CHAPTER TWENTY

Apprentice

Shin invited Zukanna to join him on the Sacred World of the Kais. Holding on to Kibito, who was still knocked out, he told her to say her goodbyes to King Kai. Zukanna bid farewell to King Kai and asked him to inform Goku she'd be away for a bit since her communicator was out of range. King Kai agreed, and with that, Shin used the Kai Kai technique, teleporting them to his home.

As they arrived on the Sacred World of the Kais, Zukanna's jaw dropped. The world was breathtaking—a vast garden of paradise, lush with vibrant landscapes and serene vistas. This felt to Zukanna like humanity's idea of heaven. Shin noticed her awe and explained that this world was restricted to only the Supreme Kais, adding that not even the Grand Kai could come here unless in a true emergency. But Shin admitted he was making an exception for her, noting her dedication to peace and the protection of life throughout the universe.

Then, in a moment of significance, he extended an offer. "Zukanna, your work reflects the responsibilities of a Supreme Kai. I would be honored if you would train under me as a Supreme Kai apprentice."

Zukanna was taken aback by the offer and humbly thanked Shin for the honor. However, she voiced her concerns about her responsibilities as queen, ruling over her people and the Saiyan Empire, knowing that her obligations would conflict with such a role. Shin understood and assured her, "Your training will only take place periodically and be scheduled to fit your rule. It won't interfere with your responsibilities to your empire, but it will prepare us for the future threat of Majin Buu."

After a moment's thought, Zukanna finally agreed. Kibito, who had just regained consciousness, looked slightly surprised but nodded in agreement. With a shared determination, the Supreme Kai, Kibito, and Zukanna prepared to embark on her journey as an apprentice—a journey that would change not only her future but potentially that of the entire universe.

Shin and Kibito led Zukanna to the legendary Z Sword, a massive, ancient weapon embedded in stone. Kibito skeptically explained that even he couldn't lift the sword and scoffed at the notion that a mortal could manage it. Zukanna shot him a sharp look, reminding him of her recent victory against him. Kibito flushed and signaled for her to proceed, muttering his doubts under his breath.

Zukanna approached the sword, gripping its hilt firmly, but as she attempted to pull, it didn't budge. Kibito began his "I told you so" speech, proclaiming that no mortal could lift the divine blade. But before he could finish, Zukanna let out a powerful roar, transforming into an Ascended Super Saiyan in a burst of golden energy. With a surge of strength, she pulled the sword free from the stone, swinging it with ease, even though her sword skills were limited to what Nail had taught her on Namek.

Both Shin and Kibito were stunned, mouths agape at the sight. Kibito stammered in disbelief, calling it impossible, while Shin grinned widely, proudly declaring that making Zukanna his apprentice was his best decision yet.

As they continued to discuss her feat, Zukanna examined the Z Sword more closely, sensing a peculiar presence within it. She mentioned this to Shin, who had no knowledge of such an entity. Intrigued, Zukanna focused and used her Forced Spirit Fission technique, coaxing the presence from the sword. In a shimmer of energy, an old Kai appeared, wearing the traditional robes of a Supreme Kai, his face lined with age and wisdom.

The elder Kai, visibly shaken from his long confinement, looked around and smirked at the astonished group. "Well, well… about time someone released me," he said, looking at the other Kais with an annoyed expression. "My back was now cramping up again."

The Elder Kai blinked, rubbing his eyes as he focused on Shin and Kibito. "Where are the others? The other Supreme Kais?" he asked, his voice heavy with concern. Shin's face fell slightly. "They were defeated, Elder Kai. Majin Buu destroyed them all."

The Elder Kai's brows knit with sorrow, but his expression shifted to one of acceptance. "So, that monster still plagues the universe. I had hoped… Well, so be it," he said solemnly. Then his face brightened in a curious smile as he turned back to Shin and Kibito. "And you freed me? How exactly—?"

Shin cleared his throat, gesturing to Zukanna. "This is Zukanna, Elder one. She is a Saiyan who has taken it upon herself to defend the universe, helping planets, protecting the weak… and, yes, she was the one who freed you from the Z Sword."

"Hmm," the Elder Kai mused, eyeing Zukanna with a raised eyebrow. "A mortal? And a Saiyan at that, here on the Sacred World of the Kais?" His tone was laced with disbelief and a touch of indignation. "A barbarian in this hallowed place?"

"She's not like the others," Shin insisted, his voice soft but confident. "In fact, her efforts have improved the mortal level of our universe just slightly. She has created a unified, peaceful Saiyan Empire and works tirelessly to maintain peace and foster growth."

Zukanna shifted uncomfortably, having no idea what a "mortal level" was, but her gaze held steady.

The Elder Kai's expression softened, his eyes flickering with a hint of admiration as he looked Zukanna over. "Well, it seems I have much to thank you for, Saiyan." He chuckled, as though entertained by the turn of events. "You've freed me from a long and dull prison sentence, and you've contributed to the universe's welfare. For that, I would like to offer you a gift."

Zukanna tilted her head. "A gift?"

"Yes, yes," he replied, nodding eagerly. "You see, I have the ability to unlock a fighter's latent potential—draw out every ounce of strength hidden within. The process takes time, but afterward, you will be far stronger than you are now."

Zukanna folded her arms, considering his offer. The Elder Kai noticed her hesitation and went on, "It's no ordinary boost, mind you. The ritual draws out the full depths of your latent abilities, making you incredibly powerful."

She looked down, deep in thought, and then met his gaze. "Thank you, Elder Kai, but I'm afraid I have to decline. My pride wouldn't let me take power that way."

The Elder Kai's eyes widened, clearly surprised. "Your pride?"

She nodded, her voice steady. "When I fought Frieza, I had to have my potential unlocked. It made me stronger, yes, but the power felt borrowed. Now, I prefer to earn my strength, to achieve it through my own effort. I know that might sound strange, but…"

The Elder Kai chuckled, a hint of respect glinting in his eyes. "Saiyans and their pride… I suppose that will never change, will it?" He gave her a small bow, adding, "But know this: the offer still stands. I can wait."

Zukanna nodded, a respectful smile crossing her face. "Thank you, Elder Kai. I'll keep it in mind."

Zukanna turned to Shin, curiosity in her eyes. "How am I supposed to reach the Sacred World of the Kais in the future? I can't rely on you to teleport me every time we need to meet."

Shin smiled, clearly having anticipated this question. "I was actually going to suggest teaching you the Kai Kai technique. It's a bit like Instant Transmission, but faster and more versatile—you can teleport anywhere just by focusing on the location or the person you wish to reach."

Zukanna's eyes brightened. "That sounds useful. When do we start?"

They moved to a quiet clearing on the Sacred World, where Shin patiently explained the principles of Kai Kai. Hours passed, filled with trials, mistakes, and small victories. With each attempt, Zukanna's understanding grew, her Saiyan persistence driving her to learn the technique despite the initial difficulty.

"Alright," Shin said finally, "let's see if you can reach your ship from here. Focus on it, visualize it, feel its energy."

Zukanna closed her eyes, concentrating on her ship. She could see it in her mind—the shape, the hum of its power, the faint energies of her crew going about their duties. Then, she felt a subtle shift in her energy, as though she were on the verge of moving without moving.

In the blink of an eye, she felt solid ground beneath her feet again and opened her eyes to find herself standing in her ship's main hall, exactly where she'd pictured. She grinned, the thrill of mastering a new skill coursing through her.

After taking a moment to look around, she whispered, "Thank you, Shin," feeling grateful for the connection she now shared with the Sacred World of the Kais. With a quick breath, she started down the hall, ready to resume her duties.

In her private quarters, Zukanna stood at the center, waiting patiently as each of the Z Fighters trickled in. Goku arrived first, flashing into the room with Instant Transmission, a wide grin on his face.

"Hey, Zukanna!" Goku greeted, his excitement palpable. "I've been practicing Instant Transmission! Nio's been a great teacher."

Just then, Nio appeared, slightly behind Goku and looking frustrated. "you know Goku, you could have just waited form me," he muttered, giving Goku a playful shove.

Moments later, Cressa entered, bowing respectfully and moving to stand by Zukanna's side. Piccolo and Vegeta walked in next, each as silent and intense as ever. Vegeta's arms were crossed, his gaze scanning the room, while Piccolo gave a brief nod of acknowledgment before taking his place near the back.

Lastly, Broly stepped in, a bit hesitant but offering a small, warm smile to Zukanna, which she returned. Once everyone was gathered, Zukanna addressed them, her tone calm but determined.

"We're about to head back to Earth," she began, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Our priority now is preparing for the Android threat that's coming in just a few months. This is our chance to train hard, plan smart, and defend everything we've fought so hard to protect."

The group nodded; each warrior's face set with resolve.

"Now, hold on tight," she instructed. Her eyes closed briefly as she visualized Earth, channeling the new Kai Kai technique that Shin had taught her. With a pulse of energy, they all vanished from the ship in an instant and reappeared on Earth, the familiar landscape stretching out around them.

Each of them took a moment to breathe in the fresh air of their home planet. Goku clenched his fists, a gleam of excitement in his eyes, while Vegeta simply looked around, an expression of steely resolve crossing his face.

Zukanna took a deep breath, absorbing the moment before speaking. "We'll start our training immediately. And this time, we'll be ready."

In the grand council chambers of Neo Sadala, the tension was thick as Zukanna, Cressa, Vegeta, and Broly took their seats. The chamber was vast and dimly lit, designed to inspire both reverence and restraint. Alongside Zukanna sat the council members: Cabal, the Neo-Sadalan General, Linte, the prime minister of the empire, former queen Shiva, the royal advisor, and Zukanna and Vegeta's mother, and Bulma, the minister of technology.

Cabal's voice was the first to break the silence. "Prince Vegeta stands here accused of defying the laws of Neo Sadala, endangering our people's goals in the galactic community, and opposing the Saiyan Empire's current leadership," he said sternly, his gaze steady on Vegeta. "For these transgressions, I call for immediate imprisonment."

Linte nodded, her voice icy as she added, "If we make exceptions for the prince, we set a dangerous precedent. Justice must be served."

Vegeta glared at them both, but his mouth remained shut, his fists tightly clenched.

Then Shiva, their mother, leaned forward, her voice calm but unwavering. "I won't deny that Vegeta has made mistakes," she began. Her gaze softened slightly as she looked at her son, though her tone remained steady. "M son has done some terrible things, but his actions are not solely his own doing. Vegeta's entire life was shaped by the expectations and brutality of the old Saiyan culture and serving under Frieza. He's been told from birth that power was his only purpose. Can we truly condemn him for it?"

Vegeta's gaze flickered in shock, though he remained silent. He had never heard his mother defend him so openly. Cabal huffed in response. "Upbringing or not, he still bears responsibility. We cannot continue to excuse actions that endanger our people."

It was then that Bulma stood, unafraid to look Cabal directly in the eye. "I know Vegeta better than any of you here, maybe even better than he knows himself." She looked at Vegeta, her expression both tender and fierce. "I've seen glimpses of the man he could be—the father he could become. He may have done wrong, but he deserves a chance to make things right."

Vegeta shifted uncomfortably, clearly affected by Bulma's words. He glanced at her with a mixture of gratitude and confusion, but quickly masked his expression.

The chamber fell silent again, and all eyes turned to Zukanna, who held the final, deciding vote. Zukanna's gaze rested on her brother for a long moment, the weight of her decision clear on her face.

"Brother," she said, her voice steady but gentle, "your crimes against the Saiyan Empire and its allies are serious, and if you were anyone else, you would already be imprisoned. But I also know that if I turn my back on you now, I may be condemning you to remain the person you once were."

Vegeta looked up at her, surprise flickering across his face.

"So," she continued, "I will give you this one chance. I believe you can become more than you were taught to be. But if you ever put our people at risk again, I won't hesitate to hold you accountable."

Shiva's face softened, a look of gratitude in her eyes as she nodded her approval. Bulma gave Zukanna an encouraging smile, relieved to hear the verdict. Vegeta's lips tightened, his pride fighting with the gratitude he felt. "Thank you," he said finally, his voice barely a whisper.

The council chambers were still buzzing with the aftermath of Vegeta's case, but Zukanna, sensing a shift in the atmosphere, decided it was time to introduce Broly to the council. She stood up, her presence commanding attention as she gestured for Broly to step forward.

"Councilors, I wish to introduce you to someone who has been wronged by our people—someone who deserves a chance to rebuild his life and reputation," she began. "This is Broly, the son of Paragus, the man exiled from the Saiyan Empire by my father, King Vegeta. Broly's power was so great that it threatened my father's rule, and so he was cast aside, forced to survive in harsh conditions."

Zukanna looked over at Broly, who stood at her side, a quiet but powerful figure. The councilors' expressions were a mixture of shock and disbelief as they absorbed her words.

"Broly," she continued, her voice low but firm, "was forced to endure unspeakable suffering. His father placed an electric shock collar on him, forcing him to do his bidding. One of those acts included committing genocide, murdering entire civilizations—all under duress."

There were gasps from both Saiyan and human councilors alike, their faces reflecting the horror of what Zukanna had just revealed. Even Cabal, normally a stoic figure, looked shocked. The room was heavy with the weight of what she had just described.

"I'm bringing Broly before you today not just as a warrior," Zukanna said, her tone steady but resolute, "but as someone who has been the victim of a system and a father who betrayed him. I am asking for his exoneration. All charges he has been accused of committing under duress should be cleared."

One by one, the councilors exchanged glances, the severity of Broly's past actions weighed against the unbearable conditions in which they were carried out. Shiva, ever compassionate, spoke first.

"If there is any truth to what Zukanna has said, then Broly is not a criminal, but a victim," she stated, her voice calm yet stern.

Bulma nodded in agreement, adding, "No one should ever be forced to commit such acts, especially not under the conditions that Broly has suffered."

Cabal, who had been the most vocal about the need for punishment, remained silent for a moment before finally speaking. "It is hard to accept, but perhaps we must consider this case under the light of the suffering he endured."

The decision was reached quickly after that, with all members of the council agreeing that Broly would be exonerated of all charges. Zukanna gave a brief nod of acknowledgment to the councilors before turning to Broly.

"You are free of the sins that were forced upon you," she told him with finality. Broly's eyes softened with emotion as he gave a quiet but grateful nod in return.

After the meeting adjourned, Zukanna turned to Cressa. "Please, take Broly to the royal guest rooms. Let him rest and adjust to this new life."

Cressa nodded and led Broly away, while Zukanna turned her attention to Bulma. She found her in a quieter section of the palace, her hand gently resting on her growing belly. Bulma smiled warmly at Zukanna as she approached.

"Everything's going well," Bulma said, her voice filled with quiet joy. "The pregnancy's coming along nicely. I'll be due in a few months."

Zukanna smiled, her expression softening with the warmth of hearing Bulma's good news. "That's wonderful to hear. You're glowing," she teased, making Bulma chuckle.

Bulma led Zukanna into her lab, where the hum of activity filled the air. Human and alien scientists worked diligently, analyzing various data and experimenting with new technologies. It was a busy, almost frantic environment, but there was a sense of purpose to it.

"Zaruut," Bulma called, motioning to a blue-skinned alien who had been moving between workstations. "Show Zukanna what you've found."

Zaruut, a junior science officer, gave a polite bow before leading them to a nearby table where a small platter lay under a microscope. He activated a holographic display, revealing the results: a group of strange, almost insect-like creatures with a glowing, metallic sheen.

"These creatures," Zaruut explained, his voice tinged with concern, "are some sort of nano bugs. They appear to be gathering data—DNA from multiple Saiyans, specifically the warriors of earth. I've never seen anything like it before."

Zukanna leaned in closer, inspecting the microscopic creatures. As she studied the data on the holo-screen, a cold sense of dread began to creep over her.

"What exactly is the purpose of these bugs collecting DNA?" she asked, her voice steady but filled with a growing concern.

"A skilled genetic engineer could create an artificial life form with those traits," Zaruut replied, his tone grim. "Potentially a very powerful one."

A shiver ran down Zukanna's spine. The implications of what Zaruut was saying were terrifying. A creature made from the DNA of the most powerful warriors in the universe—what kind of monster could be created from such power?

Her mind raced with the possibilities. "Do you think more of these bugs could slip past the city's security?" she asked, though a small part of her already knew the answer.

Zaruut nodded grimly. "We've upgraded the city's defenses to monitor for these creatures, but I cannot say with certainty that more won't get through."

Zukanna turned toward Bulma, her expression hardening. "Is there anyone else on Earth, besides Capsule Corp, who could create something like this?"

Bulma hesitated before answering. "The Red Ribbon Army. But they were destroyed, Goku made sure of it."

Zukanna's mind raced. Even if the Red Ribbon Army was gone, the threat had already begun. She felt the weight of the situation settle in. "Thank you, Zaruut," she said, her tone cold and decisive. "Please continue monitoring the situation."

As she left the lab with Bulma, a quiet dread lingered in her chest. The damage had already been done. Somewhere, out there, a new threat worse than the androids was brewing.

Hello people,

Chapter Twenty is done,

Please feel free to drop reviews or give suggestions as I feel they will help improve the quality of the story.

cheers,

maximuskahn1994