"He's here!"
"It's Goku!"
Everyone immediately perked up, leaping from the ground and streaking toward the spaceship's landing site.
The dust slowly cleared.
With a hiss of escaping pressure, the spherical spaceship's hatch slid upward.
Son Goku stretched his stiff neck and shoulders. His face showed some weariness from the long journey, but far more relief and joy at returning to familiar surroundings.
He soon noticed the familiar auras and figures flying toward him from every direction.
"Great! Everyone's here!" Son Goku's eyes lit up, and a brilliant smile spread across his face. He sprang lightly into the air, then slowly landed before Gohan, Krillin, and the others rushing toward him.
"Goku!"
"Dad!"
Everyone excitedly gathered around him, calling out greetings all at once. The atmosphere instantly became lively.
"How did you know I was coming back? And why were you all waiting here?" Son Goku scratched the back of his head, looking both happy and puzzled as he glanced from face to face.
"This boy told us you'd return here at this time today." Bulma stepped forward, patted Son Goku's shoulder, then pointed at Trunks, who stood somewhat awkwardly near the back of the group.
"Dad, do you know him?" Gohan tilted his little face up, asking with excitement and anticipation.
Son Goku followed Bulma's pointing finger, his gaze settling on Trunks's young, unfamiliar face.
He studied him for several seconds, his brow furrowing slightly as genuine bewilderment crossed his face.
"Who... is he?" Son Goku asked in confusion. His voice was sincere, without a hint of pretense. "I don't know him."
Silence briefly fell over the gathering.
Everyone froze, astonishment spreading across their faces.
They had assumed Trunks was a friend or student Son Goku had met on another planet. They had never expected that Son Goku wouldn't