Minor Update: In the last chapter, i mentioned how Goku would mentor Nepgear, Bardock would train Uni and Raditz trained Rom and Ram. I realized that I had unintentionally left Vegeta out. and truthfully, I think Vegeta would make for a better teacher for Uni. So it's time for the first retcon of the story:
Uni will now mentored by Vegeta. The DBGT-like Vegeta and the non-arrogant tsundere will make for one very interesting teacher-student duo.
Goku will still be mentoring Nepgear. Carefree and now-responsible + carefree yet already responsible will equal a very dynamic duo.
Rom and Ram will still be trained by Raditz, who's significantly more docile but still saiyan-like attitude will work both ways
Bardock will instead be a secondary teacher to all the candidates. He will act as the opponent each of the candidates face both together and separately when the time comes.
Now then, here is Chapter 6. I had fun writing this one, even though it's a little shorter then the normal chapters.
the optional soundtrack makes it's return!: /playlist?list=PLfUttKNcUeSb8INr9RUoSUPzVGGMaQWkg
Discord Server: /nTbNDBq (doc manager meddling seperates link; you must type it yourself. this will be moved to the most recent chapter.)
-Chapter 6 (The Candidates Resolve), Act 1-
🎵Hyperdimension Neptunia - Lite Light🎵
"Shut it, before I BEAT the memory out of you!"
White Heart's voice yelled out in response to the teasing of Purple Heart. The 3 saiyans (one fused, and two unfused) snickered at the extreme reaction to some light teasing. Bardock in particular wanted to join in the teasing, but he didn't want to get on bad terms with the new girls immediately, so he refrained.
Bardock turned to Gogeta. "So, when are you gonna unfuse?"
Gogeta shrugged with an exaggerated expression. ""I dunno. Usually the fusion stays for 30 minutes, but we only just fused. I initially didn't want to fight, but...""
Instantly after he said that, he smirked at Bardock. ""...Instead of me just going Super Saiyan 3, how about we have a little sparring match? That could be a fun way to burn the borrowed time.""
"Heh... why would I turn down a fight against a fusion?" Bardock asked rhetorically, returning the smirk.
Gogeta chuckled. ""That's what I like to hear. Grab on - we'll fight back over at those plains.""
This will be something that will really get Bardock's saiyan blood pumping. A fight against a fusion of one of his sons and the much more mature Vegeta? There's no way this wouldn't be fun!
But that reminded Bardock of something, so he quickly spoke up. "Wait a moment. I know I'm gonna lose and all, but can you make it entertaining by keeping your power just somewhat above my limit?"
Gogeta was somewhat surprised by the question, but after a brief moment he grinned.
""Sure thing, but we're not gonna go easy on you."" he said, smirking in a way that was reminiscent of both Goku and Vegeta.
Bardock's smirk grew wider. "Good. Now to just tell the others..."
He turned backwards to face the 4 CPUs, who were currently bickering about something.
"HEY!" Bardock's shout immediately caught their attention. "Me and the fusion are gonna go spar. Keep the party lively while we're gone, alright?"
"Wait!" Purple Heart unexpectedly decided to reply. "I would like to watch the fight, so don't go warp somewhere else to do it." She then turned to look at the other CPUs. "...And I'm sure the others would like to see your power close up as well."
Black Heart crossed her arms and said nothing, looking away. Green Heart eyes sparkled and she smiled ear-to-ear, while White Heart just gave a blank and confused stare in response, like what Purple Heart said hadn't processed yet.
Wait a moment... Why were they still transformed? In fact, he would ask that right now.
"Ok, but first; why are you guys still transformed?" Bardock asked.
The CPUs eyebrows raised up collectively. Purple Heart looked at the other 3 again, then down towards herself.
"...He raises a good point."
Purple Heart's figure abruptly was illuminated in light, and she strangely morphed back into her base form.
"Girls, you should do the same!" Neptune said, energetically. "I mean, why are we staying like this anyways when the announcement's over and stuff?"
A short delay later, and they all did exactly that. Bardock was shocked by how Noire and Blanc looked in their base forms, but didn't pay much attention to Vert's base form. After all...
"Well... looks like we're having a change of plans" Bardock said to Gogeta.
The metamoran fusion simply craned his neck from side to side, cracking the joints.
""Seems so. Ready?""
Bardock smirked, but pointed his head towards the cityscape. "Let's go over there. We've still got a party to re-attend after this."
""Of course."" Gogeta replied. He turned back to look at the CPUs. ""Pay close attention; blink, and you'll miss our speed."" he said, smiling confidently.
Not waiting for a response, Bardock and Gogeta quickly flew from the platform to a short distance above the city. Bardock could tell that Gogeta wanted to show off, so he obliged by staying below the clouds.
🎵No Music🎵
After a few minutes of flying somewhat slowly, they eventually stopped. Gogeta got into his fighting pose.
""So, will we be fighting in base form or Super Saiyan?"
"Stay in base form." Bardock replied without hesitation. "I want to see how mighty just your base form stacks against my full power."
Gogeta smirked arrogantly. ""Okay, i'll play along. Maybe I might prolong it just to entertain myself""
"I'd be fine with that." Bardock countered, returning the smirk with added mischievousness.
""Heh heh, Okay!"" Gogeta chuckled loudly. ""Come at me whenever your ready.""
Bardock took one look over to the tower in the distance, and then back to Gogeta. He then clenched his right fist, smiling pridefully.
"Sure, just give me a moment."
Immediately following those confident words was a mighty scream that he bet could be heard for miles. His hair spiked up, but remained black - his pupils were flashing in and out of existence, and his aura was flaring out wildly.
Gogeta flew back a small distance, knowing what was about to come; a mighty scream was soon followed by a yellow shockwave that collapsed in on itself, being absorbed back into Bardock.
No reason to hold back against a fusion!
-Raditz's PoV-
🎵Dokkan Battle - Hidden Potential System🎵
Meanwhile, at the party after his father and Gogeta had left, Raditz was spectating back on the platform. The girls had taken a table by the side of the railing, talking amongst themselves about the saiyans power. Raditz was feeling a bit bored, so he walked over as well.
"You seem to be interested in his power." Raditz said.
Vert looked over at him, and responded before any of the others could. "Of course we are. After the brilliant display of power yesterday, I'm sure that all four of us are very much interested to bear witness to power that far surpasses our own."
Noire stood up from the table. "That's impossible!" she shouted. "We're goddesses born of the people's desires! How could these new guys just suddenly surpass us?"
Vert signed. "Noire, you must surely be aware that the power showcased yesterday is not something any of us are capable of. As much as it pains me to say this, having pride in my own power as well..."
She looked at Neptune, who nodded seriously at Vert - then to Blanc, who did the same but directly towards Noire.
"...We cannot beat them in a fight, even transformed. And on top of that, they have their own transformations as well."
Raditz replied, cutting off any of the others. "Not with that attitude, you won't."
Vert's eyes widened at the response, But Blanc was the one to respond. "Care to elaborate?"
Raditz began explaining. "Me and my group use a power called Ki. It exists in all living things as life energy, and it can be manipulated in a variety of ways. If you were to train yourselves, and come across foes who will challenge your own limits and strategies... you may eventually be capable of what we saiyans can do."
Neptune jumped out of her chair, and slapped Raditz's back in a friendly gesture.
"Thanks, Raditz! You just gave me hope that little 'ol me might just be able to have a good fight with you guys after all!"
Raditz smiled. "Of course. We will be waiting."
Neptune's happiness seemed infectious, as Vert and Blanc both smiled in varying intensities, with Noire struggling to suppress one of her own... but why suppress it, though?
Suddenly, a loud yell is heard originating from the sky, causing all CPUs to go on high alert.
"What was that!?" Blanc yells, reminding Raditz of her transformed state. He quickly laughed heartily, causing the other CPUs to redirect their attention to him.
"I suggest you all take a seat." he smirks widely. "...The show is about to begin."
Immediately following that, was a bright yellow shockwave that persisted for a few moments but collapsed back in on itself. When it subsided, a candle-like flame of the same color burned brightly enough that it could be seen from the party.
Several guests gasped, and others even began running away in fear. The CPUs, however...
"Oh my, you were right!" Vert says excitedly. Neptune follows up; "Yup, of course he was! These guys are from Dragon Universe, after all!"
Noire simply stared wide-eyed towards the distance. Blanc was silent for a few moments, but she, too, said something.
"...Hm. Maybe this might be entertaining after all." she said, smiling a little bit.
Now then... just how far will his dad and the fusion push themselves in this fight...? Raditz grabbed a nearby chair, and took a seat at their table.
Raditz's saiyan blood was boiling in both anticipation and excitement.
-Bardock's PoV-
🎵DBZ Extreme Butoden - World Tournament🎵
"HmmmmMM!"
Bardock flew straight towards Gogeta, who made no attempt to dodge. He blocked Bardock's punch, chuckling as he did so.
""Alright! Now that's the kind of power I wanna see!""
Gogeta countered with an omnidirectional shockwave, blowing back Bardock a good dozen feet. He couldn't see Gogeta's fist landing across his face in time, and was blown back even farther.
Once he finally anchored himself, though, he was laughing like a man possessed.
"That's some almighty power for just a base form!" Bardock shouted. "I guess i'm gonna have to get serious right away, then!"
Bardock flew at maximum speed towards Gogeta, who easily had enough time to react. They began exchanging blows with each other on equal power. Bardock already struggled to match Goku, so it's no wonder that Gogeta didn't even need to transform.
Shockwave after shockwave with each clashing blow nearly shattered the windows of the city below, despite them being far above it. It sounded like fireworks were going off in the air every second - Bardock finally managed to break Gogeta's guard, and proceeded to barrage the fusion with punches. Gogeta countered with an afterimage, and was quick enough to launch a Kamehameha at Bardock, despite the elder saiyan being fast enough to realize what was happening.
The energy wave hit him head on, causing a fairly-sized blue explosion. Bardock was panting heavily, while Gogeta floated to face him at eye level.
""Not bad... not bad at all!"" he said cheerfully. ""You're nearly powerful enough to make me transform. I think we've fought for long enough by now.""
Right on cue, a loud *pop* rings in Bardock's ears due to Gogeta defusing. Goku and Vegeta are flung slightly far away, but they quickly fly back over towards Bardock. When they arrive, Goku quickly speaks with a huge smile on his face.
"Wow! That was far more powerful than I could've imagined."
"Indeed, Kakarot." Vegeta replied. "However, I don't want to rely on fusing when we fight for real. Unless we have to, we will fight separately."
Goku smiles, eyebrows narrowed. "Yeah, I couldn't agree more. We're only doing that in truly hopeless situations."
Hmm... Bardock felt strangely dissatisfied. They were only just beginning to fight, weren't they? So why did the fusion timer run out so fast? He looked at Goku and Vegeta curiously.
Vegeta noticed Bardock's unconscious grimace. "What is the issue, Bardock?"
"Oh, it's just..." he replied, not expecting the question. "...I feel like that fight was far too short."
Goku laughed in his signature way. "I know what you mean."
Vegeta snapped his finger, grabbing both Goku and Bardock's attention.
"Kakarot, you're forgetting that we still have to return to the party." Vegeta said.
Goku scratched the back of his head. "Oh yeah, we do. Grab on, you two."
And as always, they teleported somewhere else.
-Chapter 6 (The Candidates Resolve), Act 2-
-Raditz's PoV-
*BOOM!*
Loud shockwaves resounded throughout the now nearly-empty hall. The CPUs were paying close attention to the battle from the comfort of their table. All of the guests had left out of fear by this point... all except for three more girls, plus Nepgear.
"Heheh!" Raditz laughed loudly. "It would seem that they're not wasting any time! They're going full force from the get go!"
Neptune and Vert spectated with intense focus, while Noire and Blanc watched with a shocked expression and an amused smile, respectively. Raditz could also sense what was going on, in addition; he assumed that Bardock had both transformed, because they were near-equal in power, with Gogeta having the edge.
Noticing something out of the corner of his eye, he saw Nepgear and the three girls walked over. Wait a moment... Those other three looked very similar to two of the CPUs.
Vert notices where Raditz's eyes were pointed, and her smile somehow gets even wider.
"Ah, I see that the sisters have come to join us!" she proclaimed. The other CPUs looked back, seeing the similar-looking girls who Raditz now assumed were the other candidates.
The black-haired girl spoke first. "Noire, you don't need to look so tense."
Noire looked back. "Of course I do, Uni! I can't believe that there are people out there who are stronger than us!"
The girl named Uni sighed. "...Anyways, who's this guy?"
Nepgear, who was next to her, replied before Raditz could. "Oh, he's one of the saiyans I was telling you about!"
Uni's eyes widened slightly. "Really? I guess he does look the part..." Raditz somewhat felt like he was being insulted, but he quickly dismissed the thought. He turned around directly to face them.
"My name is Raditz." he said, emulating his father's smile. "The others are currently fighting in the dist-"
Suddenly, a loud explosion sounded in the distance. Raditz looked and saw that it was blue in color, and far more moderately sized then he expected. "...It seems that they're getting serious now." he said, smiling wider.
The two other girls, who seemed to be twins, were frightened by the loud explosion. They were holding onto each other's hands. Nepgear, noticing this, walked over to the two.
"It's okay, Rom. Ram. They're not gonna hurt us." Nepgear pointed towards Raditz. "He's one of the people that our sisters invited to the party."
Raditz attempted to show no hostility by smiling softly. He knelt down to face them at eye level.
"Hello, little ones. Me and my group reside with Neptune, and we're to help your sisters keep the peace stable."
"You look scary..." the short haired one replied. The long haired one quickly moved in front of her sister, outstretching her arms. "Don't you dare harm my sister!"
Raditz was shocked by the long-haired twin's response, but quietly chuckled after a few seconds. "Your spirit is impressive, little one. I'm sure your older sister must be quite proud of you."
Raditz turned back towards Blanc, smirking confidently. It took her a few moments to respond in the form of a gradual, gentle smile. He turned back towards the twins. "Do not worry - as Nepgear says, none of my group wish to harm you."
Suddenly, he noticed the ki of Gogeta split back into two. Did they defuse already!? But it hadn't even been 30 minutes! He sharply turned his head to face the sources of ki, which the goddesses noticed.
"Whazza matter, Raditz?" Neptune asked.
.
..
...
Raditz looked back towards Neptune. "...It's nothing. I thought I sensed something was strange, but it seems that the timer has run up."
"Timer?" she repeated.
"You'll see." Raditz replied vaguely.
For some reason, his brain was telling him to keep the knowledge of fusion secret from the candidates for a moment. Did he somehow inherit Bardock's power or something...? No, that's too stupid an idea to humor...
Derailing the thought train, Raditz looked into the distance. "I imagine that my father is probably unsatisfied with the fight, so they may extend the time they'll be absent from the part-"
Abruptly, Bardock and the now-unfused Goku and Vegeta returned to the area. Of course, their sudden reappearance startled Uni and the twins, with the latter duo running over to Blanc.
"Whooie!" Goku cracked his neck back and forth. "That was a good sparring match!"
Bardock slapped Goku's back. "Who's up to sample the food? Cause I sure am!"
Vegeta was about to respond with something, but then he noticed the extra people. "Save it for a short while later - we may have to introduce ourselves again."
Bardock and Goku turned around, intending to look at Vegeta but instead sighting the candidates.
-Bardock's PoV-
🎵Music Stops🎵
"Huh... who are the new faces?" Bardock asked, glancing over from Uni to the twins, hiding behind Blanc.
Neptune jumped onto the table... literally. "These new girls here are the other CPU Candidates!"
.
..
...
Why did she jump onto the table? Couldn't she have just said that while staying seated...?
"I'm sure you guys know..." Neptune continued, taking the silence as a cue to not stop talking. "...that Nep. Jr isn't the only candidate?"
"Vaguely." Bardock responded. About a week ago, he and the group did get a general rundown of who they were, but didn't know their names or what they looked like. Maybe these girls are those others?
"Good, that means we can skip the exposition!" Neptune said, her voice starting to become annoying. "These other three are the sisters of Noire and Blanc, respectively."
"Vert doesn't have a sister?" Goku replied.
Vert, in response, slammed her hand on the table.
"Of course I do! The lovely Nepgear is my one and only!" she replied, oddly spirited.
Neptune pointed her finger at Vert. "Hell no! Nepgear is MY sister! Go get your own!"
Bardock already wanted to just leave. He was pretty damn hungry, especially after fighting a fusion of Goku and Vegeta at his own max power, so he wouldn't be lying if he said he was starting to get slightly hangry...
Blanc, who had grabbed a book, put it down and spoke up. "The twins are my sisters. Uni's the sister of Noire." ...and she went right back to her book. How could she at this moment, with the incredibly loud Neptune talking?
The black-haired girl without handlebar twintails stepped forward. "I'm Uni, the CPU Candidate of Lastation!"
-!-
Abruptly, the world in front of him turned black, and he began floating. Wait, he's having a vision? Here? But why?
🎵The Fruit of Grisaia - The Moon is Watching🎵
"So this is the Planeptune tower, huh..."
A voice Bardock was unfamiliar with rang out all around him. With it, the world retook it's form - this time, of the streets of Planeptune directly below the tower that he resided in.
"Yeah, I'll tell them to expect you - oh, and one of the locals is pretty damn energetic, so be ready for that."
...What? He's hearing his own voice!? Bardock looks around, and sees himself standing next to another man in blue armor. Huh... he's never seen this type of armor before.
"Another word for crazy?"
"Pretty much."
The fake him and the guy both laugh as they enter the tower. Who was that guy? His Ki definitely wasn't one of a civilian, so was it one of his sons or Vegeta's friends?
.
..
...
?
"...s...ve it for later, father."
Abruptly, he felt a hand placed onto his back. He turned around to see Raditz, the world morphing back to the area the party was taking place.
"You blanked out for second, father. Thankfully, it was just for a split second."
Bardock took a moment to check his surroundings. Well, he's no longer in that city, that's for sure. He scratched his head.
"Good eye, son." he replied, smiling at his son.
-Vegeta's PoV-
"What's the matter?"
Uni's voice abruptly asked Bardock a question. Surprised, he turned around.
"Oh, uh, it's nothing worth worrying about," he replied. "Anyways... Uni, right? I'm Bardock. The guy behind me is my son, Raditz."
He outstretched his hand, although at an awkward angle due to the height difference. Regardless, she still took it.
"So... how old are you if that guys your son, yet you still look equally young?"
Immediately, all eyes (except saiyan eyes) turn towards Bardock. This was a question they were trying to save for later, but it seems that Vegeta had no choice but to answer it.
"Allow me." Vegeta announced - all eyes then divert towards him. Weaker people would buckle under the pressure he was feeling. "Your sisters already told us we're saiyans, right?"
"Yeah." she replied nonchalantly.
Vegeta continued; "We saiyans age differently than humans. Up until old age, we remain in our prime both in physical appearance and strength, but we of course still develop mentally."
"Huh... so kind of like us, in a way." Uni replied.
Vegeta shrugged. "Indeed. However, we're neither gods nor ageless."
"Heh. You've got that right!"
Uni gave him a sly smirk. There was something about this girl that seemed different from the other ragtag group of goddesses... Vegeta pondered this for a moment.
"Hm?" Kakarot seemed to notice something, as he walked over to the table.
-Goku's PoV-
"Hey guys, what's the matter?"
Goku looked past Blanc towards the twins, who were hiding behind their big sister.
Silence followed. Sighing faintly, Blanc pulled back her chair to reveal the two twins. Goku proceeded to kneel down to their eye level.
"What's your names?" he asked, with his reassuring smile dialed up to 11.
The short haired one was the first one to reply.
"...Rom..." her voice timidly answered.
"Rom, huh?" Goku replied, reminding him of how nervous Gohan was when he was a kid. "Lemmie guess - you're the one who'll take a moment before opening up to us... that's okay, we won't force you to talk if you don't want to."
Goku promptly redirected his attention to the long haired one. "And what about you?"
"It's Ram, and don't you forget it!" she replied, both hands on her hips. Man, what a contrast to how she ran with her twin to hide behind Blanc.
Goku already knew the answer, but he still wanted to ask; "Are you guys twins?"
""Yeah."" they both replied.
"Ah, I see! Gotta say, you two are like night and day compared to each other!"
Ram smirked proudly, while Rom smiled faintly. With the pacifying done, Goku stood up. "Alright! I think it's time we pig out!"
-Chapter 6 (The Candidates Resolve), Act 3-
-Bardock's PoV, 1 Hour Later-
"Wow... that was some good grub!"
Bardock voiced his approval at the quality of the food. As expected, all 4 saiyans had a mighty appetite at the end of the party, and inhaled the food selection... much to the horrified shock of the CPUs and their Candidates. At their table sat so many dishes, that it would take a cart to wheel them all off.
"Oops..." Bardock took a census of the dish count. "...Maybe we went a little too far."
Goku laughs nervously, and both Raditz and Vegeta just shrugged in response.
"Hey, you four!"
Neptune suddenly shouts towards the four saiyans, grabbing their attention.
"What?" Bardock replies.
"Me and the others got approached by our sisters. They want to see your transformations as well!"
...Another demonstration...? The candidates looked at the saiyans with expectation, which was sort of tiring for Bardock considering he really didn't want to transform again for today.
Bardock raised his finger in a 'wait' gesture towards the other saiyans as they stepped forward.
"Don't. I'll do it solo."
The candidates walk over, and Nepgear speaks up once they get close.
"Your group can transform as well, right? Please show us!"
Nepgear looked at him with such determination in her eyes that it almost seemed childish. Uni's expectant gaze and the twin's looks of hope aren't helping either... yeesh, now he really can't refuse even if he wanted to.
"...Alright, but back up first - they come with an initial shockwave." Bardock warned in a strict tone of voice. Thankfully, they immediately complied.
('...Alright, let's get this over with...')
Bardock's aura manifested once again, shocking the candidates and the CPU's (except Neptune). His hair stood on end, and flashed into a yellow color. With little dramatics other then a shout, he transformed to Super Saiyan Grade 4. Once the candidates stopped covering their eyes due to the intense gale, their eyes went wide.
""Whoa..."" Nepgear and Uni said in perfect sync. "So cool!"/"So cool...!" Ram and Rom also replied in near perfect sync as well.
Bardock cracked his knuckles. "This is a Super Saiyan. All of us have it, there's variations and levels, yadda yadda yadda. The short answer is that we're very powerful."
Bardock dropped back into his base form, not seeing a reason to stay in SSJ G4, despite the low energy drain. He looked towards the saiyans, not expecting anything but having nowhere else to redirect his attention to. But that's when something unexpected happens; Rom walks forward towards Bardock.
And then she quietly says something. "...I wanna become powerful like that, too..."
Bardock turns around to look down at the timid kid, eyebrows raised - but it's shortly followed up by a genuine smile.
Raditz pipes up from the sidelines. "Heh... I knew that the quiet one had some backbone, too!"
He then walks over next to Bardock, a wide smile plastered on his face. Did something happen while he and Gogeta were fighting earlier?
Raditz kneels down in front of Rom. "I see promise in both you and your twin sister." but then he also looks towards the other two candidates. "You each quite likely have potential as fighters. I would like to propose an idea to both the CPUs and our group of saiyans."
This was new. Raditz was the one making an announcement? He almost never takes a leader role...
Also interested, the CPUs walk over next to the saiyans. Raditz waits for everyone to get comfortable, and then speaks loudly, as if presenting something.
"How would you, the candidates, like to be trained by us saiyans?"
.
..
...
""""""""WHAT!?""""""""
🎵Jump Force - Lobby (Umbra's Base) Theme🎵
That amusingly comedic timed response from both the CPUs and candidates was startlingly loud. Well, he'll be damned! Raditz went and just suggested something Bardock hadn't even considered yet.
Bardock, once getting over the minor shock of Raditz's suggestion, notices Vegeta and Goku chuckle proudly.
"Well done, Raditz! I was just thinking of asking exactly that!" Vegeta says, visibly excited. This was a little out of character for him...
Goku follows up. "I've gotta agree with Vegeta! You all might just have some incredible talent just waiting to be brought to the surface!"
The saiyans then look towards the CPUs. Raditz speaks again; "How about it? I'm sure that the candidates share our idea, so all we wish for is your approval."
"Of course!" Neptune doesn't hesitate at all in her response. "If this is what Nep. Jr wants, then of course i'd be fine with it! Plus our sisters would get stronger, so it would be a win-win anyways!"
Nepgear reacts to her sister's wholehearted approval with a great big smile.
Noire was next up. "This choice is entirely up to Uni. I see no reason to stop her from making her own decisions." she responds, trying to act unconcerned but still looking at Uni.
Uni acknowledges this with a faint smile. Bardock had some internal questions, but kept them internal. Blanc was the only one who took a moment to consider an answer, but eventually she responded.
She placed her hand on her chin. "...As long as I watch, then I'll let them train." she answered, sounding (and looking) unsure.
Raditz took note of this, and walked over to her.
"I can understand that conflict within you. However, I think this is a good idea - one day, your sisters will protect you, and not the other way around. When that time comes, I'm sure you would like them to be not only strong enough to defend you, but their own people as well."
By King Vegeta, Raditz just made Bardock so proud! Bardock wanted to just go over there and bear hug his son, but he unfortunately knew that now wasn't the moment for it. He'll just have to save that for later. Raditz's words also seemed to resonate with Blanc as well - she seemed to once again plunge into deep thought. and her eyebrows lowered while she looked at the ground.
.
..
...
"...You're right. I'm also okay with it now."
The twins immediately ran over to Blanc, and hugged her legs. They didn't say anything, just being simply content with hugging. Blanc smiled warmly, putting her hands on her younger sister's heads and rubbing them.
"Now it's my turn!" Goku loudly shouted, diverting attention to him. Goku then walked over to Nepgear, with her eyes widening in response. "I'd like to train you. You look like you'd be incredibly fun to take on as a student." he stated definitively.
"Me? How so?" Nepgear asked.
"I can see that look in your eyes - the look of a person with untapped power. That, and from the stories your sister tells me, it seems like you've got the courage to use it for all the right reasons."
Goku was holding a thumbs up while talking. Nepgear still seems somewhat unsure, despite his confident words.
"I'm not sure I have that kind of talent..." Nepgear says shyly.
Goku quickly rebukes this. "I'd say the exact opposite! You never know what kind of talent you truly have until you bring it out by training. You could also probably pass your sister in just a few days for all I know!"
Neptune responds with a loud "HEY!", but Goku pays it no heed. "Point is - don't doubt yourself like that. I've trained with a lot of people before, so I know latent potential when I see it."
Nepgear was about to counter with something, but Vegeta quickly stops that from happening.
"Goku's right!"
Vegeta shouts loudly... wait a moment, did he just call him Goku for the first time?!
"That clown hasn't ever picked anyone to train with before, so if he's chosen you, then you best believe that it was for a very good reason."
Thanks to both Goku and Vegeta's confident words, Nepgear finally seems to accept the existence of her latent potential, because she smiles in a way that is near-identical to Neptune.
"...Okay! I guess I'll train too!"
Goku smiles. "Good. We'll start tomorrow; will you also start tomorrow, Raditz?"
"If Blanc is okay with it." He replies without delay. He then looks towards Blanc, who nods in response.
"Hey don't forget about me!"
Uni shouts, grabbing the attention of the saiyans. "I'm also here, and I want to be trained too!"
Vegeta steps forward, smirking. "And I will be the one to train you. I also see potential in you as well, but unlike Nepgear you seem to desire the power much more."
Uni is shocked, but hesitantly nods while looking downwards.
"...Yeah, I am."
Vegeta smiles. "Good. The drive to get stronger is something you must never let go of. I'd like to teach you how to bring out your inner power, just as these other two would like to for their own students."
Uni looks up hopefully, with Vegeta continuing. "And I like that attitude that you have as well. It will assist you in your outlook towards training, so do not temper it out of 'respect' or whatever."
"Huh... why?" she asks, dumbfounded.
"Because I like a good challenge, especially in training." Vegeta replies, smirking. It was about as simple as an answer as Bardock was expecting.
Uni looks up again towards Vegeta, raw and unhidden determination in her eyes.
"...Alright. I'll choose you as my teacher."
Vegeta's smirk gets even bigger. "We start tomorrow, just as the other two shall." he says. But then, Vegeta turns around to face the other candidates and raises his voice. "I would like to merge training sessions for the start of each of your training! The first step in each of your training will be teaching all of you how to access and utilize Ki in basic form, and then using Ki in a fight. Therefore, it would be a good idea to have each of you assigned with a training partner."
The candidates stand there silently, looking at each other. This then prompts Raditz to follow up. "Vegeta is correct. A training partner is always a surefire way to better increase your power, so it will be a good idea to train together for the first stage of training."
Goku also pipes up to say something. "Yup! And I'd like Vert here to be the opponent you all fight when using Ki."
Vert, who was fiddling with some sort of electronic device shaped like a square, looked up in surprise. "Huh!? You wish for me to be included in the training?" she exclaimed loudly, nearly dropping the device.
"Indeed." Raditz replies before Goku does. "You shall be the person that they aim to surpass in power."
Vert stood there, lost in thought for a moment. Several seconds of silence pass, with the other CPUs eyes falling on her. "...Very well..." she finally speaks. "I was already going to agree anyways, but I had to internally... reschedule some activities."
"That settles that, then." Goku comments. But Raditz doesn't seem to be done yet, as he then turns to face Bardock. "And you, father - I would like for you to assist me, Goku and Vegeta in the training when we need a second teacher."
Huh? Him? Bardock wasn't at all planning to teach anyone yet, so this was a surprise to him that not even his foresight could have expected.
Surprisingly, Vegeta backs him up. "I agree with Raditz. It would be helpful indeed to have a second teacher when the training session demands it."
Bardock turned his head to Vegeta. "Really? I didn't think a second teacher would be needed at all."
"Not always, but sometimes." Goku also calls out. "Say, we need the candidates to face two people at once - that's where you come in."
...Alright, now it made sense. If it was stuff like that, then Bardock would happily help his sons and Vegeta in their teaching.
Bardock smiled genuinely. "In that case, I'm on board."
The three saiyans grinned at Bardock. Unexpectedly, something on the wall caught Bardock's attention; a clock. On it read a surprising number.
🎵No Music🎵
"9PM?" Bardock thought aloud. "I didn't know we were here for this long."
Neptune spoke up, noticing the time as well. "Oh yeah, Bardock's right." She then turned to face the other CPUs and candidates. "Alright, girls. I think it's time we head home."
Vert speaks to the saiyan group. "It was a pleasure meeting you. Until we meet again!"
Blanc simply waves her hand with a gentle smile on her face, with the twins running next to her. Vert and Blanc + the twins proceeded to transform and then fly off. Ram looked back to Raditz, who gave a thumbs up to her.
"I-I suppose it was nice to meet you, or whatever..." Noire says, crossing her arms and looking to the side. "It's not like I wanted this or anything!"
'...What was this comedy routine?' Bardock wondered. Both Noire and Uni, too, proceeded to transform and fly off as well. Vegeta watched them fly off, waiting until they disappeared from the horizon before turning back towards the other saiyans and Nep sisters.
"Alright..." Vegeta uttered a single word, sounding oddly tired. "It's about time we also head back."
Goku placed two fingers on his head. "You know what to do, guys." And like that, they teleported back to the Nep Tower as usual. Once they were in the living room, the saiyans immediately took their leave with quick 'goodbye''s each, and headed to their respective rooms - all except for Bardock and Vegeta, though, who were currently in their personal living room.
🎵DBS Broly: Bardock Falls🎵
Vegeta walked over to a cabinet, opening it. Inside were various wine bottles that were very expensive, but could be afforded due to their ridiculous budget - thanks to the various quests that they had done. Grabbing a few wine glasses from another nearby cabinet, he poured a generous amount from the bottle into the various cups.
Bardock, watching this, couldn't help but make a remark.
"Heh. I've been waiting for a good while to sit down and have a drink." he said calmly.
Vegeta grabbed the glasses, placing them onto the table. "As have I. It has been ample time since I last had a grand day such as this." he said, taking a sip from his own glass.
Bardock proceeded to do the same. Lowering his glass, he resumed talking. "So... how do you think our families are taking our abrupt disappearance?"
Vegeta gently dropped his glass, stopping himself from taking a sip. A serious expression was on his face.
"I did not need to be reminded of that..." he said, averting his eyes.
Bardock wanted to drop it... but unfortunately, he couldn't this time.
"Sorry Vegeta, but you know this had to be brought up at some point." Bardock said, his expression now equally serious.
Silence passed for a few seconds, but the quiet sound of Vegeta drinking filled the area. After a few moments, he put the glass down again.
"...I suppose you are right. In that case, my answer; Bulma is likely not taking it well, and may have gathered the Dragon Balls to seek answers. Trunks, on the other hand, may be more confused than worried at the moment." he stated seriously.
Bardock drank until his glass was half-empty before speaking again. "I can understand that. But I personally like it here."
"And why is that?" Vegeta looked at him neutrally, no sign of confusion nor curiousness on his face.
"Because even though I like fighting just like every other saiyan, this past year has changed me." Bardock replied somewhat quietly in a sombre, yet happy voice. "I never once bothered to take a look at more than just strong guys or my own family... that is, until I finally got the chance to settle down and actually enjoy life."
Vegeta's eyes widened, but he stayed silent.
Bardock continued; "And now i've been thrown into a world where there's no Frieza Empire, no planet trading, no Supreme Kai's or any of that stupid crap!..."
he raised his voice unintentionally, but took a moment to compose himself. "...I've found myself wanting to stay here, and help those "goddesses" keep their nations running. I see now that there's more to life than fighting, and this world's so much less tyrannical than ours. I've gone out to a few of these 'coffee shops' that I've heard of, and I like playing these 'video games' that Neptune showed me."
He chuckled wryly. "Heh... look at me, going all soft now. I guess I've got Kakarot and Raditz to thank for all of this." he then looked Vegeta straight in the eyes.
"And of course you... for being a good friend."
Vegeta's eyes widened further. It took a solid dozen seconds or so before he finally reacted; he closed his eyes, smiled with genuine emotion and responded in a hushed, yet content voice.
"...I can't say I was expecting this to become a wholesome heart-to-heart type of discussion." He opened his eyes, and placed his arms on the table. "But I can understand your perspective. Maybe... if my family and Kakarot's family agree to it... we could settle in this dimension instead."
He looks out the window towards the cityscape. "Maybe Trunks could even live a happy life, free of the horrors that I myself went through. I could even say the same for Goten, who I've grown respect for as Trunk's friend. Maybe we could even bring Dende and the Dragon Balls with us, so that we can help pay back Neptune for her hospitality."
🎵Music Continues🎵
Bardock, enjoying this wholesome bonding moment, got up from his seat and wrapped his arm around Vegeta's shoulder. "Couldn't agree more... pal."
Vegeta doesn't attempt to break free of Bardock's hold, and the two remain there, happy as can be. But alas, the unavoidable lull of drowsiness finally hit them, as they both quietly yawned.
"This was a nice talk." Bardock remarks. Their glasses still had some wine in them, but neither he nor Vegeta felt like finishing it.
Vegeta grabs them both and empties them in a sink. "Indeed. Tomorrow, we begin training the candidates. I expect you to be there during the session."
"Of course." Bardock autonomously replies. "Alright, g'nite Vegeta."
"Goodnight." he simply replies, as Bardock walks back to his room.
Tomorrow sure was sure gonna be eventful.
"The saiyans have taken the candidates in as their students, with Bardock being a secondary teacher to them all. With tomorrow set as the first day of training, our heroes tuck in for the night. How will their training pay off, and will yet another adversary interrupt their training? All these questions answered next time... on Dragondimension Neptunia Z!"
Chapter 6 comes to a close. Like I said, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. To those who have paid close attention to the mysterious man under Towa's service, you will know who that person is. They will finally do something for the first time in the next chapter, so it's time to speculate on who that guy is. And to those who have figured it out - I hope your as excited for this person's inclusion in the story as I am to write them. And no, it isn't Turles or Tora.
Reminder: I have an optional poll up on my profile currently. If you think it's worth voting on, feel free to make your opinion heard.
Until next time, folks.
