The sky above is a serene expanse of clear, unblemished blue, its vastness stretching as far as the eye can see. The radiant sun casts its warm, golden rays upon the tranquil surface of the ocean, illuminating the gentle ripples that dance upon its waters. A multitude of birds gracefully soar through the heavens, their wings gliding effortlessly through the air, as if guided by an invisible hand. The island, embraced by this idyllic scene, is caressed by a gentle breeze that carries the birds on their journey towards the vast expanse of the sea.
Krillin, standing at the edge of the shoreline, gazes out at the calm sea before him. His hands rest gently at his sides, as he immerses himself in deep contemplation. With unwavering focus, he observes the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves, as they gracefully roll in and then retreat into the distance, leaving behind a sense of tranquility. Inhaling deeply, he fills his lungs with the crisp, invigorating air that surrounds him. The atmosphere is not only pleasant, but there is an intangible quality that elevates it beyond the ordinary - the absence of clouds, allowing the sun's brilliance to shine unhindered upon the world below.
He closed his eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply again, holding it before he released it slowly. His lips parted slightly as he let out a gentle breath. He crouched, tucking his hands behind him. His eyes narrowed with determination.
"Kaaaa! Meeee!" A small spark of power formed in his hands, and began to grow. "Haaaa! Meeee!" He threw his hands forward. "HAAAA!"
The blast rocketed forward, a huge massive wave of white-blue, roaring over the water's surface. After a few minutes the blast faded and the water returned to its calm state. All was quiet again. Krillin stood upright and sighed; it was a miracle he hadn't taken out any passerby ships.
Krillin crossed his arms while closing his eyes. His mind thinking back on that fateful day where Piccolo jr rose up and fought against his best friend Goku. His friend was amazing at fighting back against the son of King Piccolo. To think that was the same kid who he once thought was a cheater, and was somebody that he actually once hated. That was a long time ago. How things have changed.
Man, I wish I were like him, Krillin thought, being able to fend Piccolo off like that. That was so cool.
Krillin glared at the sand.
But if I was him though, no way in hell I would let him escape. That's gonna cause trouble one day, Krillin thought.
Krillin held steadfast to his convictions. In a hypothetical scenario where the tables were turned, he would have swiftly and decisively put an end to Piccolo Jr.'s existence, without a moment's hesitation. This particular incident continues to vex him to this very day, as he ponders why Goku, of all people, chose to spare the life of the offspring of King Piccolo himself. The perplexity of Goku's decision remains a mystery to Krillin, for he struggled to comprehend how his dear friend could make such a choice. While he did grasp the underlying motivations behind Goku's actions, it left Krillin utterly bewildered at the time.
However, if the situation had been reversed and Krillin found himself in Goku's shoes, he would have undoubtedly seized the opportunity to swiftly eliminate Piccolo Jr. Eradicating such a formidable threat would have undoubtedly safeguarded the Earth's well-being and ushered in a renewed era of tranquility. Yet, Krillin couldn't help but acknowledge the consequences of such an act. By extinguishing Piccolo Jr.'s life, he and his comrades would have been left bereft of the Dragon Balls, rendering them incapable of resurrecting anyone from the clutches of death. Thus, the delicate balance between preserving the safety of the Earth and the availability of the Dragon Balls weighed heavily on Krillin's mind.
Well whatever, he thought dismissively. No point in dwelling in the past.
Krillin gazed out at the water again. Piccolo was still out there and nobody knew what he was going to do or where he would strike next. What if Piccolo got stronger then he was previously and Goku may need a pair of hands helping him? It wouldn't be wise to underestimate the enemy. Especially considering how he almost beaten down Goku…
Goku….
Krillin clenched his fists. He brought his fist up to his view, examining it closely. Only one thought came to mind; I want to be like Goku. Having the same power, imbued with the same potential, and assured nature. If he were like Goku he would be unstoppable.
But where would he begin? How would he try to emulate his best friend? Does he go and live off in the forest for a while and try to live off the land like Goku did for nearly all of his childhood? Does he maybe go try and drink the ultra divine water to unlock his hidden potential or maybe eat a lot of Senzu beans like Yajarobe did?
Each of these thoughts had a million questions for Krillin to ponder. He can almost imagine himself actually going through with each suggestion that popped into his head – but he isn't exactly excited about either possibility. So many questions, and yet they are all fruitless. Leaving his mind in a haze of thoughtlessness, he decided to head inside Kame house. As he walked, Krillin found Master Roshi sitting on the couch.
Who was busy watching… tv.
"Hey, Master Roshi, I want to ask you something," Krillin said, leaning over the couch to greet his master. "You know Goku, right? Well, I've been thinking, I want to be like him. So, do you think there's anyway that could be possible?"
Master Roshi wasn't paying attention to the question posed by Krillin.
"Hmm? Goku? Oh yes, he's a wonderful boy," Roshi answered nonchalantly, his eyes remaining fixated on the tv screen.
"Yes, I agree with you, Master Roshi, but is there a way for me to be like him?" Krillin asked again, more insistent this time.
Roshi still didn't turn to face Krillin and waved him off dismissively. "Why don't you use the Dragon Balls to be like him or something?"
A light bulb went off in Krillin's mind, and he quickly snapped his fingers.
"That's it! Thanks, Master Roshi! I should get going then." Krillin bowed his head respectfully before turning around and sprinting out of the house.
"Yeah, yeah, you do that." Roshi waved his arm lazily in Krillin's direction.
Krillin initiated his ascent into the sky and swiftly propelled himself forward, traversing over the vast expanse of the ocean. He soared directly towards the prominent edifice known as Capsule Corp. Following several hours of uninterrupted flight, he successfully arrived at his intended destination. The imposing structure of Capsule Corp, distinguishable from the surrounding urban landscape, was readily discernible from the aerial vantage point. Krillin gracefully descended and proceeded purposefully towards the entrance.
As he approached, the front door graciously opened, revealing Bulma's mother, who happened to be carrying a receptacle brimming with soiled garments. Upon catching sight of Krillin, she momentarily halted, seemingly taken aback—assuming, of course, that she had indeed perceived his presence. The woman never seemed to open her eyes for some reason. Krillin wondered if she had ever opened her eyes?
"Oh, Krillin, how good of you to visit!" She greeted in a cheery voice.
"Hey, Mrs Briefs," Krillin returned with a wave and a smile. "You know where Bulma is?"
"Oh, she's in her lab," the blond woman replied happily. "You know her, always tinkering away at something! She's so much like her father!"
"Yeah, she really is." Krillin chuckled, starting pass her and through the front door.
The layout of the building made sense to him, and he easily navigated through familiar halls and hallways. After visiting this place many times, he knew how to get to the lab from the main door by memory. Krillin swiftly made his way through the winding halls, robots passing him now and then as they tidied the floors and walls. Eventually, Krillin found the door and knocked softly upon it.
"Come in!" Shouted Bulma's voice from within.
Krillin gently pushed the door open and entered the large room. Bulma was sitting at a table with a huge scrap of metal and wires in front of her. She had tools in her hands and goggles over her eyes as she worked over it. Krillin strode up to her side and waved his hand.
"Hey Bulma," Krillin grinned.
Bulma looked at him briefly, smiling as she placed her goggles back onto her forehead. "Hi, Krillin. How are you doing today?"
"I'm good thanks," Krillin replied with a shrug. "How about yourself?"
"Oh, y'know," Bulma replied vaguely. "The usual."
Krillin nodded. "Oh that's good.
"So, you need something? Because you seemed like you didn't just come here just to say hello." Bulma said jokingly, giving Krillin a knowing look.
Krillin cleared his throat.
"Well, I won't waste too much of your time Bulma so I'll just get straight to the point," Krillin said, placing both of his fist into his hips whilst excitedly smiling at her. "You think I can use your dragon radar?"
Bulma paused through her tinkering.
"Why you need it so badly?" Bulma asked, looking at Krillin with suspicion. Krillin retreated a few steps backwards while rubbing the back of his nape.
"I, uh—I want to…uh…be taller…" Krillin replied awkwardly.
Bulma blinked at Krillin.
Silence permeated the room.
Krillin blinked in surprise when Bulma suddenly laughed hysterically. She collapsed to the floor, clutching her sides and laughing her head off as tears of hilarity streamed down her cheeks. Krillin surprise expression transformed from shock to anger as he watch the blue haired woman laughing on the floor.
"Oh my God, oh my God Krillin!!" Bulma exclaimed, her giggles becoming louder and louder as she continued to roll across the floor. "Seriously? What a vain wish."
Krillin narrowed his eyes at her while crossing his arms over his chest.
"Oh yeah? Well at least I didn't try to use the all mighty dragon to find a boyfriend like somebody I know!" Krillin fires back at Bulma, prompting her to stop rolling and slowly stand up once again.
She stared at Krillin, a blank expression plastered onto her face. A couple seconds passed with them being completely silent. Her lips parted, as to say something but quickly shuts it and shook her head.
"Well played short stuff." Bulma remarked before reaching for the device on a nearby table and hands it to Krillin.
Krillin launched himself into the air and flies forward towards his destination.
Krillin chuckled.
"Me? Be taller? Heh, you can't wish for something when you already got it."
It took a full day to gather them all. Krillin stood over the seven Dragon Balls that sat on the grass. They were small and each ball displayed the number of stars that signifies its respective number in the set. He spread his arms wide and narrowed his eyes at the sky.
"Come forth, great dragon!"
The sky above plummeted into pitch blackness as if a blanket was being tossed over everything. The Dragon Balls began to glow with an ethereal light, and a streak of lighting shot upwards from him.
Krillin craned his head back to watch the beam of light taking form. His eyes widened as though his heart was going to jump out of his throat.
As the light faded away a massive dragon floated before him. It was four-fingered and had brown antlers, sharp teeth, green scaly skin, red eyes, and a long serpentine body of mostly tail. Long flowing whiskers adorned with barbels, a long snout, crescent-shaped nostrils, and flowing green hair on his cheeks.
The dragon's red eyes slowly narrowed as they stared into the earthy eyes of Krillin.
The air surrounding them was filled with a thick tension as their eyes met.
"State your wish, and it shall be granted."Echoed the dragon.
"Dragon, this is my wish!" Krillin announced loudly. "I wish to be like Goku!"
The Dragon frowned in confusion.
"Um… what about Son Goku you wished to be like?" The dragon inquired, raising a brow at the earthling. Krillin rubbed the back of his nape.
"You know, like Goku." Krillin said, getting a bit heated.
Shenron figuratively shrugs and his eyes gleamed crimson. "I have granted your wish."
Krillin blinked then narrowed his eyes in both thought and disappointment. He honestly didn't feel all that different, though he does feel a little hot for some reason. Which made it hard to focus.
Kinda think of it… it's getting really hot.
WAY too hot.
Krillin threw his hands over his scalp as he screamed in pain. His head was suddenly on fire! He could feel the overwhelming heat washing over every pour of his body.
Krillin sprinted towards the river, immediately fell to his knees, and thrust his head into the water. The river's surface began to bubble violently, emitting steam and smoke. Krillin threw his head back out of the water, gasping for air to refuel his lungs.
Krillin's eyes widened when he saw his reflection from the water's surface: hair… his hair had grown back!
Krillin brought his hands up to his regrown hair. He ran his hands through his hair, feeling the hairline through his fingers. He couldn't comprehend what he was seeing.
Krillin choked back a gasp, feeling a surge of adrenaline. It seemed as though his whole body was being peppered with great power; a rush of energy surging through every pore of his body. He feels great beyond comparison.
"S-Shenron!" Krillin shouted, whirling around to face the eternal dragon. "W-What is this?! What have you done to…"
"Well, you did wish to be like Son Goku…" Shenron answered simply.
Krillin choked back another gasp as he suddenly felt another surge of adrenaline running down his back. Krillin looked over his shoulder in time to see a furry appendage sprouting out of his rear. He blinked with a blank expression, not comprehending what he was seeing.
It was then that Krillin realized: he has a tail… just like Goku used to have before he got rid of it!
Krillin screamed at the sight of his fifth new limb. He fell in his rump, shrieking in horror while pointing at his tail. All the while being observed by the eternal dragon who found the sight of the screaming earthling amusing.
"It is done. No take backs." Shenron announced. "Farewell."
Krillin brought his arm up to his eyes as he watched Shenron fly up into the air and disappear in a flash of light. A moment passed as Krillin lowered his arm. He turns to look around, finding Shenron was gone and so were the Dragon Balls.
After a few minutes the area returned to life. Krillin started hearing the nocturnal animals, familiar animals and he exhaled. He slowly got back up to his feet while surveying the area.
"O…Okay…" Krillin breathed. "So…t-that was…a thing…that just happened."
Krillin rubbed the nape with his hand.
"Ahh, man… How am I supposed to tell the others? …How am I supposed to tell Goku about this?"
Silence permeated the air.
Krillin stared at his palm with narrowed eyes. How many years has it been since the last time he and Goku faced each other..? He wondered… How strong can he get..?
I…I want…to reach you, Krillin thought, I want to challenge you!!
Krillin felt a smile trembling on his lips. His body began to shake with excitement. Words weren't enough to describe how excited he was.
"Alright!" Krillin cheered, leaping high in the air with new newborn speed. Startling a frog that leapt away out of fright.
Finally, Krillin laughed. He was laughing out of pure happiness that he was now like Goku. He was still worried how the others would react to his new appearance, but all that mattered was that he had done it.
However, his triumphant laughter slowly subsided.
A sudden realization dawned on him.
"No…I can't face him, not yet," Krillin said under his breath, folding his arms. "I need to train on my own first before I go up against Goku, he'd beat me instantly!"
Wind whipped past his ears as he fell.
"Huh! That's weird… I like training, sure, but I never wanted to train this much before!"
Krillin cupped his chin in thought.
"It must be Goku's side of—Augh!"
Krillin grunted in pain when he landed back on the earth's floor hard on his rear.
"Wow…is training all that Goku thinks about..?" Asked Krillin. "I guess I got what I asked for."
Krillin got back up to his feet and walked over to his back.
"Okay… let's bring the radar back to Bulma."
Krillin looked at his tail over his shoulder.
He should definitely keep that hidden from anyone's sight.
Bulma didn't know what to expect when Krillin returned after getting his wish granted. He'd expected him to be just as what he wanted; to be taller. But what she was seeing was unexpected.
Not much was different from Krillin, besides him being a head taller now. Another noticing feature was that his hair had grown back. Which caught Bulma's eye the moment he stepped up to her.
"W…Well…" Bulma trailed off, gesturing with her hand. "To be fair, you do look taller! In all honesty I wasn't expecting you to pull a stunt like that!"
Krillin started to sweat while laughing nervously.
"Eh! Same, Bulma. Saaame."
A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, my little shimmerings! I gotta say, I loved MasakoX's what if story of Krillin becoming a Saiyan and was a bit sad at how it ended but still loved it in the end. I find MasakoX's storytelling to be really cool, especially considering he is usually only summarizing or sketching out little scenes. It made me wonder what this story would be like all written out.
This is my take, as well as a what if story if Krillin became a Saiyan in the world of Dragon Ball Z. I'll be writing his interactions with all the characters, slow character development, and more. This will be based on the anime of Dragon Ball Z when the story progresses with more published chapters. I'll be going now, have a good day or night wherever you are.
Cya in the next chapter my little shimmerings!