Close encounters of the third kind

After the banquet ended, everyone went their separate ways.

In the days that followed, Son Goku traveled only between two places: he either trained on the Red Giant or stayed home to look after Bulma, Chi-Chi, and Lazuli.

Ten months later, Bulma gave birth to a son, whom Son Goku named Son Goken.

Chi-Chi also gave birth to a son, whom Son Goku named Son Gokun.

Lazuli gave birth to a boy and a girl. Son Goku named their son Son Goli and their daughter Son Xiaoxia.

For the next year, Son Goku stopped training and devoted himself entirely to his family.

During that year, Nappa and Raditz each found an attractive Earth woman and got married.

Vegeta, meanwhile, remained a bachelor. Nappa tried to persuade him several times, but Vegeta always brushed him off with the excuse that "not just anyone can become the princess of the Saiyans."

Once the three children turned one, Son Goku resumed his regular training.

Bulma had not been idle either. She built another Gravity Room for everyone, this one capable of a thousand times normal gravity.

Vegeta, Son Goshin, Son Gohin, and Piccolo began training inside it.

Half a year later, on the Red Giant, Son Goku let out a mighty roar in his Super Saiyan 4 form. His aura surged, the golden flames around him turned red, and his jet-black hair became crimson.

Feeling the immense power within him, Son Goku burst into laughter. After two and a half years, he had finally cultivated Super Saiyan 4 to the realm of Limit Breakthrough.

Far away in the Sacred World of the Kai, East Supreme Kai Shin and his attendant Kibito were stunned when they sensed that aura, as vast as the universe itself.

Kibito said to the Supreme Kai, "Lord Supreme Kai, could this aura mean that Majin Buu has awakened?"

Shin replied, "No. This aura is powerful, but it isn't evil. It shouldn't be Majin Buu awakening."

"Then let's go take a look. Since he isn't evil, he probably won't attack us," Kibito said.

The Supreme Kai nodded. "All right. Let's first see where he is."

A moment later, Shin was even more shocked. This person was actually on a red giant. Even with his own power, Shin did not dare approach a red giant, yet this mysterious powerhouse was standing right on one. How could Shin not be stunned?

Seeing Shin's troubled expression, Kibito asked, "What's wrong, Lord Supreme Kai?"

Shin said, "This person is on a red giant. Its powerful gravitational pull is more than we can withstand."

"What? Does that mean we can't get close to him? How are we supposed to learn anything about him, then?" Kibito exclaimed.

Shin pondered for a moment. "He's probably just training on the red giant. He'll surely leave eventually. We can approach him after he leaves."

Kibito nodded. "That's our only option. It would be even better if we could persuade this powerful fighter to help us fight Majin Buu."

Shin's eyes lit up at that. "You're right, Kibito. With his strength, dealing with Majin Buu shouldn't be a problem."

Kibito said, "Exactly, Lord Supreme Kai. We'll have to keep a close eye on him."

Shin nodded, and the two began watching Son Goku.

At the same time, in the God of Destruction Realm, the Angel Whis also sensed Son Goku's aura. He murmured to himself, "To think such a powerful fighter has appeared in the mortal world. His aura has almost reached the limit of mortals. One step further, and he'll rival the weakest God of Destruction. I simply must see who he is."

With that thought, Whis picked up his divine staff and began investigating.

The staff projected Son Goku's image into the air. Whis looked at it and chuckled. "Oh ho ho, isn't that a Saiyan? It seems Frieza failed to carry out Lord Beerus's assignment. And this Saiyan has actually trained to such a level. I imagine Frieza must have been killed. This is getting more and more interesting. Lord Beerus will certainly be shocked when he wakes up and hears about it."

Then Whis used Super-Dimensional Shift and headed toward Son Goku.

A little over twenty minutes later, Son Goku was training on the Red Giant when he suddenly caught sight of Whis and immediately stopped.

Pretending not to recognize him, he said, "Hey, Smurf over there! Who are you?"

Whis paused, then pointed at himself. "By 'Smurf,' do you mean me?"

Son Goku smiled. "Is there anyone else here?"

Whis replied, "Oh ho ho, you really are amusing. Saiyan, what's your name?"

Son Goku said, "My name is Son Goku. Who are you, and what do you want with me?"

Whis smiled. "My name is Whis. I'm a deity known as an Angel, and I serve the God of Destruction."

Son Goku played dumb. "Oh, so you're a deity. Then you must know North King Kai."

Whis smiled. "Indeed, I know King Kai. Lord Beerus even renovated his home once."

Son Goku's mouth twitched. Renovated, my ass. If King Kai heard Whis say that, he'd have to reply, 'Well, thank you so much, Whis. You make every season feel so warm.'

He said aloud, "I see. King Kai is something of a teacher to me."

"Oh, I see," Whis said. "But as far as I know, King Kai couldn't hurt a fly. How did he teach you?"

Son Goku said, "King Kai may be weak, but he has a technique that can work wonders. It's called Kaioken. Combined with training under intense gravity, it can greatly increase your strength."

"Oh, I see. I underestimated King Kai. I never imagined he had a technique like that," Whis said.

Then he continued, "Son Goku, I can see that your strength has reached the limit of mortals, second only to a God of Destruction. Would you be interested in becoming a God of Destruction Candidate?"

Son Goku asked, "Are there any restrictions on being a God of Destruction Candidate?"

Whis said, "Not really. If I had to name one, it would be that you must destroy planets that fail to meet the required standards, as assigned."

Son Goku nodded, then asked, "Are there any benefits? Will it help me get stronger?"

Whis smiled. "Son Goku, you really are amusing. As a God of Destruction Candidate, you can learn God of Destruction Techniques, which are very helpful for increasing your strength. I can also train you and help you grow stronger."

Son Goku said, "I see. All right, I accept."

Whis said happily, "Wonderful, Son Goku! I'm delighted that you're willing to become a God of Destruction Candidate. Come back to the God of Destruction Realm with me, and I'll help you improve your strength. Then we can give Lord Beerus a surprise."

Son Goku said, "No rush, Whis. Let me tell my family before we go. Besides, I'd like to invite you to my home. Let's have a good meal first."

Whis asked, "Do you have good food at home? I have quite a discerning palate."

Son Goku smiled. "Don't worry. Besides plenty of money, we have plenty of delicious food. I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Whis's eyes lit up. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's leave right now."

"All right," Son Goku said. He flashed over to Whis, grabbed his arm, and used Instant Transmission to return home.