Vast space. Infinite expanse.

  A white streak cut through the stars. The spaceship carrying Perilla, Gohan, and Trunks.

  Three days since leaving Earth.

  Inside, the three sparred under 100x gravity.

  The ship had the same gravity system as the one Goku used to reach Namek. All three were Saiyans. Of course they'd train.

  100x gravity was heavy. But not unbearable.

  The ship was fragile, though. They couldn't go all out. Which meant Perilla—the weakest of the three—had the advantage. She could fight at full strength without breaking anything.

  But even as an Android, Perilla didn't have infinite energy like 17 and 18. After a few hours, all three were gasping.

  Perilla deactivated the gravity. Gohan and Trunks collapsed.

  Trunks lay flat on the floor. Panting. "Perilla... you cheated. You trained alone in the Time Chamber."

  "It's my home. How is training at home cheating? Besides, I'm still weaker than you two."

  Her base form matched Super Saiyan 2 levels. But her Ki was still below Gohan and Trunks.

  They'd both trained for months after reaching SSJ2. Breaking through was easier for them. New territory meant faster growth.

  Perilla, though, had hit a wall. No matter how much she refined her technique or mindset, she couldn't push further.

  Maybe I need to break through on the divine level? Or maybe my Super Saiyan form is close?

  She didn't know. Dr. Gero's fusion of Android and Saiyan genes was a mystery. She could only take it one step at a time.

  She tossed them chilled sports drinks. Trunks caught his. Chugged it.

  "Ahh... I'm alive again."

  Perilla opened hers. Took a sip. Room temperature, this stuff tastes like piss. But ice-cold after a workout? Heaven.

  Gohan reached for his drink. Started to open it.

  Then froze.

  Perilla tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear. Her pale neck glistened with sweat.

  His eyes locked on her. Couldn't look away.

  Why does her sweat smell... nice?

  Perilla finished her drink. Noticed him staring.

  She pressed the cold bottle against his cheek.

  "Wah!"

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  Gohan flinched. Snapped out of it.

  Perilla burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Your face! That was priceless!"

  Gohan stared at her. The way she laughed. Like sunlight breaking through clouds.

  She crouched. Tilted her head. "What were you spacing out about?"

  So cute.

  His heart raced.

  "I... I was thinking about the fight. Analyzing it. That's why I zoned out."

  "Oh! Reviewing battles is part of training. Keep it up, Gohan. Your potential is way bigger than you think."

  He's actually reflecting on combat. No slacking. No Wild Gohan turning into Study Gohan.

  In Dragon Ball Super, Gohan had wasted his potential. Stopped training. It drove her crazy. But here? He was different.

  In a way, with Goku's genes in me, Gohan's kind of my son. And I'm not letting my son slack off.

  Gohan felt something stir in his chest. Warm. Sweet. Like tasting honey for the first time.

  He took a sip. Avoided her gaze. Afraid she'd see through the lie.

  But he couldn't help stealing glances.

  Trunks watched. Gohan's been acting weird. Keeps staring at Perilla. Trying to hide it.

  What's up with him?

  He was too young to understand. Just thought Gohan was acting strange.

  Perilla finished her drink. Tossed the bottle into the air. Kicked it like a soccer ball. THUNK. Straight into the trash.

  "Goal! Still got it. Anyway, I'm gonna shower. Tomorrow's a rest day. Day after, we reach New Namek. Get ready for battle."

  "Got it."

  "Understood, Perilla."

  She headed to the bathroom.

  Trunks leaned in. Whispered. "Gohan. Why do you keep staring at Perilla?"

  Gohan's face shifted. "Do I?"

  "Uh, yeah. A lot. Don't you notice?"

  "I... I just glanced a few times..."

  "Whatever. Just don't tell Perilla, okay?"

  Trunks patted his chest. "I won't. But seriously, why? Does she have something on her face?"

  "No. Her face is always clean."

  "Then why?"

  "I don't know. I just... can't help looking at her. And I don't want her to notice. Just—don't tell her."

  Her smile. The way she smells. Like orchids. It pulls me in. But if I say that out loud, I'll sound like a creep.

  "Alright, alright. Weird that you don't even know why, though. Anyway, we've got a fight coming up. Let's rest."