The world had been at peace for several years. After the climactic battle against Piccolo Jr. at the World Martial Arts Tournament, Earth had finally settled into a rare calm. The threats of evil forces had diminished, and for once, life seemed quiet.
But on the small island home of Master Roshi, quiet was never exactly quiet.
The sun hung high in the sky, waves lazily rolling onto the shore, and the familiar group had gathered. Krillin, Bulma, and Master Roshi lounged around the patio, while Turtle snoozed contentedly under the shade. The gentle sounds of waves and distant gulls gave the scene a vacation-like tranquility.
Except… there was one new face among them.
Sitting cross-legged near the wall, clad in a plain yellow jumpsuit and a white cape that fluttered softly in the breeze, was a bald man nobody knew much about. His expression was blank, eyes half-lidded as if he might drift off at any moment.
This was Saitama.
He had appeared on the island weeks ago, saying very little about himself. No house, no job, no clear purpose. Roshi—ever curious about martial artists—had let him stay. Nobody could quite figure him out. He seemed ordinary, even weak… and yet, there was something about him.
Bulma, eyeing him skeptically, broke the silence:
"Seriously, Roshi, where'd you even find this guy? He barely says two words."
Roshi chuckled, adjusting his sunglasses.
"He just… showed up one day. Says he's a hero, but… eh, can't say I've seen him do much."
Krillin shrugged, unfazed.
"Well, at least he's quiet. Better than some of the maniacs we've had around here."
Saitama turned his head slightly, his voice flat and calm:
"…I can hear you, you know."
Krillin flinched, then scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Heh… right. Sorry."
Unmoved, Saitama returned his gaze to the horizon.
A distant hum filled the air. Moments later, the golden Nimbus cloud streaked across the sky, carrying none other than Son Goku. Clinging to his back was a small child with spiky hair, wearing a little hat adorned with the Four-Star Dragon Ball.
The group brightened instantly.
Krillin called out,
"Hey! Goku!"
The cloud dipped down, and Goku leapt lightly onto the sand, helping his son down.
Goku smiled warmly.
"It's been a while, everyone!"
Bulma's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Goku! And… who's this little cutie?"
Goku beamed proudly.
"This is my son, Gohan!"
The child hid shyly behind his father's leg, peeking out at the strangers. Roshi laughed warmly, adjusting his sunglasses.
"Well, I'll be. Goku's a father now! Makes me feel old…"
Bulma smiled fondly.
"Aw, he's adorable!"
Krillin crouched down to greet the boy.
"Hi there, Gohan. I'm Krillin, your dad's best friend!"
Gohan fidgeted nervously, clutching Goku's leg tighter.
Goku laughed.
"He's still shy. Spends most of his time studying."
Bulma teased with a grin.
"Studying? Wow, nothing like his dad."
Laughter rippled through the group. The moment was warm and lighthearted—just like old times.
Except for the quiet figure sitting apart from the group.
Goku's gaze finally drifted to him, tilting his head curiously.
"Hey… who's that?"
Krillin hesitated.
"Oh, that's… uh… Saitama. He just sort of… lives here now."
Goku walked over cheerfully.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Goku."
Saitama looked up at him, expression unchanged.
"…Sup."
Goku blinked at the flat response, then grinned anyway.
"You a martial artist too?"
Saitama shrugged casually.
"…Kinda. Just a hero for fun."
Goku's eyes lit up with interest.
"Really? You must be strong then! We should spar sometime!"
Saitama scratched his cheek, looking slightly uncomfortable.
"…Eh. You wouldn't enjoy it."
Goku tilted his head in confusion but didn't press further.
The group settled into easy chatter. Roshi bragged, Bulma scolded, Krillin teased, and Goku laughed. It was the kind of reunion they hadn't shared in years.
But high above Earth, far beyond their notice, a different presence stirred.
In the void of space, a solitary pod drifted silently among the stars. Inside, a muscular, armored figure with wild hair flowing down his back stirred. His scouter beeped faintly, detecting life energy from afar.
The man smirked.
Raditz: "So… this must be it. The planet where Kakarot was sent."
He tapped his scouter, readings flashing across the lens.
"Power levels… pathetic. He should have conquered this place with ease. Unless…"
His smirk twisted into a scowl.
"…he's gone soft."
The pod angled downward, blazing through Earth's atmosphere.
Back on Roshi's island, the group had just sat down for food when the sky suddenly lit up with a fiery trail. The ground trembled faintly as something crashed in the distance, sending a rumble across the ocean.
Everyone froze.
Bulma's voice trembled slightly.
"W-what was that? A meteor?"
Krillin frowned.
"Didn't feel like one…"
Goku's face hardened, eyes sharp.
"That energy… it's huge."
Saitama glanced toward the smoke rising on the horizon.
"…Guess I'll check it out. I'm bored anyway."
The others blinked, surprised at his casual tone.
Goku clenched his fists.
"I'll go too. Whatever that was… it's strong."
Roshi adjusted his glasses, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Be careful, you two. I've got a bad feeling about this."
The smoke slowly cleared at the crash site. A crater smoldered, rocks scattered everywhere. From the pod, the tall warrior stepped out, his long hair flowing behind him. His gaze swept the terrain before settling on a faint cluster of power signatures.
Raditz smirked.
"…Found you."
He rose into the sky, streaking toward Kame House.
On the island, the group tensed as a powerful aura approached rapidly. Moments later, the warrior descended, landing heavily on the sand.
Everyone stared in stunned silence at the strange, armored man.
Raditz's eyes scanned the group, pausing briefly on Goku—then narrowing sharply.
"There you are. Kakarot."
Goku blinked, utterly confused.
"…Kaka…rot?"
The others exchanged puzzled glances.
Saitama stood off to the side, arms crossed, muttering quietly.
"Karot.... What a weird name."
Raditz smirked coldly.
"So. You've been here all this time… and yet, this planet still lives. Why haven't you finished your mission?"
Goku frowned, stepping forward.
"Mission? What are you talking about?"
Raditz's scouter beeped faintly as his eyes darted across the group, scanning their power levels. He scoffed.
"Pathetic. None of you are worth my time."
His gaze locked onto Goku again.
"Kakarot… have you forgotten who you are?"
The wind carried the tension as everyone waited for his answer.