Reprogrammed

Unmasked

o, Trunks hadn't been kidding. Even during his pathetic excuse of a fight, he had worked up an appetite, and was once again demonstrating the eating habits of a saiyan. 18 stood a short distance away, watching the plates pile up. She felt bad for the poor waiters, who had been absolutely terrified to see him return.

"You know," she said, "there are other people here. Leave some for them."

Trunks mumbled something while his mouth was full, making 18 frown in disgust. She shook her head, deciding that she didn't want to watch him pig out anymore. As she was about to leave, Jū San appeared in the doorway, pushing her out of the way as he entered.

"Pardon me, ma'am." He said, not sounding the least bit sorry.

18 stumbled back, letting him pass. The only reason she let him go by without saying anything was because he actually managed to push her. No one without a fairly large power level was strong enough to push her, but he had managed it just fine, and that concerned her.

Trunks was in the middle of gulping down soup, not even bothering to use a spoon. Suddenly the bowl shattered in his hands, splashing him with its contents.

"Yeow! That's hot!" he cried, getting a face full of piping hot soup.

Jū San chuckled. "Just tryin' ta get yer attention, city boy. I wasn' sure how else to pull yer mind away from yer grub."

Trunks rang out his wet shirt. "That wasn't necessary." He grumbled.

Jū San's eyes narrowed. "Look at me when I'm talkin' to ya, boy!" He kicked the table, sending it crashing into the wall. Trunks looked up at him irritably and Jū San smiled. "Now do I have yer attention?"

Trunks stood up, brushing scattered food off his clothes. "Yeah, so what do you want?"

Jū San chuckled. "Just wanted ta congratulate you on yer victory. You're power is quite impressive."

Trunks glared at him. "Wish I could say the same, but you didn't really fight."

"Nor did you, but I reckon I get the jest of it. I'm hopin' it'll be you and I in the next match. I'll really be lookin' forward to it." He glanced at 18. "Yer girlfriend over there would be a good warm up, but it's you and yer saiyan power that I want ter face."

Trunks was shocked by this. "Wait, how do you know about-"

Jū San laughed. "You'd be surprised what I know, boy. You best be ready when the time comes. Cause I ain't showin' you no mercy." He turned to leave. "And clean yerself up, boy. You got a bit o' somethin' right there. Excuse me, little lady."

"Watch it." 18 grumbled, stepping aside for him to pass. After he left, she turned back to Trunks. "What got into him? He's acting like a total jerk now."

Trunks shook his head. "No, I think he's showing us his true colors. He's shown us that he's not normal, so there's no reason to keep up the act."

"Then what's with the mask?"

Trunks shrugged. "Beats me. Maybe he just wants to remain anonymous. In any case," he looked at his stained clothes, "he's right, I should wash up. Guess I'll hit the showers." His stomach growled. "After I finish eating first."

18 fell over anime-style.

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As the hot water washed away the food that had ended up on him rather than in his stomach, Trunks thought about this Jū San person. He was an interesting, and, most likely, dangerous character. Whoever he was, this whole thing was a game to him. Trunks figured that he was only going by the tournament rules merely for sport. It was him the guy was really after.