Two days had passed.
Kami and Mr. Popo walked toward the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, ready to open the door. When Mr. Popo pulled it open, they were met with an unexpected sight, the infinitely stretching white room appeared completely empty.
"Where is Taro?" Mr. Popo asked, scanning with both his eyes and his ki sense. Nothing.
Then, far in the distance, a purple hint of a figure appeared, racing toward them at incredible speed, with power unlike anything they had ever felt.
"What is that incredible power?" Kami breathed.
The figure grew clearer with each passing second until finally, Taro stood before them, wearing his original outfit. Kami and Mr. Popo could hardly believe their eyes. In two days, equivalent to two full years inside, Taro's strength had multiplied exponentially. They estimated he was at least a hundred times more powerful than before.
His muscles were sharply defined now, his frame slightly larger and more imposing than when he'd entered. Every line of his body spoke of relentless combat. But his expression was serious, etched with exhaustion.
Taro broke the silence first. "I'm heading home."
His voice cracked slightly on the last word, and he closed his eyes for a brief moment, embarrassed.
Kami and Mr. Popo noticed. They simply smiled and nodded, saying nothing.
Taro caught their silence and felt his cheeks warm further. Without another word, he shot into the sky and flew off the Lookout.
The two watched him go, understanding perfectly how he'd grown so strong. The distance he'd covered inside the chamber before they even spotted him told them everything.
Taro soared through the air, expression softening as the breeze washed over him. For a few seconds, he simply enjoyed the wind against his face. It had been so long since he'd felt the outside world.
'Grandma and Grandpa must be worried. I've been gone two whole days.'
A smile tugged at his lips as he imagined their faces. He pushed himself faster, eager to return home.
When he finally arrived, he sensed their ki inside the house. He aimed his finger at himself, clothes beam and his gauntlet dissolved, leaving him in his normal gi. Then he knocked on the door.
"Coming!" His grandmother's voice called from inside.
The door swung open, and she froze. There stood Taro, right on her doorstep. Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.
"Honey! Taro's home!" She called to her husband, then immediately smacked Taro's arm. "Don't you ever do that again! At least tell me how many days you'll be gone!"
Taro chuckled, kneeling down as she pulled him into a tight hug. "Alright, Obaa-chan. I'm sorry."
His grandfather appeared in the doorway, his face breaking into a warm smile. "Welcome back."
"Nice to be back, Ojii-chan."
After his grandmother finally released him, Taro stepped inside. "I'm a bit tired. Can I sleep first?"
"Of course, go rest," his grandmother said gently.
Taro removed his shoes, walked to his room, and collapsed onto his bed. A contented sigh escaped him.
'Ah... home sweet home.'
His grandparents watched him from the hallway, their hearts full.
"See? He came back safe and sound," his grandfather whispered.
His grandmother glanced at him, a knowing smile on her face. "You were worried too."
His grandfather just smiled.
. . . .
Taro finally woke up after a long, restful sleep. He shuffled out of his room, still a bit drowsy, and made his way to the living room. His grandfather sat on the couch, watching television.
On screen, a recap played of who had won the World Martial Arts Tournament, the Tenkaichi Budokai. His grandfather reached for the remote to change the channel.
"Ojii-chan, wait." Taro's voice cut in, more alert now. "I want to see who won."
His grandfather raised an eyebrow but flipped back. The screen displayed the results of the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai. The name and footage that appeared belonged to Son Goku.
Taro watched for a moment as the fight highlights began. Then he nodded. "You can change it back now."
His grandfather shrugged and switched to a different program. Taro headed to the kitchen, eager for something to eat.
But when he arrived, the stove was idle. His grandmother stood at the counter, just beginning to prepare their meal.
"Do you need help?" Taro offered.
She turned at the sound of his voice and smiled. "You're finally awake. Here, help me cut these vegetables."
Taro grabbed a knife and joined her, a relaxed smile on his face. For a while, they worked in comfortable silence. Then he spoke.
"Obaa-chan... I might need to head out again. And it'll be a lot longer this time."
Her hands stilled for just a moment before she resumed chopping, though her expression tightened with worry. "Where are you going this time?"
Taro kept his voice calm. "To meet the governor of the universe. I need to learn a technique from him."
His grandmother's jaw dropped. She stared at him, mouth open in pure disbelief.
She had accepted that he hatched from an egg. She had accepted that he could use magic. She had accepted that he grew into an adult in three years. She had accepted that he had another self somewhere in the sky.
But this? Meeting the governor of the universe?
"What next?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Are you going to tell me you've already met God?"
Taro glanced at her, utterly sincere. "Technically... yeah."
His grandmother froze. No words came out. She just stood there, processing.
After a few seconds of stunned silence, Taro tilted his head. "Obaa-chan?"
She shook herself, as if emerging from a trance. "I'm... just a bit surprised, that's all." She took a breath. "But be careful out there, then."
Taro nodded reassuringly. "Don't worry. I'm not leaving yet. I want to rest for a week first."
Relief softened her features. At least he wasn't rushing off immediately. She gestured toward the fridge. "Go get the chicken for me."
"Alright." Taro walked over and opened the refrigerator door.
His grandmother watched him, a mix of worry and affection swirling in her chest. 'What am I going to do with this grandchild of mine?' But despite everything, a smile tugged at her lips as she watched him move about her kitchen.