Aceheroic presents:
Sole Rivalry
Chapter One
Goku unbeatable? Piccolo's Journey to Defeat Son Goku!
Almost 26 years after the 23rd Marital Arts Tournament, Piccolo, with his stoic expression, watched the Son household while staring at his former rival and now somewhat of a best friend Son Goku. He huffed remembering a time he wanted to kill him. Back then he would gladly do it in a heartbeat to avenge his father's death and secure his position of rule once his competition bit the dust.
Throughout the years, however, he had grown content with the fact that he'll never get to truly finish his fight with Goku. What was the point? Goku was now the strongest being on the planet. Piccolo could only dream of obtaining the power necessary to even best Goku on a equal level. He went through every scenario in his head. He could absorb the power of his own species with multiple fusions, though that would leave Namek without protectors and the power wouldn't truly be his own.
He could ask the dragon for the power to defeat him, though Goku would ridicule him for it and again it wouldn't be a power he himself obtained. No matter the what ifs, most relied heavily on borrowing and wishing, two things he couldn't do unless Goku decided to turn on his friends, family, and even the planet. He only ever pondered the idea, never really wanting to go too deep for his own mental health.
But every now and again, the thought of that moment when Goku bested him still rang through his mind. He sighed and was about to turn away before seeing Vegeta fly in and challenge Goku to another one on one, the 3rd time this week. Even after the events of the Tournament of power, and Goku's trek through space, Vegeta would be over at the son's residence, taking every advantage he could to challenge Goku. Piccolo knew the outcome every time. Vegeta would get close, but eventually Goku would pull all the stops and proceed to crush the prince's high spirits. Too him, Vegeta isn't really a threat if you press the right buttons, however, he can't deny the potential he has demonstrated over the 20 years he's known him for.
He snarled, why was he so interested in this pointless fight anyway? He couldn't care less if Goku got… then there it was again, eating away at the tips of his antennas. "Hmmm, maybe it's time to settle this." He said to himself giving up and left the increasingly dangerous battlefield behind him.
Several hours later on a hilltop, Piccolo gathered the final Dragon Ball and the clouds began to turn black. "ARISE SHENRON! GRANT ME MY WISHES!" he called as the balls sparked to life and shot out a giant dragon that sent chills down Piccolo's spine.
"I am the eternal dragon. Speak your wishes, and I shall grant them."
"Dragon, I wish to know the ceiling of my power." He called.
The dragon's eyes glowed. "You are at the peak of your natural abilities. There is little room left to improve what you are now." He informed him.
Piccolo sighed. "Hmm, then i'll have to find new limits. Perhaps a visit to Whis would help. Dragon, can you send me to the dimension of Beerus the God of Destruction?!" he called. "Hmmm, I can, but be warned, they may not appreciate uninvited guests." He warned.
"That won't be a problem." He said pulling out a box of snacks and exotic dishes courtesy of Videl.
"Then so be it." The dragon said as the scene changed to Whis and Beerus chowing down on Piccolo's offering. Beerus was most impressed.
"So, you wish to best Son Goku, hmm?"
"We have unfinished business. I want this feeling of disappointment to be gone and I figure the only way to be rid of it is to challenge him to a final fight." Piccolo explained.
"I see, and I do understand you're nearing the limit of your natural power, correct?" Whis asked starting on his ice cream.
"Yeah, I've been meditating for the better part of 25 years. It helps, but it's not bringing me any closer to best Son Goku." Piccolo explained.
Beerus nodded. "I see. Well, Whis can help you reach your potential for you, I have better things to do." He said leaving for bed.
Whis chuckled. "Well, I've already taken on two students, what's one more?" he said getting up. "Do you have any other obligations?"
Piccolo chuckled taking off his weighted cape. "I got all day."
He said. "Very good." Whis said.
4 weeks later...
Piccolo huffed, Whis was a tough opponent to catch, but he still gave it his all to catch him. Days of frustration had started to pay off as he got closer and closer to Whis. However, even at 2 percent of his power, Whis can be a blur when trying to track. Piccolo came close to quitting at times, over estimating his chances to outsmart the quick angel.
After another failed attempt, Piccolo huffed nearly buckling over while holding his knees. "D-damn it." he growled watching as the carefree angel himself was floating back over.
"Ah, the sound of frustration. You should let that go. Frustration leads to failure, whether it be giving up too early, or doing something rash." he said.
That made Piccolo growl. Like he was talking to him as if he were a child. He knew this! He's seen this in so many others, Frieza, Cell, and others. He then felt his head pound. "Don't think I'm a amatu-,"
"I know you aren't, Piccolo-chan," Whis interrupted. "However, I meant it as a reminder. Many forget the basic lessons and many more get blinded by rage when they are told the same lesson by their piers. To beat Goku, you must stay level headed. You may think you know everything there is to know about him, but you won't beat him by pure frustration." he pointed out.
Piccolo spat before closing his eyes. He took in the divine air, and let it out. His head felt deflated and his eyes felt less stressed.
Whis smiled. "Let's take a break." he said sitting down and took out one of Videl's dishes.
Piccolo sat and meditated. 'Hmmm,' he thought seeing Son Goku's feats replay in his head. His victories, his lowest moments, his will, and finally, that fight. He growled. Piccolo was so sure he had won, he blasted his limbs, and finally blasted his body. He was sure he beat him, but then, that fateful moment, his enemy flew down from the heavens, a-, "GAH!" Piccolo huffed holding his left side. He blinked wildly and growled. "Damn him, I'll get stronger, I will beat him."
Whis took notice when Piccolo had woken back up. "My, my. Determination fueled by the sins of his rival. Though still filled with frustration, I'm sure I can make him stronger than he is right now." he smiled.
3 more weeks went by, while Piccolo was working on his glass ceiling. He was at his peek many times before, but maintaining his full power for days on end made his body strain and weep. If Son Goku and Son Gohan could hold Super Saiyan for days on end, why not Piccolo? Piccolo did have to give Goku credit, being powered up nearly all day long was a pain in the ass. But after 2 weeks of concentrating, he could run at full power for 3 days straight before his body collapses.
Whis was surprised by Piccolo's resolve and improvements. "Very impressive Piccolo, a week or 2 and you probably walk around like it's nothing." he asked.
Piccolo nodded. "Yeah, I'll be working on going 5 days, but I think it's time to get back to work." he said going into a fighting pose.
Whis smiled. "Then come at me." he said as Piccolo screamed and tried to land a single hit on him.
5 hours later, Piccolo huffed and grabbed his knees. "Damn it, so close." He growled turning to see Whis lay down a picnic.
"Let's rest a while, some meditation should help give your body a chance to relax." He said.
Piccolo would be sarcastic and still be up for trying again right there and then, but hearing the word meditation made him sigh in relief. He sat down and relaxed. "Next time, I'll catch you when you least expect it."
"Oh really? I see our little game has already helped you achieve better stamina and speed since you came here. I dare say you're on a road to defeating your rival." He chuckled.
"Hmm." Piccolo grunted going into meditation.
While resting his body, Piccolo could sense Vegeta's presence and soon heard: "Hey, Piccolo! I heard you were off training with the gods." He said then feeling his power. "Impressive, you're stronger than you were 2 months ago. Mind telling me what this is all about?"
Piccolo nodded turning to him. "Thanks, and no I won't be explaining why, Vegeta."
"Hmp, I figured you would, but I still demand to know why you are here. Is it about that joke Kakarot made?" He asked making Piccolo roll his eyes.
"Vegeta, please control yourself, all are welcome here if they bring delights." Whis scolded while finishing his meal.
"Hmp." Vegeta growled.
Piccolo rolled his eyes. "It's alright Whis. Alright, it's because I'm here to train and better myself, I'm not worried about the Earth. It can survive a year or two without me." He explained trying to go back to his meditation.
Vegeta blinked at this. "I figured you would say that. But I'm not deceived. You're here because you have a bone to pick with Kakarot."
"I guess you really are a genius when it comes to domestic relationships. Where was that when Frieza tansformed? Where was that when Cell got his perfect form? And do I need to mention the Majins?"Piccolo asked.
Vegeta growled getting up. "You want to go Green Man?"
Piccolo growled, but then saw an opportune moment. "Yeah, Vegeta," he growled standing up and threw off his cape. "Fight me."
"Fine, you asked for this." he growled going into his Super Saiyan form.
Piccolo sweated as his base was already scary enough, but with this transformation, it made his second guess his chances. But he was neck deep, and the prince wasn't going to hold out on him. Piccolo growled going 100% and the short battle began.
Piccolo was surprised by the speed but still managed to follow his moves. He was then blindsided when Vegeta blasted him into a mountain and braced himself as he took volley of energy blasts. Piccolo blacked out before the rubble fell on top of him.
Vegeta spat at the rubble. "Pathetic." He said reverting to normal and went to demand training from Whis.
Piccolo coughed pushing the rubble out of the way when he came too. "Damn it. Well, it's not as equal to Goku, but it's a scale." He said dusting himself off.
"I do have to say, your little fight with Vegeta was a bit, mediocre." Beerus said smirking as he sat in the air above Piccolo.
"Thought you went to bed." Piccolo said raising a brow.
"Of course, but then I had a bit of an appetite went to feast instead. I can see you wanted to know where you stood to a Super Saiyan God." He speculated.
"Well, you're right. I can't say i'll be able to surpass that level without god ki or fusions." He said.
"I almost forgot about the Namekian's ability to fuse with each other. I can sense the 2 Namekians inside your body. They helped increase your power substantially, so its only wise to absorb another N-,"
"No. I know it seems selfish, but I want to rely only on myself for strength. If I asked another, it would-,"
"Silence mortal!" Beerus growled. "You interrupt me again, and you'll be destroyed. I guess i'll put it to you straight. Goku said the same thing to me once, but the truth is, his godly power came from a family pure of heart, and without that, there wouldn't be a chance in hell he would be able to tap into the strength he has now. If you wish to best him, you must find others that can help you in the sameway, fusion, or not." He said flying away.
Piccolo blinked and pondered on this. "Hmm, I guess he's right, no, he is right, I've been a fool for thinking I was already at the peak. To break this ceiling, I'll need to fuse, but with who." He wondered. 'There might be some on Namek willing to fuse, but with it being taboo unless in crisis, I doubt I'll find none of them want to sacrifice their lives to give me the power I need to surpass my limits for a petti reason. 'Hmm, I think it's about time I visit Namek, it has been too long.' he thought to himself while walking to Whis who sent Vegeta away on a errand. "Whis, I need a favor."
Earth
Piccolo returned to Earth with Whis to let Gohan and his family know he won't be back for a while. He knocked on Videl's mansion door. Hercule answered and gasped. "Oh! Its you! h-how are you doing, m-m-,"
"I don't have a lot of time to chat, is Gohan home?" he asked as Videl turned the corner.
"Gohan? Oh no, he's training with his father at the moment, why what's going on?" she asked curiously.
"Oh, well, when he gets home, tell him I'm going to be off planet for a while." He said.
"Oh my! Is everything okay?" Videl asked.
"Yes, it is, just need to do something personal, tell Gohan to keep Goku off of Namek, and tell him there's nothing to worry about. I'll be back as soon as I'm done." He said.
Whis looked a bit pressed for time. "Piccolo, it is time."
Piccolo nodded. "Can you tell him for me?"
"Of course, please, stay safe!" Videl smiled.
Piccolo bowed his head and turned to Whis. "Let's go."
Whis smiled and opened the portal. Goku was watching from a far as he saw the two disappear. "Hmm, I wonder what Piccolo is up to." He said as Gohan drank from his water bottle. "Probably some training I imagine." Gohan speculated.
This peaked Goku's interest. "Training huh? Well, I hope when he's done I can take a crack at him." He said feeling his excitement get the better of him.
Gohan chuckled. "Geez, dad, you never change. Oh, and you still need to apologize for that joke you made."
"OH COME ON! I tried to make it sound funny. Well... I tried." he chuckled sensing Piccolo and Whis teleporting to Namek.
7 months later…
Since his arrival on Namek, Piccolo and the Grand Elder had a chat about training on his home planet. As expected, the Elder and his people refused to fuse with Piccolo, reason being that they feel they would fuse in a desperate hour, not to win some small feud.
The Elder instead offered to Unlock Piccolo's potential, and it was unlocked with the help of his people. Piccolo, now stronger than ever, but was still just a speck in relation to Son Goku. He worked on his techniques the most since his training partners weren't really going to be of much help to him. However, he did seem hard pressed that there was little potential left to discover.
He spent most of his days meditating (from which he's been meditating as long as he could remember), occasionally splitting himself up into 2-5 and battled them all at the same time and working to improve his speed and mobility whenever Whis stopped by. Whis reassured him Son Goku wouldn't interfere with his training, but caught several instances of Goku's energy on the planet. He continued anyway despite the brief intrusions, and one day, Piccolo peeked.
He had reached the limits of his unlocked potential and grew... frustrated. "DAMN IT!" he growled causing a Namek-quake that shook the local villages. "IS THIS REALLY MY LIMITS? ALL THESE MONTHS, ALL OF THESE YEARS! CELL, BUU, GRAH!" he growled as the quake halted. "This is a waste of time. I'm not going to be anywhere near Son's level with this holding me back." he growled looking at his hands.
Flying from the village, was a mad Elder. "BROTHER! CALM YOURSELF! YOU NEARLY LEVELED OUR PLANET!"
Piccolo gawked and looked at the Elder. "...I'm sorry, I'll repair any damages to the villages." he said out of kindness.
The Elder sighed. "I guess you reached your limit again?"
Piccolo nodded silently.
"I see. I'm sorry Piccolo, there's nothing more we can reach inside of you. I say, you have peeked in your current form." he said.
Piccolo sighed and sat down. "I guess that nagging thought won't leave my head. Son Goku won, and I guess that's the way it's going to be until I get stronger."
The Elder nodded. "Perhaps it's for the best to leave this feud behind you both, after all, isn't kinsman-ship the true goal of a Namekian like us?"
Piccolo gave it some thought. "Maybe it is, but I'm still a warrior at heart, Elder. I was born to finish any fight, no matter if I'm strong enough or not." he said.
The elder sighed sadly. "I see. If that's what you believe, then I'll leave you to it." he said turning to leave.
"… Elder." The elder stopped and looked up. "… can I make a wish on the Porunga?" he asked.
"You're not going to wish you were stronger than Son Goku, are you?"
"What do you take me for? I'm not going to wish for something petty like that. I, want to get some help from a family member who's long gone." he explained.
The grand elder hummed. "Well, i'll have to run it by the other villages first, but we'll see." He said.
"Take you time with it, then." Was all Piccolo said before going back into trance. 'I think there's still one person that can help me break the ceiling… it's a gamble, but it could work.'
If none of the other Namekians are willing to fuse with him, perhaps he could convince his own father, if it was possible to get him strong enough. He theorized he could break the ceiling again, and based on his previous fusions with Nail and Kami, if his father was near the same as Nail or higher, he could realistically reach Son Goku's Super Saiyan Blue form from the base power he had now. He still felt it was far fetch to say he could defeat Goku's blue form, but he had to try.
A week went by and with the blessings of the Elder and his villages, the dragonballs were gathered and Porunga was summoned. "Speak your wishes and I shall see if I can grant them." He barked down to Piccolo and the villagers.
Piccolo stepped up and called out: "Porunga! I wish to bring back my father, the Demon King Piccolo of Earth, bring him back to life!"
Porunga blinked. "Your wish to bring him back to life shall be granted." He growled as his eyes glowed.
"Good, my second wish is to bring him to this very spot, bring my father to Namek!" he called again.
"Hmm, a simple wish to grant." Porunga said as a tall and confused Namekian that resembled Piccolo landed on Namek.
"What?! Is this?" he asked looking around. He turned around to see Piccolo and Porunga. "What in blazes is this!" he growled going into a combat stance.
"Relax old man. I'm not here to fight you." Piccolo stared him down and turned to the Elder. "You can have the remaining wish, I need to speak with my father."
The Demon King gasped. "W-what! Wait, you're… my son?"
"Yes, I am." He said slowly leading him away.
The scene changes to later when Piccolo got him up to speed and while The Demon King was sight seeing a planet he hasn't seen in a couple hundred years. "So, that brat is still alive, and light years stronger than you?" he asked.
Piccolo nodded. "Yes, even if I wanted to, it would take me decades to reach his level now."
The Demon King sighed. "I knew it was a long shot. I spent a lot of years in hell feeling his power grow. I figured when you fused with my former self you'd be able to kill him, but I guess we both underestimated him." He admitted.
"Hmm, it's hard to come to terms, but I believe we can out do him." He said.
"How do you suppose?" he asked.
"… you may not like this, but i'll need to fuse with your power to do it." He said.
"With you? I hope you have a better plan, because as it stands, I don't think my power would even come close to the ceiling that brat's is." He said.
"It worked with Kami, and Nail. Though you aren't even a fraction of my power, I still believe the fusion could help me get to Goku's level, if not at least beyond his base form." His said.
The Demon King sighed. "I wasn't expecting to be brought back from a prison, only to be trapped in another, so forgive me for protesting." He said.
"Hmp, then I guess this was a waste of time." He said getting up. "I don't have to worry about you, even the Namekians on this planet are a hundred times stronger than you. So don't bother trying anything." He said leaving.
The Demon King looked out to the green ocean, and then back to Piccolo. "But that isn't a no, per-say." He added. "You are my son, my pride and greatest achievement. However, this brat is also my greatest regret. I still want to seek revenge for what he done to me, so i'll cut you a deal." He smirked. "I'll fuse with you, but in return, I want the brat to suffer a similar fate as he did me."
Piccolo thought on this and nodded. "Fine."
The demon king smirked. "It's a pleasure to work with you, my son."
"Hmp, don't get too comfortable, old man." He said placing his hand on his shoulder. "This is only business. But first, how about we do something about that minuscule power you have."
The demon king nodded as 4 more months went by. During that time, Piccolo managed to help his father match some of the warrior tribes of Namek.
The elder looked impressed when his strongest fighter was only on par with the demon king. "My word, your father had made tremendous progress."
"Indeed. I do feel kind of bad for using him as a way to help increase my chances of besting Goku." He added sitting down.
The elder sighed. "Again, I can't ever dream of stopping you. But perhaps you're taking this feud a little too seriously."
"Like you told me ever since I came home. its just a feud, something that's been a bother to me for years. I'm doing this solely to forget about that time where Goku and I were enemies. He likes to think we're friends, but in truth, I haven't really forgotten where we came from." He admitted.
"If closure is all you seek, why not talk it out?"
"Son Goku is a fighter at heart, Goku never knew when to quit except when he someone equal or above his on power. He'd have to be fought before he talked anything out." Piccolo explained.
The elder nodded as the demon king came back wiping the sweat off. "That was a good challenge." the king said sitting next to his son.
Piccolo nodded. "Your power had exceeded 100 fold. The fusion might be more effective given time." Piccolo added.
"But how long do you think we need? I'm stronger than I was, I think-,"
Piccolo growled. "Being in a hurry to fight Son Goku would ensure our defeat. No, we have all the time in the world, we just need to make sure we use that time wisely." He said calming down.
The demon king sighed. "Very well, i'll continue my training, you focus on yours." He said getting up and leaving.
Piccolo watched his father leave and sighed refocusing on his own training.
A few days later, the demon king flew to the nearest mountain top and began his daily meditation. The grand elder came up to greet him.
"My brother." He said sitting next to him. "How are you fairing today?"
"Hmmm, better, though still wondering if I can be of any help to my son." He said.
"I could feel it for a while, even my strongest warriors could see it, you are approaching your limit, aren't you?" he asked.
The demon king blushed but nodded. "That I am. I guess I'm just a relic of the past. The only ones who get stronger are your descendants. I could still put up a fight, but I know when I'm just about at the peek of my prime." He explained.
"Are you worried?" the elder asked.
"Of course I am, but… I feel my time is fast approaching again. I am grateful to get to know my son these last few months, and I am grateful to speed my last days on my home planet. I just hope my training will help my son best a god… pfft, how ironic. A demon king being defeated by a god of monkeys." He laughed.
The elder smiled. "Our people do not believe in violence unless it is to defend ourselves, but," he then patted his shoulder. "You have our best of luck in your son's battle ahead."
The demon king smiled. "Thank you Elder." He said as the scene changed.
One month later, Piccolo and his father were sparing, the two have increased the demon king's power over what was possible for the king to achieve. The demon king was now stronger, and he expressed nearing his own ceiling as well. "With the power I obtained, I could squash that brat 100 times over, though I think I reached what I can do personally." The demon king admitted.
Piccolo nodded. "I think you're right about that. I've been pushing you hard, but it's getting harder to sense new power in you." Piccolo admitted as they both took a break from sparing.
The demon king looked at his son and smiled. "Son, I barely show anything emotional attachments, but you, you make me proud. Your determination, your power and skill, you made me proud." He admitted.
Piccolo looked shocked but smiled. "Thanks. I guess Namek has gotten to you?"
The demon king looked out to the water with nostalgia. "Possibly. But my resolve for killing that brat still holds true. I can never forgive him, but I bet you're going to ensure that he stays alive after this."
"It'd make for a better story that I kicked Son Goku to the curve than killing him." He smirked.
The demon king laughed as he got up. "It's been a pleasure…but I believe it is time."
Piccolo frowned as he got up. "I know I wished you back and trained you up for the sole reason to fuse with you, but over the months, after getting to know you, I want to give you the choice t-,"
"Don't, I have made the decision. My family, my dreams, all but gone and fulfilled. All that's left is you, my son. I will do anything, if it means teaching that brat a lesson. I don't have any other purpose other than that. Getting you strong enough, is all that matters to me." He said walking up to him. "Just so you know, I am proud."
Piccolo sighed sadly and looked up holding his hand out to touch the center of his chest. "It was good seeing you, and getting to know you, father."
"Like wise, my son. Now go get him. Make sure he knows the wrath of our family." He said vanishing in a brief flash of light.
After absorbing him, Piccolo stared at the empty space. "Father…" he sighed before he suddenly growled and then screamed as his aura turned black and the ground shook under him. When he opened his eyes, he saw the sky turn black, and storm clouds brew over him. His power was reaching new limits, limits he thought impossible to reach.
Nail, Kami, and now his father's presence had touched his shoulders as the land around him crumbled under his fee.
"… I can feel it… the power!" he gasped amazed by the extension of his power. "Hmm, ha-ha, AHAHAHAH! YES! I FEEL GREAT! I CAN FEEL THE LIMITS SOARING INTO THE SKY! I CAN DO THIS! I CAN SURPASS MY LIMITS! I can defeat you, Son Goku." He growled.
Meanwhile on Earth, Pan was barely waddling to Gohan when he felt the power from Namek. "Huh?" he blinked in confusion. Videl came in.
"What is that?" she asked barely feeling the power too.
"It's… unreal, it feels like Piccolo… did he discover a new power?" Gohan asked as Pan fell onto his lap.
In the Son household, Chi-Chi was disciplining Goten when Goku walked out. "Goku?" Chi-chi asked noticing the glow in Goku's eyes.
"Its him, Piccolo, you…" he then laughed. "OH MY KAMI! THIS POWER! I CAN'T CONTAIN MYSELF! THIS IS EXCITING!" he shouted hopping for joy as another great power joined the ranks of potential sparing partners.
Hey! It's me, Goku here! It seems like Piccolo just discovered a new power! WOAH! This is exciting! "Goku, I've been waiting for this moment for 27 years." HOLY CRAP! JUST FEEL THAT POWER! Next time on Dragonball Super Fanfiction: Piccolo Unleashed, the final battle approaches! See you there!