Dragon Ball: I Became Cell in a Doomed Future

Trunks was still basking in the joy of reuniting with his mother, and while the news of Vegeta brought a slight shadow to his expression, it didn't affect him too deeply.

After all, in this timeline, the others hadn't had much time to truly bond with Vegeta.

Piccolo, however, didn't bother to hide his contempt. "Even if that guy were resurrected, it's not like he'd fight on our side!"

"Uncle Piccolo! Can you be a little more considerate of Trunks's feelings?" Gohan gently urged.

Kami stepped forward to clarify, "Originally, Trunks wouldn't have been able to return either. His body was completely absorbed by the monster. But at my request, King Yemma agreed to reconstruct it."

"Oh, and because King Yemma took this Earth crisis very seriously, he even restored Gohan's severed arm before we left."

Gohan looked down at his restored arm, his face filled with quiet emotion.

"What about Krillin, Tien, and Yamcha? Why didn't they return?" Piccolo frowned slightly, distancing himself from the others as if he didn't quite belong.

Levos answered flatly, "Their power levels just aren't enough to face what's coming."

"I heard Frieza and his father are stirring up trouble again?" Piccolo sneered.

"That's right. And on top of them, we're also up against Babidi and Dabura. Two extremely troublesome foes," Levos said grimly.

"Sounds like this is going to be a real challenge. I'm getting excited!" Goku grinned, cracking his knuckles.

"These enemies are far more powerful than before. If we still judge them based on the strength they showed the first time Frieza arrived on Earth, we'll suffer greatly."

"Everyone, report your current power levels," Levos instructed, his expression serious. "No one's allowed to hold back. What we're facing could decide the fate of the entire planet."

He then laid out his personal system for categorizing power levels and began assessing everyone present.

The strongest, without question, was Goku, who had broken through to Super Saiyan 3.

Levos didn't dare ask Goku to transform in front of everyone, as the SSJ3 form would likely cut short Goku's limited time in the living world.

More importantly, Levos suspected that Frieza and his father had spent the last year mastering the ability to both conceal and sense Ki.

Ever since Levos had learned Ki-sensing, he hadn't been able to detect either of them anywhere on Earth.

He feared that if anyone let their power surge, they might inadvertently reveal the Lookout's location.

Everyone began reporting their levels one by one.

After comparing carefully, Levos compiled a ranking:

From strongest to weakest: Trunks (Super Saiyan 1 Peak), Gohan (SSJ1 Peak), Levos (SSJ1 Peak), and Bulma (SSJ1 Peak).

Of course, this ranking only reflected raw power. It didn't fully account for combat experience or actual fighting ability.

Factoring in technique, Bulma's overall combat effectiveness was still far below the others.

"Mom, how did you become an android?" Trunks asked, puzzled.

"That's a long story." Bulma glanced at Levos, then looked back at her son with determined eyes. "But this time, I want to fight alongside everyone."

Levos had been hoping Gohan's power would be more impressive, but it seemed he hadn't even reached full-power Super Saiyan 1.

Still, that could be due to the arm he lost before. Maybe Gohan had struggled to fully assess his own strength. His potential was certainly beyond question.

Gohan looked ashamed. "Sorry. I didn't train seriously in the Other World. My strength only grew a little."

Piccolo hadn't even reached Super Saiyan 1-level combat power.

He scowled. "I've been training relentlessly in the Other World. But unlike you Saiyans, Namekians don't just transform to get stronger. It's not that simple."

Levos realized it was time. Piccolo and Kami needed to fuse again. Even with the Kaioken, Piccolo's power growth was still far too slow to keep up with current threats.

Right now, Piccolo had already fallen far behind the curve.

As for Kami, his role had long been reduced to being the Earth's guardian and the key to the Dragon Balls.

But since Kami had already died once, even with his return to the living world, the Dragon Balls hadn't reactivated.

Levos had already brought forth a more suitable successor.

"Mr. Kami, Goku and I brought back a new candidate for Earth's guardian. His name is Dende," Levos said openly.

It sounded almost like a declaration of usurpation.

Mr. Popo immediately tensed, clutching his handkerchief tightly.

But Kami showed no anger. "I see. Piccolo… no, I should say Piccolo's father and I were once one and the same. With Earth in crisis, it's time we reunite."

"Mr. Kami…" Mr. Popo choked up, unable to hide his sorrow.

Kami's gaze turned solemn and distant, as if he could see beyond the mortal world. "The Namekian you brought back has a pure heart. He's worthy of the role. I can see that clearly."

The impending farewell left Dende flustered, unsure of what to say.

"To be honest, I never expected this day to come," Kami said, voice trembling slightly. "But now, with Frieza, his father, and other powerful enemies rising, this is the last way I can be useful. Earth needs warriors now, not watchers."

"You can't say that, Mr. Kami!" Popo protested, clearly distressed. "You've protected this world for over a century…"

"No need to say more, Mr. Popo. Thank you for everything you've done." Kami's eyes softened. Then he turned to Piccolo. "It's time. Leave behind your role as guardian and become the warrior Earth needs."

Piccolo stepped forward, scowling. "If we fuse, I'm taking the lead. That's non-negotiable."

"Of course. You're younger and far stronger than me. That's how it should be." Kami nodded seriously. "All I'm doing is giving you a power boost and the knowledge I've gathered over the centuries."

"Now, place your hand on my chest."

Piccolo frowned but slowly pressed his palm to Kami's chest.

Kami turned to Popo one last time. "I can see it clearly now. Piccolo's heart is no longer clouded by evil. I'm truly at peace entrusting everything to him."

Popo opened his mouth, but no words came. He could only watch, eyes glistening.

Piccolo's expression was unreadable. He said nothing.

Then, suddenly, a blinding light enveloped them both.

Kami's eyes glowed with clarity, and his frail frame surged with power.

Moments later, the light faded.

Piccolo stood alone.

The place where Kami had once stood was now empty.

"Farewell… Mr. Kami." Popo whispered softly.

Piccolo's entire aura had changed. The shadow that always seemed to linger in his gaze was gone, replaced by a calm, composed energy.

A wave of immense power erupted from his body, causing the Lookout to tremble violently.

"Piccolo! You need to suppress your energy!" Levos called out quickly.

Piccolo blinked back to awareness. With a thought, he pulled back all his Ki, as if nothing had happened at all.

"Not good. Two evil and incredibly strong energy signatures are heading this way fast!" Gohan shouted in warning.

"It must be Frieza!" Goku grinned, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Bulma, let's go hold them off," Levos said decisively. "Mr. Popo, hurry have Dende revive the Dragon Balls!"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, you like the story? Wow, who knew. Go ahead, drop a review and throw some power stones maybe I'll be motivated to keep going.

"Want to stay ahead of the game?Advanced chapters are up on my Patron. If you're enjoying the ride, swing by and check them out."

[email protected]/_theon

Change @ to "a"