Chapter 8: 7 Years Since The Cell Games
A year and six months had passed since the battle against Broly, and life on Earth had returned to a peaceful routine. Gohan, now a young adult, felt increasingly restless, eager to find new ways to use his intelligence.
One day, he decided to visit Capsule Corporation to pick up a costume that Bulma was designing a suit that would help him fight crime more effectively.
As he settled into a chair in Bulma's workshop, the familiar hum of machinery surrounded him. Bulma burst in, her hair tied back and eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Hey, Gohan! I've got some great ideas for your suit!" she exclaimed. "It'll take about two hours to get everything ready."
"Sounds good! I'll just take a walk around the building," Gohan replied, stretching his legs.
He wandered through the vast Capsule Corporation complex until he stumbled upon Trunks in the kitchen area.
"Hey, Trunks!" Gohan called out, walking over.
Trunks looked up, grinning. "Gohan! What are you doing here?"
"I'm getting a superhero suit from Bulma for crime-fighting," Gohan explained.
"Nice! But a superhero suit? Why not just your normal martial arts clothes?" Trunks asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps. Vegeta strode in, his expression as stern as ever.
"Gohan, why are you wasting your time?" Vegeta said, crossing his arms. "School won't prepare you for real battles."
Gohan turned, slightly taken aback. "I just thought it was important to balance my education and my training, Vegeta."
"Education?" Vegeta scoffed. "Your power lies in combat. You should be honing your skills, not sitting in a classroom. You're wasting your Saiyan potential!"
Trunks glanced nervously between Gohan and Vegeta, sensing the tension. "Dad, Gohan's trying to be responsible. He's balancing both sides."
"Responsibility? Hmph! There's no time for that. If you want to protect this world, you need to train harder," Vegeta replied, his tone unwavering.
Gohan sighed, feeling the weight of Vegeta's words. "I understand, Vegeta. But I believe that knowledge can help in battles too."
Vegeta raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Just remember, the next time a threat appears, it won't be your textbooks that save you."
With that, Vegeta turned and walked away, leaving Gohan and Trunks in a moment of silence.
"Don't let him get to you," Trunks said, trying to lighten the mood. "You're doing great work, Gohan."
Gohan nodded slowly, contemplating Vegeta's words. "Thanks, Trunks. I'll always value my intelligence. I just want to be a great scholar."
"I heard Goten went to the Lookout to train with Piccolo. Maybe we should check on them," Trunks suggested, his enthusiasm returning.
"Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Let's go!" Gohan said, his spirits lifting.
Once they arrived at the Lookout, Gohan was met with the serene atmosphere and the sight of Goten and Piccolo meditating.
"Hey, guys!" Goten called out, spotting them. "Look who's here Mr. Piccolo!" As Piccolo looks at Gohan and Trunks
"Hey, Goten and Mr. Piccolo!" Gohan waved as he approached. "How's the training going?"
"Great! I think I'm getting better Ki control!" Goten beamed, a spark of excitement in his eyes.
Piccolo nodded in approval. "He's making a lot progress, but he needs to stay focused."
Just then, Gohan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his earlier conversation with Vegeta. "I just got a new suit from Bulma for crime-fighting."
"Really? Let's see it!" Goten said eagerly.
Gohan hesitated but then revealed the Great Saiyanman suit, complete with a flowing red cape.
Goten's eyes widened. "Wow! That looks awesome!"
Gohan smiled, feeling a rush of pride. "Thanks! Bulma designed it to be functional and eye-catching."
However, Piccolo raised an eyebrow, skepticism written on his face. "Are you sure that's practical? It looks flashy."
Gohan chuckled, brushing off the comment. "I guess it's different, but I think it'll help me stand out."
Just then, Goten nodded enthusiastically. "I think it's cool!"
As they continued to chat, Gohan suddenly felt a familiar presence in his mind. It was his father, Goku. "Gohan, can you hear me?"
Gohan's eyes widened, and he looked around, a mix of surprise and excitement. "Dad?"
"Yes! I'm at King Kai's place right now. I've got some exciting news!" Goku's voice echoed in Gohan's thoughts. "I'm going to visit the living world for one day! I heard there's a World Tournament happening tomorrow, and I thought it would be fun if the gang came together to fight eachother and eat some delicious Earth food."
Gohan's heart raced. "The World Tournament? That sounds amazing! We have to tell everyone!"
Goku chuckled. "Make sure to gather the gang. I can't wait to see you all again!"
As the connection faded, Gohan turned to Goten and Piccolo, his excitement bubbling over. "Guys! Dad's coming back for the World Tournament tomorrow!"
"Seriously? That's awesome!" Goten exclaimed, as the Alex inside his soul knows that this is the beginning of the Buu Saga and only hopes he's strong enough
"We have to get ready!"
Piccolo crossed his arms, a hint of a smile on his face. "Then let's make sure we train hard today."
Gohan felt a surge of excitement as Goten's enthusiasm filled the air. "We can't waste any time! We should maximize our training before the tournament."
"Right!" Goten replied, his energy palpable. "I've been working on my Ki control maybe we can spar a bit?"
Piccolo nodded, stepping back to give them space. "That sounds good. Focus on your techniques and make sure to adapt to each other's moves."
As Goten and Gohan squared off, Gohan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He powered up, a golden aura igniting around him making him go Super Saiyan 2. "Let's see what you've got, Goten!"
Goten grinned, transforming into Super Saiyan 2. "You're on!"
The two engaged in an intense sparring session, their movements swift and fluid. Gohan pushed himself, trying to stay a step ahead of Goten, who was improving rapidly. Each clash of their fists sent shockwaves through the Lookout, and Piccolo observed keenly, occasionally offering tips.
"Remember to stay light on your feet, Goten!" Piccolo called out. "You need to anticipate your opponent's moves."
Goten nodded, focusing harder. He started to dodge more effectively, catching Gohan off guard with a well-timed kick. Gohan staggered back but quickly regained his composure, countering with a flurry of punches.
"Nice one, Goten!" Gohan encouraged, his heart swelling with pride. They continued to spar, laughter and shouts filling the serene atmosphere. After a grueling hour of training, they took a break, panting but exhilarated.
"I think you're much stronger than me now!" Gohan said, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Thanks! I can feel my strength increasing," Goten replied, grinning widely. As they caught their breath, Gohan felt a sense of camaraderie, a reminder of the strong bonds they shared.
Just then, Piccolo broke the momentary silence. "Don't get too comfortable. The tournament will be a real test. You both need to be prepared for anything." Gohan nodded, feeling the weight of Piccolo's words. "Right. We can't underestimate anyone."
"Speaking of underestimating," Goten chimed in, his eyes shining mischievously, "do you think we'll see any strong fighters at the tournament? I can't wait to see who shows up!"
"I hope so," Gohan replied, "but let's focus on our training first. We need to be at our best." With renewed determination, they resumed their training, practicing various techniques and combos until the sun began to set.
"Let's make it a day to remember," Goten said, enthusiasm shining in his eyes.
"Agreed," Piccolo added. "Let's show everyone what we're capable of."
The following day dawned bright and clear, and Gohan, Goten, Chi-Chi, and Piccolo made their way to the tournament grounds. The excitement was palpable as they entered the arena. In the distance, he spotted familiar faces Krillin, Android 18, and the others gathering, all looking eager and excited. But it was the thought of his father, Goku, that filled him with a sense of determination.
Gohan felt a surge of excitement as he and his companions approached the tournament grounds. The vibrant atmosphere buzzed with energy, filled with the laughter and chatter of fighters and spectators alike.
"Look at all the people!" Goten exclaimed, eyes wide with awe. "This is going to be amazing!"
"Just remember to stay focused only on some of these guys since the rest don't have a chance in hell," Piccolo reminded them, his usual serious demeanor in place. "Don't let the crowd distract you."
As they entered the arena, Gohan's heart raced at the sight of so many familiar faces. He spotted Krillin and Android 18, who waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Gohan! Ready to show everyone what you've got?" Krillin called out.
"Definitely! You too, Krillin!" Gohan replied, feeling the camaraderie swell among them.
The announcer's voice boomed across the arena, drawing everyone's attention. "Welcome to the World Tournament! Fighters from all over the world have gathered here today for an unforgettable event!"
Gohan glanced at Goten, who was practically vibrating with excitement. "We should find a good spot to watch the matches before it's our turn."
They maneuvered through the crowd, finding a perfect spot near the front. As they settled in, Gohan spotted familiar faces: Yamcha, Tien, Bulma, Trunks, Vegeta and even Master Roshi.
"This is going to be epic," Goten said, barely able to contain his energy.
Suddenly, Gohan felt a familiar presence. He turned just in time to see Goku materialize beside them with a halo above his head and wide grin on his face. "Hey, everyone!" he said, his excitement contagious. "I made it!"
"Dad!" Gohan shouted, rushing to embrace him. "It's so good to see you!"
"I missed you guys!" Goku said, ruffling Gohan's hair. "You gotten so tall Gohan since I last saw you" Goku said, eyes sparkling. "I can't wait to see how everyone's improved."
Chi-Chi bustled through the crowd, her eyes searching for her husband. Finally, she spotted Goku and rushed over. "Goku! There you are!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "I missed you so much!"
Goku laughed, returning the embrace. "I missed you too, Chi-Chi! It's great to be back!"
Just then, he caught sight of Goten. "Whoa, who's this?" he said, pointing. "He looks just like me!"
Goten blushed, initially shy. "Um, hi, Dad," he stammered, but Goku's warm smile quickly put him at ease.
"Hey there! You're my son, right? You're strong little guy!" Goku exclaimed, pulling Goten into a bear hug. Goten's nervousness melted away, and he grinned widely.
As the reunion continued, Fortuneteller Baba appeared, her presence commanding attention. "Goku, you only have 24 hours to stay on Earth," she announced, her voice firm yet kind.
Goku nodded, understanding the constraints. "Thanks, Baba. I'll make the most of it!"
"Good luck out there!" she said with a wink, before fading back into the crowd.
With everyone gathered and the excitement building, the tournament officials announced the first challenge: a strength test using a Punching Machine. Gohan felt the thrill of competition surge through him. One by one, the Z Fighters stepped up, testing their power against the machine.
Krillin went first, landing a solid weak punch that sent the machine beeping and flashing. "Not bad!" he grinned, feeling a rush of adrenaline.
Goku stepped up next, He landed a very weak punch, and the machine registered his strength impressively.
Then it was Vegeta's turn. The crowd fell silent as he approached the machine, his expression unreadable. With a flicker of energy, he unleashed a devastating punch that obliterated the machine completely. The device exploded in a shower of sparks, leaving the audience in stunned silence.
"Oh man Vegeta…" Gohan breathed, eyes wide. while the other contestants stared, their faces pale with fear.
The judges exchanged glances, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed. The crowd erupted into a mix of awe and trepidation, murmurs spreading through the arena.
Vegeta, unfazed, simply turned and walked away. "Pathetic machines," he muttered, dismissing the spectacle as he rejoined the others.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone