warning more urgent this time. "Cody, abort the spar! Zarbon's power is too much for you to handle!" It's Koro's voice, but I ignore it. This isn't about winning or losing. It's about showing Zarbon that I'm not just a pretty face with a sharp mind. I'm a warrior, too.

I gather my strength and channel it into a single, powerful punch. Time seems to slow as my fist connects with his jaw. His head snaps back, and for a moment, I think I've actually hurt him. But then he laughs—a cold, cruel laugh that sends chills down my spine. "Is that the best you can do?"

The air around him shifts, and suddenly he's in front of me, his hand around my throat. "You dare challenge me?" he growls, his grip tightening. "You should be groveling at my feet, thankful for the scraps of power I leave behind."

The arena goes silent, everyone watching our confrontation with bated breath. Even Zelle's eyes are wide with shock. But I just smile, the pressure of his grip fueling my resolve. "You may be strong, Zarbon," I say, my voice hoarse, "but you're not a legend. Not like I'll be."

With a roar, I break free, the energy of my defiance coursing through me. The scouter falls silent, and in that moment, I know I've made my stand. Whether I win or lose this fight, I've proven I won't be underestimated.

Zarbon's eyes narrow, his grip loosening slightly. "You have spirit," he concedes. "But spirit won't win you battles."

With surprising speed, he steps back and delivers a devastating punch that sends me sprawling across the arena. As I lay there, stars dancing before my eyes, he leans down and whispers, "Did you know that our race has another form? One that trades beauty for brute power?"

I manage to nod, my head spinning.

"Good," he says, his voice low. "When you're ready to ascend, I'll be watching."

Then, with a smirk, he strides away, leaving me on the floor, my jaw throbbing. As my consciousness fades, I can just make out the sound of his boots echoing down the corridor and the murmur of the watching soldiers. The last thing I hear is his voice, fading into the distance. "I must report back to Frieza. Until we meet again, young Cody."

The training arena seems to close in around me as darkness takes over. The last thought before oblivion is a question—what kind of monster is waiting inside me, ready to be unleashed?

When I come to, I'm back in my bunk, Zelle hovering over me with a concerned expression. "You okay?" she asks, her voice tinged with worry.

"Yeah," I croak, pushing myself into a sitting position. "What happened?"

"You passed out after that punch," she says, her eyes flashing with anger. "Zarbon said he was just giving you a little taste of your limits."

"More like a taste of his fist," I murmur, rubbing my jaw.

"He left for a mission," she continues. "But when he comes back, you can bet I'll be watching."

Her protective stance brings a small smile to my bruised face. "Thanks," I say, "but I can handle myself."

Zelle nods, her eyes lingering on me for a moment longer before she turns to leave. "I know," she says quietly. "But it's nice to have someone in your corner."

The words resonate within me as she walks away. Despite the pain and the embarrassment, I can't help but feel a warmth spread through my chest. Maybe there's more to this whole friendship and camaraderie thing than I thought. Maybe it's not just about power and glory, but also about the people who stand beside you when the universe is trying to knock you down.

And with that thought, the excitement of the unknown form Zarbon spoke of starts to stir within me. The idea of tapping into a monstrous strength is both terrifying and exhilarating. But first, I need to recover and train. Because when I face him again, I'll be ready. I'll show him that I'm not just a tactician—I'm a warrior through and through, ready to claim my place in the Frieza Force.