The Android Cell incident had come to a complete end.
Son Goku had not sacrificed himself, North Kai had not died, and only a world where Krillin was alone had come into being.
As the strongest Earthling, however, perhaps he could find a partner whose soul was more compatible with his, rather than simply choosing someone out of lust.
After being revived, Piccolo returned to the Heavenly Temple. When he learned that Cell had been destroyed, a deep sense of unwillingness flashed in his eyes, and he secretly made up his mind.
"I'm going to get stronger!"
After saying this, he resolutely entered the Hyperbolic Time Chamber alone.
He was the King Piccolo who had once been powerful enough to make the entire world tremble in fear!
The next day.
When Piccolo emerged from the chamber, his energy had indeed become deeper and more powerful.
But he had only reached the level of Super Saiyan Full Power.
"Congratulations, Piccolo."
Wang Shen and Trunks were waiting outside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
"I think you're the strongest Namekian now."
A glint passed through Piccolo's eyes, but when he saw Wang Shen's striking golden hair, he could only sigh. He strode past the two of them.
"Your turn to go in."
"There's still a lot of power inside you that you haven't tapped into. If you release it, you'll reach a height you've never reached before—even Super Saiyans will be far beneath you."
Watching Piccolo walk away, Wang Shen naturally knew what was on his mind.
He, too, had a pride like Vegeta's.
"I will."
Piccolo paused, his voice firm.
At this, Wang Shen smiled faintly.
He looked forward to the future age when the Dragon Ball heroes would gather, so he did his best not to interfere with the main characters' growth.
Otherwise, he would be lonely.
Wang Shen looked at Trunks. At that moment, he was still at the Super Saiyan Second Grade level.
"Let's go in."
"Okay, Uncle Wang Shen."
Trunks nodded firmly, completely serious.
The fate of his future world depended on this.
Wang Shen had volunteered to enter the Hyperbolic Time Chamber with Trunks this time for the sole purpose of helping him train to Full Power.
Vegeta could have done that too.
But the most important thing was to teach Trunks Instant Transmission and help him memorize the Namekians' energy signatures.
That way, Trunks could travel to Namek and use Porunga's power to revive everyone on Earth.
Though this would create another parallel timeline, Wang Shen didn't mind. They were all family, and if he could help, he would.
"That's wonderful. Once Trunks returns to the future, he won't be alone anymore, and we can be revived too."
Son Goku was genuinely happy for Trunks.
The boy had truly shouldered too much, even suppressing his Saiyan nature.
"Right, Vegeta?"
"As long as he doesn't slack off on his training after he goes back."
Vegeta nodded. Beneath his cold expression, a hint of relief appeared.
Still, he would probably never see Trunks again after this.
Putting that thought aside for now, Vegeta glanced at the carefree Son Goku, and a wave of irritation rose in him.
"Kakarot, I want you to fight me! I'm going to beat you!"
Son Goku grinned.
"Sure! I'd love to!"
He hadn't thrown a punch since leaving the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, and he was itching for a fight.
Whoosh!
After agreeing, Son Goku flew off first, soaring into the distance.
Vegeta followed right behind him.
Before long, Piccolo sensed two powerful energies colliding. They were like two enormous waves surging and clashing, crashing against each other with overwhelming force.
The violent shock waves of their battle could be felt clearly even from inside the Heavenly Temple's barrier, as if they were right in front of him. They went on without pause.
Deafening collisions rang out again and again, like thunderclaps. One flash of light after another and ripples streaked across the sky.
Even the heavens trembled. It was a breathtaking sight.
The two fought from the sky down to the ground, then leveled the land completely. The destruction was terrifying.
By the time Wang Shen emerged with Trunks, Son Goku and Vegeta were still fighting.
As soon as he came out, Wang Shen sensed the two of them battling like a raging storm and couldn't help but smile.
They were certainly fired up!
Vegeta had finally gotten his wish and was fighting Son Goku again.
And this time, they were evenly matched in power.
This time, Wang Shen had also had someone prepare plenty of food just for him.
He wasn't stuck eating Senzu Beans just to fill his stomach.
"Thank goodness I have you, Lazuli."
Wang Shen's mouth was full, and he spoke indistinctly.
"I'm happy as long as you enjoy the food."
Lazuli reached up and ran a hand through her golden hair, revealing a radiant smile like a blooming flower.
Boom!
Another muffled clap of thunder sounded, ruining Lazuli's lovely mood.
Lazuli pursed her lips and asked, displeased:
"How much longer are they going to fight?"
Bulma, on the other hand, seemed unconcerned. She waved a hand.
"Vegeta has always wanted to beat Goku, and Goku is happy to fight Vegeta. When those two Saiyans get together, they probably won't stop until one of them is thoroughly beaten or runs out of energy."
"You get used to it."
Bulma reassured Bulma, then glanced at the composed Wang Shen and asked curiously:
"Why aren't you as bloodthirsty as those two, Wang Shen?"
"We have different temperaments. I've trained myself to be this way."
Wang Shen sounded proud.
When playing, be as calm as the sky.
When fighting, be swifter than lightning!
Besides, his soul still belonged to a human from his previous life.
Wang Shen popped a piece of sushi into his mouth and gazed into the distance, as if he could see the two fighters.
"Soon. They're about to settle it. Vegeta has the upper hand."
Bulma abruptly looked up and followed Wang Shen's gaze, straining to see how the two were doing.
But in the end, with her mortal eyes, she couldn't see a thing.
"Really? Vegeta's going to win?"
Bulma's expression turned complicated. She wasn't sure whether to be happy or sad.
Lazuli was also surprised and looked to Wang Shen for confirmation.
Though she could see the two fighting, she couldn't sense how their energy was changing.
Wang Shen nodded and said plainly:
"Though they still seem evenly matched, Son Goku's energy is no longer as strong as Vegeta's."
"Dad is actually stronger than Uncle Son Goku!"
Trunks said in disbelief.
In his memories of his future mother, Son Goku had always been stronger. That was why she had sent him into the past to save Son Goku.
He wondered how his mother would react when she learned the truth.
Midnight.
The shock waves from Vegeta and Son Goku's battle had left the sky clear for thousands of miles.
A half moon hung straight in the sky, seeming to tremble in fear at the two fighters' battle.
Boom!
After one last clash, Son Goku fell helplessly, slamming into the Heavenly Temple with a thud.
"Ha, hahahaha!"
"I beat Kakarot! I finally won!"
"I'm the Saiyan Prince!"
Sweat beaded on Vegeta's face as he laughed up at the sky, unable to hide his exhilaration and excitement.
At last, the pent-up frustration in Vegeta's heart dissipated.
His last bit of energy spent, Vegeta fell onto the Heavenly Temple too. Yet a rare smile of pride and satisfaction curled his lips.
The next day.
Everyone gathered in the backyard of Bulma's house to see Trunks off.
Wang Shen, Son Goku, and Vegeta were all there.
Vegeta patted Son Goku on the shoulder, his face beaming.
"Kakarot, in the end, my royal bloodline proved superior. You still have a lot of work to do."
Son Goku gave an awkward laugh.
He didn't mind Vegeta beating him, but...
Son Goku pointed to Wang Shen, who wore a faint smile, and said:
"What about Wang Shen, then? He's much stronger than either of us."
As soon as he said that, the smile vanished from Vegeta's face, which resumed its usual haughty expression. He gave a cold snort.
"I'll surpass him eventually."
"I'll be waiting, Prince Vegeta."
Wang Shen laughed.
He certainly didn't mind Vegeta trying to catch up with him.
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