Goku had a plan. After his adventure collecting the Dragon Balls, he made a decision: he wouldn't tell everyone about the wish they had made with Shenron. Only Grandpa Gohan, Bulma, and Oolong would know. "No need to make things too complicated," he thought.
But now, it was time for training. Serious training.
For the next few months, Goku went into full copy mode, secretly learning every skill Grandpa Gohan had ever taught him. He memorized every technique, every move, and every bit of advice. Gohan was an excellent teacher, but Goku had something even better— memories from the anime floated into his mind. The words of Whis, that calm angel who taught Goku about Ultra Instinct, echoed in his thoughts. He added those pointers into his training, determined to unlock that elusive state. "Maybe it'll take time," Goku mused, "but I know I'll get there."
A Few Months Later
Goku had one more thing on his mind: the gravity belt. Before he left Capsule Corp months ago, Bulma had promised to finish building it. "Time to go check in," Goku thought, already imagining how it would take his training to the next level.
On his way to see Bulma, he stumbled upon Oolong. Goku, ever curious, decided to copy Oolong's transformation technique. With a smirk, Goku thought, "This will be fun."
When he arrived at Capsule Corp, Goku decided to transform into an adult version of himself—the Goku from the future he remembered from the anime. He was tall, muscular, and confident. Bulma was in her lab, tinkering with some gadgets when she turned around and froze.
"Oh…my...wow," Bulma muttered, completely taken aback by the sudden appearance of the older, handsome Goku. She stared at him for a moment, her cheeks turning pink. There was something about this version of Goku that was undeniably attractive, and she couldn't quite place why. "G-Goku?" she stammered, still shocked.
Goku grinned but said nothing. Instead, he transformed back into kid Goku, laughing hysterically at Bulma's flustered reaction. "Hehe, gotcha, Bulma! That was just me messing around with Oolong's technique."
Bulma blinked, still trying to process what just happened. "Wait… so that's what you'll look like when you're older?"
Goku just scratched his head and grinned. "Uh, maybe. I dunno."
Bulma stared at him, clearly impressed but also a bit embarrassed for getting so flustered. She quickly changed the subject. "Alright, alright, let's get to the important stuff. Your gravity belt is ready."
Bulma handed over the gravity belt, explaining how it worked. Goku strapped it on and immediately turned the dial to 2 times gravity. He started walking normally, his body feeling heavier but still manageable. "Wow, this is awesome!"
Turning it up to 3 times gravity, Goku felt a little more strain but could still move around easily. However, when he turned it to 4 times gravity, his movements slowed, and walking became a challenge. "Okay, this is tough!"
Then, Goku cranked it to 5 times gravity, and suddenly, he could barely stand. His face was almost pressed into the ground. "Okay, too much! Too much!" he muttered as he struggled to get back up.
Bulma, trying not to laugh, watched him with an amused expression. "I think you'll need a bit more training before you max that out."
After turning the gravity back down, Goku stood up and stretched. "Thanks, Bulma! This is gonna be great for my training!"
As Goku was about to leave, Bulma called out, "Hey, before you go, can you... transform into that adult version again? I, uh… want to take a photo."
Goku blushed a little, feeling a bit shy about the request. "A photo? Why?"
Bulma grinned mischievously. "For science, of course!"
Goku hesitated but eventually gave in, transforming into adult Goku once again. Bulma snapped the photo, her face glowing with excitement. But just before he could transform back, she leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Goku, completely caught off guard, turned bright red. "W-What was that for?"
Bulma just winked. "For good luck. Now get going, kid."
After leaving Capsule Corp, Goku set his sights on Korin's Tower. He remembered from the anime that Korin had a secret: the Ultra Divine Water. If he could drink that, his power would skyrocket.
But first, he needed to copy Korin's movement technique—the one where Korin could seemingly vanish in a blur. Goku reached the tower and began climbing, his mind already set on what he would do next.
When Goku finally reached the top, Korin greeted him casually. "Another one, huh? What's your business, kid?"
Goku didn't introduce himself immediately. He just asked for the Ultra Divine Water,
he needed to copy Korin's movement technique—the one that allowed the old cat to blur out of sight in an instant. With his mind set, Goku leaped into the air and began his climb, each muscle working in unison as he scaled the tower rapidly.
When he finally reached the top, Korin was lounging on a cushion, holding his staff with a relaxed, almost indifferent expression. "Another one, huh? What's your business, kid?"
Goku smiled but didn't introduce himself. Instead, he cut straight to the point. "I'm here for the Ultra Divine Water."
Korin squinted at him, unimpressed. "Oh, the Ultra Divine Water, huh? Always about that sacred water. Do you even know what it does?"
Goku ignored the question, his mind already focused on his plan. He'd already copied his Grandpa Gohan's movement technique, and while it made him faster, he knew Korin's was on a whole different level. Goku could easily snatch the Sacred Water using brute force, but that wasn't what he wanted. Instead, he was here to learn—copy the way Korin moved and gain experience from observing the master.
For now, Goku played along. He'd take his time, analyze Korin's technique, and perfect his own movement ability.
After a few hours of carefully observing Korin, Goku felt ready. He had spent the time watching the old master's subtle movements—how Korin would suddenly blur and appear in different spots without a trace. Goku's sharp eyes tracked every detail, him analyze and recreate the technique.
The time had come. Goku smirked, feeling the newfound flow of energy in his body. He stood before Korin, who was watching him with a knowing gaze.
"Alright, kid, you've been quiet for a while. What's your next move?" Korin asked, tapping his staff on the ground.
Goku grinned. Without a word, he activated his newly copied movement technique, vanishing in a blur of speed. Korin's eyes widened just slightly, impressed by how fast the kid had learned. In less than a heartbeat, Goku reappeared behind Korin, holding the Sacred Water in his hand.
"Got it!" Goku announced with a playful laugh, raising the bottle in triumph.
Korin crossed his arms, still calm despite being outmaneuvered. "Well, well… not bad, kid."
Goku chuckled, not even concerned about that. "Yeah, But the real prize was copying your movement technique."
Korin smiled knowingly. "Clever. You're not like the other ones who came just for the water. Looks like you've learned something more valuable."
Goku nodded, feeling more excited than ever.
but Korin, unaware of who Goku was, handed him the standard Sacred Water instead.
Goku took a sip and waited… but nothing happened.
He frowned and looked at Korin. "Hey! This is just regular water! I want the real Ultra Divine Water!"
Korin blinked, confused. "The Ultra Divine Water? How do you even know about that?"
Goku smirked. "Because I'm Grandpa Gohan's grandson, and I know you've got the real stuff hidden somewhere."
Realizing Goku knew more than he let on, Korin tried to deflect. "Kid, are you sure? That water is dangerous."
But Goku wasn't backing down. "Give me the Ultra Divine Water, or I'll take away all your fish and Senzu Beans!"
Korin's eyes widened in disbelief. "Okay, okay! No need to threaten the fish!"
Using one of his magic pots, Korin transported Goku to an icy maze in the north, where the Ultra Divine Water was kept. Goku had seen this scene play out in the anime and knew exactly what was coming. He drank the water, bracing himself.
The moment the liquid touched his throat, a sharp, searing pain spread through his body. His muscles tensed, his heart pounded, and his vision blurred. He dropped to the ground, writhing in agony as his life flashed before his eyes. It felt like an eternity, but Goku endured the pain, determined to power up.
After what seemed like forever, the pain finally subsided. Goku stood up, his body now brimming with newfound strength. He clenched his fists, feeling the power coursing through him.
Returning to Korin's tower, Goku smirked, feeling victorious. Korin, however, just shook his head. "You're one crazy kid."
Goku grinned. "Thanks, Korin! I'll be sure to stop by for some more Senzu Beans later."
As Goku left, Korin muttered to himself, "That kid… he might just be something else."
And so, with a gravity belt in hand, Ultra Divine Water surging through his veins, and his training in full swing, Goku continued to grow stronger. His ultimate goal of reaching Ultra Instinct was still far off, but with every day, he was getting closer.
Next stop is...