Chapter7: Tournament

Seven years had passed since Goku and Bulma married. Their son, Trunks, had been born not long after, bringing joy to their family. Gohan, now an older brother, was incredibly fond of Trunks and often helped his mother take care of him. Over the years, Goku never stopped training, preparing for any threat that might arise. Gohan trained alongside him, both mastering Super Saiyan, and eventually, Gohan unlocked Super Saiyan 2.

Goku also discovered the form but realized that it wasn't as strong as his Ikari Super Saiyan—a transformation that combined his primal Great Ape power with his Super Saiyan state. Instead of relying on Super Saiyan 2, he refined Super Saiyan Ikari, unlocking its full potential. At one point, he even attempted to combine Super Saiyan 2 with Ikari, but the transformation was incredibly draining, forcing him to reserve it only for emergencies.

When Trunks turned five, he began training under Goku and Gohan. To their surprise, he could transform into a Super Saiyan at will. By the time he was seven, his control over the form had improved greatly. Now, at eight years old, Trunks spent most of his time training with his father and older brother, eager to match their strength.

One peaceful afternoon, the family was relaxing at Capsule Corp. Goku had always told them that overexerting their bodies wouldn't yield results, so they took occasional breaks. As Trunks wandered around the house, he stumbled upon an old photo album belonging to Bulma. Curious, he flipped through the pages until he found something that puzzled him.

A photograph of a young Goku, Bulma, Krillin, and Master Roshi caught his attention.

"Mom, who are these people?" Trunks asked, pointing at the photo.

Bulma and Goku turned their attention to the album. Goku smiled faintly, reminiscing.

"Oh, they were my friends… and my master," Goku explained. "They trained me when I was a kid."

Trunks frowned. "Why haven't I ever met them?"

Bulma's expression softened. "They're dead, Trunks," she said gently.

The boy's eyes widened. "What happened to them?"

Goku sighed, his face darkening as he recalled those painful memories. "When I was younger, a demon named Piccolo terrorized the world. He killed many martial artists, including my master, who gave his life trying to stop him… but he failed."

Trunks' curiosity grew. "Were they strong?"

Goku nodded solemnly. "Very strong."

Trunks continued flipping through the album until another picture shocked him—a wedding photo of Goku and Chi-Chi. Bulma and Yamcha were also in the picture.

"Dad, who is this?" Trunks asked, showing the photo to Goku.

Goku's heart skipped a beat as the memories came rushing back. His expression was unreadable.

Before he could respond, Bulma spoke instead. "That's Chi-Chi—your father's first wife."

Gohan's eyes welled with tears as he looked at the photograph.

Trunks, confused, turned to his mother. "Aren't you Dad's wife? And why are you also in this picture?"

Bulma hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "It's… a long story, Trunks. Your father and I have known each other since childhood. We traveled the world together, collecting the Dragon Balls and having all sorts of adventures. Chi-Chi… she was someone Goku promised to marry. And he did. A few years later, Gohan was born. But when he was only four, Chi-Chi was…" Bulma took a deep breath. "She was killed by a very bad person."

Trunks' face fell. "Oh…"

Bulma continued, her voice softer. "After she died, I took care of Gohan as if he were my own son. Eventually, Gohan suggested that your father and I get together. After some time, we decided to marry, and a year later, you were born."

Trunks furrowed his brow. "But how? How did you two fall in love?"

Bulma smiled. "Like I said, we've known each other forever. We went on adventures, relied on each other, and—eventually—our bond became something more. Trunks, you're the result of that love."

Trunks was speechless.

After a brief silence, he perked up again. "Wait… what are Dragon Balls?"

Gohan answered this time. "They're magical orbs that grant wishes, but only to a certain extent."

Trunks suddenly remembered something. "Dad, didn't you compete in martial arts tournaments when you were younger?"

Goku nodded. "Yeah, I did."

Trunks grinned excitedly. "Then why don't you enter again?"

Bulma chuckled. "Your father is too strong, Trunks. No one can challenge him. The only one who could stand a chance is Gohan."

Trunks crossed his arms. "Then I'll enter!" he declared.

Bulma smirked, considering it. "Well, if a tournament comes up, you can."

That night, Gohan approached his mother. "Mom, I have a problem."

"What is it?" Bulma asked.

"I've been stopping crimes at school, but some students are starting to recognize me. Even if I go Super Saiyan, they might figure it out. Can you make something to hide my identity?"

Bulma grinned. "Easy. Give me an hour."

An hour later, she presented Gohan with his new Great Saiyaman suit.

Gohan struck a pose. "What do you think, Trunks?"

Trunks deadpanned. "It looks kinda lame."

Gohan sweatdropped. "Dad?"

Goku scratched his head. "Uh… why not just wear your gi instead of this weird helmet?"

Bulma rolled her eyes. "If people find out that 'Son Gohan Brief' son of bulma brief is a hero, the media will be all over Capsule Corp. Trust me, this is necessary."

Goku sighed. "If you say so."

At Orange Star High School, a girl named Videl—the daughter of the world champion, Mr. Satan—began noticing Gohan's secret activities.

One morning, as Gohan rushed to class, Videl stopped him.

"Gohan, I need to talk to you."

"Can it wait? I'm late."

"No. I know your little secret. You're the Great Saiyaman."

Gohan froze for a moment but quickly feigned ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Videl smirked, pulling out a book. "You dropped this yesterday when stopping a bank robbery."

Gohan paled. "Oh. Thanks… wait—so you've been spying on me?"

Videl's face turned red. "N-no! I just figured it out!"

Gohan sighed. "Fine. You got me. What do you want?"

Videl crossed her arms. "Teach me how to fly."

"What? Why should I?"

"Because I'll tell everyone if you don't."

Gohan smirked. "Go ahead. The media will annoy you more than me."

Videl scowled. "Fine. But you're still teaching me."

"Why should I teach you?" Gohan asked, raising an eyebrow at Videl's sudden request.

"I looked into the tournament records. You're the son of Son Goku, the former Martial Arts Champion… but he hasn't participated in years," Videl said, crossing her arms.

Gohan blinked. "So, you've been stalking me?"

Videl's face turned red. "No, you idiot! Your name—Son Gohan—caught my attention, so I did some research," she huffed, turning away to hide her embarrassment.

Gohan remained unimpressed. "And?"

"You need to teach me how to fly," Videl demanded.

"Sorry, but I'm not really good at teaching," Gohan replied, shaking his head.

"Then… what about your dad? If he trained you, maybe he could train me too?" she suggested.

"I doubt it. He's been busy training my little brother—he wants to enter the tournament," Gohan said with a small smile.

"The World Martial Arts Tournament?" Videl asked, eyes widening.

Gohan nodded.

"My dad's competing too! He's the current champion. I wouldn't be surprised if he beats your dad," Videl said confidently.

Gohan chuckled, amused. "Really? If your dad is so strong, then where was he when the androids attacked a few years ago? I don't remember seeing him anywhere."

Videl's expression faltered. "And… what was your dad doing at the time?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

"He's the one who defeated them. It took him a year to reach their level of strength," Gohan said, his tone casual but firm.

"A whole year? Isn't your father supposed to be the strongest?" Videl questioned.

Gohan hesitated. "He had some health issues. It took him time to recover." He suddenly shook his head, realizing he was saying too much. "Why am I even telling you all this?" he muttered before quickly walking away toward his next class.

After school, Gohan returned home and resumed training with Trunks and Goku. Inside Capsule Corp's gravity chamber, the three sparred intensely. Despite Trunks and Gohan going all out, Goku's experience and skill kept him ahead, pushing them to their limits.

Outside Capsule Corp, a plane landed, and Videl stepped out. Bulma, noticing the unexpected visitor, approached.

"Who are you?" Bulma asked, her arms crossed.

"I'm here to see Gohan," Videl replied.

"What do you want with him?" Bulma questioned suspiciously.

"Why do you care?" Videl retorted.

Bulma smirked. "Because I'm his mother, and I have every right to know."

Videl's face went red. "O-Oh… I'm sorry. You look younger than I expected," she admitted.

Bulma, pleased by the unintended compliment, smirked. "Well, come on. I'll take you to him."

Inside the gravity chamber, Goku, Gohan, and Trunks continued their intense sparring. Suddenly, the door opened.

"Bulma, what's going on?" Goku asked, momentarily pausing.

Gohan turned and spotted Videl. His expression hardened. "What are you doing here? And how did you even find my address?" he asked.

Goku raised an eyebrow. "You know her, Gohan?"

Gohan sighed. "Yeah, Dad. She and I go to the same school."

"I checked the records," Videl admitted.

"So, you were stalking me," Gohan muttered.

Videl ignored his comment. "I came here to ask if you'd teach me how to fly."

Bulma smirked. "Well, someone's in love," she teased.

Both Gohan and Videl turned red. "Mom! It's not like that!" Gohan protested.

"Really? I won't let this chance to tease you go to waste," Trunks chimed in with a grin.

Ignoring their teasing, Videl turned back to Gohan. "So, will you teach me?"

Before Gohan could answer, Goku spoke. "Okay, but my training isn't easy. Think carefully before agreeing."

Gohan blinked in surprise. "Wait… Dad, didn't you promise to train Trunks?" he asked.

"I did, but I won't be training her," Goku said with a grin. "You are."

Gohan's eyes widened. "What?! Dad, I've never trained anyone in my life!"

Goku chuckled. "I know, son. But this will be a good experience for you. Remember, you were the first person I ever trained, and look at you now. When I was your age, I wasn't even a fraction of your strength. You've surpassed me, and I know you'll be a great teacher. Start with the basics—build her strength, teach her about ki, and the rest will come naturally."

Gohan hesitated before finally nodding. "Okay, Dad… I'll try."

Trunks smirked. "Don't go all kissy-kissy on her, Gohan."

Bulma laughed. "Trunks, don't tease him," she scolded, though she was clearly enjoying the moment.

As Gohan began training Videl, he was surprised by how quickly she improved. He admired her determination and, unknowingly, found himself drawn to her strength—a natural Saiyan instinct.

Months passed, and Gohan continued training Videl while keeping up with his own training. Meanwhile, Goku trained Trunks, who eventually achieved Super Saiyan 2, shocking both Goku and Gohan. However, given Trunks' immense potential, they weren't entirely surprised.

Finally, the day of the World Martial Arts Tournament arrived. Gohan, Videl, and Trunks all decided to participate. At first, Goku wasn't planning to enter, but after Bulma's insistence, he agreed.

During the Junior Division, Trunks easily dominated his opponents, winning the championship with minimal effort.

"These kids weren't even a warm-up," Trunks muttered, crossing his arms.

"Don't worry," Goku chuckled. "After the tournament, you can have a real match with me. If you want, Gohan can join in, and you can take us both on."

Trunks' eyes lit up at the challenge.

As the adult matches continued, Gohan faced off against Kibito.

"Unleash your full power," Kibito said. "If you want to stand a chance against me."

Gohan narrowed his eyes. "How do you know about my power?" he asked.

"We know more than you think," Kibito responded cryptically.

Reluctantly, Gohan powered up in his base form.

"Not enough. Go Super Saiyan," Kibito demanded.

The request made Gohan suspicious, but he complied. As he transformed, Goku and the others sensed his rising power.

"Why is Gohan raising his ki so much?" Videl asked.

"I don't know," Goku admitted. "But I can't sense Kibito's ki. He's… giving me a weird feeling."

At that moment, Shin, the Supreme Kai, approached them.

"I need you all to promise me something—don't interfere, no matter what happens."

Goku turned to face him. "Who are you?" he asked, his expression wary.

"My name is Shin. I hold an important role in this universe," he answered calmly.

"What's going to happen?" Goku asked, suspicion in his tone.

"Promise me," Shin insisted.

"How can I make a promise when I don't even know who you are?" Goku questioned.

Before Shin could answer, another voice interrupted. "Goku, don't speak to Supreme Kai like that."

Goku turned in surprise. "Kami?! What are you doing here?"

"I sensed Supreme Kai's presence on Earth," Kami explained.

Before the conversation could continue, two figures suddenly appeared and grabbed Gohan, beginning to drain his energy.

Gohan's face turned pale as his strength rapidly faded.

"Gohan!" Goku shouted, rushing forward.

With no hesitation, he shoved a Senzu Bean into Gohan's mouth. Kibito stepped in, offering to restore some of Gohan's energy as well.

Once Gohan had recovered enough to stand, Goku turned to Trunks and Videl, his expression shifting to something more serious—something rare.

"Stay back," Goku ordered, his voice firm and unyielding.

"I can help!" Trunks protested immediately, stepping forward, his fists clenched with frustration.

But Goku's gaze stopped him dead in his tracks. A single, stern look that carried the weight of years of battle, loss, and sacrifice. The air seemed to grow heavier around them.

For the first time, Trunks felt a shiver of fear creep up his spine. It wasn't the fear of an enemy or a fight, but the fear of his father—the man who was always so carefree and confident. The man who was never afraid of anything, at least not that Trunks had ever seen. But now? Now, that unwavering strength felt like an impenetrable wall. Trunks' protest died in his throat.

Even Videl, who had spent the last few months at Capsule Corp getting to know Goku as the ever-cheerful, always-laughing Saiyan, was taken aback. This wasn't the Goku she had come to know. This was a man who had crossed a line, one who seemed willing to do anything to protect those he loved.

Her eyes flickered between Goku and Trunks, sensing the unease between them. She opened her mouth to speak but found no words.

Goku took a slow breath, softening slightly. He turned to Trunks. "I know you want to help," he said, his tone quieter but still resolute. "But I won't risk you. Not like this."

He looked at Gohan then, his gaze full of a mixture of pride and regret. With one last glance at Trunks and Videl, Goku's expression hardened once more. "Let's go," he said to Supreme Kai and Kibito.

Without another word, the four of them launched into the air, flying off to track down whoever had stolen Gohan's energy.

As they soared into the sky, Gohan glanced at his father, a faint concern crossing his face. "Was that a little harsh?" he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Goku's gaze softened, just slightly. "Yes," he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. "But you know why. I can't put him in danger. Not again. I won't risk losing anyone else."

Gohan nodded in understanding, the weight of his father's words settling in. In that moment, it wasn't just about saving the day or defeating an enemy—it was about family. And Goku was willing to do whatever it took to keep them safe.

Turning back to Shin, Goku's expression darkened.

"Now, tell me—what the hell is going on?"

Shin's voice was low and grim as he spoke, his words hanging heavy in the air. "Those two are working for an evil wizard named Babidi. Babidi's father, Bibidi, created an ancient monster—the pure embodiment of evil—known as Majin Buu. For years, Buu terrorized the universe, destroying all life in its path. Back then, there were five Supreme Kais, beings powerful enough to defeat the likes of Freeza or Cooler with a single punch. Even they couldn't stand up to Majin Buu."

Goku's expression darkened as he listened intently, his body tense. "Okay, but if this Buu's so dangerous, why would they need Gohan's energy?"

Shin continued, his tone still heavy with the weight of the past. "As time passed, Majin Buu became uncontrollable. Bibidi could no longer control him, so he used his magic to seal Buu away. Now, his son Babidi needs energy to revive Buu. That's why he sent his minions to steal energy—he needs it to bring Buu back."

Hearing this, Goku stopped mid-air, his fury rising. "Are you insane? What do you think will happen if Buu is released? We don't even know if we can stop him, and you let them take Gohan's energy? That's not just any energy—what they took from him is enough to destroy an entire planet if condensed! You've really messed this up."

Shin fell silent, his gaze falling to the ground, aware of the gravity of Goku's words. He knew the stakes all too well, but he had allowed it to happen.

Finally, Shin spoke, his voice strained but resolute. "I know the stakes. That's why we have to stop Babidi before he can complete his plan. If we stop him, we stop the revival of Buu."

Goku's eyes narrowed, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. "I'm not sure this is a good plan. But if anything happens to Earth or my family because of this, you're going to pay for it."

Kibito, who had been silent until now, snapped at Goku. "Watch your tongue, mortal. You're speaking to a Supreme Kai!"

Without missing a beat, Goku snapped back, his voice sharp and biting. "Or what? What will you do? You realize how flawed this plan is, right? You've put us all in danger—and for what? To stop a monster that's already out of control? You can't even guarantee we'll be able to stop it if it gets out. So don't lecture me about plans, Kibito. I'm not interested in your half-baked schemes."

The air around them crackled with tension. Goku's eyes burned with the kind of fury that only came from a father willing to do anything to protect his son, his family, and his planet.

Gohan, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, finally spoke up, trying to ease the tension. His voice was steady, but there was a quiet determination behind it.

"Don't worry, Dad," he said, meeting Goku's gaze. "We've trained for situations like this, right? We've stopped the Androids, we took down Cooler… We can stop this, too."

Goku's expression softened as he heard his son's words, the familiar warmth of Gohan's confidence easing the tightness in his chest. He had always believed in his son's strength, but this was different. This wasn't just about facing powerful enemies—it was about a threat unlike anything they'd faced before.

But even as he felt his anger begin to subside, there was still a flicker of concern that lingered on Goku's face. He looked at Gohan with a mix of pride and worry, knowing that no matter how strong they were, this danger wasn't something they could afford to take lightly.

"I know, Gohan," Goku replied, his voice quieter now, as if weighing the truth of his own words. "But this is different. Majin Buu... He's not just another enemy we can punch into the ground. We don't know if we can stop him once he's unleashed."

Gohan nodded, understanding the weight of his father's concerns. "But we can't give up before we try, right? We'll figure it out—together."

Goku took a deep breath, his fists relaxing slightly at his sides. The lingering doubt didn't disappear completely, but his resolve hardened. If anyone could handle this, it was his family. It always had been.

"You're right," he said after a pause, a small, encouraging smile beginning to form on his face. "We'll figure it out, Gohan. We always do."

The group landed in a desolate, rocky wasteland, the earth cracked and scorched beneath their feet. From a distance, they could see the two minions they had been following—one was short, with green skin, while the other was tall and had pink skin, marked with the iconic 'M' on his forehead and wearing a cape.

As they approached cautiously, Supreme Kai's eyes widened. He stopped mid-flight, recognizing one of the figures.

"That's… Dabura. The King of the Demon Realm." His voice was tinged with fear and disbelief.

The atmosphere thickened with tension as Babidi, the sinister wizard, took a canister filled with energy from his minions. With a twisted smile, he raised his hand and blasted one of them. The minion's scream was cut short as he exploded mid-air. The remaining minion attempted to flee, but Babidi swiftly dispatched him in the same manner.

Everyone watched in horror.

Goku, his voice low with disbelief, muttered, "He killed his own men…"

Shin's face was tight with the weight of this grim revelation. "He doesn't see them as his men. They're just pawns in his plan."

Babidi and Dabura began to walk toward the entrance of their underground ship, but suddenly, Dabura stopped and turned his head sharply in the direction of their hiding place.

Shin's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh no... They've noticed us."

The silence that followed was deafening. Dabura stood motionless at the entrance, as if listening, his eyes scanning the area. Then, in an instant, he vanished, reappearing right in front of Kibito, who barely had time to react before Dabura raised his hand, preparing to strike.

Before he could unleash his attack, Goku, with startling speed, leaped in front of Kibito, intercepting the blast meant for the Supreme Kai's attendant. The impact of the attack sent a shockwave through the air.

Shin, horrified, watched in stunned silence, thinking for a moment that Goku might be dead. Smoke and dust clouded the area as the blast subsided, but as the smoke cleared, to everyone's shock, Goku stood, bruised but alive. His wounds were already healing, his body regenerating at an alarming rate.

"Impossible…" Shin murmured in disbelief, his voice filled with awe and fear. Kibito was just as stunned, his eyes wide with shock.

Without wasting a moment, Goku grinned, his usual fighting spirit returning. He shot a look at Gohan. "Let's go, Gohan. It's time to finish this."

The two of them charged forward, and in a flash, Goku launched himself at Dabura, fists flying. Dabura, ever the dangerous opponent, retaliated with a wicked grin. But before he could counterattack, he spat a foul, stone-turning saliva directly at Goku.

"Watch out!" Shin shouted, panic rising in his voice. "That saliva—it'll turn you to stone!"

But Goku, with a quick and decisive motion, ripped off the top half of his gi, exposing his chest. The spit hit the fabric, but it didn't touch his skin.

"Nice try," Goku smirked, his voice dripping with confidence.

Before Dabura could respond, Gohan joined his father, and together, they fired a combined Kamehameha wave. The blast surged forward, engulfing Dabura in a brilliant explosion of light.

When the smoke cleared, Dabura was gone. The group stood in stunned silence, the sheer power of the father-son combo leaving them momentarily speechless.

Shin was the first to speak, his voice still shaky with astonishment. "How... How did you do that so easily?"

Gohan, his expression focused and serious, glanced at his father before answering. "We train regularly. Even Dad could have taken him down by himself, but there's no time to waste. We need to stop Babidi before things get worse."

Kibito, still recovering from the shock, blinked. "You... You're not like anything we've faced before."

Goku gave a nonchalant shrug, wiping his hands on his gi. "We've had a lot of practice."

Shin nodded, a sense of urgency filling his voice as he turned to the group. "Right. Now, we need to hurry. Babidi's plan won't wait for us."

The tension in the air was palpable as the group prepared to move out. They had just faced one of Babidi's strongest minions, but the real challenge was still ahead.

Without hesitation, the group stormed into the ship, their senses alert as the darkness around them seemed to suffocate the air. Their footsteps echoed through the cold, empty halls, and they soon found themselves standing in a large, dark chamber. Babidi's voice suddenly echoed throughout the room, cold and mocking.

"You may have defeated Dabura," he sneered, "but you can't stop me now. I'm one step closer to reviving Majin Buu!"

Shin's eyes widened in alarm as he processed Babidi's words. His expression faltered, a sense of urgency creeping into his voice. "Goku, we need to hurry. If we fight him now, Babidi will be able to revive Buu. He's draining all our ki—we're leaking energy."

Goku's face hardened in response, and he nodded in grim understanding. There wasn't time to waste. Babidi's plan had to be stopped before it was too late.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps, slow but deliberate. Goku's instincts kicked in, his eyes scanning the darkness for the source. He couldn't see anything—yet. His muscles tensed, ready for whatever came next. Then, a flash of movement, and the first strike came at him from the shadows.

With a quick sidestep, Goku narrowly avoided the attack. But the creature attacking him was relentless, striking again and again. He dodged each hit, narrowly escaping the deadly blows. Realizing this was no time to play games, Goku let his aura flare to life, transforming into Super Saiyan. The room lit up with golden light, revealing the source of the attack—a monstrous creature, dark and menacing, capable of absorbing light and energy.

The beast grinned, feeling the surge of energy, but Goku wasn't afraid. Instead, he decided to feed it more. With a defiant grin, he charged at the creature, releasing more energy than before. The monster sucked it all in, growing stronger and stronger. But it didn't take long for it to reach its limit. The creature exploded violently, consumed by the very energy it had tried to absorb.

"That should do it," Goku muttered, wiping his brow with a smirk, as the threat dissolved into nothingness.

The group continued upward, heading to the second floor, where another obstacle awaited them. A man clad in white armor stood in their path, his stance challenging. He seemed confident—too confident. But Gohan, seeing the weakness in him, wasted no time. With a swift move, the armored figure was incapacitated, collapsing to the ground in defeat.

Babidi, watching from his control room, was now in a panic. The situation was spiraling out of his control far quicker than he anticipated. His last hope—his final trump card—had to be used now.

As the group took a moment to move forward, they heard Babidi's voice again, this time more frantic. "You think you've won? You can't stop me now! I'll do whatever it takes. There's no way you'll escape my control."

In that moment, the room seemed to darken, a heavy presence filling the space. Babidi wasn't just speaking to them—he was invading their minds.

Goku suddenly stumbled, his hands clutching his head, his eyes wide with confusion and pain. "Ah… what's happening?!" he gasped, his voice strained.

Gohan rushed to his father's side, his eyes wide with concern. "Dad, what's happening? Are you okay?"

Shin grimaced, watching helplessly as Goku faltered. "Babidi is using his magic to hold him hostage. He's targeting the darkness in Goku's heart"

Gohan's face twisted with anger. "What are you talking about? My dad isn't evil!"

Shin took a slow breath, trying to calm Gohan down, but his words were heavy with understanding. "It's not evil, Gohan. It's pain. Deep pain. Your father… he's carrying a weight that he's never shared. Babidi must have sensed it—your father's heart is full of loss. Pain he hasn't let go of."

Gohan's eyes filled with dread as the realization hit him. "Oh no…"

"What's happening?" Shin asked, his voice tense.

Gohan swallowed hard, his mind racing. "When I was four… my mother died. My father's brother—he killed her. Ever since then… my dad's been different. He blamed himself for it. He isolated himself, carrying that guilt alone. He's never been the same."

Shin's expression softened with sympathy. "It's that pain, that loss, that Babidi is using to control him. Gohan, you need to help him. You're the only one who can break this."

Inside Goku's mind, the darkness closed in on him. His past, the memories of his wife's death, his failure to protect her—it all came flooding back in an overwhelming rush. No matter how hard he pushed the memories away, they returned, stronger than before. The guilt, the pain, the fear—it all consumed him, and he felt himself slipping further into the abyss.

Outside, Gohan's voice pierced through the fog, full of desperation and love. "Dad, you need to fight this! It's not your fault! You're not alone anymore! You have all of us—Mom, me, Trunks! We're here for you, Dad! Please, you don't have to carry this alone anymore! Please, fight back!"

In Goku's mind, his son's words rang out, breaking through the haze of his pain. He saw flashes—his wedding with Bulma, the joy of Gohan's birth, the pride he felt for his family, the laughter shared with Trunks. These memories, these moments of love, filled him with warmth and strength, rekindling the light inside his heart.

With one final, determined push, Goku cast off the darkness that had taken hold of him. He broke free from Babidi's control, his mind clearing as his inner strength surged.

"I'm not losing to you, Babidi!" Goku shouted, his voice strong and unwavering.

The oppressive force that had gripped him shattered, and the golden light of his Super Saiyan aura flared brighter than ever, a beacon of defiance. Goku was free. He was ready to finish this.

The group wasted no time as they blasted a hole in the floor and jumped through, landing on the next level of the ship. They stood in silence, waiting, alert for any incoming threats. The air around them seemed to thicken, a heavy presence lurking just beyond their sight.

Suddenly, a tall, massive figure stepped into view, his purple skin gleaming in the dim light. His body was hulking, adorned with twisted horns on his head and the unmistakable Majin symbol on his forehead. Goku and Gohan exchanged a confused glance.

Shin's eyes widened in recognition. "It's King Cold."

"Who is that?" Goku asked, furrowing his brow.

"He's the father of Cooler, the one you defeated," Shin explained quickly, his voice laced with urgency.

Without hesitation, King Cold charged at them with incredible speed, his presence like a storm. His sheer size and power were overwhelming. Gohan immediately jumped into action, transforming into Super Saiyan. Though the difference in strength was noticeable, he pushed through the struggle, holding his own against King Cold's relentless attacks. For a brief moment, it seemed like Gohan was being overpowered, but then, the tables slowly began to turn.

Gohan's determination shone through, and soon, he began to dominate the battle, his strikes landing with more precision, forcing King Cold to defend himself.

However, just as Gohan seemed to have the upper hand, King Cold's form began to shift. The air around him crackled as his power surged. With a growl, his body began to shrink, his muscles tightening as he transformed into his final form. The temperature in the room seemed to drop, and the very atmosphere seemed to shift with the weight of his new form.

The tables had turned. Now, it was King Cold who dominated the fight. Gohan struggled to keep up with his newfound speed and power. Each blow from King Cold sent shockwaves through the air, and Gohan was pushed back, clearly having a difficult time maintaining his ground.

Goku, watching the fight from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief. "I didn't think Cooler's father would have this much power," he muttered, his tone filled with shock.

Shin, his gaze focused intently on the battle, nodded grimly. "He's stronger and more powerful than his sons. And don't forget—he's under Babidi's control. That means the magic is enhancing his power beyond his natural limits."

Gohan, sweat dripping down his face, knew he had to do something. His energy was being drained faster than he anticipated. His mind raced, calculating his next move. Then, an idea struck him. With a burst of energy, Gohan ascended further, transforming into Super Saiyan 2. The surge of power equalized the fight again, but he noticed something—King Cold was tiring.

Gohan realized this was his opening. Instead of rushing in with reckless aggression, he wisely decided to wait, letting King Cold burn through his energy. The tyrant was strong, but even he couldn't maintain this level of power forever.

Shin, watching the shift in strategy, was confused. "Why is Gohan holding back?"

Goku, a knowing grin on his face, watched as Gohan kept his distance, letting King Cold wear himself out. "King Cold's energy is depleting rapidly," he said, his voice steady. "Gohan's making him waste it."

As King Cold, exhausted from his relentless attacks, slowed down, Gohan saw his opportunity. With speed and precision, he rushed in, his aura blazing. In one swift motion, he placed his hand firmly on King Cold's chest. A surge of energy erupted from his palm, and with a powerful blast, he obliterated the tyrant from the inside out, leaving nothing but a cloud of destruction in his wake.

The room fell silent, the echoes of the blast still reverberating. King Cold was no more.

Gohan exhaled deeply, his body trembling with the aftermath of the fight. He glanced over at Goku, his expression mixed with exhaustion and relief.

Goku gave him an approving nod. "Nice job, Gohan. You didn't waste any time."

Shin, still processing the battle, couldn't help but be impressed. "That was impressive. But we can't afford to relax yet. Babidi's plan is still in motion."

The four of them stood there, silently acknowledging that their mission was far from over. Yet, they had dealt a significant blow to Babidi's plans. They had come closer to ending his twisted ambitions.

But before they could take a breath, they were suddenly teleported out of the chamber. The air around them grew thick with tension. Before their eyes, Babidi stood, grinning wickedly, his laughter echoing in the darkness.

"Fools," he sneered. "You've walked right into my trap. I have revived Buu!"

His laughter grew more maniacal as he stood with his arms raised triumphantly, watching them with malicious satisfaction.

The group exchanged tense glances, but before they could react, the ground beneath them trembled, and a large egg—once hidden in the shadows—began to crack. Smoke rose from the cracks, swirling into the air, slowly taking shape. The tension in the room grew unbearable as the egg continued to split open.

Then, with a final crack, the creature within emerged.

To their surprise, the being that stood before them was nothing like the terrifying, destructive force they had imagined. Majin Buu—what they had feared would be a monstrous god of destruction—was instead a small, round, and fluffy creature. A child-like figure, pink and chubby, with large, innocent eyes and an expression that could only be described as curious.

Babidi froze, his manic grin faltering as he stared at the strange sight. "What... What is this?!"

The creature before them giggled, bouncing playfully on the spot, completely unaware of the chaos surrounding him. His innocent movements contrasted sharply with the dark power he was meant to unleash.

The group, just as confused as Babidi, exchanged baffled looks. No one knew what to make of this bizarre turn of events.

21/3/2025