Chapter 7
Piccolo didn't let his confusion show as he landed near Gohan's cave base, there was the kid, excitedly running to meet him and looking up at him with much adoration, why is the kid looking at him like that?
Gohan respectfully waited for Piccolo to speak, the Namekian cleared his throat not wanting to think about the warmness he felt in his chest
"I think it's about time we start your training" he started with his usual monotone way of talking, he sensed the boy's eyes twinkle in enliven
"Tell me, what you've worked on your own so far"
The young boy exuberantly chatted and demonstrated the small Ki blast he was able to do on his own and let Piccolo know how he senses energy
The tall one nodded, pleased, with that little interview out of the way, Piccolo sized up Gohan and commanded him to attack his person, so he can make an accurate line on what skill level was the little half Saiyan is
Gohan had strength that much he knew, but his strikes and hits were unfocused making it have less impact, a lot of energy wasted in unnecessary movements, his stance was also very vulnerable, when an opening presented itself, Piccolo gave Gohan a kick just to see how durable the boy was and how quickly he was able to be back on his feet, the mentor narrowed his eyes in observation, the boy had develop fighting and defending instinct but as to be expected it was severely non practiced and poised
The boy got up doing another stance, more than willing to attempt again, the kick was painful, hitting a huge boulder was painful, but he didn't spend his time in the wilderness all these months for nothing, every cuts and bruised making his fortitude and pain tolerance even stronger
Piccolo raised his hands to signal the testing was over, quite satisfied with the boy's resolve
Weeks passed by with the two mostly focusing on Gohan's offense, sometimes defense, which was rather brutal, Piccolo criticizing, giving valid feedback, tips and sometimes even correcting Gohan's form
To Gohan's delight since the official training started Piccolo stayed with him during morning till noon, leaving at afternoon and then returning at night
They didn't have much conversation at night but Gohan pretty much knew Piccolo's mannerism like the back of his hands by now since as if by inborn ability he instantly hones on him whenever his green skinned friend so much as shifts or utter a sound
Gohan didn't know why he does what he does, could it be for mental training? Since Piccolo barely moves whenever he is already in deep meditation, or is he just continuing that game he started a while back when he checks in whenever the guy let a smile, smirk, or grin slip.
All Gohan knew was, it fills him with glee whenever he discovers something new about his friend, he even set some pages on his Journal just for his findings
Piccolo's ears twitches in conversation one or twice, if he gets caught off guard, or if he is mildly surprised
He very rarely smiles and even if he does, you'll miss if you blink
He does snort whenever he is pleased
His ears lowers down if he is feeling somber
On this particular night, Gohan felt like testing his luck because he has reached a milestone Piccolo set, whenever he tries to probe Piccolo to talk about himself, he tells him to either shut up or go to sleep or even if he does answer it was mostly one to three words
"Mr. Piccolo ? " the little boy said softly
The Namekian grunted in annoyance, which cause Gohan to stifle a giggle
…..
Their night ended with Gohan doing all the happy talking again