An unprecedented crisis had finally been resolved, but the price had been devastating.
Piccolo, Raditz, Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu, and Yamcha had all died at Cooler's hands. Even Bardock, who had come to help, had been killed.
When Son Goku and the others returned to West City with the news, Bulma, Tights, and the others were overcome with grief.
"I never thought even Bardock would... If only Lin Chen had been here..." Tights said, her face sorrowful.
No one had expected the battle to be so brutal that even Bardock, a Super Saiyan, would die.
"No matter what, we're just glad you made it back alive," Bulma said, trying to comfort them.
At her words, Son Gohan was the first to burst into tears. "Uncle Piccolo died protecting me... And Uncle Raditz and Grandpa died too."
Tears streamed down Son Gohan's face.
"I-it's all right! We still have Shenron! We can just ask him to bring them back!"
But everyone shook their heads at Bulma's words. Krillin said, "Shenron is gone. If Piccolo dies, Kami dies too, and when Kami dies, the Dragon Balls turn to stone. There aren't any Dragon Balls left in this world."
"H-how could that be?" Bulma gasped.
Shenron had always been the last hope of the people of Earth. Back when King Piccolo had threatened them, it was the power of the Dragon Balls that had brought Master Roshi and the others back to life.
They had never imagined that this time, even the Dragon Balls would be gone.
But hearing this, Tights suddenly raised her head. "No, there are still Dragon Balls out there!"
"What?"
Everyone turned to look at Tights.
"Didn't you know?" Tights said. "The old Kami was actually a Namekian, and there are other Dragon Balls on his homeworld, Planet Namek!"
"I