Nightmare Mode (DBZ Gamer!SI)

Game

Thoughts

"Talking"

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Ok, be chill. Be normal. Be cool. 

Gray had rarely been nervous since coming to this world - well, at least not nervous in this way. There was always the slight edge that came during a fight, but his body's pure desire to fight overwhelmed it. This time, however, the nervousness was different.

Gotta make a good first impression.

Seeing the group of Z-Fighters right in front of him was jarring. He'd already seen some main characters - Piccolo and Kami were about as main as you could get - but this was a new level. He felt like he was a part of the show. The group of side characters standing together, making a plan that would inevitably go out the window and lead to a 'Goku v. whatever strong opponent of the arc' battle.

Except, I'm Goku this time.

That was even more jarring. Gray glanced at the various fighters, taking in their stats. The strongest of the group wasn't surprising, being the three-eyed warrior who was strong enough to beat even Goku during one of the OG Dragon Ball tournaments.

[Serious] Tien Shinhan:

[Three-Eyed Clan Warrior]

Age: 28

PL: 1,953,125,200

HP: 1,500,278/1,500,278

TKI: 2,750,880/2,750,880

Reputation: 0/0 (Neutral)

[Serious] Modifier - Individuals with this modifier will be naturally serious.

Honestly, he's stronger than I had expected. Got a shit ton of Ki too.

Tien had been one of the stronger side characters in OG Dragon Ball, as he was a late-game arc antagonist, before only the Piccolo duo. However, despite being on the stronger side, there was still a clearly sizeable gap between him and the final boss of the original show - Piccolo. Here, that gap seemed much smaller, as the three-eyed man only had a roughly 20% lower power level.

Piccolo would still beat the living shit outta him, but it would at least be a fight.

The three-eyed warrior was clad in an outfit that looked unusual on him, and Gray was quickly seeing the ramifications of Goku never coming to Earth.

He's still a student of the Crane School.

Instead of the usual raggedy green shirt and bland green pants combo, he was clad in a full Crane School uniform, fit with their logo on the front. Tien's decision to leave the Crane School, and to give up his cruel and merciless attitude, had been due to his interactions with Goku. 

But, still learning under Shen didn't seem to have stunted his growth at all. He was a fair bit ahead of the rest of the group, as the next strongest was a particular bald man with six dots on his forehead.

[Resourceful] Krillin:

[Turtle School Disciple]

Age: 25

PL: 1,012,500,250

HP: 825,190/825,190

TKI: 1,550,280/1,550,280

Reputation: 0/0 (Neutral)

[Resourceful] Modifier - Individuals with this modifier will be naturally resourceful, using everything they can for their benefit.

Also surprisingly not bad.

The monk was much weaker than Tien, but having a power level over a billion was nothing to scoff at. With these two at the forefront of the earthing's defense, it was becoming more clear how they were holding off the intergalactic invaders.

Krillin was also still a student of Muten Roshi's Turtle School, but that wasn't any different from canon. He was clad in the typical orange fighting gi with the school's symbol on the front.

However, this was where a pretty big drop-off occurred. Your third strongest fighter being Chiaotzu wasn't a good sign.

[Psychic] Chiaotzu:

[Pokemon]

Age: 22

PL: 490,250,200

HP: 474,575/474,575

TKI: 1,110,270/1,110,270

Reputation: 0/0 (Neutral)

[Psychic] Modifier - Individuals with this modifier will be naturally inclined to learn psychic abilities and magic.

King Vegeta really did send us on a fuckin' suicide mission.

While Chiaotzu was nothing special, he was still above even Raditz's in strength. Considering that Raditz had been roughly half that power level when they arrived…

Chiaotzu could've wiped the whole squad. Fucking Chiaotzu.

Chiaotzu was also noticeably still a member of the Crane School, as he had on a nearly identical outfit to Tien, with the school's symbol on the front.

The next most powerful fighter was a bit surprising, as Gray expected them to be above Chiaotzu at the very least.

[Cowardly] Yamcha:

[Turtle Hermit Disciple]

Age: 28

PL: 441,850,000

HP: 460,298/460,298

TKI: 710,190/710,190

Reputation: 0/0 (Neutral)

[Cowardly] Modifier - Individuals with this modifier will be naturally cowardly.

Granted, he did die to a fuckin' saibaman. At least Chiaotzu made it to Nappa.

Despite having never met Goku, Yamcha had somehow found his way to this group anyway. It was surprising, as Gray expected the cowardly bandit to be hiding in a hole somewhere - not training under Kami to try and defend the Earth. The long-haired man was clad in the typical turtle hermit fighting gi, just as Krillin was.

That was where the serious fighters ended, and where the non-fighters began.

[Cowardly] Yajirobe:

[Swordsman]

Age: 26

PL: 175,677,250

HP: 225,750/225,750

TKI: 120,000/120,000

Reputation: 0/0 (Neutral)

[Cowardly] Modifier - Individuals with this modifier will be naturally cowardly.

Well, Yajirobe was technically a fighter.

He came in clutch a couple of times - like when he cut off Vegeta's tail, and when he… 

Gray blinked. That might've been the only cool thing Yajirobe ever did.

I guess he brought Senzu beans a couple of times too.

It was kinda strange to see how strong Yajirobe was - he wasn't that strong by any means, but he still could beat a fair bit of the Saiyan squad's asses.

The fat man was in his usual orange outfit, and his sword was sheathed at his side.

Floating to the side of him and next to Yamcha was a certain blue cat.

[Magical] Puar:

[Shapeshifter]

Age: 29

PL: 15,625,980

HP: 62,790/62,790

TKI: 52,750/52,780

Reputation: 0/0 (Neutral)

[Magical] Modifier - Individuals with this modifier will be naturally inclined to obtain magical abilities. They will have MP available from birth.

It was truly a testament to Mr. Popo's training that even Puar, who never really did much in any fight during the show, was now at least decently strong.

The next person was much more appealing - and in a way different from fighting. She was blonde, with a beautiful angular face and a red ribbon in her hair. She was wearing a green shirt, which was so small that it looked less like a shirt and more like a bra that pressed up her large breasts. Her stomach was exposed, with the only other piece of clothing on her being her shorts. They were yellow and small, looking like booty shorts that did little to cover her large behind, which pressed through the jean-like fabric - showcasing the shape of her ass to the world.

I never considered her a top-tier waifu, but… damn. She's fuckin' hot.

[Cursed] Launch:

[Earthling]

Age: 29

PL: 1,500,250

HP: 9,875/9,875

TKI: 8,750/8,750

Reputation: 0/0 (Neutral)

[Cursed] Modifier - Individuals with this modifier will be inflicted with one or more curses.

I guess her whole 'switching personalities' thing is considered a curse.

She was a big falloff from the other fighters, though considering Launch a fighter was being generous. She was really just a girl with a machine gun.

The final recognizable character was the one Gray had been looking forward to seeing most - the original waifu herself. Shoulder-length blue hair, a gorgeous angular face, and a beautiful body.

She's still wearing that? How did Goku not being here even change how she dresses?

The woman was dressed in a one-piece pink dress, which narrowed at the waist due to the belt wrapped around her stomach. On the front was a white patch with five white letters: B u l m a.

It was her original outfit from Dragon Ball, but seeing a nearly 30-year-old bulma wearing it was a lot different from seeing the barely adult version wearing it. The dress was clearly too small, pushing upwards at the top as her massive breasts held up the fabric, and as a result, pulling up the skirt at the bottom. The already short skirt was now even shorter, barely covering the bottom half of the woman. Her thick thighs were shown to the world, and the skirt hung off her large rear, with the slight bottom of her ass cheeks showing. 

Yeah, she's just as hot as I remembered.

[Super-Genius] Bulma:

[Earthling]

Age: 29

PL: 15,825

HP: 775/775

TKI: 150/150

Reputation: 0/0 (Neutral)

[Suoer-Genius] Modifier - Individuals with this modifier will be naturally intelligent. As a Super-Genius, they will gain INT 1000% faster.

I finally met her.

It was surreal to see her in person, more so than any of the other characters. It was one thing to meet a side character, but to meet Bulma herself? The original waifu, and the one who started the entire Dragon Ball journey? That was a whole different feeling. Gray doubted he would feel this emotion - a mixture of joy and awe - again. 

Maybe when I finally see Goku.

Speaking of Goku…

I'm the strongest. I'm Goku in this scenario. 

Everything relied on Gray. He was the strongest - the strongest by far. There was no Goku - no Vegeta, hell, even no Gohan. There was no one who would show up at the last second and save the day.

The Earth… is in my hands.

Strangely, Gray didn't feel nervous in the slightest at that thought. If anything, he was calm.

I just had the hardest fight of my life with Yamoshi. No one on Earth can bother me.

There were still people he'd have to be careful of - like Carrot because of his ability - but the threats on Earth, which had seemingly loomed over him before, seemed much less… intimidating.

Whether it was Carrot, or Demon King Piccolo, or any commander that the Frieza Family had on the planet - it didn't matter. 

They're nothing compared to fighting the literal original Super Saiyan.

"Um… you can set me down. If you want!" Gray blinked, looking down and remembering that a certain orange-haired girl was still in his arms. He quickly set her down, pushing away his clouded thoughts.

There's something more important at hand. Something I can't mess up.

The group had noticed their arrival - after all, most of them could sense energy. And, judging by the guarded way Tien was staring Gray down, they could sense just how powerful he was.

If I fuck this up, I'll regret it for the rest of my life.

Gray turned his body, facing fully at the group gathered in front of him. His change in body language wasn't ignored, as the group turned to look directly at him as well. Tien still looked guarded, staring at him cautiously, while Gray could practically see the drop of sweat dripping down Krillin's bald-ass head.

I gotta make a good first impression!

"Sup." Gray said simply.

Badass, right?

As if she could read his thoughts, Celia silently shook her head behind him.

"...Sup?" Krillin responded nervously, glancing over at Kami. Kami cleared his throat, stepping forward in between Gray's group and the Z-Fighters.

"I believe introductions are in order," Kami said gruffly, gesturing towards Gray, "This is Gray."

"I don't care what his name is," Tien shot back, stepping forward with a cold look on his face, "What's he doing here?"

"He's an ally," Kami continued, shooting a look at Tien, but was cut off before he could continue.

"Not from Earth," Tien said, his eyes boring into Gray coldly, "I'd have seen you before if you were. Someone as strong as you can't just hide under a rock."

"Hey, hey! R-Relax, haha…" Krillin chuckled, looking nervous as he glanced between Gray and Tien.

"Shut it, baldy," Tien shot back, glaring at Krillin and then looking back at Gray.

You're also bald.

Gray watched as Krillin opened his mouth to say something, but then seemingly decided it wasn't worth it.

They don't seem very… friendly.

"As the guardian of Earth, I will always take the best course of action to protect the Earth," Kami spoke again, his eyes boring into Tien, "I have made an alliance with Gray and the Frieza Force, on behalf of Earth."

"Without telling us?" Tien said coldly, stepping toward Kami as his cold expression gained a bit of anger.

This is what an Earth without Goku looks like, huh?

Gray glanced around at the rest of the group, his eyes scanning over their expressions. Krillin looked nervous. Chiaotzu shared Tien's cold look. Yajirobe was uninterested. Yamcha was glaring at Gray openly. Blonde-haired Launch looked like she wanted to shout something, but was holding herself back. Bulma was staring at him, a calculating look in her eyes. She was hiding in the back of the group, looking uncomfortable.

They're not friends. This is a tentative team-up. A team made out of necessity.

Without Goku, Tien and the Crane School were still at odds with the Turtle School. Instead of the stern, serious Tien, there was instead the cold, borderline evil Tien of the Crane School. Instead of the caring, somewhat humorous Chiaotzu, it was the cold Chiaotzu who cared only for his one friend: Tien. 

Gray didn't know how all the events of Dragon Ball took place on this Goku-less Earth, but it was clearly not in the lighthearted direction of canon. This wasn't a group of friends, brought together through an adventure for the dragon balls. This was a group of fighters, forced to team up to defend their planet.

The Bulma Gray knew would've said something by now. The fiery woman would've intervened - would've stopped this argument in its place. And yet, the woman who had fearlessly tamed Vegeta was standing meekly in the back of the group, looking uncomfortable and unsure.

This won't do.

"C-Calm down! Gray's a good guy! He's not like the other aliens!" Ranfan came to his defense, stepping up next to him.

I was so eager to meet them. To see my favorite characters in the flesh.

"Shut up, woman," Tien said, his face showing no guilt at his words, "I'll decide that."

It would be so disappointing for them to be like this. 

Gray finally took a step forward, causing Tien to tense.

I'll have to fix them.

Gray locked eyes with Tien.

Goku did it. But, I'm no Goku.

Gray didn't have what Goku had - the good heart and kind nature that made everyone around him a better person. The type of personality that could turn enemies into friends.

But, I have something else. If I can't convince them all to get along…

"Hey, watch your mouth," Gray's face turned into a hungry grin, his fist clenching as he stepped again towards Tien.

I'll make them get along.

After all, there's nothing in this world that can't be solved with pure strength.

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Gray Tanaki:

[Saiyan Squad Captain]

Age: 18

Wallet: 1,271,650 Coins

Lvl: 22 (2,085,000/5,000,000 XP)

PL: 3,118,252,700

Available Points: 300

HP: 1,889,950/1,889,950

TKI: 2,311,325/2,311,325

STR: 1465

AGI: 1650

END: 1290

INT: 1405

CHA: 1205

LUK: 795

KI: 1645

HREG: 1176

EREG: 1176

Skills: [Observe LVL 10], [Running LVL 15], [Determination LVL 15], [Ki Control LVL 14], [Ki Gun LVL 11]. [Ki Enhancement LVL 9], [KI Suppression LVL 10], [Ki Sense LVL 8], [Pushup LVL 15], [Punch LVL 15], [Kick LVL 15], [Jump LVL 15], [Flight LVL 9], [Prediction LVL 7], [Zenkai Boost LVL 6], [Cognitive Acceleration LVL 7], [Ah! Lord Freiza! LVL 7], [Mouth-Beam LVL 6], [Ki-Blade LVL 6], [Cooking LVL 6], [Ki Array LVL 8], [Ki Explosion LVL 6], [Ki Vision LVL 6]

Perks: [Gamer's Mind], [Gamer's Body], [Double-edged Sword], [Legendary Super Saiyan], [Perfect Ozaru], [A Cute Pawn], [A Humble Master], [Ladies Man]

Fighting Styles: [Boxing Style: Kolra LVL 2], [Fighting Style: Broly LVL 1]

Party: [Saeko, Celia, Asuna, Ranfan]

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AN: Thank you for reading! The next part of the chapter will be out later, or you can read the next 5 right now at Patreon.com/Koyon !