NOVEL NEXT Chapter 36: Son family
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It's early morning at Mount Paozu. The sun is just peeking over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the lush, peaceful landscape. Goku and Gohan are sparring lightly in their Super Saiyan forms, their golden auras flickering gently as they move at incredible speed, but without full force. Nearby, Chi-Chi is sitting on the porch with Goten, who is intently watching his father and brother. The toddler's eyes are wide with amazement as he tries to mimic the punches and kicks in the air.
"Look at him go," Chi-Chi chuckles as she watches Goten's clumsy, yet determined movements. She ruffles his hair, and Goten laughs, clearly enjoying himself.
"Chi-Chi! Watch this!" Goku calls out as he flips mid-air, dodging Gohan's punch and landing lightly on his feet.
"Take it easy on your son!" she shouts back, though she can't help but smile. She's long accepted that training is in their blood, but she still worries from time to time. Gohan's punch lands on Goku's crossed arms, and they exchange grins.
Goten, however, is deeply focused. His tiny fists are clenched, and his eyes flicker with excitement and determination.
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A few weeks later, Goku decides it's time for a more intensive session. He brings Gohan and Goten out to a remote, barren area far from home. The terrain is rocky and devoid of life, perfect for training without holding back. The sky above is clear, and the ground beneath their feet is cracked and dry.
"Alright, boys, let's see how far we've come," Goku says, stretching his arms before turning to Gohan. "You ready to help your little brother out today?"
Gohan, now a teenager and far stronger than before, smiles. "Of course, Dad. Let's give it our best!"
Goten watches his father and brother prepare for battle, his excitement growing. His small hands curl into fists again, and he watches Goku and Gohan closely, his curiosity piqued by their movements.
The training begins, and Goku and Gohan spar at full strength. They've both been working on something new, something that pushes their Super Saiyan abilities to the next level. Gohan, having already unlocked Super Saiyan 2 during his training with Goku, is helping his father break through the barrier himself.
Goku powers up, his golden aura intensifying. He closes his eyes, focusing deeply on the energy within him. The wind howls, and the ground trembles under the pressure of their power. Gohan stands by, offering guidance.
"Focus, Dad. It's all about control. Feel the power, but don't let it control you. You can do it," Gohan says, his own aura steady and calm.
With a sudden surge, Goku's energy spikes, and his hair flickers from gold to a brighter, more electric tone. His aura crackles with lightning, and the transformation completes—Super Saiyan 2.
"I did it!" Goku exclaims, grinning widely as he looks at Gohan, who smiles back.
But then something unexpected happens.
Goten, who has been quietly observing the entire time, stands up and begins to mimic Goku's movements. His small body trembles as he concentrates, his brow furrowed in intense focus. The air around him shifts slightly, and his energy begins to spike—his hair flickering gold.
Gohan notices first. "Dad, look!"
Goku turns just in time to see Goten's aura flare up. With a sudden burst of energy, Goten's hair turns completely gold, and his eyes change to that familiar greenish-blue. The young Saiyan has unknowingly unlocked Super Saiyan, simply by watching his father and brother!
"Goten! You did it!" Goku shouts, his voice filled with pride and surprise. Goten looks down at his hands, bewildered but excited.
"I-I did it?" Goten says, wide-eyed and smiling. His golden aura flickers around him, smaller than Goku and Gohan's, but unmistakably Super Saiyan.
Gohan walks over, laughing in disbelief. "How is that even possible? You weren't even training seriously!" he says, playfully rubbing Goten's head.
"Wow, Goten, you're amazing!" Goku beams. "I didn't unlock Super Saiyan until I was way older than you. We need to celebrate this!"
They all revert back to their normal forms, the golden glow fading as they sit down on the cracked ground to rest. Goten is still grinning from ear to ear, clearly thrilled with his accomplishment.
"We'll have a big meal when we get home," Goku says, ruffling Goten's hair. "And maybe some ice cream too."
Goten's eyes light up at the mention of ice cream. "Yay! I love ice cream!"
Chi-Chi is going to be over the moon when she hears about this, Gohan thinks to himself, though he can't help but feel a little impressed—and maybe slightly worried—at how quickly Goten is advancing. But, for now, they're all proud of the youngest Saiyan's incredible achievement.
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Back at home, Chi-Chi is indeed overjoyed when she hears the news. She immediately starts preparing a massive feast, and the whole family gathers around the table to celebrate.
"You're growing up so fast, Goten," Chi-Chi says, clearly proud but with a hint of motherly concern. "But don't go fighting like your dad just yet, okay?"
"Yes, Mom!" Goten says between bites of food, too focused on his meal to think about anything else.
Goku and Gohan exchange amused glances, both knowing that Goten's journey has only just begun. If he's this strong now, there's no telling what he'll be capable of in the future.
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As the year progresses, the Son family spends more time together. Goten continues to join his father and brother in training, though he mostly watches and occasionally participates in their lighter sessions. Despite his young age, it's clear that he's a natural fighter, just like Goku.
During their downtime, the family enjoys simple pleasures—fishing by the lake, picnics in the countryside, and of course, plenty of good food. Chi-Chi is always nearby, making sure her boys are well-fed and reminding Goku not to push Goten too hard.
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One evening, after a particularly intense training session, Goku, Gohan, and Goten sit on the porch together, watching the sun set over the mountains. Goten, tired but happy, leans against his father, who puts a protective arm around him.
"You've come a long way, Goten," Goku says softly. "I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, Dad," Goten murmurs, his eyes heavy with sleep.
Gohan smiles, watching his younger brother drift off. "He's going to be amazing one day, isn't he?"
"He already is," Goku replies, his voice filled with pride. "And he's just getting started."
The peaceful moment lingers as the last rays of sunlight fade, and the Son family sits together in comfortable silence, ready for whatever the future holds.
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The chapter ends with the family embracing the quiet joy of being together, their bond stronger than ever, as Goten begins his own journey toward becoming a powerful Saiyan like his father and brother.