Chapter 1
March 3
Year 784
Peppa, a 21-year-old woman, stood at 5'6 with an athletic build that was the result of years of rigorous training. Her physique boasted a toned six-pack, and her muscular yet curvaceous frame balanced both strength and femininity.
Her body was a testament to her dedication, with medium-sized breasts, a small waist, wide hips, and strong, well-defined legs.
The muscles on her arms and abdomen hinted at her power, and it helped that she was a Saiyan, her training enhanced her strength without compromising her feminine grace.
Anyone else with her capabilities might have ended up looking as bulky as the male Saiyans.
Her skin was a deep, rich brown, almost luminous under the sunlight, which contrasted beautifully with the pastel colours she favoured in her wardrobe. It gave her an ethereal quality, as though she naturally absorbed the sun's energy.
Her most striking features were her vibrant green eyes and her cascading pink hair. The thick, spikey waves reached down to her thights, often catching the breeze when she moved, giving her an almost otherworldly appearance.
The pink colour of her hair was unexpected for a Saiyan, making her stand out not just among humans, but among others of her kind, though very few actually knew her true origins. Her hair framed her face in a way that softened her otherwise intense features, while still maintaining a sense of determination and spirit.
Peppa also had a tail, a pink one, just like her hair, which she kept wrapped securely under her skirt to conceal it.
Unlike many Saiyans who struggled with controlling their primal transformation, Peppa had learned to control her Great Ape form by the time she was three, thanks to her mother's teachings.
Now, she could shift into it at will and maintain her composure even under the full moon, a feat that only a few Saiyans could boast.
Today, she wore a pastel pink pleated skirt that moved fluidly with her, the fabric light and airy. It reached mid-thigh, allowing her the freedom of movement she preferred. Her red turtleneck crop top accentuated her toned abdomen, revealing a glimpse of her defined muscles whenever she stretched or moved. The long sleeves ended just above her elbows, giving her outfit a casual but stylish look. Her high-top trainers were red and pink, matching her outfit perfectly, with white leg warmers that added a retro charm to her ensemble.
Peppa stood in front of her family's sprawling mansion, which was more akin to a compound given its vast size. It was a symbol of her parents' success, their peaceful life hidden behind high-tech security measures, blending effortlessly with nature around it. The mansion's grandeur was clear, but it was also homely, a reflection of her family's desire for a peaceful and prosperous life on Earth.
The soft breeze caught her skirt, causing it to flutter gently against her legs as she strolled towards the city square. The path from her home wound through lush greenery, and Peppa had always enjoyed the walk. She found it relaxing, a moment to clear her mind and embrace the nature around her.
As the sun warmed her skin, she admired the world her parents had chosen for her. Earth, a place full of opportunity and beauty. Growing up, she had learned only bits and pieces about her Saiyan heritage.
Her parents had opted for a quieter life here, blending into society with occasional excursions to other planets to avoid being traced by any enemies.
Despite their desire for a peaceful life, they had trained her, secretly honing her martial skills. She knew everything about the Saiyans. Their history, their power, and the destruction of their home world that had forced her parents to flee.
Peppa made her way towards the park, her thoughts scattered but tinged with a sense of adventure. Today felt different, not like her usual trips into the city. She had the urge to explore, to see more, maybe to even find someone to spar with. She often came to the park to train and clear her mind, and it was a familiar, comforting place.
But today, it seemed more lively than usual. As she approached the open grassy area, her keen ears picked up on laughter, and her eyes were drawn towards two young men sparring in the distance. Their movements were swift and fluid, as though they had trained for years. She could sense their energy, an unmistakable feeling that they were different.
'They're quite strong,' she thought, intrigued.
One of them was tall and lean, with lavender hair that glistened under the sun, reflecting the light in almost silvery tones. He had a wide grin on his face as he effortlessly blocked a punch, his casual outfit—a loose dark blue graphic shirt and black trousers—belying the skill and strength with which he moved. His movements were relaxed but controlled, confidence emanating from every motion.
Beside him was another young man, slightly shorter, with spiky black hair that fell to his shoulders. He wore a sleeveless orange tank top and black shorts, his body slightly hunched as he focused on his opponent. His strikes were precise and powerful, yet there was a playful glint in his eyes as he attacked as if he were enjoying every moment of their sparring match.
Peppa paused for a moment, her gaze following their movements, captivated by their skill and the sense of familiarity they exuded. There was something about them that reminded her of... home. Or perhaps, something deeper within her that recognised the same spirit of a fighter, someone who understood the thrill of battle.
The boys stopped sparring when they noticed her approach. Both turned to face her, curiosity lighting up their expressions as they took in the sight of her—her bright hair, her confident stance, her attire that hinted at her personality. She wasn't exactly trying to be discreet, but she could feel their eyes analysing her from head to toe in interest.
The taller one, Trunks, tilted his head slightly, his lavender hair falling across his forehead. "Hey, we haven't seen you around here before," Trunks said, his voice friendly but with a hint of curiosity. "Do you come here often?"
Peppa smiled politely, her heart racing slightly. She wasn't used to being approached so casually, especially by people who exuded such raw energy. "I live nearby," she replied, her voice calm and warm. "I come here to train sometimes. I'm Peppa."
"I'm Trunks, and this is Goten," Trunks introduced with a kind smile, gesturing towards his sparring partner.
The boy with the spiky black hair, Goten, stepped forward, his wide grin revealing a friendly nature. He adjusted his tank top slightly as he moved closer, his dark eyes widening "Train? Like martial arts? That's awesome! We were just sparring ourselves. Do you train seriously?"
Peppa laughed softly, brushing a strand of her pink hair behind her ear. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. My parents are really into it, so I've been practising since I was a kid."
Trunks raised an eyebrow, exchanging a quick look with Goten before turning his attention back to Peppa. "Us too. It's always great meeting someone who's into martial arts. You should join us sometime, we could always use another sparring partner."
Goten's grin widened, his enthusiasm palpable. "Yeah! That'd be awesome. You seem like you've got some skills, right?"
Peppa hesitated, her mind running through the possible outcomes. She had always been careful about showing her true strength, knowing it would attract too much attention, and possibly questions she wasn't prepared to answer. "I'm decent," she said, shrugging playfully. "But I don't know if I could keep up with you guys."
Trunks chuckled, his lavender eyes twinkling with amusement. "You never know until you try."
The conversation flowed easily, the tension easing as they found a common interest. Goten, however, seemed eager for more action, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Come on, Peppa! Why don't you spar with us right now? Just a friendly match. We promise to go easy on you," he teased, giving her a cheeky wink, clearly confident in his own abilities.
Peppa felt a surge of excitement at the idea. It had been years since she had sparred with anyone outside of her family, and the thrill of a real challenge was hard to resist. This could be her chance to let loose, even if just a little.
"Alright," she said, a mischievous smile curling her lips. "But how about this, you two fight me at the same time?"
Both boys blinked, clearly taken aback by her suggestion. Trunks' usual calm demeanour faltered for a moment, his eyebrow lifting in surprise. "Are you sure? Fighting both of us... we might get a little carried away," he warned, though his tone was still light and playful.
Peppa crossed her arms over her chest, her confidence unwavering. "I'll be fine. Besides, I'd like to see if I can keep up."
Goten laughed, bouncing on the balls of his feet, visibly excited by the challenge. "Alright, alright! Let's see what you've got, Peppa!"
They moved to a more open part of the park, ensuring there was enough space for their impromptu sparring session. Peppa took her position opposite the boys, feeling the familiar thrill of battle begin to pulse through her. The wind caught her pink pleated skirt, making it sway as she adjusted her stance, her green eyes sharp and calculating. This was going to be interesting.basketball shorts
Goten and Trunks exchanged a glance, a shared determination passing between them. They nodded at each other, a silent agreement in their eyes.
Without further warning, Goten was the first to lunge, his speed impressive as he aimed a swift kick at Peppa's side. Simultaneously, Trunks dashed forward, aiming a punch directly at her midsection, the ground beneath them shifting slightly with the force of his step.
Peppa's eyes narrowed, her instincts taking over in an instant. With a grace that belied her strength, she twisted her body, effortlessly dodging Goten's kick.
Her reflexes were sharp, and she felt Trunk's fist coming before she even saw it. Her forearm came up in time to block it, the force of the impact resonating in the air, causing a gust of wind to whip around them.
The blow, which would have sent most opponents flying back, was stopped dead in its tracks, much to Trunks' surprise.
"Not bad," Trunks murmured, stepping back slightly, his face momentarily showing his astonishment before his features turned serious. He and Goten regrouped, each sizing her up with newfound respect.
Peppa smirked, her Saiyan blood beginning to boil with excitement. There was something about the thrill of battle, the adrenaline, the energy, that filled her veins with an almost euphoric sense of purpose. "I warned you," she teased, her voice playful yet steady. "I'm not just some amateur."
Not willing to back down, Goten charged again, his fists a blur as he unleashed a flurry of punches. His attacks were fast and unpredictable, but Peppa remained calm, her body shifting and swaying as she dodged each blow. She ducked, her feet light on the ground, as one punch sailed over her head, and then spun to the side as another came too close for comfort.
Trunks followed closely behind, moving into her blind spot. His long legs lashed out with a roundhouse kick, aiming to catch her off guard.
Peppa sensed him, her instincts flaring to life. She shifted her weight, bringing up her arm to block the kick. The collision of their limbs sent a shockwave through the air, and the ground beneath her cracked under the pressure.
Trunks' eyes widened at the sheer force she had used to counter him.
"She's... stronger than I thought" Trunks muttered to Goten, his gaze never leaving Peppa. They both took a step back, reassessing their strategy.
Peppa didn't give them a chance to strategise further. She lunged forward, her speed matching, if not surpassing, theirs. In a flash, she was right in front of Trunks, her fist aiming directly at his chest.
Trunks managed to bring his arms up just in time to block, but the force behind her punch sent him sliding back, his feet digging into the soft earth.
"Whoa!" Trunks exclaimed, feeling the sting of her strength through his forearms.
Goten tried to counter her movement, his fist aiming for her side, but Peppa's instincts kicked in again. She sidestepped at the last moment, grabbing Goten's wrist mid-punch.
With a swift twist of her hips, she flipped him over her shoulder, sending him crashing into the grass.
Goten let out a surprised yelp, the impact momentarily knocking the wind out of him.
Goten groaned, looking up at her in disbelief. "Okay, you're definitely not just 'decent,'" he managed to say, pushing himself back up onto his feet, a grin spreading across his face despite the ache in his muscles. "You're holding back, aren't you?"
Peppa smiled, her green eyes wide with excitement. "Maybe a little. I don't want to hurt you guys too much, after all."
Trunks adjusted his stance, a determined expression crossing his features. "Don't hold back on our account," he replied, his voice filled with a mix of competitiveness and genuine excitement. "We can handle it."
The three of them circled each other, the atmosphere around them charged with energy.
Peppa could feel their excitement, their eagerness to push boundaries. It matched her own.
She had been longing for this, a real fight, a chance to test herself against others who could handle her strength.
Trunks made the next move, darting forward with impressive speed. He feinted left before switching directions at the last moment, his fist aiming for her side.
Peppa saw through the feint, moving quickly to block his real attack. As their arms collided, she caught a flicker of movement from her peripheral vision, Goten had moved in from her other side, attempting a sneak attack.
Peppa smirked, twisting her body in a way that allowed her to use Trunks' momentum against him while also dodging Goten's incoming strike. She pivoted on her heel, pulling Trunks forward and throwing him off balance, while simultaneously ducking underneath Goten's arm.
In one swift motion, she swung her leg around in a low sweeping kick, knocking Goten's feet out from under him once again.
Goten hit the ground with a grunt, but rolled away quickly, springing back onto his feet. Trunks recovered almost instantly, his eyes narrowing as he adjusted his stance again. "She's reading us too easily," he noted, his eyes locking with Goten's. "We need to change it up."
"Got it," Goten responded, determination clear in his eyes.
They moved together this time, their coordination seamless. Goten attacked high, his fists aiming for Peppa's upper body, while Trunks went low, sweeping his leg towards her feet.
Peppa reacted instantly, her body a blur of movement as she countered each of their attacks. She parried Goten's strikes, her hands moving almost faster than the eye could follow, and at the same time, she hopped over Trunks' sweeping kick, landing lightly on her feet.
With a grin, Peppa decided to push them even further. She focused her energy, letting it surge through her body, her power level spiking. The sudden flare of her ki caught both boys off guard, and before they could react, she disappeared from their sight, reappearing behind them in the blink of an eye.
"Too slow!" she called out, her voice filled with exhilaration.
Before they could turn, she tapped both of them on their shoulders, lightly, but enough to let them know she could have struck a real blow if she wanted to. Trunks and Goten spun around, their expressions a mix of surprise and awe.
"Whoa, that was amazing!" Goten exclaimed, his eyes wide. "How did you move that fast?!"
Trunks nodded, clearly impressed. "Yeah, that was... something else. You're definitely not just an ordinary martial artist."
Peppa chuckled, lowering her stance slightly "You guys are pretty good too," she said, her voice sincere. "But if you want to keep up, you'll have to give it everything you've got."
Goten's grin widened, a flicker of determination igniting in his eyes. "Alright then, no more holding back!" He looked at Trunks, who nodded in agreement. They both powered up, their auras flaring around them, the ground beneath them trembling slightly as their combined energy filled the air.
Peppa's heart raced with excitement. This was it, an actual fight, where she could push herself without fear. She could see it in their eyes too, the thrill, the challenge. They were all Saiyans at heart, and nothing compared to the joy of battle.
The three of them lunged at each other simultaneously, their auras clashing as they collided. Fists met forearms, kicks were blocked by knees, and the ground beneath them cracked with every impact. They moved like lightning, a blur of colours and energy, each of them pushing the other harder and faster.
Peppa felt alive. Every muscle in her body moved with precision, her instincts guiding her through the chaotic dance of battle. Trunks and Goten were strong, far stronger than she had expected, but she was stronger still.
She could feel it, the raw power coursing through her veins, the adrenaline, the thrill of combat. And for the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to let go, to truly enjoy the fight.
Goten aimed a powerful punch at her, and Peppa caught his fist, her hand wrapping around his knuckles like a vice. She twisted his arm and pulled him forward, bringing her knee up to meet his chest, but Trunks intervened, his foot slamming into her side, forcing her to release Goten.
Peppa stumbled back, her grin widening. "That's more like it!" she called, her voice filled with excitement.
After the sparring session, the three of them stood in the open park, the sun beginning to dip slightly in the sky, casting a golden glow on the surroundings.
Trunks was still catching his breath, leaning on his knees as he flashed Peppa an amused grin. His lavender hair was dishevelled, strands sticking to his forehead as he panted lightly.
He looked over at Goten, who was sprawled out on the grass, staring up at the sky with a dazed expression.
"Okay, Peppa," Trunks said between breaths, shaking his head in disbelief. "I've gotta admit, you're way better than I thought. I mean, most people wouldn't even think about taking on two people at once, let alone suggest it."
Goten groaned, still lying on his back as he raised a hand in the air. "Yeah, and you didn't even break a sweat! You're something else, Peppa." He slowly sat up, ruffling his spiky black hair, which was now sticking out at odd angles. "Seriously, where did you learn to fight like that?"
Peppa chuckled, brushing off the compliments with a casual wave of her hand. "I guess I've had some decent practice. My parents are pretty strict about training, and I've been at it for a while. But you guys aren't bad either. It was fun." Her eyes sparkled with amusement, still feeling the rush of excitement from the sparring session.
Trunks straightened up, crossing his arms as his lavender hair caught the last rays of the sun. He smiled, an expression of genuine curiosity crossing his face. "You know, you're definitely not what I expected when I saw you walking up here earlier," he admitted. "Honestly, I thought you were just... I don't know, someone here to enjoy the view or something. You know, a bit more, uh, girly."
Peppa laughed, a bright, melodic sound that echoed in the quiet of the park. "Yeah, I get that a lot. I just like pink and skirts" she said, shrugging with a playful glint in her eyes.
Goten, now fully on his feet, dusted off his shorts before giving her a mischievous grin. "Well, you definitely surprised us. We don't meet people every day who can actually handle themselves like that. So, uh, since you're pretty cool... would you want to hang out with us for the rest of the day?"
Trunks nodded in agreement, his blue eyes softening as he added, "Yeah, we were just going to grab some food and chill. We don't have any plans, and it'd be great to get to know you better. Besides, after that sparring session, I think you've earned a good meal."
Peppa hesitated for a moment, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. It wasn't often she met people who didn't treat her differently because of her background or her family's wealth.
Trunks and Goten seemed genuinely interested in her for who she was, not for her family name. And after their sparring match, she felt a strange connection with them, something she couldn't quite put her finger on but knew was important.
"That sounds like fun," she finally said, a small smile curving her lips. "I've got nothing else planned, so why not?"
Goten's face lit up, his grin widening to almost comedic proportions. "Awesome! We know this great place nearby that has the best food ever. You'll love it, I promise."
Trunks pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen briefly before looking back up at Peppa. "By the way, would it be cool if we got your number? It'd be nice to hang out again sometime."
Peppa paused, a bit taken aback by the sudden request, but then nodded, her smile widening. "Sure, why not." She pulled out her own phone, a sleek, futuristic device that looked like it was plucked straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The phone was unlike anything available on the market, a testament to her family's tech business. She quickly exchanged numbers with both of them.
Goten blinked at the sight of her phone, his mouth hanging open for a moment. "Whoa... is that a new model? I've never seen anything like it!"
Peppa chuckled, glancing down at her phone. "Yeah, it's still a prototype. My family's in the tech business, so I get to test out all the new gadgets before they hit the market."
Trunks raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "That's pretty cool. So, you're always up to date on the latest tech, huh? Must be nice."
Peppa shrugged, slipping the phone back into her pocket. "I guess. I mean, it's just part of my life, you know? But enough about me, didn't someone mention food?" She gave Goten a teasing smile.
Goten clapped his hands together, grinning from ear to ear. "Right! Food. Let's go, I'm starving!" He started to lead the way, and Trunks fell into step beside Peppa, giving her a friendly smile as they walked.
The sun hung lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the streets as they headed toward the small restaurant Goten had been raving about.
The casualness of their conversation helped Peppa unwind, the tension from earlier slowly dissipating as they chatted about little things, favourite foods, silly stories from their childhoods, and random things they enjoyed about life on Earth.
"This is the place!" Goten exclaimed, pointing to a quaint little eatery that looked cozy and welcoming. Its wooden benches and large windows gave it an almost rustic charm, while the delicious scent of grilled food wafted out, making Peppa's stomach rumble in anticipation.
Peppa giggled at Goten's enthusiasm. "Alright, I'll take your word for it. Lead the way."
They found a booth by the window, the evening sunlight casting a pleasant glow across the table as they settled in. As they looked over the menu, Trunks leaned back in his seat, studying Peppa with a curious expression.
"So, Peppa," he began, his tone casual, "you mentioned your family's in the tech business. That must keep you pretty busy, right?"
Peppa shrugged, trying to downplay it. "Yeah, I mean, they work with phones and gadgets, all that kind of stuff. I grew up around it, but it's not really my thing, you know? I prefer doing other stuff, like training."
Goten, still eyeing her phone with curiosity, nodded. "I bet you get some awesome gadgets, though. Must be nice not having to wait for the newest releases like the rest of us."
Peppa smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess. But honestly, I don't use half the stuff they give me. I'm not exactly tech-savvy," she admitted with a small laugh.
Trunks raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, martial arts, then? You definitely seem like someone who likes to stay active."
Peppa nodded. "Yeah, I've been training for as long as I can remember. My parents made sure I knew how to defend myself, but it kind of grew into something I just love doing."
Goten grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Well, whatever you're doing, it's definitely working. You kicked our butts out there! I haven't seen anyone do that besides our dads."
Trunks laughed, nodding in agreement. "Seriously, you've got some real skill, Peppa. Most people wouldn't even dream of taking on both of us."
Peppa felt her cheeks warm slightly at the praise, not quite used to it. "Thanks, but you guys were great too. You move well together, you're a good team."
Trunks smiled at Goten, a look of fondness crossing his face. "We've been fighting together since we were kids. We kind of know what the other is going to do without even thinking about it."
Goten nodded. "Yeah, we've been through a lot together. It's kind of nice to meet someone new who can keep up with us." He shot Peppa a friendly wink.
The conversation flowed easily as they ordered their food, and soon enough, they were chatting comfortably about everything and anything. Goten shared stories of the pranks he used to pull on Trunks when they were kids, his voice animated and his eyes gleamed with mischief, while Trunks rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his amused smile.
"So, what do you usually do for fun around here, Peppa? Besides train, obviously," Goten asked as their plates arrived, piled high with steaming food.
Peppa thought for a moment, poking at her food before answering. "Honestly, I don't do much. I like exploring the city, and finding new spots to relax, and sometimes I go out of town to see new places. I mostly keep to myself."
Trunks frowned slightly, his expression softening. "Really? That sounds kind of lonely."
Peppa shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. "It's how I like it.,"
Goten's grin returned, and he nudged her playfully. "Well, you've got us now. And trust me, life with us around is never boring. Right, Trunks?"
Trunks chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, especially with Goten here. You'll never have a dull moment."
Peppa laughed, feeling the warmth spread through her. "I'll keep that in mind."
The conversation continued naturally as they ate, drifting from topic to topic. They spoke about their education, their hobbies, and their plans for the future.
"So, what have you guys been up to?" Peppa asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Are you studying? Working?"
"I finished my degree last year," Goten said, his voice full of pride. "In Prehistoric Biology and Conservation Studies. I've mostly been taking it easy since I finished. Trying to figure out what's next, you know?"
Trunks nodded in agreement before adding, "I finished my business degree 5 years ago. Right now, I'm working with Capsule Corp, handling some of the business stuff. My mom's getting me ready to take over as CEO one day, but I'm still enjoying the freedom while I can."
Peppa raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Capsule Corporation? So, you're part of that family?"
Trunks smirked, a bit of pride slipping through. "Yeah, my mom runs the place. I've been helping out with some of the tech and development, but I'm not always in the office. I like to keep things balanced."
Peppa leaned forward slightly, a playful glint in her green eyes. "So you're saying Capsule Corporation is at the top of the tech world?"
Trunks shrugged, his smirk still in place. "Well, we've been at the top for a while now. You probably use our stuff every day without even realising it." Peppa couldn't resist teasing him a bit.
"That's funny because last I checked, you guys only made it to the top only by a few yen. If it weren't for you guys' couple of last-minute product launches, we might've been the ones leading the market."
Trunks blinked, momentarily taken aback before his grin widened. "Is that so? So you guys run NovaTech. Seems like we might have a bit of a rivalry going on."
Goten laughed, looking between them with amusement. "Whoa, everything I own is NovaTech! And here I was thinking you were just some cool girl from the neighbourhood."
Peppa shrugged casually, though there was a hint of pride in her voice. "Yeah, my parents are pretty private about it, but we're the biggest names in tech. You've probably used a lot of our gadgets without even realising it too."
Trunks leaned forward, his interest now fully piqued. "Okay, now I'm curious. What are you guys thinking of doing next"
Peppa hesitated for a second but decided there wasn't any harm in telling them. "We're branching out into gadgets and AI development."
Trunks whistled, clearly impressed. "That'll blow the market for sure."
Peppa grinned, feeling a bit more at ease. "We're still chasing Capsule Corp. You guys have been dominating the market for years."
Goten leaned back in his seat, his eyes wide. "Man, who knew we'd be hanging out with tech royalty today? This is crazy!"
Peppa laughed at his reaction. "I don't know about 'royalty,' but yeah, my parents are pretty involved in the business world. It's part of the reason I keep a low profile. I'd rather just live my life without all the attention."
Trunks nodded in understanding. "I get that. My mom's always in the spotlight, and it's not exactly my favourite thing either.
But it's cool that you're doing your own thing and not just going along with what your family wants." Peppa smiled, feeling a sense of connection to Trunks.
Despite their different backgrounds, they seemed to share similar struggles with balancing family expectations and personal freedom.
He glanced at Peppa with interest. "I'm guessing you studied business too?"
Peppa nodded, swallowing a bite of her food before responding. "Yeah, I did a double degree in Social Work and Business. I actually finished a few years ago."
Trunks blinked in surprise. "Wait, how old are you? You can't be more than twenty-one."
Peppa laughed. "I'm twenty-one, turning twenty-two this December. I finished my degree when I was sixteen. It was a 4-year degree in social work and business 3. I decided to step down from my role in child protection 2 months ago as a sexual assault investigator earlier this year. 4 years in that job has opened my eyes to how corrupt this world is, Which is why I want to do more, something to benefit the whole world that'll be equitable to everyone."
Goten's eyes widened in shock. "Sixteen?! You must be some kind of prodigy!" He looked genuinely amazed. "You finished high school at eleven?"
Peppa nodded, a hint of a smile on her face. "Yeah, I guess I've always been ahead of the curve when it comes to academics."
Goten nodded, admiration clear in his eyes. "That's amazing, Peppa. Not a lot of people would take on something like that, especially at your age."
Trunks nodded in agreement. "You must have seen a lot of tough things. It takes a lot of courage to do that kind of work."
Peppa looked down at her plate, her voice softening. "It's not easy, but someone has to do it. I just felt like... if I could help even one kid, then it was worth it. The Gabrielle Mendez case really got to me, and that's what made me decide to get into child protection in the first place."
Goten's expression turned somber, and he sighed. "Yeah, I remember hearing about that. It was awful. But good on you for stepping up and trying to make a difference."
Trunks reached out, giving her arm a gentle pat. "You're definitely making a difference, Peppa. And hey, maybe with your family's influence, you could do something even bigger, something that changes things on a global scale."
Peppa smiled, her eyes meeting Trunks. "That's the plan. I want to do something that benefits everyone, something that's fair and helps those who need it most."
Goten grinned, his mood lifting again. "Well, whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be amazing. You've already done so much, I mean, you kicked our butts today, didn't you?"
Trunks laughed, and Peppa couldn't help but smile.
"When are your birthdays?" Peppa asks mid-bite "I'm guessing you two are around my age right?"
Goten and Trunks nod.
"My birthday is the first of June" Trunks answers "I'm 24"
"Mine is the 26th of Augest" Goten beams "I'll be turning 23. Aint it funny how it's 22,23,24" he chuckles
"Somewhat" Peppa giggles
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they left the restaurant, the evening air cool against their skin. The three of them walked together, laughing and chatting, their voices blending with the soft hum of the city.
Goten looked over at Peppa, his eyes filled with excitement. "So, Peppa, you're free tomorrow too, right? We should hang out again!"
Peppa smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I'd like that," she said honestly. "I think I'd like that a lot."