The Korin Sanctuary was quite large overall, roughly divided into three levels. The first level was filled with miscellaneous items whose purposes were unknown. Yamcha believed there had to be many valuable things hidden among them, and his target was likely somewhere in there.
However, he didn't rummage through them without permission. He simply passed through this level—taking something without asking would be stealing, after all. No matter how much he wanted something, he needed the "owner's" consent.
Upon reaching the top of the tower, Yamcha no longer rushed. He strolled toward the second level of the sanctuary.
This level was much more spacious than the first. Large jars covered with wooden lids were stacked all around, their contents unknown. Yamcha didn't touch any of them either and continued upward.
The third level—an open platform similar to the first.
Looking around, Yamcha spotted a fluffy, white, chubby cat holding a staff and squinting its eyes.
This fat cat was none other than the legendary Korin, the sage of Korin Sanctuary.
"Hello, young and talented one." Korin greeted Yamcha, wearing a knowing expression as if he had foreseen his arrival.
Despite appearing to be just a large, plump white cat, Korin's combat power far surpassed that of Mercenary Tao (officially recorded at 190). He simply wasn't inclined toward battle.
"You're the second person to climb to the top of this tower in the past few hundred years. Compared to the first one, you're far too young."
The first, of course, was none other than the pervy old Master Roshi.
Korin was over 800 years old, making him even older than the Kami residing in the temple above. He was a long-lived being, possibly one of the ancient cat tribe of Earth.
"Greetings, you must be Korin," Yamcha said respectfully, bowing to the sage. Even if he added his past life's age, it wouldn't amount to a fraction of Korin's. Just based on age alone, the cat sage deserved his respect.
After all, respecting one's elders was a traditional virtue.
"Not judging by appearances—good, good," Korin said, patting his fluffy belly with a pleased expression. Then, with his staff, he hooked a gem-encrusted, ornate bottle into the air.
"This is the Super Holy Water you seek. Drink it, and your strength will multiply several times over."
Then, with a taunting smile, he beckoned to Yamcha.
"If you want it, come and take it. As long as you can snatch it from my hands, the Super Holy Water is yours."
Like Kami, Korin enjoyed observing the happenings of the lower world. However, while Kami "watched" directly, Korin preferred using a water basin to observe.
He had been watching Yamcha's climb up the tower.
To him, Yamcha's determination to reach this place could only mean one thing—he desired the legendary Super Holy Water.
For any martial artist, the allure of the Super Holy Water was irresistible.
But Yamcha's real goal wasn't the bottle of glorified tap water—it was the free sparring sessions he could get out of this.
"Thank you for your guidance, Korin."
Yamcha's attitude surprised the sage. He had expected Yamcha to pounce on him immediately like others before him.
"Interesting kid, meow!"
Three Hours Later
The bottle of Super Holy Water spun effortlessly on Korin's fingertip, while Yamcha lay exhausted on the ground, panting heavily. His chest heaved as sweat soaked his entire body, leaving him looking like a half-dead dog.
The gap in their power levels was simply too great. Even though Korin wasn't a fighter by nature, Yamcha was no match for him.
For reference, at the beginning of the Dragon Ball Z saga, Yamcha's power level was only 177—still lower than Korin's.
"Not bad, kid. In just three hours, you managed to see through my Afterimage Technique. Your fighting skills are quite interesting," Korin remarked, rubbing his soft, round belly with an air of mystery. "You're the most talented martial artist I've seen in the past hundred years."
"But didn't you say I was the first to climb the tower in the past few hundred years?"
With a single sentence, Yamcha shattered the sage's wise and mysterious image.
"Enough with the chatter, you annoying little brat!"
Annoyed, Korin bonked Yamcha on the head with his staff.
"Ouch!"
Yamcha barely had the strength to hold his head in pain—he could only weakly cry out.
"Here, take this."
Korin rummaged through his things and flicked a small, green bean toward Yamcha.
"This is a Senzu Bean. Eat it, and your strength will be restored immediately. You won't need food for ten days."
Yamcha eyed the shiny green bean and discreetly stored it away with his telekinesis.
"If my strength is restored, then I'd just challenge you for the Super Holy Water again. Wouldn't that be unfair to you?"
Yamcha spoke righteously.
In truth, he was only exhausted—he just needed some rest. Even if he ate the Senzu Bean now, it would only restore his physical strength, not his mental fatigue. Training required proper pacing; otherwise, it would be counterproductive.
"When hungry, eat. When tired, sleep. That is the ultimate way to train."
Right now, sleep was the most important thing.
"I'll train even harder tomorrow," Yamcha declared, pulling out a blanket from a capsule and tucking himself in for the night.
Korin stared blankly at Yamcha, who had dozed off instantly, and found himself lost in memories from centuries past.
'What an amusing little rascal.'
'If it were that old pervert Master Roshi, he would've never passed up this opportunity.'
Korin yawned, leaned against the sanctuary's pillar, and dozed off.
A Few Minutes Later...
Tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
'I don't buy it! That little brat is definitely faking it! He's going to sneak a Senzu Bean and steal the Super Holy Water! I have to stay on guard!'
And so, Korin kept his guard up—for the entire night.
The Next Morning
After a good night's sleep and enjoying a meal of "Pearl Jam" delicacies, Yamcha felt refreshed. Looking at Korin, who had dark circles under his eyes, he asked, "Korin, did you not sleep well last night?"
"Enough nonsense, you annoying brat! Come at me!"
Day Two: Yamcha failed to obtain the Super Holy Water. He collapsed once again! After a meal, he recovered his strength!
"You really won't consider eating a Senzu Bean before trying again?"
Day Three: The same outcome.
Day Four: No difference, but he gradually mastered the Afterimage Technique through repeated exchanges with Korin.
Rather than merely fighting, it felt more like Korin was teaching him.
A good memory was nothing compared to a worn-out pen, and even writing things down was inferior to experiencing them firsthand.
And so, time passed swiftly.
One Month Later...
Yamcha finally...
Still failed to obtain the Super Holy Water (a glorified bottle of tap water).
(End of Chapter)