An Unnamed Galaxy Cluster, Deep Space
Hands in his pockets, Gohan drifted through the void, lost in thought.
"To think… Tien actually came from the Thirteenth Universe. Looks like the Dragon Ball world still hides countless secrets the original story never touched."
He didn't stay on the new Three-Eyed Star. With three months left before Frieza reached Planet Namek, he had no intention of wasting that time there.
Ever since seeing the Grand Elder of Namek's lifespan shorten again, a new worry had taken root in his mind Goku's heart virus.
At first, he'd assumed Future Trunks was from a parallel timeline, so even small changes to history wouldn't affect his arrival. But now… things were starting to feel uncertain. He needed another plan.
"If the antidote was created by Future Bulma, then the Bulma of this era should also be able to make it. And this time… I even have one big advantage." He muttered to himself before vanishing with Instant Transmission.
Karin Tower, Earth
"Eh? Didn't you already leave Earth?" Korin looked genuinely surprised to see him.
"They don't need me there yet. I came back for something. By the way, Korin do you still have any Super Holy Water?"
The cat hermit nodded, then shook his head. "I do… but why? You've already drunk it once, haven't you? It won't work a second time. Besides, only a few drops have formed."
"One drop is enough. I just need it as a raw material for an experiment. Can you give me one?"
"No problem. Wait here."
Korin padded off to his storeroom and returned with an ornate glass vial holding a single, crystal-clear drop.
"Here, take it."
"Thanks, Korin. I'll have someone send you some dried fish later."
"Sluuurrp… Dried fish!" Tears of joy welled up in Korin's eyes.
Capsule Corp Estate
"Bulma!" Gohan strode in without hesitation. Ever since that awkward encounter between them, he'd found it easier to speak casually with her.
"You little brat, what do you want this time?" Bulma's voice was sharp but tinged with curiosity.
"Hehe… need a favor. I want you to research a special antidote."
"You've gotta be kidding me. I'm a scientist a genius scientist not a doctor!"
"Bulma, you're the genius scientist. If anyone can do it, it's you. Besides, I wouldn't trust anyone else with this. The raw material… is only one drop." He held up the vial, laying the flattery on thick.
"Pfft. Sweet talk won't work on me anymore. I know you're up to no good."
"Bulma, this is serious. You wouldn't want to lose a good friend, would you…?" His tone suddenly grew solemn.
"Whoa, whoa what's that supposed to mean? Hey! Wait a second… you're not thinking? Listen, kid, by seniority I'm your aunt!" Bulma backed away quickly, eyes wide.
Gohan facepalmed. "What on Earth is going through your head? I'm talking about saving my dad! If he dies, isn't that your friend too?"
Bulma froze, relief flooding her face though there was the faintest trace of something else in her eyes. "That's what you meant? But how could Goku possibly get sick? He's an alien, and healthier than an ox!"
"My dad's been poisoned. This is Super Holy Water it draws out hidden potential by using its toxicity. When he was a kid, it worked, but a trace of the toxin stayed lodged in his heart. If nothing's done, he'll die from heart failure in the near future."
Gohan's grave expression made her believe him instantly.
"…Alright. Leave it to me. Capsule Corp may be known for tech, but we have plenty of medical experts too." Bulma took the vial with careful hands, her face serious.
"Thank you, Miss Bulma." Gohan bowed deeply.
"…And I suppose I'm working for free again?"
"I could… offer my body instead?"
"Get out! Just get out! You look like a four-year-old do you even have the means to back that up?!"
"Women… always saying the opposite of what they mean…" Gohan muttered as he was shoved out the door.
Despite her words, Bulma's heart softened. As soon as he left, she called in Capsule Corp's top talent to study the Super Holy Water.
"Chairwoman, where did you get this?" one of the medical leads asked.
"Don't ask. Just tell me the results."
"In terms of sheer toxicity, it's weaker than cobra venom. But in terms of the damage it inflicts on the body there's nothing on Earth that can match it."
"What do you mean?"
"If swallowed, it would kill every cell in the body within seconds except for their nuclei. The pain would be unimaginable, far worse than even level-ten labor pain. But… if the person's consciousness endured, their body would fight back, regenerating cells from the intact nuclei. This would cause profound changes—possibly extending lifespan or even reversing aging. Still, I doubt anyone could withstand the agony."
"Oh, there are people. More than one. That brat's clearly drunk it before," Bulma muttered under her breath.
"Pardon, Chairwoman?"
"Nothing. One more question if a trace of this toxin were lodged in the heart, what would happen?"
"That… would require testing."
"You only have this one drop, so use it sparingly. I want an antidote for this specific toxin, and fast."
"Yes, Chairwoman!"
Galactic Patrol Headquarters
Elsewhere, Gohan reappeared before the majestic spire of the Galactic Patrol HQ only to be immediately surrounded by armed guards.
"Halt! Who dares trespass in the Galactic Patrol headquarters?!"
"Relax. I'm not here to cause trouble. I came to see the Galactic King." Gohan raised his hands in a gesture of peace.
"No matter who you are, breaking through multiple defense layers to get here means you're no ordinary intruder. But if you want an audience, barging in is not the way. Stand down, all of you if he meant harm, none of you could stop him."
"Captain Merus!" the guards saluted instantly, lowering their weapons.
"Leave him to me," Merus ordered.
"Yes, Captain Merus!"
The patrol squad dispersed as quickly as they had appeared.
"Heh… Captain Merus, was it?" Gohan said with an easy grin.
Merus didn't answer the smile. "Come with me." He turned and walked toward the palace doors.
Gohan followed closely behind.
In truth, his visit wasn't for the Galactic King at all his real target was the man walking right in front of him.
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