Nearly three months passed in the blink of an eye.
It was finally time to revive Goku.
Kami's Lookout
Krillin and the others had already gathered the Dragon Balls. Gohan and Piccolo stood nearby as well.
Bulma took a deep breath and shouted,
"Come forth, Shenron! Grant my wish!"
The sky darkened instantly. Thunder rumbled as a massive azure dragon spiraled down from the clouds.
Shenron appeared.
"State your wish. I can grant one wish only."
Bulma stepped forward.
"Shenron, please revive Goku!"
"Very well."
Shenron's crimson eyes glowed.
King Kai's Planet
The halo above Goku's head vanished.
"…Huh?"
Goku touched his head in surprise.
"I'm alive again?"
"Yes," King Kai nodded. "You've been revived."
Goku grinned.
"Lord King Kai, thanks to you, Bubbles, and Gregory for taking care of me all this time. I'm heading back to Earth!"
Gregory looked reluctant.
Even though Goku was reckless, he was warm-hearted. Life on King Kai's planet had been lonely.
Kami's Lookout
"All right. The wish has been granted."
Shenron's body dissolved into light, transforming back into seven Dragon Balls that scattered across the Earth.
"He's revived?" Chiaotzu asked.
Kami nodded.
"Since Goku's body was on King Kai's planet, that's where he revived."
"Then when will he return?" Yamcha asked.
"I don't know—but it shouldn't take long."
"Then let's wait here!" Yamcha said.
Everyone nodded.
Snake Way
Goku rushed forward at full speed.
He was excited to see Krillin and the others—but most of all, Gohan.
A few months ago, Gohan had already mastered Super Saiyan.
He must be even stronger now, Goku thought, speeding up.
Kami's Lookout
Time passed.
Krillin frowned.
"Strange… Goku's been revived for a while. Why isn't he back yet?"
Just then, footsteps echoed.
Everyone turned.
Goku walked out, wearing his familiar orange martial arts gi. Beside him floated Fortune Teller Baba on her crystal ball.
"Goku!"
"Dad!"
"Long time no see, everyone!"
Goku laughed.
Krillin and the others rushed over, surrounding him.
"So, Goku," Yamcha asked, "how much stronger did you get training with King Kai?"
"Not bad. Just a little stronger than you guys."
"A little…?"
Krillin shook his head.
"That's right," Goku continued. "But Gohan's the strongest one here now!"
Krillin nodded.
Goku looked past the group at Gohan.
For some reason, he felt unfamiliar.
The old Gohan had been timid and clingy.
This Gohan was calm—almost too calm.
Is this because of Piccolo? Goku wondered.
Baba spoke up.
"Well, Goku, my job's done. I'll be leaving now."
"Thanks, Baba. You really helped us out."
With a wave, Baba departed.
After she left, Goku stepped forward and lifted Gohan.
Gohan stiffened slightly, not used to the sudden affection.
Though his body was still that of a child, his mental age from his previous life was close to Goku's.
Goku quickly put him down.
"Haha! It's been a year, Gohan. You've grown heavier!"
"Yes."
At five years old, of course he'd grown.
Krillin asked, "Goku, do you think you can beat the Saiyans arriving tomorrow?"
"I don't know," Goku admitted. "But even if I can't—Gohan can."
Krillin nodded.
"Well, it's getting late. I should head back," Goku said.
"Back?"
"Yeah. I haven't seen Chi-Chi in a long time."
He looked at Gohan.
"Let's go home."
Gohan nodded.
"Uncle Piccolo, I'm heading back now."
"Alright," Piccolo replied.
Mount Paozu — Goku's Home
Chi-Chi looked exhausted.
She sat inside the house, sighing endlessly.
"Chi-Chi," the Ox-King said, "Goku's being revived today. Don't keep sighing."
"Dad," Chi-Chi snapped, "Gohan's been taken away by Piccolo for a whole year! I don't even know how much schoolwork he's fallen behind on!"
"It'll be fine. Gohan's smart. A tutor can fix that."
"And tutors cost money!"
Just then, noise came from outside.
"Chi-Chi," the Ox-King said, "could that be Goku?"
Chi-Chi jumped up and rushed to the door.
When she opened it, two familiar figures stood there.
"Goku! Gohan!"
Tears instantly filled her eyes.
"Mom!"
"Chi-Chi!"
The Ox-King stepped out as well.
"Goku! Gohan!"
Chi-Chi rushed forward and hugged Gohan tightly.
"M-Mom…"
She released him and examined him carefully.
"You've grown taller… but where's your tail?"
"Uncle Piccolo pulled it off."
"Pulled it off?!"
"Yes. Whenever I saw the full moon, I turned into a Great Ape."
"…I see."
Chi-Chi sighed, then nodded.
"It's fine. Your father doesn't have a tail either."
"Mhm."
"Come inside," Chi-Chi said warmly. "Mom will make something delicious."
Holding Gohan's hand, she led him inside.
The Ox-King laughed.
"Well then, Goku, shall we go in too?"
"Yeah."
Back inside, Gohan looked around the house.
It wasn't as big or luxurious as Bulma's.
But it was warm.
And for the first time in a long while—
It truly felt like home.
...
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