Dragon Ball: RNG Rebirth

My smirk falters for a moment. "We've only known each other for like two days," I reply, trying to keep things light, but her intensity is palpable. "You can't just go falling over for some pretty boy you just met."

Her grip tightens, and she looks me straight in the eyes. "You're not just any boy, Cody," she says firmly. "You're a warrior, a leader, and the first one who's ever made me feel... alive."

"Zelle, you're being dramatic," I chuckle, trying to keep my voice steady. "A lot of women I've known have said that." But there's something about her sincerity that makes me second guess my words.

Her expression turns serious. "Cody, I'm not 'any woman'. I've seen enough battles to know what I'm feeling," she insists, her grip on my neck tightening. "And if you can't see it, then maybe you're not as smart as I thought."

Her words cut through the fog of my ego, and I'm left looking into the purple pools of her eyes, searching for a hint of jest. But there's none. Just raw, unfiltered honesty. "Alright, I... I don't know what to say." It's not often that I'm at a loss for words, but here I am, stumbling over them like a teenager.

Our moment is abruptly interrupted by the hiss of the shuttle's hatch opening. Koro steps in, his visor reflecting our surprised faces. "Good work," he says gruffly, breaking the tension. "Frieza will be pleased with the swiftness of our victory."

Relief washes over me, and I stand up, putting some distance between us. "Thanks, Koro," I reply, trying to compose myself. "We made quick work of them."

Zelle nods in agreement, her expression unreadable. "We make a good team," she says, her voice cool and professional once again.

Koro grunts. "You both have potential," he acknowledges, his white eyes scanning us. "But don't get too comfortable. Frieza expects more than just 'good'. You need to be the best."

We nod solemnly, the gravity of his words sinking in. The Frieza Force is not a place for weakness or distraction.

Back on the ship, we're greeted with nods of respect from our fellow soldiers. The buzz of victory fills the air, but all I can think about is Zelle's confession. I've never been one to shy away from female attention, but this feels different. This isn't just about lust or ego; she's talking about something deeper, something that scares me.

In the mess hall, we grab a quick meal—nothing fancy, just energy pods and protein bars to refuel. We sit in silence, the air charged with unspoken words.

"Cody," Zelle says finally, her voice low and serious. "I know this isn't the time or the place, but I need to know. Are we just friends, or...?"

I sigh, pushing aside my food. "Zelle, you know I've never been one for relationships," I admit. "But what you said... it means a lot. And maybe, just maybe, I could see us being more than that."

Her face lights up, and for a second, I feel like I've just won the biggest battle of my life. But then reality sets in. "But we can't let this affect our mission," I add hastily. "We have to stay focused."

Zelle nods, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes. "I know," she says softly. "But it's nice to know where we stand."

As we finish our meal, I find myself unable to resist the curiosity about my own kind—the Zarbonians. "Koro," I begin, "I've been thinking. Can I take a leave to visit my home planet? I've never met another Zarbonian, and I'd like to know more about my heritage."

Koro looks at me, his expression unreadable behind his visor. He takes a moment before responding. "You know, Cody, your past is your own. But the Frieza Force doesn't grant leave for sightseeing," he says firmly. "Your place is here, fighting for our lord."

I nod, understanding his point, but I can't shake the feeling of curiosity. "But what if I could learn something that could benefit us all?" I ask, hoping to sway him. "Maybe there's some technique or strategy that I could bring back."

"There are plenty of soldiers here eager to learn from your tactical genius," Koro replies, his voice stern. "And you have more than enough to keep you busy without gallivanting off to who-knows-where."

The truth in his words stings a bit, but I know he's right. "Alright," I concede with a shrug. "But I'll still need to train. Can you set me up with some of the other troops?"

He nods. "I'll arrange it," he says. "But remember, Cody. Your future is here, not in the past."

With that, I push away from the table and stand, the gravity of his words weighing on me as I make my way to the training arena. Zelle follows closely, her footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. It's clear she's still on edge about our conversation, and I can't blame her. The prospect of a relationship in the Frieza Force is like juggling grenades—one wrong move and everything blows up in your face.

The training arena is a cacophony of grunts and clanging metal, the smell of sweat and determination thick in the air. We enter and the other soldiers stop and stare, recognizing the two of us as the ones who brought back the victory on C-14. It's a heady feeling, but one I'm all too familiar with. I've always had a knack for making an entrance.

My eyes catch a glimpse of something—or someone—unexpected. Zarbon himself is here, his lanky form striding towards us. My heart skips a beat. This is the guy I'm supposed to be emulating? The one I'm destined to surpass? The one who's about to show me the ropes?

"Ah, Cody," he says, his voice like velvet over gravel. "Another member of my esteemed race." His smile is cold, but his eyes flicker with something—interest, perhaps? "What brings you here?"

I stand tall, not intimidated in the least. "Just looking to train and learn some new things," I reply, flashing him a cocky grin. "Thought maybe you could show me a thing or two, being the legend that you are and all."