Goku goes back in time

The hovercraft hummed steadily as it soared through the quiet skies, the stars twinkling above the darkening landscape. The trip back to Satan City was calmer than the trip to Mount Paozu—but only on the outside. Inside the craft, it was a flurry of excitement, awe, and confusion.

Videl sat in the pilot seat, hands steady on the controls, but her mind raced. Erasa and Sharpner sat behind her, leaning forward in their seats, practically buzzing with conversation.

"Okay, can we just talk about that sparring match?" Erasa said first, breaking the silence. "Videl! You were holding your own against Chichi! As in the Anonymous fighter from the World Martial Arts Tournament!"

Sharpner whistled. "I mean, yeah, you lost, but still. That was Chichi! I didn't even know she was still that strong!"

Videl smirked faintly but didn't take her eyes off the horizon. "You guys are talking like you actually know her. But, well she wasn't even going all out. She was... guiding me. I thought I was good. Compared to normal fighters, maybe. But now? I've never felt so fired up."

Erasa giggled. "You totally have a new? old? idol, don't you?"

Sharpner leaned back. "I think we all do. Did you see how casual Goku was? Like... he's a legend. He took down the Red Ribbon Army as a kid. And now he's just walking around smiling like he's someone's dad at a picnic."

Videl's eyes softened as she glanced at the passenger seat beside her where Gohan had sat earlier when he offered to come along, but didn't since she refused him.

"He's more than that. He's Gohan's dad. And now I get it. Gohan didn't just get lucky. He's been raised by them. By warriors. Legends. No wonder he's so powerful."

"Powerful, and totally hiding it from us this whole time," Sharpner added with a snort. "And Trunks too! That kid's wild. And Goten—he knocked out a T-Rex! I was scared out of my mind and he just walked up like it was a dog chewing on a toy!"

Videl tightened her grip slightly. "It's strange. I came here to get answers, to confront Gohan about his secrets. Instead, I just found more questions. I don't even know how to feel."

Erasa tilted her head. "I mean, he didn't lie to hurt you. He was protecting something bigger than himself, right? You said it before—he's humble. Even with all that power, he doesn't show off."

Sharpner nodded. "And hey, I'll admit it. I used to think Gohan was just a nerdy honor student. But now? I feel like I've been watching Superguy pretending to be Klark Cent all this time."

The hovercraft flew quietly for a few seconds, giving them all time to process that.

"You think we can really train with them?" Erasa asked, eyes wide with hope. "Like seriously train? Learn old school martial arts and all that stuff?"

Videl smiled faintly, her earlier frustration melting into something more determined. "We'll have to work harder than ever. But Chichi said yes. And Goku... he didn't even hesitate. He wants to teach us. Gohan too. I think... I think they're excited we want to learn."

"Count me in," Sharpner said quickly. "I might not be the next world champ, but if I can even learn half of what Gohan can do... that'd be insane."

Erasa clapped her hands. "I'm totally in! I want to learn self defense and Karate chop bad guys!"

"A strong Karate chop or punch would be pretty useful," Sharpner agreed, arms crossed. "Especially against giant dinosaurs."

They all laughed.

Videl leaned back a little in her seat, gazing ahead. "For the first time in a long while, I feel like I'm doing something real. Not just chasing after my dad's legacy or winning tournaments for glory. This... this training might change our lives."

Erasa smiled. "It already has."

As the hovercraft approached Satan City in the distance, its tall buildings glowing like sentinels against the night sky, the mood inside the vehicle shifted. Excitement lingered, but now it was mingled with a new kind of resolve.

Tomorrow, they would return to Mount Paozu.

Tomorrow, they would begin their journey.

And from here on out—nothing would ever be the same.

Satan Residence

After parting ways with Erasa and Sharpner, Videl gently guided the hovercraft through the dimly lit skies, her thoughts distant as Capsule City lights slowly gave way to the familiar landscape of her hometown. She finally touched down at her estate, parking near the front steps of her large home. The night air was cool and still, the hum of the hovercraft fading into silence as she stepped off and headed inside.

She passed through the front door quietly, hoping to slip into her room unnoticed—until she heard the all-too-familiar voice of her father echoing through the mansion.

"Hoho! Look at that form! That's how the champ delivers a knockout punch!"

Videl rolled her eyes with a small smirk as she peeked into the living room. There, seated comfortably on the couch with a mountain of snacks around him, was Mr. Satan—World Martial Arts Champion and so-called "savior" of Earth—watching reruns of his own tournaments. Again.

"Really, Dad?" she muttered, arms crossed.

Mr. Satan glanced over, beaming. "Videl! Just in time! Come sit with your old man and relive one of my finest moments! This one's where I flipped that sumo guy with one finger! Classic stuff!"

Videl forced a polite smile and stepped inside, standing behind the couch as she watched the screen. She didn't have the heart to tell him what she now knew. She had seen a glimpse of the truth at Goku's home, between the warm smiles and knowing glances exchanged between him and his son—Gohan. The real savior of Earth. The real hero who defeated the monster Cell.

And her father… hadn't even touched Cell.

Part of her wanted to confront him—ask him why he lied. Why he let the world believe something that wasn't true. Why he took credit for another man's achievement. But Gohan and Trunks' words echoed in her mind.

"Mr. Satan is a hero. When no one else would step up, he did—even if he didn't stand a chance.""People needed someone they could believe in. Not aliens or glowing beings. A human."

Videl glanced down at her father now, laughing boisterously as he mimicked his old moves. He looked so proud. So needed. And maybe that was the point. He wasn't a warrior like Goku or Gohan, but he was a martial artist, a human that gave the world a face they could cheer for.

"You seeing someone, sweetheart?" he suddenly asked, glancing over his shoulder with a suspicious grin.

"H-Huh? What?" Videl blinked, caught off guard.

"You're all red! Don't try to fool your old man. I can spot that look a mile away," he teased, pointing a chip at her. "That Trunks boy from Capsule Corp? Or maybe that other guy… what was his name—Goha—?"

"Nope! Good night!" Videl quickly turned, face burning.

She didn't wait to hear the rest. Her footsteps echoed up the stairs as she escaped to her room, slamming the door shut behind her with a flustered huff.

Inside, she leaned against the door and sighed, heart racing a little. Her mind flicked back to the moment at the Son house—Goten's loud announcement, Gohan's calm eyes, Chichi's strength, and Goku's gentle smile. For the first time, she felt like she was starting to understand what real strength meant. Not just in fists, but in heart. In humility.

She smiled to herself.

Tomorrow, her training would begin.

And maybe, just maybe… she was ready.