Over the last few months King Kai materialized white stone columns all around his planet. Clothed in pure white auras that shined brightly, King Kai, Goku, and Kukyo smashed their way through the stone columns. Leaping, spinning, and flipping, they cut around the entire planet at blinding speed, leaving piles of debris in their wake.
King Kai stopped, taking a deep breath and wiping his forehead.
He watched in amazement as Goku continued to dart around and Kukyo continued to flip around, annihilating the stone columns with practical ease. He was more than impressed with their progress and was amazed with how far they'd come. Kukyo was throwing kicks and elbows, twisting her whole body, and Goku was leveling punches and kicks, snapping his body forward.
The two finally came to a stop, standing tall and strong. King Kai cleaned away all of the debris and Goku and Kukyo both climbed up the fruit tree, getting a few pieces and leapt back down.
King Kai smiled widely, with his two attendants Gregory and Bubbles right by his side. "Goku and Kukyo. This will be your last day training with me. You've both done well, but I'm afraid you both are still lacking in one area. You can't deliver a good joke when the pressure is on."
Goku smiled.
Kukyo smiled.
"Everything else is good." King Kai said, pointing his finger. "Let's review."
"Alright King Kai." Kukyo said.
"Hmm." Goku nodded.
"Okay Bubbles, you're up." King Kai said.
Bubbles stepped forward, waving his hands over his head.
"Goku, you'll go first." King Kai said.
"Sounds good." Goku said.
They stood side by side, Goku smiling as he looked at Bubbles. He recalled the beginning of his training before he caught the quick monkey. His smiled widened as he looked ahead.
"Okay! Go!"
Bubbles sprinted ahead, but Goku increased his speed double and dived, catching Bubbles.
"Woah, less than a second!" King Kai exclaimed. "A new record."
Goku chuckled setting Bubbles down on the ground.
"Alright. Next is Gregory." King Kai said.
"Here I go!" Gregory said, laughing.
Bubbles walked up with the mallet, and Goku took it out of his hands.
"Hahahaha!" Gregory laughed confidently,
Goku got into a squat position, smiling. He recalled how hard it had been to catch this little grasshopper man. His smile widened as he met Gregory's eyes, leveling the mallet at his side.
"Go!" King Kai shouted.
Gregory threw his arms over his head, his body began to glow bright blue, enshrouded in an aura.
He shot ahead.
Goku vanished, appearing beside him and gently tapped his head with the mallet.
"1.2" King Kai noted. "Astounding."
"Thanks." Goku said with a smile.
"Kukyo, you're up next." King Kai said.
Kukyo nodded, getting side by side with Bubbles. She smiled at the monkey, remembering how hard it had been catching him. Her smile widened as she looked ahead.
"Go!"
Bubbles sprinted ahead, but Kukyo increased her speed and dived, catching Bubbles.
"Less than a second!" King Kai exclaimed.
Kukyo smiled setting Bubbles down on the ground.
"Alright. Gregory you're up."
Bubbles walked up with the mallet and Kukyo took it out of his hands.
"You're not going to touch me!" Gregory said confidently.
Kukyo remained relaxed, smiling the whole time. She recalled how fast and swift this little grasshopper man could move. Her smile widened as she pointed the mallet at Gregory.
"Go!" King Kai shouted.
Gregory threw his arms over his head, his body began to grow bright blue, enshrouded in an aura.
He shot ahead.
Kukyo vanished, appearing by his side, and gently tapped his head with the mallet.
"Less than a second. Impressive." King Kai noted. "Okay, now it's time to test the Spirit Bomb."
"I've been waiting for this!" Goku said.
Kukyo and Goku shouted, closing their eyes and gathering. They didn't pull inward or sweep their energy out. They remained in place, at peace. Just gathering. Slowly, everything grew thicker, the trees, the flowers, the house, the car, and the clouds surrounding King Kai's planet. The air itself. All of it was within a huge wave of energy that had no end and no beginning.
Goku and Kukyo raised their hands above their head. The power focused, concentrating deep within. It pulled into their core, into their very center. Slowly, they both became wreathed in a glowing white aura.
"Excellent. Now form it into a ball." King Kai said.
Goku and Kukyo focused, bringing their power to bear, but stopped. Rather than bring their power to bear, they allowed the power to course and move through them, intensifying with each passing second. It was so warm and calm. It was almost hard to get a grip on. Slowly, they focused, feeling the heat in their right hand. They just focused on that feeling.
Their auras grew brighter, remaining calm and steady.
"Okay King Kai." Goku said, clenching his fist slowly. "Ready when you are."
Kukyo nodded.
The power focused around their fists, wreathing their hands in a white glow.
"Alright you two." King Kai said, leveling the box-like projectiles with them. "Remember to feel it out. Don't use your eyes."
"Right." Kukyo said.
King Kai flung his arm forward, sending the box projectiles flying. Goku and Kukyo remained rooted in their place, not even flinching as they shot past them and hurled towards the clouds, and would've hurled outside of the planet too, if it wasn't for the extreme gravity of King Kai's planet. They rocketed forward, going around the planet once, twice, thrice, four times, spiraling and turning with each revolution of their passing.
"Super speed!" King Kai shouted, throwing his arms down.
The box projectiles glowed bright blue, vanishing into blurs.
Goku and Kukyo knew their targets' locations already before the projectiles came to them, this beautiful energy that wreathed their hands would obliterate those targets with no trouble. Goku's and Kukyo's eyebrows shifted a fraction, then they both turned in opposite directions, sending the beautiful energy streaking right into the box projectiles, kicking up wind, sending bits of the scattered explosions flying around, and uprooting a tree.
Goku laughed lightly, watching it in amazement.
King Kai looked on with awe, barely able to form words.
"I can't believe it." King Kai said. "Well done Goku and Kukyo. To be honest I didn't expect either of you to handle the Spirit Bomb so skillfully."
"It wasn't easy." Goku said.
"It's intense." Kukyo said, nodding her head.
"Hmm." King Kai nodded. "Goku. Kukyo. You both must never forget. The energy of the Spirit Bomb is gathered from all forms of life. From trees. From animals. From plants. Even the particles of energy that make up the air in the atmosphere contribute a small portion of energy to the Spirit Bomb. Therefore, both of you must be careful."
Kukyo looked on intently.
Goku nodded.
King Kai continued. "You both mastered the Spirit bomb here on this small planet. But the Spirit Bomb you'll form on Earth, with its innumerable lifeforms will have immense power compared to this small one. And if the sun is up when you're forming the Spirit Bomb. You will be harnessing and trying to control power of an indescribable magnitude. It can easily destroy the Earth if the slightest error is made in handling it." King Kai straightened his back. "If possible, I'd like you both to refrain from using the Spirit Bomb, but if you must, only one of you, use it once. Do you understand?"
Goku nodded with a smile. "Got it. I'll stick to the Kaioken technique."
"That should do the trick." Kukyo said, looking at King Kai with a smile.
"I'm afraid the time has come that we finally say our goodbyes. The Saiyans will be arriving on Earth in three months." King Kai said.
Goku nodded, expression growing serious.
"That leaves you both more than enough time to get down Snake Way." King Kai said.
"Can't you just zap us back there?" Goku asked.
King Kai shook his head. "You're both much faster now. If you go full speed, it'll only take you two days to get down Snake Way."
"That gives us plenty of time." Goku said with a smile.
King Kai nodded. "Now, you just need to tell your friends you're on your way back."
"How?" Kukyo asked.
"Just put your hand on my back. Speak to them with your minds. They'll hear you."
Goku stepped forward with some uncertainty. He put his hand on King Kai's back.
Master Roshi. It's me Goku.
Roshi was on the toilet at Kame House reading his newest magazine. He wasn't sure if it was better read upside down. sideways, or right side up, but he enjoyed reading it either way.
Master Roshi.
Master Roshi.
Master Roshi looked around, eyes wide. "Goku!? That is you! Where are you?"
It's a long story, but I'm talking to you through my mind from King Kai's planet.
"I can hear you loud and clear." Roshi said.
Great. Did you guys manage to collect all seven Dragon Balls?
"We did. I understand you've been undergoing some new training?"
Goku smiled. Yeah it's been going great. I've learned all I can here. It's time to come home. I need you to hide the Dragon Balls. Those three Saiyans are going to arrive on Earth some time in three months.
Roshi's eyes nearly bulged from his skull, and he flailed in surprise. "What? When? Three months? Has it been a year already?"
Not quite. Me and Kukyo will be there in two days.
"Two days you say?"
Yeah, it takes that long to travel down Snake Way.
"I'm not sure how this is all going to turn out. This might get messy, Goku. I hope you're ready."
I am. Don't worry.
"That's a huge relief." Roshi said
Outside of the door Bulma, Puar, Turtle, and Oolong watched with uncertainty.
"Tell you what Bulma. You can go next if you want." Oolong said.
"That's okay." Bulma said, still looking a little uncertain.
Roshi came barreling out of the bathroom, holding his pants up, his magazine flying onto the floor. "Hey gang. We've got to hide the Dragon Balls. I just talked to Goku."
They looked a little uncertain, looking at each other then back at Master Roshi.
"That was amazing, King Kai." Goku said.
"Well, of course." King Kai said with a smile.
"Too bad I didn't get to try." Kukyo complained.
"Next time." King Kai said.
"They're going to hide the Dragon Balls. The Saiyans don't deserve that kind of power." Goku said.
"I see. Well, I'd like to give you both a present. We can't have you going into battle in tatters now can we."
"Wow! New clothes?" Goku asked
King Kai's antennae moved, and there were two bright glows on the very ends. In a flash Goku's and Kukyo's gi were good as new and without tears like before.
"Hey, the clothes are light!" Goku cheered.
"It feels so good." Kukyo agreed, stretching out.
"Yes, I thought you both would like that. The material is light but very tough." King Kai said.
"They're incredible!" Goku exclaimed.
"They can repel attacks, too. Small ones." King Kai added.
"Thanks!" Kukyo cheered.
"Thank you so much, King Kai. " Goku pulled on his gi, looking at the turtle emblem. "You left the turtle emblem. Although, since I've been training under you, I thought I'd get to wear your symbol."
"Look on the back." King Kai said.
"Oh!" Goku turned around, trying to get a better look. "What's there? I can't see it."
King Kai's glasses flashed. "Your old master's emblem is on the front. Mine is the big one on the back."
"Awesome." Kukyo said.
Goku turned to look at King Kai, a smile on his face. "Amazing, King Kai."
Piccolo shot forward, firing an energy blast. Gohan Leapt out of the way, but Piccolo was quick and fired another one. Gohan spun away from it, leaping to the side and cartwheeling. Piccolo fired another two energy blasts, and Gohan flipped away from the first one, feet touching the ground for a second as he flipped over the second blast.
"Don't just dodge, Gohan!" Chi Chi said from the side. "You've got to get inside!"
Piccolo continued to pepper Gohan with blasts, forcing him to flip and spin as often as he ran. Gohan swayed away from the next blast, dodging by mere inches. Gohan snapped from side to side, phasing in and out sight, narrowly avoiding each blast whirling his way. He shot ahead, leaping high into the air, soaring above Piccolo.
Piccolo fired two beams from his eyes, but Gohan was already vanishing into an after image.
Where'd he go?" Piccolo thought, looking around, keeping himself calm.
Gohan appeared by his side, leading forward with a kick. Piccolo narrowly dodged the strike and swept forward with his own fist. Gohan swayed away from it, dodging it by a fraction and smirked to himself.
That was out of reflex. Piccolo thought to himself, staring at Gohan carefully.
Gohan relaxed slightly, looking at Piccolo. "You cheated."
"What?"
"You used eye lasers."
"I sure did. You should expect your enemy to use everything in their arsenal to strike you down!"
"Yeah, but..." Gohan looked a little uncertain. "You're not the enemy."
Piccolo blinked, looking at Gohan carefully.
"Don't mind him, Gohan. You did fantastic." Chi Chi said, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Now it's time to spar with me."
Gohan smiled and took a stance.
Piccolo only hovered as he crossed his arms over his chest, going into a light meditation.
Chi Chi shot forward, swiping with her palm. Gohan leapt back, but Chi Chi was quick and leapt right after him, leading forward with a kick. Gohan blocked it, gritting his teeth as he fired back his own punch. Chi Chi swept the strike aside, smirking when she saw Gohan's eyes light up with surprise. He was forced to jump back again, sliding to a stop.
Gohan shot forward, and Chi Chi met his forearm with her palm. She went into a quick barrage, pressuring Gohan back. He tried to flip to the side, but Chi Chi reversed her angle and swept forward with a quick. Gohan snapped his head to the side, narrowly dodging the strike and landed on the ground a few feet away.
"You have to do more than just dodge, Gohan." Chi Chi said, taking a stance.
The seven Dragon Balls had been collected and were being buried in the sand at Kame House. Roshi, Puar, and Oolong continued to shovel sand over them, moving with hast.
Baba had come to check on everyone and was hovering just a little outside of the group.
"Why do we get stuck doing this?" Oolong complained.
"We've got to do our part." Puar said.
Roshi remalned silent, looking at the Dragon Balls with a cautious gaze. I hope the Saiyans don't know about these.
Oolong smiled. "I got an idea. Why don't we just wish for the Saiyans to be destroyed?"
"Don't be such a coward, Oolong." Puar said with a frown.
"Why not just have the Dragon save the world this one time?"
"That wish can't be granted. Kami is the one who created him, remember? The Saiyans are stronger than Kami. So, it won't work." Roshi said.
"Are you sure?" Oolong looked ready to deflate.
"Hmm..." Roshi nodded. "That wasn't a bad idea, though. Shame it won't work."
Oolong sighed loudly.
Roshi cleared his throat. "Well, I should know better to ask. But could you tell us what your crystal ball says about the future?"
"Who's future?" Baba asked. "Be specific."
"Our planet's future. Earth." Roshi said.
Baba got down from her ball and stood on the ground, looking at Roshi. "What's going on? You hear something? No matter. If something is going to happen, I will see it."
Baba began to move her hands right above the ball, and it began to glow with each movement she made.
"Oh no! As things stand, Earth has no future." Baba said.
Roshi clenched his teeth,
Puar and Oolong exchanged nervous glances.
Chi Chi and Gohan exchanged blows, dodging and blocking each swipe until they were forced to separate from each other. Gohan slid across the ground, kicking up dust and a small mound of dirt. He leapt forward, leading forward with a punch. Chi Chi blocked the punch, striking out with her knee, which Gohan leapt over, reversing his angle and threw a kick.
Chi Chi dodged by inches, watching Gohan handplant and distance himself again. She had taken note of his evasion and was trying to get him to attack as much as he dodged. She found once she pressured him, Gohan was quick to strike out and begin his own barrage of attacks. He probably held back to some extent because she was his mother.
But she was teaching him he couldn't afford to hold back. She swiped ahead with her palm, and Gohan leapt back. Chi Chi broke her rhythm and shot ahead of him, getting behind Gohan and arced out with both of her fists. Gohan evaded from the strike, leaping forward and sprung off his hands.
"Use your strength and creativity, Gohan." Chi Chi said, a smile gracing her face.
Gohan smiled, quickly taking a stance. "Right."
"It's time Goku and Kukyo." King Kai said.
"Yeah." Goku said.
"Listen. Don't think those three Saiyans are going to give you a fair fight. Keep your eyes on all three at all times."
"If things get bad just cut their tails off." Gregory said.
"Yeah. Good idea." Kukyo said.
"I want to thank you guys for your help. I promise not to let you down." Goku said, clenching his fist with a smile.
King Kai smiled, chuckling softly.
Goku turned around. "Thanks for the new clothes, King Kai."
"Yeah. Love the symbol." Kukyo seconded.
"See you guys later." Goku said.
Gregory. Bubbles. It was nice." Kukyo said.
Goku and Kukyo ran ahead, keeping their pace even and mild. They got to the other side of the planet, turned around, and began to sprint full speed. Kukyo lunged forward, going into a series of hand plants and flips, while Goku increased his speed even more. They both lunged up and over King Kai, soaring higher and higher. They landed on Snake Way, going into a full sprint.
King Kai, Gregory, and Bubbles recovered from being nearly run over, gathering themselves up to their feet.
King Kai smiled, adjusting his glasses. "Goku and Kukyo. Both possess unfathomable power. Not only that. Their hearts are so pure. It's hard to believe they were living down on Earth."
Gregory looked at King Kai. "They're stronger than you know aren't they?"
King Kai laughed. "They surpass me in every area except one. I am still the funniest man in the universe."
Bubbles began to clap and Gregory cheered.
Goku and Kukyo ran down Snake Way. Jumping and flipping a few meters each time, laughing and cheering with each bound of movement.
"I feel lighter than air!" Goku cheered. "This is great!"
Kukyo was corkscrewing a few meters each time, bounding over Snake Way with ease. "It feels so good!"
Goku enshrouded himself in a pure white aura, furrowing his brow. "Every second counts."
"Right." Kukyo enshrouded herself in a pure white aura.
They shot forward, moving like darts right over Snake Way
Yamcha and Krillin exchanged blows, diving and flipping across the lookout. Sho and Tien were colliding with blows, increasing their speed rapidly as they raced around the lookout.
Kami stood at the entrance to the palace observing the warriors carefully, Popo at his side.
"They all look about even." Chaozu said, watching the four spar across the lookout. "They're looking really good."
"HAAA!"
"HAA!"
Krillin and Yamcha pushed against each other, teeth grit, eyes narrowed, their energy blasts reaching their crescendo as they detonated with a thunderous explosion.
"HAAA!"
"YAAH!"
Tien and Sho collided forearm to forearm, teeth grit, they pushed against each other, flipping back away, letting their energy blasts detonate with a thunderous roar.
The four bowed to each other and went to stand before Kami and Popo.
Kami nodded his head, humming softly. "Mr Popo and I are very pleased with the progress you've made here. Each of you has reached a new level of strength and technique. The time has come for you to go back down to Earth. The fate of the planet is in your hands. Fight with honor."
Yajirobe looked a bit uncomfortable. "Kami, can I take these weighted clothes off now?"
"Yes."
Yajirobe began to take off the weighted undershirt.
"So, what are you guys going to do?" Yamcha asked with a smirk.
"I'm going to go to Capsule Corp. See if Bulma needs help with anything." Sho said, stretching out.
"I say we keep on training together." Krillin said.
"We can always improve." Chaozu said.
Tien smirked. Goku I wonder how much you've improved.