Perhaps it was the result of a special training or a new form of energy absorption. Gohan might have been exposed to a new type of ki or energy that stimulated the regrowth of his tail. For example, if he was in a place with a high concentration of a certain type of energy that interacted with his Saiyan cells in a way that caused his tail to grow back.
He might be surprised at first. After all, having his tail back is a big change. He could start to explore the new sensations and abilities that come with it, like better balance perhaps.
Well, in Dragon Ball lore, Gohan's tail was a Saiyan trait. In this fanfiction, it might mean he has more access to his Saiyan instincts. Maybe he can transform more easily into a Great Ape or use some of the primal Saiyan powers that were associated with the tail.
In some fanfictions, it might grow back due to magical or alien forces. For example, a powerful wizard in the fanfic universe could use a spell to regrow it. Another way could be through some sort of advanced medical technology created by the Saiyans or their allies.
In the Dragon Ball universe, there are many strange and wonderful things. King Kai might have access to some rare or magical items. He could use one of these items to help Goku's tail grow back. For example, there could be a special fruit on his planet that has regenerative properties. When Goku consumes it or King Kai uses it in some other way, it triggers the growth of the tail.
It could also be a symbol of a new power - up. In the Dragon Ball series, new physical changes often lead to increased power. So, getting his tail back might mean that Goku is about to reach a new level of strength. Maybe he'll be able to transform into a new form that is related to his Saiyan heritage and the presence of the tail. This could give him an edge in future battles against stronger opponents.
One possibility is that it could be a genetic anomaly. Maybe something in his Saiyan genes that was dormant suddenly activated, causing the tail to grow back. In the Dragon Ball universe, Saiyan genetics are complex, and there could be some unexplored factors at play.
One plotline could be that a Saiyan discovers a way to accelerate the tail - growing - back process and uses it to gain an advantage in a tournament. Another could be that an evil force targets Saiyans' newly regrown tails for some dark purpose.
Probably Natsu. They both have a strong sense of justice and are very powerful fighters. Natsu's fire - based attacks and Gohan's ki blasts could make for some amazing combined attacks in battle.
In fanfiction, it might be a result of a curse or some dark magic. For example, a villain could have cast a spell on him that weakened his heart both physically and emotionally.
A possible plot twist could be that future Gohan is actually an impostor sent by an enemy to manipulate the real Gohan. Another twist might be that when they meet, their powers combine in an unexpected way that causes some sort of time rift or a change in the timeline.