The Ruins of Dr Gero's Laboratory

Android #17: They must've been real pissed to have torn down the place so.

Android #18: But we were spared.

Android #17: More like scavenged. The only reason they brought us back was to have us serve them, like with Android #16. Animals, the lot of them.

Krillin appears, dressed in monks' robes.

Krillin: Don't be so closed-minded. You, of all people, should understand the terror that Dr Gero would have instilled if left to his devices.

Android #17: Oh yeah? And who might you be?

Android #18: This isn't about Gero. In fact, we'd have probably killed him ourselves if you guys hadn't.

Krillin: Then what is this about? You were the ones who ungratefully turned your back on us after we'd disarmed the bombs in your chests and gave you your freedom back. What more do you want?!

Android #18: ...

Android #17: So what? You're here to bring us back, little man? Because we're not going to go down easy.

Krillin: Harbour ill will as you may but don't direct it at those who gave you a second chance at life.

Android #18: What if we never wanted a second chance!

Krillin shows surprise and confusion at Android #18's outburst.

Android #17: Sis...

Krillin: (Looks like I misread the situation) Then I'm sorry for assuming otherwise. But please don't take this out on innocent people who may never get another chance.

Android #18: [breaks down in tears]

Android #17: Seriously kid, who are you?

Krillin: A friend. But it looks like we have company, I hope we can meet again under better circumstances.

Krillin looks at Android #18 with pity before quickly departing. Hashin arrives soon afterwards, followed by Tien.

Hashin: Oh, what do we have here?

Tien: [furrows brow] It's the androids we spared.

Hashin: [startled] Where the hell did you come from?!

Tien: I was following you the entire time.

Android #17: We're not androids! We're human. So spare me the bitter looks. Come on, sis.

Androids #17 and #18 depart.

Hashin: They're cyborgs.

Tien: You could tell?

Hashin: Well, they looked human enough except I couldn't feel their Ki.

Tien: What are you doing here anyway?

Hashin: It's embarrassing to admit, given that the Imperium's technology is years ahead of Earth's, but no android we've ever manufactured matched the power level of a Super Saiyan. I'm hoping to find something of relevance here.

Tien: What about the cyborgs?

Hashin: Not interested. Mechanising organisms has never been a problem for us. Anyway, I shouldn't even be telling you this. Why are you stalking me?

Tien: Stalking? I just wanted to ask about the Earthling-unique transformation you mentioned earlier.

Hashin: Ha! Are you serious? After everything that's just happened on your "Lookout", you really expect me to teach you?

Tien: Isn't that what you originally came to Earth for? To teach us this transformation?

Hashin: Not if you're going to use it to defy my superiors.

Tien: So it's that powerful?

Hashin: What?

Tien: You won't teach it to me. Because you're afraid I'll be able to repel your Imperium friends with it, right?

Hashin: Why do you have a third eye?

Tien: You're evading the question.

Hashin: Doesn't it feel like there was someone else here besides the cyborgs?

Tien: How about this? If you tell me about the Earthling-unique transformation, I'll tell you about my third eye.

Hashin: Okay, I'm interested. You first.

Tien: Very well. I'm the descendent of an ancient clan called the "Mitsume-zoku". Through meditation, we are able to grow multiple arms or even split into four people. Achieving a third eye is simply the most esteemed trait of our art, it gives us more perception.

Hashin: I see. (So it personifies the sixth chakra - that of Ajna) How come I've never heard of this clan?

Tien: Maybe it's not that ancient after all. Your turn now.

Hashin: Alright. But you'll need a bit of context first. The "Kaio Ken" that you're all familiar with was designed by the Grand Kai as a universal technique meant to give weaker races a fighting chance. Ironic that its first user be a Saiyan.

Tien: What are you talking about? The "Kaio Ken" takes a hell of a lot to use and it only works in short bursts.

Hashin: Exactly, it's a failure. But the Earthling-unique transformation, known as the "Kio Ken", is the answer that Kais have desperately been looking for. The reason I was saved is because they wanted to develop a universal variant of it.

Tien: I see. So the "Kaio Ken" was named after the "Kio Ken". Does that mean the two are alike?

Hashin: Not at all. Unlike most transformations, you will not be able to just tap into random stores of greater power nor will your Ki be augmented in any way.

Tien: Doesn't sound too exciting.

Hashin: That's the point, those types of transformations are hard to achieve and even harder to maintain. The "Kio Ken" simply pushes whatever Ki one may have outwardly, converting it into pure physical prowess and opening it for feedback.

Tien: I don't understand.

Hashin: It means that your body will gain vast strength and endurance at the cost of rendering your Ki intangible. So, as long as you're in that form, you won't be able to fly or shoot energy attacks and such.

Tien: That's such a big flaw! And if a transformation like that were to be made universal, it would only make the dominant races stronger since they have higher Ki.

Hashin: Maybe so. But it's the feedback element that makes this unique.

Tien: How so?

Hashin: The stronger your opponent, the more feedback you'll receive. The more feedback you receive, the closer your Ki will match theirs. And since all of it is rendered intangible, it will not cause any additional fatigue nor overwhelm its user.

Tien: And meanwhile my body would become increasingly more powerful?

Hashin: Without the slightest increase in muscle mass, yes. Unfortunately, the process will stop once your Ki matches theirs. But, at that point, your physical output damage would be much more devastating and your poise even more so.

Tien: But what if they defeat me before my Ki matches theirs?

Hashin: That is a possibility, nothing is perfect. But the larger the power gap, the quicker your Ki will match theirs. And for those who already have plentiful Ki like yourself, this transformation would be much more effective. Furthermore, I believe you can still use the "Kaio Ken" whilst in that form to give you the edge as you're catching up to your enemy's Ki.

Tien: Give me the edge how?

Hashin: How else do you think? Flying and shooting beams! At short intervals, you'll regain the tangibility of your Ki. But this would likely cause an incredible amount of fatigue which may put you out of the "Kio Ken" altogether.

Tien: Wow. What happens when I go back to my normal form then? Will I keep the power-up?

Hashin: Ha! Earthlings aren't that amazing. And there's one more drawback.

Tien: What's that?

Hashin: If you don't make the correct preparations, the "Kio Ken" could destroy your body.

Tien: Oh yeah, you did mention that before.

Hashin: Also, remaining in the "Kio Ken" form for too long will eat through your calories like hot cakes! So you better make sure you're well-fed before and after if you want to maintain fitness.

Tien: Okay, so how do I pull it off? What do I have to do?

Hashin: Getting a bit ahead of ourselves, don't you think? I simply promised to tell you about it, not teach you. And the information I gave you is way more than what you gave me in return.

Tien: Are you serious? After all that?

Hashin: Yup! So you can be on your way now.

Tien: (sighs frustratedly) By the way, we've already scavenged this place so there's nothing for you to find.

Hashin: What? You could've told me so earlier.

Tien: If you're really interested, visit the Capsule Corporation. I hear Vegeta's wife was able to restore one of the androids.

Hashin: Really? And who might the prince's wife be then?

Tien: The one Goku mentioned earlier, Bulma.