Lucy sat motionless on the steps, lost in thought, as Goku came up behind her.
"Hey Nyu, are you feeling okay?" Goku asked gently.
Lucy gave no response, not even acknowledging his presence. She simply continued staring straight ahead in pensive silence.
Goku studied her intently, focused on unraveling why she had shifted so drastically earlier. Her killing intent had vanished for now, yet he could still sense darkness swirling within the girl.
"Nyu?" he tried again. Still, she did not react or meet his gaze.
At last, Lucy spoke, her voice flat and cold. "Why do you keep calling me that?"
Goku's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean? Nyu is your name...isn't it?"
"What kind of stupidity is that?" she muttered bitterly under her breath.
Goku ran a hand through his unruly hair, searching for some way to reach her. "Well, I was worried about you back there. You seemed to change all of a sudden."
Worried? The simple word gave Lucy pause. The Kakarot she once knew would never have openly admitted concern for her wellbeing. Even his manner of speaking had changed - gentler, kinder.
She tensed slightly as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Finally turning to examine his face, she saw none of the intimidation or coldness she remembered. In its place was compassion. He had grown into someone new entirely. What could have happened to alter him so profoundly?
When she first heard his footsteps approaching, she had expected him to be critical and look down on her, given how she had basically abandoned him years ago.
"Why?" she asked, a touch of vulnerability entering her voice.
Goku furrowed his brow in confusion. "Why what?"
"Why are you acting so...different?" Lucy murmured, her eyes searching his intently.
Goku scratched his head, even more bewildered. "I'm not really sure what you mean..."
Lucy's voice lost its sharp coldness as she continued probing gently. "I thought you had died...that I would never see you again..."
Goku's eyes widened. "Wait, you thought I was dead? Why?"
Lucy's gaze turned pleading. "Don't you remember what happened at the orphanage?"
Goku's thoughts raced. Did she know him from that time? It would explain why she seemed familiar. "I'm sorry, I don't recall anything from the orphanage really. My memories are fuzzy."
Lucy's eyes widened slightly. "You don't remember?"
Goku shook his head. "No...I think the only clear memory I have is waking up there injured. But not much else."
Lucy tensed, thinking of the head trauma he had endured. Could that be why...?
"So you don't remember me...?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Goku frowned apologetically. "No, not from when we were young."
Lucy's shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly as the truth dawned on her. His injury must have erased his memories. He recalled nothing of their shared past, nothing of her. To him, she was no one. And now he meant nothing to her either.
"I understand now..." she murmured distantly. Their history was meaningless now. She turned her gaze forward once more as her eyes grew cold and detached. Her actions had damaged him beyond repair, severing the bond they once shared. She had no one to blame but herself.
Lucy stared blankly ahead as she attempted to steel her emotions. She was stronger now, most likely far more than the Kakarot. She didn't need his protection anymore. But bitterness still churned within her, no matter how she tried to suppress it.
A new presence entered the edges of her awareness. One of her own kind was approaching. Lucy remained outwardly still, betraying nothing.
Beside her, Goku studied her troubled face, wishing there was some way to ease whatever was troubling her. "Im not really good at this type of thing, but I want to help you," he offered gently.
"Just go. We have nothing more to discuss," Lucy responded coldly, shutting him out.
Goku looked dismayed. "But-"
"If you are smart, you'll just leave me alone," she warned Goku darkly. "Unless you wish to get hurt."
Even though this was no longer the boy she once knew, something in Lucy's heart still didn't want to see more pain inflicted upon him because of her. Perhaps it would be better if their paths never crossed again.
Goku sensed no real intent from "Nyu" to harm him. But a new presence caught his attention. Someone with a unique energy just like hers.
He turned to see a figure emerging at the top of the stone steps. As the newcomer drew closer, Goku could make out her short pink hair swaying gently in the breeze. What did she want with them?
Goku relaxed as the newcomer drew near, sensing no evil intent within her. He wasn't sure if she was seeking them out specifically or just happened to be passing by. For now, he decided to simply wait and observe.
"You idiot, I told you to leave," Lucy muttered agitated, still facing away.
Finally, the girl approached them, setting her bag down as she addressed Lucy directly. "I've come to take you home. There's no point in running anymore."
Lucy remained silent and still. But Goku rose to greet her with a friendly smile. "Are you looking for Nyu?" he asked, gesturing back towards Lucy.
The girl frowned in confusion. "Nyu?"
"That's her name," Goku explained, pointing again at Lucy's unmoving form.
The girl nodded slowly in understanding. "Yes, I'm here for her, to bring her home."
Goku studied her, trying to discern her motives. She seemed different than the soldiers who had attacked them before, lacking malicious intent. And with her flowing pink hair, there was clearly a connection to Nyu.
"You're taking her home? Are you two sisters or something?" he asked.
"Oh no, not exactly," the girl replied. She eyed Goku with guarded curiosity. Hadn't her papa mentioned Lucy might be with a dangerous dark-haired boy? Was this him? Yet he seemed friendly enough so far. Still, she remained cautiously on alert.
Goku smiled warmly, hoping to show he meant no harm. "I'm Goku. What's your name?"
Lucy's eyebrows furrowed while listening to the boy she once knew greet himself to the girl. He would have never called himself that. He was too different now.
The girl hesitated before answering. "I'm Nana."
Nana wasn't sure what to make of this boy. But if he was aligned with Lucy, her papa had warned he could be a threat too. She would have to stay vigilant, even if he appeared kind. Her mission was to bring Lucy home safely, no matter what.
Lucy's impatience grew as she listened to Goku and Nana converse behind her. Finally, she stood, though she still refused to turn and acknowledge them.
Goku noticed her movement and tried again to include her. "Nyu, do you know this girl Nana?"
Lucy remained stubbornly silent, staring off into the distance. She just wanted Nana to leave, and for Goku to go as well before things escalated.
Nana studied Goku critically. "So you're allied with Lucy? Does that mean you kill people too?"
Goku's eyes widened in surprise. "What? No way, I'd never do something like that!"
Nana wasn't convinced. "But my Papa said you might be dangerous too. He wants to bring you in along with Lucy."
"Bring me in? I don't understand, I haven't done anything wrong," Goku protested, utterly perplexed by the accusation. "And who is Lucy?"
Finally, Lucy spoke up icily without turning, "I have never killed another person before." By that, she meant she had never killed another one of her own kind. However, right now, things are about to change.
She addressed Goku once more. "This is your last chance. Leave now, while you still can." She just wanted him gone before the situation deteriorated further.
Despite Lucy's warnings, Goku couldn't bring himself to abandon her. His instincts told him leaving now would be a grave mistake.
Nana gave a calm smile. "I'm afraid you can't go. I've already informed them of this location."
Goku's eyes narrowed. "Who exactly did you contact?"
"The people who will take Lucy in," Nana explained, gesturing toward the silent pink-haired girl. "And I believe they want to take you too."
Goku frowned deeply, quickly putting the pieces together. "You must be with those soldiers who tried capturing Nyu before. I can't let that happen."
Nana shook her head sorrowfully. "I don't want to hurt anyone. But you know, they won't let me go home, not until...not until I bring her back with me..."
Goku's brows drew together in concern. "But why are they so obsessed with capturing Nyu? What has she done wrong?"
"I'm sorry, but I have no choice," Nana said regretfully. She began slowly walking towards Lucy.
Goku stepped forward, muscular arm extended to block her path. His face was uncharacteristically serious. "You don't have to do this. There must be some other way."
Nana hesitated, unsure what to do. She desperately wanted to avoid violence. Perhaps she could gently move him aside with her vectors without causing harm?
Oblivious to her psychic powers, Goku was completely unprepared as Nana subtly extended an invisible vector towards him. But before she made contact, Lucy suddenly whipped around.
With frightening speed, Lucy's vector slammed brutally into Nana, sending the girl's petite body crashing into the stone wall.
Nana coughed and trembled violently, blood dripping from her mouth. Goku's eyes went wide with shock at the girl in front of him suddenly being viciously struck by some invisible force.
Goku rushed to the fallen girl's side, deeply confused about what had just transpired. He had sensed a spike of energy from Lucy right as Nana crashed into the wall.
Turning back, he saw Lucy's eyes were still cold and hard. Realization dawned - somehow she had struck Nana down. But how?
"Nyu...did you do that to her?" he asked cautiously.
Lucy seethed internally at his foolishness. She had tried to warn him away, yet still, he refused to listen. That head injury must have damaged his basic instincts. She would not be responsible for his idiocy any longer.
"You have no idea how close to death you stand," she said ominously.
Goku's brow furrowed. "Whatever's happening, you need to stop before someone gets seriously hurt."
Lucy's glare intensified. "Allow me to give you a demonstration."
Suddenly Goku felt an odd sensation, like invisible tendrils sliding into his body. They poised threateningly around his organs but did not squeeze...yet.
Goku's eyes went wide. "W-what is this?"
"They are called vectors," Lucy explained coldly. "Invisible hands I control. Don't move. It would be simple to sever an artery in your brain. My lightest touch kills."
Goku froze, stunned by this power he had no idea Nyu had. Lucy's voice was like ice. "Go home. I won't warn you again."
After a few tense seconds, Goku's shock faded, replaced by seriousness. Despite the vectors poised to end his life, he took a single step forward.
Lucy looked startled, quickly withdrawing her vectors. "I told you not to move! Do you want to die?"
Goku held her gaze unflinchingly. "You won't hurt me. I know you don't really want to." He moved closer until they were face to face.
Lucy scowled, but his words rang true. She could not bring herself to kill this familiar boy from her damaged past. He had called her bluff, and they both knew it.
As Goku and Lucy faced off, Nana slowly dragged herself up off the ground through sheer force of will. No matter the pain, she was determined to fulfill her mission and make her Papa proud.
"Something...like this..." she panted, fully upright once more. "Something like this doesn't hurt at all!" she declared defiantly. Her vectors shot towards Lucy once more.
But this time, Goku sensed the invisible attack coming. Before Lucy could react, he scooped her up and leaped backward with astonishing speed.
Nana extended her vectors further, and Goku braced for impact.
The force sent him crashing into a nearby cemetery, but he landed nimbly on his feet, Lucy still protectively cradled in his arms. She stared at him in shock.
"What is this...?" Lucy uttered, stunned by his speed and reflexes.
Goku gently set Lucy back down on her feet. "Wow, that was a close one," he said with a relieved smile.
But Lucy was having none of it. "Explain, now!" she said sharply. "How did you get so strong?"
Goku looked back at her confused. "Huh?
She knew Kakarot had great strength as a child, but she still couldn't believe he had the strength to take that attack and be completely fine.
Goku scratched his head sheepishly. "Well, I've been training a lot over the years. So if you knew me back then, you can probably tell."
Lucy's mind raced as she tried to comprehend it. Had he really gotten that much stronger? What was the limit of his capabilities? Just what was he?
"But it should still be impossible," Lucy insisted, brow furrowed. "There is no way you should have seen that attack."
Goku gave an easy grin. "Well, I can sense it coming. At first, I was just confused since I couldn't actually see the attacks. But after you explained the whole invisible hands thing, it started to make more sense. That other girl must have those abilities too, right?"
Lucy nodded slowly, pink strands swaying. "Yes...she's the same as me. But surely you don't actually plan on fighting her yourself?"
"I sure am," Goku replied breezily. "Don't worry though, I can handle it no problem."
Lucy's features twisted into a scowl, red eyes flashing. "That's not the issue," she snapped irritably. "What makes you think you can fight my battles for me? I don't need your protection."
Goku held up his hands in a calming gesture. "It's not that I doubt your strength and skill. I'm positive you could beat her without much effort if you wanted."
He hesitated before continuing gently. "But you're planning on killing her, aren't you? I can see it in your eyes."
Lucy's piercing gaze grew icy. "So what if I kill the girl? She had her chance to leave this place in peace."
Goku shook his head, jaw set stubbornly. "I don't see evil in her. She's only following the orders she was given. Taking her life would be unnecessary."
Lucy let out a derisive snort. "You are stupid if you really think that way. Shows how far you've fallen. You would have never said something like this back then."
Goku's brows knit together in confusion. "Well, I don't really understand what you mean by that or what has been going on with you. But right now, I have to deal with Nana before this escalates further."
Lucy waved a hand dismissively, tone frigid. "Fine, do as you will. Just don't expect me to save you if you get sliced into pieces."
Inwardly though, Lucy was anxious to witness the extent of Kakarot's abilities firsthand. She will find out how strong he has really gotten.
As Nana approached, Goku turned to face her, expression serious. He was determined to end this confrontation without lethal force if at all possible.
Arms folded tightly across her chest, Lucy watched critically from the sidelines. Soon she would have definitive answers.
Nana slowly approached Goku and Lucy, a determined glint in her soft eyes. Gone was the uncertainty from before. She would complete her mission, no matter the cost.
Goku turned to face the petite pink-haired girl, expression serious. "So I take it you still won't back down for what you came here for?"
"Yes, that's right," Nana replied resolutely. "I must bring her back, for the good of everyone."
Goku's stance widened. "Well, I can't allow that. Im not going to just let you take Nyu."
Nana hesitated briefly. She had no wish to harm this boy, who seemed human. Yet he had easily blocked her earlier vector assault. Just what was he then?
Steeling herself, Nana responded. "You don't stand a chance of defeating me. You have no vectors of your own."
"Your vectors won't work on me this time," Goku said confidently. "I've figured them out now. You won't be catching me off guard again."
He gave Nana a smirk. "But if you're so sure of yourself, go ahead and try me."
Nana frowned uncertainly. Glancing back, Nana saw Lucy observing them coldly, no hint of concern on her face. Nana took a deep breath to focus herself. One way or another, her mission would be completed.
She turned back to Goku, vectors coiling in anticipation. "Have it your way then. But don't expect me to hold back any longer. I won't kill you but, I'll teach you a lesson."
Goku had decided after he defeated Nana, he would get answers from her about why people kept being sent to capture Nyu. And now apparently he as well.
Nana struck first, lashing out with a single vector aimed directly at Goku's torso. But right before impact, he vanished before her eyes.
Whipping around in confusion, Nana spotted him standing calmly just a short distance behind her, having effortlessly dodged her blow. She quickly leaped backward to open up space between them once more.
"He's so fast...it's like he disappeared completely," Nana murmured in astonishment.
Undeterred, she resumed her vector assault, sending multiple invisible strikes at Goku in rapid succession. He nimbly ducked and danced around them, the crushing impacts shattering stone where he had been standing just moments before.
Nana's brow furrowed in concentration as she sought an opening, some way to catch him off guard with the unpredictable reach of her vectors. But his reflexes and movements were just too quick.
Watching from a distance, Lucy's eyes were wide, trying to follow Goku's blurring motions intently. She had to admit, that his raw speed and agility were impressive. He was clearly able to hold his own.
Nana crossed her vectors in an X shape, aiming to box Goku in. But he slid under while the vectors missed him by a hair's width.
Lucy's lips pressed into a thin line. She couldn't let herself forget. Kakarot was managing to evade blows that would pulverize a normal human. There was more to his abilities than she had assumed. This battle was proving enlightening in many ways.
Goku turned to face Nana directly. "You won't defeat me, so just tell me why are all these people after Nyu?"
In response, Nana sent two vectors slicing through the air towards him. Goku nimbly leaped upwards, letting one vector crash into the ground where he had been standing.
Nana saw her chance to catch him vulnerable mid-air. "I've got you now!" She directed the second vector upwards to incapacitate the airborne Goku.
But right before impact, his form blurred for an instant. The vector passed harmlessly through him.
Nana's eyes went wide with shock. "What! How? My vectors have no effect on him?"
Goku landed lightly on his feet. "It's not that they don't affect me. I just dodged, and what you hit was my afterimage."
Before Nana could react, Goku suddenly rocketed towards her. She jumped back on instinct, trying to open distance, but then felt a palm strike her squarely between the shoulder blades.
The force of the blow sent Nana stumbling forward several feet before she spun around to face him. When had he gotten behind her so quickly?
"I didn't even see him move..." Nana thought anxiously. She was completely outmatched in speed and reflexes.
Goku's expression was serious now. "Relying solely on your vectors makes you vulnerable. You lack physical strength and defenses. Once I get past your vectors, ending this fight becomes easy."
Nana trembled slightly, unnerved by this boy's casual confidence even surrounded by her deadly psychic limbs. She would have to try a different strategy, and fast.
Frustration mounted within Nana as she struggled to find an opening against this bizarrely powerful foe. He was clearly no ordinary human.
Meanwhile, Lucy watched the battle unfold with growing astonishment. She had severely underestimated Kakarot as his fighting capabilities were far beyond anything she could have anticipated. Though not human, what exactly was he?
"I won't let you or Lucy hurt anyone else!" Nana yelled defiantly. In desperation, she lashed out a vector to snatch a sturdy tree branch overhead, rapidly pulling herself skyward to gain higher ground.
But to her shock, Goku suddenly appeared floating effortlessly at the same altitude directly in front of her.
"What?!" Nana gasped, completely thrown. How was he flying unsupported?!
She quickly released her vector's grip, dropping back to the earth and landing in a defensive crouch. Goku hovered above her, utterly at ease.
Nearby, Lucy gaped up at the floating Goku, dumbfounded. Since when was Kakarot capable of unaided flight?!
Goku gazed down solemnly at Nana. "I still don't understand what you mean about us hurting people. I have a feeling I won't get real answers until this fight is over."
He gently lowered himself to land lightly a few feet from Nana, squaring off against her once more.
Goku slowly raised a fist towards Nana, expression grim. "So let's finish this now. No need to keep dragging it out."
Steeling herself, Nana prepared to strike with all four vectors simultaneously. This had to work!
But as the invisible arms hurtled forward, Goku launched his fist with blinding speed. The resulting shockwave blasted Nana's petite body backward, slamming her against a concrete headstone with crushing force. She cried out in pain before slumping over, knocked out cold.
Lucy could only stare, utterly dumbfounded. With minimal effort, Kakarot had produced enough raw power to completely overwhelm Nana's vectors. This fight had exceeded her wildest expectations.
Goku approached Nana's unconscious form and checked on her gently. "I didn't put too much force into the attack. I only meant to knock her out for now."
He turned and gave Lucy a thumbs up and grin. "See, I told you I could handle her no problem!"
But Lucy just continued staring silently, still struggling to process everything she had witnessed. Her mind was awhirl with questions.
From his hidden vantage point, Kurama watched the battle's conclusion with rising dread. His worst fears were confirmed. Goku had somehow returned, and grown exponentially stronger.
The sniper team's voice crackled over the radio. "Sir, should we take the shot on the target?"
Kurama quickly responded, "No, do not engage." Their conventional firepower stood no chance of stopping someone of Goku's caliber. And he couldn't alert him to their location.
Back down in the cemetery, the still-surprised Lucy turned to Goku with a frown. "So what exactly do you plan on doing with the girl now?"
Goku carefully gathered up Nana's petite, unconscious body into his arms. Her pink hair swayed limply as he adjusted his hold on her.
"Well, once she wakes up, I want to ask her why people keep getting sent after you," Goku explained, looking down thoughtfully at Nana's face. "There's something important we're still missing here."
Lucy scoffed. "Then it's pointless. I already know full well what they want with me."
Goku looked at her surprised. "Wait, you do? Why?"
"And why should I explain anything to you?" Lucy retorted icily, pointedly looking away. "As I already said, I have no need for your protection."
Goku's brow furrowed in frustration. "Come on, I just want to understand what's really going on here."
He sighed, features softening. "Look, I know you feel you can handle this alone. But wouldn't it help to have someone you can truly rely on, who has your back no matter what?"
Lucy stayed silent, lips pressed in a tight line as she avoided Goku's earnest gaze. The quiet cemetery air hung heavy between them.
Goku suddenly heard rapid footsteps and turned to see Mayu rushing up to them.
"Mayu? What are you doing here?" Goku asked with concern. "It's dangerous, you need to go."
Mayu had been watching the confrontation unfold from the stone steps nearby. She recognized Goku and the strange girl who had been at the house. But she didn't know the other girl Goku had been fighting, though it was clear he had won.
"W-What's happening?" Mayu cried out anxiously. "Why is everyone fighting like this?!"
"I'll explain later, I promise," Goku said gently. "But right now you need to get to safety so you don't get hurt."
Mayu pointed a small shaking hand at Nana's unconscious form. "B-But that girl...she's hurt! And I saw you flying in the air!"
Goku gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, she's only knocked out for now. I'll explain everything soon, I know it's confusing."
Goku's head turned as he scanned the surrounding area intently. "I think there are more people here. I can sense them nearby." They must be whoever Nana had contacted for backup earlier.
Focusing his senses, he was able to pinpoint several human energy signatures concealed at a distance. Goku prepared to fly off and investigate.
He turned back to Lucy one last time. "You know, there are people who care about you," he said gently. "Sooner or later, you'll have to open up."
Lucy's jaw tightened, and she silently turned her face away.
With a burst of energy, Goku launched himself skyward, rapidly homing in on the locations of the hidden onlookers. He suspected they were observing from some kind of concealed vantage point.
Lucy stood silently as she watched Kakarot fly off, her thoughts in turmoil. He had changed so much from the child she once knew. She didn't know how to feel about this different version of him.
Nearby, young Mayu continued staring wide-eyed at the spot where Goku had rocketed away. He could actually fly through the air unsupported!
Timidly, Mayu glanced over at the silent horned girl Goku had called Lucy. She didn't remember her looking this scary from their brief encounter at Kouta's house.
Sensing the girl's gaze on her, Lucy turned her head to stare back icily. Mayu quickly dropped her eyes, intimidated.
Lucy frowned to herself. Why was she left to watch over these two while Kakarot flew off on his own? It would be simple to kill both the child and the unconscious pink-haired girl right now if she so wished.
Abruptly turning her back on them, Lucy crossed her arms, seething quietly.
From their hidden position, Kurama and his assistant Isobe watched tensely along with the sniper team. Retrieving the unconscious Nana seemed impossible with Goku and Lucy still present.
"What should our next move be, sir?" Isobe asked nervously.
Before Kurama could respond, the radio crackled to life. "The target is heading straight for us!" the sniper team reported frantically.
"What?!" Kurama exclaimed in alarm.
Moments later, Goku landed nimbly in front of the snipers, his sudden dramatic entrance causing them to back away in fear. Their rifles remained trained warily on the spiky-haired intruder.
Goku's normally cheerful face was deadly serious. "You guys keep trying to capture my friend Nyu," he said sternly. "I want to know exactly why you're after her."
The snipers exchanged uncertain glances, intimidated by the intense young man who had somehow discovered their hidden location.
Goku raised his hands in a pacifying gesture as the snipers' guns remained trained on him. "Look, I don't want to hurt anyone. I just want some honest answers."
Suddenly, he detected more weapons being readied behind him and whirled to see a new squad of armed men appearing. One of the men who seemed to be leading the squad looked oddly familiar.
Kurama hesitated, reconsidering the wisdom of a direct confrontation with Goku. Their last encounter years ago had nearly ended in his death. But it was too late to back down now.
Even though risky, for now, he would try to talk and see Goku's true intentions. But he kept his guard up, ready to signal his forces into action at the first sign of aggression.
Goku's expression hardened as he stared down the new arrivals, focusing on the apparent leader. "Are you the one responsible for sending that girl to attack us?" he demanded.
"So, you have truly returned after all this time...Goku," Kurama replied evenly, disregarding the question.
Goku's eyes widened in recognition. "Wait, you're...!" The same man who had captured him three years ago. Of course, he was behind this. Now they wanted to take Nyu as well.
Goku's hands clenched into fists as anger rose within him. "What do you want?! Why are you chasing us?!" he yelled.
"You both have blood on your hands," Kuruma answered coldly. "Especially her."
"I don't care what Nyu may have done," Goku retorted. "It doesn't justify what you plan for her. Or what you already did to me."
Kurama seemed unmoved. "Is that so? I thought you would fully comprehend her crimes, given your own violent nature."
He thought back to what the girl had told him. Goku frowned in confusion. "Why does everyone keep saying that about me? I don't know what you mean."
"I've experienced it first hand. Do you not recall nearly killing me when you escaped years ago," Kurama said coldly.
Goku frowned, perplexed. "What? No...I don't remember that."
He tried to think back, but his memories were blank. Though he did recall seeing Kurama bloodied and unconscious, the events leading to that were a void. Could he really have done something so violent?
Goku maintained a stoic expression, hiding his uncertainty. "I don't remember harming you. But I do recall being tortured at that place so it makes me wonder why you want to capture Nyu. So for that last time, tell me what you want with her."
Goku began walking steadily towards Kurama, his expression serious. Kurama tensed, fighting to keep any hint of fear or uncertainty from showing on his face as the armed men behind him kept their guns aimed warily at Goku.
"Stand down," Kurama ordered calmly. Reluctantly, the men lowered their weapons.
Goku stopped directly in front of Kurama, close enough for Kurama to see the hard glint in his dark eyes. Kurama kept his breathing carefully measured despite his hammering pulse.
"I already explained to you what the Diclonii are," Kurama said evenly. "Surely you must remember from our previous conversations years ago."
Goku was silent for a moment before responding. "Wait I think I do remember..."
He recalled Kurama detailing a race of psychic, horned girls back during his imprisonment. That must be what Nyu is. And the other girl he fought, Nana, must be one too. It was slowly starting to make sense.
"Then you must comprehend the existential threat they pose to the future of mankind," Kurama pressed on relentlessly. "But I suppose that is of little concern to a creature like yourself."
"It does matter to me," Goku said seriously. "I don't want to see innocent people get hurt."
Kurama's eyes narrowed slightly. "If that were true, you would have no objections to us returning Lucy to confinement."
Goku grits his teeth, hands clenching into fists. "What do you mean 'return'? Don't tell me you already had her locked up in that facility of yours!"
"Indeed. And for good reason," Kurama said coldly. "Are you aware of how many humans Lucy has already ruthlessly slaughtered? The danger her kind represents?"
Goku fell silent, doubt creeping into his mind. When Nyu had transformed at Kouta's house, the malice pouring from her was undeniable. Could she have really killed people?
"This still isn't right..." he finally muttered. But his voice lacked conviction.
Goku's next question stopped Kurama short. "There are more imprisoned girls like Nyu at your facility, aren't there?"
Kurama hesitated before answering evenly. "Yes, there are others."
"There's no way they can all be as evil as you claim," Goku said doubtfully.
Kurama's expression hardened. "Do you not understand? The instinct to kill humans is ingrained in their very blood."
"Even that Nana girl I fought?" Goku challenged. "She didn't seem evil to me."
At that, Kurama faltered briefly. "...She is an exception," he finally admitted.
"But she's still locked up too, right?" Goku pressed. "Despite meaning no harm?"
Kurama avoided his intense stare. "Her confinement is...necessary. For the safety of all."
Goku's hands clenched in anger. "So even if they're capable of good, in your eyes they're still monsters to be caged. You don't even give them a chance!"
His voice rang with conviction. "None of them deserve to be tortured and imprisoned like this. It isn't right!"
Kurama met Goku's fiery gaze unflinchingly. "I don't comprehend your motives in saying all this to me. I accepted the necessity of my actions long ago."
Goku stepped closer, radiating righteous fury. "Then you're going to have to accept that I won't stand by either. I won't let you keep hurting innocent people!"
Nearby, Kurama's assistant Isobe watched the tense exchange anxiously. He worried Kurama was provoking the dangerously powerful Goku too far. One wrong move could trigger a disaster.
Then to Isobe's surprise, Goku's tone softened slightly. "I think I understand now. You're doing these things because you believe it protects other people. But the way you're going about it is wrong."
With that, Goku turned and began walking away, much to Kurama and Isobe's shock. Looking back over his shoulder, Goku added "Even if what you say about Nyu is true, I won't let you take her. There's good in everyone if you just give them a chance."
Kurama stared after him silently, mind racing. Goku was choosing to spare them, again. This was not how he anticipated their confrontation going at all. But was it simply a ruse, buying time for some unknown scheme?
"So...you are leaving then?" Kurama asked carefully.
"Yes, and I suggest you all clear out as well," Goku replied seriously before turning away again.
But just before taking flight, Goku halted and asked "That photo you showed me back then, of the girl I knew from the orphanage. It was Nyu, wasn't it?"
"If you mean Lucy...yes," Kurama confirmed after a weighty pause. Goku gave a slow nod, then rocketed into the sky without another word.
Kurama watched him recede into the distance, frustration and confusion swirling within him. How had he failed to realize until now that the girl was Lucy? Something about Goku's actions seemed off, but he couldn't pin it down.
Beside him, Isobe breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "Well, what should we do now sir?"
Retrieving Nana was clearly impossible under the circumstances. "We retreat for the time being," Kurama decided grimly. "Regroup and reevaluate our approach going forward."
But inwardly, he vowed this was not over. There had to be a way to turn the situation to his advantage once more. Goku and Lucy would be back under his control before long, no matter the cost.
As Goku flew back towards the cemetery, his mind raced. How had he failed to realize until now that Nyu was the mysterious horned girl from his fragmented childhood memories?
Her familiarity when they first crossed paths, the sense of knowing her somehow. It all made sense. And it explained why she asked if she remembered her.
Lucy glanced up as Goku landed close by and began approaching purposefully. Her eyes narrowed, trying to gauge his pensive expression.
Goku shifted his weight awkwardly, struggling with how to even begin this difficult conversation. "So uh, I let the soldiers retreat without fighting them," he finally said lamely.
Lucy stared at him impassively. "Of course you did," she replied, a hint of disdain in her tone. This gentler version of Kakarot was still foreign to her.
"But, um, Kurama said some pretty concerning stuff about you," Goku continued hesitantly. "Especially about...killing people."
He took a deep breath before asking bluntly, "Is it true you want to kill humans?"
Lucy's delicate features remained stoic and unmoved, but her eyes seemed to glow with a sinister light. "Yes," she stated bluntly.
Goku's eyes widened slightly in dismay. "Oh...I see." He fell silent, clearly troubled by her matter-of-fact admission.
Sensing the conversation was over, Lucy stood abruptly. "Well, now that you have your answer, this is where we part ways."
"Wait, you're leaving?" Goku asked anxiously.
Lucy didn't slow her stride. "Permanently. This encounter has only demonstrated how different we've become."
Goku called after her retreating form, "You know...you don't have to keep going down this path."
Lucy halted her stride. Without turning back around, she spoke up quietly. "You have to understand I was born for the singular purpose of putting an end to human life."
Goku's voice rang out firmly behind her. "That's exactly why I can't just let you leave to fulfill that purpose."
Lucy's shoulders tensed. "You could never comprehend why I must do this. Not anymore..." she murmured sorrowfully.
She closes her eyes, pained memories rising up. "It's my fault you lost your memories, that you can't understand now."
Goku's confusion was evident. "I still don't understand..."
Lucy hesitated before replying distantly. "I noticed your tail is gone now."
Goku blinked in surprise at the seeming non-sequitur. "Uh, yeah it got cut off a really long time ago."
Lucy's frown deepened slightly. That tail had been the reason he was different, like her. Now it was gone forever, severing that connection.
Yet Lucy found she couldn't be angry. He had still managed to find a happier life than her own. She only regretted that she couldn't have been there.
"If you could remember..." she murmured sorrowfully, "you would know how cruel and merciless humans are capable of being. Especially to people like us."
Goku let out a heavy sigh, his expression regretful. "You're right. There's a lot from the past I just can't seem to remember clearly."
He slowly approached Lucy. "But even if the details are fuzzy, I think some part of me never fully forgot that girl with horns I knew."
Lucy went very still. "You...you remember me?" she asked hesitantly.
"Not completely, but fragments at least," Goku affirmed. "That was you back then, wasn't it?"
"...Yes," Lucy whispered almost inaudibly. So he hadn't forgotten her after all this time.
Goku's voice was gentle and compassionate. "I don't know everything you've endured since then. But I can guess it's been incredibly difficult, to make you believe this path of violence is the only way."
"As I said before though, there are still good people in this world if you give them a chance. And meeting them could change everything."
Lucy kept her gaze away from Goku. "My hands are already stained red with blood, whether by necessity or choice," she said tightly. "That cannot be undone."
"You're right, we can't change the past," Goku agreed solemnly. "But you can change the future."
He hesitated, then added, "You know, from the fragments I remember, I think I was pretty cold towards you as a kid for some reason."
A small smile crossed his face. "I always told myself if I ever met that mysterious horned girl again, I'd apologize for how I acted back then. So...I'm sorry."
Before Lucy could react, she felt Goku's hand come to rest gently on her shoulder. "Everything has been pretty confusing. Just know im by your side still."
Overwhelmed by the simple sincerity in his words, Lucy felt herself instinctively leaning into him. She was powerless to stop her head from coming to rest against his chest.
At first, Goku was perplexed when Nyu suddenly embraced him tightly. But after a moment, he smiled warmly and wrapped his arms around her in return.
Lucy's thoughts went still, content for this one perfect moment to just be held by the boy she had never forgotten. This is all she ever wanted from him, and now she had it.
As he looked down at the girl clinging to him, he noticed a subtle shift. Nyu slowly lifted her head, and Goku saw her eyes were once again big and guileless, filled with childlike bewilderment.
"Nyu?" she muttered in that familiar innocent tone, gazing up at him with teary eyes in confusion.
Goku's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Huh? She's back to normal somehow?"
Her energy signature felt exactly as it did before this bizarre incident started. The change from earlier was gone without a trace.
Goku gently placed a reassuring hand atop Nyu's head, smiling kindly at her addled expression. "Everything's okay now," he said with a smile.
In truth, he was still confused by all that had happened. He still had no real understanding of what caused Nyu's change earlier. Clearly, there was much more to talk about.
But Goku had a feeling this would not be the last time Nyu underwent such a drastic change.
Goku scratched the back of his head, giving an awkward grin. "Oh man, what do I do now?" he muttered, feeling a bit overwhelmed coming down from the drama and intensity of the last few minutes.
He suddenly heard a small, timid voice pipe up from behind him. "G-Goku...?"
Turning, he spotted young Mayu still sitting there, wide-eyed. She had apparently witnessed everything that transpired.
"Oh right, I forgot you were still here!" Goku said with an awkward laugh. He took stock of the situation. Mayu watching him anxiously, Nyu gazing around vacantly as usual, and Nana still unconscious nearby.
He definitely wasn't about to abandon Nana here to be retaken by Kurama's forces. And Nyu would be coming along too of course.
That just left Mayu. Rubbing his neck thoughtfully, Goku asked "Uh...hey Mayu, did you maybe want to come back with us for now?"
The timid girl responded uncertainly. "I-I don't know..."
Goku gave her a reassuring smile. "I think it'd be a good idea. I'm sure you probably have a lot of questions after everything you saw today."
Looking down shyly, Mayu gave a small nod.
Alright, just gotta get everyone home safely now. Glancing around, he let out a long, tired sigh. "It's been a long day..."
Kurama stared into the walls of the flying helicopter, frustration simmering within him. They had made zero progress in apprehending either Lucy or Goku. If anything, the situation had deteriorated even further.
Goku had clearly grown exponentially stronger since their last encounter years ago. Kurama wondered grimly if they would ever be able to contain him again at this point. Making matters worse, he now had Nana as well. Just what was Goku plotting?
Kurama's brooding was interrupted by his assistant Isobe approaching, holding out a headset. "Chief Kurama, call for you from Secretary Shirakawa."
Taking the headset, Kurama answered curtly. "What is it?"
"Director Kakuzawa is here at the facility," came the reply. "He wants to see you the moment you return."
Kurama's jaw clenched. "Understood, I'll be there shortly." He handed the headset back, features schooled into a mask of neutrality.
Kurama stood rigidly before Director Kakuzawa's imposing desk, mentally preparing himself.
The aged Director tumbled his fingers thoughtfully. "So, the boy Goku has resurfaced at last."
"Yes," Kurama confirmed reluctantly.
"And it seems he has now allied himself with Lucy," Kakuzawa mused. "Interesting..."
His expression turned stern. "Though it's unfortunate Nana has been taken by him. That is a substantial loss."
Kurama kept a stoic expression. "I'm sorry, sir."
"Tell me, how powerful has he become?" Kakuzawa inquired, keen interest glinting in his eyes.
"He defeated Nana with minimal effort," Kurama reported grimly. "He has also attained the ability of self-propelled flight."
Kakuzawa nodded slowly. Just as he theorized. Goku's capabilities have grown exponentially. He's even able to use his Ki to fly now.
The old man smiled thinly, unperturbed by this news. "Fortunately, I have long prepared for the possibility of Goku's return. We are not as helpless as you may think."
Kurama's eyes widened slightly. What exactly was the Director planning?
After leaving Director Kakuzawa's office, Kurama strides down the sterile corridor deep in troubled thought. Back in his office, the Director answers an incoming call.
"You have a call from Professor Kakuzawa," his secretary informs.
"Put him through," the Director confirms resignedly. As expected, it's his son, no doubt calling for more money.
The Professor greets jovially. "I'm hoping you might approve a small budget increase for my research?"
He laughs at the perceived skepticism on the other end. "I know I know, but this time we're truly on the cusp of a major breakthrough. We could start clinical trials soon."
In his lab, Professor Kakuzawa leans back casually as his assistant Arakawa reviews DNA data nearby. "By the way, what became of that escaped Diclonius specimen?"
At hearing the answer, the Professor's eyes widen in surprise before he smooths his features.
"I see...well, it seems I'm not the only one missing deadlines," he jokes lightly. "I look forward to any assistance you can provide going forward."
Ending the call, his cheerful facade disappears. Arakawa looks over curiously. "How did the budget request go?"
"Oh, we received a satisfactory increase," Kakuzawa spoke smoothly.
"That will help speed up the vaccine development," Arakawa says eagerly. "We have a duty to aid Lucy's capture as soon as possible."
"No need to rush just yet," Kakuzawa murmurs, mind racing. So Goku has returned more powerful than ever, and allied with Lucy? This complicates things greatly.
After Arakawa departs, Kakuzawa mutters to himself, "Don't think your interference will stop my ambitions, Goku."
He slashes a boxcutter viciously through Lucy's photo. "You both will be mine soon enough."
Bando thrashes on the operating table, furious at the proposed castration surgery. Nearby, Kurama remains calm and implacable.
"This is bullshit!" Bando yells. "You think I'm gonna let you slice my balls off after everything else?!"
"Without this surgery, you will die," Kurama states bluntly.
Bando sits up, blind eyes darting around furiously. "I barely survived, and now you pull this shit? What does my junk have to do with mankind's fate anyway?!"
Kurama turns on the X-ray display. "The girl who defeated you is called a Diclonius. A mutant human. Their distinguishing traits are the horns..."
The x-rays show a Diclonius skeleton, including the prominent cranial horns.
"...and their vectors. Invisible telekinetic hands you encountered. Vectors are not primarily weapons, but can be used as such with lethal effects."
Bando struggles to comprehend all this. "So those freaky arms just spawn on them? They're born with those powers?"
"Correct," Kurama confirms. "Vectors also enable them to spread their mutations...which could lead to mankind's extinction if unchecked. Your target, Lucy, has proven uniquely dangerous in that regard."
Bando spoke suspiciously. "Alright, what about that Goku bastard who whooped my ass too? No horns on him, but he was plucking bullets out of the goddamn air! You gonna sit and tell me he's just some human?"
Kurama hesitates before answering carefully. "You're correct to believe he is not human either. We refer to his kind as 'Saiyans'. At least that's what he has referred to himself in the past."
"The fuck is a Saiyan?" Bando demands crudely.
"He is the only one of his species we have encountered," Kurama explains. "We know little of his origins or what his purpose is."
Bando scoffs in frustration. "So you don't even know what he is or where he came from? Real damn helpful..."
"There are some identifiable traits, such as his monkey-like tail," Kurama continues. "Though you likely did not witness that during your confrontation."
"Yeah, no tail that I saw," Bando confirms gruffly. "So what, he's just some random superhuman monkey mutant to you?"
Kurama's jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. "I can assure you, he is far more than that. As you experienced firsthand, his physical abilities vastly exceed human limits. He can even generate destructive beams of energy at will."
Bando's remained skeptical. "How the hell am I still breathing then? He didn't seem to use any of that shit on me."
"I confess, I do not fully understand his restraint and motives myself," Kurama admits. "Just consider yourself lucky."
Bando looked confused. "Guy didn't seem bloodthirsty to me."
Kurama's expression darkens, recalling Goku's past ruthlessness vividly. "Don't be deceived. He is capable of tremendous cruelty when provoked. Three years ago, during his escape, I experienced it first hand."
Kurama paces slowly, hands clasped behind his back. "As I said, Goku's motives and goals remain unknown to us. His connection to the Diclonii is also unclear. Just know he is a threat to everyone."
Bando scowls impatiently. "Then how the hell do you actually plan on stopping him?"
Kurama stops and meets Bando's sightless gaze. "That is where you come in...if you are willing."
Bando's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Oh yeah? Look at my body right now. How the fuck am I supposed to do anything!?"
"Ever since Goku's discovery. We have been developing ways to utilize Ki for ourselves." Kurama explains. "To artificially enhance human capabilities."
Bando was starting to get frustrated, "Hurry the fuck up! What does this have to do with me?"
Kuruma then responded, "You could be the first subject to undergo such a procedure. To become an android."
Bando looks skeptical. "What, you're gonna turn me into a fucking robot or something?"
Kurama shakes his head. "Not exactly. Inorganic parts will be the replacement for your already missing body parts. The rest of your body will have bionic enhancements. If successful, your power could rival Goku's."
Kurama leans in intently. "This may be your chance for revenge against both Goku and Lucy. If you consent to the procedure."
Bando stays silent for a long moment, weighing his options. Play human guinea pig for a chance to take down the monsters who mutilated him. Or refuse and live out his days as an impotent cripple?
A slow, savage grin spreads across Bando's face. "When do we start the upgrades?"
Im gonna make this quick so I can just post this already. I was originally planning on posting this on Thursday but got lazy. But I finally have it out now.
The reason I was taking so long was that I kept getting stuck on Goku and Kuruma's confrontation. I kept rewriting it. There were too many things to mention and I kept forgetting things I wanted to happen in it. It was originally more dramatic but I think I'll leave that for the next meeting of the two. Don't worry, Kakarot is coming back soon.
So what will happen when Nana wakes up? How strong will Bando get? How will Goku deal with everything? Find out the next chapter.
Please leave reviews.