[MelloMelon]

In the far, untouristed reaches of Earth, within a cluster of Islands than ran rampant with giant, bestial anomalies and creatures of myth and wonder, four heroes gathered before a giant of a man. At least at first glance it was a man, but as eyes focused, the green hue of his skin and pointed ears told of another world's origin altogether.

Piccolo stood before the four Z fighters that he had called, his dark eyes severe, his thickly muscled arms folded tight across his large chest. His white cape gave a shallow wave in the gentle breeze that blew around them.

He finally spoke in a deep, intense baritone.

"In answer to your fool questions, there's this:

You're here because you're the last defence this planet's got against the likes of Freeza, Cell, and any hostiles that decide Earth is their next big accomplishment," his narrowed eyes travelled over Son Gohan, Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien Shinhan, before he grunted, "And I wish that wasn't the case. But as it stands, each of you has a role to play. That means that you're gonna shape up. No ignoring your training because your head's stuck in books," he looked pointedly at his student, before shooting a glare at the shortest of the four, "no shirking your chi nurture because a some female is sapping your nerve," he looked to the scarred man with a frown, "no bar-hopping or... dress-chasing whilst your muscles turn to konjac," his dark gaze moved to the hybrid triclops warrior, trying to find fault and instead moved on.

"What's more, is that if I decide that you're not giving your best, or that you're falling short, flouting the rules that I've set..." he gave a short chuckle before nipping it off, "Hell, if I hear even one of you whine about it..."

Black eyes seemed to get blacker still, "There will be consequences."

Leaving that hanging in the air for a few moments, Piccolo finally raised a demanding question.

"Is that understood?"

Son Gohan's head was bowed meekly throughout his teacher's tirade, his fists at his sides as they clenched and unclenched in his youthful anxiety. Man. He was 18 now, and Mr Piccolo still made him feel like the little kid that he'd started off training as... Even now, when he was going through college and thinking about what career he was gonna go into! He'd probably have to start worrying about taxes soon, Mom said! Not that it made even an ounce of difference right now, out here...

It was almost as if he was back atop that narrow clifftop all those years ago, frightened and teary-eyed, until a pair of ripe red apples had appeared from the sky and filled the gnawing hole in his belly. It was only now that the half-saiyan realised the origin of the apple-enigma, and he raised his dark eyes up and smiled big and bright. But gosh, Mr Piccolo was the best~!

"GOHAN!" said Mr Piccolo barked, startling the kid out of his riverie.

"I understand sir Mr Piccolo sir!!" the young demi-saiyan shouted out, arms snapping to his eyes and his strong back straightening. He tried not to look around him at the three older man, his face reddening at his outburst.

Behind the others, Tien Shinhan gave his head a sharp shake, eyes (all three of them) closing in vexation. He trained tirelessly. He didn't falter, or shirk. He didn't chase women, or books, or anything like that... Tien was diligent. Not a bookworm, a robot's doormat, or some... playboy waste of space! His trio gaze returned as her surveyed the three other men before him, and then the venerable Namekian who scorned them all as though he were their honourable sensei. Tien frowned, thick arms folded as he stared forward gamely. He'd been a student for most of his adult life, so he managed a feigned subservience for now, "Understood."