Chereads / Dragon Ball: Mori's tales / Chapter 15 - Takeoff

Chapter 15 - Takeoff

Days had passed since the intense battle between Mori and Goku. The anger and frustration that had once clouded Mori's mind had settled, leaving only a quiet determination. After spending time alone reflecting on everything that had happened, Mori realized that if he was going to surpass Goku and conquer the stars, he would need more than just hard work—he would need a decisive advantage.

He knew what he had to do next. Mori made his way to Capsule Corporation, where Bulma lived. Her family's technology was unparalleled, and she had something that could help him: the Dragon Radar. With it, he could track down the Dragon Balls and make a wish that would bring him closer to his goal.

As Mori arrived, Bulma greeted him at the door, surprised to see him but welcoming nonetheless. The two sat down and had a long conversation about what had happened between him and Goku. Mori explained his frustration, his doubts about Goku's true nature, and the overwhelming feeling of inadequacy he had faced during their training.

"You pushed yourself so hard… just to keep up with Goku," Bulma said softly, understanding in her eyes. "I get why you'd feel that way, but you're incredibly strong, Mori. Don't sell yourself short."

Mori nodded, but his mind was still set on one thing. "I need to know, Bulma. I need answers. That's why I came here today. Do you still have the Dragon Radar?"

Bulma gave him a curious look. "The Dragon Radar? Why… wait, don't tell me you're planning to gather the Dragon Balls."

Mori looked at her, his gaze unwavering. "I don't just want the radar, Bulma. I need it. There's something I have to ask the dragon. Something important."

Bulma sighed but smiled, walking over to one of her many storage compartments. "Well… I'm not sure you'll need the radar," she said, rummaging through the supplies. "You see, I've already gathered all the Dragon Balls. I was thinking of making a wish myself soon."

Mori was taken aback. "You already have them? All seven?"

She nodded, turning around with a playful smirk. "Yep, they're right here. Guess I made things a lot easier for you, huh?"

Mori was stunned. This was far more convenient than he had expected. Bulma could see the resolve in his eyes, though, and after a moment's pause, she handed the Dragon Balls to him.

"You seem like you really need them," she said with a smile. "Just don't make any crazy wishes, alright?"

Mori nodded, his heart pounding. "Thank you, Bulma. I promise."

With the Dragon Balls in hand, Mori made his way to a secluded area far from any prying eyes. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow across the landscape. Mori placed the Dragon Balls in a circle on the ground and took a deep breath. He knew what he had to do.

He raised his hands to the sky and called out, his voice firm and clear. "Arise, Shenron!"

The sky darkened instantly as the Dragon Balls began to glow with an intense golden light. Bolts of lightning shot through the clouds, and moments later, the mighty Shenron, the Eternal Dragon, burst forth from the orbs, towering above Mori with a fearsome presence.

"Speak your wish," Shenron's deep, resonating voice boomed. "I shall grant any one wish within my power."

Mori hesitated for a moment. Before stating his wish, there was something he needed to know—something that had been gnawing at him ever since his fight with Goku.

"Shenron," Mori began, his voice steady, "before I make my wish… I need to ask you something."

The dragon's glowing red eyes narrowed as it regarded Mori. "Very well. Ask your question."

Mori clenched his fists, looking up at the mighty dragon. "What is Goku? How does he keep getting stronger after every battle, after every defeat? It's like he becomes stronger each time… it doesn't make sense."

Shenron's eyes glowed brighter as the dragon's ancient knowledge filled the air. "The one you call Goku is of a warrior race known as the *Saiyans*. They possess an innate ability known as 'Zenkai,' which allows them to grow stronger after every near-death experience. Each time they are pushed to the brink of death, their power increases."

Mori's heart pounded in his chest. Saiyans? A race of warriors that grew stronger through battle… It all made sense now. That's why Goku had always grown so quickly, why he could recover and come back stronger each time. 

For several long minutes, Mori stood in silence, letting the revelation sink in. His mind raced, but slowly, a plan began to form.

"I see…" Mori finally said, his voice filled with determination. "Shenron, I know my wish now."

The dragon regarded him patiently. "State your wish, mortal."

Mori looked up at the dragon, fire in his eyes. "I wish for an amplified version of the Saiyan's ability. Give me the power to grow stronger after each defeat—stronger than any Saiyan could."

Shenron's eyes glowed intensely. "Your wish… is granted!"

With those words, the sky flashed bright with light as Shenron's power surged through Mori's body. He didn't feel any immediate difference, but he trusted that the dragon's magic had worked. The seven Dragon Balls shot into the sky, dispersing across the Earth once more.

Mori stood in the now-quiet field, his breathing steady, his heart calm. He looked down at his hands, flexing them. He didn't feel any different, but he knew that the power would come into effect when it was needed most.

"It'll show up in battle," Mori muttered to himself. "I'll test it soon enough."

With his wish granted, Mori returned to Capsule Corporation. Bulma, waiting for him, was surprised to see him back so soon. 

"How'd it go?" she asked.

"It worked," Mori replied, his voice filled with quiet confidence. "But I'll need to test it in a fight to know for sure. For now, I need the Dragon Radar."

Bulma tilted her head. "Why? You already made your wish."

"I'm going to collect the Dragon Balls again," Mori said. "By this time next year, they'll be active again. I want to be ready for my second wish."

Bulma handed him the radar without hesitation. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"

Mori nodded. "I have to be. If there are enemies out there stronger than Goku, I need to be ready."

Over the next year, Mori dedicated himself to intense, non-stop training. Every day was spent pushing his body to its limits, meditating to sharpen his mind, and honing his fighting techniques to perfection. During this time, he didn't feel any different, but his focus remained unwavering.

When the year passed, the Dragon Balls once again became active, their familiar orange glow signaling they were ready to be gathered. Mori, with the Dragon Radar in hand, quickly tracked them down one by one, until all seven were in his possession once again.

In a quiet, secluded place, he summoned Shenron once more.

"Arise, Shenron!"

As the Eternal Dragon appeared before him, Mori wasted no time. "I wish to be able to breathe in space, so I can travel beyond Earth."

Shenron's glowing eyes flashed once more. "Your wish… is granted!"

With that, the Dragon Balls dispersed, and Mori felt a slight change in his body—an adjustment in his lungs, a shift in his senses. He knew that he could now survive the vacuum of space.

With both of his wishes granted, Mori prepared himself for the next stage of his journey. He had trained his body, mind, and spirit, but now it was time to leave Earth behind.

Looking up at the sky, Mori clenched his fists. "The stars are waiting."

And with that, he flew off, ready to begin his next adventure—one that would take him beyond the bounds of Earth, into the unknown.