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Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Family Reunion, Raditz vs Piccolo

The morning sun shimmered over the ocean as Goku packed a small bag.

Goku: "Are we ready?"

Chi-Chi (from the other room): "Coming!"

She tied Gohan's shoes with a gentle tug and pat, then stood as the little boy sprinted toward the hall.

Gohan: "We're going to see Grandpa Roshi today, right?!"

Goku (grinning): "That's right, kiddo! It's a reunion! Bulma, Krillin, Yamcha, the whole gang!"

Chi-Chi stepped out in her training gi—a tailored version of the Turtle School uniform, crimson with white trim, the Kame symbol stitched proudly on the back.

Chi-Chi (raising a brow): "Are we going to show off?"

Goku (smirking): "Only a little. Gotta let the others catch up, right?"

Over the last year, their family had been practicing Master Roshi's original Turtle Hermit Katas. Each move was built on balance, breath, and humility—discipline that Goku insisted they all master, especially for Gohan's sake.

Chi-Chi's grace with the forms was sharp and elegant. Gohan, though he started off like a waddling duck, now mimicked them with impressive focus.

Goku (clapping): "Alright! Let's ride Nimbus to Kame House!"

With laughter on the wind and clouds underfoot, the family of three soared through the sky.

Kame House – Reunion

As the familiar pink house came into view, Gohan leaned over Nimbus, eyes wide.

Gohan: "Is that Grandpa Roshi's house?!"

Goku: "Sure is!"

On the beach, Bulma waved furiously while Krillin bounced in place. Yamcha and Puar lounged under a shade umbrella.

Master Roshi, rocking a blue-framed pair of shades and a floral shirt, stood up with a grin.

Roshi: "Well I'll be! If it ain't Goku and company!"

As they landed, Gohan ran up and bowed politely.

Gohan: "Hi Grandpa Roshi!"

Roshi (blinking, surprised): "You taught him manners?! Goku, you really have changed."

Chi-Chi (crossing her arms, smug): "You have me to thank for that."

Laughter and light teasing followed. Krillin patted Gohan on the head while Yamcha raised an eyebrow at Chi-Chi's gi.

Krillin: "Looks like you guys are still training. That little guy's got some serious focus for a kid."

Goku: "He's a natural! Just like his mom."

The gathering was filled with jokes, nostalgia, and the occasional "remember when." No one expected the storm on the horizon.

Far Away – A New Power Descends

A desolate wasteland. Jagged cliffs. Dry red winds.

Piccolo sat in silent meditation—until his eyes snapped open.

Piccolo (growling): "What… the hell is this power?"

The pressure was crushing. Sweat ran down his temples. The gusts around him intensified unnaturally.

A shadow loomed above. A man with wild hair, armor, and a scouter descended with eerie calm.

Raditz (scouter beeping): "Hmm? A power level of... 322? Pathetic. But definitely not human..."

Piccolo (snarling): "You're not from Earth. Who the hell are you?"

Raditz: "So this planet has warriors. Not that it matters. I'm here for one person. But if you want to warm me up…"

Piccolo lunged forward, fist aimed for the intruder's chest—

Piccolo: "RAAAAGH—!"

His punch landed squarely—and did nothing.

Piccolo (shocked): "What!?"

Raditz backhanded him without warning, sending him through two cliffs in a blur of dust and shattered stone.

Raditz (chuckling): "Is that it? Come now… don't tell me you're Earth's best."

Piccolo staggered to his feet, blood dripping from his mouth.

Piccolo (thinking): That power… it's beyond even Kakarot. And he said he was looking for—

Raditz's scouter beeped again.

Raditz: "Hmm. Three power levels… one of them above 500. One must be Kakarot."

He took off, leaving Piccolo broken but alive.

Piccolo (muttering): "We're dead. We're all dead..."

Back at Kame House

Bulma (sipping a drink): "Hard to believe it's been this quiet lately. Goku, raising a kid hasn't made you soft, has it?"

Goku (grinning): "Heh, not a chance. Still training. Still learning."

Suddenly, the air tensed. Birds scattered. The sky dimmed briefly.

Krillin: "W-what is that power?!"

Yamcha: "It's huge… and it's coming straight for us!"

A sonic boom shattered the peace. Sand and seawater erupted as Raditz slammed onto the beach. His scouter beeped. His gaze landed on Goku.

Raditz: "So… there you are, Kakarot. I've been searching this rock for you."

Goku stood still. Calm. Not surprised.

Goku: "Kakarot? Who are you?"

Raditz (coldly): "I am Raditz. Your brother. You're a Saiyan, Kakarot—like me. You were sent to this planet to conquer it."

Gasps rang out.

Bulma: "Goku's an alien?!"

Roshi (quietly): "The tail… the strength… it all makes sense now."

Goku (voice steady): "I don't care who I was. I'm not conquering anything."

He stepped forward.

Goku: "This is your only warning. Leave. Or I'll stop you for good."

Raditz (snarling): "Tch. You've gone soft. Living among these weaklings dulled your instincts. Let's see if I can wake them up!"

Raditz lunged.

Goku vanished.

Goku (from behind): "You're wide open."

A single, clean chop to the neck.

Raditz slammed into the ground, coughing.

Raditz (dazed): "H-How… how did I lose so easily?!"

Krillin: "What just—?!"

Yamcha: "He didn't even power up!"

Raditz staggered upright, his scouter beeping frantically.

Raditz: "Power level... 5,000?! That's impossible!"

Roshi (in awe): "Goku… he didn't even try."

Gohan (cheering): "Daddy's the strongest!"

Raditz stared at Goku in disbelief—then slowly knelt.

Raditz: "…Very well. I yield. There's no point fighting you."

Everyone stared.

Chi-Chi (arms crossed): "That was… easy."

But no one noticed Raditz's subtle motion—his finger pressing a hidden button on his scouter.

As the sun dipped low over the sea, painting the sky in warm gold and red, the tension seemed to settle.

Goku stood with his arms crossed, watching Raditz kneel in the sand, defeated but breathing. The others lingered in shocked silence. He knew Raditz was sending a message and he let him be. Chi-Chi stood protectively beside Gohan, who stared curiously at the fallen Saiyan.

Suddenly, a shadow dropped down onto the beach with a heavy thud.

Piccolo: "You just couldn't help yourself, could you?"

Everyone turned. Piccolo's cloak fluttered as he marched forward, his glare locked on Raditz. His eyes narrowed at the faint beep-beep echoing from the scouter now blinking erratically.

Goku: "Piccolo? You're hurt—"

Piccolo (ignoring him): "He was stalling. Sending a signal."

Raditz looked up, a cruel smirk spreading across his face.

Raditz: "Took you long enough, green man. Guess your brain isn't as sharp as those ears."

He tapped the side of his scouter once more—just for show.

Raditz: "Too late now. My message went through five minutes ago."

Chi-Chi (tense): "Message? To who?"

Raditz (grinning wider): "To real Saiyans. My partners. And trust me, compared to them, I'm nothing."

He stood shakily, still smug even in his bruised state.

Raditz: "Vegeta and Nappa. Two elite-class warriors. Real conquerors. They'll be here in one year. Give or take."

Everyone froze.

Krillin: "Wait—TWO more Saiyans?!"

Piccolo (voice low, cold): "And they'll be stronger than you?"

Raditz (chuckling darkly): "Stronger? They're monsters. You don't stand a chance. This planet's living on borrowed time."

He turned to Goku.

Raditz: "Enjoy your victory, brother. You've just signed Earth's death warrant."

The air grew heavier. Even the waves seemed to pause for a breath.

Goku (Not really worried): "Then we'll be ready."

Raditz only laughed and looked to the stars.

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