Goku's entire body trembled with exhaustion as he pulled himself up the impossibly high tower. After two days of nonstop climbing with barely any rest, he finally neared the pinnacle.

"Just...a little...more..." he grunted through gritted teeth, his bruised fingers desperately gripping the smooth surface.

His body screamed in protest, still healing from the escape and the grueling ocean swim. Yet Goku persevered, driven by his unwavering determination.

With a final effort, he dragged himself under a roof at the tower's peak. Gazing up, he saw the open circle leading inside the base just out of reach above him.

Goku prepared to jump, summoning the strength left in his muscles. "Yuka...this is for you!" he cried as he leaped upwards with all his might.

His fingers barely grasped the edge, leaving him dangling precariously over the fatal plunge below. Goku's grip began to slip as white-hot agony ripped through his overworked arms.

"No...I can't fail...not after coming so far!" he yelled through gritted teeth. With a roar, Goku pulled himself up and over, collapsing in a heap on the tower's base.

Relief and triumph washed over him for a brief moment. He had succeeded against all odds. Now, he could finally rest. Breathing heavily, he collapsed onto his back.

"I...I made it," he gasped. "I'm finally here."

Utterly spent, he allowed his eyes to close for a moment, his chest heaving with exertion. After catching his breath, Goku slowly lifted the dragon radar in front of his face. According to the display, the ball should be right where he was.

"The ball has to be here. Which means the monster who killed Yuka is here too," Goku muttered to himself.

Confused, Goku forced himself to sit up and look around the empty chamber. "Come out, monster!" he yelled, his voice echoing around the metal walls. "I know you're here somewhere!"

Only silence answered. Goku staggered to his feet, muscles screaming in protest. He wanted nothing more than to rest, but the dragon ball was so close.

Where was the creature that killed Yuka? Where was the dragon ball? Doubt and frustration welled up inside him. He had come too far to fail now.

"Show yourself!" Goku shouted again desperately. When no response came, he sank to his knees in despair. After everything, had his struggle been for nothing?

Goku limped around the empty chamber warily, muscles tense in anticipation of an attack. But no beast appeared.

"Maybe the monster just left the ball here and isn't coming back," he muttered aloud. He decided to focus on finding Yuka's dragon ball for now.

Noticing three large pots in the corner, he wondered if the ball was hidden within. Goku peered into the first pot, expecting to find the prize he sought. Instead, it contained only water.

As he gazed at the shimmering surface, ripples formed and an image appeared - a young girl with pink hair and small horns.

"Hey, that's the girl from my dream!" Goku exclaimed. Though confused, he kept watching the vision unfold.

The girl seemed to be training hard outside as a voice rang out, "Enough! Do you want to get stronger or not?" Goku gasped as he realized it was his own voice.

"That's me! But I don't remember any of this," he muttered, perplexed. The girl struggled, clearly exhausted as the vision Goku berated her training efforts.

"I'm...trying," she gasped out.

Goku winced. "Guess I was pretty harsh with her. I should apologize if we ever meet." He wondered who this mysterious girl was and how he knew her.

His thirst quickly overwhelmed his curiosity. Goku plunged his head into the cool water, drinking deeply and causing the vision to vanish.

Goku stared at the now-calm water, pondering the strange vision he'd seen. "Who was that girl with the horns? And how was I training her?" he murmured aloud. Shaking his head, he reminded himself, "Focus, Goku! You gotta find that dragon ball first."

Glancing at the radar, it still showed the ball was here, yet the room showed no signs. Scratching his head in frustration, Goku said, "It doesn't make sense! The radar says it should be right here!"

He was about to give up when a voice suddenly rang out, "It's this way. Come out to the top!"

Goku jumped in surprise, looking around wildly. "Huh? Who said that?"

Seeing no one, he finally noticed the stairs in the corner leading upwards.

"Oh, I get it! I still wasn't at the top. The ball must be up there!" Goku exclaimed. He slowly climbed the steps, muscles hurting.

Goku reached the top and glanced around in confusion. "Hello? Anyone here?" he called out tentatively. The dragon ball was still nowhere to be seen.

Before he could check the radar again, a new voice rang out. "Hey kid, over here!"

Goku turned to see a short white cat standing upright, holding a wooden staff. Most importantly, it was holding Yuka's dragon ball!

Goku's exhaustion was instantly replaced with anger. "You have my friend's ball! You must be that monster's friend!" he yelled.

The cat held up a paw calmly. "Easy there, you just climbed all the way up here. You must be tired."

It was true, the water had only partially rejuvenated Goku. But he didn't care. The prize he had sacrificed so much for was finally within reach.

"Give me that ball!" he shouted, clenching his fists. "It belongs to Yuka, the girl your monster friend killed!"

The cat didn't seem fazed by his outburst. "I ain't no monster, kid. Name's Korin. Let's chat before you go flinging accusations around." He beckoned Goku closer.

"Enough talk, tell me where that monster is!" Goku yelled, leaping at Korin in a rage.

The cat deftly dodged his clumsy strike, sidestepping gracefully. "Hold on, let me explain!" Korin protested, but Goku would not be deterred.

"Give me Yuka's dragon ball!" he shouted, charging again. Still exhausted, his attack was slow and sloppy. With little effort, Korin avoided the blow.

"Please, listen to me!" the cat urged, but Goku was seeing red.

"Stop dodging and fight!" He launched another futile strike.

Korin sighed "Very well then." As Goku rushed in, the cat neatly cracked him across the face with his wooden staff.

Goku tumbled to the ground, his rush blunted. As he rose shakily for another round, his gaze fell upon the orange orb in Korin's paw - the one-star ball.

Suddenly he froze. Yuka's dragon ball had four stars. This wasn't the one he sought!

Goku stared at Korin in bewilderment. "Wait...that's not Yuka's ball. I don't understand, what's going on here?" His anger dissipated, replaced by confusion.

"Now, will you let me explain instead of rushing at me?"

Goku rubbed the back of his head awkwardly as he realized his mistake. "Whoops! Guess I got carried away there. I think there has been a mistake. Sorry about that!" he said with an embarrassed laugh.

"Yeah yeah, think first next time," Korin grumbled, tossing something to Goku. "Here, eat this."

"Huh? What is it?" Goku asked, examining the small green bean in his palm.

"It's called a Senzu bean," Korin explained. "Go on, eat up."

Goku popped the bean in his mouth and chewed. Almost instantly, warmth flooded through his battered body.

"Whoa!" he exclaimed. His exhaustion and injuries were completely gone. Goku felt energized and stronger than ever.

He leaped around the floor, throwing kicks through the air. "This is amazing! I feel incredible like I could take on anything!"

Goku's thoughts turned to the monster who had killed Yuka. With this newfound energy and strength, he knew he could defeat that villain for sure now.

Korin spoke up, interrupting Goku's thoughts. "Well done reaching the top, lad. Not an easy feat for one so small. I enjoyed watching the climb."

Goku stared at the one-star ball in Korin's paw. "Hey, why's your dragon ball only got one star? Yuka's had four."

"Take it easy, kid. Come over here and let's chat," Korin waved him closer.

Goku walked over to Korin. "My name's Goku. Nice to meet you!"

Korin nodded. "Likewise, Goku. Now tell me, why are you after this four-star dragon ball in particular?"

Goku began hastily, "Well, my friend Yuka had an orange ball, but then this monster showed up out of nowhere and-"

Korin interrupted and held up a paw. "Slow down boy, no need to rush the tale."

Goku frowned. "But you said to tell you!"

"Shhh...let me see if I have this right." He peered at Goku intently. After a few moments of silence, he spoke.

"So, your friend Yuka had the four-star ball before a monster killed her and took it. You used that radar to track it down and want vengeance. Does that cover it?"

Goku looked shocked. "Woah, how did you know all that when I barely explained anything?"

Korin tapped his forehead wisely. "I can read minds, kid. For pure souls like yourself, it's as easy as peeking through glass."

Amazed, Goku said, "That's so awesome! Can you read my mind right now? What am I thinking?"

"You're still wondering about this." Korin held up the one-star ball again.

"Oh, yeah!" Goku said. "I don't get it, why does your ball look like Yuka's but only have one star?"

"Well, judging by your shock earlier, I take it you didn't know there were more," Korin explained. "This sphere and your friend's are two of seven in total."

"Seven?!" Goku exclaimed in surprise. "You mean there are seven balls like Yuka's out there?"

Korin nodded at Goku. "Most look for all seven. You're definitely something for chasing just one."

Goku suddenly recalled the men at the facility. "Oh yeah! Those guys said they were collecting more balls too."

He pondered aloud. "But why would they want all seven?"

Korin hesitated. "I don't believe you're ready for that knowledge yet, kid."

Goku pleaded eagerly, "Ah come on, please tell me!"

Korin relented with a sigh. "Alright fine...If you gather all seven balls, you can summon the eternal dragon Shenron. He will grant any single wish."

Goku's eyes lit up. "A wish? Then that means I could..."

Korin finished Goku's sentence. "Yes, with the dragon balls, you may be able to revive your fallen friend."

Goku jumped up, suddenly filled with hope and excitement. "Yuka, just you wait! I'm going to find all the dragon balls and make everything right again!"

Goku looked thoughtful for a moment before asking, "Say, did anyone else come here looking for the dragon balls before me?"

Korin nodded. "Some government people came up the tower using the same radar as you. I let them reach the top just to deny them the ball."

He chuckled. "I gave them a bag of some senzu beans for their trouble at least. I think that's pretty good considering the circumstances."

Goku's expression became serious again as he followed up, "What about any monsters?"

He met Goku's gaze solemnly. "You're asking about the beast who killed your friend, correct?"

Goku nodded, fists clenched at his sides.

Korin slowly shook his head. "Well, so far it hasn't shown up here yet."

Goku clenched his fist tightly. "Well, I won't stop searching until I find that monster and make it pay for what it did!"

Korin asked, "You said this monster that killed your friend was also seeking the dragon balls?"

Goku replied, "Yeah! Do you know anything about it? It was green, had wings, and could shoot beams from its mouth."

Korin stroked his chin thoughtfully for a few moments. 'Well, I can't be certain, but there is one possibility that comes to mind,' Korin thinks in his head.

Goku declared, "If that monster is after the dragon balls, I need to collect them first before he does! It's the only way I can revive Yuka."

He turned eagerly to Korin. "Please, may I have that dragon ball now? I have to hurry!"

Korin gave a slow nod. "Alright, go ahead and take it."

Filled with hope, Goku rushed forward and reached out to grab the glowing orange orb. But with lightning reflexes, Korin whipped it out of reach and firmly rapped Goku on the head with his gnarled wooden staff.

"Ow!" Goku yelped, stumbling back and rubbing his head in confusion and pain. "What was that for? You said I could take it!"

The cat merely balanced the prized sphere on the end of his staff, just out of Goku's grasp. "I did say you could take it, but it seems you are unable."

Frustration mounting, Goku charged forward once more, eyes locked fiercely on the dragon ball. But again Korin effortlessly dodged aside, causing Goku to grasp at empty air.

Goku's hands clenched into angry fists at his sides. "Stop messing around! Just hand over the ball!" he shouted indignantly.

In his mind, Korin made note of the young boy's remarkable speed and reflexes. He would have to be cautious not to underestimate this one.

Korin continued to effortlessly dodge and evade Goku's attempts to seize the dragon ball perched on his staff.

The cat nimbly hopped and side-stepped each of Goku's furious lunges, while balancing the orb perfectly.

In his mind, Korin assessed the boy's raw power and speed, thinking, 'The kid has talent, but lacks refinement and skill.'

Meanwhile, Goku was growing increasingly tired and frustrated. "Come on, quit messing around! I need that ball to bring Yuka back!" he yelled angrily.

Korin only mocked him further. "Seems you don't want it that badly! Perhaps you should just give up now."

Goku grit his teeth, panting heavily as sweat dripped down his face. Korin's taunts and evasions were getting to him.

After several more failed attempts to seize the dragon ball, Goku doubled over panting, hands on his knees.

"You're...you're too fast," he gasped out in frustration. "I can't catch you no matter what I try!"

Korin clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "At this rate, you won't be able to take the ball from me for the rest of your life. You're not reading my movements at all. Just lashing out recklessly."

Goku looked up, anger and exhaustion showing on his young face. "But I have to get that ball! I need its power to help Yuka!"

"Do you now?" Korin replied. "The way you fight, you'll accomplish nothing but tiring yourself out."

"But how are you moving so fast?" Goku asked between pants of exhaustion.

Korin twirled his staff cockily. "They don't call me the God of Martial Arts for nothing. I have mastered skills you can't yet grasp."

Goku's eyes shone with awe. "You're the best at fighting? Can you teach me martial arts too then, please?" he begged eagerly.

"I have to make sure I'm strong enough to defeat the monster!"

Korin stroked his chin thoughtfully for a moment. "Perhaps. But first, you gotta prove yourself by taking this dragon ball from me. Only then will I consider training you."

Filled with fresh determination, Goku leaped forward, only for Korin to dodge smoothly once again. The cat was simply too quick and elusive.

But Goku persisted, keeping his eyes locked on the shifting dragon ball. Korin's words echoed in his mind. He had to stay focused and read his opponent's moves.

This was the only way he could grow stronger. The only way to protect the dragon balls that monster and avenge Yuka.

Goku vowed not to fail.


A few days earlier...

In the secret chamber, Director Kakuzawa addressed King Piccolo, who sat on his throne. "The boy who interfered...he's been dealt with?"

King Piccolo replied, "I sense Tambourine returning. I assume he's finished the job."

Right on cue, Tambourine descended from the shadows and presented the four-star dragon ball to King Piccolo with a flourish.

"That boy was no match for me. It was too easy. He didn't even put up a decent fight," Tambourine sneered. "You can rest assured he is no longer a threat, now that I've ended his pathetic life."

King Piccolo gave a satisfied grunt, thinking to himself that any potential obstacles to his domination must be ruthlessly destroyed. Power was all that mattered in this world.

Just then, Kakuzawa's phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. He answered briefly before turning back to King Piccolo, looking surprised.

"It seems the boy actually survived. My people found him unconscious at the scene. Alive but gravely injured at the battle site," Kakuzawa revealed.

Tambourine clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Hmph seems the kid was more resilient than I anticipated. Should have verified the kill. Oh well, he's still no threat."

Kakuzawa thought internally that the boy's survival was impressive.

King Piccolo's eyes narrowed intently. "And where has the child been taken now?" he demanded.

"He's been brought to my facility, still unconscious," Kakuzawa explained. "He seems badly injured. We can keep him contained for now."

He continued persuasively, "The boy poses no threat currently. I'm curious to examine him further before disposing of him."

King Piccolo considered silently before finally nodding. "Very well. But should he prove troublesome..."

Kakuzawa bowed. "Of course. We can eliminate him at any time."

King Piccolo turned to address the Tambourine. "As for you, I want you to hunt down and destroy any martial artists who could oppose my rule. Leave no one alive who could challenge the Demon King!"

Kakuzawa added, "This task can only be easy. True martial arts traditions have all but disappeared from this world, along with knowledge of ki manipulation."

Tambourine let out an arrogant chuckle. "If that boy was the best this planet can offer, then wiping out any remaining fighters would be child's play. I only hope he wasn't the strongest they had!"

With that, Tambourine took off to carry out his task.

King Piccolo then turned back to Kakuzawa. "And what of the dragon balls? Have you acquired more since last we spoke?"

Kakuzawa nodded. "Indeed, most are already in route. Soon all seven balls will be ours to command."

King Piccolo rumbled his approval. "Excellent. Once I possess the power of the eternal dragon, none shall stand in my way!" His ambition to dominate the world grew ever closer to fruition.


Goku lay unconscious, badly injured, and strapped to an examination table. Director Kakuzawa loomed over him, studying the boy curiously.

"So this is the brat who interfered with retrieving the dragon ball?" Kakuzawa mused inwardly. His gaze drifted to Goku's tail. He lifted it slightly.

"Hmmm, seems authentic. I wonder what species the boy belongs to in order to have such an appendage."

Kakuzawa continued his silent musings. "Remarkable that he survived an encounter with one of Piccolo's demons. The boy must have great power."

A slow smile spread across the Director's face. "I'm rather glad he didn't perish so I could see him live."

Kakuzawa's thoughts were interrupted as Dr. Kurama approached and greeted him.

"Ah, Doctor. Where exactly did you recover this boy?" Kakuzawa inquired, feigning ignorance.

Kurama explained, "We found him unconscious at the diner where one of the dragon balls was last located."

Kakuzawa kept his gaze fixed ahead. "I see, I see..."

Kurama spoke up hesitantly. "Director, forgive my asking, but why have you become so fixated on acquiring these dragon balls? Do they relate to the boy in some way?"

Kakuzawa shook his head. "As far as I can tell, the child has no direct connection. As for the balls..."

He turned to Kurama with a patronizing look. "There are forces at work you cannot yet comprehend. The dragon balls will shape the future. You'll understand in due time."

With that cryptic response, Kakuzawa strode away, leaving Kurama troubled and unsatisfied. There was more to this than the Director was revealing.


Kakuzawa seethed with rage as he received the news. The boy had escaped captivity and stolen a dragon radar during his breakout.

"This is an unmitigated disaster!" he bellowed, slamming his fist down. The guards before him cowered in fear.

Not only had the child fled, but now he possessed a means to seek out the dragon balls himself. Kakuzawa's plans faced serious jeopardy if the boy interfered further.

Even worse, reports stated the boy had used some kind of energy beam from his mouth to blast his way out. This suggested the child could wield ki.

Kakuzawa cursed himself for not eliminating the brat when he had the chance. Clearly, the boy posed a greater threat than anticipated. Who knew what he was capable of?

With the dragon radar in hand, the child could be anywhere now, likely far from the island facility. Trying to recapture him seemed improbable.

Kakuzawa now stood before King Piccolo, trying to hide his nerves. "I regret to inform you the boy has escaped confinement. And it seems he took one of the dragon radars as well."

King Piccolo's eyes flashed with anger. "Didn't you assure me you had the child contained and dealt with?" he rumbled menacingly.

Kakuzawa swallowed. "Y-yes, my sincerest apologies. I did not expect he could utilize ki energy to break free."

King Piccolo fired a bolt of invisible energy from his eyes, exploding the wall behind Kakuzawa, who stood frozen.

"You draw breath still only because your resources have been useful thus far," Piccolo growled menacingly. "But try my patience no further."

Heart pounding, Kakuzawa bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the ground. "Of course. I will remedy this failure at once."

Piccolo's stony glare bore into him. "You can still prove usefulness. Can you locate the boy now at least?"

"His whereabouts are unknown currently," Kakuzawa admitted. "But with the radar, he will likely seek out the nearest dragon ball not in our possession."

He continued quickly, "There is one we have been unable to retrieve. If it suddenly changes location, the boy may have claimed it."

King Piccolo considered this silently before replying, "For your sake, you better be correct. Find the child before he interferes further!"

King Piccolo's thoughts reached out telepathically to his minion Tambourine, soaring through the skies far away.

"The boy has escaped, and I need you to look out for him," Piccolo communicated. "If located again, I will send you to eliminate him once and for all."

Tambourine's raspy voice echoed back confidently in Piccolo's mind. "No problem. The kid was no match for me before. I'll happily finish what I started and end him properly this time."

Turning back to Kakuzawa, King Piccolo declared "The collection of the dragon balls must be accelerated. I shall create another demon to aid in their retrieval."

The pterodactyl-like Piano spoke up hesitantly "Master, producing another egg may weaken you further..."

Piccolo dismissed this concern. "Do not fret, I am stronger than you know. My new spawn will take the form of a dragon to find the orbs."

Kakuzawa winced, knowing what was to come. With a guttural heave, Piccolo spat out a large, slimy egg.

"You shall be named Cymbal. Awaken!" Piccolo commanded.

The egg cracked open and a hulking, dragon-like creature emerged, standing before Piccolo awaiting orders.

"You know your role. Gather the remaining dragon balls swiftly," Piccolo instructed.

Cymbal spoke out, "Understood."

Kakuzawa spoke up "I will supply your new demon with a radar to aid the search."

Piccolo nodded in approval. "Excellent. See that Cymbal finds the dragon balls before that child can interfere further."


After a long, grueling day of failed attempts to wrest the one-star dragon ball from Korin, Goku finally collapsed onto his back as night fell, chest heaving with exhaustion.

"That's enough for today, let's hit the sack," Korin said, settling down and closing his eyes as if to sleep.

Goku passed out quickly, snoring loudly in his fatigue. But a few hours later, he stirred and crept silently over to where Korin sat, slumbering while tightly clutching the dragon ball.

Goku reached out slowly, fingers inches from grasping the glowing orb. Just a quick snatch and it could be his!

He paused and withdrew with a sigh. "Nah, I wanna take it fair and square, no cheating."

Goku trudged back to his sleeping spot while Korin secretly observed him, having faked being asleep.

The old master chuckled internally. "This kid is pretty honest."

As Goku started snoring again, Korin allowed himself a small smile. The boy was developing nicely on his journey so far.

The next day, Goku was back at it, desperately trying to seize the one-star ball from Korin as the master nimbly evaded.

"I'm definitely gonna get it today!" Goku declared with determination.

He managed to catch Korin off guard and started tickling him. Korin burst out laughing, losing his grip on the dragon ball which went flying toward the edge of the tower.

Goku leaped after it without thinking. "No, stop boy! You'll fall!" Korin yelled.

But Goku just managed to snatch the orb in one hand while whipping his tail around to grab the tower's edge, dangling precariously.

With a mighty swing, he flung himself back up, holding the dragon ball and beaming triumphantly.

"I did it! I got the ball!" Goku cheered excitedly.

Korin watched in awe, thinking "Incredible...he succeeded in less than two days. This lad is something else."

Goku bounced excitedly in front of Korin, grinning from ear to ear. "So when do we start my training? I wanna learn all your best moves and get super strong!"

But the wise cat just chuckled. "There's no need for further training."

Goku's smile faded, replaced by a look of confusion. "Huh? But you promised you'd teach me if I got the ball from you. Did you trick me?"

Korin shook his head patiently. "No tricks or deception, lad. This whole ordeal has been a test of your abilities. You managed to take the ball from a master like myself. Not to mention climbing this tower multiple times. Can't you feel your speed, reflexes, and strength growing already?"

Goku's eyes lit up with dawning comprehension. "Yeah...yeah I really do feel way faster and tougher now!"

Goku bowed deeply before Korin. "Thank you for everything, Master! Now I know I can take on that monster and bring Yuka back with the dragon balls!" His voice rang with newfound confidence.

"Yeah, but before that though."

Korin called out "Flying Nimbus!" Far below, a massive yellow cloud zoomed up the tower.

Goku's jaw dropped at the sight. "Whoa, that cloud is gigantic!"

Korin gestured welcomingly. "Use it, it's yours. Only pure hearts can ride it, so im sure you could. The cloud can help you fly to the dragon balls faster."

Trusting Korin, Goku leaped right off the tower, landing with a soft bounce on the fluffy nimbus. "Haha, this is amazing!"

Plucking off a small puffy portion, he rose back up to Korin's level. "I'll take this little bit for myself!"

Goku waved vigorously. "Thanks! I owe you a lot, Korin. Im off to find the dragon balls now!"

"Bye-bye!" Goku said while waving to Korin.

As the boy zoomed out of sight, Korin smiled warmly. "Good luck, lad!"

"What a happy guy," Korin said out loud as Goku rode off into the distance.

Greater trials still awaited, but Goku was prepared.


Kakuzawa again stood in front of King Piccolo. "The dragon radar indicates the ball has begun moving."

King Piccolo rumbled, "Excellent, I was tired of waiting. It better be the boy."

Reaching out with his mind, Piccolo contacted Tambourine. "The boy has been located. Go to the location I transmit and eliminate him."

Tambourine's raspy voice echoed back. "It will be done. This time, the child will not leave alive."

As he took flight in Goku's direction, Tambourine smirked. "Hopefully, he can put up better of a fight this time. I was starting to get bored."


Goku soared above the open ocean on the Flying Nimbus, clutching the one-star ball tightly as he scanned the horizon. The wind whipped through his wild hair as the cloud rocketed onward.

His eyes were fixed on the dragon radar and the nearest ball's location. He had a long journey before would reach it.

Suddenly, Goku noticed a figure floating idly in the distance ahead. As he rapidly approached, the form became clear. It was the monster who had killed Yuka!

Goku pulled the Nimbus to a halt just meters away, rage boiling up inside at the sight of his friend's murderer.

"You!" he shouted.

The monster, Tambourine, merely smirked and crossed his arms casually. "Well, well, back from the dead I see. You're as stubborn as a cockroach."

Goku clenched his fists, his body trembling. "I'll make you pay for what you did to Yuka, I swear!"

Tambourine chuckled darkly. "Big words for such a little pest. But I assure you, this time you won't escape alive."

He dropped into a fighting stance, licking his lips. "I hope you can provide more entertainment before your demise."

Goku pointed defiantly at Tambourine. "You think you can kill me so easily? That's a joke! I'm gonna wipe the floor with your ugly face!"

Tambourine sneered "If you're so angry about your little friend, don't worry, you'll be joining her soon enough."

Goku shook with rage. "Now you've really made me mad!"

He took off, circling Tambourine rapidly on the Flying Nimbus. The demon twisted and turned, struggling to keep up.

Tambourine thought irritably "He's faster than before...no, it must be that cloud aiding him...it has to be."

Suddenly Goku shot out of the loop directly at Tambourine with fist extended, nailing him right in the face.

The force of the blow sent Tambourine spinning backward with a grunt of pain and surprise. He managed to stop himself and hovered there scowling.

Tambourine rubbed his sore jaw where Goku's punch had landed. In their previous battle, the boy's blows had barely fazed him. But this strike had some real power behind it.

"How...?" Tambourine growled in irritation.

Goku straightened up atop the Nimbus, ready for more. "I'm just getting warmed up! My friend will be avenged today, I promise you that."

Goku charged forward atop the Flying Nimbus, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks against Tambourine. The demon managed to block the blows, but they pushed him back through the air over the open ocean below.

Tambourine quickly stabilized himself and returned fire with his own strikes. But Goku nimbly dodged or deflected each attack, using the Nimbus cloud to zip around Tambourine's guard.

"Stay still, you little pest!" Tambourine snarled in frustration as another punch slipped past his defenses to connect solidly with his torso.

Goku shouted back "Not a chance! I know all your tricks now." He was in constant motion, never giving Tambourine an easy target.

Goku wasted no time launching himself at Tambourine, unleashing a furious barrage of punches and kicks, to which Tambourine responded with his own.

"What's wrong, can't keep up anymore?" Goku taunted as he pressed the attack.

"I don't know how you got so strong, but it won't save you!" Tambourine hissed in frustration after a failed grab attempt.

Goku began rapidly circling Tambourine on the Flying Nimbus, zipping around too fast for the demon to track.

Suddenly Goku would lunge off the cloud, delivering a strike to Tambourine's head or midsection before hopping back on and resuming his orbit.

Tambourine tried spinning and lashing out desperately, but couldn't match Goku's speed or predict his next angle of attack. He was bombarded relentlessly from all sides by the boy's pinpoint assaults.

A brutal elbow to the jaw snapped Tambourine's head back. Goku bounced away and came zooming in for a heavy punch to the gut that doubled the demon's gagging.

Over and over, Goku bounced in and out of range, beating Tambourine down with his hit-and-run tactic. The demon simply couldn't keep up or mount any counter-offense.

Tambourine trembled with rage and disbelief. "How...he's just a child! How can he overpower me so easily?"

In desperation, Tambourine opened his mouth wide, a yellow glow emanating from within. With a shout, he fired off a powerful beam of energy directly at Goku.

Goku was now nowhere to be in sight. "Haha! Got you now, you little brat!" Tambourine cackled, assuming he had incinerated the boy.

"I'm right here, ugly!" Goku's voice suddenly called out from behind the demon.

Tambourine whirled around in shock to see the unharmed boy hovering there defiantly. Cursing, the demon turned and flew off in an attempt to escape this hopeless battle.

"Oh no you don't!" he yelled, leaning forward intently on the Nimbus.

Sensing his moment, Goku timed his jump perfectly while the Nimbus rocketed him upwards. For an instant, he hung suspended in midair directly above the fleeing Tambourine.

The demon glanced up at Goku as he went wide with terror. "No, how did you...?!"

"Now it's my turn!" Goku started to summon his own energy. "This is for Yuka!" he shouted, before letting loose the devastating beam from his mouth downward.

Tambourine could only scream in agony as the blast collided with him, engulfing his entire body in destructive energy. The beam carried on, plunging into the sea and erupting in a massive geyser.

Goku landed lightly atop the floating Nimbus, catching his breath with satisfaction. "I did it...Yuka," he said solemnly.

Goku regained his focus. He pulled out the dragon radar and examined it closely. The next dragon ball was not far off according to the screen.

He could see land far off. Goku's face set with determination. "Hang on Yuka, I'm going to bring you back," he said aloud.

With a burst of speed, the enchanted cloud shot forward over the open ocean, trailing wisps of vapor. Goku leaned into the rushing wind, eyes fixed on his goal.


King Piccolo was seated on his throne when he suddenly jerked upright, face contorting in shock and outrage.

"What...it's not possible!" he bellowed.

Piano turned to him nervously. "Master, what has happened?"

Piccolo slammed his fist down. "Tambourine is dead! I sensed his life force vanish just now!"

Kakuzawa gasped "But how? It couldn't have been that boy..."

Piano offered hesitantly "Perhaps he got lucky, or had help from others?"

Piccolo rounded on him furiously. "I don't want excuses! Whoever killed my children will suffer dearly for it, no matter who they are!"

Kakuzawa worried internally that the child had grown strong enough to actually defeat the demon. What other surprises awaited them?

Piccolo reached out with his mind, contacting Cymbal.


Three men were driving down a deserted road, heading to the location with the helicopter. One man held the three-star dragon ball securely in his jacket pocket.

"How much longer 'til the chopper?" the man in the backseat asked impatiently, lighting up a cigarette.

"About 30 more minutes at this pace," replied the driver, focused intently on the open road ahead.

Without warning, the driver slammed on the brakes, bringing the squealing tires to an abrupt stop. The other men lurched forward in their seats from the impact.

"What the hell man?!" exclaimed one of them angrily. But as he peered ahead, his voice caught in his throat.

"What the hell? There's a kid in the road!"

The others leaned forward, spotting a young boy with wild black hair blocking their path.

The man in the passenger seat lowered his window and stuck his head out. "Hey kid, get the hell off the road! We're trying to get somewhere!"

But then he paused, consulting a device. "Wait, my scanner says one of those dragon ball things is right on him."

The men cautiously stepped out of the car and approached Goku, who stood resolutely in place.

The leader fixed Goku with a threatening glare. "Alright kid, hand over whatever ball you've got on you, and we'll be on our way."

But Goku stood his ground. "No way, I'm not giving it to you guys!"

With a nod to each other, the men slowly moved to surround Goku. "Don't make this difficult boy. Just give us the ball."

In a flash, Goku dashed forward, snatching the three-star ball from one of their pockets. "Aha, got it!"

The men stared in shock, then anger. "Why you little...get him!" They charged, but Goku leaped agilely away.

"Thanks for the ball!" Goku called back cheekily as he summoned the Flying Nimbus and escaped, leaving the furious men behind.

The men stared up in disbelief as Goku hopped onto a small yellow cloud and began floating up into the sky.

"Is that punk kid riding on a damn flying cloud?!" exclaimed one of the men.

In a rage, one pulled a pistol from his waistband. "To hell with it, I don't care if he's just a brat! We were authorized to deal with any obstacles and I want to get paid."

Taking aim, he fired off several shots at the rapidly ascending Goku. But the agile boy banked and swerved atop the nimbus, easily evading the gunfire.

Goku looked back down and laughed mockingly. "Ha, you'll have to do better than that!"

The man fired, again and again, curses flying from his lips. But it was no use at this range, and soon Goku was out of sight, just a speck fading into the distance.

Goku gazed down at the dragon radar in his hand, grinning as he saw he now had two glowing dragon balls in his possession. Just five more to go.

Suddenly he noticed one of the blinking lights on the radar was rapidly moving closer to his position. It must be one of the dragon balls.

"Huh, that's weird," Goku muttered. He spurred the Flying Nimbus faster toward the approaching object.

As he neared, Goku could make out a figure flying through the air towards him. He angled the nimbus down and landed on the ground below just as the creature also descended.

Now on the ground, Goku could see it was some kind of green, reptilian monster. In its hand was a dragon ball.

The creature smirked, revealing rows of sharp teeth. "Hey, I have a question. You wouldn't happen to have seen any balls with stars on them, would you?"

Goku's eyes narrowed. "You're after the dragon balls too? You must be another one of those monsters like the one that killed my friend! Well, you can't have mine, and I'm taking yours!"

Cymbal glared menacingly at Goku. "Do you want to die? Hand over the dragon balls if you want to keep breathing."

Goku dropped into a fighting stance, feet planted firmly. "There's no way I'm just giving them to your monsters!"

Cymbal cracked his knuckles. "Well, you asked for it. I was going to kill you anyway whether or not you handed me the balls."

"Who are you monsters and why do you want the balls? You are going to use them for evil aren't you!?"

Cymbal let out a sinister chuckle. "Don't worry about the balls. Im under the orders of the demon Piccolo. And he has ordered your death!"

Goku's brow furrowed. Who's Piccolo? Is he the one behind all this?

Seeing the creature tense to attack, Goku launched himself forward, pulling back a fist.

Cymbal's eyes widened in surprise. "You'll regret that!"

But he was unable to react in time as Goku's punch crashed directly into his snout with a loud crack. Cymbal reeled back with a pained roar, clutching his nose.

Goku pressed his momentary advantage, raining blows on Cymbal's head and midsection, keeping him off balance.

Pressing his momentary advantage, Goku battered Cymbal with a series of rapid-fire punches targeting his head and torso. The creature could only raise his arms in a desperate attempt to shield himself from the pummeling.

The reptilian creature was caught off guard by the boy's speed and ferocity.

"How...is this possible?" Cymbal rasped, barely deflecting a kick aimed at his head. He tried to counterattack but his clumsy blows met only air.

"You're way weaker than that other guy I beat before," Goku taunted, smashing his fist into Cymbal's gut and making him double over wheezing.

Cymbal attempted to take flight to gain some distance, but Goku grabbed his tail and swung him brutally back down to the rocky ground.

"Just give up! You can't win!" Goku yelled, drop-kicking the dazed demon and sending him skidding through the dirt.

Cymbal staggered back to his feet, purple blood dripping from his nose and mouth. This was unbelievable - he was one of Piccolo's top warriors!

With a guttural roar, Cymbal lunged forward trying to grapple Goku. But the nimble boy easily side-stepped, allowing Cymbal to stumble past awkwardly.

"Too slow!" Goku jeered, cocking back his leg and unleashing a massive kick to Cymbal's unprotected back, pounding him face-first into the ground with tremendous force.

The broken creature could only groan weakly in response, body trembling from the vicious beating.

Bruised and battered, Cymbal staggered back to his feet, rage burning in his eyes. "I will destroy you for this!" he roared.

Holding one of his palms out, Cymbal began gathering crackling arcs of electricity. With a grunt, he thrust his hand forward, firing a potent beam of lightning directly at Goku.

Caught off guard, Goku just managed to throw himself out of the sizzling strike's path at the last second.

"Hold still you little rat!" Cymbal yelled in frustration, continuing to pepper the area with lightning strikes. Goku ducked and dodged, the deadly energy sizzling past inches from his body.

Seeing an opening between strikes, Goku planted his feet and extended both palms towards his foe. "That's enough!" he yelled.

Mimicking what he had just seen, Goku focused his own inner energy and let loose a powerful lightning blast of his own.

Cymbal's eyes went wide with disbelief seeing his attack copied. "No, impossible!" he screamed as the lightning slammed into his body.

Thousands of volts coursed through Cymbal as he spasmed helplessly. With a final gurgling cry, the charred creature collapsed to the ground, smoke rising from his lifeless corpse.

Goku lowered his hands, breathing hard. "Phew...wasn't expecting that," he muttered, glaring at his defeated foe.


Director Kakuzawa had just gotten off the phone looking nervous. "I've just received word that the boy intercepted one of our teams and stole their dragon balls."

King Piccolo scowled deeply at this news. Piano tried to reassure him, "Do not fret Master, Cymbal should be able to handle the child."

But moments later, Piccolo suddenly jolted, clutching his head in pain. Kakuzawa looked on in concern. "What is it?"

Piccolo's eyes went wide with disbelief. "No...I sense Cymbal has also been slain!"

Kakuzawa and Piano both looked in shock. How could this be possible? How was the boy able to beat Cymbal and Tambourine!?

Rage overtook Piccolo's shock. "I want to confront this killer myself! I will crush him beneath my heel for murdering my children!"

Kakuzawa looked uneasy. "Yes...I will ready a helicopter for transport."


Goku soared through the skies atop the Flying Nimbus, the wind whipping through his unruly hair. Glancing down at the dragon radar, he smiled seeing he now had three dragon balls safely in his possession. Just four more remained.

As he watched, another blinking dot appeared on the radar's screen. The next ball was close. Goku eagerly plotted a course towards it.

But then his eyes went wide as three more dots suddenly popped up, clustered together and rapidly moving. "Whoa, three dragon balls in one place!" Goku exclaimed.

He hesitated, debating whether to continue towards the solo ball or divert to intercept the trio. Those three would get him so much closer to reviving Yuka...

Goku's face set with determination. He banked sharply, changing direction to intercept the three signals.

"Alright! Here I come, dragon balls!" Goku yelled excitedly. With three more, he'd be over the halfway mark. Just a little bit longer Yuka, he thought.

Goku streaked across the sky on the Flying Nimbus as the dragon radar led him toward the clustered dragon ball signals. As he approached land again, a rhythmic thumping sound gradually became audible over the wind.

"Huh, what's that noise?" Goku wondered aloud. Squinting ahead, he could make out a helicopter coming into view, rotors beating the air.

Checking the radar, Goku confirmed the balls were indeed inside the aircraft. "More bad guys must be after the dragon balls too," he muttered. Goku angled the nimbus down and landed a distance away to wait and see who would emerge.

The helicopter circled lower before touching down, whipping up a storm of dust and debris. As the rotors slowly wound down, the side door slid open.

A tall, imposing green figure stepped out. Goku's eyes widened. It was another one of those demonic monsters!

"So it's another one of you guys after all," Goku muttered.

King Piccolo gazed down at the young boy. So this is the one who defeated my children? What a joke.

A sinister smile spread across his face. "It seems you already possess three of the dragon balls."

Goku looked angrily at the demon king. "Hey, mister! You aren't taking my dragon balls away!"

Piccolo chuckled. "Since you were able to defeat my offspring Tambourine and Cymbal, you must have some strength."

Does he mean those demons he defeated? Rage boiled up in Goku. "Your demons! So you're the one who sent them! You're Piccolo, aren't you!"

Goku dropped into a fighting stance, eyes blazing with determination. "They were appetizers but you're the main course! You're done for!"

King Piccolo laughed mockingly. "Foolish child, you know nothing of my true power!"

Goku let out a yell and launched himself directly at the demon king. "Shut up!"

Piccolo easily sidestepped Goku's wild punch, still chuckling darkly.

After missing his initial strike, Goku swiftly rebounded, leaping skyward and delivering a powerful kick square to Piccolo's chest that sent the demon king skidding backward.

Piccolo looked down in shock, clenching his chest. "What!? Impossible!"

Not letting up, Goku unleashed a blistering barrage of punches and kicks. Piccolo raised his arms to defend, but several blows slipped through, pounding his torso and face.

With a yell, Goku landed a devastating uppercut that launched Piccolo into the air. The demon king crashed harshly onto his back.

Inside the helicopter, Director Kakuzawa watched in dismay as Goku pressed his assault. "This child is actually able to fight Piccolo now? How has he grown so strong!?"

The pilot trembled in his seat wishing he was anywhere else. But Piano maintained his composure. "Do not worry, the Master will overcome him."

Back on the battlefield, King Piccolo rose slowly to his feet. "To think someone could knock me down...now I understand how you defeated my warriors."

Reaching up, Piccolo began removing his weighted clothes, eager to fight unrestriant. "Now you will receive the punishment you deserve!"

Tossing aside the last of his weighted garments, Piccolo sunk into a fighting stance. Goku steadied himself, ready for the demon's next move.

Piccolo charged forward at top speeds, propelling himself upwards and delivering a powerful kick that sent Goku rocketing high into the sky. Moving even faster, Piccolo appeared above the airborne Goku and smashed a devastating punch downwards, pile-driving the boy into the earth far below.

As Goku lay dazed in the resulting crater, Piccolo grabbed him by the collar and hoisted him effortlessly into the air.

Piccolo chuckles, "Still breathing?" He then lands another punch on Goku's face.

Goku reacted quickly despite his injuries, biting down hard on Piccolo's hand.

Piccolo grimaced in pain. "You wretched brat!" he snarled as he angrily threw Goku roughly aside.

Goku barely managed to land on his feet, panting hard as he regarded Piccolo with awe and wariness. The power gap between them was clear.

Piccolo smirked, rubbing his bitten hand. "You should consider escaping while you still draw breath. You stand no chance against me."

Goku clenched his fists in frustration. "I won't give up! I have to stop you, no matter what!"

Piccolo chuckled darkly at the futile defiance. "I admire your foolish bravery. But make no mistake, I fully intend to kill you here and now."

Goku steadied himself and dropped into a fighting stance once more. If this was to be his end, he would go down fighting with everything he had left.

Goku thought to himself grimly. Piccolo's power and speed were on a whole other level compared to his own.

King Piccolo smirked. "It's astounding, your strength exceeds that of normal humans. But you are still no match for me."

Badly injured, Goku desperately fired a beam of energy from his mouth as a last resort. It struck Piccolo head-on, exploding in a cloud of smoke.

"Hehe...got you," Goku panted weakly.

But as the smoke cleared, Piccolo stood unfazed. "So you stole that technique, did you? A wasted effort."

Goku's heart sank. "No...he's too strong..."

"Your time has come!" Piccolo shouted, positioning his hands in front of him. A bright ball of energy formed, swelling rapidly. With a yell, Piccolo launched a powerful beam straight at Goku.

The boy barely managed to leap over the attack, but in mid-air, Piccolo fired another blast that caught Goku full force. He screamed as it carried him backward. After a few seconds, he slammed back to earth with a loud impact.

Slowly Piccolo approached the unmoving Goku. "Your incompetence has reached new lows," he chuckled sinisterly. Placing a hand on Goku's chest he smiled. "No heartbeat. You're dead."

Scooping up Goku's bag containing three dragon balls, Piccolo headed back to the helicopter. "On to the final ball. Then my youth shall be restored!"

The helicopter lifted off, leaving Goku's broken body behind. With six balls acquired, only the seven-star ball remained.

Kakuzawa smirked. "The last dragon ball has already been collected by another one of our teams. We'll be able to intercept their helicopter soon."

Kakuzawa nodded to the pilot before the helicopter flew towards the last ball.


Goku's body lay broken and lifeless amidst the rubble after Piccolo's devastating attack. But after the demon king had departed, Goku suddenly sucked in a desperate gasp of air.

With a shaky hand, he slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out a Senzu bean. By luck, the bag containing them remained intact. Weakly, he dropped it into his mouth.

After a few agonizing seconds, Goku's eyes shot wide open as the senzu worked its magic. Jumping to his feet, he felt fully re-energized.

He frantically checked his belongings, only to find his dragon ball bag missing. "No! He took them!" Goku cried out in dismay.

He had to reach Piccolo again before the demon king could collect the final ball. Grabbing his dragon radar, Goku's heart sank seeing it was broken and useless now.

With no way to track the balls, Goku desperately called for his trusty Flying Nimbus. As it arrived, he leaped on board. "Come on, we gotta get back to Korin's tower, quick!"

The nimbus streaked through the sky with Goku leaning forward urgently. Korin was his only hope of locating the dragon balls before Piccolo's wish was made.

Korin watched as Goku came speeding urgently towards his tower atop the Flying Nimbus. As Goku landed and approached, Korin asked "How did it go? Did you get the dragon balls?"

Goku looked frantic. "Everything went bad! I beat two demons, including the one who killed my friend. I even got two more dragon balls! But then this guy named Piccolo showed up. He was way stronger and beat me, then took the three balls I had!"

Korin's eyes widened in alarm. "Piccolo? Well, that's not good news."

Goku seemed a little curious. "Do you know who he is?"

Korin explained, "Many years ago he was an evil being of immense power who sought only destruction."

Korin then asked, "Do you know how many balls he has now?"

Goku looked defeated. "I think six..."

Korin sighed, "I'm afraid it's going to be difficult to defeat Piccolo at this point."

"Can't you train me more!?" Goku pleaded.

Korin shook his head. "I've taught you everything I can, I'm sorry."

Goku turned to leave. "Then I'll just have to face him again!"

"Wait!" Korin called out. "You'll only die again. Unless..."

Goku looked back hopefully. "Unless what?"

Korin hesitated before answering "...Since you show no fear of death, the Ultra Divine Water may unlock your potential. But you should know something. It is a lethal poison to the weak in body and mind."

Goku asked "But it'll make me stronger?"

Korin nodded. "It can unleash latent strength in some. And I sense untapped potential within you still."

He met Goku's gaze solemnly. "But ingest it without the proper fortitude, and it will kill you. You have to be stronger than the poison."

Goku asked hesitantly "Has anyone ever survived drinking the water before?"

Korin sighed "In the past, 14. None survived."

Goku looked shocked but then steeled his nerves. "I'll do it. It's the only way to stop Piccolo."

"Are you certain?" Korin asked gravely.

Goku nodded. "I'll die fighting him anyway if I don't get stronger."

Later, Korin returned solemnly holding an ornate teapot. "Here is the Ultra Divine Water." He slowly poured the liquid into a cup and placed it before Goku.

Staring at it nervously, Goku sweated and swallowed hard. "No time to lose I guess..." Picking it up with shaky hands, he swiftly drank down the contents.

Immediately Goku clenched his throat in agony, collapsing and writhing in pain. Korin watched helplessly as the boy struggled for hours as sunset approached.

Suddenly Goku's eyes shot open as he felt the power surge within him. Korin sensed the dramatic change too. "Incredible..."

Goku stood up, brimming with energized confidence. "This strength...I can feel it!" He grinned excitedly.

Suddenly the already dimly lit skies turned completely dark.

Goku looked around in confusion. "What's going on? Why is it so dark all of a sudden?"

Korin was sweating nervously as he realized what was happening. "Piccolo must have gathered the dragon balls...this darkness means he is making his wish right now!"

Just as quickly as it came, the unnatural darkness disappeared and the skies returned to normal.

Goku's face became deadly serious. "I can sense Piccolo's energy now."

Korin looked surprised. "You can?"

Goku urgently called for the Flying Nimbus cloud. As it arrived, he turned back to Korin with determination. "I'm ready to face him again this time."

Goku hopped onto the cloud. "Wait for me Piccolo, I'm coming for you!" he yelled as the Nimbus sped off into the distance.

Korin watched him depart, hoping against hope the boy could somehow still prevail against the Demon King.


King Piccolo stood surrounded by the glowing dragon balls, his face twisted into a malevolent grin.

"And now, come forth Shenron!" he bellowed towards the dark heavens.

The seven balls pulsated brighter in response, lighting up the night. With an earth-shaking roar, the immense form of Shenron unfurled from the orbs, towering high above Piccolo.

From within the nearby helicopter, Director Kakuzawa watched in stunned awe at the sight of the mythical dragon. "Incredible..." he muttered. Even the pilot sat frozen in fear and wonder.

Shenron's deep voice boomed down at Piccolo "You who have gathered the dragon balls, I shall grant you one wish. Name it!"

Piccolo wasted no time declaring "I wish for the return of my youth and power! Make this old body young and strong again, with unlimited energy!"

Shenron's eyes flashed brightly. "It shall be done."

Piccolo could feel the change begin instantly - years lifted from his body as wrinkles smoothed and muscles expanded. Power beyond imagination surged through his veins. Piccolo threw back his head, laughing maniacally at his restoration.

"Yes! This strength is unbelievable! I'm finally young and unstoppable again!" he roared triumphantly.

Shenron rumbled "Your wish has been fulfilled. Now I must take my leave." With that, the dragon began dematerializing back into the balls.

But Piccolo only smirked. "I don't think so, dragon." A massive beam erupted from his mouth, engulfing Shenron entirely. The mythical beast let out an agonized roar as its body disintegrated before Piccolo's onslaught.

As the blast cleared, only a severed dragon arm lay smoking before Piccolo's feet. He let out another delighted cackle. "The balls have turned to useless stone now. No one can undo my wish!"

Inside the helicopter, A bead of nervous sweat rolled down Director Kakuzawa's forehead as he watched Piccolo obliterate the dragon Shenron. Now they couldn't make another wish if they wanted to.

Still, they had accomplished their own goal of restoring Piccolo's youth. Now it was up to the Demon King to fulfill his end of the bargain and let Kakuzawa rule part of the world.

The terrified pilot spoke up hesitantly. "S-should we get going now, sir?"

But Kakuzawa shook his head. "No. We shall not depart before Piccolo does."

Kakuzawa hopped out of the helicopter as well as Piano. Just then a loud yell rang out from above. "Piccolo!"

Kakuzawa's eyes shot upwards in disbelief. "What!? It can't be!"

Barreling down from the sky was Goku, alive and speeding towards them on his flying cloud. Before anyone could react, the boy leaped off and landed firmly on the ground, facing Piccolo.

Piccolo's eyes narrowed in fury. "That brat lives still!? Impossible!"

Goku stared Piccolo down with steely determination. From afar, Kakuzawa and Piano watched in stunned silence.

Piccolo smirked menacingly at Goku. "You're so eager to embrace death, aren't you boy?"

Goku pointed aggressively at the demon king. "That's it! This time I'm finishing you off for good, Piccolo!"

Piccolo threw his head back and let out a mocking laugh. "Finish me? You couldn't do it before, fool. Now with my restored prime youth and unlimited power, you don't stand the slightest chance!"

His laughter then turned sinister and cold. "And don't even think about trying to use the dragon balls against me. I completely obliterated Shenron. No more wishes for you now!"

Goku's eyes widened in dismay as the realization set in. With the magical dragon gone forever, he could never hope to revive Yuka. Clenching his fists tightly, Goku yelled out in pure rage, "Now I'm really gonna make you suffer and pay for everything you've done!"

Piccolo sneered at the outburst. "I don't need to waste any effort on a weakling like you. Instead, I'll demonstrate my new might with a fresh warrior."

He hunched over and regurgitated a large, slimy egg. It cracked open and a hulking green-skinned monster emerged. "Drum! Show this brat the extent of your power!" commanded Piccolo.

Goku's initial shock quickly faded back to steely determination. As the beast Drum lumbered towards him, Goku shot forward with explosive speed, unleashing a devastating kick that smashed directly through the creature's skull. With its brain matter blown out, Drum collapsed lifelessly to the ground.

Piccolo recoiled in genuine surprise. "What!?" In the distance, Director Kakuzawa observed in awe. It's like this boy had been getting stronger every fight! There isn't any other explanation. Could it be possible the boy is as strong as Piccolo now?

Goku stood firm, coldly staring Piccolo down. "No more games. I'm ending you now!"

Piccolo scowled back intensely. Piccolo's scowl morphed into an arrogant smirk. "I don't have time for these games. It'll only take 5 seconds to deal with a pest like you."

He charged at Goku to deliver a crushing blow. But to everyone's shock, Goku easily blocked it.

From the helicopter, Kakuzawa gasped "How!?"

Piccolo threw a furious punch, but Goku calmly caught his fist in his much smaller hand. Before Piccolo could react, Goku hurled him by the arm, sending the demon king crashing through a stand of trees, snapping them like twigs.

As Piccolo rose from the rubble, visibly irritated. Goku called out "Looks like those 5 seconds are already up."

Piccolo's rage boiled over. The tables had turned, and now he was the one outmatched. Goku had surpassed his expectations.

Piccolo was seething with rage now. "You stupid brat! Your death is sealed!" he screamed.

A massive beam of energy erupted from Piccolo's palm towards Goku. The boy leaped high in the air to avoid it.

Seeing his target airborne, Piccolo fired another blast. Goku quickly crossed his arms to block, the beam pushing him back but not damaging him.

Suspended in mid-air, Goku made his move. Mimicking Piccolo's own technique, he thrust his palms forward and shot an energy wave of his own.

Piccolo's eyes widened in shock before he managed to dive out of the way. The blast demolished the ground where he had stood just a moment before.

"Why you little...!" Piccolo growled in fury. The boy was not only matching his strength but using his own attacks against him now.

Goku landed smoothly and dropped into a fighting stance, ready for the next exchange. Piccolo panted raggedly across from him.

Goku launched himself forward with blinding speed, cocking back his fist. Before Piccolo could react, Goku landed a crushing punch squarely on his jaw with immense force.

The demon king was sent hurtling backward, his body smashing violently into his minion Piano and killing him instantly.

Director Kakuzawa leaped back in alarm as Piccolo's massive frame skidded to a stop right beside the helicopter, the ground gouged by his trajectory. That was far too close. Just one more inch and Kakuzawa would have been smashed to a pulp as well.

"Get us into the air, now!" Kakuzawa yelled in panic at the pilot as he scrambled into the helicopter's cabin and slammed the door. The rotor blades rapidly spun up, kicking up a fierce downdraft as the aircraft swiftly rose upwards, putting crucial distance between them and the raging battle below.

Down on the ground, Piccolo shakily staggered back to his feet, his body wracked with pain. With a roar of outrage, he rushed recklessly at Goku once more. But the boy nimbly sidestepped the wild attack before countering with a powerful roundhouse kick to Piccolo's torso that audibly cracked ribs.

As Piccolo doubled over wheezing, Goku pressed his clear advantage relentlessly. Moving almost faster than the eye could see, he unleashed a blindingly swift barrage of crushing blows on the demon king, pummeling him furiously. Piccolo was unable to mount any defense as he was beaten down under the non-stop assault.

Hovering directly above the helicopter, Kakuzawa watched the one-sided thrashing in dismay and disbelief. This mysterious boy's power and speed had grown to truly staggering levels beyond anything he thought possible. The mighty Piccolo was being soundly dominated now.

Piccolo glared at Goku with pure, unbridled rage. "You...!" he seethed through gritted teeth. But then his scowl shifted to a sinister smirk as he wiped the blood from his face.

"You're the first to ever enrage me this much. I wanted to avoid using my full power since it shortens my lifespan...but to end yours, I'll gladly unleash it!"

Goku's expression remained serious and focused. "Then get serious, Piccolo! Show me everything you've got!"

With a roar, Piccolo began powering up, energy exploding around him. Goku braced himself, ready for the coming onslaught.

Suddenly Piccolo thrust his hand forward, generating a massive shockwave. Goku quickly crossed his arms to shield himself as the gale-force winds pummeled him, driving him to slide back several feet.

Goku grimaced, thinking how he almost lost his footing from the air pressure alone. Piccolo's power was rising tremendously. But Goku stood firm. He was prepared now to counter whatever Piccolo could dish out.

From the helicopter, Kakuzawa yelled to the pilot "Get us closer! I want to see what's happening down there!"

The aircraft descended towards the raging battle. Piccolo lunged at Goku with blinding speed, attempting a devastating punch. But Goku effortlessly leaped high over the strike, positioning himself behind the demon king.

Without missing a beat, Piccolo whirled around and delivered a powerful backhand, sending Goku crashing downwards. He smashed into the earth, forming a massive crater on impact.

Piccolo cackled loudly. "Not so tough now, are you boy?"

From the helicopter, Kakuzawa smirked "Seems Piccolo is gaining the upper hand again. That boy put up an impressive fight, but he's out of his depth."

But suddenly, Goku's voice yelled out from within the crater's depths. Bursting forth from the rubble, mouth wide open, firing a concentrated beam of energy directly at Piccolo.

The demon king braced to counter the blast. But at the last second, Goku redirected the beam to the back of Piccolo's head. Though caught off guard, Piccolo managed to tilt his head just enough for the blast to narrowly miss him.

Goku grimaced "Damn...still got to work on controlling this energy stuff."

Piccolo laughed mockingly "Give up and die already, boy! No mere human has ever come close to defeating me."

Goku shot back defiantly "Well maybe I'm not human after all. Now let's finish this!"

The two raced at each other again exchanging a flurry of attacks. Goku landed a kick only for Piccolo to deflect it and counter with a knee strike. Goku retaliated with a punch to Piccolo's face, who answered back with his own crushing haymaker. Goku narrowly dodged by jumping up.

In the air, Goku executed a spinning roundhouse kick that struck Piccolo's head and sent him staggering back. Goku pressed his advantage, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks that culminated in a final powerful axe kick that sent Piccolo flying.

As the demon king tumbled across the ground, Goku thrust out his palms rapidly, firing a barrage of lightning strikes. Piccolo barely managed to leap back onto his feet, narrowly avoiding the explosions as they pelted the earth around him.

"Take this, Piccolo!" yelled Goku. He put both palms together in front of him, focusing his power. Twin beams erupted from his palms, converging into one larger devastating blast.

Piccolo dove out of the way just in time as the beam obliterated the landscape behind him.

"Now it's my turn, fool!" Piccolo shouted. His eyes flashed as he fired twin ocular beams. One beam struck Goku's right knee directly, causing him to cry out in pain and drop to the ground.

Piccolo cackled loudly. "Ha! Let's see you fight on just one leg now, boy!"

But Goku looked up defiantly through gritted teeth. "One leg is all I need to take you down!" He forced himself back up, ready to continue the fight. Blood dripped from his injured knee, but his eyes remained fixed on Piccolo with determination.

Piccolo cackled loudly at Goku. "That bravado won't help you, fool! It only makes your demise more foolish!"

He pointed his finger and fired a thin ki beam. Goku barely managed to throw himself out of the way, the beam passing dangerously close and slicing a line across his cheek.

Piccolo's eyes narrowed. "That's enough playing around. I'm finishing you now!"

He spread his feet wide and hunched over, yelling as he summoned his full power. Energy erupted around him as the ground itself began fracturing under the intense pressure.

With a final roar, Piccolo extended his arm, firing an absolutely colossal energy blast at Goku. The boy's eyes widened in shock at the approaching wall of devastation.

The beam struck him head-on, resulting in an earth-shaking explosion. The massive fireball engulfed and incinerated everything around.

In the helicopter above, the shockwaves rattled Kakuzawa violently. "Damn it, get this under control!" he screamed at the pilot. But the man was frozen in fear at the controls.

"You stupid idiot!" Kakuzawa yelled as the helicopter spun out of control. He desperately looked for a parachute as the ground rushed up.

The aircraft smashed into trees, the cabin crumpling on impact as Kakuzawa was thrown about violently. The mangled helicopter came to rest dangling precariously from the branches.

Badly injured, Kakuzawa managed to grip a rail to avoid falling out. Through blurred vision, he saw the pilot dead at the controls. Gazing out at the charred landscape, he muttered in disbelief "That was like a nuclear blast...it's insane any being wields such power..."

Piccolo stood alone amidst the devastation, cackling triumphantly. "It's over! I've finally won!"

Suddenly he sensed a familiar energy. His face twisted into a scowl. "Don't tell me that wretched boy survived..."

He searched around frantically until his gaze fell upon Goku's motionless body, half-buried in debris and smoking from the massive blast.

Piccolo's lips curled into a sinister grin. "Just as I thought. He clings to life by a thread."

The demon king floated over and slammed his foot down on Goku's chest. The boy remained conscious, but just barely, his breathing labored as he stared up weakly.

Inside his mind, unable to speak, Goku let his thoughts run. "I've lost...I'm sorry Yuka..." As his vision darkened, he gazed upwards at the sky, not wanting the demon to be the last thing he saw. He caught sight of the full moon shining brightly. He realized he'd never seen one so big and clear before.

Standing above him, Piccolo cackled. "I told you your defeat was inevitable. Now, to finally snuff out your worthless life!"

He slowly raised his leg, preparing to crush Goku's head beneath his heel. This would be the final blow to end the battle.

Piccolo brought his leg crashing down, intent on crushing Goku's chest and ending him for good. But to his shock, his foot slammed into something as hard as rock.

"Huh!?" Piccolo grunted in confusion. He stomped down repeatedly with all his might, but Goku seemed unfazed.

Piccolo then noticed the boy's body starting to swell, muscles bulging and rippling under his skin. Goku's eyes flashed red as his teeth grew into sharp fangs. Coarse hair began sprouting rapidly to cover him.

"What's happening!?" Piccolo shouted, stumbling back.

Goku let out an earth-shaking roar as his body started to tower in size. Piccolo could only watch in horror as the child became a giant ape-like beast.

The monstrous ape beat its chest and howled, fixating its red eyes on Piccolo. The demon king was paralyzed with fear and shock.

"Impossible...what the hell are you!?" Piccolo yelled. But the ape only responded with a thunderous roar before swiping a massive hand at him.

Piccolo jumped out of the way of the large fist. The giant ape kept swinging its massive arms, smashing wildly at Piccolo with blows. The demon king narrowly ducked and weaved, evading the devastating attacks.

Piccolo aimed a palm and fired a ki blast, but the energy splashed harmlessly across the ape's hide.

The beast roared furiously at the defiance, before opening its mouth wide. A bright ball of energy formed and then fired out as a titanic beam towards Piccolo.

"No!" Piccolo yelled, flying desperately to avoid the city-leveling blast. It was a dangerously close call.

Piccolo thought grimly, "Just one hit from that power would vaporize me completely. This is insane..."

Before he could recover, the ape leaped with alarming speed and backhanded Piccolo down, driving him violently into the earth.

Dazed, the demon king could only yell as the primate's huge hand wrapped around his body and lifted him towards its face. Despite struggling with all his might, Piccolo found himself trapped in the beast's crushing grip.

Staring directly at rows of gigantic teeth, Piccolo saw energy gathering in the ape's gaping mouth for another blast. Acting on instinct, he rapidly fired his own mouth beam straight into its eye.

The ape recoiled in pain, releasing Piccolo from its hold to clutch at its damaged face. Piccolo tumbled to the ground, thoughts racing.

From a distance, Kakuzawa stared in shock at the massive rampaging ape. "What on earth is that thing!?"

He could slightly make out Piccolo, but the boy was nowhere in sight. Only that giant creature in the distance.

He squinted, noticing it had a tail similar to the boy's, only gigantic. "Could it be...?"

He started to call for transportation. It was too dangerous to be here. He just hoped there were still healing beans left.

Back on the battlefield, Piccolo strategized desperately. As the ape pounded its chest, roaring furiously, he spotted the swaying tail.

"That tail seems to be its easiest point. I might be able to damage it and stun that beast."

Piccolo thrust out his palm, yelling "Take this, you stupid ape!" A thin piercing beam shot forth, spearing directly through the tail.

The ape let out an agonized roar as Piccolo laughed. Before Piccolo's eyes, the massive creature began rapidly shrinking down.

Within moments, it had reverted back into the form of Goku. Completely naked and unconscious, the boy collapsed limply to the ground.

Piccolo cackled loudly in realization. "Wait, his tail was the source of his power?! Hahaha, this is just too easy!"

Hovering hundreds of feet above, Piccolo laughed. "I've won! You have no tricks left now! Your life is mine to take!"

Goku's eyes fluttered open weakly. "I'm...still alive?" he murmured in disbelief.

Then he heard the maniacal laughter from above. Peering up, he saw Piccolo hovering victoriously overhead.

"It's over for you, boy! The world now bows to me!" the demon king declared. He darted down towards Goku, intent on finishing him off.

Seeing the approaching threat, determination flooded through Goku's battered body. He wasn't ready to die yet. With all his remaining strength, he slammed his palms into the earth beneath him.

"What!?" Piccolo exclaimed in shock as massive energy beams erupted from Goku's hands, rocketing the child upwards like a missile straight toward him.

Cocking back his fist, Goku yelled with fiery conviction, "It's over for YOU, Piccolo!"

Piccolo halted his flight mid-air and put his two palms in front of himself. "I'll block you!"

They both let out yells as they both collided with each other.

Goku punched straight through Piccolo's torso, leaving a gaping hole.

Piccolo could only gurgle in disbelief as Goku's momentum carried him past Piccolo and higher into the sky before gravity took hold. As Goku began falling back to earth, tears flowed from his eyes.

"I did it...I won!" he cried in bittersweet triumph. "Im just sorry I can't bring you back now, Yuka..."

"What...how could I be defeated by a child!?" Piccolo choked out a pained laugh. "Heh heh heh, Well done child...but don't think you've seen the last of the demons!" With his dying breath, he regurgitated a final egg and launched it far away. "Avenge me, my son!" he rasped before exploding in a burst of energy.

The shockwave sent Goku hurtling down faster. But at the last second, he called out "Flying Nimbus!" The cloud swept under him, cushioning his fall.

Utterly spent, Goku lay on his back atop the Nimbus, staring up at the sky. He had triumphed, but at grave cost. The battle was over, but the future remained uncertain.


Miles away, surrounded by trees, a slimy egg laid cracked open. A small, green-skinned child emerged, dripping with embryonic fluid. Having heard his father's last words through the shell, he already knew his purpose...vengeance.

The child, Piccolo Jr., looked to the horizon with cold detachment. Piccolo Jr. clenched his fists, feeling the power coursing within him. He may have been born only minutes ago, but his inherited strength was immense and still growing.

"I will avenge you, father. The world will soon know me"


The Flying Nimbus soared gracefully through the morning sky, carrying the naked and thoroughly exhausted Goku as he lay flat on his back. The cool rushing wind felt soothing on his battered body.

Eventually, the cloud arrived at Korin Tower, gently depositing Goku onto the main platform. He flopped down limply with a tired groan.

Korin greeted him with surprise. "Goku! You made it back in one piece?"

Goku weakly murmured "Senzu..."

Korin nodded and tossed a bean into Goku's mouth. He chewed and instantly sprang back to his feet, reenergized.

"Woohoo! Alright, I feel great again!" Goku cheered, throwing a few punches.

Korin chuckled "Quite the intense fight it seems, given you've lost...all of your clothes."

Goku blinked and looked down at his naked body. "Oh yeah, guess I really did lose everything!" He laughed sheepishly.

Korin replied, "Sorry, don't have any spare clothes for you here."

Goku then noticed something else missing, feeling his lower back. "Hey wait, my tail is gone too! That demon must have cut it off when I wasn't paying attention." He scowled angrily at the discovery.

Korin said reassuringly "Well, just be glad you somehow managed to defeat him after all. I wasn't fully confident you could pull it off."

Goku's face then saddened. "Doesn't matter now though. I still can't bring Yuka back. Piccolo killed the dragon so the balls won't work anymore."

Korin brightened. "Wait, I may have an idea!"

Goku's head perked up excitedly. "Really!? Tell me, what is it?"

"Go see the person who created the dragon balls - Kami," Korin explained. "Only those pure of heart can reach him. And you fit that description perfectly."

Korin left and came back holding a long red pole.

Goku asked, "What's that?"

"A magic power pole to take you up to Kami's place, which is high above here," Korin said. "Let me show you on the roof."

Korin guided Goku to stand the power pole upright in the center hole of the roof. "Place it right here," he instructed.

Once Goku had the pole firmly situated, Korin handed him a small brass bell on a cord. "This is a symbol that you are one of the select few permitted to seek an audience with Kami. Keep it with you."

Goku accepted the bell and tied it around his wrist.

Korin gave a nod of approval. "You're all set now. Just say 'Power pole, extend!' and it will carry you upwards to Kami's home in the heavens."

Goku grinned and shouted eagerly, "Power pole, extend!"

The pole magically shot upwards at blinding speed, carrying a yelling Goku with it. He gripped tightly as the world turned into a blur around him, the tower shrinking away.

Higher and higher the pole stretched, piercing through cloud layers as Goku ascended rapidly towards the domain of the Guardian of Earth.

After what felt like an eternity of rapid ascent, Goku finally reached the top, the power pole depositing him onto the white-tiled floor of Kami's palace in the sky.

He glanced around eagerly. "Hello? Kami? Are you here?"

A fat black figure approached him. "I am Mr. Popo. You must be the one who defeated Demon King Piccolo."

Goku blinked in surprise. "Wow, how'd you know that?"

"Kami knows and sees all," Popo replied simply.

Goku asked excitedly "So...can I meet Kami now? I really need his help!" He showed the brass bell on his wrist as proof from Korin.

But Popo shook his head. "To gain an audience with Kami, you must defeat me in combat."

Goku laughed "Haha, that'll be easy!" But moments later, he found himself beaten and breathing heavily, having failed to land a single blow on the swift and evasive Popo.

Popo clicked his tongue. "You are weak in both mind and technique. You are unworthy of Kami's presence. Go home."

Goku stood up defiantly. "No way! I won't leave until I can revive my friend!" He begged, "Please, can't I train here under you and Kami?"

Popo considered this and then nodded. "Very well, you may stay. But it will not help you."

As Goku happily ran off to the train, Popo smiled to himself. "Hm, he has spirit. I like him."


Later, Goku had just finished a bit of training. He then asked, "So Kami is way stronger than you then?"

"Yes, he taught me many lessons over the centuries," Popo confirmed.

Goku grinned "Well I'll just keep training here as long as it takes until I can beat you!"

Suddenly, an aged voice called out from the palace. "Your determination pleases me, child. Come, we shall meet."

Popo smiled. "It seems Kami has summoned you." Together, they headed inside to finally meet the Guardian of Earth.

Goku and Mr. Popo stood a fair distance from the palace entrance as a shadowy figure fully emerged. Goku's eyes went wide. "It's Piccolo!"

Acting on instinct, he rushed the tall green being. "You bastard, you're still alive!"

But with calm poise, Kami merely flicked a finger, sending Goku flying back until a waiting Mr. Popo caught him.

"Calm yourself, child. This is not King Piccolo," Popo assured.

Goku blinked in confusion. "Huh, it's not?"

Kami then explained gravely, "Centuries ago, evil resided within me. To purge it, I expelled him from my body, creating the Demon King you know as Piccolo."

Goku listened in fascination as Kami described their shared history and his regret for allowing such evil to be unleashed.

"But you defeated Piccolo, proving your noble spirit," Kami concluded. "So I shall grant any wish you desire if you agree to remain here and train under me."

Goku grinned. "Yeah, of course! And you already know what I'm wishing for, right?"

Kami nodded then turned, firing a beam of energy toward a small Shenron statue. The statue's eyes glowed before the mythical dragon emerged, unfurling into the sky.

"I have revived Shenron. He will restore the dragon balls," Kami stated. Moments later, the glowing light rocketed through the atmosphere to reactivate the dragon balls.

Goku was amazed by the display of power. Thanks to Kami, he now had a chance to make things right again.

"Normally it would take another year for the dragon balls to work again, but this time I've allowed them to be used now."

Goku excitedly asked, "Can I go summon the dragon now and revive my friend Yuka?"

But Kami shook his head. "You promised to train here under me for three years. That's approximately how long until Piccolo's spawn comes to kill you."

Goku exclaimed "What!? But I defeated Piccolo!"

Kami explained "Before dying, he spat out an egg carrying his reincarnation. That evil will return to take over the world."

Goku hesitated. "But...if I'm here training, who's going to use the dragon balls to revive Yuka?"

Kami remained silent, contemplating.

Goku pleaded "Please, just let me quickly go down and bring her back! I swear I'll return immediately after."

After a thoughtful pause, Kami relented. "Very well...but be swift in your task."

Goku grinned "Thank you, I promise!" As he turned to leave, Kami called out.

"Wait! You will likely want...clothes first."

Goku chuckled "Oh right, I totally forgot about that!"

Kami focused, firing a beam that engulfed Goku briefly. Looking down, Goku now wore an orange martial arts gi.

Goku took a moment to look at his new style of clothing.

"Wow, awesome! I love it, thanks, Kami!"

Kami nodded. "Now hurry, but return here straight away when you are done."

Goku gave a determined thumbs-up before hurrying off.


Goku has made it back to Earth, landing softly in the familiar forests outside Kamakura. Laid out before him on the ground were the seven dragon balls, brought back by Kami's power.

Goku pondered aloud "Now what was that chant Kami told me to say again?"

But before he could recall the words, the orange balls suddenly glowed brightly. The sky darkened overhead as Shenron burst forth in a flare of light, towering to the heavens as he unfurled his long serpentine body.

"Whoa, awesome!" Goku exclaimed. "I guess I didn't need to say anything after all!"

In a booming voice, Shenron rumbled "I was already prepared to grant the wish I know you seek. You wish to revive the one called Yuka, whose body and life were destroyed by one of King Piccolo's demons."

Goku jumped up and down eagerly. "Yes yes yes! Please, can you bring her back!?"

"It shall be done," Shenron declared, his eyes flashing red. "As her original body was obliterated, I will recreate it fully to restore her soul."

Goku watched in awe as a body formed amidst glowing energies, slowly descending until he reached out to catch the unconscious Yuka in his arms.

Shenron spoke. "Your wish is granted. Farewell for now." The glowing dragon balls rocketed upwards, scattering once more across the planet.

Before the 4-star ball could leave, Goku leaped up and grabbed it. He then gently laid Yuka's body down as she began stirring.

Yuka's eyes fluttered open as she murmured "Goku...?" Slowly sitting up, she looked around in confusion. "What happened? How did I get here?"

Goku rushed forward and embraced her joyfully. "Yuka! You're really back! I'm so glad you're okay now!"

Still disoriented, Yuka asked "What's going on? The last thing I remember is that monster attacking and then..." Her eyes widened. "Wait, did I...die?"

Maybe it was all just a dream Yuka thought, but nothing was making sense to her.

Goku scratched the back of his head nervously. "Well...It's a long story. Here, this is yours!" He placed the 4-star ball in her hands.

Yuka was confused. "Goku...what is this rock?"

Goku smiled brightly. "It's your orange ball! I got it back for you!"

She turned it curiously. "This isn't my jewel ball..."

Goku explained "Don't worry, it'll turn back to normal after a year. But I gotta get going now, my training is waiting!"

Everything was confusing for her. "I don't understand..." She looked up from her ball hoping to ask Goku more questions.

"Goku?"

Gone was now nowhere to be seen.


Yuka wandered through the busy hospital halls in a daze, trying to make sense of everything that had happened.

As she walked, she overheard two nurses chatting by the front desk

"Did you notice how it randomly went dark outside earlier today? And not just like passing clouds, the whole sky just turned pitch black all of a sudden!"

The other nurse nodded "Yeah I saw that. It happened earlier too."

The first nurse added, "What about the explosions?"

"Really? I didn't feel any shaking here in the hospital," the other nurse replied.

"It was earlier. I felt the shakes at my own home and I thought it was an earthquake. But I heard them talking about it on the news too. They mentioned a huge crater was discovered miles away from the city. Maybe it was a meteor strike?"

"Who knows?"

Just then, their conversation was interrupted by Yuka rushing up to them looking worried and slightly frantic.

"Excuse me, is my mom here in the hospital?" Yuka asked urgently.

One nurse kindly responded, "Sure thing! Just tell me who your mother is."

Later, Yuka burst into the hospital room and her eyes immediately welled up at the sight of her mother lying in the bed, looking weary but alive.

"Mom!" Yuka cried out, rushing to her side.

"Yuka!?" her mother exclaimed in disbelief, sitting up. They embraced each other tightly, both shedding tears of joy and relief.

"Oh Yuka, I was so worried about you," her mom said through sobs. "After the gas explosion at our restaurant...when they didn't find your body, I thought the worst had happened!"

Yuka pulled back, puzzled. "Gas explosion? What are you talking about?"

Her mom explained "There was a terrible accident at the restaurant, some gas lines ruptured. The whole inside was destroyed. You were declared missing by the police!"

Yuka shook her head, trying to understand. "How long was I gone?"

"Days!" her mother replied. "Where have you been all this time? What happened to you?"

Unsure how to even begin explaining, Yuka could only say "I...I don't really know."

Her mom hugged her close again. "It doesn't matter now, you're safe and that's all I care about."

Yuka returned the embrace, emotions overwhelming her. She was overjoyed her mother was alright. But her thoughts kept returning to Goku.

He seemed to hold the answers about her death and miraculous return. She wondered when she would see him again to get the full truth.


Kurama was in his lab, peering through a bunch of papers.

Professor Kakuzawa entered. "Any breakthroughs yet in understanding his power?"

Kurama sighed and leaned back. "Unfortunately, no. It still makes no sense."

But then his tone brightened. "However, I did find something interesting during a recent test on the cells we collected. When exposed to a lot of stress, their rate of mitosis accelerated rapidly, causing more cells to multiply."

"So his cells regenerate at an increased pace when damaged?"

Kurama nodded.

Kakuzawa then brought up something else. "I should also ask. Should we call him Goku or Kakarot?"

Kurama thought for a moment. "Let's just call him Goku," Kurama decided. "It's simpler and he seems to identify with it more anyway."

Kurama suddenly remembered something else. "Ah yes, when I last encountered Goku, he referred to himself as a Saiyan."

Kakuzawa raised an eyebrow. "A Saiyan? That's implying his species already had a name despite recently being discovered."

"Perhaps he gave it to himself."

"Maybe," Kurama agreed. There was still so much mystery surrounding Goku's background.


Over a week had passed since Goku's battle with Piccolo. In his office, Director Kakuzawa leaned back in his chair, deep in thought about the boy.

A Saiyan? So that's what his species is called...

"Son Goku..." he muttered aloud. The child had gone from being unable to even touch Tambourine to somehow defeating the Demon King himself.

Nobody but Kakuzawa knew that the boy has shown the power to destroy the world if he wanted.

Kakuzawa reflected on the Kurama's reports, which noted the boy's cells underwent rapid mitosis when damaged.

This seemed to prove his original theory that Goku got stronger after every fight.

Kakuzawa realized "This level of evolutionary adaptation..."

He then vividly recalled Goku transforming into the giant rampaging ape creature. It was still hard to believe at first.

"The key seems to be in that tail of his," Kakuzawa pondered. "Once it was severed, he lost that monstrous form."

The boy's potential intrigued him deeply. "Don't worry, Goku my boy...we will meet again soon enough. And by then, I will have unlocked the source of your incredible power."

Kakuzawa smiled coldly to himself as he headed down the hall to a secure laboratory. Inside, a placid, pale-haired scientist turned to greet him.

"You must be Doctor Nousou. A pleasure to finally meet you," Kakuzawa said cordially, shaking the man's hand.

Nousou replied calmly "The pleasure is mine, Director."

Nousou smiled warmly as he welcomed Kakuzawa into his lab. "I'm very pleased to finally be working at your facility, especially in such an important role."

Kakuzawa got right to business. "So tell me, how's the research into harnessing the power of Ki energy?"

"I'm glad you asked! I've made some fascinating progress." Nousou gathered some papers. "I've been running tests on DNA samples from the boy, Son Goku. His biology may be the key to unlocking Ki."

Nousou pointed to some diagrams. "As you know, Ki resides in all living things. But Goku can consciously control it to achieve astounding feats. I'm developing a theoretical model that could potentially tap into infinite Ki reserves."

Kakuzawa's eyes lit up, but he asked skeptically "Infinite energy? Is such a thing truly attainable?"

"The more we unravel the mysteries of Goku's power, the closer this dream becomes to reality," Nousou replied confidently. "Give me three years, and I know I can fully quantify Ki manipulation."

Kakuzawa nodded, impressed by the bold claims. His attention turned to a new idea. "Doctor, what are your thoughts on utilizing the boy's genetic material for a different purpose? To develop new lifeforms?"

Nousou raised an eyebrow curiously. "You suggest we attempt cloning him?"

"Even better," Kakuzawa said with a grin. "Imagine combining his Saiyan genes with our Diclonius stock. The potential is limitless for such hybrids!"

Nousou stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmmm, yes, I believe such genetic engineering could be feasible..."

"Excellent! Then make it a top priority to begin immediately," Kakuzawa ordered. Visions of unstoppable beings under his control danced in his mind.

As he left to attend to other matters, Kakuzawa couldn't help but smile sinisterly to himself. Once he harnessed the full extent of Goku's capabilities, no one would dare stand in his way ever again.


Kurama entered the containment chamber holding the restrained Diclonius girl, Lucy. She stayed motionless, the bulky metal helmet obscuring her face.

"I hope you are finding your accommodations satisfactory," Kurama quipped dryly. As expected, Lucy remained silent.

"I wished to know more about Goku, or Kakarot as you like to call him," Kurama continued unfazed. "What special abilities have you witnessed from the boy?"

Lucy stayed quiet, the only sound of her steady breathing within the helmet.

Kurama pressed on. "Do you have any insights into where he came from? His origins?"

Still, no response came from the girl. Kurama sighed, the unproductive interrogation going as predicted.

"What if I were to tell you the boy is in fact still alive out there?" Kurama suggested casually.

This finally prompted a reply from Lucy. "I would not believe you," she stated coldly.

Kurama shrugged. "Yet we have seen him with our own eyes. Since he has eluded us for now, I had hoped you could provide added perspective."

He turned to exit, realizing this was a complete waste of his time.

"No matter, we will discover the full truth soon enough once the boy is in our custody here."

Lucy seethed silently as Kurama left. How dare they taunt her with the notion that Kakarot lived, after the trauma of losing him. She refused to be misled again by false hope.

Yet...what if it were somehow true? What if her friend had survived against all odds? A faint ember of possibility flickered in Lucy's heart.


Kakuzawa peered intently out the helicopter window, scanning the terrain below. He turned to address the pilot, "Keep searching, he must be somewhere in this region based on the sightings."

Meanwhile, the young Piccolo Jr wandered alone through a remote forest. Hearing loud chopper blades approaching, he stopped and waited in a grassy clearing, ready for confrontation.

The helicopter landed several meters away and Kakuzawa emerged. Piccolo Jr stared curiously at the unfamiliar man.

"You must be King Piccolo's offspring," Kakuzawa called out, recognizing the young Namekian.

Piccolo Jr narrowed his eyes warily. "Yes, I am his son." Flashes of memories inherited from his father told him this human was familiar.

Kakuzawa grinned. "Well, I know you desire revenge on the boy who killed your father. I can help you achieve that goal. What do you say we form an alliance, you and I?"

He extended his hand in offering. Piccolo Jr looked confused at the gesture. After a moment's consideration, he grasped Kakuzawa's hand firmly.


Far away in a forest, numerous construction vehicles and police cars surrounded a strange discovery. A large spherical object is buried in a crater. Workers had cleared away trees to access the mysterious sphere.

"This has gotta be some kind of alien tech," one awestruck worker commented as the excavator lifted the object out.

The site leader called out, "Get it loaded on the truck! We need to secure it ASAP."

Teams moved in swiftly, strapping the sphere and hauling it into a heavy transport vehicle.

"Alright, let's move out!" ordered the leader. "I want a team prepped to take this thing apart and analyze its purpose. It's obviously not of this earth."

With military escorts flanking them, the truck carrying the bizarre sphere drove off toward a remote, high-security government base.

All evidence of the strange object's existence was quickly erased from the forest site, leaving no trace behind.


Lightyears away, the Saiyan warriors Vegeta, Raditz, and Nappa sped through the darkness of space in their round space pods, bound for their next mission of conquest. Their scouters crackled to life as they communicated.

"This pathetic planet we're headed to doesn't seem like much of a challenge," Vegeta grumbled. "Why are we even wasting our time?"

Raditz replied, "Frieza demanded we purge it anyway. I wished he stopped giving us boring planets."

"Heh, it'll barely be a warm-up for us Saiyans. We'll have the whole population eradicated by that planet's sundown," Nappa remarked cockily.

"Just make sure you idiots actually leave the terrain intact this time," Vegeta snapped.

"Hey, that wasn't my fault!" Nappa retorted. "Those weaklings got what they deserved..."

He was cut off by Vegeta barking, "Enough excuses! Stay focused."

The Saiyans flew onward in silence until Nappa spoke up again. "Hey, Raditz, whatever happened with your little brother Kakarot? Haven't heard you mention him in a while."

Vegeta scoffed "The weakling probably got himself killed on that planet he was sent to."

"Heh, yeah that's a shame. Could have been one more Saiyan around," Nappa chuckled.

But Raditz scowled. "I'm certain my brother still lives! I'll be heading to collect him soon enough and prove he completed his mission."

Vegeta called back, "Forget about that low-class clown. We're almost at the target planet."

In his mind, Raditz wondered why Kakarot had stop trying to contact him after his first attempt. "You better not make me look foolish, Kakarot," he thought angrily. "Just three more years until I come for you..."


Oh my god, Im finally done writing this chapter. This is the longest one by far. It was originally going to be split but I decided to push on again. This chapter is worth 3 of my normal ones. It exceeds 15k words. Well, It's the least I can do after a 2-week break. Hope I didn't make you guys wait too long.

I spent too long working on this and im desperate to just publish it. Also, sorry if I made any typos because of that.

So this chapter is basically the King Piccolo saga but with slight changes. I kinda wanted to get this part of the story over with in one chapter so that's why it's so long.

Now that this chapter is over, it will skip three years ahead. That's right, to the first episode of Elfen Lied. All the chapters before were basically the backstory, and now this saga of this fanfiction is over. Hopefully, chapters will come out quicker after chapter 10 comes out.

Now this chapter alludes this a lot of things I want to play out in the future in three years. so what will happen? Most importantly, will Goku and Keade finally reunite?

Find out the next chapter...

Also, please everyone leave reviews. It will help improve the story and I just like reading them.