In the years that passed, Planet Sadala had undergone rapid development.
The Saiyan squads, now roaming the stars, had officially formed their own mercenary organization.
With the prestige Kaso had built up previously, the Saiyan Mercenary Corps quickly gained fame and dominance across the galaxy.
The other mercenary groups?
They could only grit their teeth in silence.
There was no point complaining — the Saiyans were just too strong.
As for Kaso, after returning from training in space, he spent his time refining his strength on Sadala.
But before long, even the 600x gravity chamber could no longer challenge him.
Kaso realized something:
Simply increasing his power wasn't enough.
The Saiyans were a warrior race — their strength came from battle.
So a few years ago, Kaso once again left Sadala, venturing across the universe to seek worthy opponents.
But this was the early Dragon Ball era — true masters were few and far between.
Just when Kaso was about to give up and return home, he stumbled upon a fascinating planet:
Metamor.
The birthplace of martial arts techniques like Fusion, Metamor was a paradise for fighters.
Kaso stayed and trained for years, refining his control and insight under its unique martial philosophies.
Then, during his training, he heard a familiar voice —
Shenron, the Eternal Dragon.
"Do you wish to be transported to Earth?"
Kaso smiled faintly.
So the Dragon Ball story had officially begun.
But he refused the wish.
He still had more to learn.
When he finally finished his training, he returned to Sadala, gathered Bardock and Gine, and the three of them headed to Earth.
Just in time for the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament.
On the sidelines of the tournament…
"Kakarot…"
Gine's hand covered her mouth, eyes misty with tears.
That unmistakable spiky hair —
Even after all these years, she knew instantly:
That boy in the ring was her son.
Bardock stood beside her, brows furrowed.
"He's… so weak."
The idea that this kid could one day become a Super Saiyan?
It felt absurd.
Meanwhile, Kaso watched the match with amusement.
After years on Metamor, the Earthling martial arts felt elegant — even profound.
Though Earthlings weren't strong by nature, the planet's martial heritage had blossomed — perhaps due to Kami's quiet influence.
Their techniques, though simple, were sharp and refined.
Seated beside Kaso, Bulma kept stealing glances at his profile.
He had grown so much.
His sharp jawline, dark eyes, and natural charisma radiated quiet strength.
"Who would've thought… that little brat would turn out like this…"
Suddenly, Kaso turned to Bardock and Gine:
"Later, don't look up at the sky."
They blinked.
He remembered —
In the original timeline, Goku transformed into a Great Ape, forcing Master Roshi to blow up the moon with a Kamehameha.
Bulma blinked.
"Huh? Were you talking to me?"
Kaso just chuckled and reached over,
patting her head again — a familiar gesture.
This time, she didn't resist.
Sure enough…
On the stage, Master Roshi (disguised as Jackie Chun) used his Thunder Shock Surprise to restrain Goku.
Just as Goku was about to pass out, he looked up —
and saw the full moon.
His tail twitched.
ROOOAAARRR!!!
In an instant, Goku transformed into a hulking Great Ape.
The crowd went wild with fear.
Most people ran for their lives.
Only a few remained:
Bulma, Yamcha, Krillin, and the others —
crouched behind a bench, wide-eyed.
"Wh-what happened to him!?" Bulma cried.
She'd never seen Goku like this.
In the Pilaf arc, she'd handled everything before Goku could transform.
Kaso calmly explained:
"It's a racial ability. Under a full moon, our kind transforms."
That's right.
Goku and Kaso… were of the same race.
"Oh… so that's why you both have tails."
But despite the towering gorilla before her, Bulma wasn't afraid.
Not with Kaso sitting beside her.
On the ring, Roshi prepared his final move.
"Kame… Hame… HAAA!!"
A deep blue Kamehameha fired straight at Goku.
Krillin and Yamcha panicked.
"No! He'll die!"
They leapt to the edge of the arena, screaming.
"Will he be okay?" Bulma looked at Kaso anxiously.
"He'll be fine," Kaso said with a smile.
"Roshi's aiming for the moon, not Goku."
In truth, even with that blast, Roshi probably couldn't hurt Goku's Great Ape form.
"Whew…" Bulma let out a long breath.
She patted her chest, relieved.
She'd become close with Goku — she didn't want to lose him.
Bardock and Gine, by contrast, remained silent.
BOOM!
The blast struck.
A cloud of smoke engulfed the stage.
"Did… did he die?"
Krillin and Yamcha collapsed to their knees, stunned.
They turned to glare at Bulma —
"You could've stopped that! Why didn't you?"
Bulma rolled her eyes.
"Relax. He's not dead."
Sure enough, Goku lay unconscious and naked in the rubble —
but alive.
The golden-haired announcer stepped forward and declared:
"The winner of the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament… Jackie Chun!"
"Let's go."
Kaso stood up, uninterested in sticking around.
Bardock had seen enough.
At first, he'd considered taking Goku back with them —
but after watching that match, he changed his mind.
The techniques these Earthlings used…
Even he found them difficult to grasp.
"This planet… isn't simple."
Let Kakarot grow here.
It would be better that way.
"You coming?" Kaso turned to Bulma with a faint smile.
"Huh? O-oh! Yes! I'm coming!"
Without hesitation, she grabbed his arm and leaned in close.
"This time, you're not getting away."
Kaso felt the softness at his elbow and laughed quietly.
"Fine. Let's go."
With a flick of his fingers —
Zzzt! — the three of them vanished with Instant Transmission.
On the arena floor…
Krillin and the others sat in stunned silence.
"That guy looked just like Goku…"
"You don't think… he's Goku's dad, do you?"
Even Master Roshi stared at the spot where Bardock had stood moments ago.
He had sensed it too.
The pressure from those two…
Bardock and Gine — it was immense.
But they'd seemed peaceful — even friendly with Bulma.
And that man…
he looked exactly like Goku.
Could it be…?
Elsewhere, deep in the forests of Earth's northern region…
A white, ancient holy tower stood tall among the clouds.
Kaso reappeared at the top of Korin Tower, standing behind a familiar figure.
"Yo, Korin! Long time no see!"
~~~------------------
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