The Z-Fighters stood in silence after Mori's voice had faded, leaving behind an emotional weight. The gravity of Mori's words settled on each of them differently. For a moment, no one spoke, still processing the connection they'd had with their lost comrade.
Goku, being Goku, was the first to break the silence, turning toward Vegeta with his usual inquisitive grin.
"Hey, what did Mori mean by a 'specific transformation,' Vegeta?" Goku asked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Vegeta scoffed, folding his arms as he turned his head slightly to the side. "As if I'd tell you, Kakarotto. This is my key to surpassing you." His voice held a tinge of arrogance, but something else lingered beneath it—a sense of seriousness about the transformation Mori had hinted at.
Goku pouted like a child, scratching his head. "Aw, come on, Vegeta! It's not fair you know something I don't! Tell me, tell me, tell me!" Goku jumped around Vegeta, trying to annoy him into revealing more.
Vegeta growled. "Get lost!" He turned his back on Goku, but not without an amused smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
The others chuckled at the playful scene between the two rivals. It was almost comforting—reminding them that despite everything, some things hadn't changed.
Gohan, watching the banter with a smile, walked over to Trunks, who was standing quietly with his arms crossed. "I guess you're leaving soon, huh?" Gohan asked, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Trunks nodded. "Yeah, I need to get back to my timeline. Set things straight there. I'm leaving in about two hours or so."
Gohan nodded, understanding the weight of the responsibility that Trunks bore. "I wish you didn't have to go, but I know you'll fix everything. You've gotten so strong."
Trunks smiled. "Thanks, Gohan. I'll come back and visit, though. Besides, I think I'm ready for whatever comes next." He glanced at Vegeta, who was still fending off Goku's questions, and felt a warmth in his chest. "I'll make sure my world's safe… for my family."
The Z-Fighters spent the next couple of hours catching up, laughing, and reminiscing. Eventually, Trunks said his goodbyes, hugging Gohan tightly before heading back to his timeline. As he disappeared into the future, the group began to disperse, each heading back to their homes to prepare for the quieter times ahead.
---
**Three years later…**
At Mount Paozu, the sun was shining brightly over the Son family's humble home. In the front yard, Goku and Gohan were engaged in a light training session, both of them in their Super Saiyan forms. It wasn't an intense battle, just a father and son testing each other's limits as they laughed and exchanged punches.
At the front door, Chi-Chi stood with a little boy in her arms—her youngest son, Goten. He had an unmistakable resemblance to Goku, right down to his wild black hair. Goten was watching his father and brother spar with wide eyes, clearly fascinated by their movements. His little hands started mimicking punches in the air, making Chi-Chi giggle.
"Aren't you just the cutest, trying to be like your daddy and big brother?" Chi-Chi chuckled as she picked up Goten, rubbing his cheek. "But no fighting for you, not yet! You're still my baby."
---
Over at Capsule Corp, Bulma stood in the backyard, keeping a close eye on her own child. Trunks, now four years old and with a little tail peeking out behind him, was watching his father, Vegeta, shadowboxing. The boy's eyes were filled with awe as Vegeta's fists cut through the air with precision.
Vegeta noticed his son watching and stopped, turning to him. "Come here, Trunks." His voice was stern, but there was a hint of warmth there.
Trunks obediently walked over to his father, and Vegeta crouched down to his level. "Watch carefully. This is how you throw a real punch." Vegeta guided Trunks' little hands into fists, showing him how to properly position them. Trunks threw a weak but determined punch, and Vegeta nodded approvingly. "Good. You'll get stronger with time."
Bulma, watching from the patio, pulled out her phone and began recording the sweet interaction. "This is too precious," she whispered to herself with a smile. Despite Vegeta's tough exterior, moments like this made her heart melt.
---
The scene shifted through various glimpses of their peaceful lives: Bulma chatting with Android 18 as they discussed family life, Piccolo meditating under a waterfall with the purple dragon Icarus by his side, Yamcha practicing with his baseball team, and Tien sitting with Launch at a small café, finally allowing himself to relax.
---
Back at Mount Paozu, the Son family was gathered around the dinner table, eating together as they often did. Chi-Chi had just finished setting down a fresh dish when Goku spoke up.
"You know, we should throw a party for Goten's birthday next week," Goku said with a mouthful of food. "He's turning four! That's a big deal."
Chi-Chi smiled, wiping Goten's little mouth. "I was just thinking the same thing. I'll make the calls and text everyone tonight."
---
A week later, the entire Z-Fighter group had gathered at Mount Paozu for Goten's birthday party. The yard was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone enjoyed the day. Goten was thrilled, running around with Trunks and playing with the gifts he'd received. Even Vegeta, much to everyone's surprise, had brought a gift for the young Saiyan—a miniature Saiyan armor set that looked just like Vegeta's own.
Goten's eyes widened when he saw the gift. "Wow! Thanks, Uncle Vegeta!" he shouted, already trying to put it on.
Vegeta crossed his arms, hiding a small smile. "Don't thank me yet, boy. You'll have to train hard to wear that properly."
As the day started winding down, the group was gathered around the cake, singing "Happy Birthday" to Goten. Just as Goten was about to blow out the candles, a familiar voice echoed in the air, startling everyone.
"So, Goten, it's your fourth birthday, huh? Shame I can't be there with you, but how about this: on your seventh birthday, you'll get something really special."
It was Mori, speaking to them from King Kai's planet. Goten's face lit up in excitement, recognizing the voice. "Okay, Uncle Mori!" he shouted back, laughing with joy.
Mori's voice laughed lightly before fading away.
---
Later, after most of the guests had left, Bulma was standing off to the side, watching the sunset. She suddenly heard Mori's voice again, this time speaking directly to her.
"Bulma, I need you to do something for me. Gather the Dragon Balls and ask Shenron to bring me back when Goten turns seven."
Bulma paused, her eyes widening in surprise. "Bring you back? But Mori—"
"I know what I said, but this is different. Please. When you're alone."
Bulma nodded slowly, a plan already forming in her mind. "Alright. I'll do it."
Mori's voice softened. "Thanks, Bulma. I'll be waiting."
---
The party had come to a close, and the Son family was left to themselves once again. As Goku, Chi-Chi, Goten, and Gohan sat together, watching the stars twinkle above, a sense of peace settled over them. But within that peace, they couldn't help but feel the anticipation of what was to come—of what Mori had planned for the future.
They embraced the quiet and the joy of these simple, happy moments.