The Lookout.
The air here was thin, gravity felt lighter, and an endless sea of clouds surrounded the platform, making it seem like the edge of the world itself.
Sun Wuxiu landed slowly upon the crimson tiles.
Waiting for him was a stout, dark-skinned man dressed in Arabian-style clothing with a turban wrapped around his head.
Mr.
Popo.
The attendant of Kami, a being whose expression rarely changed and whose strength was unfathomable.
“You have come.” Mr.
Popo’s voice was completely calm.
“Mr.
Popo.” Sun Wuxiu nodded.
“Kami is waiting for you.” Mr.
Popo turned and began leading the way.
Deep within the Lookout, Sun Wuxiu finally saw the old man leaning on a staff, his face covered in wrinkles and his green skin showing the passage of countless years.
The Kami of Earth.
The benevolent half separated from King Piccolo long ago.
“Welcome, Sun Wuxiu, martial artist of Earth.” Kami’s wise eyes settled upon him, immediately revealing that he already knew who he was.
Sun Wuxiu was not surprised.
As Earth’s guardian, Kami could observe events occurring throughout the world below.
Knowing his identity was only natural.
“Greetings, Kami.” Kami slowly nodded.
“I already know why you have come.” “Within your body lies a terrifying power, one so great that even I cannot help but feel apprehensive.” “If you were to walk the path of evil, Earth would face catastrophe.” He raised a hand and pointed toward Sun Wuxiu’s chest.
“However, I have seen your heart.” “There is peace within it.” “There is righteousness.” “And there is also…
a mysterious power that even I cannot clearly understand.” Naturally, he was referring to the Twelve Talismans.
“You wish to train here and become stronger.
Is that correct?” “Yes.” Sun Wuxiu answered directly.
“I know that Earth will face many dangers in the future.” “There are enemies whom I cannot defeat as I am now.” “I need to undergo a transformation.” “A transformation of both body and spirit.” “And this place, closest to the divine, is where I can accomplish it.” Kami fell silent for a long time.
He turned around and looked toward the endless sea of clouds below.
“I do not know what disasters you speak of.” “But I trust the sincerity in your eyes.” “I can guide your training.” “I can also have Mr.
Popo teach you.” “In the future, I may even allow you to enter the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.” “Although you are not ready for it yet.” Kami turned back and looked directly into Sun Wuxiu’s eyes.
“However, you must agree to one condition.” “If one day Earth faces destruction and I am unable to stop it…” “You must stand up and protect this world.” “Even if your enemy is a god.” “Or a demon.” Sun Wuxiu smiled.
Wasn’t this exactly why he had come to this world in the first place?
“I promise.” His voice was solemn.
“As long as I live, Earth will endure.” Kami nodded in satisfaction.
“Good.” “Then from this day onward, you shall remain here.” “Over the next three years, I will show you what true divine martial arts truly means.” …
Meanwhile, on Earth.
Boom!!
The headquarters building of the Red Ribbon Army collapsed with a thunderous roar.
A bruised and battered little boy leaped out from the rubble while clutching the Four-Star Dragon Ball tightly in his hand.
The Four-Star Dragon Ball had originally been kept at Mount Paozu but had later fallen into the Red Ribbon Army’s hands.
“Phew…” “It’s finally over!” Son Goku wiped the dust from his face.
His eyes shone brightly with excitement.
“Now then…” “Where should I go next?” At that moment, the gears of fate continued to turn.
One brother trained above the clouds.
The other grew stronger upon the earth.
Both were unknowingly preparing themselves for their reunion three years later and for an even greater future beyond it.
…
The Lookout.
Three years passed in the blink of an eye.
Above the endless sea of clouds, there was no distinction between seasons.
Only silence.
Only the flow of time.
On the red-tiled training grounds, two figures engaged in a strange form of combat.
One of them was Sun Wuxiu, dressed in a pure white martial arts uniform.
His eyes were tightly shut.
His ears were blocked.
Yet his body moved with extraordinary fluidity, like a feather drifting through an invisible breeze.
Standing opposite him was Mr.
Popo.
The dark-skinned attendant carried a wooden staff with a small bell attached to it.
He moved silently around Sun Wuxiu like a shadow.
Jingle.
The bell rang from the left.
Sun Wuxiu did not react.
In the next instant, the wooden staff silently thrust toward his back.
Just before the tip could touch his clothing, his body shifted.
Half an inch.
Nothing more.
The movement was abrupt yet perfectly natural.
The staff missed.
“Very good.” A rare trace of approval appeared on Mr.
Popo’s usually expressionless face.
“Silent as the sky.” “Swift as lightning.” “Wuxiu, you have already touched the threshold.” Sun Wuxiu removed the earplugs and slowly exhaled.
Just as he prepared to thank his teacher, he noticed Mr.
Popo staring at him with a peculiar look.
“Wuxiu.” “Hm?” “Did you forget something?” Sun Wuxiu blinked.
“Forget something?” “I’ve been concentrating on sensing the flow of Qi lately.” “I don’t think I’ve forgotten anything…” Suddenly, his expression froze.
“Wait.” His face changed dramatically.
“Mr.
Popo.” “What day is it today?” Mr.
Popo answered calmly.
“If calculated according to the time below…” “The World Martial Arts Tournament took place yesterday.” “As for now, it should be the morning after the tournament.” “…” Sun Wuxiu stood frozen.
Then his expression completely collapsed.
“Holy crap!” “It’s over!” “It’s really over!” “I got so focused on training that I forgot the date!” “Yesterday was the finals?!” “Doesn’t that mean I completely stood everyone up?!” The image of Bulma’s furious face immediately appeared in his mind.
A chill ran down his spine.
“Um…
Mr.
Popo.” “Kami.” “I have to go down immediately.” “Sorry!” “Really sorry!” “I’ll bring local specialties next time!” Without waiting for a response, Sun Wuxiu dashed toward the edge of the Lookout.
“Rabbit Talisman: Superspeed!” BOOM!!
A sonic explosion erupted.
His figure transformed into a streak of light and shot toward the world below at full speed.
…
Papaya Island.
Although the World Martial Arts Tournament had ended yesterday, the excitement had not yet faded.
Outside a luxurious seaside hotel, everyone was busy packing their luggage and preparing to leave.
The atmosphere was lively.
Yet hidden beneath the smiles was a trace of disappointment.
“That guy…” “He really didn’t come.” Bulma wore a carefully chosen red off-shoulder dress.
A stylish sun hat rested atop her head.
In one hand she tightly gripped a Dragon Radar.
Her lips were pouted so much they could practically hold an oil bottle.
“He said he’d come back soon.” “He said it was all for the future.” “Liar.” “That big idiot.” “Sun Wuxiu, you big jerk!” “I dressed up so nicely, and you didn’t even show up!” Nearby, Oolong muttered quietly.
“Maybe Wuxiu got lost somewhere up there…” “Shut up!” Bulma immediately glared at him.
Then she sighed.
A trace of loneliness appeared in her eyes.
“Even if he just came to say hello…” “That would’ve been enough.” Not far away, Son Goku stood with the Power Pole slung across his back.
He stared blankly at the sky.
“Goku?” Krillin leaned over.
“You won the tournament.
Why don’t you look happy?” “I am happy.” Goku scratched his head.
“But…” “My brother wasn’t here to see it.” “I wanted him to see how much stronger I’ve become.” Krillin smiled.
“Senior Brother Wuxiu must’ve been delayed by something important.” “After all, he’s training with Kami.” Nearby, Master Roshi and Tien Shinhan stood together.
Following their fierce battle during the tournament, Tien had completely abandoned the cruel teachings of the Crane School.
The atmosphere remained relaxed.
Everyone chatted while waiting for their flights.
Then suddenly…
Hum A chilling pressure descended over the entire hotel plaza.
The air seemed to freeze.
Every conversation stopped.
Everyone instinctively looked up toward the sky.