Chapter 5

Chapter 5: The Clock is Ticking

​The tension in the hallway could have been sliced with a Kienzan. 18’s icy blue gaze locked onto my newly altered frame, her arms tightly crossed as she waited for a rational explanation for how her short, bald husband had suddenly transformed into a full-grown, haired powerhouse overnight.

​"Well?" she prompted, her voice carrying a quiet, lethal edge that made my newly grown spine tingle. "I'm waiting."

​I held up my hands in a defensive, placating gesture, letting out a heavy sigh. There was no point in lying or trying to invent some absurd cover story about rare human growth spurts. "Okay, okay, don't shoot," I started, flashing a nervous grin. "The absolute truth? I got tired of being the short guy. I used the Dragon Balls."

​Her eyebrows hitched upward. "The Dragon Balls."

​"Yeah," I nodded, gesturing vaguely to myself. "First, I wanted my hair back because I was sick of the billiard-ball jokes. Then, I figured if I’m going to stand next to super-powered aliens and androids, I needed some actual height—so now I’m 175 centimeters. And just for good measure... I wished for the ability to survive in space."

​A heavy, suffocating silence settled over the room as 18 processed the sheer absurdity of my confession. She stared at me for a long, agonizing moment, her expression shifting from absolute disbelief to a faint, dry amusement.

​"You used Earth's mystical, reality-warping dragon balls... just to fix your height and grow some hair?" she asked, her tone flat.

​"And space survival!" I added quickly. "That's a practical tactical advantage."

​She let out a soft, exasperated huff, shaking her head as the dangerous aura around her finally dissipated. "You're an idiot, Krillin. But... I suppose it's not the worst thing you've ever done. At least you don't look ridiculous anymore."

​And just like that, the crisis was miraculously resolved. No domestic warfare, no shattered furniture—just Android 18 accepting my bizarre new reality with her usual nonchalant attitude.

​Later that evening, as the house quieted down and Marron fell fast asleep, I sat on the edge of the bed staring out the window, my mind racing. Looking like a new man and breathing in space was a great start, but it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough.

​I knew what was coming. I knew the timeline.

​Lord Beerus.

​The God of Destruction was going to wake up soon, seeking the Super Saiyan God, and if he got annoyed or felt disrespected, he would casually wipe the Earth out of existence without breaking a sweat. In the original timeline, everyone survived because of Goku's strength, divine transformations, and sheer luck. But I couldn't rely solely on Goku pulling a miracle out of thin air anymore. I was in this world now, carrying Krillin's memories and my own foresight, and I needed power. Real, measurable power.

​But I couldn't tell anyone. If I walked up to 18, Dende, or anyone else and started rambling about a cosmic deity waking up to destroy the planet, they’d think I had suffered severe brain damage—or worse, it would cause widespread panic and completely alter things in ways I couldn't predict. My meta-knowledge was my secret burden to bear alone.

​The next morning, after breakfast and a casual explanation to 18 that I just wanted to do some intense solo training to get used to my new body, I packed light and stepped out onto the front porch. She didn't try to stop me; she just watched with a knowing look in her eyes as I stretched my newly lengthened limbs.

​"Don't die in there," she had said casually before closing the door.

​Now, cutting through the bright blue skies, I locked my trajectory onto a familiar destination floating high above the clouds: Kami’s Lookout.

​The wind whistled past my ears as I soared upward, the air growing thinner and crisper until the legendary floating platform loomed into view. I slowed my descent, touching down softly on the ancient white stone tiles.

​Mr. Popo was sweeping the courtyard as usual, his movements calm and rhythmic. A moment later, Dende stepped out from the temple doors, blinking in surprise as he looked up and registered my entirely new appearance and height.

​"K-Krillin?" Dende stammered, his eyes going wide. "Is that really you? What happened to you?"

​I offered a confident grin, walking over with a relaxed stride. "Hey, Dende, Mr. Popo. Long story short, a wish with Shenron worked wonders. But listen, I'm not here just to show off the new look. I need a massive favor."

​Dende tilted his head, stepping closer. "What kind of favor?"

​"I need to use the Hyperbolic Time Chamber," I said, keeping my tone light and avoiding any mention of looming cosmic threats. "I just want to lock myself away and put this new body through its paces. I need to train hard for a full year."

​Dende and Mr. Popo both blinked, caught off guard.

​"A whole year inside the Room of Spirit and Time, just like that?" Dende repeated, genuine concern flickering across his young face. "The mental strain in there is immense, Krillin. Even for seasoned fighters, it's exhausting. Are you sure you don't want someone to go in with you?"

​"Nah, I want to push my limits solo this time," I replied smoothly, flashing a reassuring smile to hide the heavy anxiety pressing down on my chest. "Just some peace, quiet, and brutal discipline."

​Dende stared at me for a moment, sensing my unshakeable resolve, even if he didn't know the terrifying countdown ticking away in the back of my mind. Slowly, the young guardian nodded.

​"Alright, Krillin. If you're this determined... I'll unlock the door for you. But please, be careful."

​"Thanks, Dende," I breathed, a fierce spark of determination igniting in my chest.

​The heavy stone doors of the chamber creaked open, revealing the swirling, endless white void within. I took a deep, steadying breath, gripped my fists, and stepped across the threshold, sealing myself away from the world to forge a future where I wouldn't just be a bystander waiting to die.