Chapter 7: Super Saiyan 2

With Frieza defeated and the mystery of the young boy solved, everyone prepared to go their separate ways, ready to train and face the upcoming threat of the Androids in three years.

Goku spoke up, "We'll meet again in three years. If you're not confident in your strength, don't bother coming."

He then turned to John Doe and Vegeta, "Hey, John and Vegeta, want to train together?"

At this, Vegeta scoffed and said, "Kakarot, don't get too comfortable. I will surpass you eventually, and the title of the strongest Saiyan will be mine." With that, Vegeta leaped into the air and flew away.

Goku shrugged at Vegeta's departure and turned to Piccolo, "Piccolo, since Vegeta isn't interested, how about you join us? With Gohan, we can make it a 2-on-2."

Piccolo nodded, "I'm up for it. Training is training, no matter where."

Gohan was thrilled to hear that Piccolo would be training with them again. "That's great! I can train with Uncle Piccolo again."

John Doe and Goku waved goodbye to the others and vanished using Instant Transmission.

As they watched them leave, Tien said, "Well, I should be going too. Jiaozi is waiting for me at home. See you all in three years." And with that, he flew off into the distance.

Only Krillin, Yamcha, and Bulma remained.

Bulma spoke up, "Hey, why don't we just gather the Dragon Balls, summon Shenron, and ask him where Dr. Gero is? We can kill him and prevent the crisis in three years."

Krillin replied, "Bulma, I advise against that. You won't just offend me, but also Vegeta, Goku, John, and Piccolo. They would never allow it."

Hearing Krillin's refusal, Bulma turned to Yamcha, who looked away uncomfortably.

Angered, Bulma took out her plane capsule and transformed it into a plane. "Hmph! A bunch of crazy martial artists! Fine, I'll collect the Dragon Balls myself, just in case. You all can risk your lives, but I'm not done living yet." She then flew off towards West City.

Krillin and Yamcha looked around and realized they were the only ones left. They shook their heads and said, "Let's get back to our training too."

And so, everyone began their new training regimen.

Gohan and Piccolo were sparring with Super Saiyan Goku, while John Doe sat atop a mountain with his eyes closed, deep in thought (or so he pretended).

Below, Goku, Gohan, and Piccolo took a break, knowing they had three years to prepare. Trunks had assured them that he could handle one Android alone, but it would be challenging if they attacked together.

Now that Goku had the medicine for his viral heart disease and John Doe was aware of the future threat, the two Super Saiyans seemed to have the advantage over the Androids.

This was why Krillin disagreed with Bulma's plan to find Dr. Gero early. They all believed that the Z Fighters would have the upper hand in three years.

Gohan asked Goku, "Dad, what's Uncle John doing up there?"

"I'm not sure," Goku replied. "When we returned, he said he needed to think and has been sitting there motionless on that mountain for an entire day."

John Doe felt it was time to end his act, mainly because his stomach was growling, and he feared he might starve to death if he didn't eat soon.

He opened his eyes and stood up.

Goku noticed and flew over to him, curious. "John, what have you been thinking about all day with your eyes closed?"

John Doe looked at Goku and asked, "Goku, do you think Super Saiyan is the limit of our power?"

Goku was taken aback. Wasn't Super Saiyan the legendary warrior form? Could there be more beyond that?

Then Goku remembered his childhood training with John Doe in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, where John had mentioned Super Saiyan 1 and Super Saiyan 2.

Excitedly, Goku asked, "John, do you mean you can already transform into a Super Saiyan 2?!"

John Doe stumbled, "N-no, what are you talking about? It's not that fast."

"Oh, I see. But thanks for the reminder. I almost forgot what you told me when we were kids." Goku sat down on the ground, deep in thought. "How do we reach Super Saiyan 2? Hmm..."

"Maybe Krillin needs to die again?" Goku's sudden remark startled John Doe.

Krillin would probably run for the hills if he heard that; it was a scary thought.

"I think the conditions for Super Saiyan 2 might also be twofold," John Doe said. "First, we need to max out our Super Saiyan 1 strength. Second, it's probably still anger, but not just any anger. It should be an extreme state of emotion."

"The second condition clearly requires external factors. For now, we need to focus on the first one—maximizing our Super Saiyan 1 power."

Goku nodded in agreement, "I think I understand. John, let's compete and see who can be the first to reach Super Saiyan 2."

"Sure," John Doe said. "But don't forget your heart medicine. We don't want to lose you before we achieve Super Saiyan 2."

They shook hands firmly, their eyes sparking with intense electricity, a display of their unyielding determination.