Son Goku

"Boom—!"

A deafening explosion tore through the sky, like a massive firework erupting above Earth. The brilliant light instantly swallowed Kuriza's figure. At the center of the energy blast, the air twisted into a vortex as scorching flames and shockwaves spread outward like a raging tide, shredding the clouds to pieces. Kuriza did not even have time to scream before he was reduced to ashes in the blazing radiance, leaving behind not even a trace of residue.

"Th-That's it?"

In the distance, Krillin, Piccolo, Vegeta, and the others stared wide-eyed at the scene before them. Frieza, Kuriza, King Cold—these powerful beings who had once made the entire universe tremble—had been crushed as easily as ants in Tang Yangbing's hands. Krillin's mouth hung so wide open that an egg could have fit inside. He rubbed his eyes, unable to believe what had just happened.

"It isn't that they were too weak. It's that he... is too strong."

Piccolo stood atop a broken slab of rock, his green skin gleaming with a cold, hard sheen beneath the afterglow of the setting sun. He clenched his fists, a trace of unwillingness and resolve flashing through his eyes. Without another word, he turned and leaped into the air. His figure became a streak of green lightning, swiftly vanishing beyond the distant horizon. He needed to become stronger—strong enough to face an opponent like that.

"Hmph. He's only ahead for now. One day, I'll surpass him!"

Vegeta snorted coldly, crossing his arms over his chest as his purple battle suit snapped in the wind. His gaze was as sharp as a blade, fixed tightly on Tang Yangbing as though he intended to carve every one of the man's movements into his mind. Without lingering for even a moment, he shot into the sky and became a streak of light, flying straight toward Bulma's home—the gravity training room there would be the key to breaking through his limits.

"Those two, honestly... Couldn't they at least say thanks?"

Krillin shook his head helplessly, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He watched the two disappear into the distance, feeling both emotional and uneasy. Piccolo's silence and Vegeta's arrogance seemed like labels they had been born with, impossible to tear away even in the face of life and death.

At that moment, Trunks slowly walked toward Tang Yangbing. The longsword in his hand trembled faintly, as if responding to its master's unease. Tang Yangbing stood where he was, the aura radiating from him as suffocating as an abyss. Even Trunks, who had gone through countless battles, could not help holding his breath.

"You... who exactly are you?"

Trunks's voice carried an almost imperceptible tremor. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, trying to find an answer in the other man's eyes.

"Tang Yangbing. A Saiyan, from the future just like you." Tang Yangbing spoke calmly. His voice was not loud, yet it seemed to carry immense weight. "However, in the future you know—you're already dead."

"What? I... died?"

Trunks's pupils suddenly contracted, and his mind descended into chaos. He had clearly traveled back from the future, carrying the mission of changing history. How could he... have died in the future? He instinctively took half a step back, his sword tip lowering slightly as his inner turmoil showed.

"There's no need to dwell on it. Just act according to your own will. The spacetime we inhabit does not overlap, so we will not interfere with one another."

Tang Yangbing's tone remained calm, as though he were merely stating an ordinary fact. He raised his head toward the gradually darkening sky, an unfathomable glimmer passing through his eyes, as though he were gazing at some distant destination beyond anyone's reach.

He explained it lightly, his words carrying a hint of casual indifference, as though he did not care whether Trunks fully understood their deeper meaning. His gaze paused briefly on Trunks before shifting into the distance again, as if his thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

"Hello. May I ask who you are?" Trunks's voice held a degree of hesitation and caution. His long purple hair fluttered gently in the breeze as his bright eyes warily assessed the stranger before him.

At this point, Tien Shinhan, Krillin, and the others also approached one after another. Their faces were filled with curiosity and vigilance, their eyes moving repeatedly between Tang Yangbing and Trunks. Tien Shinhan narrowed his three eyes slightly, the third eye on his forehead gleaming with caution. Krillin instinctively clenched his fists; though he still wore a friendly smile, his body remained in a defensive stance, ready to act at any time.

"Not an enemy." Tang Yangbing's answer was simple and direct, his voice as calm as water. His eyes remained fixed on Trunks, as though evaluating the young man's strength and intentions.

Trunks looked somewhat awkward and uneasy. He did not know how to explain his origins and purpose to these seniors. After a brief hesitation, he finally said, "I'm waiting for Mr. Son Goku to return."

"What? Goku's coming back? That's great!" Krillin's face immediately lit up with joy. A brilliant smile bloomed across his round face, and he was so excited he nearly jumped up. As Son Goku's closest friend since childhood, he had been looking forward to this reunion more than anyone.

"Dad is finally coming back?" Son Gohan's young face was filled with surprise and anticipation. His eyes, so much like his father's, shone with excitement. He instinctively clenched his little fists, as though he could not wait to see his long-absent father.

Trunks bowed slightly to Son Gohan, his tone filled with obvious respect. "Yes, Mr. Son Goku is coming back, but..." He suddenly stopped there, a complicated expression flashing through his eyes. After all, in the future, Son Gohan had not only been his master, but also the important mentor who had taught him every fighting technique and lesson in life.

Just as Tang Yangbing was about to leave for Kami's Lookout, the familiar system notification suddenly rang out in his mind: "Ding! A new check-in mission has now been issued. Check in with Son Goku to receive the corresponding check-in gift pack."

"Hm? Another check-in mission?" Tang Yangbing raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile curling across his lips. He immediately changed his mind and decided to stay to await Son Goku's return.

Time slowly passed as they waited. The setting sun dyed the sky orange-red, while the distant clouds were edged with gold. More than an hour later, Tang Yangbing suddenly raised his head, his sharp gaze piercing through the clouds and pointing straight at the heavens. He could clearly sense a powerful yet peaceful aura rapidly approaching from beyond Earth.

"This aura is very peaceful. Looks like Son Goku has returned." Tang Yangbing murmured, anticipation flashing through his eyes.

"What's wrong? Why is he looking at the sky?" Krillin and the others noticed Tang Yangbing's unusual behavior and all raised their heads toward the blue sky, their faces full of confusion and curiosity. The breeze tugged at their clothes, while different expectations and guesses rose in everyone's hearts.

The sky had been dyed a magnificent orange-red by the sunset, and the clouds drifted slowly like burning tufts of cotton. The distant mountains seemed especially quiet in the twilight, as though they too were waiting for something. Son Goku's aura was wrapped in an invisible veil, quietly hidden in the air. Even a perceptive fighter like Tien Shinhan could not detect his presence from so far away.

Everyone stood in an open grassland, the green grass beneath their feet swaying gently in the wind with a faint rustling sound. Krillin stood with his hands on his hips, his brows slightly furrowed as he stared fixedly at a point in the sky. Son Gohan stood beside him, his small body tense, his eyes filled with anticipation and unease. Suddenly, a low rumble came from the clouds, like the roar of an ancient beast, shattering the surrounding silence.

"It's here! It's here! That must be Goku's spaceship!" Krillin abruptly raised his head, a bright smile instantly spreading across his face. His voice was filled with uncontrollable excitement.

Son Gohan's eyes lit up. He tightly grabbed the corner of Krillin's clothes and jumped up excitedly. "It's Dad! I can sense Dad's aura! He's back!"

To them, Son Goku was not merely family; he was an insurmountable mountain, an eternal light that would never go out. No matter how powerful an enemy they faced, as long as Son Goku was there, they felt incomparably reassured. This belief was branded deep into their souls and had never wavered.

Tang Yangbing stood some distance away with his arms folded, the corners of his lips curling into a meaningful smile. His gaze pierced through the clouds like a sword, fixed firmly on the slowly descending spaceship. "He's here. I really am looking forward to it—the overpowered protagonist of Dragon Ball." He murmured, his voice carrying a trace of amusement and provocation.

Inside the spaceship, Son Goku suddenly felt an inexplicable palpitation, as though a pair of invisible eyes were staring fixedly at him. The feeling was a hundred times more intense than when he had faced Frieza, making every hair on his body stand on end. "Another enemy? What a terrifying aura. Just who is it?" he muttered. Yet there was not the slightest fear on his face; instead, an excited expression appeared. For Son Goku, powerful opponents had always been his motivation to keep moving forward.

The spaceship slowly landed on the grassland. The instant the hatch opened, Son Goku rushed out like lightning. His gaze locked onto Tang Yangbing at once, and a trace of gravity flashed through his eyes. He could clearly sense that the aura emanating from this man was as unfathomable as an abyss, enough to send chills down one's spine.

Trunks had been standing to one side with a delighted smile, ready to welcome Son Goku back. However, when Tang Yangbing released his aura without restraint, his smile instantly froze. An overwhelming pressure surged toward him like a tide, leaving him barely able to breathe. So strong! What is he trying to do? With an aura this powerful, even the Androids probably wouldn't be his match! Trunks was deeply shaken. Tang Yangbing's aura felt several times stronger than it had at the beginning, like a volcano that could erupt at any moment.

"Who are you?" Son Goku's voice broke the silence. His eyes remained fixed on Tang Yangbing, his tone carrying both vigilance and curiosity. The surrounding air seemed to solidify because of the confrontation between them, while an unknown storm quietly gathered.

Tang Yangbing silently watched Son Goku, an imperceptible trace of disappointment passing through his eyes. Though Son Goku's fighting spirit was high at that moment, his growth in strength was far too slow in Tang Yangbing's eyes. The air was filled with the scent of dust, grass, and trees, while faint birdsong drifted from afar. Yet on this desolate plain, the confrontation between the two seemed to have frozen time itself. Tang Yangbing thought to himself that it seemed he would have to take action personally to awaken Son Goku's true potential.

"Tang Yangbing, you're an opponent I'll never lose to!" Son Goku's voice was loud and confident, echoing across the open wilderness. His fists were clenched, his muscles taut, and a faint golden aura radiated around him like a ferocious beast ready to pounce.

Tang Yangbing met his gaze for a moment, his eyes as sharp as blades. At last, he slowly spoke, his voice low but filled with unquestionable resolve. "Then let's stop talking. We'll find out after we fight!"

An excited smile immediately blossomed on Son Goku's face, his eyes gleaming with blazing light. Eager to give it a try, he assumed a fighting stance. The ground beneath his feet trembled faintly, as though even the earth was quaking in anticipation of the imminent battle.

"Hey, hey, wait a moment, I still have—" Trunks hurriedly rushed forward, trying to stop this sudden duel. He was anxious, knowing there were more important matters to handle and that they absolutely could not delay things over a private fight.

However, before he could finish speaking, an invisible force suddenly crashed into him. Trunks felt a sharp pain in his chest, and his entire body was sent flying backward like a kite with its string cut. Wind howled past his ears, and the scenery in his vision raced backward. Helplessness and indignation surged in his heart—Damn it, I just wanted to say something. Why did you hit me?

Before he could sort out his thoughts, his body slammed heavily into a small mountain in the distance. A thunderous crash rang out as the entire mountain instantly fractured. Countless rocks scattered in every direction like raindrops, while the rising dust formed a dense cloud that blocked out part of the sunlight.

Tang Yangbing cast a cold glance toward Trunks's direction, his tone carrying unquestionable authority. "Nosy. When I'm doing something, stand aside. Your turn will come later!"

"Tang Yangbing?" Son Goku quietly repeated the name, engraving it deeply into his mind. He could feel the powerful aura radiating from his opponent, an oppressive sensation unlike anything he had ever encountered.

"Your strength is formidable. I'm no match for you right now!" Son Goku admitted frankly, his voice carrying a trace of gravity.

His words left Krillin and the others stunned. They exchanged glances, their faces full of disbelief. What? Even Goku wasn't his opponent? Just who was this Tang Yangbing, to possess such terrifying strength?

"Still, I want to test myself against you!" Son Goku's tone shifted, and blazing fighting spirit reignited in his eyes. "My blood is boiling. It's been a long time since I've felt like this!"

The golden aura around him suddenly surged, and the ground beneath his feet began to crack. The powerful energy fluctuations warped the air around them. At that moment, the entire wasteland seemed to become the stage for their final battle, and this fight was destined to shake heaven and earth.

Goku's words echoed through the air, filled with pure battle intent, as though even the air around them trembled. Tang Yangbing stood in an open meadow as a gentle breeze stirred several strands of black hair before his forehead. The corners of his lips rose slightly into a calm smile, yet his eyes gleamed with a light that seemed to see through everything.

Tang Yangbing was not at all surprised by Son Goku's reaction. He knew full well that the man before him was a Saiyan, with battle-hungry blood flowing through his veins. That innate fighting instinct was like a surging river, driving Son Goku to constantly challenge the strong and temper himself at the edge of life and death. Tang Yangbing's gaze swept over Son Goku's taut body, as though he could sense the hidden power within stirring restlessly.

"Come on, Son Goku. Let me see what you can do!" Tang Yangbing's voice was calm yet forceful. He casually raised his right hand and curled a finger at Son Goku. That simple gesture contained boundless confidence, as if telling him: Give it everything you've got.

"Okay! Here I come!" A fierce flame ignited in Son Goku's eyes as he took a deep breath, and every muscle in his body instantly tensed.

"Ah! Hah!" A roar split the sky as Son Goku threw his arms wide and assumed a classic fighting stance. His body began undergoing an astonishing transformation. Golden energy erupted from within him like an exploding volcano, shooting straight into the heavens. The ground shook violently under the force, while shattered rocks and dust were swept into the air, forming a chaotic vortex.

Trunks stood in the distance, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists. Sensing Son Goku's immense aura, he felt both excited and worried. "S-So strong! Mr. Son Goku really can transform into a Super Saiyan at will now!" he murmured, admiration shining in his eyes. Yet when his gaze shifted to Tang Yangbing, that excitement was swiftly replaced by unease. "But that guy... he's even stronger!" Fine beads of sweat appeared at Trunks's temples. Against Son Goku, he still had the courage to fight, but against Tang Yangbing, he did not even dare entertain the thought of attacking. He knew perfectly well that he could not withstand even a single move from him.

Golden energy rolled around Son Goku's body. His hair stood upright, dyed a dazzling gold, while his pupils turned emerald green like two brilliant gems. The powerful energy fluctuations heated the surrounding air, and the grass and trees bent beneath the pressure of his strength.

"Looks like you're serious. You transformed directly into a Super Saiyan!" Tang Yangbing's voice remained calm, but his gaze grew more focused. He could feel the surging power within Son Goku, like a waking lion ready to pounce upon its prey at any moment.

"Because you're too strong. If I didn't do this, I wouldn't even have the courage to make a move!" Son Goku answered without hesitation. His voice trembled slightly, carrying the excitement and tension of facing a powerful opponent. This was the greatest difference between him and Trunks—despite knowing that his chances of winning were slim, he would still choose to fight, breaking through his own limits in battle.

Tang Yangbing nodded slightly, acknowledging Son Goku's resolve. He slowly raised both hands and assumed a defensive stance as a faint layer of energy began to spread around him. This battle was destined to be an earth-shattering showdown.