(Sound of Birds)

As the sun rises, we see it set upon the very famous Satan City. But don't let such a name fool you, as this city has known peaceful times for the last century. Although at the same time, one must wonder how long that'll last.

Nevertheless, that's not what we're here to talk about. As of today, we'll be talking about a very special young man.

?: "Snoring."

(Clock Ringing)

?: "Snoring."

(Door slamming open)

Unknown Female: "GOKU! Wake up!"

Goku: "AH!"

(Thud)

Goku: "Ow, ow, ow!"

(Clock Ringing) (Clock stopped)

Unknown Female: "Hurry up and get ready. It's time for breakfast."

Goku: "I'll be right down, grandma Pan!"

Here we have a boy with unusually spiky black hair. I'm sure that and his name both seem very familiar. For they are the name and hair of Earth's greatest hero, Son Goku. An alien born of the warrior species known as the Saiyans on the planet Vegeta. He was known as Kakarot and was sent to this world in hopes that he would grow up to destroy it and return a bloodthirsty killer.

But with the destruction of his birth world and the unforeseen accident of him bumping his head, he ended up growing up as a member of this world. And despite his being born a low class and sent to what of equal rank, he and the name given to him by said world steadily became something known throughout the universe.

Goku: "Pant, pant, pant! Sorry I'm late."

Pan: "You should be. How sad is it that a woman with 101 years on you has to listen to that clock keep going before she has come up and wake you? Is this a reminder of how little time I have left?"

Goku: "No, no, no! Please don't joke about that, Grandma! I'll try to do better."

Pan: "Sigh. That's what you say every time."

But this isn't the same alien baby ascended beyond the hand he was dealt at birth. He was one of the many Earth born Saiyans that spawned from his bloodline.

Goku: "It's not like I'm not trying. I just lost track of time while I was at Pakku's last night."

Son Goku Jr. - Age 9

He's the 4 great grandson of the legendary low class. While he looks and sounds very much like his ancestor, his personality is very much different as he's shown to be timid at times and lacks the drive he had. But he's been shown to be very strong and hard working. And despite his timidity he often shows, he's truly brave at heart.

Pan: "And the day before that, you got back late from the arcade with Pakku. The day before was because you stayed up too long watching anime when he was over. And the day before that, you stayed up finishing the homework you neglected because you went out to play with him. He's clearly becoming a bad influence on you."

Son Pan - Age 110

She's the first first grandchild of the original Goku and the 2 great grandmother of the current. She's been a tomboy her whole life and was quite the troublemaker when she was younger. Now she spends most of her time at home raising her grandson who lives with her.

Goku: "Food in mouth - Please don't say that. Sure he used to be a bully, but when we were looking for Grandpa's Dragon Ball at Mount Paozu, he risked his life to save me."

Pan: "So I heard. I just wish you boys were more responsible. At least promise me you'll properly focus on today's training."

Goku: "Of course! During the next Tenkaichi Budokai, I plan to win!"

Despite not having the same lust for battle as the Saiyans long before him, this young man has still discovered his own drive and wishes to get stronger and win fights. He discovered this when he went on his first journey.

His grandma Pan had fallen sick. So he headed for his Grandfather Goku's home over in the woods of Mount Paozu. He did so in the hopes of finding one of the legendary Dragon Balls to wish his Grandmother well again.

Accompanied by his former bully and now best friend Pakku, the 2 were nearly killed by the Demons who lived there. But in his time of need, the young boy tapped into his Saiyan heritage and discovered the power to defeat them. Even striking down the Yamao, the lord of said Demons.

Goku: "After all, I made a promise."

(Glance)

The boy looked over at what was a picture of his namesake. As well as a certain crystal ball with 4 red stars on it.

Pan: "Well then, hurry up and finish eating so we can get started."

Goku: "Yes, Grandma! Chewing"

This isn't the story of the Saiyan who went on a journey to find 7 magic balls. It's the story of the world and the people who exist because of it.

The Life of Goku Jr., A New Generation Starts Now!

(Air moving)

Both Goku and his Grandmother are currently flying in place 30 feet above ground.

Goku: "AHHH!"

(Punch) (Kick) (Block) (Slap)

Goku begins striking blow after blow towards Pan. But she either parries it or blocks it altogether.

Pan: "Good. You're getting more accustomed to being in the air. But-

(Dodge) (Grab)

Goku: "Eh?"

As Goku was about to throw another punch, Pan got out of the way and he flew past her. And before he could turn around, she grabbed him by the shoulder.

(Throw)

Goku: "AHHH!"

Still not used to flying, he struggled to regain his balance. He was only 4 feet off the ground when he did.

Pan: "You're still struggling to change direction. You can't just fly one direction like that if you wanna win. You need to get better at moving around up here. Now it's my turn to come at you. Ready?"

Goku: "Yes!"

(Air moving)

Goku flies back to the same height.

Pan: "AH!"

(Punch) (Kick) (Block) (Dodge) (Hit)

Goku was doing his best to ward off Pan. But while she was coming at him with the same level of power and speed, her hits were far more precise and far less predictable. While he could block and dodge some of them, others got through, and none of them he could parry.

Pan: "AH!"

(Turn)

Goku: "Eh?"

(Kick) (Hit)

Goku: "AHHH!"

(Ground impact)

(Landing on the ground)

Pan: "But most important of all, you have to fight like you're flying. Remember that unlike fighting on the ground, your feet aren't what's keeping you up or allowing you to move."

During that last strike, she was gearing up to give his left side a kick. He prepared to defend himself. But then without even moving her body, she turned upside down and gave that same kick to his undefended right.

(Dirt)

Goku: "But how am I supposed to see that coming? You didn't even move."

Pan: "Sigh. Goku, I need you to think about this. When someone looks like they're going to strike you one way but it's a bluff, how do you know they're doing such?"

Goku: "I haven't forgotten that lesson, Grandma. You anticipate through muscle movement and where their eyes are focused."

Pan: "Exactly. But despite the fact you've learned to see through such bluffs when we're fighting on the ground, you fell for it in the air."

Goku: "The 2 were the same?"

Pan: "Yes. The difference was unlike in a ground fight, my other leg didn't need to be on the ground to change things up. You instinctively treated it like a jump kick and didn't prepare yourself for my flight to turn things around."

This was young Goku's greatest problem when it came to aerial combat. He was still learning how to get used to using your Ki instead of your body for movement. This is why he struggles to suddenly change direction.

This is also what makes his flight attacks predictable as he's still attacking as if standing on the ground. So he typically attacks while flying up straight instead of doing things like flying upside down like his Pan just did.

Pan: "Remember, martial arts is more than just improving your power and speed. It's about learning new ways to fight. Even the most basic of moves can be effective if used properly."

Goku: "I'm sorry, Grandma. You keep telling me these things, but I just can't seem to get the hang of flying."

Pan: "You're not the only one. I had trouble with flying at first, too."

Goku: "You did?"

Pan: "Yeah. I used to train with Piccolo-san when I was younger. I did well, except I had this little problem where I just couldn't take flight. Hell, even uncle Goten had to be taught how to fly by my father despite having already become a Super Saiyan. History kinda repeated itself there when it came to you."

Goku: "...And it wasn't until Grandpa Goku was an adult that he started to really fight when flying, right?"

Pan: "Wow. You were actually paying attention."

Goku: "Of course. You said you gave me his name to honor his memory. I'm not going to miss a thing you say about him ever again."

Goku Jr. originally didn't pay much attention to his Grandmother's stories her adventures and the ones that came before her. This is why he went to retrieve his Grandpa's Dragon Ball in the woods. Only to learn he needed all 7 to get a wish.

It was then he met the spirit of his ancestor and namesake, the original Son Goku. His words of encouragement struck him like nothing.

Goku: (I went through each day never giving it a second thought about what it meant to have his name. But no more. I'm not going to ignore or forget a single thing I hear about him from now on. I'll keep getting stronger. And someday...I hope to be as strong as him!)

While young Goku Jr. had tons to learn and just as much training to go through, he motivated more than ever. Not just to be another Goku, but an ideal one.

Pan: "Smile. Glad to hear it. You ready to continue?"

Goku: "Yeah!"

Pan: "In that case, here's another thing to know about your Grandpa Goku. He was at his best training not under a teacher, but alongside a friend. So why don't you come out from behind the bushes."

(Rustle)

Goku: "Huh?!"

Bushes not too far away from them started to move about. It turns out someone was eavesdropping on them. And that someone came out of the bushes.

Boy: "Hey…Goku."

Goku: "Pakku?"

Pakku - Age 9

Pakku: "So...How long did you know I was here?"

Pan: "Since you started doing it 9 days ago."

Goku: "9 days? Pakku, have you really been watching us that long."

Pakku: "Yeah. I couldn't help it. After seeing what you did to those monsters over at Mount Paozu, and seeing what you did at the Tenkaichi Budokai, I just had to see the training myself."

He says this while rubbing the back of his head as he walks over to see them.

Pakku: "But I don't get it, Grandma Pan. If you knew I was here this whole time, why didn't you call me out sooner?"

Pan: "I had no problem with you watching. But given your tough guy act, I was pretty sure you wouldn't stick around if I was just giving it to you."

After hearing that, Pakku put both his hands behind his head and blushed as he looked away. It was clear she hit the nail on the head with that one. But of course he couldn't admit it.

Goku on the other hand just looked back and forth between the 2 of them as he didn't know what was going on. Nevertheless, he was happy Pakku was here.

Pakku: "If that's the case, why did you call me out now?'

Pan: "Because I feel your spirit getting stronger everyday you watched this. I knew now was the time to ask you?"

Goku: "Ask? Ask what, Grandma?"

Pan: "Ask if he wants to train with us? That's what you want, right?"

Goku: "What?! Is that true, Pakku?"

Pakku: "Ye...Yeah. ...I used to think I was the toughest there was until your grandmother put me in my place during one of my gang fights. And after seeing what you and that Vegeta kid can do, I realized just how little I matter."

His face got even redder as he admitted how he felt.

Goku: "I...If you're asking him this, grandma, does that mean he can train with us?!"

Pan: "Of course. Why else would I ask?"

Goku: "Yay! I get to train with Pakku!"

Goku suddenly started hugging Pakku after he heard that. Or from Pakku's point of view, he was squeezing him.

Pakku: "He...Hey! Let off before you break me, Goku!"

Goku: "Oh! Sorry!"

Goku quickly let go and started blushing while bowing his head to apologize.

Pakku: "As much as I hate to admit it, can I even train with this little idiot? I don't think I'm going to make it."

Pan: "Don't worry, I'll be training you separate from Goku. At least for the time being. Down the road you 2 can spar with each other."

Goku: "Separate? Does that mean me and Pakku will take turns training with you, grandma?"

Pan: "No. I'll be training with Pakku. You on the other hand have someone else to train with."

Goku: "I do? Who?"

Pan: "Sigh. I see you still need more practice when it comes to Ki sensing."

Goku: "What do you…Huh?!"

It was then that he suddenly sensed a strong Ki quickly approaching them. It was already very close. On top of that, it was very familiar.

Goku looked off in the distance and saw someone flying towards them. And as said flyer got closer, it became clear who it was.

Goku: "Vegeta?"

Vegeta Leigh - Age 9

Yes. I was none other than his new rival. The descendant of the Saiyan princess who once tried to destroy this world before becoming one of its greatest heroes.

This boy carries on that same bloodline. And is not only the 5th Saiyan to share a name with their deceased home world, but is the first of Human blood to do so.

(Landing on the ground)

Vegeta: "Long time no see, Goku."

Goku: "What are you doing here?"

Vegeta: "Isn't it obvious? After going toe to toe with you at the Tenkaichi Budokai, I couldn't stop thinking about fighting you again. Never in my life has there been another kid capable of making me try in the least. But I had to go all out back then."

Goku: "So you want a rematch?"

Vegeta: "You bet I do! That's why I did my best to find out where you live. Or was losing to me once more than enough for you?"

Goku: "No way! I may have lost to you once, but I don't plan to tag behind you forever! If you wanna go, I'm ready whenever you are!"

The 2 looked at each other with this passion in their eyes. Just like their namesakes before them, no one fight with each other was enough for them. Pan saw this and knew this rivalry could push them to the same heights of their predecessors.

Pan: "Well then, Vegeta-kun. If you're that eager to fight, why don't you come here to train with him everyday?

Goku: "Everyday, grandma?

Pan: "Of course. You'll both get better the more you fight each other. So what do you say?"

Goku & Vegeta: "YES!"

(Transformation)

In that one moment, their eyes turned blue and their hair yellow. This was the legendary power known as Super Saiyan.

(Punch) (Kick) (Jump) (Fly) (Ki Blast)

The 2 didn't hesitate and immediately went at each other. This could be their dormant Saiyan instincts awakening as they fought one of their own. Or perhaps this was just fate.

Pakku: "..."

Pan: "Feeling overwhelmed?"

Pakku: "That's putting it lightly. But I have to ask. Are all those stories I heard you talking about true? Like how your grandpa Goku was an alien?"

Pan: "After seeing what 3 of us can do, would you honestly think I'm lying if I said yes?"

Pakku: "No. After seeing that over there and more, I can believe that. But can a Human like me even hope to do things like that?"

Pan: "Hey, we Saiyans might be the stars of my old stories, but there were Human fighters in the past, too. But they needed to work really hard to get the power they had. And you'll have to do the same, so I'm not taking it easy on you. Are you still up for it?"

Pakku: "Of…Of course! I'm not backing down after saying what I said in front of Goku. I definitely can't back down after letting him hear all that."

Pan: "Heh, heh, heh! Then let's get started. But first let's move somewhere else so they don't distract us or the other way around.

With that said, they began to walk away.

Pakku: "Wait a minute. You clearly knew Vegeta was coming. Why is that the same day you call me out here is the same day he's coming?"

Pan: "What do you mean?

Pakku: "I mean did you actually call me out because I was ready, or was it because you wanted an excuse to not have to train both of them?"

Pan: "Don't be ridiculous. If you've been paying attention to the stories I told Goku, then you should know coincidences are one of the biggest factors of life."

Although she says this, Pakku wasn't too convinced. Nevertheless, he continued to follow her while the Super Saiyan's duked it out.

(Mount Paozu)

Meaning, as our heroes are training, someone else is up to something. And doesn't appear to be something good.

(Walking)

Torga: "The…There it is! The entrance to his cave! How do you think he's going to react when he hears about what happened to Yamao-sama?!"

Mamba: "Well…We don't have to tell him what happened, right?! Maybe we could tell him that he ran off somewhere and never came back!"

Susha: "Are you out of your damn mind?! There's no way he's going to believe that Yamao-sama just ran after all these years! Especially since we didn't go with him!"

Mamba: "Well we could say we stayed out of loyalty to our real leader!"

Susha: "He knows we were too afraid of Yamao-sama to say no!"

Mamba: "Well what would you rather us say?! That Yamao-sama was killed by a little Human boy that made his hair turn yellow?! Or that we ran off and left him behind?! Because there's no he's going to believe that we survived the fight and he didn't!"

Torga: "Could you 2 please not yell! We're right outside his cave! What if he already heard you?!"

The 2 Demons quickly cover their mouths when that was brought up. And they look towards the cave. It didn't appear he was coming, but that didn't knock them off their toes.

Torga: "Look, we all know we have to go in there! We've been ordered to report to him annually at this time! If we don't, he'll come for us!"

(Gulping)

Accepting their fate, the 3 Demons started walking inside. As they entered they began descending into lower tunnels. And down there they found a cloaked figure sitting in a meditation position.

All 3 Demons: "Ni…Nice to see you again, Hoissuru-sama!"

The 3 say this as they quickly get on their knees and bow.

Hoissuru: "Happy to see you 3 again. Your stupidity is always amusing."

All 3 Demons: "Nervous Laughing…"

Hoissuru: "Is there anything you wish to tell me? That is the point of these annual meetings."

Mamba: "Ye..Yes, my lord! Well…You see…a few months ago 2 Human boys came wandering into our woods."

Hoissuru: "Just kids? Their parents weren't with them?"

Mamba: "No. They apparently came here looking for the house of one of the boy's grandpa. You know, the old little shine not too far from here?"

Hoissuru: "Yes. I know that place well. So what became of the 2 boys."

Mamba: "Uh! Well…About that, sire! They-

Susha: "They escaped from her home!"

Mamba: "Susha!"

Susha: "That's what happened! Don't lie to him! After that, one of the boys disappeared and the other we found as that same shine she mentioned."

Hoissuru: "And after that?"

Susha: "...Well…Um…"

Torga: "Yamao-sama! Yeah, Yamao-sama shot a cannonball at him! And then he scolded us for being incapable of catching a child, sire!"

The other 2 immediately started nodding their heads yes in response to what he said. While all 3 of them were getting dehydrated from sweating.

Hoissuru: "Speaking of Yamao, where is he? he normally comes in here before you 3."

All 3 Demons: "UH?! WELL?!"

Hoissuru: "Oh, I see. He's taking a nap isn't he?"

All 3 Demons: "Eh?!"

They were all shocked to hear such a thing from him. He seemed so calm about it despite his clear instructions to always come to see him at this time no matter what.

Mamba: "Yes! Yes! He's been working so hard to make sure the world knows this is our domain that he needed some rest!"

Other 2: "Yeah!"

But despite getting thrown off by what he said, they still decided to take advantage of it.

Hoissuru: "That makes sense. After all, he is the only competent one among you. Having to discipline you 3 all the time must really take it out of him."

All 3 Demons: "Yeah! Heh, heh, heh!"

Hoissuru: "Yes. That pile of rocks he's buried under must make him feel so cozy that just can't get enough."

All 3 Demons: "Yeah! Heh, heh, heh! …WHAT?!"

While they didn't immediately get it, the 3 Demons quickly found out he was joking.

Hoissuru: "Yeah, I know what happened to him."

All 3 Demons: "Screaming!"

Hoissuru: "Calm yourselves, fools. I've known since it happened. If I was going to kill you for failing, I would've already done it."

All 3 Demons: "Screaming! Eh?"

The 3 were very much surprised to hear that. Normally failing meant punishment for them.

Hoissuru: "It was inevitable that you 3 and even Yamao would fail. You're all far too weak to have handled that boy. No, I must handle him myself."

The 3 Demons were now more shocked than ever before. Hoissuru has never attacked anyone personally. He'd always have his underlings do the work for him.

(Stand up)

Hoissuru: "I've spent over 4 centuries hiding in the shadows. The time has come for the world to be plunged into that same darkness. A darkness I myself shall cast upon it. Heh, heh, heh…Ha, ha, ha!"

Who is this Hoissuru? What connection does he have to the Son Goku of the past and present? And just what does he have planned for the latter and the world? Find out in chapter 2 of Dragon Ball Heir!

(To be continued)