After Piccolo left, Son Goku murmured, "It's time to break through to Super Saiyan 4."
He then used Instant Transmission and arrived at Kami's Lookout.
Seeing Son Goku arrive, Mr. Popo and Kami came forward to greet him. "Goku, it's been a long time."
Son Goku said, "Mr. Popo, Kami, it's been a while. I came to borrow the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."
Kami said, "Goku, haven't you already spent time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber? If you go in again now, you won't be able to get out."
Son Goku smiled. "Don't worry, Kami. With my current strength, I can easily break through the dimensional barrier and get out."
Kami said, "I see. All right, then. Goku, there's something I'd like to discuss with you, too. I intend to fuse with Piccolo, so I'd like you to ask him to come here."
Son Goku said, "Why, Kami? Earth's defenders are already strong enough. There's no need for you to do this."
Kami said, "I'm old, while Piccolo is still young, powerful, and exceptionally talented. Rather than cling to life, I'd prefer to fuse with him and help him go further on his path of training."
Hearing this, Son Goku said, "All right, Kami. I respect your choice. Once I come out of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, I'll go find Piccolo."
Kami nodded.
Mr. Popo was heartbroken when he heard their conversation.
Seeing this, Kami comforted him. "Popo, there's no need to be sad. Piccolo's father and I were originally one being, so it's only natural for me to fuse with Piccolo now. Whenever you see Piccolo from now on, it'll be just like seeing me."
Tears streamed down Mr. Popo's face. "Lord Kami, I respect your decision."
Kami nodded, then said to Mr. Popo, "Popo, take Goku to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber."
Mr. Popo could only nod and lead Son Goku to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
After they reached the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Mr. Popo withdrew.
Once Son Goku entered the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, he began creating an Artificial Moon.
A short while later, a bright moon hung high above the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
As Son Goku gazed at the Artificial Moon, his heart pounded-thump, thump, thump-and his body immediately began to grow.
In the blink of an eye, he became a black Great Ape over ten meters tall.
Son Goku looked over his body, then let out a mighty shout and transformed into a Golden Great Ape.
Feeling the immense power within him, Son Goku let out several long howls before trying to compress his internal energy.
"Aah! Aah! Aaaah! Aaaaah! Aah!"
Amid his deafening roars, the energy within his body kept compressing, and Son Goku gradually shrank.
A short while later, Son Goku stood inside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, his body powerfully muscled, his upper body covered in red fur around a bare chest, and his lower body clad in leather pants.
His thick black hair and red-rimmed eyes with emerald-green pupils made him look not only handsome, but imposing.
Son Goku used his divine power to conjure a mirror in front of him. Admiring his reflection, he said, "Super Saiyan 4 really does look incredibly handsome and commanding."
Then Son Goku assessed his strength. Sure enough, it was four thousand times his base power level.
Although the boost wasn't large, his body's toughness was on an entirely different level.
Son Goku thought, With my current strength, I'll have nothing to worry about until Beerus arrives on Earth.
Still, Son Goku didn't dare slack off. His future enemies would only grow stronger, and he could defeat them only by continuing to train hard.
After that, Son Goku began training in his Super Saiyan 4 form.
At first, he could maintain Super Saiyan 4 for only two hours.
Three months later, he could maintain it for a full day.
After a year, he could maintain it for a week.
After two years, Son Goku could maintain his Super Saiyan 4 form for an entire month.
With a single energy blast, Son Goku tore a person-sized hole in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber and walked out.
Kami and Mr. Popo were stunned by Son Goku's Super Saiyan 4 appearance.
Kami asked hesitantly, "Are you Goku?"
Son Goku smiled. "It's only been two days. What's wrong, Kami? Don't you recognize me anymore?"
Kami said, "Goku, it really is you! How did you end up looking like this?"
Son Goku said, "This is just one of the Saiyans' transformations. There's no need to be surprised, Kami, Mr. Popo."
Kami said, "I see. So you entered the Hyperbolic Time Chamber this time to achieve this form?"
Son Goku said, "That's right. After spending two years in there, I've finally mastered it."
Kami nodded. "Congratulations, Goku."
Son Goku waved a hand, then said, "Kami, I'm heading home. I'll tell Piccolo about your decision."
Kami nodded. "Go ahead, Goku. I'm ready."
Son Goku nodded, then used Instant Transmission to return home.
In the courtyard, Bulma stared blankly at Son Goku, who had suddenly appeared. She asked tentatively, "Are you Goku?"
Son Goku smiled. "What's wrong? Haven't seen your husband for a few days, and you don't recognize him anymore?"
Bulma's eyes lit up. "It really is you, Goku! How did you get so handsome? And you look so imposing, too."
Son Goku said, "This is another transformation of mine. I call it Super Saiyan 4."
Delighted, Bulma said, "I see! Tonight, I want to test just how much fighting power this form of yours has."
Son Goku smiled. "No problem. Bring Chi-Chi tonight, and the three of us will battle until dawn."
Bulma was practically drooling. "It's a promise, Goku."
Son Goku smiled and nodded, then asked, "Where's everyone else?"
Bulma said, "They're all spending their time in the Gravity Room. Piccolo isn't in there, though. He's been looking for you these past two days."
"Oh, good timing. I need to talk to him, too. Where is he now?" Son Goku asked.
Bulma smiled. "He's looking after Goten, Kusu, and Bulla."
Son Goku laughed. "You really have turned Piccolo into a babysitter."
Bulma smiled. "Why wouldn't I use such a capable babysitter?"
Son Goku laughed. "You've got a point. I'll go find Piccolo, then."
Bulma nodded. "Go ahead."
Son Goku used Instant Transmission and appeared beside Piccolo.
Piccolo was soothing Bulla. When Son Goku appeared, he said awkwardly, "Son, you're finally back. I've been looking for you."
Son Goku said, "I've been looking for you, too. By the way, how did you recognize me? My current form looks completely different from before."
Piccolo said, "We've been friends for years. How could I not know you? Who else among us can use Instant Transmission like that?"
Son Goku smiled. "I might fool anyone else, but not you, Piccolo."
Piccolo said, "Is this your new transformation? It looks pretty good."
Son Goku said, "It's more than pretty good. I call this transformation Super Saiyan 4. Its power is four thousand times my base power level."
Piccolo's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "You Saiyans really are an absurd race. How on earth did Frieza manage to oppress your people before?"
Son Goku said, "You Namekians aren't bad, either. You can create Dragon Balls that grant wishes."
Piccolo nodded.
Son Goku said, "I just came back from Kami's Lookout. Kami wants to see you. He's ready to fuse with you."
Piccolo said, "The old man finally came around?"
Son Goku nodded. Seeing this, Piccolo said, "All right, I understand. I'll head to Kami's Lookout right away. Hopefully, it'll make me stronger."
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