The sun was setting behind the rugged mountains, bathing the battered battlefield in warm golden light.
The dust of battle had barely settled from the clash against the Saiyans, and the Earth's warriors gathered once more — though this time, their faces were filled not with tension, but with cautious hope.
Standing at the center of the group was Rayuga, his striking white hair fluttering lightly in the breeze. His calm, confident gaze swept across the assembly: Goku (healed and smiling), Piccolo, Tien, Yamcha, Krillin, Chiaotzu, Bulma, Chichi, and a woman holding a small baby in her arms — Akiko, Goku's wife, and mother of little Gohan.
Beside them all, separated from the group, stood a battered and humbled Vegeta, his pride still intact, if a bit bruised.
Finally, Vegeta broke the silence with a sharp tone.
"You think you've won," he sneered. "But you're just ants before the real terror. Frieza... is coming."
The name seemed to hang in the air like a dark cloud.
Rayuga's sharp blue eyes narrowed.
So it begins... he thought.
Vegeta crossed his arms and spoke louder, addressing everyone.
"The Dragon Balls... they aren't just on Earth. On Namek, the homeworld of that green freak—" he nodded rudely toward Piccolo — "there's another set. Larger. Stronger."
Everyone gasped.
Bulma's eyes lit up immediately. "Another set? That means we can wish back Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu!"
Hope flickered across everyone's faces.
Rayuga, after a moment's silence, stepped forward and laid out a plan without hesitation.
"Bulma," he said firmly, "repair the Saiyan pod into a ship. You, Krillin, and Gohan will travel to Namek first. Find the Dragon Balls."
Bulma blinked. "M-me?!" she squeaked, pointing at herself.
"You're the only one smart enough to handle it. I'll assist to speed up the repairs," Rayuga reassured her.
Beside Bulma, Chichi, Rayuga's other girlfriend, frowned slightly but said nothing. She trusted Rayuga's judgment.
Akiko, holding Gohan, hesitated. "But... Gohan is so young…"
Rayuga stepped forward, offering Akiko a reassuring smile.
"I promise you, Akiko," Rayuga said gently. "Gohan will be safe. I'll protect him from afar if needed."
Akiko hesitated... but looking into Rayuga's steady, warm gaze, she eventually nodded. She knew Rayuga had never once broken his word.
Gohan looked up at his mother, smiling brightly. "I'll be strong, Mom!"
Nearby, Goku placed a hand on Akiko's shoulder, smiling warmly.
"Don't worry, Akiko. Our boy's tough," Goku said proudly.
Rayuga turned toward the other Z-Fighters — Piccolo, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu.
"You'll need to keep training. Hard. When we arrive at Namek later, we'll need every ounce of strength we can muster."
Everyone nodded seriously.
Only Vegeta gave a contemptuous snort.
"Hmph. It won't matter. Frieza will crush you all."
Rayuga smiled faintly and shot him a sidelong glance.
"You seem to have forgotten who crushed you just now," he said coldly.
Vegeta's face darkened, but he wisely stayed silent.
Rayuga's voice rang out over the group once more.
"We will collect the Dragon Balls. We will bring everyone back. And we will be ready for anything."
The determination in his voice fired up everyone's spirits.
---
[Later - Capsule Corporation]
Inside the massive labs of Capsule Corp, Bulma and her father, Dr. Briefs, worked tirelessly.
With Rayuga helping — using his incredible speed and energy control — the Saiyan pod was reconfigured into a sleek, larger spaceship.
It was ready in just a few days.
"All done!" Bulma cheered, wiping grease from her forehead.
Gohan, Krillin, and Bulma prepared for their journey.
Standing outside the ship, Rayuga gave them final instructions.
"Find the Dragon Balls. Stay out of sight. If you sense danger, retreat. No heroics."
Bulma gave a confident thumbs-up. Krillin gulped but nodded bravely. Little Gohan beamed with excitement.
Rayuga kneeled in front of Gohan, smiling warmly.
"Gohan... trust your instincts. You're stronger than you realize."
Gohan grinned and nodded fiercely.
Behind them, Chichi and Akiko stood together.
Akiko waved bravely to Gohan. Chichi, standing by Bulma, clenched her fists — she hated being separated from Rayuga, but knew this mission was important.
The ship roared to life and blasted into the heavens, leaving streaks of light across the sky.
Rayuga, standing with Goku, Piccolo, and the others, watched silently until it disappeared.
---
[Meanwhile — Vegeta]
Vegeta leaned against a boulder, arms crossed.
He had his own plans.
I'll become stronger than ever before, Vegeta thought grimly. Even if it means using those Namekian balls.
His gaze flicked to Rayuga briefly.
But first, I need to survive... and that freak is still in my way.
Vegeta's smirk turned into a grimace.
Unknown to the others, Vegeta had already decided — he would steal the Namekian Dragon Balls for himself.
---
[Back with Rayuga and the Z Fighters]
Rayuga turned back to the others.
"Goku," he said.
"Yeah?" Goku replied, grinning.
"Start training again. Hard. You still have King Kai's training. Push yourself beyond your limits."
"You got it!" Goku laughed.
Rayuga's gaze shifted to Piccolo, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu.
"You all need to unlock your hidden strengths too. We don't have the luxury of time anymore."
Everyone nodded.
Rayuga crossed his arms and gazed toward the stars, his heart steeled for the trials ahead.
He could feel it...
The currents of destiny had shifted the moment he arrived in this world.
Frieza.
The tyrant of the universe.
The true battle was yet to come.
But he would be ready.
For himself, for his loved ones — Bulma, Chichi, Akiko, and Gohan — and for the future of this world he now called home.
---
TO BE CONTINUED!
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