Chapter 16: Taking on a Disciple
Lunch was seated, processing files in her golden-haired form. Employees mentioned that the chairman was always seen in her golden-haired state, which made it clear that in the company, Lunch maintained the image of a strong, independent businesswoman. Krillin thought to himself, Seems like Lunch has firmly established her boss persona here.
"Lunch, long time no see!" Krillin greeted her cheerfully.
Lunch looked up, then unexpectedly pulled out a gun from nowhere and sprayed bullets in Krillin's direction. "Die, you lazy freeloader! Sitting back and enjoying your shares while I do all the work!"
Krillin simply smiled, unmoved. The air around him shimmered, and the bullets stopped mid-air, unable to move forward.
Suddenly, she sneezed. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Krillin!" her gentle side apologized, bowing her head in embarrassment.
"No worries. Honestly, I should be the one apologizing for leaving you to handle everything alone." Krillin chuckled awkwardly.
Lunch began explaining the company's operations, but Krillin waved his hand dismissively.
"No need for all that. Just tell me how much we've earned. You handle the business; I'm fine as long as I get my share of the profits." Krillin said, entirely serious.
This is the life! he thought smugly. Who wants to deal with the hassle of management when I can just collect dividends?
Lunch nodded and began summarizing the financials. "Over the past two months, the company's total sales reached 30 billion Zeni, with 28 billion in profits. We reinvested 20 billion into expansion, leaving 5 billion in current funds."
Krillin was floored. "Wow, I knew the food business was profitable, but this is outrageous! Feels like one of those over-priced university cafeterias from back home."
He mentally praised himself for entrusting the company to Lunch. Her mix of fierceness and attention to detail made her the Dragon Ball world's version of a corporate mogul.
The system chimed in, "Self-praise much?!"
"By the way, Lunch, don't you think the name 'Lobster League' is a bit… generic?" Krillin asked, scratching his head.
"What's wrong with it? I think it's simple and clear," Lunch replied, puzzled.
"Well, it doesn't stand out much. If someone wanted to copy us, it'd be too easy."
Lunch considered his point. "You're saying we should rebrand?"
"Exactly! What about... Hot Pot Heaven?" Krillin suggested with a sly grin. Surely, that name doesn't infringe on any copyrights, right?
Lunch's eyes lit up. "That's brilliant! Let's go with that!"
Krillin spent the next half hour outlining a new business philosophy focused on customer service and hospitality.
Lunch was stunned. "I never thought about it like that... This could really work!"
"Trust me," Krillin said confidently.
After finalizing some company matters, Krillin strolled toward the security department, where Fanyu had been promoted to manager. Upon entering, he saw Fanyu engrossed in his work, looking more mature than before.
Sensing someone's gaze, Fanyu looked up, and when he saw Krillin, he jumped up excitedly. "Boss! When did you get back?"
Krillin smiled. "Just today. How are you finding your new role?"
Fanyu nodded enthusiastically. "Great! Since the company started nearshore farming, I've been reassigned here. Master Roshi said I'd be a good fit for security, and Lunch agreed."
Krillin thought, Roshi must have seen Fanyu's potential as a martial artist.
"Good job. Keep it up. You're a solid kid," Krillin encouraged.
Fanyu hesitated for a moment before kneeling suddenly. "Boss, please take me as your disciple! I want to learn martial arts!"
Krillin had expected this. "Why not ask Master Roshi to train you? He's the Martial Arts God, after all."
Fanyu explained, "I did, but he said you and Goku were his final students and that he wouldn't take any more disciples."
Krillin thought for a moment, then smiled. "Alright, I'll take you as my first disciple."
Fanyu's face lit up with joy, and he bowed repeatedly. "Thank you, Master!"
The System Activates
Just as Fanyu completed his bow, the system chimed: "Earthling disciple detected. Do you want to activate the disciple system?"
"What's the benefit?" Krillin asked.
"You can help disciples break past the Earthling limit for free up to three times. Beyond that, you can spend double the energy to continue aiding their growth. Each breakthrough grants you energy rewards, and when a disciple achieves their fifth limit break, you earn the title 'Master of Many.'"
Krillin's eyes sparkled. "Wait, does that mean I can take on lots of disciples and create an army of powerful Earthlings?"
The system coldly replied: "No. Due to a loophole, disciple slots are now limited to one."
Krillin: "..."
"Fanyu, get up. As my disciple, remember that we are part of the Turtle School. Master Roshi is your grandmaster, and Goku is your martial uncle. Show respect to your elders, understood?"
"Yes, Master!" Fanyu replied, brimming with excitement.
"From tomorrow, we begin your training. Take a month off work. After that, you'll walk to Korin Tower, climb to the top, and train under Korin."
"Wait, there's really such a place?"
"Go and find out for yourself," Krillin said with a knowing smile.
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