Returning home after the battle with Vegeta, Goku began to replay the events in his mind, searching for any clue or sign that might explain Vegeta's unexpected reaction but nothing came to his mind. However, Vegeta having always been unpredictable, he decided not to think too much about it.
Upon entering the house, he saw Chi-Chi preparing dinner. Gohan and Goten were already seated at the table, their attention divided between homework and a lively conversation.
"Hey, Dad! You're back!" Gohan exclaimed, looking up from his books with a warm smile.
Goten, his face lighting up, waved excitedly.
"Hi honey!" Chi-Chi cheerfully greeted Goku. Engrossed in her cooking, she turned to look at him for a moment before letting out a loud scream.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
"What's happening dear?" Goku asked, startled by his wife's sudden scream.
"What the hell did you do? You're all sweaty and full of blood. I advised you to take it slow".
Chi-Chi, noticing Goku's dishevelled appearance, couldn't hide her concern as she took in the sight of her husband.
Goku, looking down at himself, chuckled nervously. "Well, you know me, Chi-Chi. Things got a bit intense during the training," he admitted, scratching his head.
As Chi-Chi continued expressing her frustration, Gohan interjected with a smile, attempting to ease the tension. "Come on, Mom, you know that when Dad trains, there's nothing that can stop him."
"Must learn to be a responsible husband and father. There are no more monsters to fight, so there's no need for him to train to the point of being worn down like this," she remarked, her concern for Goku evident in her voice.
Seizing the opportunity, Goku made a quick exit from the kitchen, muttering, "Alright, alright, I'll go clean up. No need to worry, Chi-Chi."
During dinner, the family enjoyed a lively conversation filled with laughter and discussions about the events of the day. Suddenly, amidst the "this and that" chatter, Gohan dropped a significant announcement.
"Since we're all at the table, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that Videl and I will be moving in together two weeks from today," Gohan revealed, his gaze shifting between the surprised expressions of his family members.
"Oh, Gohan, you couldn't give me better news!" Chi-Chi exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "And where are you guys gonna live?"
"Not far from Satan City. Mr. Satan has provided us with an annex not too far from the centre," Gohan explained. "It's in a quiet place, away from traffic and the other noisy annoyances of the city. I'm about to write a thesis that will keep me busy for several months, so I need all the tranquillity possible to concentrate." Gohan added.
Gohan turned his attention to his father, expecting a response. "What about you, Dad, don't you say anything?"
As everyone awaited Goku's response to Gohan's announcement, a brief moment of suspense filled the air. Goku, looking at Gohan with a serious expression, paused for a moment before breaking into a warm smile.
"Gohan," Goku said, his tone full of genuine pride and happiness, "Congratulations!" He walked over to his son, embracing him tightly. "It seems like yesterday when I took you through the woods, and you did nothing but cry at the slightest danger. And look at yourself now. You've grown into a man, and I'm so proud of you, son," Goku added, his eyes reflecting the deep affection he felt for Gohan.
"Thank you, Dad. Your words are very important to me," Gohan responded with gratitude, appreciating the support and encouragement from his father.
"How nice, I will finally have the room all to myself!" Goten exclaimed with excitement, his face lighting up at the prospect of having his own space.
Chi-Chi, ever the practical one, responded with a sly smile, "You know that from now on you'll have to clean it, right?"
"What? Oh no, that's not right," protested Goten, widening his eyes in mock horror. His overreaction, complete with a comically indignant expression, triggered general hilarity at the table.
"Ah, I almost forgot, Goku. Next Sunday, Krillin and Android 18 will also come with us to the shopping centre," Chi-Chi announced.
"Shopping centre?" Goku said with his mouth full of food, looking up in surprise.
"Yes, Goku, did you forget by any chance?" Chi-Chi stood up from the table, putting her hands on her hips.
"No, no, I haven't forgotten," Goku replied hastily, a hint of guilt in his expression.
In reality, the upcoming shopping trip had slipped his mind as he had been occupied with Vegeta almost all day. However, he didn't dare protest, knowing he had promised Chi-Chi he would go.
"Great, then!" Chi-Chi declared, satisfied with Goku's response.
Goku, realising he needed to make a mental note of the upcoming plans, continued to enjoy the meal, the conversation shifting to lighter topics as the Son family carried on with their evening routine.
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The following Sunday, the Son family and their friends gathered at the largest shopping centre in the city. The three-story centre was teeming with shops, offering everything from clothing to shoes to various forms of entertainment. Despite the rain outside, the atmosphere inside the bustling mall was lively and vibrant.
"Shame about this rain," Krillin exclaimed, expressing his dissatisfaction with the weather.
"Yes, you're right! All my hair is ruined with this humidity," Android 18 lamented, retrieving a mirror from her bag to fix her hair and makeup.
Krillin, being the supportive husband, complimented her, "It's not true, you are always beautiful," he said, casting an affectionate look her way.
As they were engrossed in their banter, Goku spotted Krillin from a distance and waved at him. "Hey Krillin!" Goku called out.
"Hello lads. How elegant you are," Krillin exclaimed, offering a friendly greeting as Goku and Chi-Chi approached.
"You can count on it. I don't want to disfigure myself. If it weren't for me, your friend would be walking around in his usual orange gi," Chi-Chi observed, looking at Goku with a playful smile.
"Eh eh eh, you're always the same, aren't you, old man," Krillin chuckled. He then inquired, "Where are Goten and Gohan?"
"They're both at home studying," Chi-Chi replied.
"I understood, first the duty and then the pleasure," Krillin said with a knowing smile.
"Come on, let's go inside, or we'll get wet," Android 18 suggested, steering the group toward the entrance of the shopping centre.
Once inside the shopping centre, the enthusiasm of Chi-Chi and Android 18 became evident as their eyes lit up. With every step they took, they couldn't resist stopping at different shops, thoroughly enjoying the shopping experience. On the other hand, Goku and Krillin found themselves in a familiar position outside, patiently waiting for their wives to finish their spree.
"So, Krillin, how are you doing?" Goku asked, striking up a conversation to pass the time.
"I'm fine, Goku, thank you. You know, I passed the course to become a policeman. Now I have a full-fledged job. You know, I have a family to take care of. Gone are the days when we used to train for days at the Turtle Hermit's house," Krillin shared, with a sense of nostalgia.
"It's true, but I miss those times," Goku admitted, reflecting on the carefree days of intense training.
"Tell me about yourself instead, Goku. How's it going?" Krillin inquired, curious about Goku's recent adventures.
Goku scratched his head and a smile formed on his face. "Well, you know me. I'm always training and trying to get stronger. However, I also have a job now."
"Really? and what do you do for a living?" asked Krilin curiously.
"I work part-time as a farmer. It's not a job that excites me very much but at least I make some money. It was Chi-Chi that pushed me. She says that in times of peace muscles and fighting are no longer needed."
Krillin chuckled, familiar with Chi-Chi's no-nonsense attitude. "Well, at least you're putting those Saiyan muscles to good use, even if it's in the fields," he remarked, finding humour in the irony of Goku's choice of employment.
"Yeah, and it keeps Chi-Chi happy," Goku added with a grin. "But you know me, Krillin, fighting will always be a part of who I am. I just try to balance it with the responsibilities of family life."
Krillin nodded in understanding. "True, true. And with a family, things are bound to change. It's good to see you adapting, Goku. And how are your sons?"
"They are fine. Ah, maybe you don't know that Gohan will leave home in two weeks and go to live with Videl," Goku said, revealing the upcoming change in Gohan's living arrangements.
"Really? That's a big step for him," Krillin remarked, a mixture of surprise and understanding in his voice. "Looks like your son is growing up."
"Yeah, he's ready for it," Goku replied. "It's a new chapter for him."
"What about Goten, instead?"
"Goten, on the other hand, is a very lively child. All he does is get into trouble. He often plays with Trunks, he often comes to our house, and Goten often goes to his house as well. They are two little pests. It's like seeing the two of us all those years ago," Goku remarked with a chuckle.
"You're right. Look, Goku, you mentioned earlier that you miss the times when we trained at the Turtle Hermit's house, didn't you?"
Goku nodded in agreement, a reminiscent smile playing on his face. "Yeah, those were some good times. Training, sparring, and all the adventures we had. It feels like a lifetime ago."
Krillin continued, "Well, how about having a sparring match between the two of us alone? It will be like remembering the old days…"
Goku's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Yes, that's nice. I can't wait," he replied, embracing the idea of revisiting the training sessions that had once defined their friendship.
"What are you looking forward to, Goku?" inquired Chi-Chi emerging from yet another shoe shop.
"Ehm... nothing. Krillin said he would like us to fight like when we were little, for old times' sake," Goku replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
"What? Krillin? But are you crazy?" exclaimed Android 18. "Goku is much stronger than you."
"Calm down, dear. We won't be serious. It will just be a training session with friends, isn't it, Goku?" Krillin interjected, giving him an understanding wink.
"Yes, just like this," Goku confirmed, assuring that the sparring session would be a friendly one.
The two couples spent the rest of the day chatting and shopping, eventually stopping at a restaurant after Goku's persistent insistence. The two women exited the shopping centre as if they had just raided ten stores. Goku, on the other hand, had only managed to buy a t-shirt, thanks to Chi-Chi's insistence.
She didn't want to see him always wearing the same clothes.
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The two friends met the next day in the late afternoon for the training session. They had arranged to meet at the Turtle Hermit's house, as they had so many years before. The two engaged in a fight, but Goku had to make a huge effort to restrain his strength and avoid causing Krillin harm.
Krillin noticed that Goku was holding back and became frustrated. He insisted that Goku fight seriously, even at the cost of hurting him.
In response, Goku threw a punch with such force that Krillin was sent flying for miles.
Goku felt a pang of guilt, and he hoped that his friend hadn't been hurt too much. Despite considering Krillin his best friend, Goku knew in his heart that this training wouldn't lead to improvement. Unfortunately, with Krillin, he couldn't unleash all his strength as he could do instead with…Vegeta.
With him, Goku didn't have to hold back; the more forceful he struck, the stronger Vegeta's response. It became a dynamic where the intensity of their sparring fueled each other's growth.
"What's up, Goku? I see you're thoughtful," exclaimed the Turtle Hermit.
"Huh? No, it's your impression," Goku said, attempting to disguise his embarrassment.
"Don't lie to your Master; I know you well," the Turtle Hermit asserted, seeing through Goku's attempt to conceal his thoughts.
"But I'm not lying," Goku insisted. "Oh, I'm going to look for Krillin; he's taking a long time to come back," Goku stated, using the opportunity to shift the conversation away from his apparent contemplation.
And so, Goku took to the air and went in search of his friend. After a few minutes, he found Krillin lying in pain in a vast forest.
"Ai ai ai, I can't move," Krillin groaned.
"I told you it was best not to overdo it," Goku remarked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"You know, Goku, I was thinking... our fighting levels were once very similar. But now I'm ashamed; I'm not even capable of receiving a punch," Krillin expressed with a touch of disappointment.
"But it's normal, I'm a Saiyan," Goku reassured, acknowledging the inherent differences in their strengths due to Goku's Saiyan heritage. "Come on, I'll take you back," Goku said, lifting Krillin onto his shoulder and heading towards the Turtle Hermit's house.
As Goku carried Krillin on his shoulder, a subtle sadness touched his thoughts. He couldn't shake the realisation that the gap between him and his Earthling friends had widened. The weight of being a Saiyan, with its inherent strength and potential for growth, often left him in a different league.
"Oh, here you are again!" exclaimed the Turtle Hermit. "You did it really badly, poor Krillin."
"Do you have a Senzu Bean?" Goku inquired.
"Yes, I must have some left. I'll go get it," the Turtle Hermit responded, hurrying to retrieve the healing bean.
"Ah, thank goodness; otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to go to work tomorrow in these conditions, and then who would have listened to my wife?" Krillin remarked, wincing as he touched the painful parts of his body.
The Turtle Hermit returned with the bean and handed it to Krillin.
"Ah, the beans are really miraculous. I feel like new!" Krillin exclaimed with gratitude.
"Listen, Goku," Krillin said with a serious look. "I'm sorry I can't be a good training partner anymore."
"What are you saying, Krillin? I enjoyed spending time with you, and it's like the old days with the Turtle Hermit," Goku reassured him.
"I know, but I also know how much you care about constantly improving yourself, and I'm sorry I can't help you," Krillin expressed, understanding Goku's dedication to self-improvement.
"Ah, you're getting too paranoid," Goku laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
"Okay, guys, do you want to stay here for dinner?" offered the Turtle Hermit.
"No, thanks, I have to go home; my wife will be worried about me," Krillin exclaimed.
"I have to go too, Master Roshi. It was nice to see you again. We will see each other soon," Goku added.
And so, the two friends took flight, exchanged their goodbyes, and each headed to their respective homes.
Once home, Goku pondered over Krillin's words. What he said held the truth.
In the past, the two trained and improved each other, but things had changed. The gap in strength between the two had become too significant. Goku thought about who else he could ask to train. Perhaps Piccolo Jr. but even with him Goku knew he could not push himself to the limit. Gohan? He possessed the greatest potential, but Gohan had moved away from martial arts, starting a new life with Videl. The only option left was again…Vegeta.
However, after their last encounter, Goku doubted that Vegeta would be willing to see him again. Goku remained unaware of what had happened to cause Vegeta to walk away.
Nevertheless, he decided to take a chance. The following weekend, he decided that he would call Vegeta to propose that they train together again, hoping to rekindle their rivalry and push each other to new heights.
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