A/N: This is a bit of a slice of life chapter, featuring mainly Gohan, Itsuka and the children going to the carnival. There's also a beautiful parellel between Iida and Shoto to bookend the chapter. I hope you enjoy it!

Opening Song:

"Lost in Time" by Survive Said the Prophet

The thick musk of an early morning fog had settled over the streets of Hosu, product of the rapidly heating weather. Although June was just a few days away, all of Japan could feel it by now; the sweltering heat of summer was in full swing.

The still night was suddenly interrupted by a nondescript trailer, loaded with a full container. The heavy vehicle tore through the veil, making its way along the silent streets towards a meek, discreet warehouse that sat inconspicuously at the heart of the city. Its dim headlights cast feeble beams that danced across the alleyways, slightly diluted by the fog. The rhythmic purr of the engine reverberated through the sleeping streets.

As the trailer approached the rear entrance of the warehouse, the driver skillfully maneuvered the vehicle into position. The hiss of hydraulic brakes echoed, signaling its arrival, and the workers from inside the building opened the dock to welcome it.

Inside the dimly lit warehouse, the hum of machinery and the scent of mechanic oils filled the air. But the axles, drum brakes and other manufactured car parts that the laborers were working on concealed the warehouse's true nature.

Outside, the driver emerged from the cab of the trailer with a clipboard in his hand, his portly silhouette traced against the dim glow of the streetlights.

"Right on time, just like always," one of the dock workers quipped, a knowing smirk etched on his face. "What's in the cargo tonight?"

"Imported goods, my friend. Top-tier stuff," the driver replied with a laid back Kansai accent, his eyes concealed beneath the brim of a worn cap. He handed the clipboard over to the clerk. "Courtesy of Mister Giran."

The dock workers exchanged conspiratorial smiles.

"Great! Open her up and back in at door four."

The loud clank of the trailer's rear doors being unlatched, followed by the trailer's reverse alarm echoed through the dark alley, until the truck came to a stop at the assigned door and the dock workers eagerly set to work unloading the crates.

As a dock worker drove a forklift into the container and began to bring out pallets filled with wooden crates, another approached the cargo, carrying a crowbar in his leather-gloved hands. He thrust the crowbar into the seam of the wooden crate and the lid tore back. Inside, rows of illegally modified rifles glinted ominously in the light.

"Boss, we've got the shipment," he called into his radio, his voice a low murmur.

"Good," a voice responded. "Finish unloading, and make sure the cargo is secured according to the plan."

As the workers proceeded to assist in the unloading process, two guards monitored the facility's entrances through an array of video surveillance cameras. One guard focused on the screens, watching for any signs of unexpected activity. The other, however, was distracted, watching replays from the Sports Festival, specifically the intense clash between Gohan and Bakugo.

"Bring it on, Monkey Boy," Bakugo's digitized voice taunted, his hands crackling with explosive energy. "Show me that famous Dragonfist of yours!"

"That's what you never understood, Bakugo," Gohan's voice responded. "I AM THE DRAGONFIST!"

"Katsuki Bakugo VERSUS Son Gohan!" Midnight's voice declared. "READY? CLASH!"

The guard gave off a delighted chuckle as the utter curve stomp of a battle played out on his monitor. The commotion caught the attention of his partner, who glanced over and shot him a disgusted scowl.

"Hey! Shouldn't you be watching for cops or heroes snooping around instead of watching Sports Fest clips?" the vigilant guard asked, annoyed. The sports enthusiast merely shrugged.

"So what? It's a slow night and the only shipment we got on schedule just go here. Besides, it's a great fight! We're so lucky we've still got a couple of years before that twerp Son Gohan gets licensed. He's liable to put us all outta business!"

"Hmph…" the other guard crossed his arms and leaned back with a shake of his head. "Yeah, no kidding."

Suddenly, all the lights in the facility shut off and the machinery that was producing the car parts inside came to a grinding halt. Everyone inside was instantly blinded by the shroud of darkness. Even the lights from the screens flickered off.

"Hey, what the...?" one of the guards muttered.

"Somethin' aint right," the other said. "Even the emergency lights are down. Come on, let's check it out."

The guards instinctively reached for their flashlights and sidearms and cautiously made their way out of the office to join the other guards and dock workers who had left their work stations and huddled together in the dock by the open door. Now the only light they had came from the moon outside.

"What the hell happened? Did we blow a fuse?" One of the dock worker asked apprehensively, his hold on his flashlight trembling slightly.

"You, Claude! Check the generators!" one of the guards barked at a worker, who gulped but obeyed. The echo of his hurried footsteps reverberated as he scrambled towards the generators. An unsettling chill permeated the air as they all waited for the worker to report back.

Claude cautiously stepped into the gloom, his flashlight casting an erratic glow on the cold, concrete walls. The echoes of his own footsteps were the only companions in this shadowy labyrinth, and the eeriness sent a chill down his spine. As he navigated through the quiet warehouse, a knot of unease coiled in the pit of his stomach.

The narrow beams of his flashlight sliced through the darkness, and he wiped sweat from his brow, nerves on edge as he ventured further into the bowels of the facility.

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of something peculiar. A subtle glint of metal within the darkness. He furrowed his brow, slowing his pace, and turned the flashlight toward the enigmatic source. Two orbs of eerie green light pierced the blackness, turning to fix on him like predatory eyes.

Claude's heart quickened, his breath hitching as he focused the beam on the strange phenomenon. The black metallic shine morphed into a sinuous silhouette, rising from the shadows like a malevolent specter. A sense of dread washed over Claude, as the creature rose to its full height, towering over him.

Engines in the creature's arms, waist and legs emitted an unsettling screech that resonated through the confined space like the howls of the damned. The hairs on Claude's neck stood on end as the dreadful noise reverberated, amplifying the terror that gripped him. He stumbled backward, a muted gasp escaping his lips.

His trembling hands dropped the flashlight, its feeble beam flickering out.

Back at the entrance where the workers and security guards had huddled together, the tiny group waited for Claude to return.

"Come on, Claude, where are you? What's taking so long?" a guard muttered impatiently.

The seconds dragged on, tension building. Then, without warning, Claude stumbled into view, his silhouette barely visible. His breaths were ragged, and his eyes widened with sheer terror.

"Claude! What happened? Something wrong with the generators?"

Claude didn't respond; instead, he sprinted toward them, his frantic footsteps echoing through the corridor. The group aimed their flashlights at him, revealing the sheer panic etched across his face.

"RUUUUN!" Claude shrieked. "It's hunting us!"

With the combined beams of light, everyone caught a glimpse of the metallic creature chasing closely behind Claude with unbelievable speed. The ominous green glow of its eyes left behind a nightmarish trail as it shot off behind Claude in a zigzag, bursting from one side to the other like a pouncing predator.

Before anyone could react, the creature pounced on Claude. In an instant, Claude's body was yanked back into the thick, unforgiving darkness. His bloodcurdling scream rattled through the warehouse, and then silenced.

The guards and dock workers exchanged horrified, wide-eyed glances. One of the workers, his voice quivering, managed to articulate the collective fear that gripped the group.

"What... what was that thing? Did you all see it?" He whimpered. "Where's Claude?!"

"Looked like some freakin' monster!" another guard exclaimed, his flashlight beam still shaking in his hands. "We need to get the hell out of here! Whatever that thing is, it's coming for us! Stay close, and keep your lights on!"

They moved with a newfound urgency, but as they neared the still-open dock door, the glint of light streaked past them, and suddenly the dock door that served as their only visible means of escape swung shut with a resounding slam, severing their last tenuous link to the light of the outside world.

The abrupt cutoff of their final source of light plunged the guards into utter darkness, intensifying the disorientation that clung to the air like a suffocating fog. Unnerved, the group scattered in panic like roaches.

Like a rabid fox in a house of hens, the creature moved with swift and calculated precision towards its prey. The first victim, separated from the group, felt an icy breath on the back of his neck before a metallic hand clamped over his mouth. His muffled screams were drowned out by the screech of the creature's engines as it swiftly dispatched its prey.

The second guard blindly turned a corner and found himself face to face with the creature. The green orbs bore into his soul as the creature lunged, its movements a blur of darkness. A strangled cry echoed through the corridors as the guard succumbed to the unseen assailant.

The creature moved with the grace of a phantom, slipping through the shadows with uncanny speed. One moment he was in one corner of the spacious warehouse, and the next instant, it seemed, he had vanished, like a ghost. Another victim fell, the metallic screech blending with the horrified screams that echoed through the facility.

With a final surge of movement, the creature pounced on its last prey, silencing the corridors with a guttural roar that reverberated through the warehouse. The darkness claimed its final victims, leaving only an unsettling stillness in its wake.

In the heart of the pandemonium, the disoriented delivery driver stumbled over to the opened crate and pulled out one of the modified rifles. His trembling fingers clutched the weapon and he strained his eyes as best as he could to see the creature that was hunting him.

He heard a shuffle of feet from his left, a whine of an engine to his right. In a panic, the driver pulled the trigger and opened fire at random. The weapon pulsed as the driver fired away at the unseen enemy, lighting up the warehouse with bursts of red laser fire. But in his panicked attempts to hit the monster in the dark, the laser bullets inadvertently struck a crate full of explosives, igniting a cataclysmic explosion that shook the warehouse and unleashed a fireball that began to consume everything. The blast knocked the driver flat on his back.

The driver groaned and flipped over onto his stomach. Excruciating pain shot up from his left knee when the driver went to get up, and he howled, clutching at it, slumping onto his side.

And that's when he saw it.

The black armored creature emerging from within the swirling inferno.

Flames licked the black armor harmlessly as it stepped through them, completely unbothered. Jagged edges adorned the armor, and two glowing green eyes stared through the black haze of the rising smoke, out of a skull-like helmet. A row of razor-sharp blades adorned his gauntlets, and the engines on the creature's back and legs gleamed with an ominous green glow that matched the helmet's eyes.

Ignoring the pain from his knee, the driver picked up the rifle and aimed it at the monster with trembling hands. Flashes of light washed over him as he fired away at his target, but to his dismay, the gunfire proved futile against the enigmatic figure, who moved with such speed and grace, that he almost seemed to vanish, strafing and dodging the erratic bullets effortlessly.

After a few more rounds, the rifle clicked against the empty magazine, and the driver tossed the useless weapon aside.

"You… bastard!" the driver grunted, reaching for his broken kneecap.

The man inside the weaponized suit of armor said nothing as he slowly stepped over him. Black tendrils of smoke rose from the heated armor, adding to the nightmarish visage. The man reached down and seized the driver by the collar of his shirt. The blade ends on his gauntleted fingers, pressed against the driver's throat as he hoisted him up, holding him by the collar. The shorter driver's feet dangled in the air.

"Who attacked the Mobile Suit Agency during the Sports Festival?" A terrifying, distorted voice roared out, low and mechanically monstrous in its pitch. The soulless green eyes seemed to blaze with the question.

The driver cried out, eyes wide with terror, but remained defiant.

"Screw you, man! I ain't no rat!" the driver exclaimed, his bravado wavering. "I don't talk to heroes."

"Do I look like a hero to you?!" The man bellowed, enraged, bringing the driver closer to his face. "Now talk!"

"Go to hell," the driver spat defiantly.

"As you wish," the creature responded with chilling calmness. "But you're coming with me."

Hoisting the driver in the air like a doll, the armored figure turned and began to walk back towards the fires.

"Hey, HEY! Put me down you crazy bastard!" The driver cried. The flames roared around them, dancing with an unbridled ferocity. "Ahhh! Stop! PLEASE!"

The man pressed onward, walking purposefully back into the heart of the inferno. The driver in his grasp screamed in terror, sweat mingling with ash as he dangled helplessly over the flames, feeling the scorch begin to melt his shoes.

The searing flames licked at the edges of the fearsome black armor and reaching out for the driver, their hungry tongues eager to devour the driver, but like a cowed beast, recoiled harmlessly from the vigilante's presence.

"Hell…? I've seen the face of hell, felt its searing embrace," the distorted voice of the creature said. "But you, you've only danced on its outskirts. Your hands are stained with the innocent blood that's been spilled by the weapons you distribute. You and your ilk live in the shadows, profiting from the suffering you contribute to. You start fires, and fan the flames from the distance while the rest of us suffer. You all deserve a taste of the hell you've fueled."

"AHHHHH!" The driver cried in pain and terror, "Alright, ALRIGHT! What do you wanna know?!"

"Speak," the vigilante commanded, his skull-like helmet distorted by the flames. "One of the weapons used to murder Ingenium, Chromea, and the other five members of the Mobile Suit Agency match a batch of blades you delivered two nights ago to Jakku and four nights ago to Namek City. Which means that you delivered those weapons to the villains who attacked Hosu during the Sports Festival. Now tell me their names!"

The driver hesitated, his eyes darting nervously and sweat pouring down his face.

"Alright, alright! They call themselves the Red Creed, okay? Buncha pyschopaths lead by that lunatic Hero Killer guy… Stain!"

"The Hero Killer works alone," the vigilante roared. "You're lying to me!"

"Yeah, you think so? How do you think he was able to kill all those Mobile Suit guys? Word is, he's runnin' with a crew, now," The driver gulped audibly. "I don't know much about them except that they're obsessed over some kind of twisted ideology that Stain's been spewin' off. They believe in cleansing the hero society, somethin' about heroes losing their way and needin' to be purged. That's all I know, I swear!"

"Where do I find them?"

"I… I don't know!" The driver hesitated for a moment, his fear evident in his wide eyes. "I swear, I don't know where they're hiding! They're secretive, and their leader... he's a phantom. They move from place to place, striking when you least expect it. I delivered to them in Jakku about a month ago, but they'd be stupid to use the same lair twice. Plus, that's a three hour train ride. I bet they've packed up and moved on by now. I've told you everything I know, I swear!"

The vigilante's green eyes glowed with a fierce intensity as he absorbed the information.

"The Red Creed and their so-called Hero Killer... They won't escape justice for their crimes. And neither will you."

"Wait!" But before the driver could protest any more, the vigilante brought the edge of his right hand down on the driver's neck, knocking him unconscious. The figure reached into the man's pockets and discovered a flash drive within. He pocketed the drive and the engines on his legs primed. In an instant, he disappeared along with the driver, retrieving the bodies of the unconscious workers and guards and tying them all together with the illegal weapons shipment and leaving them all outside of the warehouse, safely away from the fires, for the police to find.

On cue, police sirens sounded off in the distance.

With one last glance at the burning building behind him, the vigilante's engines whined and he shot off into the night, disappearing just as quickly as he had appeared, unaware of the single, tall, lanky figure who watched the entire scene from the shadows, his ragged and patched arms stuffed in the pockets of his trench coat.

…

As soon as the motorized door slid shut and locked itself, he knew he was safe.

Now in the seclusion and sanctuary of his home, the vigilante's gloved hands reached up and unclasped the imposing skull helmet that concealed his identity. As soon as he unstrapped the helmet, the glowing eyes faded from the skull's eye sockets.

He lifted it up and off of his head, revealing a young face wearing glasses. His dark blue hair fell, damp and matted back into place. The exhaustion on his face was illuminated by the room's bright lights that powered on with a brief flicker that gave life to a series of screens that surrounded a large central computer in which, as a child, he would so often see his mother or his big brother Tensei work tirelessly on.

Iida allowed himself a moment to breathe in and out several times, feeling the rush of adrenaline subside in his abdomen. He was home. He was safe once again, one more night, another successful mission…

As he cradled the skull-shaped helmet in his gloved hands, Iida's gaze lingered on its macabre design. The helmet had belonged to a small-time villain that had lead a biker gang on a series of bank heists before being apprehended by Ingenium himself.

He was the self-proclaimed nemesis of Ingenium, Night Stride.

Cringe-worthy name aside, Night Stride had created for himself a one-man army type of suit packed to the brim with weapons and gadgets that had put even the great Ingenium to the test. Iida had stolen it and a few other choice items from the evidence bay of his family's Mobile Suit Agency to create the suit of armor he now wore.

As much as it repulsed him to wear the armor that belonged to his brother's enemy, it was necessary to protect his identity. Iida's father had expressly forbidden him from getting involved in the case for his own protection, so this was the only way. Was it heroic to break the law and act as a vigilante, even if it meant bringing to justice a dangerous band of criminals who had wreaked so much havoc in the last few weeks?

Was it necessary? Without a doubt.

But was it heroic?

The hollow eye sockets stared back at Tenya like a reflection of the darkness that had seeped into his quest for retribution. The conflict within him between a hero's duty and the yearning for vengeance…

For a moment, Iida's eyes softened.

Tenya… Tensei's voice rang in Iida's mind.Our family's legacy is in your hands now… Ingenium.

The memories of the fateful day that claimed the lives of his brother and mother resurfaced like a haunting specter that fueled the dark flames in his heart.

Was it revenge? Without a doubt.

But was it Justice?

That was the knife that twisted in his gut the more time passed. Iida couldn't escape the spinning needle of his moral compass, warning him that he was drawing near the precipice, screaming at him to turn back. The thin line between righteous pursuit and vengeful vigilantism blurred within the black pits of the helmet's eye sockets.

This, too, was part of Iida's internal struggle; the solitary battle fought in the confines of his own conscience. But right now wasn't the time for doubts. Every night that passed meant that another family would have to bury their loved ones, like he had. He had to catch these people, moral compass be damned.

Pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind, Iida approached the central computer. He pressed a button on his gauntlet and a tiny compartment opened up, revealing the flash drive he had confiscated from the delivery driver. Iida inserted it into the computer's port. As the machine whirred to life, Iida clicked away, setting a complex decryption program in motion. The digital key to unlock the encrypted secrets held within the drive flickered to life and immediately began to decrypt the data files.

While the program worked tirelessly in the background, Iida stepped away from the computer and pressed another button, which opened up a hidden compartment inside the wall where he hid the armor.

Reaching up to unclasp the straps that held his armor together against his chest. He groaned as he methodically peeled back the many layers and components to the armor he was wearing, cleaning each piece before placing it inside the compartment. He reached up and pulled off the black bodysuit underneath, revealing the scars that adorned his body. Fresh wounds from the night's encounters overlaid the older marks he had received in the nights before and dry blood ran down his shoulder and wrapped around his toned abdomen.

As he finished removing the armor, Iida couldn't help but wince as he discovered the source of the dry blood – something sharp had grazed the top of his shoulder. Iida had been so amped up on adrenaline and battle stimulants that he hadn't even felt the wound until now.

Like every other night, Iida sat by a bright lamp with a medkit. Grabbing a needle and thread from the tiny white medkit, Iida clenched his jaw and set to work, first cleaning and sterilizing the wound, wincing slightly as he applied antiseptic to deep cut. Then he threaded the needle and neared it to the wound with a sigh.

"Computer," Iida grunted, "Play voicemails."

As he began to stitch himself up, the room's speakers began to play the dozens of voice messages he had received from heroes and classmates alike over the last few days, giving him encouragement, condolences and support. One of them was from Gohan.

"Hey, Iida! It's Gohan," the familiar, friendly voice of the spiky haired Class Rep rang out. "I wanted to invite you to the carnival in Namek City tomorrow, if you're available. It's going to be a blast, and Goten's really looking forward to it. Kendo from Class B is taking her little sister, too, so it'll be fun for all of us Class Reps to hang out. Unfortunately, nobody from the Musutafu gang could make it, but I thought it would be great if you could join us. Also, we need to talk about those school assignments we have to turn in for the class before the Internships begin next week. Let me know if you can make it. Take care!"

Gohan… From what Iida knew about him, Gohan had lost his father to a terrible accident, or so he had heard. He'd been kidnapped as a little boy by the infamous Army of Villains, where he suffered abuse and had been forged into a weapon. Much later, he had also been separated from his mother and little brother for more than a year, not to mention, he had received the brunt of the villain attacks in the Tokyo Marketplace as well as the USJ, almost losing his life. He'd had to spend weeks in Endeavor's Rejuvenation Chamber, fighting for his life.

After all that… how was he still smiling?

He is a far better man than I am. And a far greater hero…When this is all over, I will apologize to him for everything I'm doing, and resign as Class Vice Rep…

Iida finished stitching the wound and got up to take a shower while the computer continued its work.

The messages continued playing as he stepped into the bathroom, naked.

His body had gotten leaner from the lack of proper eating, though his weary muscles around his arms and engines had grown slightly. A throbbing headache threatened to overwhelm him, so Iida opened the medicine cabinet and took out headache pills and after chewing them and swallowing them, he rubbed his temples and stepped into the shower.

The hot shower was warm and inviting like a refuge where the steaming water could wash away the grime of the night and the weight of his burdens. Steam enveloped Iida's naked body as he stood beneath the cascading warmth, letting the heat seep into his weary muscles and alleviate the tension that had settled within him.

As the hot water scurried down Iida's face, hair and body, Ochaco's voice message played through the speakers, and her friendly, bubbly tone filled the bathroom with a comforting echo.

"Hey, Iida! It's Ochaco," her voice chirped with warmth. "Just wanted to give you a big thanks for the gift you sent over for Gohan's birthday party tomorrow. I'm sure he's going to love it. Oooh! I can't wait to see his face tomorrow when we surprise him! I wish you could be here, though. But I know you're busy with hero stuff, aren't you, Mister Ingenium II? Don't worry, I'll save you a slice of cake. If I'm being honest, your dedication is something I've always admired, and that's why I voted for you to be Vice Rep. Anyway, I miss you, and I hope we can hang out before we start the internships next week!"

A gentle smile played on Iida's lips as he listened to Ochaco's thoughtful words.

"Iida…?" Ochaco's voice dropped slightly with empathy and concern. She sighed before continuing. "I can tell you've been going through a lot. I know you're hurting right now. Listen, if you ever need someone to talk to, or if you ever feel lonely, call me, kay? I care about you. It doesn't matter if it's one in the afternoon or one in the morning. Call me. We'll get the gang together and go hang out at Wookiees for some 2AM hot chocolate or something! Deal?"

Iida pressed his forehead against the shower wall.

"Oh, before I forget," Ochaco added, her tone shifting to a more playful note. "I just thought of a great joke to brighten your night. Why did Miss Midnight and Mount Lady apply to work at a bakery? Because they wanted to be roll models. Get it? Haaa!"

Iida couldn't suppress a tired but genuine chuckle.

"Okay. Okay, maybe it's not that great, but I thought it might make you smile. Anyway, call me back whenever you get a chance, okay? We miss you, Iida. Melissa and Izuku are here with me, getting everything ready for the party tomorrow. They said 'hi'. Take care of yourself, byeee," Ochaco's voice concluded with warmth and sincerity before the voicemail ended.

As the warm water cascaded over Iida's weary form, he couldn't help but let a tired yet appreciative smile linger on his lips. Ochaco was a good girl with a caring, happy heart. She was a bond that held their group together. These moments were the light at the end of the tunnel that beckoned him forward.

Promise me that you'll become a great hero, little brother. Learn from my mistakes. Don't let your quest for justice blind you to the moments that truly matter…

Yes… perhaps. One day, things would go back to normal. One day I'll be able to smile with my friends again. But not today.

No, not today.

Iida had a job to do.

Stepping out of the shower, he reached for the towel and dried himself off. The encryption on the drive must have been top notch because the key had only decrypted about 13% of the data. Iida would have to leave it running and check back later. For now, it was time to rest.

As he gazed out of the window, the first hints of dawn painted the sky in delicate shades of pink, casting a gentle glow over the world below. The sight brought a bittersweet ache to his heart.

Those beautiful pink skies…

They reminded him of his mother, who had always cherished the beauty of sunrise and sunset. She would have marveled at the soft hues of the morning sky, he thought, her laughter mingling with the gentle breeze.

But she wasn't here, and that thought pierced through him like a dagger. The grief, always lurking beneath the surface, threatened to overwhelm him once more, as the ache of her absence echoed through the empty spaces of his heart.

She should be here, he thought bitterly, a lump forming in his throat. She should be here to witness this beauty, to share in these moments of quiet serenity. But she's not…

Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to dwell in the memories, to savor the fleeting sense of closeness that came with them. For a moment, it was as if she was right there beside him, her presence a gentle caress against his skin the way she used to tuck him into bed when he was a child.

So close he could almost reach out and touch her…

And in that brief, fragile moment, he found a measure of peace, a flicker of hope amidst the darkness.

With a heavy heart, Tenya climbed into bed, the soft sheets enveloping him in their warmth. As he lay there, bathed in the soft glow of the morning light, it didn't take long for sleep to finally claim him, and he finally found himself drifting into dreams, the light pink skies of dawn painting his dreams in hues of peace and renewal.

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR: LIGHT PINK SKIES

Gohan adjusted the collar of his thin charcoal-gray jacket which complemented the black jeans that fit comfortably. A splash of color came from the purple V-neck shirt underneath, paired with polished white sneakers completing the ensemble. In his right wrist, he wore the Dragon Ball bracelet that Ochaco had bought for him and on his left was the costume changing wristwatch that Melissa had made for him, just in case The Dragon was needed.

His reflection in the mirror nodded approvingly. Today was a special day.

The Namek City Carnival awaited!

As Gohan tried his best to tame some of his unruly black bangs with hair gel, the energetic bounce of his younger brother, Goten, added a lively tempo to the room. Goten's eyes gleamed with anticipation, and he could barely contain his excitement as he watched reruns of The Great Saiyaman cartoons on Gohan's TV. He wore a crisp, white long-sleeve shirt with a vibrant purple undershirt peeking out from underneath which complemented his carefree, baggy purple pants, adding a playful touch to his overall look.

"Come on, Gohan! We're gonna miss all the good stuff!" Goten exclaimed, practically vibrating with enthusiasm.

Gohan chuckled, running a hand through his styled hair. The movement triggered his bangs, which bounced back rebelliously against the hair gel. With a sigh, Gohan gave up.

"Chill, Goten, we have plenty of time," he said with a patient laugh. "The carnival's not going anywhere."

"But Gohan! What if they run out of cotton candy?" Goten's eyes widened with genuine concern.

"We'll survive, little buddy," Gohan reassured, a fond smile on his lips.

As Goten continued his impromptu dance of excitement, Gohan seized the opportunity to tease his brother about a certain someone.

"So, Goten, are you looking forward to seeing Valese at the carnival?" Gohan's playful tone elicited a sudden shift in Goten's demeanor.

"Yeah… Wha—what? N-no, it's not like that!" Goten stammered, a rosy tint gracing his cheeks. "I mean, we're just friends, you know."

Gohan chuckled, crossing his arms. "Sure, sure. Just friends."

Despite Goten's attempts to downplay his excitement, the telltale signs of a crush were written all over his blushing face. Goten's eyes suddenly sparkled mischievously as he seized the opportunity to turn the tables. "Hey, Gohan, speaking of friends... are you excited to see Itsuka?"

"Hey, hey, respect your elders, little guy. Remember that. It's Big Sis Kendo, okay?" Gohan raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "You've gotta be polite to your future sister in law, or Valese will get upset."

"Why's she my future sister in law? Because you're gonna marry her?" Goten shot back.

"Ha!" Gohan laughed. "Goten, you're unbelievable. We're just friends too."

"Uh-huh, just friends," Goten teased, emphasizing the words with a knowing grin. "Big Sis Kendo is pretty cool. Not as cool as Big Sis Ochaco, though… It's too bad that she couldn't come. I really wanted to hang out with her!"

"Yeah," Gohan let out a small sigh. "So did I, but she couldn't make it. Her parents are visiting from Osaka. I'm sure she'll want to spend as much time with them as she can before we start the internships. Don't worry, we'll get a chance to spend time with her. For now, let's just focus on having fun okay? Maybe we can drop by and see Ochaco later."

"Perfect. And then you can ask her parents for her hand in marriage," Goten teased, climbing down from the bed.

"Where do you get all these ideas from?" Gohan laughed, raising an eyebrow.

"From watching 'Kiss Me, You Fool,'" Goten said happily. "Miss Bulma watches that show every single day. She says it's the greatest show in TV History, but mom says it's not as fun as watching paint dry, whatever that means."

"Maybe just stick to watching 'The Great Saiyaman' instead," Gohan said with a nervous chuckle. He reached down and helped Goten tuck his shirt in. "There, you're all set. Ready to go?"

"YEAH!" Goten said excitedly, eyes wide.

"Alright, go put your shoes on. I'll turn the TV off."

As Gohan went to turn off the television, the vibrant colors of the Great Saiyaman anime left a nostalgic glow in the room. The larger-than-life superhero with toned muscles and a great smile, reminiscent of All Might, soared across the screen with a red cape billowing heroically. It brought back memories of Gohan as a child, reading all the Great Saiyaman comic books in the local library, captivated by the adventures of this beloved fictional hero.

A warm smile crossed Gohan's face as he watched a few more seconds of the iconic show, reveling in the nostalgia.

"The Guardian of the city, Defender of Justice, Protector of the Innocent! I am the Great Saiyaman!" Gohan mouthed along to the words that the iconic hero announced in a heroic voice. Classic shonen. This is real cinema. They don't makeshows like this anymore.

The remote hovered in his hand, ready to switch off the television, when a breaking news alert captured his attention. The screen shifted to scenes of a blazing fire in Hosu, devouring an entire car parts manufacturing warehouse.

"Good morning, this is Hiro Tanaka from NHA News with an update from Hosu. A warning beforehand, some of the following images are disturbing. We are live on the scene at the heart of the city, where a massive fire has engulfed a car parts manufacturing warehouse. Firefighters have been working tirelessly all morning to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures, but fuels and oils from within exacerbated the flames, making it hard to put down. Two residential blocks were caught in the blaze."

Gohan's brow furrowed as he absorbed the information.

"We've just received confirmation that authorities have found evidence of an illegal weapons distribution network operating within the warehouse. It appears that a vigilante or villain intervened, leading to the ignition of the fire. Could this be the handiwork of the mysterious Dragon of Namek? No one can say for sure. However, the situation has taken a darker turn as police report discovering a grim scene within the warehouse. Workers and security guards were found tied together and set on fire execution style. Additionally, dozens from the buildings caught in the blaze have perished. The impact of this incident is sending shockwaves through the city, with countless lives forever altered. We'll provide another update as soon as we have one."

A sudden, cold chill shot down Gohan's spine as he watched the footage of the horrors that had unfolded in Hosu. Horrifying memories of the blaze that had ravaged through Itsuka's apartment complex, where Gohan fought his first villain, came flooding back.

The fire villain… the one that Gohan now suspected had been one of Vegeta's sons… Could he still be around? His body was never found, and Gohan had just assumed it had incinerated along with the rest of the building. But now, he couldn't shake the feeling that darkness was once again looming, threatening to shatter the peace he had fought so hard to preserve.

If he had survived… if he was responsible for this… then Gohan had no choice but to stop him.

"Gohan, let's go! We're gonna be late!" Goten's voice echoed from the doorway.

"Coming!" Gohan called, clenching his jaw. With a final glance at the TV, he switched it off and joined Goten, his eyes narrowing and his mind racing.

…

"Gohan…? Hey, Gohan! Earth to Gohan!" Itsuka's voice cut through Gohan's thoughts, accompanied by the delightful sight of her holding out a cone of ice cream towards him, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Here. You look like you could use this," she teased, nudging him gently.

Gohan blinked, a smile spreading across his face as he accepted the ice cream.

"Oh, sorry about that! I guess I got a little… distracted. Thanks, Itsuka," he said, taking a bite of the ice cream and savoring its cool sweetness. Itsuka grinned back, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she gestured towards the bumper cars where the children were gleefully racing around the track.

"Looks like they're having a blast," she remarked, her voice filled with amusement. Gohan followed her gaze to where Trunks and Mai were navigating the course with gusto, while Goten and Valese laughed and shouted in the car beside them.

"Yeah, they seem to be enjoying themselves," Gohan replied, a hint of fondness in his voice as he watched the children's antics. As the bumper cars whirled around the track, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment settle over him.

Beside him, Itsuka leaned against the gate, her expression serene as she enjoyed the scene before them. For a moment, the worries of the world faded away, replaced by the simple joy of being surrounded by friends and loved ones in the vibrant atmosphere of the carnival rides and attractions, the tantalizing aroma of cotton candy, nachos, hotdogs and popcorn, the neon lights and flashing signs, the sounds of music and the joyful laughter of children filling the air…

As the bumper car ride slowed to a halt, the children erupted in excited chatter. Goten and Trunks, flushed with adrenaline, exchanged gleeful looks, while Mai and Valese shared a playful smirk.

"Another round?" Mai suggested, gripping the collar of her green jacket.

"Ooh, how about we do boys vs girls this time?!" Valese shrieked happily, dancing in her yellow summer dress. Her large white hat added shade to her cute honey brown eyes and dimples.

"You're on! Alright Goten, you're my co-pilot this time!" Trunks declared, sliding into the driver's seat with a grin.

Goten's eyes sparkled as he eagerly climbed into the passenger side, his hands gripping the edge of his seat in anticipation.

"Let's do this, Trunks!"

Mai flashed a mischievous grin as she settled into the driver's seat of her own car, her fingers itching to grasp the wheel. "Hold on to your hat, Val! We're about to show these boys how it's done!"

The children revved up their engines, ready for another exhilarating round of bumper car madness. As the cars lurched forward, the sounds of gleeful shouts and the clatter of collisions filled the air once again.

"There they go again," Itsuka chuckled, turning to Gohan, a playful glint in her eyes. "Looks like we've got a little time to ourselves," she remarked, nudging him gently. "Wanna take a stroll around the fairgrounds?."

"Sure. Beats waiting around here for another twenty minutes," Gohan nodded.

As Gohan and Itsuka strolled through the carnival grounds, they stumbled upon a corner booth with a wooden stage that had a red curtain draped behind it. On the stage, a group of tiny squirrels were dancing, their bushy tails swaying in time with the music played by a performer behind the booth.

"Look at that," Gohan remarked, pointing towards the scene with a grin. "Aren't they cute? Dancing squirrels."

"Aww!" Itsuka's eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched the squirrels dance. "It's adorable! I wonder how he's controlling them like that."

Approaching closer, they caught the performer's eye, who gave them a knowing smile. With a wave of his hand, he activated his Quirk and directed two squirrels, one with orange fur and the other with black fur, to perform a special routine just for them.

Huh, he's controlling them with his Quirk, Gohan realized. Just like Koda.

"Wow, they're putting on a show just for us!" Itsuka exclaimed, delighted by the unexpected attention.

"They kinda look like us, don't they?" Gohan chuckled, nodding in agreement.

As they finished their ice cream, they continued to watch the squirrels' antics, their laughter mingling with the cheerful tunes of the carnival. Impressed by the performer's talent, Gohan reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of coins, which he dropped into the performer's hat as soon as the dance ended.

"Thanks for the show," Gohan said with a smile as they moved on. "Keep up the good work, you guys!"

The two of them moved on and wandered through the bustling crowds again. Gohan glanced over at Itsuka and noticed a wide, happy grin on her face.

"What?" He asked with a chuckle.

"Hm? Oh, nothing. I'm just really enjoying all of this. It's amazing how much Namek City has changed," Itsuka remarked, casting a fond glance around at the lively carnival atmosphere. Gohan and Itsuka stopped for a moment to observe the sea of people moving about, enjoying the peaceful afternoon.

Itsuka gave off a sad chuckle and turned to Gohan with a content shade in her green eyes.

"I remember the last time I tried to bring Valese here a few years ago. We had to turn back around because a bunch of thugs and drug dealers were causing trouble and there were no heroes to stop them."

Gohan's expression softened as he recalled the darker days of Namek City's past.

"Yeah, things were pretty rough back when I first got here, so I can't imagine how bad they were even back then," he agreed. "But now it feels like the city is starting to heal."

"Yeah, thanks to the Dragon Clan," Itsuka smiled, her eyes reflecting a sense of pride. "And you, Gohan. You've made a huge difference. The Namekian Triads are on the decline, and the streets feel safer than ever."

Gohan's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. "I just wish I could do more," he admitted quietly. "Sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my time in school when I could be out here, making a real difference."

"Hey, come on, now. What kind of talk is that?" Itsuka placed a comforting hand on his arm, her gaze steady and reassuring. "Don't sell yourself short, Gohan. You're doing more than you realize. And besides, education is important too. That's how we're going to get licensed and open our hero agency here, remember?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Gohan nodded.

"Of course I am," Kendo said, nudging his arm with her elbow. "It's pretty much a requirement as a Big Sister."

They shared a chuckle as they wandered through the carnival, exploring the various attractions and sights, Gohan kept glancing back at the bumper car ring with a smile as his younger brother laughed and played with his friends as their bumper cars darted from one side of the ring to the other with boundless energy. Valese's joyful squeals, too… It made everything worth it.

His thoughts drifted to the countless battles he had faced, the challenges he had overcome. Each victory had been hard-won, but it had all been worth it to preserve this peace and happiness.

Gohan felt a sense of fulfillment wash over him. This peace, this simple joy that Goten and the others were experiencing, was what he and Itsuka and all heroes fought for.

With a slight, content nod, he vowed to continue fighting, to safeguard this peace for future generations, so that they too could experience happiness and joy without the shadow of danger looming over them. Sure, the world would always be filled with challenges and dangers. But as long as he could protect moments like these, moments of simple joy and innocence, then it was a fight worth fighting.

As they continued their leisurely walk through the carnival grounds, Itsuka's demeanor shifted, her expression growing more introspective. Gohan noticed the change and glanced over at her, concern flickering in his eyes.

"Hey what's up with that look?" he remarked gently. "Something on your mind?"

Itsuka let out a small sigh, her shoulders sagging ever so slightly.

"Yeah, I guess so," she admitted.

"...wanna talk about it?" Gohan offered, raising his eyebrows with concern.

Itsuka hesitated, clearing an orange bang from her sparkling green eyes. After a moment of quiet deliberation, she lifted her gaze up at him with a grateful smile.

"Sorry, it's not really a big deal or anything. It's just that you're the first person who's ever asked me to hang out after school."

Gohan's brows furrowed in surprise.

"Really? I find that hard to believe. You're one of the most popular students in school, Itsuka. I mean, everyone knows you."

Itsuka shrugged with a sad smile. "Sure, they know me – 'Big Sis Kendo', the dependable Class Rep who's always there to lend a hand or crack a joke. But when it comes to spending time together outside of school... well, let's just say I don't get too many invitations."

Gohan nodded, listening intently to Itsuka's venting.

Itsuka hesitated for a moment before she continued to speak, her voice soft yet filled with emotion. She shook her head.

"Don't get me wrong, I love helping others. I love being there for people when they need me, especially my sister Valese and Yui and the rest of my friends and classmates. That's what being a Hero is all about, right? But lately, it's like that's all I am to everyone – the dependable older sister, the reliable friend, the studious Class Rep," she confessed, her gaze dropping to the soft blue grass below.

Gohan listened intently, his gaze focused on Itsuka as she spoke. He could sense the weight of her words, the underlying longing for something more than just the roles she fulfilled in others' lives.

"You know what it feels like? It almost feels like… like... like I'm a vending machine!" Itsuka exclaimed.

"A vending machine?" Gohan echoed, the unexpected comparison catching him off guard and throwing him into a fit of laughter.

"Hey, don't laugh at me!" Itsuka growled playfully, lightly tapping him on the shoulder with the edge of her hand. "Jerk!"

"Sorry, sorry," Gohan apologized, struggling to compose himself. "Why do you feel like a vending machine?"

"I dunno, I just... I feel like people only come up to me when they need something," Itsuka continued, raising her finger and poking her stomach for emphasis.

"BOOP. Big Sis Kendo, I need help with homework. BOOP. Big Sis Kendo, Monoma is acting up again, please go reprimand him. BOOP. Big Sis Kendo, your little sister's gonna be hungry, so hurry back from school to cook dinner. It's... it's exhausting, you know?"

"I get it," Gohan said. "It's like you're always there for everyone else, but who's there for you when you need it?"

Itsuka nodded, a weary sigh escaping her lips.

"Exactly," she replied, her tone heavy with resignation. "Like I'm drowning in a sea of everyone else's problems, and I'm just expected to keep treading water without ever asking for help."

"Yeah… like you want to find your way back to shore, or at least anchor yourself in something real and tangible," Gohan added, "but the waters keep pulling you back out to sea, forcing you to carry the weight of the waters on your back."

"And no matter how hard you swim, it's one wave after another, endlessly, so you spin and collide against the tides, drifting back out into open water, away from where you want to be, where your heart desires…" Itsuka's voice dropped. A moment of silent retrospection fell upon the two teens for a moment before Itsuka looked up at Gohan again.

"Can I tell you a secret, Gohan? Sometimes I just wish... I wish I could take a break from being 'Big Sis Kendo' and just be Itsuka for a while, you know? I wish I could relax my arms, close my eyes and just float away, no more fighting the currents."

"Let the waters carry you for a change…" Gohan completed, looking at her with distant eyes, a longing in his own voice as well.

Itsuka's eyes widened with surprise, a glimmer of understanding dawning in her gaze as she locked eyes with Gohan.

"Yeah," she whispered, drawing closer to him. "To surrender to the currents and allow ourselves to be carried wherever they may lead, without the weight of the ocean on our shoulders."

"Maybe, surrendering is the bravest thing we can do, then," Gohan murmured, his voice soft and thoughtful. "To let go of control and trust that the currents will guide us to where we need to be."

Itsuka stared into Gohan's eyes, which were lit by the soft pink light of the setting sun.

Her heartbeat quickened and for a fleeting moment, she wanted to give herself up to the tides, and allow the rushing current in her heart to carry her to uncharted waters, no matter where that might lead. To allow herself to be swept away by the possibility of something more, of surrendering to the allure of the unknown. But reality crashed over her like it always did.

That relentless tide, once again ripping her away from her desires, her needs and wants, pulling her back out to sea, reminding her of the boundaries she could not cross, the feelings she could not indulge in.

She could see it plainly in his eyes. His sincere, innocent eyes. Gohan was just like her, always so eager to help, to support, to save. She could see it plainly. He did not share the emotions she felt for him.

No, Gohan's heart yearned for Ochaco. He loved her. And this? This was just Gohan, trying to be there for his friends, like he always was.

Itsuka forced herself to smile through the rift in her heart.

"Pfft, like that's ever gonna happen, right? Anyways, thank you for letting me vent, Gohan, and for spending the day with me," she murmured, with a genuine smile. "I appreciate everything you've done for me today."

Gohan returned her smile, oblivious to the silent turmoil raging beneath the surface of Itsuka's facade.

"Anytime, Itsuka," he replied warmly, his gaze filled with genuine affection and warm friendliness. "I'm here for you, always. The last thing I want is for you to be lonely. So if you ever feel like floating in the waters, just call me. We'll float together anytime!" Gohan said with a grin and a mischievous giggle.

"Right…" Itsuka's voice dropped to a whisper. "Floating."

Deep down inside, Itsuka's heart fluttered and sank at the same time. She knew he meant well, but his words only served as a painful reminder of the boundaries between them. Swallowing her own feelings, she forced herself to nod, masking her inner turmoil with a smile.

"Thank you, Gohan," she said softly. "I appreciate your kindness and support more than you know."

As Gohan flashed her a warm smile, Itsuka couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. She wanted so desperately to be the one Gohan looked at with such affection, but she knew that place belonged to Ochaco. With a heavy heart, she pushed aside her own desires once again.

"Um… we should probably head back now," she suggested, trying to steer the conversation away from the emotional depths it threatened to plunge into. "The kids must be wondering where we've gone off to."

"Yeah, good idea."

…

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the skies a delicate shade of light pink, the carnival came alive with a final burst of energy. The children's laughter echoed through the air as they raced from one ride to another, their faces flushed with excitement and delight.

Suddenly, the speakers came to life with an announcement:

"Attention, carnival-goers! We regret to inform you that the carnival will be closing in just one hour. Please start wrapping up your activities and enjoy your final rides and attractions. Thank you for joining us today!"

With confused and disappointed looks, the children turned to Gohan.

"What, already?! Why's the carnival closing so soon?" Trunks grumbled.

"Yeah, I thought we had more time," Goten chimed in, his disappointment evident.

Mai crossed her arms, a puzzled frown on her face. "I was just getting started on the games!"

"And I was looking forward to seeing all the pretty colors at night!" Valese glanced around, her brows furrowing in confusion.

"Yeah, I dunno what's going on, but let me find out," Gohan said, turning a nearby attendant, his brow furrowed with curiosity. "Excuse me, sir? Why is the carnival closing so early?" he asked.

The attendant sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he glanced around at the bustling fairgrounds. "Sorry, kid. It's standard procedure, especially with the recent rise in crime in Namek," he explained. "We used to stay open well into the night, but a lot of things changed when the Triads took over."

Gohan nodded in understanding, a pang of disappointment tugging at his heart.

"Oh well, it can't be helped. Alright, everyone," Gohan turned back to the disappointed children, giving them a reassuring smile. "It looks like the carnival will be closing soon, so let's start wrapping it up. Any final rides or games you wanna try before we leave?"

"Like what?" Mai asked with a shrug. "We tried just about everything, except for the Ajisa zipline."

"I don't think you guys are tall enough to ride that yet," Itsuka said with a laugh. "Sorry, munchkins."

"Can we go eat again?" Goten asked, placing his hands over his stomach. "I'm hungry."

"Again?" Gohan laughed. "We ate probably an hour ago. Maybe we can get something to eat before heading back. Isn't there anything you'd like to do before the carnival closes for the day?"

"What about that shooting gallery?" Goten suggested, pointing at a nearby booth that had targets set up.

Gohan and Itsuka exchanged uneasy chuckles.

"Give Goten and Valese guns?" Itsuka laughed nervously.

"Yeah," Gohan nodded. "What could possibly go wrong, right?"

"A shooting gallery?! Come on, Mai, let's give it a shot!" Trunks urged, his eyes shining with excitement as he pulled Mai's wrist with him. "I'll win you the biggest prize they have!"

"Yeah, right!" Mai scoffed, pulling her arm free from Trunks's grasp. "I can win it myself!"

As Trunks and Mai excitedly made their way towards the shooting game booth, Valese tugged on Goten's arm in the opposite direction.

"Wow, check that out, Goten! Let's go see the magic show!" she said, pointing to a purple tent with a big neon sign. "Wanna see a real life wizard?"

"Whoa! A real wizard? Awesome!" Goten exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he bounced excitedly on his feet. "I wanna see the wizard! I wanna see the wizard! I wanna see the wizard! Can we go, Gohan?"

Seeing their excitement, Gohan glanced at Itsuka, who nodded in understanding.

"Looks like we're splitting up," she said with a smile. "I'll stick with Trunks and Mai, and you can take Goten and Valese to the magic show."

Gohan nodded in agreement, taking Goten and Valese by the hands.

"Sounds like a plan. Okay! Let's go see some magic, you guys!" he said cheerfully, leading Goten and Valese towards the magic show tent.

Meanwhile, Trunks and Mai arrived at the shooting gallery, their excitement palpable as they approached the booth.

"Ugh, this is so awesome!" Trunks was saying, cracking his knuckles. "Get ready to be amazed, Mai. I'm gonna win you the biggest prize they've got!"

"Uh, since when do you know how to shoot a gun?" Mai asked, unamused.

"Pfft, how hard can it be?" Trunks asked, confidently, handing the attendant some tokens.

The attendant was a middle-aged Namekian man with a weathered green skin and antennae that faced upwards, wearing a faded carnival uniform that clung onto his portly body. He took the tokens and brought out a plastic brightly colored "kids'" rifle with a smile.

"Here you go, kid," the attendant offered, attempting to hand Trunks the toy rifle. "Have fun."

But Trunks shook his head, dismissing the toy gun with a decisive wave of his hand.

"No way, man! I'll take that big one over there," he insisted confidently as he pointed emphatically at the larger, more imposing rifle. Its metal barrel and heavier wood stock shined under the bright lights.

The attendant's surprise was evident as he hesitated, clearly taken aback by Trunks' request.

"Uh, are you sure, kid? The adult version's got some kick to it," he cautioned, eyeing Trunks skeptically.

"Mister Attendant is right, Trunks, maybe you should try starting with something lighter," Mai added.

"Hey, c'mon Mai! I'm the Future, remember? I'm crazy strong! I can handle it," Trunks declared with a cocky grin. "I just gotta point at the targets and pull the trigger. It'll be just like shooting targets with my kikoha blasts back home. Simple, right?"

With a shrug, the attendant relented, handing Trunks the adult rifle with a cautious nod.

"Your call, little man, but no refunds, no returns, no exceptions," he muttered, stepping back to give Trunks space to take aim.

"Go Trunks!" Itsuka called from behind them, watching excitedly.

Trunks accepted the rifle with a confident nod of thanks, his fingers curling around the much heavier rifle with a firm grip. Ignoring the weight of the weapon and the warning glances from nearby patrons, he turned to Mai with a confident smirk.

"See that guy?" Trunks told her, pointing to an oval shaped pink robot with elongated arms and legs. "I'm gonna get him for you."

Mai's cheeks flushed red with surprise and embarrassment as Trunks pointed out the giant robot.

"Wha-what?" Mai stammered. She shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting nervously to the other patrons nearby, who couldn't help but coo at the romantic gesture unfolding before them. She felt a flutter of flattery at Trunks' bold declaration, but it was overshadowed by a sense of unease at being the center of attention. "But why?" she managed to squeak out.

Her response was met with an affectionate grin from Trunks, his confidence undimmed.

"Because it's the biggest prize they've got," he replied earnestly, his tone soft yet unwavering. "And because seeing your smile would make it all worth it."

"My… smile?!" Mai's heart skipped a beat at his words, unaccustomed to such open displays of affection, especially not in front of an audience.

"Um, Trunks, you really don't have to..." Mai began, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words to respond to his unexpected gesture. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously, her gaze darting away from Trunks' intense gaze.

"Too late. Watch this!" Trunks furrowed his brow in concentration, his fingers tightening around the grip of the gun as he aimed at the row of targets before him. With a deep breath, he squeezed the trigger, sending a flurry of colorful pellets flying towards the red and white targets. Yet, to his dismay, the rifle recoiled against his shoulder unexpectedly, and the pellets veered off course, missing their intended targets by a wide margin.

"Ah, come on!" Trunks muttered under his breath, his frustration evident as he watched the pellets scatter across the booth.

Mai couldn't suppress a soft chuckle at Trunks' earnest attempts.

"Simple, huh?" she teased.

Trunks shot her a wry smile, his cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment.

"Yeah, I'm just warming up," he said, his pride taking a small blow from his lackluster performance. He squared his shoulders, determination flickering in his eyes as he prepared to take another shot.

Mai offered him an encouraging nod, her own lips quirking up into a supportive smile.

"You're doing it wrong, Trunks," Mai said, leaning in. "You're trying too hard to look cool. Just focus and take your time," she advised, closing one eye and attempting to look down the sights Trunks was using.

Trunks took a steadying breath, his gaze fixed on the targets before him. He adjusted his aim with careful precision and lined up his shot. With a deep breath, he squeezed the trigger, but again, he couldn't control the recoil and his shots veered off course, missing the targets by a wide margin.

"Ugh, not again," Trunks muttered under his breath, his frustration evident as he lowered the gun with a disappointed sigh.

"Looks like shooting's not your thing, Trunks," Mai shook her head with a smirk. "Maybe stick to swords from now on, hm? Here, let me give it a try."

As Trunks stepped back, relinquishing the rifle to Mai, her demeanor shifted. With a confident smirk, she grasped the weapon, her fingers deftly finding their positions along the barrel. As she raised the rifle, her stance became solid, rooted firmly to the ground.

With a controlled exhale, Mai squeezed the trigger, and the rifle recoiled slightly against her shoulder. But instead of bracing against the kickback, Mai anticipated it, using it to her advantage. The force propelled her backward just enough to align her sights with the next target.

In a fluid motion, she readjusted her aim and fired again, the recoil pushing her effortlessly into position for the next shot. With each pull of the trigger, Mai harnessed the energy of the rifle's kickback, using it to her advantage as she seamlessly transitioned from one target to the next.

The targets seemed to blur together as Mai's precision turned the shooting game into a mesmerizing display of skill. As the shots rang out, each pellet struck each target dead center. The bullseye point on each target blinked several times as Mai hit one perfect score after another, until all seven targets fell one by one. As the final target fell, Mai lowered the rifle with a satisfied grin, her eyes sparkling with triumph.

Within moments, Mai had not only decimated the entire gallery of targets but had tripled the Carnival's High Score in the process, leaving Trunks, Goten and the others stunned and speechless.

"Woohoo! Attagirl, Mai!" Itsuka cheered from behind.

With a triumphant grin, Mai turned to Trunks, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

"And that's how it's done," she teased, resting the barrel of the rifle against her shoulder. "I love guns."

Trunks could only stare in awe at Mai's impressive display of skill, a newfound admiration blooming in his heart. "Wow, Mai. That was incredible! I knew you were a great shot, but holy crap! I never knew you were such a sharpshooter," he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Hehehe thanks," Mai chuckled softly, her cheeks flushing with pride at Trunks' praise. She accepted the large pink robot toy from the attendant. "Sure, my Quirk helps, but practice makes perfect, right? That's what Uncle Snipe always says."

"Wait, Mister Snipe is your uncle?!" Trunks and Itsuka shrieked in disbelief.

"Yeah," Mai shrugged. "Taught me all I know."

"Mai…" Trunks beamed in reverent awe, his eyes wide and glossy.

"What?" Mai asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You are so cool!"

Mai's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink at Trunks' earnest compliment. She shifted uncomfortably, her gaze flickering away from Trunks' admiring eyes.

"Um, thanks, Trunks," she stammered, her voice slightly strained. "But, uh, it's not that big of a deal, really."

"No, seriously, Mai, you're amazing!" he insisted, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "I mean, not only are you super talented with a gun, but you're also really smart and funny. And, uh, really pretty too!"

"Ugh, stop it already, Trunks," Mai snapped, her cheeks flushing as she shoved the toy robot into his arms. "Here, I didn't even want this. If you think it's so great, then why don't you win it yourself?"

Her tone was sharper than she intended, but she couldn't bring herself to let Trunks see how much his words affected her. Instead, she turned away, hoping to hide the flush creeping up her neck.

Trunks blinked in surprise, caught off guard by Mai's sudden change in demeanor. He glanced down at the robot in his arms, then back up at Mai with a puzzled expression.

"Uh, okay, Mai," he replied, his voice tinged with confusion. "I mean, sure, I can try."

As Trunks turned to return the robot, Itsuka, who had witnessed the encounter, gently called out to Mai, her voice soft and understanding. Mai hesitated for a moment before obediently making her way over to Itsuka, who crouched down to her level with a reassuring smile.

"What's up, Mai?" Itsuka asked. "Talk to me, girl. Why do Trunks's compliments and attention bother you so much?"

Mai shifted uncomfortably, her gaze falling to the ground as she struggled to find the right words.

"I don't know," Mai admitted quietly. "It's just... it's like he doesn't get it, you know? He's always trying to impress me or make me smile, and... it just annoys me sometimes."

Itsuka nodded understandingly, her expression sympathetic. "It's okay to feel that way, Mai. Sometimes when someone pays us a lot of attention, it can make us feel uncomfortable or even annoyed, especially if we're not used to it, right? Especially if it's coming from a boy."

Mai glanced up at Itsuka, her eyes searching for reassurance. "But what if... what if I actually kind of like it?" she admitted hesitantly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Itsuka's smile widened, and she suppressed a laugh as best as she could. Oh, she is so precious!

"That's okay too, Mai," she reassured gently. "It's natural to feel unsure about these things, especially when it involves someone you care about. You don't have to rush into anything or feel pressured to share your feelings before you're ready."

Itsuka reached out to cup Mai's cheek.

"But that doesn't mean we can't be nice to one another, right? Trunks really wanted to get you the robot because he thought you'd like it, and it'd brighten your day. That was nice of him, wasn't it?"

Mai nodded slowly, her gaze softening as she considered Itsuka's words.

"Yeah, I guess it was," she admitted quietly. "Maybe I'll... I'll go thank him."

Itsuka grinned, pleased to see Mai opening up a little.

"That's a great idea," she encouraged, giving Mai's cheek a gentle pat before standing up. "I'm sure that would make Trunks feel very appreciated, and sometimes, making others happy makes us feel even better, ourselves."

Mai nodded again and turned towards the shooting gallery.

Trunks stood in front of the shooting gallery attendant, his frustration spilled out over his bright indigo eyes as he argued his case.

"Come on, just take it back! It's not like I damaged it or anything," he insisted, holding up the robot in question.

The attendant shook his head adamantly. "Sorry, kid. Once you win a prize, it's yours. No refunds, No returns, No exceptions," he explained firmly, crossing his arms.

Trunks clenched his fists, his frustration mounting with each passing moment.

"But that's not fair! I didn't even win this stupid thing!" he protested.

Just as Trunks was about to launch into another round of bargaining, Mai's voice cut through the tension.

"Hey, Trunks, wait up," she called, jogging over to where he stood.

Turning to face her, Trunks let out a sigh of relief at her arrival.

"Mai, I'm really sorry. This guy won't budge on taking back the robot," he explained, gesturing towards the stubborn attendant.

"You don't have to return it, Trunks," Mai said, clutching at the collar of her green jacket and looking down shyly. "I... I want you to have it. I won it for you."

Trunks blinked in surprise. He looked down at the robot in his hands, then back up at Mai, his expression softening with genuine gratitude.

"Really? You... you want me to keep it?" Trunks asked, his voice tinged with disbelief and a hint of awe.

Mai nodded, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she avoided his gaze. "Yeah... I mean, if you want it. It's just... a little something to say thanks for always being so nice to me, even when I'm... well, not the nicest person," she admitted sheepishly.

Trunks felt a warmth spread through his chest at Mai's words, a rush of affection swelling within him. "Of course I want it! And... and thank you, Mai. That's really sweet of you," he replied earnestly and shot her a sincere smile.

Mai's lips twitched into a shy smile, a small spark of happiness flickering in her eyes.

"You're welcome, Trunks," she murmured softly.

Together, they turned back to the attendant, Trunks holding onto the robot with a contented smile.

"Looks like we'll be keeping it after all," he said with a grin, while Mai nodded in agreement.

The attendant responded with a dry, bored and irritated huff.

"Pah. Of course you're keeping it. Like you had a choice," he said. "No refunds, no returns-"

"-no exceptions, yeah, yeah!" Mai and Trunks retorted, rolling their eyes.

…

Inside the tent that housed the Magic Show, Gohan, Goten and Valese were greeted by the soft glow of lanterns and the murmurs of excited chatter. The air inside was cool, a welcome relief from the warmth of the day, and carried the faint scent of popcorn mixed with sweet incense. Wooden benches lined the interior, offering seating to eager spectators.

As they settled into their seats, the lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the audience as the stage was bathed in a soft, mystical glow. Suddenly, the sound of revving engines filled the air, and to the children's delight, a blue car adorned with flames rolled onto the stage.

With a flourish, the magician emerged from the car, clad in a dramatic cloak and top hat.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, to a night of magic and wonder!" he announced, his voice carrying through the tent. "Prepare to be amazed!"

The children erupted into applause as the magician began his performance, weaving a tapestry of illusion and sleight of hand before their eyes. Coins vanished and reappeared, cards danced through the air, and objects defied gravity with seemingly impossible feats.

"Wow, did you see that?!" Goten exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement as he watched the magician's tricks unfold.

"Yeah, it's like real magic!" Valese marveled, her gaze fixed on the stage.

As the magician moved on through his performance, he paused and called for a volunteer. Goten's hand shot up eagerly, his eyes sparkling with excitement. With a wide grin, he bounded onto the stage, ready to play his part in the spectacle.

"Well, well, well! What do we have here? A brave young volunteer! What's your name, young man?" the magician asked with a flourish.

"I'm Goten!" he replied enthusiastically.

The magician chuckled, impressed by Goten's enthusiasm. "Well, Goten, you're in for a treat! We're going to make you fly!"

"Fly? Like a superhero?" Goten's eyes widened in wonder.

"Exactly! Now, stand right here, and I'll work my magic," the magician instructed, gesturing to a spot on the stage.

As Goten stood in the designated spot, the magician subtly attached a cable to his belt loop, hidden from view. With a wave of his wand and a few dramatic incantations, he created an illusion of levitation.

"Now, Goten, concentrate. Feel yourself lifting off the ground. You're soaring through the air, higher and higher!" the magician declared.

Goten, caught up in the moment, felt a slight tug at his waist but dismissed it, focusing on the sensation of flying.

"Whoa, this is amazing! I'm really flying!" Goten exclaimed, his face lit up with excitement.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Goten appeared to hover above the stage. However, amidst the excitement, Goten's keen eyes caught sight of the cable attached to his belt loop.

"Hey, wait a minute!" Goten called out loudly, pointing to the cable. "You've got me on a wire! I'm not really flying!"

The magician's grin faltered for a moment before he regained his composure, chuckling nervously at Goten's observation.

The magician, trying to salvage the illusion, responded with a theatrical laugh.

"Ah heh heh heh, well spotted, young man! But of course, a magician never reveals his secrets!" He winked at the audience, hoping to deflect attention from Goten's revelation.

"Well, it's not really a secret," Goten said, his eyes gleaming with innocence. "You just gotta control your ki. It's easy, watch."

Before anyone could react, Goten leaped into the air and began to soar above the stage, his laughter echoing through the tent as he performed loops and spins in the air. The magician could only watch in awe as Goten, with his boundless energy and innocence, turned the tables and became the star of the show.

"Haha! Haha! Look at me, I'm a little birdie! Haha!" Goten laughed joyfully, flying and twirling in the air above the audience.

The audience erupted into cheers and applause, their amazement mingled with laughter as Goten soared through the air with all the grace and agility of a true superhero.

Seeing the audience's fascination with Goten's effortless flight, the magician, though slightly flustered, decided to turn the situation to his advantage. With a forced smile, he addressed the crowd.

"Well, it seems we have a budding magician in our midst! How about we put young Goten's skills to the test?"

Goten eagerly nodded his head, oblivious to the magician's attempt to regain control of the show. "Sure! I love magic tricks! What's next, Mister Wizard?"

The magician's forced smile faltered for a brief moment, a hint of irritation flashing across his features at being called a "wizard." However, he quickly regained his composure, masking his slight offense with a gracious nod.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the magician announced, his voice echoing through the tent, "for my next feat of daring, I shall attempt the most perilous escape known to man!"

As the audience gasped in anticipation, the magician unveiled the contraption before them: a sturdy chair suspended upside down above a tank of water, with ominous chains hanging from its arms. With a flourish, he revealed the straightjacket he would don, its straps glinting in the stage lights.

"I shall be bound in this straitjacket, my friends," he continued, his words punctuated by dramatic gestures, "and suspended above this tank of water. Should I fail to escape before it's submerged, I shall face a watery demise!"

The audience murmured in a mix of excitement and apprehension, their eyes fixed on the magician as he prepared for his daring escape.

As the anticipation built within the audience, the magician, strapped tightly in the straitjacket, was slowly hoisted upside down over the tank of water. Chains rattled as he dangled perilously, the threat of drowning looming with each passing second.

With a flurry of movement, the magician wriggled and twisted, his body contorting in an attempt to break free from the restraints. The tension in the air was palpable as he struggled against the chains, inching closer and closer to the unforgiving waters below. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, the magician miraculously slipped free from his bindings, emerging from the water with only seconds to spare.

Amidst the applause and cheers of the crowd, the magician caught his breath, relief washing over him as he regained his composure. Turning to face the audience, he flashed a confident smile before turning to Goten.

"Alright, young Goten. It's your turn now. What do you say? Want to give it a try?" the magician called out to Goten, his voice tinged with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

Goten's eyes widened with excitement at the invitation, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Really? Can I?" he exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of his feet with eager anticipation.

"Uh, Goten, I don't know about this," Gohan called from the audience.

"It's okay, big bro!" Goten said confidently. "I got this!"

As Goten began to put on the straightjacket, the magician quickly leaned in close to him, his tone hushed as he whispered instructions on how to escape from the straightjacket.

"Listen, kid, I'll tell you the secret. Just don't panic and do as I say, okay? We don't want any accidents," he cautioned, his voice tinged with concern. "Give the crowd a show, make them think like you're gonna get dunked in the water, and then press the latch on the left sleeve with your elbow. It'll open the sleeves and it'll look like you broke free, got it? The crowd's gonna love this!"

With a nod of understanding, Goten eagerly buttoned the straightjacket, his heart racing with anticipation. The magician tied the sleeves behind Goten's back and strapped him against the chair. As the contraption flipped Goten upside down and lowered him closer into the waters, Goten sat perfectly still.

The magician did a double take, unsure why Goten wasn't trying to wiggle himself free, but figured it was all part of the act.

"Uh, folks, it seems our volunteer is... uh... really getting into character!" the magician stammered, attempting to maintain his composure as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. "Don't worry, everything's under control! Goten's just adding a little extra suspense to the performance, that's all!"

Despite his attempts to reassure the crowd, the magician couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.

As Goten was about to be fully submerged into the water, he flashed a mischievous grin at the magician and called out in a cheerful yet slightly taunting tone, "Hey, Mister Wizard! Hope you remembered to bring the keys, 'cause I don't think I'll be able to find them down here!"

The magician's eyes widened in alarm, his nerves rattled by Goten's unexpected remark. He fumbled with his words for a moment before managing a nervous chuckle, trying to play off Goten's comment as part of the act. Trying to regain his composure, the magician addressed the audience with a forced smile.

"Ah, yes, folks! Seems our young volunteer has quite the sense of humor! But fear not, I've got everything under control!"

But inside, the magician's heart pounded with uncertainty. Goten's nonchalant attitude and cheeky remark had thrown him off balance, casting a shadow of doubt over the success of the illusion. As the contraption continued to lower Goten into the water, the magician's mind raced with worry, unsure of what would unfold next.

"Bye bye everyone!" Goten called out as he was finally fully submerged into the water. Goten could feel the cool water enveloping him, the pressure of the chains pulling him down. But instead of following the magician's instructions, Goten allowed himself to sink deeper into the water, a mischievous glint in his eye.

As seconds turned into minutes, the magician's nervous chuckle turned into full-blown panic. He frantically gestured to the crew to lift Goten out of the water.

Inside the tank, Goten remained calm and composed, and even gave off a bubbly chuckle as he saw the magician's reaction.

"Pull him out! Pull him out!" The magician cried, but as soon as Goten was pulled out of the tank, he burst out laughing with joy.

"Boy that was a lot of fun, Mister Wizard!" he squealed.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Goten emerged from the water, victorious and unscathed. The magician breathed a sigh of relief, his heart still racing.

"Wow, kid, you really had me worried there for a minute!" the magician exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration. "But I gotta say, that was one heck of a trick you pulled off there!"

Goten chuckled sheepishly, his cheeks flushed with excitement. "Thanks, Mister Wizard! I've been training with my mom and Master Roshi, you know. Swimming across the Dagoba Sea every morning to deliver milk. Holding my breath for up to even ten minutes? Piece of cake!"

As the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, Goten flexed his muscles, and in one swift motion, Goten tore through the fabric of the straightjacket as well as the chains with ease, the seams and metal links ripping apart as if they were made of wet paper. The crowd gasped in astonishment as Goten flipped around in midair to land on the stage, his chest puffed out in triumph.

The magician's jaw dropped in disbelief, his eyes widening in shock at the display of sheer strength before him.

"Goten! Goten! Goten!" The crowd, including Gohan and Valese began chanting. Goten chuckled and waved at the crowd with a big smile.

The cheers of the crowd seemed to echo endlessly in the magician's ears as he tried to maintain his composure in the Goten's effortless takeover of his own show. With a forced smile plastered on his face, he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, acknowledging Goten's newfound status as the star of the show.

"Alright, alright, folks!" he called out over the chants of the crowd. "Let's give it up one more time for Goten!"

As the applause continued to thunder through the tent, the magician's smile faltered ever so slightly with a flicker of irritation simmering beneath the surface. Despite his best efforts to conceal it, he couldn't shake the feeling of being upstaged by a mere child.

But as the crowd's enthusiasm showed no signs of waning, the magician knew that he had to salvage what was left of the show. With a sigh, he cleared his throat and mustered up what remained of his professional demeanor.

"How about one last trick for the grand finale?" he announced with forced enthusiasm. See if you can smile your way outta this one, ya little brat.

As the grand finale approached, the audience leaned forward in their seats, eyes wide with excitement as they awaited the magician's last, greatest stunt.

Trunks and Mai entered the tent, followed closely by Itsuka. They found seats next to Gohan and Valese, their eyes drawn to the stage where Goten stood.

"Hey, you guys," Gohan said with a smile. "You're just in time for the finale."

Itsuka furrowed her brow in confusion.

"Why is Goten on the stage?" Itsuka whispered to Gohan, curiosly.

"He volunteered to be part of the magician's act. It's been quite a show," he replied, raising his eyebrow at Valese. "Hasn't it, Val?"

Valese nodded excitedly.

"Yeah, Goten's been amazing up there! You should have seen him, Itsuka. He's like a real-life superhero!"

Itsuka nodded, her interest piqued as she turned her attention back to the stage, eager to see what the grand finale had in store.

"Ladies and gentlemen, for the grand finale of tonight's performance, I present to you a daring display of skill and precision!" he proclaimed, his voice booming.

With dramatic flair, he gestured to his assistant, who stood ready by the side of the stage.

"My dear assistant will now drive my beloved car towards me at high speed. I must leap over the car and land safely on the other side!"

The crowd gasped in awe and excitement, their eyes glued to the stage as the assistant revved the engine of the sleek blue car, its headlights shining brightly in the dimly lit tent.

"It's time to witness the impossible!" the magician declared, a confident smile gracing his lips as he prepared to execute his death-defying feat.

The stage was set, with the magician poised at one end, ready to face the oncoming collision with unwavering confidence.

The engine roared to life as the car revved its way onto the stage, hurtling toward the magician with alarming speed.

But at the last possible second, with a graceful leap that defied gravity itself, the magician soared effortlessly over the speeding car, landing with a flourish on the other side unscathed. A collective gasp of awe rose from the audience, mingling with thunderous applause as they erupted into cheers for the mesmerizing display of skill and daring.

Of course, the magician hadn't made the jump on his own; a hidden ramp concealed beneath the stage provided the perfect launchpad for his dramatic leap. With careful timing and skillful execution, he was able to create the illusion of a death-defying leap over the speeding car, leaving the audience spellbound and amazed.

And he had no intention of telling goten his secret.

Taking a deep bow, the magician basked in the adoration of the crowd, a triumphant smile gracing his lips as he soaked in their applause.

Now it was time for Goten's turn, and the magician's gaze shifted toward the young smiling boy with curiosity and apprehension. This time, he decided, he wouldn't offer any hints or guidance. It was up to Goten to find his own way out of the impending danger.

As the car roared toward Goten, the audience shrieked, unable to witness the impending doom. But to their astonishment, instead of dodging or leaping out of harm's way, Goten simply raised one hand.

With a casual flick of his wrist, Goten effortlessly caught the hood of the car and halted it in its tracks, the vehicle screeching to a sudden halt mere inches from where he stood. And in a breathtaking display of strength, Goten lifted the car effortlessly over his head, holding it up in the air as if it weighed no more than a feather.

Stunned silence blanketed the tent, broken only by the sound of gasps in disbelief. Then, as if on cue, the audience erupted into wild applause, their cheers echoing through the air as they hailed Goten as the true hero of the show. And for the magician, standing in awe of the young boy's incredible power, there was no denying the inevitable conclusion: this was the Goten show.

With the car still held effortlessly over his head, Goten flashed a sheepish grin at the audience, his innocent eyes sparkling with childlike wonder. "Oops," he exclaimed with a touch of playful innocence. "I forgot it was supposed to be me going over the car, not the car over me!"

His words elicited a ripple of laughter from the crowd, the tension of the moment evaporating into a light-hearted chuckle. Goten's youthful eyes and carefree smile charmed the crowd.

Amidst the laughter, the magician couldn't help but smile too, his heart lighter despite being upstaged by the young prodigy. The magician's voice boomed over the excited cheers of the crowd, as he gestured towards Goten with a dramatic flourish. "Give it up for Goten!"

Valese, who was now perched atop Gohan's sturdy shoulders, let out an exuberant cheer for Goten, catching his attention. Goten turned to look at her and waved with both hands, closing his eyes and tilting his head to the side with a childish giggle. With a mischievous twinkle in Valese's eye, she blew a playful kiss towards Goten, who couldn't help but smirk shyly in response, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks.

With a sheepish grin, Goten turned his gaze towards the magician, his eyes sparkling with genuine appreciation.

"Thanks, Mr. Wizard!" Goten called out. "That was so cool!"

The magician closed his eyes but this time his smile widened at the endearing nickname, a twinkle of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You're the young wizard, Mister Goten," he replied with warmth and encouragement. "Thank you for a great show tonight!"

Goten beamed at the magician's praise, feeling a swell of pride. As the applause continued to echo through the tent, Itsuka glanced up at Valese, who was sitting on Gohan's strong shoulders with a proud smile on her face. She couldn't help but feel a tender affection at the sight of her enamored little sister cheering on for Goten with such enthusiasm.

"I'm so happy to see that big beautiful smile again, Val," she murmured with a smile.

It had been so long since Valese had had a look of pure joy along her pretty features, ever since the fire villain attacked and traumatized her. Valese was finally smiling and laughing and having fun again.

And it was all thanks to what Gohan had done for them. The Son boys really were something else.

They were a blessing in their lives.

Valese beamed down at her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Thanks, Itsuka! Goten and Gohan really are amazing, aren't they?"

Itsuka nodded in agreement

"Yeah," she replied, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "They really are."

Ending Song:

"Set It On Fire" by Divide Music

Shoto Todoroki stood before the mirror as he ran the comb through his hair.

Behind him, Fuyumi entered the room, her footsteps barely audible against the plush tatami mats. Her eyes, a mirror image of Shoto's left eye, held a look of concern as she approached her brother.

"But why do you have to talk to her?" Fuyumi's voice was soft, her words laced with a hint of uncertainty. "Why tonight?"

Shoto paused, his gaze meeting Fuyumi's in the mirror's reflection. The flickering candlelight danced in his eyes, casting a soft glow that only served to accentuate the determination etched into his features.

"It's just that it's been so long... are you sure you're ready to expose that wound?" Fuyumi's voice wavered with concern as she reached out to place a comforting hand on Shoto's shoulder. "If you want, I can come with you."

Shoto shook his head. "I'll be fine, Sis. And besides, this is something I have to do alone. It has to be me."

Fuyumi studied her brother's face for a moment, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all she found was a steely determination that made her give off a tired sigh.

"Why?" she finally asked.

"I have so many questions to ask her, so many things she needs to hear from me," Shoto replied with a hint of sadness. "If I'm going to be the Hero I can be... If I'm going to use my Saiyan powers... then I have to talk to her once and for all…"

Shoto slung the one-shoulder backpack over his back, adjusting the strap as he prepared to head out into the night. The evening air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and the promise of a new beginning. As he stepped out into the front yard, his eyes caught sight of Nappa, who was seated on the porch steps, leisurely enjoying a pineapple with nothing but a knife.

"Prince Shoto!" Nappa called out between bites, his voice booming. "Good to see you. Headin' out? I can give you a lift."

Shoto paused, turning to regard the Saiyan with a faint smile.

"Thank you, Nappa, but I think I'll walk tonight," he replied, with a friendly wave. "I need some time alone to gather my thoughts."

Nappa shrugged nonchalantly, taking another bite of the pineapple before wiping his hands on his pants. "Suit yourself, Prince. Just remember, if you ever need backup, you know where to find me."

Shoto paused for a moment and gave Nappa a rare smile.

"Thank you, Nappa."

…

As Shoto walked down the bustling streets, the soft hues of the sunset cast a gentle pink glow over the cityscape, painting everything in a serene light. Amidst the busy crowds, his attention was drawn to a heartwarming scene unfolding in the distance.

There, he spotted a young boy, his features strikingly similar to his own, except for the distinct dual-colored hair. The child walked alongside his mother, his animated gestures and bright eyes conveying a sense of excitement as he eagerly recounted a seemingly mundane event. Despite the simplicity of the tale, the mother listened attentively, her expression filled with nurturing and encouraging warmth as she hung onto every word her son spoke.

As Shoto passed by the endearing scene, a pang of longing tugged at his heart. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as he watched the mother and son interact with such genuine affection and care. The sight stirred up memories he often tried to suppress – memories of a childhood devoid of such maternal warmth, a childhood marked by pain and estrangement.

As he continued down the street, the image of the mother and child lingered in Shoto's mind, casting a bittersweet shadow over his thoughts. He found himself dwelling on what could have been, on the moments he missed out on, the experiences he was denied.

What would it have been like to have a mother who was there for him, who offered comfort in times of distress and celebrated his victories with genuine pride? The ache in his heart grew with each passing step, a reminder of the void that had always existed within him.

But even as he allowed himself to entertain these thoughts, Shoto knew that dwelling on the past would only hold him back. He had come too far to let his emotions dictate his actions now. Tonight was about closure, about facing his demons head-on and moving forward, no matter how difficult it might be. With renewed determination, he pushed aside the memories and focused on the task at hand, determined to confront his past and carve out his own path, regardless of the obstacles in his way.

Shoto glanced up at the hues of pink painting the sky, and felt a pang of longing sweep through him.

This lovely pink skies…

His mother, if she were here, would have cherished the sight. He could almost imagine her standing beside him, her gentle smile illuminated by the soft glow of the sunset. How she would have marveled at the delicate dance of colors, how her eyes would have sparkled with wonder and awe. The image of her beside him felt almost tangible, as if he could reach out and touch her…

With a heavy sigh, he tore his gaze away from the sky and focused on the path ahead. He boarded a train, which took a little over an hour to take him to his destination. Out here, the scenery changed so much.

He exited the train station and continued along his path, eyes on each step he took. His heartbeat was so fast, it felt like his heart was going to explode, but he had made it this far. It was too late to turn back now.

As Shoto neared the massive dome mansion, lined with palm trees, he stopped and breathed in and out to collect himself.

Shoto, he heard his mother's words echo in his mind. It's okay to use your powers – all of your powers, to become the hero… the person you want to be.

Shoto reached the front door and rang the doorbell.

If I want to become the hero I want to be… the hero I know I can be, then I need to see her.

After a few moments, the automatic door slid open to the side.

There's so much we need to talk about… So many questions to ask.

The woman who answered the door gasped in shock, her blue eyes widening for a moment, but then softening with a warmth Shoto had not known since he was seven years old.

"Sh...Shoto…?" she gasped.

Shoto looked up into her blue eyes. It was the moment he'd been preparing for.

"Hello, Bulma."

A/N: Well, there we have it, the second chapter of 2024. Sorry it took so long to write. I've been super busy with other stuff. I have one more chapter to upload this week, which is Gohan's Birthday Party, and the last sort-of slice of life chapter before we dive back into the action of the Internships. So for that reason, I'll save the Review Responses from the previous chapter for that one okay?

Simply because I've got about two hours of sleep before I gotta get up and go to work.

Ah, the life of a starving fanfic writer XD

I hope you liked this chapter, and I'll see you all again really, really soon!