The dust had barely settled from the explosive spar between father and son. Vegeta stood tall, his arms crossed and expression unreadable, while Trunks sat on the grass, smiling faintly. The air still tingled with residual energy.
Later that afternoon, the group gathered once more near the Capsule Corp hangar. The sky was a calm blue, the winds gentle.
Trunks (quietly): "It's time I returned to my timeline. There's still a lot to fix. But... seeing all of you, how different this world turned out... gives me hope."
He turned to Goku.
Trunks: "Thank you for everything. And... for being a better man than the legends ever told."
Goku grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Heh. You too. Come visit anytime."
Bulma stepped forward, arms crossed. "Be safe on your journey!"
Trunks chuckled. "Thanks"
The Z fighter said their goodbye.
Vegeta scoffed and turned away.
With a final nod, Trunks boarded his time machine. The whirl of the engine echoed through the plains, and in a brilliant flash, he disappeared into the timestream.
[Future Timeline - Capsule Corp]
Trunks emerged into the broken skies of his time, landing outside the battered remains of Capsule Corp. Inside, Future Bulma was working on data pads, eyes weary.
Bulma (looking up): "You're back! That was quick. How'd it go?"
Trunks smiled warmly. "Mom... you wouldn't believe the world I saw. Goku was alive. He was strong. Wise. And hilarious."
Bulma (eyes widening): "Goku? That man's a walking punchline. Wise? Impossible!"
Trunks: "And Vegeta... our Vegeta... he's so different in that timeline. Proud, powerful... but fighting with the others. He's even a Super Saiyan."
Bulma's hand trembled. "He did it..."
[Present - Capsule Corp]
Back in the present, the Z Fighters were stretching and regrouping after the excitement.
Goku (grinning): "Well, that was a fun detour. But now, it's time to get back to work. We've got three years before the Androids arrive. No excuses."
Piccolo (nodding): "Agreed."
Gohan: "Are we heading back to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber?"
Goku: "Exactly. Another year of hard training. We've seen what's out there—and what's coming. It's time to go beyond."
The Z Fighters all exchanged looks of determination. The calm before the storm was ending. And the warriors of Earth were ready.
A week had passed since Trunks returned to his future. Peace settled once again over Earth, but Goku's mind was far from resting. With the looming threat of the Androids and with Vegeta and Trunks recent spar, Goku knew he had to push everyone past their limits once more.
One morning, just as the sun crested over Mt. Paozu, Goku stood atop a cliff overlooking his home. In his hand were the seven glowing Dragon Balls.
Goku (grinning to himself): "Shenron, come on out!"
The sky darkened, winds howled, and with a flash of light, Shenron appeared.
Shenron: "Speak your wish, and I shall grant it."
Goku: "I wish for an unlimited supply of the Fruit from the Tree of Might—sealed in a secured safe inside my personal Hyperbolic Time Chamber."
The dragon's eyes glowed, and the wish was granted.
Shenron: "Your wish is granted. Farewell."
As the skies cleared and the Dragon Balls dispersed once more, Goku touch his armband and vanished in an instant, reappearing within his private HBTC. The air shifted as he walked over to the far corner—where a massive, divine-looking vault now stood.
Opening it, he saw the fruits: golden, glowing, pulsing with divine energy. A single bite of one had once pushed Turles beyond his limits—and now, Goku had an endless supply.
Goku (smiling): "Whis once said Gods of Destruction love these things for dessert. Let's see what it does alongside training."
Goku also remembered that for mortals it was advisable to eat the fruit once a year. It was only divine beings like Divine Mortal's, Kai's, God of Destructions, Deity's, and Angels that could truly abuse the fruit without repercussions. Stronger the Base the lower the power boost from the fruit.
He took a seat, casually biting into the fruit. His aura shimmered instantly, golden and crackling. Though his power was already divine, the fruit infused him with raw primal energy. Although there were miniscule gains.
Goku (eyes flashing blue): "Alright... let's see how far we can push everyone's limit"
Stage 2
The ocean breeze stirred the air as Goku stood atop Korin Tower, arms folded, gaze fixed toward the sky. Though the sun was rising, his thoughts were already far ahead—into battles yet to come. He'd seen them. Lived them.
Behind him, Piccolo landed quietly, arms crossed, his energy tightly restrained.
Piccolo:"You wanted to see me, Goku. What's so important that you called me away from training?"
Goku (serious):"I need you to do something… and it might go against your pride. But it could save the world."
Piccolo (narrowing his eyes):"Get to the point."
Goku (turning to face him):"I need you to fuse with Kami."
Piccolo:"…What?!"
The Namekian's voice trembled with layered emotions—shock, rage, and something deeper. Goku didn't flinch.
Goku:"Not just for power. It's about unity, and balance. The Earth's going to face something far worse than Frieza. And unless we act now, the planet won't survive."
Piccolo (low growl):"You expect me to believe all that just to throw away who I am? Kami and I are not the same being anymore. I'm not a 'part' of him—I'm my own warrior."
Goku (stepping forward):"Exactly. But your strength—our strength—will never reach its true peak while you're still divided."
Piccolo didn't speak, his eyes narrowing as Goku continued.
Goku:"Piccolo, you and Kami… you're halves of the same original Namekian. When he split to become Earth's Guardian, he lost the strength to protect it. You became the power. He became the wisdom."
Piccolo (gritting his teeth):"Don't lecture me about our history."
Goku (calmly):"Then you already know what fusion would mean. Your power would skyrocket. You'd become whole again. Not Piccolo, not Kami… but someone greater. Someone who could protect Earth from what's coming."
Piccolo remained silent, staring out into the horizon. Goku took a breath, voice softer.
Goku:"You once told me you wanted to surpass me. You said Earth didn't need gods—just strength. This is your chance. Fuse, and you might not just match me… you might pass me."
Piccolo (quietly):"And what happens to me? To who I am?"
Goku:"You'll still be you. But more. Stronger. Smarter. Complete."
A long silence.
Piccolo:"…He'll say no."
Goku (smiling faintly):"He's already waiting for you at the Lookout."
Minutes later, Piccolo stood on the Lookout, facing Kami, who looked frail, robes flowing like a spirit in the breeze.
Kami (gently):"I always knew this day might come. I feel the darkness approaching. This planet needs more than guidance—it needs guardians who can fight."
Piccolo:"So you're ready to give up your role."
Kami (nodding):"The time has come. I am old. Weakened. But if I become part of you again, we can create a warrior capable of standing against the threats your friend Goku has seen. It is Time"
Piccolo took a step forward, shadows dancing over his face.
Piccolo:"If we do this… I don't want to be Kami. I don't want to be the demon either. I'll be something new. A true guardian—and a warrior."
Kami (smiling proudly):"Then go forward with strength… my other half."
The fusion is quiet, but radiant. A bright green light envelopes them. For a moment, all is still.
When the light fades, a new being stands tall—taller, more muscular, his aura vast and refined. His eyes are deeper, calmer. Piccolo is gone—but not erased. He is more.
Goku (a step back, eyes wide):"…Woah. Your ki… it's incredible."
New Piccolo (voice deeper):"I feel everything he felt. I see what I was blind to before. The earth is… alive. And I will protect it."
Goku:"There's just one more thing. We'll need someone to take over Kami's old role. Someone pure. With a connection to Namek."
He places two fingers to his forehead and vanishes with Instant Transmission. Moments later, he returns with Dende, the young Namekian healer.
He already spoke with the new elder and gave his blessing to take their youngest.
Dende (nervously):"M-Me? Be the new Guardian?"
New Piccolo:"You're strong in ways we're not. You healed me once, remember? You understand people. You're pure-hearted."
Goku (grinning):"And the Earth will need someone to watch over it. To recreate the Dragon Balls. You're the best choice."
Dende hesitates… then bows slightly, accepting the responsibility.
Dende:"I'll do my best."
The wind stirs gently as the new Namekian Guardian watches the world from above. Below, the newly fused Piccolo meditates silently, power pulsing around him like a storm held in check.
Goku (to himself):"We changed the future today. Just a little. But sometimes, that's all it takes."