A New Chapter of Love and War

After the conclusion of the first World Martial Arts Tournament, time slipped away like a flowing stream. New Vegeta City continued to expand at the foot of Mount Paozu, evolving from a mere settlement into a true city. The wide, orderly streets were lined with trees imported from Earth, where Saiyan-style stone houses with pointed roofs stood in harmony with Earth-style courtyard residences. The city center housed the council hall and training grounds; the North District contained the research center and starship port; the West District held schools and hospitals; and the East District was home to the commercial streets and residential areas.

Over the past five years, dozens more Saiyan infants had been born, pushing the total population past three hundred. The one hundred and thirty-two survivors who had escaped Planet Vegeta had now grown into a small, thriving community. Selipa's research team had utilized the Namekian Dragon Balls to wish for advanced technology, which, combined with their research into energy crystals, allowed them to develop new combat suits and gravity training equipment.

Kashu was now nineteen. Standing at one meter eighty-five, his long black hair flowed loosely, and his face was as sharp and angular as if carved by a blade, his dark eyes as deep as the starry sky. He wore an improved version of the Saiyan combat suit—a dark blue bodysuit covered by white armor, cinched with an orange belt and draped with a deep red cape. This was the "Leader's Attire" designed by Bulma, offering both protection and aesthetic appeal. Five years of cultivation had brought his strength to new heights. His base combat power had surpassed three million; Legendary Super Saiyan 1 was at 240 million; Legendary Super Saiyan 2 at 480 million; Legendary Super Saiyan 3 at 1.2 billion; and Legendary Super Saiyan 4 reached 2.4 billion. He had completely stabilized his realm as a beginner-level God of Destruction and could even briefly release Destruction energy. Son Goku was seventeen. He was half a head shorter than Kashu, his frame sturdy and agile. His round face had matured into that of a handsome young man, though his smile remained as innocent and bright as ever. His base combat power had reached 1.5 million, and his Super Saiyan transformation hit 75 million. He had mastered the 20x Kaioken, allowing his combat power to reach 1.5 billion at its limit, though he could only sustain it for a few seconds. Krillin was sixteen. Bald, short, but lean and strong, his eyes sparkled with intelligence. His combat power had broken through 500,000, and he had mastered original techniques like the Destructo Disc and Solar Flare. He was hailed as the "Strongest Martial Artist on Earth," his strength far surpassing that of Master Roshi in his prime.

Tien Shinhan was thirty-four. The bloodline of the Three-Eyed Clan had fully awakened within him; his third eye could not only see through the flow of ki but also unleash a "Demon Eye Beam" to attack an opponent's spirit. His combat power had reached 800,000. Although he had not broken through to Super Saiyan, his combat experience and technique were the most extensive in the group. Chiaotzu remained unchanged in appearance, but his psychic powers had increased significantly, allowing him to paralyze opponents with combat power under one million. Luo Ling was thirty-three, her Super Saiyan form stable, with a combat power of 10 million. Gore was thirty-two with a combat power of 300,000. Lanno was thirty-five with a combat power of 150,000, still serving as the maintenance captain.

Demon King Piccolo (now called Piccolo by everyone) appeared to be about thirty. Five years of training had pushed his combat power past two million, and the power of his Special Beam Cannon was enough to pierce an opponent with a combat power in the tens of millions. His relationship with the Guardian remained delicate, but he was no longer obsessed with conquering the world, focusing instead on becoming stronger. This year, the second World Martial Arts Tournament was about to begin. Unlike five years ago, this tournament was destined to go down in history—not because of the matches themselves, but because of the events that would follow. In the spring of AGE 752, in New Vegeta City, as the sky was just beginning to brighten, Kashu stood in the center of the training grounds. He was shirtless, wearing only dark blue training pants. His muscle definition was clear but not exaggerated, flowing and explosive like a cheetah's. His hands hung naturally at his sides, palms facing upward, as two crimson energy spheres slowly condensed and rose, hovering above his head. This was the "Multi-Ki Control" technique he had learned on King Kai's planet—controlling multiple energy clusters simultaneously, each with a different shape, size, and rotation speed. It required extremely precise ki control, making it harder to master than simple explosive power. "One hundred twenty-three... one hundred twenty-four... one hundred twenty-five..." He closed his eyes, counting the energy spheres in his mind. The red spheres rotated above his head, forming a complex three-dimensional pattern. Each cluster was stable and pure, without a trace of leakage. "One hundred thirty." He opened his eyes and flicked his hands. One hundred thirty energy spheres shot into the sky simultaneously, exploding into countless golden sparks, as brilliant as fireworks. "Hoo—" Kashu exhaled a breath of stale air and picked up a towel to wipe the sweat from his body.

"Big Brother!" A clear voice rang out from outside the training grounds. Son Goku, dressed in an orange martial arts uniform, jogged over with his signature smile. "Kakarot, why are you up so early today?" Kashu asked. "Chi-Chi said last night she was coming to watch me train, so I couldn't sleep!" Son Goku scratched his head sheepishly. "Big Brother, why do you think Chi-Chi always comes to find me? Her house is so far away." Kashu looked at his brother's oblivious expression and couldn't help but laugh: "Kakarot, Chi-Chi likes you."

"Likes me? I like her too! The food she makes is delicious!" "That's not the kind of liking I mean..." Kashu sighed, deciding to explain it another time. The two sparred on the training grounds for a while. Son Goku used his Super Saiyan form, his golden aura blazing, every punch carrying the power to tear through the air. Kashu remained in his base form, relying on superior ki control and combat experience to easily deflect every one of Goku's attacks. "Big Brother, just how strong is your ki?" Son Goku asked, panting. "A little stronger than yours," Kashu said. "How much is a little?" "Just a little bit." Son Goku grumbled, "You always say that, Big Brother," before continuing his assault. After breakfast, Kashu returned home—a large mansion on the east side of New Vegeta City, designed and built by Bulma, blending Saiyan durability with Earthling comfort. The mansion had three floors: the first floor held the living room, dining room, and kitchen; the second floor, the bedrooms; and the third floor, the study and terrace. In the living room, three women were chatting. Bulma was twenty-three this year, four years older than Kashu. She wore a pink dress, her blue hair tied in a ponytail, and light makeup, remaining the lively and cheerful genius inventor she had always been. She held a tablet, debugging an upgraded version of the Dragon Radar. Launch was twenty-five; in her blue-haired mode, she was gentle and quiet, wearing a white sweater and knitting—though she wouldn't admit she knew how, her hands were quite skilled. In her blonde mode, she was a violent gunfighter, but she spent most of her time at home in her blue-haired state. Tights was twenty-eight, Bulma's older sister and a famous science fiction writer. Having returned to Earth after traveling the universe, her long dark brown hair fell over her shoulders, and she wore gold-rimmed glasses, her demeanor mature and gentle. She was typing an article on her laptop, occasionally looking up at her sister and Launch. "Kashu, you're back!" Bulma looked up. "I've already filled out the registration forms for the tournament for you. Kashu, Son Goku, Krillin, Tien Shinhan, Piccolo—five people."

"Yamcha isn't going?" Kashu asked. "He said he's going to find himself and won't be competing," Bulma pouted. "Honestly, what 'self' is there to find? Why not just go find a girlfriend? What about Gore and Luo Ling?" Kashu asked again. "Gore has to stay behind to guard the camp, and Luo Ling said she had 'no interest in fighting Earthlings'." Bulma shook her head. "You Saiyans are such tsunderes." "You're not a Saiyan, you wouldn't understand," Kashu laughed. "I don't understand, but I do know you need to eat breakfast." Bulma stood up and pulled Kashu toward the dining room. "Launch made your favorite red-braised pork, Tights baked bread, and I fried eggs—even though I burned two of them." "You three made breakfast together?" Kashu was surprised. "Today is the last day before the tournament, so we're cheering you on," Launch (blue-haired mode) said softly. "Thank you, Launch." "No... no need to thank me." Launch lowered her head, her face turning slightly red. Tights pushed up her glasses, a gentle smile on her lips. At ten in the morning, a Capsule Corp helicopter landed on the helipad in New Vegeta City. The cabin door opened, and Chi-Chi jumped out. She was eighteen, wearing her hair in twin tails and dressed in a Chinese-style qipao dress, her figure tall and her face pretty. She carried a large basket filled with food. "Goku! Goku!" Chi-Chi looked around. Son Goku ran over from the training grounds: "Chi-Chi! You brought food again?" "Of course! This is the sweet and sour pork ribs I just learned to make, try some!" Chi-Chi opened the basket, and the aroma wafted out. Son Goku grabbed a rib and stuffed it into his mouth, his eyes lighting up: "Delicious! Chi-Chi, you're getting better and better!" "That's for sure!" Chi-Chi puffed out her chest proudly, then snuck a glance at Kashu. "Big Brother Kashu, will you let Goku win at the tournament?"

"Everyone relies on their own ability at the tournament," Kashu said. "If he beats me, it's because of his own strength." "Goku will definitely win!" Chi-Chi clenched her fists. "Chi-Chi, do you have feelings for Goku?" Bulma leaned in, asking with a grin. Chi-Chi's face turned bright red instantly: "N-no! I just... I just think Goku is amazing!" "Is that so?" Bulma drew out the tone. "Bulma, stop saying weird things!" Chi-Chi stomped her foot and ran off. Krillin popped up from the side and whispered to Bulma: "Miss Bulma, you did that on purpose, didn't you?" "Of course I did," Bulma winked. "If I don't give them a push, when will that blockhead ever figure it out?" In the afternoon, Kashu took Son Goku and Krillin and flew to Kame House. Master Roshi was still lying on a beach chair, sunbathing with a magazine in his hand. Seeing his disciples arrive, he slowly sat up, took off his sunglasses, and sized up the three young men who had grown up. "Kashu, you've become stronger again." Master Roshi's gaze held approval. "Your ki is much more composed than it was five years ago." "Master, your health regimen is quite effective as well," Kashu laughed. "Don't be a smart aleck. I hear there are quite a few strong fighters participating in this tournament?" Master Roshi asked. Krillin nodded: "Most of the top eight from the last tournament are still here, and there are some new faces. But we should still be the strongest." "Don't be careless," Master Roshi said, uncharacteristically serious. "The world of martial arts is vast; you've only just stepped through the door." "We'll remember that." The four sat around the living room of Kame House, drinking tea and chatting. Master Roshi spoke of his youth, of Master Mutaito's "Evil Containment Wave," and of the terror of Demon King Piccolo. "Piccolo is training with us now," Kashu said. "He's no longer the Demon King who wanted to destroy the world." "I know," Master Roshi nodded. "Gohan told me about what's happening in New Vegeta City. That Piccolo kid turning over a new leaf is to your credit." "It's not my credit; it was his own choice," Kashu said. "Everyone has the right to choose." Master Roshi looked at Kashu, his eyes full of gratification.

"Kashu, you are my most outstanding disciple. Not because you are the strongest, but because of your heart." "Thank you, Master." That night, Kashu sat alone on the roof of Kame House, looking at the stars. He thought of the Dragon Ball story he had read in his previous life, of those classic plots and characters. The world now was completely different from the Dragon Ball in his memories—the Saiyans were not extinct but had rebuilt their home on Earth; Demon King Piccolo had become an ally; and although Frieza was still alive, he dared not invade for the time being. All of this was the result of his choices. But he also knew that greater challenges lay ahead. The forces of the Demon Realm were stirring, the rifts between parallel worlds were becoming increasingly unstable, and perhaps that legendary God of Destruction, Beerus, was sleeping in some corner of the universe. "System, display my status." [Legendary Super God-Level System] Host: Kashu Age: 19 Combat Power: Base 3 million, Legendary Super Saiyan 1 240 million, Legendary Super Saiyan 2 480 million, Legendary Super Saiyan 3 1.2 billion, Legendary Super Saiyan 4 2.4 billion. Legendary Super Awakening: 55%. Godly Realm: Beginner-level God of Destruction (Peak). Current Task: Participate in the 2nd World Martial Arts Tournament (Incomplete). Hidden Task: Trigger conditions unknown. "2.4 billion combat power, peak of the beginner-level God of Destruction," Kashu muttered to himself. "But among the Gods of Destruction, this is just the entry level. Beerus's combat power is at least ten times mine." He took a deep breath and jumped off the roof. The road ahead was still long, but every step counted.