Gohan continued his training all the way back to Yusnaan. What happened back in Maroon village lit a fire in him, driving him to hone his spirit energy and martial arts even further. He didn't fall for Roshi's trip ups either. He poured his emotions into energy, strengthening his concentration.
Gohan is more focused than before. What happened back in the village must have riled him up quite a bit, Roshi said to himself. It's good he's putting all of that into his training. It'll go that much smoother.
They made their way back to their training spot and sat by the river, the sun still looming over them. Gohan wiped his forehead, sweat trickling down.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this," he said confidently.
"Glad to hear it. By the time your training is complete, you might be able to go head-to-head with me."
"You think so?"
"Of course not, I just wanted to crush your dreams a little hahaha!"
"I don't have the energy for a comeback right now…" Gohan looked into the river, lost in thought at his own reflection.
"What's the matter Gohan?" Turtle asked.
"I feel a little silly asking a turtle this, but does stuff like that happen often? What happened in the village was…"
"Everyone understands how you feel Gohan. It's great that you didn't lash out at the guards. It would've been really bad for Goku's descendant to end up behind bars because he slugged an officer."
"I don't know what I would've done if not for Ms. Hanako. She seemed to have a real grudge against the people here, and possibly Lightning. Her words were tough to hear…"
After the aftermath years ago, demons and humans were killing and pillaging like crazy. Our village wasn't safe from it either. It took a long time to recover from it. We barely had crops to plant, food to feed the kids, and defenses to survive the bandits and demons. Now, taking all of that into account, where was Lady Farron? Where was the High Ark?
Gohan recalled the pain and frustration in her voice. He felt there was more behind her troubles, but he couldn't bring himself to ask. Master Roshi stood next to him.
"Many a people have suffered over the years. Death, illness, starvation, money troubles. These are not problems that can be overcome in a day you know. The High Arks can only do so much in their position. Don't be too harsh on them."
"And what about those guards? They didn't make their lives any easier by doing that shit! I know you heard everything that was going on! Why do the weak always have to obey the strong? Why do the people in power abuse their position and make life hard for others? You must have an answer for me right?!"
Master Roshi couldn't look Gohan in the eye. He sat on Turtle's back and gave a great sigh.
"I do not have a clear answer for you Gohan, as I have asked those same questions myself."
Gohan shook his head in disappointment. "Figures."
"Tell me something. How do you see the world Gohan?"
"What do you mean?"
"By what you say, there is good and evil yes? You see the world as black and white."
"Black and white? I guess you could say that."
"Do you think there is also a gray area within all that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Just because you have power and position, doesn't mean everything will go your way. You can't please everyone, and sometimes casualties will be unavoidable. Myself, the High Arks, the Guardians, even Son Goku, they are no exception to this cruel world. So tell me, how do you think you will fair in this truly unforgiving world?"
Gohan's mouth was open agape. It was his turn to become speechless to his words. He looked on at the ground and hung his head in silence.
"You are correct in what you say Gohan," Roshi continued. "There is much injustice that goes on. What those guards did was unforgivable, and what goes on in other areas we are not aware of. Like I said before, we can only do so much with what we are given. No matter how dark it looks, we should never lose hope. Maybe that's why you were brought to us."
Gohan looked at Roshi with confused eyes. Roshi continued.
"The prophecy said someone would inherit Goku's power and save the world. You could be the one to grant us that hope Gohan. The question is, how are you going to make that happen?" Roshi tapped Turtle's shell and started inching their way back to the city. "I'm sure you can figure it out. Don't forget, you have people who feel the same way you do. Take advantage of that."
Gohan was left alone in the field, still processing Roshi's words. He was filled with determination from the events in Maroon village, and even more so from Roshi's speech. Something crept inside his head however. Confusion. He knew nothing of running a nation, or leading people down a certain path.
I wouldn't be here if I didn't have anything special about me, Gohan thought. Maybe I was too hasty with my words. I don't know how much the High Arks go through on a daily basis. Even so, people should protect, and make things easier on the people not harder. So for them, what I can do is…
Gohan made up his mind, knowing what he had to do.
"First thing's first, I need to get home. I've been getting the hang of sprit energy. I think I can manage on my own now."
He closed his eyes, and concentrated his energy. He started getting an image of his world in his head, specifically his room. His body started to become transparent, and started fading from the Spirit World.
Moments later Gohan emerged in his room. He looked around to confirm that he indeed transport to his room.
"I'm back! Alright! Looks like all that training with Hope and Master Roshi paid off. I can transport myself from both worlds on my own."
"Gohan, is that you?" Chi Chi called from within the kitchen.
He walked into the kitchen to see her cooking dinner. She was preparing tonkatsu, a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet, along with rice and cabbage on the side. The aroma of the food hit his nostrils, and his mouth started to water.
"All of this smells good mom."
"Why thank you Gohan. Wash your hands, dinner will be ready soon."
"Okay." He smiled and stepped out of the kitchen.
"IS THAT ALL YOU THINK I HAVE TO SAY TO YOU?!"
Chi Chi grabbed Gohan's shirt and threw him across the kitchen, his back slamming against the wall.
"Hey, what was that for?" He said rubbing his head.
"Do you know how long you were gone for Gohan? You missed a whole day of school! You made me worry thinking something bad happened to you. I figured you were killed by a demon or that idiot pervert worked you to death! Why didn't Asuka bring you back?! Why-"
"Slow down mom I can explain everything…"
Gohan explained his situation to Chi Chi, with her cutting in every two minutes.
"That's basically what happened. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised you or dad didn't come to get me."
"Believe me I definitely would have. Your idiot father didn't want to interrupt your training. Said you would be in good hands."
"I've made a lot of progress within that time too. I can go to and from the spirit world by myself now."
"That's good but…" Chi Chi's voice trailed off.
"What is it mom?"
"I didn't want you to get involved in this. I know you made up your mind in finding these orbs or whatever, but know you also have this world. In this world, I want you to graduate high school, get into a good college, become a scholar, and marry an equal scholar and deliver grandbabies."
"Hahaha…" Gohan laughed awkwardly. "I still plan to do all of that…" I don't know about the grandbabies part though.
"I'm not going to keep nagging at you, but I want you to promise me two things. One, this world takes priority. Take care of your schoolwork before you go out."
She said that like I'm going over a friend's house… "Okay, I won't slack off in my schoolwork. What's the second?"
"You come back safely to me. I'd imagine you'll be gone for awhile and can't return home. This will definitely get in the way of your attendance, but you are close to graduating. Me and your father will try to make up excuses for your absences. Just finish your schoolwork, get all the training you need, and beat anyone who tries to get in your way alright."
"Will do! Don't worry, I don't plan on letting anything happen."
"Good. Your father won't be joining us. He's in the spirit world putting the finishing touches on his little project."
"Project? What's he working on?"
"You'll know once you complete your training. I personally think it's stupid but he said you'll make the most of it."
"I can't wait to find out then."
"I'm sure you can't. Now let's eat."
The next morning after getting dressed, Gohan says goodbye to his mother and walked to school. About halfway there, Asuka pulls up next to him on her bike.
"Gohan! I am so so SO sorry for leaving you like that! I had this test to prepare for in my class and my favorite manga had a delay in its newest chapter so I got pissed and then I almost forgot to buy groceries for dinner and THEN I"-
"Asuka slow down. I'm not mad," Gohan reassured her.
"Oh, thank goodness you aren't. Did your mom or dad get you?"
"No, I was able to utilize my spirit energy and get home on my own."
"Really? Wow, it took me quite awhile before I could get the hang of it. You just might be a natural at this Gohan."
I don't know about that. It was just thanks to Master Roshi and Hope I was able to do it. I have a question for you though."
"Go ahead."
"Have you been to Maroon village?"
"A couple times yeah. Did you go there yesterday?"
"Yeah, with Master Roshi. I didn't like the way things were handled in the village. I know I'm in no position to tell anyone what to do or change how things should go, but what happened definitely didn't sit right with me."
"Tell them you're the descendant of the legendary Son Goku. That should make them listen right?"
"I don't really have any proof that I am his descendant unfortunately. I'm determined to set things in motion once my training is finished."
"That's what I like to hear. I'll be with you every step of the way from here on starting now, yesterday doesn't count."
"So you aren't gonna leave me again?"
"That was in the past Gohan! We need to learn to look toward the future. Let's go!" Asuka dashed ahead on her bike, sticking her tongue out at him.
Gohan couldn't help but laugh. He bounced around a few times, and raced after Asuka.
Look toward the future huh? Yeah, that sounds good.
For the past 2 months, Gohan has been honing his martial arts abilities and spirit energy prowess. When he finishes his schoolwork, he immediately goes to the Spirit World to train with Hope and Roshi. Even hopping from world to world has been easier each time. The days he doesn't go, he is seen at Asuka's dojo training and sparring, learning the Kazama style martial arts. All of this was in preparation for his last day.
"I was skeptical how serious you would be with your training. I'm glad you were able to prove me wrong," Lightning said.
Gohan, Master Roshi, and Hope were all in the cathedral room. Gohan had a few bandages on his arms and face, but the injuries he received didn't stop him from training, whether it be from this world or his.
"I felt myself growing stronger with each training session. I wasn't slacking off in my own world either. I want to continue getting stronger. I refuse to go back to the way I was before."
Roshi patted Gohan on the back and smiled. "That's my student for ya. Of course, you can't compare to me quite yet. You're still unable to even graze my big toe."
"You never miss an opportunity do you old man," Gohan said.
"It's still amazing how far you came Gohan," Hope chimed in. We can all tell you're better than you were 2 months ago."
"Thanks Hope. Now that I'm finished, where do we go from here?"
"Who said you were finished," Lightning chuckled."
"What do you mean?"
"You've gone through spirit energy training and martial arts training, but your father felt the need to put you through something different."
"My dad did?"
"Damn right I did."
Gohan turned around to find Chi Chi and Fuji walking in. Fuji was carrying a sword sheathed in his hands and Chi Chi accompanied with a blue and orange gi. She also had a bag over her shoulder.
"What are you guys doing here," Gohan asked.
"We wanted to see our son off on his adventure," Fuji said. "We know you've been training hard these last 2 months, and we've seen the improvements. Both your attitude and physique have changed. I see you're packing some guns there." He pointed to Gohan's biceps.
"Oh well you know haha. I work out and eat right."
"Onto more serious matters though. I think a weapon would benefit you out there in this type of environment. You can never go wrong with the classic sword. This is yours Gohan."
Fuji passed the sword to Gohan, eyes drawn to it. He held it in his arms, never seeing anything like it before.
"I can't believe this. This is what you were working on this whole time? You wanted to give me a sword?"
"Took quite awhile to find the materials, but I'm glad I was able to get it finished for you before you set out. It's called the Z-sword. Treat it with care alright?"
"Wow…" Gohan unsheathe the blade, and stared at his own reflection. The chandelier light reflecting off it gave off an illuminating glare.
"This is great an all dad, but I don't even know how to use this. Do you have anyone who can teach me?"
"Well, Lightning is a sword user Gohan." Hope replied. "She might be willing to give you some pointers."
All heads turned toward Lightning. She sighed and slowly stood up.
"Oh no!" Chi Chi interjected. "I don't want you breaking the sword, or accidentally stabbing Gohan. Out of the question!"
"Very well." Lightning sat back on her throne. "Do you have a suitable teacher for him Fuji?"
"Hmmmm…" Fuji put his hand on his head and thought carefully on how to answer that question. After a long silence, he finally gave a reasonable answer. "Nope- AHHHHHH!"
Fuji was immediately sent into a wall by Chi Chi, eyes raging over his idiocy.
"How could you give him a sword with no teacher ready? That's like giving a kid a car with no driver's license!"
"What's a car?" Hope asked.
"What's a driver's license?" Master Roshi chimed in.
"Oh never mind… I still feel uneasy about Lightning training my Gohan."
"Maybe she won't have to. I may know of someone who can help Gohan develop his sword training," Roshi said.
"I knew I could count on you old man…" Fuji said digging his head out of the wall.
"There is no guarantee he'll take you on however. Kise isn't the warrior he once was."
"Who's Kise," Gohan asked still staring at the sword.
"That was the man I went to visit in Maroon village. He's a veteran sword fighter. He could train you if you show him how serious you are."
"Can't you talk to him and tell him our situation?"
"Where's the fun in that? Call it a test of willpower. Convince him to train you."
"Well, there you go Gohan. We got you a sword and a teacher. Everything worked out didn't it?"
Nobody answered nor acknowledged Fuji's presence at that point.
"I hate being ignored..."
"Well, I was working on something for you myself Gohan. You are graduating soon, but I still didn't like the idea of you fighting in your school uniform. I carefully made you this gi. This will be your travel wear."
Chi Chi gave the gi to Gohan.
"Wow, thanks mom. I'll try it on right now."
After minutes of leaving for the human world, Gohan returned in the gi his mother made, and the sword his father forged for him tucked in the sash.
"Now my son is looking like a real warrior," Fuji admired.
"He ain't no Son Goku, but I see the potential," Roshi said adjusted his glasses.
"So, go to Maroon village and convince your friend Kise to train me in the ways of the sword is that right," Gohan said adjusting his armbands.
"Time is of the essence Gohan. I'm only giving you a couple of weeks because we've put more than enough time into your training. We need you to find the orbs as quickly as possible."
"Do you know where one might be," Gohan asked.
"Yes, but we'll continue with that after you've come better equipped with your sword."
"Alright. If that's everything then I'll get going."
Fuji gave Gohan a thumbs up. "I'm looking forward to how strong you'll get throughout all this."
"Heh." Gohan gave a thumbs up back. "You won't even be able to recognize me."
Chi Chi pulled him in for a hug. "If it ever gets too dangerous for you, know you can just drop everything and come home. This isn't worth risking your life over."
"I know mom, but this is something I have to do. I won't get careless out there. I don't know what I might be up against, but I'll be ready for it. You've all prepared me for this."
"Here. I've also packed a bag full of quick lunches, snacks, a blanket, your toothbrush, a towel-"
"Mom, you didn't need to do all this…" Gohan said getting a little embarrassed.
"It never hurts to be prepared. There's also coins in the bag from your father. Currency is different in this world and we really have no use for it. Don't you dare be tempted by these women either."
"Alright alright I'll be careful. Thanks everyone."
They all said their goodbyes, and saw Gohan leaving the cathedral.
Gohan took his first steps outside the city and looked out into the open fields. The wind blew threw his hair as he stared off into space, as if he's seeing everything for the first time.
The world seems a bit bigger now that I'm on my own. I've finished most of my training, and now I need to handle everything myself.
Gohan slapped his face to psyche himself up.
"Alright, time to go!"
"Do you plan on leaving without me?"
Gohan turned to see Asuka in her outfit with a bag on her shoulders. She had on a black collared, sleeveless zip-up jumpsuit with a red sports bra underneath. She is also equipped with red and white knuckle armguards with red and white leg guards.
"Asuka, are you here to wish me luck too?"
"You don't need luck when you have me to protect you. I'm tagging along."
"Wha?! You are?!" Gohan asked shockingly.
"Yeah. I told you I'll be with you every step of the way. You're gonna travel all over this world looking for the orbs and you'll need someone to look after you on this journey right?"
"I couldn't have picked a better partner then."
"Damn straight! Nice outfit too. Wow is that a sword? Can I give it a few swings?"
Gohan and Asuka chatted and laughed as they took their first step on their adventure.
He's still a little wet behind the ears, but I know there is something special about him. He is your descendant after all. Something beneath that troubles me however. I cannot for sure say what it is. All I can ask is for you to watch over him Goku. – Master Roshi
