On the other side of the world.
As Shenron appeared, half the Earth was plunged into night. The sudden darkness threw cities into panic—day turned to night in an instant, for the second time in history. People everywhere questioned what disaster had befallen their world.
On the planes carrying eliminated contestants and spectators, confusion reigned as everyone stared out at the pitch-black skies.
Tony Stark sighed, looking at the darkness.
"Shenron has returned."
At the Triskelion, Nick Fury stood from his chair and walked to the window, gazing out into the black sky.
"The sky curtain… again."
He picked up his phone and called Coulson.
"Coulson, the phenomenon is back."
"Yes, Director," came Coulson's reply. "The entire globe has fallen into night."
"Investigate immediately," Fury ordered. "I want answers this time. What causes it? And what risks it poses."
"Yes, sir."
Across the world, intelligence agencies scrambled once more. One year since the first Dragon Ball Tournament, the "sky curtain" terrified governments and militaries alike.
On the plane with Wakanda's royals, Shuri spoke up.
"Father, I believe this darkness is connected to Shenron's wish."
T'Chaka frowned. "What makes you think so?"
"During the matches I spoke with other spectators. The first tournament took place a year ago—exactly when the same phenomenon appeared. Now, it must be Wenwu making his wish."
T'Chaka nodded gravely. "A strong possibility. Still, until we witness the wish itself, we cannot be sure."
Shuri agreed. But the second occurrence guaranteed Wakanda would begin its own investigation.
…
At the site.
Wenwu gazed upward, stunned.
"This… this is the dragon that can grant any wish? Truly different from Kunlun's Long of Longevity."
Xialing, Shangqi, and the Ten Rings stood frozen, their eyes wide. The Dragon Ball legend was real—before them stretched a divine creature out of myth.
"Impossible…" Xialing whispered. "A dragon from legend… real?"
Even the League of Assassins, though some had seen Shenron before, could not help but bow in awe.
Eddie Brock stood dumbfounded, while inside him Venom's greedy thought whispered: If I could merge with the dragon… would I gain its power to grant wishes?
Then Shenron's cold, thunderous voice echoed:
"You who summoned me, speak your wish. I can grant any single desire."
Smith Dole smirked faintly. With this wish fulfilled, his own power would rise again. The future "Battle of New York" no longer worried him.
Everyone expected Smith to speak. Even Wenwu waited for him to announce the wish. But instead Smith turned.
"Wenwu, state your wish."
Startled, Wenwu stepped forward. But he wasted no time:
"Great Shenron, I wish for my wife, Yingli, to be brought back to life!"
Shenron's eyes glowed red.
"Simple. Your wish is granted."
In the next instant, Yingli appeared on the stage. Before anyone could even draw breath, Shenron dissolved into seven glowing spheres. The Dragon Balls streaked across the skies, scattering to the corners of the world. Light returned—the darkness lifted as day resumed.
Wenwu staggered forward, staring at her. "Yingli… is it really you?"
She turned, eyes wide. "Wenwu? But… wasn't I dead? How… how can this be?"
It was truly her. Wenwu crushed her into his embrace, trembling.
"Yingli—you've returned. I will never let you be in danger again."
"Mother!" Xialing and Shangqi ran onto the stage, eyes shining with tears.
Yingli looked at them, bewildered. "Xialing? Shangqi? You've grown… so much. How… am I alive again?"
"They are our children, Yingli," Wenwu said softly. "They've grown up without you."
As the reunited family wept and clung to one another, Smith Dole's voice cut in, calm and final.
"The champion's reward has been given. The wish is fulfilled. Now, we depart."
Yingli looked at the strange man in confusion. She didn't yet understand what had happened since her death.
Soon, League personnel ushered the others to departing aircraft. Only Wenwu's family and the Ten Rings remained. They would follow Smith Dole back to the League's New York headquarters.
Wenwu had not forgotten his vow—joining the League came before reorganizing his clan, his children, or even explaining everything to Yingli.
But on the flight, husband and wife had a thousand words to share.
(End of Chapter)
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