Goku and Mori stood side by side, their breath still heavy from the grueling test against Mr. Popo. Despite their efforts, they hadn't managed to lay a single blow on him. Goku's determination was evident in his voice as he panted out, "I'll do whatever it takes to get Krillin and the others back. We'll bring them back from limbo."
Mori nodded, his resolve matching Goku's. "Yeah, whatever it takes."
As the words left Mori's mouth, a calm but authoritative voice echoed throughout Kami's Lookout, interrupting the moment. "Then I will see over the both of you." The voice carried a weight that seemed to settle over the entire platform.
Goku and Mori quickly turned toward the source of the voice. Walking toward them was a tall, elderly figure with green skin, much like Demon King Piccolo, and wearing a flowing white robe and a blue garment underneath. His antennae extended from his forehead, and his expression was calm and knowing. Goku's eyes widened in alarm as he recognized the similarities to his old enemy.
"Piccolo!" Goku shouted, charging toward the figure with his fist raised, ready to strike.
"Wait, Goku—!" Mori tried to call out, having noticed subtle differences in the figure's appearance. But it was too late. Goku leaped at the figure with all the speed and strength he could muster.
The figure raised his hand almost lazily and flicked Goku away with a single finger. Goku flew backward, his feet scraping against the ground as he struggled to regain his footing. Before he could attempt another charge, Mr. Popo was already by his side, placing a firm hand on Goku's shoulder to hold him back.
The green figure shook his head slightly. "I should have known Korin wouldn't have explained anything," he said, his voice deep and resonant.
"What do you mean?" Goku asked, confusion replacing his initial aggression.
The figure sighed, his gaze softening as he looked at the two young fighters. "I am not the Demon King Piccolo, but we were once the same being. My name is Kami, and I am the Guardian of Earth. A long time ago, I separated the evil within me, which took form as Piccolo. What you fought was merely a part of my past."
Mori's eyes widened as the pieces began to fall into place. "So… Piccolo was the evil that you split off from yourself?"
Kami nodded. "Yes. By separating from that darkness, I was able to assume my role as Guardian. But with Piccolo's defeat, a new threat may emerge—his offspring. That is why I have chosen to step in."
Goku's brows furrowed. "Offspring? You mean there's gonna be another Piccolo?"
"Indeed," Kami said. "However, because of your valiant efforts against him, I shall restore the Dragon Balls and bring back your friends. But I have a condition."
"What condition?" Mori asked, his voice steady.
"You and Goku must remain here at Kami's Lookout for three years to train under my guidance," Kami explained. "You will need every ounce of strength and skill you can gain to prepare for the next World Martial Arts Tournament, where you will undoubtedly face Piccolo's offspring."
Goku and Mori exchanged a look, then nodded resolutely. "We'll do it," Goku said. "We'll train as hard as we can."
Mori nodded in agreement. "If it means getting stronger and protecting everyone, then we're in."
---
Bulma sat at her workbench, tinkering with a new invention when a sudden flash caught her attention. She looked over and saw the Dragon Radar pulsing with energy. "The Dragon Balls… they've been restored?" she said, surprise and excitement in her voice.
Without hesitation, Bulma gathered the other friends and quickly summoned Shenron. As the mighty dragon appeared, the first wish was made, and Krillin, along with the other fallen, were brought back to life. After reviving them, Shenron explained that Kami, the Guardian of Earth, had restored the Dragon Balls and that Goku and Mori would be training with him for the next three years.
"We'll see them at the next tournament," Shenron finished before disappearing, the Dragon Balls scattering once again.
---
**POV Switch: Kami's Lookout**
Three years went by at Kami's Lookout, with Goku and Mori enduring the toughest training of their lives. Every day, they were pushed to their absolute limits by Mr. Popo and Kami, with countless hours spent sparring, meditating, and learning new techniques. They were driven by their shared goal to defeat Piccolo's offspring and the desire to surpass their own limitations.
However, neither could surpass the other in skill or power. Their growth seemed to mirror each other, which led Kami to introduce a unique solution. Standing before the boys one day, Kami explained, "There is a place where you can speed up your progress. It is called the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. One day outside the chamber is equal to one year inside. But be warned, the environment takes a toll on the mind."
Goku and Mori listened intently. The idea of gaining an entire year's worth of training in just one day was tempting, and they both understood the risks.
With a determined nod, Goku spoke up. "We'll do it."
Mori nodded as well. "We're ready."
As they stepped into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, they were met with a blindingly white void that stretched out in all directions. The only visible structure was a small living area with basic amenities. The oppressive atmosphere and the sheer emptiness of the chamber hit them immediately, testing their willpower from the start.
"It's… so quiet," Goku murmured, looking around.
"Yeah, but we've got work to do," Mori replied, already dropping into a meditation pose. "Let's start by training your mind, Goku. The sooner you adapt, the better."
For the first three months, Mori led Goku through mental exercises to build his resistance to the psychological strain of the chamber. It was slow and grueling work, but Goku's will was as unyielding as ever. Eventually, Goku adapted, and they spent the next nine months training without rest. Every day was a cycle of intense combat, ki control practice, and meditation.
The results were evident when they emerged from the chamber a day later. Mori's body had grown even taller, standing at 5'5", while Goku matched his height, though his muscles had filled out noticeably. Their auras burned with newfound intensity, much to the surprise of Kami and Mr. Popo, who hadn't expected them to endure the full year.
"You managed to last the whole time," Kami remarked, clearly impressed. "Your growth is remarkable."
After exiting the chamber, Goku and Mori continued to train for the remaining years. They honed their techniques, learning to draw out more power while refining their martial arts. The bond between them grew stronger, as did their shared resolve.
---
The years of training were now behind them. At age 17, Goku had grown to a height of 5'9", his youthful features still present but with a stronger, more defined build. Mori had grown even taller, now standing at 6'1", with his hair longer, reaching down to his lower neck. The boys' training had tempered them into true martial artists, and the time had come to put their skills to the test.
Walking toward the entrance of the World Martial Arts Tournament, they spotted their old friends from a distance. Smiling at each other, they decided to have some fun.
"Hey!" Goku called out as they approached, waving with a grin.
Their friends, initially confused by the unfamiliar appearances of the two young men, took a closer look. Bulma was the first to recognize them. "Goku? Mori? Is that you?!"
The reunion was filled with laughter and excitement as everyone marveled at how much the duo had changed in three years. For five minutes, stories of their training and adventures filled the air before the group finally made their way inside the tournament grounds.
As they entered the backstage area, a palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air. Mori and Goku exchanged a glance, knowing that soon, they would be facing the strongest fighters in the world once more—including a looming threat they had spent three years preparing for. The stage was set for a new chapter in their journey, and this time, they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.