Piccolo stopped meditating. He and Gohan locked eyes for a moment.
Piccolo - "Wait, what are you doing he-... wait, you're not the Gohan I know."
This Gohan was a little bulkier and had longer, spikier hair than the one he knew.
Piccolo got up, but Gohan couldn't stop himself. He rushed forward and hugged Piccolo tight, tears streaming down his face.
Future Gohan - "Y-you... you're alive."
Piccolo was shell-shocked. What the hell was happening? His mind raced trying to find a reason. Then... oh.
Piccolo - "You all must be from the future?"
Now they were the ones shocked.
Future Trunks - "How did you know?!"
Piccolo - "Well first, Trunks right there looks really similar to the Trunks that came to the past here. I don't know if it's the same Future Trunks, probably not..."
Future Gohan looked at Bulma.
Future Gohan - "And I thought you were the smartest one."
Future Bulma actually got a little jealous of how fast a thinker Piccolo was, but that didn't matter now.
They talked for a bit, catching up on things. Then they got to the important part.
Future Gohan - "So this guy appeared who looked exactly like me. He was actually a Supreme Kai named Zamasu who stole my body from another timeline. He's been going around killing mortals across the universe for 3 years, getting stronger. He can turn into Super Saiyan Rose now - some kind of god form. We barely survived fighting him, and then this weird entity sent us here through a portal."
Piccolo - "So what is Gohan Black doing now?"
Back in Their Timeline
Gohan Black was in the middle of the destroyed city. Time started flowing normally again. He was in the middle of his speech, ready to attack, but when he struck...
He hit nothing but air.
He looked to one side, then another. WHERE ARE THEY?! How could they disappear? How could they turn invisible now? Was it a trick? What was this??
Gohan Black - "AHHHHHHH!! SHOW YOURSELF, MORTALS!!"
As he screamed, millions of rose ki blasts flew around, hitting everything across the world.
Meanwhile, Danzai watched from the shadows.
Danzai - "Zamasu... he is exactly what I hate most about gods and their descendants. They think they're superior, born to rule, that they can do anything and everyone should bow to them. That infuriates me. Undeserving arrogant bastards who will pay for what they did!!"
He clenched his fist in rage.
Back in the Current Timeline
Future Gohan thought about what Gohan Black was probably doing.
Future Gohan - "Well, he's probably screaming around somewhere, ahaha."
All four of them laughed at that, but Gohan cut them off.
Future Gohan - "Ah yes, let's remember - we aren't here for fun yet. We're on a mission!"
Danzai's voice suddenly got into his mind.
Danzai - "Good, you remember. Now tell them - in 2 months a timeline tournament will happen between different timelines. The winner gets to be the timeline that survives. All others will cease to exist. The team can contain 7 members, that's it. Make the best team you can and prove your worth!"
Future Gohan - "Did you guys hear that now?"
Only Future Bulma and Future Trunks nodded. Piccolo looked confused.
Piccolo - "Hear what?"
Future Trunks explained what happened.
Piccolo - "So if that's the case, you all should meet your counterparts and the rest."
Piccolo told them to wait as he flew from the nearby mountain into the city. There he talked to Bulma about making an announcement and calling all the Z fighters, some of their family, and close friends.
At Capsule Corp, there was current Bulma at the top of a stage with a mic. Sitting in chairs were Krillin, Vegeta, Master Roshi, current Trunks (the kid version), Videl, Pan (2 years old), Piccolo, Chi-Chi, Goku, current Gohan, Android 18, Android 17, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, Puar, Tien, Ox-King, Goten, Mr. Satan, and even Uub who was recently found by Goku.
Everyone was sitting in their chairs, waiting for the announcement.
Bulma approached the mic.
Bulma - "Is this on? Welcome everyone. Well, let's cut to the chase. Remember in the past when Trunks came here and killed Frieza and his father? Well, he's back. Not exactly him, but another version of him. And he's here with Gohan, and me??? Yeah, that's what Piccolo told me. He said for me to not look - it was a surprise."
From behind the curtain, all three came onto the stage.
Literally everybody was shocked. Why are they here? Why does Gohan look different? Why are there two Bulmas? Why is Trunks back? More androids?? What the hell is happening?
Everyone started demanding answers at once.
Krillin - "Wait, is this some kind of joke?!"
Vegeta - "Another Trunks? What nonsense is this?!"
Current Gohan - "That's... that's me? But why do you look so different?"
Goku - "Wow, this is amazing! But I'm so confused!"
Chi-Chi - "Gohan?! What happened to you? You look so much older!"
Android 18 - "Great, more time travel complications."
Yamcha - "I thought we were done with this timeline stuff!"
Master Roshi - "Two Bulmas... this old turtle is seeing double!"
Current Trunks - "That's... that's me when I grow up?!"
Mr. Satan - "I don't understand any of this science stuff!"
Videl - "Gohan, what's going on?"
Bulma - "CALM ALL OF YOU DOWN! This is not all!"
Future Gohan stepped forward.
Future Gohan - "Guys, everyone, listen! This is truly important. We came here because our timeline was invaded by someone from another timeline. He hunted every mortal down and killed them. We are the last ones. For the last year, me, Trunks, and Bulma have been preparing and fighting him. We almost took him down, but he got a transformation at the last second. Right after that, we got warned about a tournament of timelines. That's how we got out of that situation - saved from a monster by a monster. Now we're here."
He took a deep breath.
Future Gohan - "This tournament seems to be happening in 2 months. We need to create the best team possible of 7 members. If we lose that tournament, it's all over. We cease to exist!"
Everyone in the crowd was even more confused. But some got excited.
Goku jumped up from his chair, eyes sparkling.
Goku - "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's decide the team!"
Vegeta crossed his arms with a smirk.
Vegeta - "Finally, a real challenge."
Android 17 leaned back casually.
Android 17 - "Sounds interesting. Count me in."
Piccolo nodded grimly.
Piccolo - "If the stakes are that high, we have no choice."
Some still needed more convincing that this was really happening.
Future Gohan got down from the stage, meeting Goku, Chi-Chi, his current self, and Goten all at the same time.
Goku - "Wow, you really are Gohan! are you stronger than our Gohan! What kind of training did you do?"
Future Gohan - "Dad... I had to become strong. Everyone was counting on me after you and Vegeta died fighting the androids." as he hugged Goku almost crying
Chi-Chi started crying, grabbing both versions of her son.
Chi-Chi - "My poor baby! You had to go through all that alone!"
Current Gohan stared at his future self in amazement.
Current Gohan - "You're so much more confident than me. How did you get that strong?"
Future Gohan - "I didn't have a choice. When everyone's depending on you, you find strength you didn't know you had."
Goten looked between both versions, completely confused.
Goten - "So... there's two big brothers now?"
Meanwhile, Future Trunks met his younger self and Vegeta.
Young Trunks - "Whoa! You're me when I grow up? That's so cool! Are you super strong?"
Future Trunks smiled, ruffling his younger self's hair.
Future Trunks - "Yeah, I guess I am. But I had to fight some pretty terrible enemies to get this way."
Vegeta studied his future son with pride and concern.
Vegeta - "You've grown strong, boy. I can sense it. But there's pain in your eyes. What exactly did you face in your timeline?"
Future Trunks' expression darkened.
Future Trunks - "The androids killed you and Goku died to the heart virus. I grew up in a world where everyone was afraid. Then Gohan Black showed up and made things even worse."
Vegeta's fists clenched.
Vegeta - "I see. So in your timeline, I failed to protect what mattered. That won't happen here."
The announcement and reunion came to an end after some more hours of conversation and convincing that it was all real. Some people still had doubts, but most were starting to accept the crazy situation.
A few days passed, and Bulma announced - with collaboration from Future Bulma and Piccolo - a mini tournament to decide the team for the timeline tournament. It would be 1v1s, from the winner down to number 7. Those would be the 7 to go to the tournament.
Even Piccolo acknowledged that absolute power counters any strategy in tournaments like this.
The bracket was made and announced the next day. They had almost a month to train for it. The rules were simple: have fun and defeat your opponent. Everything is legal, just obviously don't kill anyone.
THE BRACKET:
ROUND 1 (Eliminations)
Gohan vs KrillinGotenks vs Tien ShinhanFuture Gohan vs YamchaPiccolo vs GotenFuture Trunks vs Master RoshiAndroid 17 vs Uub
Byes: Goku and Vegeta automatically move to Quarterfinals.
When the bracket was announced, everyone had reactions.
Gohan vs Krillin: Chi-Chi grabbed Current Gohan's arm. Chi-Chi - "Don't you dare hurt Krillin too badly! He's been our friend forever!" Android 18 crossed her arms, looking at her husband. Android 18 - "Just don't embarrass yourself out there, baldy." Krillin - "Thanks for the support, honey..."
Gotenks vs Tien: Goku was jumping up and down with excitement. Goku - "This is gonna be so cool! Fusion vs the three-eyed guy!" Goten looked nervous. Goten - "But what if we mess up the fusion dance?" Young Trunks pumped his fist. Young Trunks - "We won't! We're gonna show everyone how strong we are together!" Chiaotzu floated next to Tien. Chiaotzu - "You can do it, Tien! Show them your training!"
Future Gohan vs Yamcha: Chi-Chi looked worried about her future son. Chi-Chi - "Be gentle with Yamcha, sweetie. He tries his best." Yamcha scratched his head. Yamcha - "Great, I get the scary version of Gohan. Just my luck." Puar transformed into a cheerleader outfit. Puar - "Go Yamcha! You can do it!"
Piccolo vs Goten: Goten - ''Why im am fighting two times??'' pointing at himself (Narrator (me) - Theres not enough fighters, sorry little one) Goku looked torn. Goku - "This is tough! I want both of them to win!" Chi-Chi was more direct. Chi-Chi - "Piccolo, please go easy on my baby!" Piccolo just grunted. Piccolo - "I won't hold back. The boy needs to learn."
Future Trunks vs Master Roshi: Vegeta smirked with pride. Vegeta - "The old turtle doesn't stand a chance against my son." Future Bulma looked concerned. Future Bulma - "Just be respectful, Trunks. Master Roshi taught your father's rival." Master Roshi adjusted his sunglasses. Master Roshi - "Hehe, time to show these youngsters some old-school technique!"
Android 17 vs Uub: Android 18 seemed bored. Android 18 - "My brother will win easily." Mr. Satan was cheering loudly. Mr. Satan - "Go Uub! Show them the power of my student!" Goku looked excited about this matchup. Goku - "This one's gonna be really interesting! I can't wait to see how strong Uub's gotten!"
About the Byes: Everyone accepted that Goku and Vegeta deserved to skip the first round. Piccolo - "Those two are in a league of their own. It only makes sense." Future Gohan nodded in agreement. Future Gohan - "Yeah, we'll need to get through everyone else first before we can even think about facing them."
THE FIRST BATTLE: GOHAN VS KRILLIN
The arena was packed. Everyone had gathered to watch the opening match of their makeshift tournament. In one corner stood Gohan - calm, composed, and radiating that quiet confidence that came from being the strongest fighter on Earth. In the other corner was Krillin, bouncing on his feet and trying to shake off his nerves.
Piccolo acted as referee, raising his hand.
Piccolo - "Fighters ready? Begin!"
Krillin immediately went on the offensive, knowing he couldn't give Gohan any time to get comfortable. He fired off a rapid barrage of ki blasts, each one precise and well-aimed. But Gohan just stood there, casually deflecting them with the back of his hand like they were annoying flies.
Krillin - "Alright, let's see how you handle this! Solar Flare!"
The blinding light erupted between them, but Gohan had already sensed it coming. He closed his eyes before the technique even activated, relying purely on his ki sense to track Krillin's movements.
Krillin used the distraction to get in close, throwing a series of lightning-fast punches and kicks. His technique was flawless - decades of training and battle experience showing in every movement. A right cross, left hook, spinning heel kick combo that would have dropped most fighters.
But Gohan caught every single attack with one hand, not even moving from his spot.
Gohan - "Not bad, Krillin. Your form's gotten a lot better."
Krillin backflipped away, sweat already beading on his forehead.
Krillin - "Thanks, but I'm just getting started! Destructo Disc!"
Multiple golden energy discs materialized around him, spinning with that familiar deadly whine. Krillin launched them in a coordinated pattern - some high, some low, others curving around to attack from behind.
Gohan finally moved. But instead of dodging, he caught the first disc between two fingers, stopping its deadly spin completely. The second one he simply flicked away with his finger, sending it spiraling harmlessly into the sky. The others he batted aside like frisbees.
The crowd went silent. That was impossible. Nobody just catches a Destructo Disc.
Krillin's eyes widened, but he wasn't giving up. If Gohan wanted to play with him, fine. Time to get serious.
Krillin - "Scatter Shot!"
He fired dozens of ki blasts in all directions, each one ricocheting off the arena walls at crazy angles. The technique turned the entire fighting space into a death trap of rebounding energy attacks.
Gohan watched the chaos with mild interest, then started moving. Not fast enough to show off, just fast enough to casually step between every single blast as they converged on him. It looked like he was dancing through raindrops without getting wet.
Then Krillin tried something desperate. While Gohan was focused on the ricocheting blasts, he charged up his strongest attack.
Krillin - "Kamehameha!"
But this wasn't just any Kamehameha. Years of training had let Krillin put his own spin on Goku's signature move. The beam was smaller but incredibly dense, and it moved in an unpredictable zigzag pattern.
Gohan caught it.
With one hand.
The massive energy beam just stopped dead against his palm, its incredible power completely neutralized. Gohan looked at it curiously, like he was examining an interesting bug.
Gohan - "That's a really creative variation, Krillin. The zigzag motion makes it much harder to predict."
Then he casually dispersed the attack, the energy just... disappearing.
Krillin was breathing hard now, starting to realize just how outclassed he was. But he had one more trick up his sleeve.
Krillin - "Triple Afterimage!"
Suddenly there were four Krillins attacking from different angles. Not just speed-based afterimages, but actual ki constructs that could hit and be hit. Each one threw a different attack - punches, kicks, and ki blasts all coming at once.
Gohan smiled for the first time in the fight.
Gohan - "Now that's clever."
He moved just a little bit faster. Still not showing his real speed, but enough to demonstrate the gap between them. In what looked like slow motion to him, Gohan methodically dismantled each afterimage with precise strikes. A gentle chop here, a light push there, and all the constructs dissolved.
The real Krillin came flying in with a desperate flying kick, putting everything he had behind it.
Gohan caught his ankle with two fingers.
The impact should have driven Gohan back, should have at least made him step to the side. Instead, Krillin just... stopped. All his momentum, all his power, completely absorbed by those two fingers.
Krillin - "No way..."
Gohan - "You've gotten incredibly strong, Krillin. In the old days, you would've given me a real fight. But this is a different level."
With the gentlest possible motion, Gohan lifted Krillin up and set him down outside the ring boundaries.
The arena was dead silent as everyone processed what they'd just witnessed. Gohan hadn't even powered up. Hadn't shown any strain. Hell, he'd barely moved.
Piccolo raised his hand.
Piccolo - "Winner: Gohan."
In the stands, Android 18 looked at her husband with a mixture of pride and worry.
Android 18 - "You did your best, honey."
Krillin managed a weak smile as he walked back to the sidelines.
Krillin - "Yeah... I just wish my best was a little closer to his worst."