It had been several days since Goku had shown up at the Capsule Corporation, looking more lost than anyone had ever seen him. At first, Bulma didn't mind too much; Goku was Goku, and he'd always been part of their extended family. But the more time passed, the more she realized this wasn't just a simple visit. Goku was staying. And while she could be understanding, there were limits—especially regarding his delicate situation. Chi-Chi was heartbroken, Gohan was furious, and Goku seemed to be doing what he always did: not knowing how to resolve this problem.

Bulma sat in the kitchen, sipping her morning coffee as she watched the sun rise over West City. Vegeta had just come in from his early training session, wiping sweat from his brow, and the second she saw him, her patience snapped.

"We need to talk about Goku," Bulma said, setting her mug down with a little more force than necessary.

Midway through, grabbing a glass of water, Vegeta didn't even look up. "What about him?"

Bulma leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed. "He's been staying here for days, Vegeta. He can't stay here forever."

Vegeta raised an eyebrow, his face cool and indifferent as he took a long sip of water. "What do you expect me to do about it?"

Bulma groaned, rolling her eyes. "You're his friend. Don't you think you should do something? You can't just let him mope around like this!"

Vegeta grunted, setting his glass down with a clank. "I've already given Kakarot my two cents. I told him what he did was idiotic, and I told him he's a fool for getting into this mess. If he wants to sit around sulking, that's his problem."

Bulma narrowed her eyes at him, her patience getting thinner by the second. "Oh, so that's it, huh? You just give him a lecture and wash your hands of the whole thing? That's all you've got to offer?"

Vegeta scowled, folding his arms over his chest. "What more do you want from me? I'm not a therapist, woman. I'm not going to hold his hand while he cries about his feelings. That's not how this works."

Bulma stood up, pointing a finger at him. "You're absolutely useless when it comes to this kind of stuff, you know that? You can fight off gods and destroy planets, but when it comes to helping your best friend, you just throw up your hands and say, 'not my problem.'"

Vegeta's face tightened, but he didn't respond. He wasn't one to argue about things he didn't fully understand, and emotions were far from his area of expertise.

Bulma huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "You're just leaving everything to me, like always."

Vegeta's brow furrowed. "That's not true. I—"

"Yes, it is true!" Bulma cut him off, her voice sharp. "You act all tough, but when it comes down to it, you don't want to deal with this because it makes you uncomfortable. Goku's your friend, Vegeta. You could at least try to help him instead of standing there acting like you're too good for it."

Vegeta scowled but didn't respond. Her words were true, but admitting it was another matter.

Bulma let out a frustrated sigh and turned toward the hallway. "Fine. If you don't help, I'll go talk to Goku myself."

Vegeta's eyes followed her as she marched out of the kitchen, her resolve unmistakable. He didn't stop her. He knew Bulma was right—he was uncomfortable. The idea of handling emotions, especially Goku's, felt so foreign to him. What advice could he offer beyond what he'd already said? But the guilt gnawed at him nonetheless.

Bulma, meanwhile, made her way through the sprawling halls of Capsule Corporation, her mind racing as she thought of how to approach Goku. She knew he was hurting, but she also knew that his stubbornness and emotional naivety prevented him from making any progress. It was time to break through that wall.

She found Goku sitting cross-legged on the bed in one of the guest rooms, staring out the window. He didn't seem to notice her at first, lost in thought. His usual bright, carefree energy was gone, replaced by a heavy silence that didn't suit him.

"Goku," Bulma called softly as she entered the room.

He glanced over his shoulder, giving her a small, sheepish smile. "Oh, hey, Bulma. Sorry, I didn't hear you come in."

Bulma walked over and sat in a chair by the bed, crossing her arms. "We need to talk."

Goku blinked, his smile faltering. "Uh-oh. What did I do?"

Bulma sighed, leaning forward. "It's not about something you did—well, not exactly. It's about what you're not doing."

Goku tilted his head, clearly confused. "Not doing?"

Bulma gave him a pointed look. "You've been crashing here for days, Goku. You can't stay here forever. I know you're dealing with a lot right now, but you need to figure out what you will do about all of this."

Goku scratched the back of his head. "I've been thinking about it… but I still don't know what to do."

"That's the problem," Bulma said, her voice firm but gentle. "You're not going to figure anything out by just sitting here, waiting for something to change. You need to take action. You need to talk to Chi-Chi."

Goku winced at the mention of his wife's name, his eyes dropping to the floor. "Chi-Chi's... really mad at me, Bulma. I don't think she wants to see me right now."

"Well, yeah, Goku. She's mad because you had an affair with another woman," Bulma said bluntly, though there was a hint of sympathy in her voice. "But avoiding her isn't going to fix anything. You owe her a real conversation. You need to face what happened, even if it's hard."

Goku stayed silent for a moment, his hands resting in his lap. He didn't like conflict, especially when it came to emotional stuff. Fighting? Sure, he could handle that. But this? He felt like he was out of his depth.

"I didn't mean to hurt anyone," Goku finally said, his voice quiet. "I didn't understand what was happening, and now… now I don't know if I can fix it. And when I think about Caulifla, I get even more confused. I don't know what I feel."

Bulma softened a little, leaning forward. "You're confused about your feelings for Caulifla?"

Goku nodded, looking at her with genuine uncertainty. "Yeah... I don't know what it is. I like being around her. She makes me feel... I don't know, but it's different from when I was with Chi-Chi. But I also feel bad. I shouldn't feel that way, should I?"

Bulma sighed, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. "It's not about what you should feel, Goku. Feelings don't work like that. You've always been clueless about love, but that's because, well... you've never really had to think about it before."

Goku frowned. "But I'm married to Chi-Chi. Isn't that love?"

Bulma shook her head slightly, a sad smile on her face. "Goku, your marriage to Chi-Chi... it was based on a promise. You didn't marry her because you fell head over heels in love with her. You married her because you promised to, back when you were kids. That's a big difference."

Goku looked genuinely surprised. "But I care about her! I mean... we've been together for so long."

"Caring about someone and loving someone the way a husband and wife should are two different things," Bulma explained gently. "You've always cared for Chi-Chi and respected her, but have you ever really loved her? The kind of love that makes your heart race that makes you want to be with someone all the time?"

Goku stared at the floor, his brow furrowing as he tried to process what she was saying. "I... I don't know. I never thought about it like that."

Bulma leaned forward, her tone soft but insistent. "What you're feeling for Caulifla—those moments when you're thinking about her when your heart feels like it's doing something strange—that's what love can feel like. It's not just admiration or respect. It's something deeper."

Goku's eyes widened slightly as her words began to sink in. "So... what I feel for Caulifla... that could be love?"

Bulma nodded. "It could be, Goku. But you need to take the time to figure it out. You need to think about what you really want and who you want to be with. And you can't run from it. You have to face it."

Goku's expression was a mixture of confusion and realization. "I never thought I'd have to think about stuff like this. Fighting, training, saving the world—that's easy. But this... it's so hard."

Bulma smiled softly, placing a hand on Goku's shoulder. "Welcome to the real world, Goku. Emotional stuff is tough, but you're not alone. You've been through worse fights—this one's just different. And the truth is, you're going to have to face it head-on, just like you would any other challenge."

Goku rubbed the back of his neck, his face a mixture of confusion and worry. "But what if I mess up? I don't want to hurt anyone more than I already have."

Bulma sighed, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're going to make mistakes, Goku. That's part of being human. But you can't keep sitting here, doing nothing. It'll only get worse if you don't start figuring things out."

Goku nodded slowly, processing everything she was saying. His mind felt clouded, tangled with emotions he had never fully understood before. Feelings he had never needed to sort through. He had always been so focused on the next fight, the next challenge, that he had never stopped to think about what love meant or how it was supposed to feel.

Bulma could see the struggle written all over his face. "It's going to take time, but you'll figure it out. And you're not doing this alone. Vegeta and I are here for you." She paused for a moment, smirking slightly. "Though I wouldn't count on Vegeta for emotional support."

Outside the room, Vegeta was leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed, listening intently despite himself. He hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but the second he heard Bulma's voice carrying through the hall, he had stopped in his tracks. He couldn't help but be curious about how his wife was handling this... situation.

Goku scratched his head, oblivious to Vegeta's presence just outside. "I guess I need to figure out what I feel for Caulifla. But what if Chi-Chi—"

Bulma cut him off gently. "Chi-Chi already knows things between you two aren't the same. It's not just about the affair, Goku. It's about your whole relationship. You've never truly loved her how she deserves to be loved, and that's not your fault. You didn't know better. But you can't keep pretending everything's fine. You need to be honest with her—and with yourself."

Goku sat there, frowning, his mind racing. "I never thought about it like that. I thought keeping my promise to Chi-Chi was enough. I thought... I was doing the right thing."

"You were, in your own way," Bulma reassured him. "But love isn't just about keeping promises. It's about feeling something real, something deep. And if you think about Caulifla, and you feel more than you ever have for Chi-Chi, that's something you can't ignore."

Outside, Vegeta shifted uncomfortably, rolling his eyes. This was exactly the kind of conversation he wanted to avoid. Punching sense into Kakarot when he needed it was one thing, but this? Emotional drama? It made him squirm.

But at the same time, he couldn't deny that Goku needed this. As much as Vegeta hated to admit it, Kakarot was hopeless regarding anything besides fighting. And while Vegeta had no patience for this kind of emotional weakness, he also knew that Goku wasn't going to snap out of this on his own.

Inside the room, Goku let out a long sigh. "I think I get it... but it still feels so confusing. Caulifla, she's so... I don't know, she makes me feel different. Like I want to be around her all the time. Is that what love feels like?"

Bulma nodded gently. "It could be. It's different for everyone, but that feeling of wanting to be with someone, to spend time with them, to care for them—it's all part of it. You just have to ask yourself if it's more than what you felt for Chi-Chi."

Goku's face scrunched up in thought. He had always thought caring for Chi-Chi was enough. But the truth was, his mind wandered to Caulifla more than he'd realized. The time they spent training together, the way she pushed him and challenged him—it made him feel alive in a way that had nothing to do with fighting.

"Yeah... I think it is more," Goku admitted, his voice low, almost as if he were afraid of his own words. "I don't know what to do about it, though."

Bulma stood up, her expression softening. "You've already taken the first step, Goku. You're starting to understand what you're feeling. Now, you just need to be honest with yourself—and with Chi-Chi."

Goku nodded, still looking unsure, but there was a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "I guess you're right, Bulma. I just... I don't want to make things worse."

"You won't," Bulma said confidently. "It'll be hard, but in the long run, you'll be doing the right thing."

Vegeta knocked on the door, his scowl firmly in place. "Are you two done with this therapy session?"

Goku blinked, startled. "Vegeta? How long have you been there?"

"Long enough to know that you're still as clueless as ever, Kakarot," Vegeta muttered, stepping into the room. "But at least now you're starting to realize just how much of an idiot you've been."

Goku scratched his head sheepishly. "Yeah... I guess I have been pretty dumb."

Vegeta crossed his arms, glaring at Goku. "You need to figure this out, Kakarot. You can't sit here moping for days on end. It's pathetic. Either go talk to your wife, or figure out what you really feel for that Universe 6 woman, but stop wasting time."

Bulma gave Vegeta a sidelong glance, shaking her head. "Subtle as always, Vegeta."

Vegeta snorted. "Subtlety gets you nowhere. Kakarot needs a kick in the head, not a heart-to-heart."

Goku chuckled awkwardly, but a sense of determination started to form behind his eyes. "You're right. I've got to stop sitting around and figure this out."

Bulma smiled warmly, patting Goku on the shoulder. "Good. That's the Goku I know. Now, take some time to really think about what you want. And when you're ready, talk to Chi-Chi. You owe her that much."

Goku nodded again, standing up from the bed. "Thanks, Bulma. I'll do that. I've got to figure out how to handle all this... and what I really feel about Caulifla."

Vegeta grunted as he turned to leave. "Finally, some progress. Just don't expect me to sit around and listen to you sort out your feelings."

Bulma watched as Goku and Vegeta exited the room, her heart heavy but hopeful. Goku had a long way to go, but at least now he was starting to confront what had been weighing on him. And as much as Vegeta tried to distance himself from the situation, she could tell he cared. He just showed it in his own gruff way.

As she stood there, watching the two Saiyans head out, she whispered to herself, "Good luck, Goku. You're going to need it."

And she knew, deep down, that whatever happened next, Goku would find his way—just as he always did.


The twin suns of Planet Sadala had begun to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the rugged landscape. It was a calm evening, the kind of serene quiet that usually soothed Kale's nerves, but tonight, her thoughts were elsewhere. She paced around outside Caulifla's house, glancing at the door every few minutes, her mind heavy with worry. Ever since Goku had left, Caulifla hadn't been herself—withdrawn, distant, and refusing to train. It was unlike her, and Kale knew that the only way to help her was to get her out of this slump. But how?

Her communicator buzzed in her pocket, breaking her from her thoughts. She quickly grabbed it and saw Cabba's name flash on the screen. Relief flooded through her as she answered, hoping he had come up with a plan.

"Cabba! Did you think of something?" Kale asked urgently, her voice a little breathless as she paced back and forth.

On the other side, Cabba's voice was steady, with a hint of excitement. "I did. It's not complicated, but it might work."

Kale stopped pacing. "What's the plan?"

"I need you to lure Caulifla outside," Cabba said simply, as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

Kale blinked, frowning in confusion. "Lure her? Why? How is that going to help?"

"I've spoken to Vados, and she's agreed to help us get Caulifla to Universe 7," Cabba explained. "I know she's been down ever since Goku left, and sitting around isn't doing her any good. If we get her to Universe 7, maybe she can clear things up and get the closure she needs—or at least figure out how she really feels."

Kale's brow furrowed as she listened. "But how are we supposed to convince her to leave the house? She's been refusing to even step outside for days."

Cabba's chuckle came through the communicator. "That's where you come in. I need you to cook something for her, something she can't resist. You know how much she loves that grilled meat you make."

Kale's eyes widened slightly, and a small smile tugged at her lips. "You really think that'll work?"

"Trust me," Cabba said confidently. "Caulifla can't say no to your cooking, no matter how stubborn she's being. Just make sure she follows the smell outside, and I'll handle the rest."

Kale was still a little unsure, but Cabba's confidence in the plan was reassuring. If anyone knew how to deal with how to help, it was Cabba. "Alright," Kale said, determination creeping into her voice. "I'll do it. I'll whip up her favorite, and we'll see what happens."

"Good. I'll be waiting outside with Vados. Just get her there, and we'll take it from there," Cabba said.

With a quick goodbye, Kale pocketed her communicator and turned toward the house. The plan's first step was simple enough—get Caulifla outside, and if anyone could do that, it was her.

Meanwhile, inside the house, the atmosphere was as tense as ever. Caulifla sat on the edge of her bed, arms crossed and eyes narrowed at the floor. Her thoughts were a jumbled mess, constantly circling back to the same thing—Goku. She hated that she couldn't get him out of her head, which frustrated her. She felt weak, and that was something she couldn't stand.

Kale, trying to move quietly, entered the kitchen and began gathering the ingredients for Caulifla's favorite meal: grilled meat seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of spice. It was simple but effective—Caulifla's favorite comfort food and Kale knew there was no way she'd be able to resist it, no matter how down she was feeling.

As Kale started cooking, the scent of the sizzling meat began to fill the small house, wafting through the air and carrying that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma. She glanced toward Caulifla's room, waiting for the inevitable response.

Back in her room, Caulifla's nose twitched as the smell reached her. She frowned, trying to ignore it at first. But the scent only grew stronger, more tempting, and soon her stomach betrayed her, growling loudly. She groaned, her arms still crossed stubbornly.

"No way…" she muttered to herself. "I'm not falling for it. Not this time."

But despite her best efforts, the smell was overwhelming. She could practically taste the perfectly grilled meat in the air, and her mouth started to water. Finally, with an exasperated sigh, she stood up and walked toward the kitchen.

When Caulifla entered the room, her eyes zeroed in on the grill where the meat was cooking. Kale was standing by, looking innocent enough, though her eyes showed a slight glint of mischief.

"Kale," Caulifla said flatly, crossing her arms. "What do you think you're doing?"

Kale smiled sweetly. "Just cooking. I thought you might be hungry."

Caulifla tried to resist, but her stomach growled again, and she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You're impossible. I can't even be depressed in peace with you cooking like that."

Kale smiled wider, her plan already in motion. "Well, you've barely eaten anything these past few days, and I know you can't resist this."

Caulifla grumbled, but she moved closer, the smell too much to ignore. "Fine, but you better save some for me."

Kale's eyes twinkled with satisfaction, but she kept her tone light. "Of course! Why don't you come outside? The weather's nice, and I've set up everything out there."

Caulifla raised an eyebrow, eyeing her suspiciously. "Outside? What's the catch?"

"No catch," Kale said innocently, her heart racing with anticipation. "I just thought it'd be nice to eat out in the fresh air. Plus, the grill's out there anyway."

Still suspicious but too hungry to argue, Caulifla grunted. "Alright, fine. But if this is some kind of trick, I'm throwing that grill into the sky."

Kale just smiled, leading the way as Caulifla followed the irresistible scent of grilled meat outside.

As soon as Caulifla stepped outside, her eyes widened in surprise. There, waiting for her, was Cabba—and beside him was Vados, the angel from Universe 6. The sight of them immediately put her on guard.

"Cabba? What the hell is going on?" Caulifla demanded, her suspicion returning in full force.

Cabba grinned, stepping forward. "Hey, Caulifla. Glad you could make it."

"What's Vados doing here?" Caulifla's eyes narrowed, crossing her arms as she glared at him. "You better start talking, Cabba."

Kale, standing behind her, shifted nervously, hoping the plan wouldn't backfire.

Cabba raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Relax, Caulifla. We're not trying to trick you or anything. We just... thought it might be good for you to take a little trip."

"Trip?" Caulifla's eyes darted between him and Vados, her brow furrowing. "Where?"

"To Universe 7," Cabba said calmly. "I think you know why."

Caulifla froze, the mention of Universe 7 immediately causing her heart to skip a beat. She quickly covered it with her usual bravado, though. "Universe 7? You've gotta be kidding. Why would I want to go back there?"

Cabba sighed, stepping closer. "Because you've been miserable ever since Goku left. Don't deny it. We can all see it. You need to figure out what you're feeling, and sitting around here isn't going to help."

Caulifla's jaw clenched. "I'm fine, Cabba. I don't need a trip to Universe 7. I don't need Goku."

Kale stepped forward, her voice gentle. "Caulifla, we're worried about you. You haven't been yourself. Maybe going back there... maybe seeing him again will help you sort things out."

For a moment, Caulifla was silent, her mind swirling with a mix of emotions. Goku's name alone was enough to stir up feelings she wasn't ready to face. But she knew Cabba and Kale weren't wrong. She hadn't been herself, and it had everything to do with him.

Vados smiled softly, her calm presence making the atmosphere feel lighter. "It's your choice, of course, Caulifla. But I'm happy to take you to Universe 7 whenever you're ready."

Caulifla hesitated, her arms tightening around her chest. She hated the idea of being so transparent, of letting anyone—especially Cabba and Kale—see her as weak like this. But deep down, a part of her wanted to go. A part of her needed to confront whatever this was between her and Goku.

With a reluctant sigh, she finally spoke. "Fine. But I'm not doing this because I need Goku. I'm doing it because... I want answers."

Cabba grinned, his plan working perfectly. "That's all we're asking for."


The soft, rhythmic hum of the wind blowing through the trees was the only sound around the Son family home. The usual lively energy that filled the house, especially with Goku around, had been replaced by an uncomfortable stillness. The bright blue sky outside seemed to mock the tension inside, where Chi-Chi sat at the kitchen table, her face buried in her hands, barely holding herself together.

Across from her sat Gohan, his brow furrowed with concern as he watched his mother. He had never seen her like this—so defeated, so heartbroken. It felt wrong to him, like the foundation of their family had been cracked wide open, and he didn't know how to fix it. He had always looked up to his father and believed in him, and yet now, here they were. Goku's absence was palpable, and the reason for it weighed heavily on everyone in the house.

Gohan sighed, his hands resting on the table as he tried to figure out what to say. He had come over to check on her, to make sure she was alright, but so far, the silence had been overwhelming.

"Mom," Gohan said softly, breaking the quiet. "I know this is hard, but... I'm here for you. We'll get through this."

Chi-Chi didn't respond at first. Her shoulders were hunched, and her body was tense as she covered her face, hiding her tears. She had always been strong and fierce, but this was different. This hurt went deeper than anything Gohan had ever seen from her.

"I don't know if I can get through this," Chi-Chi whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "How could he do this to us? How could he do this to me?"

Gohan swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. He wished he had an answer, but he didn't. Goku's actions still baffled him, even after everything. He knew his father was naive and clueless when it came to feelings and relationships, but this? He never imagined Goku would be involved in something like an affair. It wasn't in his nature—or so he had thought.

"I don't know, Mom," Gohan admitted quietly. "Dad... he's never been good with emotions. He's always been more focused on fighting and protecting us and the Earth. I think he—he didn't understand what he was doing. That doesn't make it right, but... I don't think he wanted to hurt you."

Chi-Chi shook her head, her hands trembling slightly as they slid down from her face. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, and her lips quivered as she tried to speak. "That doesn't matter, Gohan. Intentions don't matter. He did hurt me. He hurt all of us."

Her voice cracked, and she broke down into tears again, her sobs filling the otherwise quiet room. Gohan's heart ached at the sight of his mother so broken, and he reached out, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. He wanted to say something that would make it all better, but the words wouldn't come. He was struggling to process everything himself—how was he supposed to comfort her when he was still so angry?

From the doorway, Goten stood watching, his face pale, his expression one of confusion and sadness. He had been keeping his distance ever since he found out what had happened, unsure of what to do or how to act. He was still young, still trying to understand the gravity of the situation, but he knew enough to see that his family was falling apart.

Goten bit his lip, taking a few hesitant steps into the room. He had never seen his mother cry like this. Sure, she had yelled at Dad a lot, but it never felt this serious. This was different. It scared him.

"Mom?" Goten's voice was small as he approached the table, looking between Chi-Chi and Gohan. "Are... are you okay?"

Chi-Chi didn't respond at first, her sobs quieting as she tried to pull herself together. Gohan looked over at Goten, his heart aching for his younger brother. Goten was too young to be dealing with this. He shouldn't have to see their family like this.

Gohan gestured for Goten to come closer, giving him a reassuring smile despite the weight in his chest. "She'll be okay, Goten. She's just... going through a lot right now."

Goten frowned, his eyes wide with worry. "Is it because of Dad?"

At the mention of Goku, Chi-Chi's shoulders tensed again, and she wiped at her eyes, trying to compose herself. She couldn't let Goten see her like this. She had to be strong for him, even if she felt like she was falling apart inside.

"Yes," Chi-Chi said quietly, her voice shaking. "It's... because of your father."

Goten stood there, his brow furrowed as he tried to understand. "Is Dad... coming back? Why hasn't he come home?"

Gohan's jaw tightened, his anger flaring up again at the reminder of why Goku wasn't there. But he kept his tone calm, not wanting to upset Goten any more than he already was. "Dad's... he's staying somewhere else for a while. He... needs time to figure things out."

"Did he do something bad?" Goten asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Chi-Chi flinched at the question, fresh tears welling up in her eyes. Gohan hesitated, not sure how to explain this to his younger brother. How do you tell a kid that his father did something as complicated and painful as having an affair?

"He made a mistake," Gohan finally said, his voice steady but filled with sadness. "A really big mistake. But it's... complicated."

Goten's face scrunched up, his young mind working to process the information. He had always thought of his dad as a hero, the strongest person in the universe. How could he have made such a big mistake?

"Does that mean... you're mad at him, too?" Goten asked, his eyes flicking between Gohan and Chi-Chi.

Gohan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, Goten. I am. But... that doesn't mean I don't care about him. He's still our dad. I just... I need some time to figure out how I feel about everything."

Chi-Chi sat there, her hands gripping the table's edge as she tried to regain her composure. She could feel Goten's eyes on her, and it broke her heart to know that he was seeing her like this—so weak, so lost.

"I don't understand," Goten said, his voice trembling. "Why would Dad hurt us? He's supposed to protect us, right? He's a hero."

Gohan's heart sank at his brother's words, and Goten's innocence made everything feel even more painful. He wished he could shield Goten from the truth, from the harsh reality of their father's actions, but there was no hiding it anymore.

"Sometimes," Gohan said quietly, "even heroes make mistakes. And when they do... it hurts the people they love. But that doesn't mean we can't still care about them."

Goten nodded slowly, though the confusion in his eyes remained. He stood there for a few more moments, not knowing what else to say, before turning and walking back toward the doorway. He didn't want to cry in front of them, but his heart felt heavy, and he didn't know how to deal with the emotions swirling inside him.

As Goten disappeared down the hall, Chi-Chi let out a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what to do, Gohan. I don't know how to move on from this."

Gohan reached out and took her hand gently, his expression soft. "You don't have to figure it out all at once, Mom. Just take it one day at a time. We're all hurting, but we'll get through this together."

Chi-Chi nodded, though the pain in her eyes remained. "I just... I don't understand why he would do this. After everything we've been through, everything we've built... how could he throw it all away?"

"I don't know, Mom," Gohan admitted, his voice filled with sadness. "I don't understand it either. But... Dad's always been different. He's never thought about things the way most people do. I think... I think he didn't even realize what he was doing until it was too late."

Chi-Chi wiped at her eyes again, her hands shaking. "That doesn't make it any easier."

"I know," Gohan said softly. "But we'll figure this out. We'll get through it. You don't have to do this alone."

Chi-Chi nodded, though she didn't feel much comfort. The pain was still fresh, still raw, and she didn't know how to move forward from here. All she knew was that the man she had loved for so long, the father of her children, had betrayed her in a way she never thought possible. And the wound it left in her heart felt like it would never heal.

Gohan sat beside his mother, his mind still racing with the weight of everything that had happened. He was trying his best to comfort her, to keep the family together, but his own feelings toward Goku were still a tangled mess of anger and confusion. How could his father, the man he had always idolized, betray them like this?

And then, in the midst of his thoughts, Gohan felt it—Goku's energy.

The familiar, overwhelming presence of his father's ki was moving closer, steadily approaching the house. Gohan's body tensed immediately, his fists clenching involuntarily at his sides. His jaw tightened, and his breath came out in short, angry bursts as the energy grew stronger.

He could feel Goku closing in on them, and it only fueled the rage that had been simmering inside him for days. He had told Goku—warned him—that if he dared to show his face here again without sorting out his mess, he'd make him regret it. Gohan's hand instinctively moved to his side, his energy already flaring up in anticipation.

Chi-Chi, still sitting beside him, didn't notice at first, her head bowed as she tried to compose herself. Goten, however, sensed the sudden tension in the air. He stepped back into the room, his eyes wide with concern.

"Gohan?" Goten asked cautiously, sensing the shift in his brother's energy. "What's wrong?"

Gohan stood up abruptly, his face hard. "Stay inside, Goten. I need to take care of something."

Goten blinked in confusion. "What? What do you mean? What's going on?"

Chi-Chi, slowly raising her head, wiped her eyes again and glanced at Gohan, her expression still distant. "Gohan... what is it?"

Gohan clenched his fists, his body trembling with barely restrained anger. "Dad's coming."

Chi-Chi's breath hitched in her throat. Her face paled, and she stood up, looking at Gohan with a mixture of disbelief and fear. "What? Goku's... coming here?"

Goten's eyes widened. "Dad's coming back?"

Gohan nodded, his voice cold. "Yeah. He's almost here."

Chi-Chi's hands began to shake, and her expression twisted with a mixture of pain and anger. She wasn't ready to face him—not yet, not after everything. "No... I can't... I can't see him right now."

Gohan placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, though his own voice was tense with the storm of emotions he was feeling. "You don't have to. I'll handle this."

Chi-Chi looked at him, her eyes filled with confusion and hurt. "What are you going to do, Gohan?"

"I told him not to come back," Gohan said, his voice low but firm. "And if he shows up here, he's going to regret it. He doesn't get to walk back into our lives like nothing happened."

"Gohan, wait—" Goten started, but Gohan shook his head, cutting him off.

"Goten, stay inside with Mom. Don't get involved in this."

Chi-Chi tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come. The tears that had dried on her face now threatened to spill over again. She wanted to stop Gohan, to tell him to let it go, but she couldn't. The pain was too fresh, too raw. And part of her wanted to see Goku face the consequences of what he had done.

Gohan stepped toward the door, his energy spiking as he prepared himself for the confrontation. His father's energy was now so close he could practically feel it in his bones. Goten and Chi-Chi watched in tense silence as Gohan moved outside.

The soft crunch of grass beneath his boots was the only sound as Gohan stepped out into the open air, the familiar landscape of his childhood home spread out before him. He could feel Goku's energy closing in rapidly, and soon enough, his father's figure appeared in the distance, flying toward the house.

Gohan's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched as he waited. The tension in his muscles coiled tighter with every passing second; his fists clenched at his sides. He had warned Goku and told him that if he ever came back without fixing what he'd done, Gohan wouldn't hold back.

As Goku landed softly on the ground, just a few meters away, he looked at his son with a hesitant smile. His usual carefree expression was absent, replaced with uncertainty and something close to regret.

"Hey, Gohan," Goku greeted awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "I, uh... came to talk to your mom."

But Gohan didn't respond with words. His eyes blazed with fury, and before Goku could even react, Gohan's fist flew toward his father's face.

Goku barely had time to dodge, the wind from Gohan's strike brushing past his cheek as he stepped back, eyes wide with surprise.

"Gohan, what are you—?"

"Shut up!" Gohan shouted, his energy flaring up around him, his aura crackling with blue and white electricity. "I told you if you came back here, I'd kill you myself!"

Goku stepped back, raising his hands in a defensive posture. "Gohan, wait! I'm not here to fight—I just want to talk to Chi-Chi!"

But Gohan wasn't listening. His rage had taken over, and all he could think about was making Goku pay for what he'd done. Without another word, Gohan charged forward, his fist aiming straight for Goku's chest.

Goku deflected the blow, but Gohan's relentless assault didn't stop. He pressed forward, his strikes fast and furious, each one filled with the raw anger he had been holding back since he had learned the truth about his father's affair.

"You think you can just come back here like nothing happened?" Gohan growled, his voice thick with fury. "You think you can just talk to Mom after what you did?"

Goku blocked another punch, his eyes filled with shock and guilt. "Gohan, stop! I know I messed up, but I need to make things right!"

"You can't make this right!" Gohan roared, his aura exploding as he powered up, pushing Goku back with sheer force. "You broke our family! You broke her! Do you even care about what you've done?"

Goku's face twisted in pain as he dodged another attack, the strain of his son's words hitting him harder than any punch ever could. "I do care! I just... I didn't understand what I was doing!"

Gohan didn't want to hear it. He launched himself at Goku again, his fists moving so fast they were little more than a blur. His power surged as he tapped into his Ultimate form, his energy swirling violently around him.

Goku, sensing the danger, powered up instinctively, his blue aura flaring as he blocked Gohan's next strike. "Gohan, please! Just let me explain!"

"There's nothing to explain!" Gohan snarled, throwing a powerful punch that sent shockwaves through the air. "You betrayed us! You betrayed Mom! And for what? Some woman from another universe?"

Goku gritted his teeth as he deflected the punch, sliding back from its force. "It's not like that, Gohan! It's not what you think!"

"I don't care what it is!" Gohan shouted, his energy flaring even more. "I don't care about your excuses! You've already done the damage, and now you want to talk? It's too late for that!"

Before Gohan could attack again, a voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding.

"Gohan, stop!"

Both Gohan and Goku froze mid-action, their heads turning toward the house. Chi-Chi stood in the doorway, her eyes red and swollen, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She had been watching from the window, her heart breaking at the sight of her son attacking his own father. She couldn't let this go on.

"Mom..." Gohan's voice was softer now, though his anger was still simmering beneath the surface.

Chi-Chi took a deep breath, her gaze locking onto Gohan's. "This isn't how we handle things, Gohan. Fighting isn't going to fix anything."

Gohan hesitated, his body still tense, his energy crackling around him. "But, Mom—"

"No," Chi-Chi interrupted firmly. "Enough. Let your father talk."

Gohan stood there, his fists still clenched, his chest heaving with barely controlled fury. He didn't want to stop, didn't want to let Goku off so easily. But the look in his mother's eyes—her silent plea for peace—stopped him in his tracks. He couldn't go against her, not after everything she had been through.

Slowly, Gohan let out a shaky breath, his aura dimming as he lowered his fists. He stepped back, though the anger still burned brightly in his eyes.

Goku, breathing heavily from the brief fight, looked at Chi-Chi with a mix of guilt and relief. He wasn't sure what to say—his heart ached with the weight of everything he had done.

Chi-Chi stood silently for a moment, her face pale but resolute. After taking in the sight of Gohan and Goku, their brief clash now simmering down, she looked over at Goku. Her eyes held a deep hurt, but there was also a calm clarity in her expression.

"Goku," she said quietly, turning toward the house. "Come inside. We need to talk."

Gohan stayed rooted to the spot, still fuming but respecting his mother's wishes. Goku, unsure of what to expect, nodded slowly. His heart pounded in his chest, not from the fight but from the emotional weight of what was to come. He glanced once more at Gohan, whose glare remained intense, and then followed Chi-Chi inside.

The house was eerily quiet, even as the door creaked shut behind them. The air was thick with unspoken words, the tension between them palpable. Chi-Chi led Goku to the kitchen, where she sat down at the table, her hands resting in her lap. Goku stood awkwardly for a moment before taking a seat across from her.

For a long time, neither of them spoke. Goku shifted uncomfortably, trying to find the right words, but they eluded him as they so often did in moments like this. He was a man of action, not of words, and when it came to matters of the heart, he was completely lost.

Chi-Chi was the first to break the silence.

"Why?" Her voice trembled, and her eyes bore into his with a mixture of pain and expectation. "Why did you let things go so far with her? With that woman?"

Goku opened his mouth, but no words came out at first. He looked down at the table. His brow furrowed in confusion as he tried to make sense of his own feelings. "I... I don't know," he said finally, his voice quiet and unsure. "I didn't understand what was happening."

Chi-Chi's hands tightened around each other, her knuckles white. "You didn't understand? Goku, you slept with her! How could you not understand what you were doing?"

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Goku said softly, his voice strained with guilt. "I didn't... I didn't know it would turn into something like that."

Chi-Chi's eyes filled with tears again, but she blinked them back, determined to stay strong. "So, what then? You just... went along with it? Because you didn't know how to stop?"

Goku shook his head, his hands fidgeting on the table. "No, it's not like that. I—" He paused, struggling to put his thoughts into words. "I didn't know what I was feeling. I didn't understand it. But now, after thinking about it... it's more than I thought it was."

Chi-Chi's heart sank. She could hear the truth in his words, and it cut deeper than she had expected. "More than you thought?"

Goku nodded, still not looking at her. "Yeah. When I was with Caulifla... I felt something different. It wasn't just about the training or the fighting. It was... something else. I didn't know what it was at the time, but now... I think it might be love."

The word hit Chi-Chi like a punch to the gut. Love. Goku had never spoken about love like this before, not in all their years together. And now, he was saying it about someone else—about a woman from another universe. The reality of it was too much to bear.

She stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor as she tried to hold herself together. "Love?" she repeated, her voice cracking. "You think you love her?"

Goku looked up at her, his eyes wide with uncertainty. "I don't know for sure, but... yeah, I think so."

Chi-Chi closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she tried to process everything. Her mind raced, memories of their life together flashing before her. The day they got married, the day Gohan was born, the countless battles Goku had fought to protect the Earth. And through it all, she had stood by him, believing in him, supporting him, even when he was absent for long stretches of time. But now, as she stood here listening to him speak of love for another woman, she realized something that had always been there, hidden beneath the surface.

Their marriage had never been about love—not the kind of love she had always dreamed of. It had been about a promise, a promise made when they were children. Goku had honored that promise, as he always did because that was who he was. But it had never truly been about the kind of romantic love she had hoped for.

"I see," Chi-Chi said quietly, her voice steady despite the tears brimming in her eyes. She turned away from him, her back facing him as she stared out the window into the darkening night. "I guess... I've known this for a long time."

Goku blinked in confusion. "Known what?"

Chi-Chi took a deep breath, steadying herself. "That our marriage... it was never really about love, was it?"

Goku's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?"

Chi-Chi let out a shaky sigh, her voice soft but filled with clarity. "You married me because you made a promise. You didn't even understand what marriage was back then. You just did it because you felt like you had to. After that, everything we built together wasn't based on love. It was based on that promise."

Goku stared at her, his heart sinking as he realized the truth in her words. He had always cared about Chi-Chi, always wanted to protect her and their family, but love? He had never really thought about it in that way. He didn't know how to.

"I..." Goku started, but the words died on his lips. What could he say? She was right. Their marriage had always been more about duty and care than about the kind of love he was now beginning to understand.

Chi-Chi turned back to face him, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and acceptance. "Goku, I've spent years trying to make this work. Trying to be a good wife, trying to be strong for our family. But... I can't keep pretending anymore. This isn't what I thought it would be."

Goku's chest tightened as he listened to her, the weight of her words settling over him like a heavy blanket. "Chi-Chi, I... I'm sorry."

She shook her head, tears finally spilling over. "I know you are. But sorry isn't enough this time. I can't... I can't keep doing this. I can't keep pretending that everything's okay when it's not."

Goku stood up, his face filled with regret. "I never meant for things to turn out this way."

"I know," Chi-Chi whispered, wiping her eyes. "You've always been focused on fighting, on protecting the Earth. That's who you are. And I respect that. But... it's not enough anymore. I need more than that."

Goku lowered his head, the guilt washing over him in waves. "I don't know what to say."

"There's nothing you can say," Chi-Chi said softly. "This isn't about words. It's about the fact that our marriage... hasn't been about love for a long time. Maybe it never really was."

Goku's heart ached, the realization hitting him hard. He had always cared about Chi-Chi and always wanted to protect her and their family, but he had never truly understood what it meant to love her the way she deserved. And now, with everything that had happened with Caulifla, he could see just how much he had failed her.

Chi-Chi took a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with pain. "I think it's best if we... separate."

Goku's eyes widened. "Separate?"

She nodded, her hands trembling slightly. "I still care about you, Goku. You're the father of my children, and I'll always be grateful for everything we've been through together. But I can't keep pretending that this is working. It's not fair to either of us."

Goku stood there, stunned into silence. He had never imagined that things would come to this, that their family would be torn apart like this. But deep down, he knew she was right. He had been holding onto something that wasn't real, something that had been built on a promise rather than love.

"I... I understand," Goku said quietly, his voice filled with regret.

Chi-Chi nodded, wiping her tears away. "It's not going to be easy, but I think it's the right thing to do."

They stood in silence for a long time, the weight of the decision settling over them like a storm cloud. Neither of them had wanted things to end this way, but sometimes, even the strongest people had to let go.

"I'll always care about you, Goku," Chi-Chi said softly, her voice breaking slightly. "But it's time for us to move on."

Goku nodded, his heart heavy but filled with a new sense of clarity. "I'll always care about you too, Chi-Chi. And I'll always be there for Gohan and Goten."

Chi-Chi gave him a small, bittersweet smile. "I know you will."

And with that, they both understood. Their journey together had come to an end, and though it was painful, it was the right thing for both of them. As the silence settled between them, they knew this was the moment their paths diverged, but it wasn't filled with bitterness. It was filled with the painful truth that sometimes, even with all the care and history between two people, love in its deepest, truest form might not always be present.

Chi-Chi walked toward the door, her footsteps heavy yet resolute. She paused before stepping out, her back still turned to Goku as if gathering the last bit of strength she needed to say her final words.

"I don't regret our life together, Goku," she said softly, her voice calm despite the storm of emotions inside her. "We've been through a lot. And we raised two wonderful boys. I'll always be proud of that. But now... now it's time for both of us to figure out who we are without each other."

Goku swallowed hard, his throat tight. "Yeah... I understand, Chi-Chi. And... I'm sorry. For everything."

Chi-Chi turned her head slightly, just enough for Goku to see her face. Sadness was etched into every line of her expression, but there was also something like peace in her eyes. She had made her decision, and for once, she felt like she was choosing herself.

Without another word, she walked out of the room, leaving Goku standing alone in the kitchen. The silence that followed was deafening, but Goku didn't move. He stood there, trying to process everything that had just happened.

His heart ached in a way that was unfamiliar to him, like a weight pressing down on his chest. He had always been so focused on fighting, on protecting the Earth, that he had never really taken the time to understand the emotions swirling inside him. And now, he was paying the price for that naivety.

He thought about Chi-Chi's words, about how their marriage had never really been based on love but on a promise. It hurt to realize that, but at the same time, it made sense. He had always cared for Chi-Chi and had always done his best to protect her and their family, but love—true, romantic love—had never been something he had fully understood—not with her.

And now, with Caulifla... Goku wasn't sure what to think. The feelings he had for her were different, more intense than anything he had felt before. But was it love? Could he even understand what love really was?

As he stood in the empty kitchen, his mind racing, Goku knew one thing for certain: he couldn't avoid this any longer. He had to figure out what he truly felt for Caulifla, and he had to do it soon.

Because whatever came next, he needed to be honest—with himself, with Chi-Chi, and with Caulifla.

For now, though, Goku stood alone, the weight of his decisions hanging heavy in the air. And for the first time in his life, the greatest battle he faced wasn't against an enemy—it was within his own heart.


"Well folks, that wraps up this chapter of the Son family saga! Goku's finally starting to realize that even the strongest fighters can't punch their way out of emotional turmoil. Will Goku figure out what he really feels for Caulifla? How will Chi-Chi cope with their separation? And will Gohan ever stop being mad? Tune in next time to find out, on the next exciting chapter of... Dragon Ball Drama Z!"