The sun blazed down upon Master Roshi's island, casting an almost oppressive heat over the training ground. It was the perfect environment for intense training, and both of Goku's sons were giving it their all. Zohan and Gohan, despite their tender age of only 2.5 years, had already surpassed expectations. Goku, who prided himself on his ability to gauge strength, had never seen his children improve so rapidly. But the boys weren't just strong—they were more controlled, more focused. Something deeper was driving them, and Goku couldn't quite figure out what it was.
Zohan and Gohan spent every day pushing themselves further, trying to match each other's progress. As the days went by, it became evident that Zohan wasn't just following his older brother—he was leading him. Zohan's movements were precise and measured, his concentration unwavering. It wasn't just physical strength he was honing. His mind, too, was sharp. Goku, being the carefree and often clueless father, had no idea that the true source of their extraordinary development was something even he couldn't perceive.
**The System and Its Boons**
Zohan had never spoken a word about his mysterious "system," nor had he ever hinted at it to Gohan. It was something personal, something that had awakened in him after his tragic death in his previous life. The system was a quiet, omnipresent force that guided Zohan's growth, improving his strength, mental clarity, and spiritual awareness. But its power was more than just for personal gain—it allowed Zohan to subtly influence the training of those around him.
However, Zohan kept it a secret, even from Gohan. Their bond was strong, but he knew that this strange power would only complicate things if anyone found out. It wasn't ready to be shared, not yet. So Zohan worked in silence, guiding Gohan's progress with quiet gestures and subtle influence, transferring techniques that weren't just from their world, but from others, pulling from a martial arts library that spanned universes. To Gohan, the improvement felt natural. He simply assumed it was from the constant training, not knowing that Zohan's system was behind it.
While Zohan was evolving, Gohan was not far behind. They trained in tandem, moving together, almost as if they were two halves of the same being. Their synchrony was something to behold—Zohan's influence subtly helping Gohan catch up, and Gohan's steady progress pushing Zohan to keep improving. The training was grueling, but the results were undeniable. Both boys had managed to suppress their power levels, but in moments of intensity, when their emotions flared, their strength would multiply drastically. Zohan, already at a power level of 1800, could unleash up to 6300 when enraged. Gohan's power was slightly lower, at 1000, but his potential was just as vast.
On the other hand, Goku, in the midst of his own training and the boys' progress, had unknowingly boosted his own power. He had reached a stable power level of 2000 when suppressed, but in his moments of heightened emotion, his strength surged, making him nearly unstoppable. Goku was blissfully unaware that his sons' training had led to his power increase—he just thought he was getting stronger with age.
**A Shared Bond**
One evening, after an especially tough training session, Zohan sat by the beach, gazing at the sunset. His mind was still buzzing from the day's work, but there was something else stirring inside him. The system's voice was quiet, but it was always there, guiding him, pushing him. He had no idea how far this system could take him, but he knew it was something extraordinary.
Gohan walked up beside him, his face tired but content. He had always looked up to Zohan, admiring how cool-headed and strong his twin brother was. But Gohan didn't realize how much of that strength was because of Zohan's secret abilities. To him, it was just his brother being his brother.
"You're quiet, Zohan," Gohan said, sitting down next to him. "What's on your mind?"
Zohan gave him a small smile, his eyes still focused on the horizon. "Just thinking about how far we've come. We've still got a long way to go, but I know we can do it."
Gohan nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I feel stronger every day. I don't know how, but I can feel it."
Zohan didn't say anything. He just patted Gohan on the back, silently affirming that they were on the right path. His bond with Gohan was unspoken, but it was stronger than any words could describe.
As Goku, Master Roshi, and the others watched from a distance, they were astounded at how focused and determined the twins were. Roshi raised an eyebrow and muttered under his breath, "Goku, are you sure these kids are just normal? They've got something going on that I can't put my finger on."
Goku, completely oblivious to the underlying factors at play, just grinned. "I dunno, Roshi. I think they're just really driven. They've got a good work ethic."
Roshi wasn't convinced, but he decided to leave it at that. He had trained many powerful warriors in his life, but Zohan and Gohan were unlike anything he had ever seen. Their energy, their focus, their strength—there was something unique about them.
**Raditz's Arrival**
It was a peaceful day on the island when Goku felt a sudden disturbance in the air. His senses immediately went on high alert, and without even thinking, he turned to the others. "Something's coming," he said, his expression serious for the first time in a while.
Before anyone could react, a shadow loomed over them. A figure landed on the island with a resounding thud. It was none other than Goku's long-lost brother, Raditz.
Raditz stood with his arms crossed, a smirk on his face. "Well, well, if it isn't my brother, Goku."
Goku's face lit up with a grin. "Hey, Raditz! Long time no see!"
Raditz looked confused for a moment, clearly expecting a more shocked reaction. "Wait, you… you're not surprised?"
Goku scratched his head. "I dunno. I figured you'd show up sooner or later. Didn't expect it today, though."
Raditz's eyes widened. "You… you're *different*."
Zohan, who had been silently observing from the side, glanced at his father and then at Raditz. This was strange. This wasn't the Goku he remembered from the canon timeline. Goku had always been more surprised by Raditz's arrival. But now, he was acting like this was just another normal day. Zohan could feel a slight shift in the atmosphere—a subtle difference that only he noticed. It wasn't just Goku acting differently; something about the whole situation felt off. Zohan couldn't place it, but it was a strange feeling that gnawed at him.
Raditz, taken aback by Goku's calmness, glanced over at Zohan, his gaze narrowing. "Who's this?"
Goku waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, that's Zohan. My other son."
Raditz raised an eyebrow. "You've got two?"
Goku nodded proudly. "Yep. These two are my pride and joy."
Zohan didn't reveal anything about his abilities—he didn't even acknowledge Raditz with more than a polite nod. It wasn't the time or place to bring up any secrets. His powers, his system—they were his alone for now. Goku didn't need to know, and Gohan didn't need to know either. Everything would come in time. For now, all he could do was continue his training, continue growing stronger, and continue helping his brother and father grow alongside him.
As Goku and Raditz started their conversation, Zohan felt his system hum quietly within him, a reminder that he was just getting started. His power had only scratched the surface. Whatever was coming next, he knew he was ready for it.
And yet, as he stood there, watching his father interact with Raditz, Zohan couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change. Raditz was here now, and the path ahead was shifting, just out of reach.