The next day—
"Yuujin, Goku, from today onwards, I will be guiding your training."
"But before that, spar with each other and let me see how skilled you both are."
Inside the temple, Master Karin spoke to Yuujin and Goku.
"Fight Yuujin? Sure, sounds fun!"
Goku cheerfully replied, bouncing up and down.
Since the Turtle Hermit stopped sparring with Yuujin two years ago, Yuujin and Goku had been training together, so this was nothing new for them.
Under Master Karin's watchful gaze, Yuujin and Goku took their places in the center of the temple and assumed the standard Turtle School stance.
"Yuujin, here I come."
"Bring it on."
Wasting no time, Goku launched the first attack, pushing off the ground and shooting toward Yuujin like a cannonball.
It was a simple body-check, but the speed and power behind it were immense. Goku had used this move to bring down countless wild bulls and dinosaurs during hunts.
However, for Yuujin, this was just a routine attack. He easily blocked Goku's charge with his hands, even though his feet scraped long marks on the ground, his stance remained unshakable.
"Ohhhhhh!!!"
The real assault began as Goku's fists rained down on Yuujin like a storm.
The small fists packed a surprising punch. Even Yuujin didn't dare let them hit him directly, so he continuously blocked, each clash between them causing muffled bursts in the air.
Seeing Yuujin's defenses impenetrable, Goku quickly switched strategies, dashing to a pillar at the temple's edge, using it as a springboard to attack Yuujin from the side.
Already familiar with her fighting style, Yuujin split into five afterimages, scattering and evading Goku's strike.
"Ugh, I'm not done yet!"
Pouting with determination, Goku blurred into motion, creating several afterimages and chasing after Yuujin.
Though simple-minded and often absent-minded, Goku showed remarkable talent in martial arts. Not only had she mastered the Afterimage Technique, but she had also learned the Kamehameha more than a year ago.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The entire temple echoed with the sound of Yuujin's and Goku's afterimages darting around, their battle growing more intense with each passing moment. Master Karin stroked his beard, occasionally nodding in approval.
For both Yuujin and the little girl to possess such skill at their age was a first, even in his 800-year lifetime.
Naturally, Yuujin didn't use his full strength against Goku. He kept his power on par with hers, making the fight more about technique and martial prowess.
Although Goku had learned most of the techniques Yuujin knew, her experience was still lacking. Eventually, Yuujin found an opening and landed a punch to her abdomen, sending her crashing into a pillar at the edge of the temple, ending the spar.
"Ouch... that hurts."
Clutching her stomach, Goku winced in pain.
"Are you alright, Goku?"
Yuujin lifted her from the ground and gently rubbed the spot where she was hit. Goku soon smiled sweetly, acting as if nothing had happened.
"Hmm, you both did well. It seems Master Roshi taught you with great care," Master Karin said. "However, neither of you coordinated your breathing during the fight, and there were many unnecessary movements."
"Moreover, you both only reacted to each other's actions rather than anticipating them. You need to be able to read your opponent's moves in advance."
"And also..."
Master Karin walked over, first praising them, then pointing out a series of flaws.
As an 800-year-old immortal, his experience was vast, and his critiques precisely targeted the areas where Yuujin and Goku still needed improvement.
These might seem like minor flaws that didn't seem critical to fix, but in martial arts, even a slight mistake could be the difference between victory and defeat.
In the vast universe, humans are relatively weak creatures, with frail bodies and no significant natural strength. Even on Earth, they had to rely on their intelligence to reach the top of the food chain.
Perhaps because of this, martial arts emerged within human civilization. Martial artists trained their bodies and minds, continually refining every minor habit and detail to maximize their limited strength.
In contrast, Saiyan civilization had no concept of martial arts because they didn't need it.
Saiyans were born with powerful bloodlines, and their strength grew simply by engaging in constant battles, without the need for refinement or technique.
For example, if Master Roshi were to duel a strong Saiyan warrior, there's no doubt that he would lose, easily being defeated in seconds. The disparity in raw power was too great; even if he was revered as the "God of Martial Arts," brute force could crush any skill, and a single energy blast could obliterate him.
However, if Master Roshi possessed the same immense strength as a Saiyan warrior, he could easily dominate them all.
That is the essence of martial arts!
Master Karin continued his lecture, and Yuujin listened attentively to every word. Goku, standing nearby, was also listening earnestly, but her little head soon became a bit fuzzy.
"Did you both understand what I said?"
After finishing his explanation, Master Karin asked.
Yuujin nodded, but Goku blinked her big watery eyes in confusion and said, "Not at all."
"Ugh!"
Master Karin nearly collapsed. So much for all that talking!
"Well, Master Karin, Goku learns through physical memory. If you let her experience it in battle, she'll quickly grasp the idea," Yuujin explained, helping Master Karin back up, feeling a bit awkward.
"Really? She looks pretty clueless to me," Master Karin said doubtfully.
"I'm not clueless! I'm smart!" Goku pouted and clenched her little fists.
"Alright, Goku, let's spar again."
Amused, Yuujin patted Goku's head.
"Okay!!!"
Goku stuck her tongue out at Master Karin, then resumed sparring with Yuujin.
This time, Yuujin applied Master Karin's advice, adjusting his movements and intensifying his Ki, quickly pushing Goku on the defensive.
Master Karin nodded in approval. Yuujin was progressing rapidly, having taken the guidance to heart. But the little girl seemed unchanged, fighting as she had before.
Just when Master Karin thought the match would end soon, Goku began to turn the tide!
With his keen insight, Master Karin quickly understood what was happening. Whenever Yuujin corrected a flaw or improved his technique and Goku struggled against him, she would swiftly mimic his new moves and principles.
Squinting his eyes, Master Karin stroked his beard.
This little girl wasn't as clueless as she seemed...
To be continued…