One Month Later…
It had been a peaceful month since returning from Namek.
The skies were blue, the forests serene, and the world blissfully unaware that it had nearly lost everything to a galactic tyrant.
At Mount Paozu, the Son household found a new rhythm.
Gohan's Morning
Books stacked high, pencils sharp, and an open workbook on energy physics.
Gohan (scribbling notes):"If I solve this trajectory problem using ki-assisted force… yeah, that makes sense!"
Even though the universe had tried to end several times over, Chi-Chi made sure Gohan didn't fall behind on school.
Still, Goku—always the balance—snuck in a little sparring every few days.
Goku (from outside):"Hey Gohan! You done studying? Let's do that wind-step kata!"
Gohan (grinning):"Coming, Dad!"
Chi-Chi stepped out carrying a small tray of snacks, her gi slightly wrinkled from her own light training session that morning.
Chi-Chi (smiling softly):"You boys better be back in time for lunch!"
Later That Week…
Chi-Chi (arms crossed, in the living room):"Goku, it's time. You promised."
Goku (scratching his head):"Huh? Promised what?"
Chi-Chi (deadpan):"Your driver's license, remember?! We are not flying everywhere. What if I need to go shopping?!"
Gohan (trying not to laugh):"This again?"
Goku (groaning):"But we can fly and Nimbus is faster…"
Chi-Chi gave The Look™. Even after surviving Frieza, Goku wasn't brave enough to argue with that.
West City DMV – The Chaos Begins
Goku arrived wearing a black training tracksuit and a confused expression. The parking lot was filled with other civilians nervously waiting.
But he wasn't alone.
Piccolo (sitting on a bench, arms crossed):"Hmph. I was told Earth's warriors need licenses for these primitive machines."
Goku (laughing):"Wait, you're getting yours too?!"
Piccolo:"I'm blending in. Apparently, giant green aliens attract attention when flying through traffic."
The instructor assigned to them, a grizzled woman named Ms. Grit, walked up with sunglasses and zero patience.
Ms. Grit:"Alright, you two. This isn't a tournament. This is the road. You mess up, I fail you. Got it?"
Goku (saluting):"Yes ma'am!"
Piccolo (stoic):"…Understood."
First up—Goku.
He got into the tiny car, hands on the wheel, and immediately crushed the gas pedal.
Goku:"Wooohoooo!"
The car screeched forward, narrowly avoiding a stop sign. He swerved around a cow, bounced over a ditch, and grinned the entire time.
Goku may be more mature now, but doesn't mean he can drive.
Ms. Grit (clutching her seat):"THIS ISN'T A RACE!"
Goku (laughing):"But it's fun!"
Next—Piccolo.
The tall Namekian folded himself into the compact car like a praying mantis, stoic as ever.
Ms. Grit (grumbling):"Just keep it under 60."
Piccolo drove… perfectly.
Stopped at every sign. Used blinkers. Maintained a consistent speed.
Until a reckless driver cut him off.
Piccolo (scowling):"Unacceptable."
He stuck his head out of the window and roared, causing the other car to crash into a bush.
Ms. Grit (wide-eyed):"...Okay that's intimidation and reckless endangerment—F!"
Aftermath
Outside the DMV, Goku and Piccolo sat on the bench, both license-less.
Goku (stretching):"Man, that was harder than I thought."
Piccolo (stoically):"This planet's rules make no sense."
Chi-Chi (marching up):"Well? Did you pass?"
Goku (laughing nervously):"Define pass…"
Chi-Chi (sighs):"…We'll come back next month."
Gohan (laughing):"Can I take it before you do, Dad?"
Goku:"Not until you're at least… I dunno, 16?"
As the sun set, Goku, Gohan, and Chi-Chi enjoyed a quiet dinner under the stars.
Though the universe had returned to peace, laughter still echoed through the forest—a reminder that even warriors need time to live.
Even if they can't drive.
[West City – Capsule Corp Training Yard]
Morning sunlight danced across the grass as Raditz wiped sweat from his brow. Nappa stood beside him, looking oddly focused for someone usually shouting about strength and pride.
Raditz (muttering):"I can't believe I'm doing this…"
Nappa (grinning):"Hey, it beats sitting around all day. Besides, didn't you hear Goku? Earthlings respect 'jobs.' We gotta blend in!"
Raditz:"We're warriors. Saiyans. Not mall cops."
Nappa (shouldering a duffel bag):"Today we're security specialists. Come on, it's just a test."
Raditz and Nappa sat in front of a small desk. Across from them, a sharply dressed woman with a tablet looked skeptical.
Recruiter:"Says here you two have… military backgrounds. Interplanetary warfare?"
Nappa (grinning):"We've protected empires."
Raditz (dryly):"We've conquered empires."
Recruiter (nervous laugh):"Right… And how are you with handling… minor disturbances?"
Nappa:"Punching, mostly."
Raditz:"Or vaporizing."
Recruiter:"...Right. We'll call you."
Nappa (as they leave):"I think She liked us."
Raditz:"We're not getting hired."
[East City – Diamond Dome Stadium]
A booming cheer erupted across the stadium. The crowd went wild as a ball soared into the sky, disappearing beyond the walls.
Announcer:"And it's another grand slam by Yamcha—the Wolf Fang Slugger! That's his 38th home run this season!"
Yamcha jogged around the bases, smiling under his cap. He tipped it toward the crowd, soaking in the energy.
Yamcha (to himself):"Not bad for a washed-up desert bandit."
Outside the stadium, he checked his phone. A missed call from his lady friend.
Yamcha (groaning):"Ugh, what now…?"
He sent a quick message.
"Busy game. Talk later."
No response.
Yamcha:"Figures."
[Mifan Castle – Eastern Mountains]
Inside a golden throne room, Chiaotzu sat quietly, dressed in formal robes, his legs barely dangling off the edge of the royal seat.
Chiaotzu:"Approve the grain tax, but make sure the northern farmers receive winter subsidies."
Beside him, Tien stood tall in ceremonial armor, arms crossed like a silent guardian.
Tien (smiling slightly):"You've come a long way."
Chiaotzu (softly):"You're the one who believed I could rule, Tien. I'm just doing my best."
A courtier rushed in, bowing.
Courtier:"Lord Chiaotzu, there are reports of bandits in the western valley."
Chiaotzu (calm):"Tien?"
Tien:"I'll handle it."
He walked out calmly, cloak fluttering behind him.
Chiaotzu (quietly):"…Still my bodyguard after all these years."
[Capsule Corp – Early Morning]
The morning air was crisp. West City buzzed quietly, birds chirping, and the sun casting long shadows over the impressive dome-shaped buildings of Capsule Corporation.
Vegeta stood shirtless in the backyard training dome, sweat dripping down his brow as he launched a flurry of punches at the gravity machine. The setting was adjusted to 200x Earth's gravity, but the Saiyan Prince moved effortlessly.
Vegeta (gritting his teeth):"Tch… Still not enough. That clown Kakarot… I'll surpass him."
BEEP. BEEP.
The gravity system flickered and stuttered.
Vegeta (growling):"NOT AGAIN?!"
The machine short-circuited—again. Sparks flew. A small explosion knocked him back into a wall.
Vegeta:"BLAST IT!"
Bulma (off-screen, annoyed):"Hey! That's the third training chamber you've blown up this month!"
Vegeta sat up, grumbling, just as Bulma walked in with a tablet and a cup of coffee in hand. She wore an oversized Capsule Corp lab coat and bunny slippers.
Bulma (sighing):"You know, you could try not pushing it past recommended output."
Vegeta (brushing dust off):"If the machine can't handle a Saiyan's power, it's a failure."
Bulma (hands on hips):"You're the failure if you break my stuff and expect me to keep fixing it for free."
Vegeta (muttering, turning away):"Didn't ask you to…"
Bulma (mocking):"What was that, your royal grumble-ness?"
Vegeta had taken to drinking tea. Not out of appreciation, but because Bulma kept placing it next to him during breaks and scoffing whenever he didn't drink it. She claimed it helped muscle fatigue. It annoyed him more that she was right.
Bulma (typing furiously on her computer):"You know, for someone who's constantly grumpy, you sure spend a lot of time here."
Vegeta (arms crossed):"This planet has tolerable gravity and facilities. And a decent training space. That's all."
Bulma (snorting):"Right. Has nothing to do with the genius, gorgeous woman constantly fixing your training gear?"
Vegeta (turning red, coughing):"Don't flatter yourself, woman."
Bulma (smirking):"Tsundere much?"
Vegeta:"...What did you call me?"
One Night
The stars shimmered above as Vegeta leaned against the railing. He didn't hear Bulma approach until she leaned next to him with a drink.
Bulma:"You miss it, don't you? Space. War. The old life."
Vegeta (quietly):"Sometimes. But… it was all meaningless. Frieza ruled everything. There was no pride in serving him."
Bulma (gently):"You're free now."
Vegeta (grunting):"Hmph. I owe Kakarot for that. And I hate it."
Bulma (laughing softly):"You Saiyans are so stubborn."
They stood in silence for a while. The tension melted slowly, like snow beneath the sun.
Vegeta (after a pause):"This planet… it's not so bad."
Bulma (smiling):"High praise coming from you."
Then Weeks later
Bulma stormed in.
Bulma:"Yamcha texted me again. Said he misses me."
Vegeta (scoffing):"Hmph. Weakling."
Bulma (tilting her head):"You sound jealous."
Vegeta (turning away quickly):"Ridiculous. He's a fool."
Bulma:"Then why did you blow up his punching bag last week?"
Vegeta:"It was in my way."
Bulma (walking closer):"You're not good at this, you know."
Vegeta (quietly):"At what?"
Bulma:"Feelings."
She kissed his cheek. Just a light brush.
Vegeta blinked. His face reddened instantly. He turned away again, arms rigid, tail flicking sharply behind him.
Vegeta (stammering):"D-Don't do that without warning!"
Bulma (smiling):"Where's the fun in that?"
Vegeta sat in silence, staring at a capsule photo frame Bulma had slipped onto his shelf. It had the whole group smiling. Goku. Gohan. Raditz. Even Nappa in the back flashing a peace sign.
And there, next to Bulma… he stood. Arms crossed. Wearing a rare smirk.
He didn't remember smiling that day. But somehow… it felt right.
Vegeta (softly):"What are you doing to me, woman…"
[Kame House – Afternoon Breeze]
On the quiet island, Krillin sat under a palm tree with a book on civil procedures in his lap. Master Roshi lay in his lawn chair, sipping coconut milk through a straw.
Krillin (frowning):"Written exam's in three days. I can break a wall with my pinky but I still freeze up on essay questions."
Roshi:"Calm your mind, my boy. Wisdom flows better when you're relaxed."
Krillin:"Easy for you to say. You don't have to memorize traffic code Section 5-B!"
Roshi (grinning):"I memorized all the swimsuit editions from 1983 to 2020. Same principle."
Krillin (groaning):"I'm gonna fail."
[Evening – Goku's House]
Back at Mount Paozu, Goku finished stacking firewood as Gohan sat nearby, scribbling notes from a textbook.
Chi-Chi emerged from the kitchen, drying her hands.
Chi-Chi:"Dinner's almost ready! Goku, did you remember to gather the herbs I asked for?"
Goku (grinning):"Of course! I had Gohan fly out and find them while I chopped wood!"
Gohan (smiling):"It was actually kind of fun."
Chi-Chi (smiling):"You boys and your training. At least you're useful!"
Goku sat down next to his son, watching the sun dip below the mountains.
Goku:"Hey Gohan… you think everyone's doing okay out there?"
Gohan:"Yeah. I think they're all finding their place."
As night fell over Earth, each of the warriors found themselves walking a different path—but all still connected by their shared past… and the battles yet to come.