Chapter 29: Chapter 28: Balance and Control
The training grounds on Beerus's planet stretched endlessly, a surreal landscape of vibrant greens, glowing rivers, and skies painted in hues of gold and violet. It was an alien world, but one teeming with energy and serenity. Amid this divine realm, Gohan, Broly, and Dende trained relentlessly, their efforts amplified by Whis's advanced equipment.
Massive gravity chambers dotted the field, emitting an oppressive pull that forced every movement to require deliberate effort. Around them, floating orbs emitted faint disruptions of divine ki, creating a chaotic interference that made it nearly impossible to maintain stable energy. Even standing upright felt like a battle of willpower.
Gohan moved through a series of controlled motions, beads of sweat lining his brow. Each punch and kick was precise, cutting through the heavy air with purpose. The floating orbs of divine disruption sent faint jolts through his body whenever his ki fluctuated, but he adapted quickly, recalibrating his energy flow with each strike.
Nearby, Dende hovered in place, his palms glowing faintly as he practiced manipulating his newfound power. The dragon balls around his neck floated in a slow orbit, pulsing with a rhythm that matched his breathing. Though he struggled, his form remained composed, his green skin shining faintly under the alien sun.
Broly, however, bore the greatest struggle. His raw power surged wildly, clashing with the divine interference, his energy flickering uncontrollably around him. Each time he attempted to stabilize his ki, the interference grew harsher, pushing him closer to losing control. His massive frame trembled under the strain, his breathing heavy and erratic.
Gohan noticed his struggle and stepped closer, his voice calm and encouraging. "Broly, stop fighting the interference. Don't try to overpower it. Instead, flow with it. Treat it like a storm, you don't resist the wind; you move with it."
Broly growled in frustration, his fists clenched tightly, but he nodded. Closing his eyes, he focused on Gohan's advice, allowing the divine disruptions to wash over him without pushing back. Slowly, his energy began to even out, his aura flickering less violently.
"That's it," Gohan said, a faint smile on his lips. "You're improving faster than I expected."
Broly opened one eye, his usual serious expression softening slightly. "It's… harder than it looks. But I'll get it."
"You will," Gohan replied, clapping him on the shoulder. "Now, let's try something else."
Gohan turned to face Dende, who had been watching the exchange with quiet interest. Before Gohan could speak, Dende stepped forward, his eyes resolute. "Gohan, I want to spar with you."
Gohan raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You? Are you sure?"
Dende nodded firmly. "I need to test myself. Training with this new power isn't enough, I need to know how it holds up in battle."
Gohan considered him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But Broly still has work to do." He turned back to the larger Saiyan. "Broly, I want you to meditate. Focus on turning Super Saiyan on and off continuously. Don't lose control, and don't waste any ki."
Broly blinked, his brow furrowing. "While meditating?"
Gohan grinned. "Exactly. If you can manage that, you'll have taken a huge step forward in controlling your power."
Broly nodded and walked toward a wide, open plain nearby. Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes, his breathing slow and steady. However, his focus was interrupted when a familiar voice called out.
"Broly!"
Cheelai came sprinting across the field, her vibrant green hair bouncing with each step. She reached him and plopped herself onto his lap without hesitation, throwing her arms around his neck.
"I missed you," she said with a mischievous smile.
Broly's face turned beet red, his veins bulging as he tried to focus on his task. The softness of Cheelai's form pressed against him, making the effort to concentrate exponentially harder. His breathing quickened, and his aura flickered uncontrollably.
"Cheelai…" he muttered, his voice strained. "I'm… training."
Cheelai tilted her head, her grin widening. "Oh, really? What kind of training?"
Broly clenched his jaw, forcing himself to ignore the sensation of her soft... Butt against him. 'Focus,' he thought. 'This is part of the challenge. Don't let it distract you.'
Across the field, Gohan burst into laughter as he watched the scene unfold. He turned to Dende, shaking his head. "Broly's got his work cut out for him, doesn't he?"
Dende smirked faintly. "At least he's learning to focus under pressure."
Gohan chuckled before raising his hand and sending a streak of ki toward a nearby device. The machine hummed to life, and a massive square barrier materialized around them, sealing the two inside.
"Let's see what you've got," Gohan said, settling into a relaxed stance. His breathing was calm, his movements fluid.
Dende's small dragon balls detached from the necklace around his neck, floating in an elegant orbit around him. Their golden glow intensified as he mirrored Gohan's stance, his expression calm but focused.
The air within the barrier grew tense as the two locked eyes, their energies building in anticipation. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Then, they moved.
Gohan surged forward, his fist cutting through the air with precision. Dende responded quickly, his dragon balls shifting to block the strike. They collided with a burst of energy, the impact sending ripples through the barrier.
"Not bad," Gohan said, stepping back.
Dende didn't respond, his focus entirely on his next move. With a flick of his wrist, the dragon balls shifted into a new formation, creating a protective sphere around him. He moved with surprising speed, closing the distance between them and launching a rapid series of strikes.
Gohan blocked each one, his movements effortless yet deliberate. 'He's faster than I expected,' he thought, a hint of admiration flickering in his eyes.
As the spar continued, Dende's attacks grew more coordinated, the dragon balls acting as both offense and defense. Gohan began to press harder, increasing his speed and precision, testing the limits of Dende's control.
"You're adapting well," Gohan said, ducking under a strike and countering with a swift kick that sent Dende sliding back. "But you're still holding back."
Dende gritted his teeth, his dragon balls glowing brighter. "I'm not done yet."
With a burst of energy, the dragon balls formed a spiral around him, amplifying his aura. He launched himself forward, his strikes coming faster and harder. Gohan grinned, his Saiyan instincts ignited by the challenge.
The clash of their energies filled the barrier, each impact sending shockwaves that echoed across the training grounds. Outside, Broly opened one eye, briefly distracted by the commotion, but quickly refocused, his aura flickering between gold and black as he continued his task.
Cheelai watched him with a mix of amusement and admiration. "You've got this, big guy," she said, leaning her head against his shoulder.
Broly's face turned redder, but he didn't respond, his focus unwavering despite the distraction.
Back within the barrier, Gohan and Dende exchanged a final flurry of blows before stepping back, both breathing heavily. Gohan smiled, a hint of pride in his expression. "You've come a long way, Dende. Keep this up, and you'll be a real force to reckon with."
Dende nodded, his expression serious but grateful. "Thanks, Gohan. I'll keep pushing myself."
As the barrier deactivated, the two stepped out, greeted by the sight of Broly still meditating with Cheelai on his lap. Gohan chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess we're all training under unique conditions, huh?"
Dende smiled faintly, the glow of his dragon balls dimming as they returned to his necklace. The three warriors shared a moment of quiet understanding, each preparing themselves for the battles that will shape their future.
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