NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38: Return
Two years have flown by, and the anticipation for Goten's seventh birthday fills the air. Goten is now six, full of excitement for the festivities ahead, while Trunks has turned eight, a little more mature but equally eager to celebrate his best friend's special day. The sun rises over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the world.
In a secluded area, away from prying eyes, Bulma stands surrounded by the seven Dragon Balls. She gazes at them with a mix of hope and determination. It's been a long journey since Mori's departure, and today she plans to make a wish that could change everything.
Taking a deep breath, she raises her hands and calls out, "Shenron, come forth!"
The ground trembles, and the air crackles with energy as the mighty dragon, Shenron, materializes before her. His majestic form looms large, emerald scales shimmering in the light, eyes glowing red with ancient wisdom. "State your wish," he commands, his voice deep and rumbling.
Bulma steps forward, her heart racing. "Bring Mori back to life," she states firmly.
Shenron's eyes widen with excitement. "That is a powerful wish," he replies, the glow in his eyes intensifying. "Your wish will be granted!"
With a surge of energy, a bright light envelops the Dragon Balls, and in a flash, Mori's form appears beside Bulma, materializing from thin air. He blinks in confusion before a wide smile spreads across his face. "It's been years, Bul, how have you been?"
Bulma rushes forward and envelops him in a tight hug, overwhelmed with joy. "I've been good! We've all missed you so much!"
Mori releases her, feeling the energy radiating from himself. He quickly reels it in, aware that he shouldn't draw attention just yet. With a glance upwards, he flies up to Shenron, who hovers majestically in the sky.
"Thank you for bringing me back, old friend," Mori says, his voice filled with gratitude.
Shenron nods. "Your wish is fulfilled, but you have one more wish. What will it be?"
Mori glances back down at Bulma. "You should wish for whatever you want," he tells her, and she nods in understanding.
"Alright," Bulma responds, looking up at Shenron. "I wish for everyone to come together tomorrow to celebrate Goten's birthday."
"Your wish has been granted," Shenron says, his eyes flashing red once more. With that, he begins to dissipate into the air. Mori waves at the dragon as he vanishes.
As the Dragon Balls scatter across the sky, Mori reaches up and snags the four-star ball before it can drift too far. Holding it closely, he looks back at Bulma. "It must be Goten's seventh birthday tomorrow, huh?"
Bulma nods enthusiastically. "Yes! I can't wait!"
Mori smirks. "I have some plans. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, he takes off into the air, leaving Bulma behind.
---
Mori finds a tranquil river, the water sparkling under the sun. He looks at his reflection, taking in the sight of his somewhat tamed hair and trimmed beard, a scar running over his left eye. Stepping back, he studies his body, the bare chest marred by scars and a distinctive time insignia on his torso. His left arm boasts a dragon-like tattoo, swirling intricately down to his wrist. The right arm is bare, unmarked, while his lower half is clad in simple black shorts. Another dragon tattoo snakes up his left leg, while his right remains unadorned. On his feet, he wears sandals.
"Not bad," he mutters to himself, satisfied with his appearance. "Time in the other world has its perks."
Mori closes his eyes, extending his senses to locate his friends. One by one, he identifies their ki signatures, even the ones they attempt to conceal. A smirk crosses his lips. "Sorry, Goten, but tomorrow, I gotta grab the attention for a little bit," he whispers to himself.
Determined, he flies to a nearby city and purchases a full-face mask, a quirky design that adds to his mysterious aura. Once prepared, he teleports back to Capsule Corp, feeling the presence of Vegeta and Trunks in a different location.
"Mori!" Bulma exclaims as she sees him appear, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You're back!"
"I need you to call everyone over for Goten's birthday tomorrow," he instructs, handing her the toy he had crafted—a dragon-shaped figure that could light up and roar.
"Of course!" Bulma agrees, clutching the toy tightly. "This is amazing, Mori!"
With everything in place, Mori teleports away, leaving Bulma to gather the others.
---
The next day dawns bright and clear. Mori has been up all night, celebrating his return with some familiar faces. After a long night, he readies himself for what he has planned. He dons the mask he purchased, ensuring his ki is masked well enough to remain undetected.
As the hours pass, he focuses on the energy of his friends, now gathered in Capsule Corp, excitement buzzing in the air. Satisfied with his preparation, he suddenly realizes he forgot Goten's gift back at the village. "Whoops," he chuckles to himself, "can't forget that."
Once he retrieves the present, Mori heads back towards Capsule Corp, masking his ki to remain undetected. He scans the area, waiting for Bulma to take Goten away from the others.
Once she does, Mori unleashes a draconic ki that engulfs the area around Capsule Corp, its aura radiating a sense of impending doom. The fighters within feel the surge, their senses tingling with alertness.
In the main room, Goku, Vegeta, Krillin, 18, Tien, Piccolo, and Gohan halt their activities, their senses heightened by the oppressive energy. "What's that?" Goku asks, narrowing his eyes.
"Something doesn't feel right," Tien adds, his expression serious.
Before they can prepare further, a masked, shirtless figure appears before them, energy crackling ominously around him.
"Who is that?" Chi-Chi asks, her voice laced with concern.
Without warning, Mori hurls an energy blast at Krillin, knocking the bald warrior to the side with a loud thud.
---
Mori's POV
"Sorry, Krillin," I think, my heart racing with adrenaline. I quickly create a large barrier, pushing the non-combatants away and trapping the fighters within.
With a smirk, I turn my attention to Tien, vanishing and appearing behind him. I unleash a powerful punch to his back, sending him crashing into the barrier, losing consciousness almost immediately.
"Apologies, Tien," I whisper as I turn my gaze to Gohan.
He's grown taller since I last saw him. I dash toward him, throwing a left hook that he blocks expertly. I quickly follow up with a leg sweep, knocking him off his feet.
As I prepare to throw a punch, I'm interrupted by Goku and Vegeta charging at me, both transformed into their Super Saiyan states.
"Stop right there!" Goku shouts, rushing at me.
Vegeta follows closely, fists clenched and ready for battle.
I back away from Gohan, turning my attention to the two Saiyans. As Goku throws a punch and Vegeta attempts a kick, I catch both of their limbs effortlessly and throw them aside.
"Not bad," I taunt, feeling the adrenaline surge.
Gohan quickly gets back up, joining forces with Goku and Vegeta as they prepare to power up.
---
"Who are you?" Goku demands, energy crackling around him. "Why are you attacking us?"
I meet his gaze, smirking. "You'll find out soon enough."
With that, I rush toward the trio, throwing a punch at Goku, firing a ki blast at Vegeta, and delivering a swift kick to Gohan, knocking them all back.
I decide to focus on Gohan, unleashing a relentless barrage of attacks. He's strong, but I can't hold back now. I kick him away, only to teleport behind Vegeta, grabbing his tail and slamming him to the ground repeatedly.
Dropping the prince, I charge at Goku, grabbing his head and slamming him into the ground with a satisfying thud. I then fly into the air and descend rapidly, treating his body like a trampoline, which sends him screaming.
I pause, sensing Gohan and Vegeta's energy growing rapidly. I kick Goku towards them, and they all charge their ki, preparing to transform into Super Saiyan 2.
I smirk, adrenaline pumping through my veins, ready for the battle to come.