Goku goes back in time

It had been a grueling month since Videl, Erasa, and Sharpner began their training at Mount Paozu under Goku's watchful eye. What started as a fun idea had quickly morphed into the hardest challenge of their lives. The metal turtle shells strapped to their backs weren't just heavy—they were brutal. It started out as 20kg weights, but changed to custom-weighted turtle shells(Half their weight) by Bulma to match each trainee's physical limits, the shells had turned even a simple jog into an exhausting ordeal.

Each day began after school. Goku would whistle cheerily, already in his training gi, as he gathered the trio. Their morning routine was a variation of what Master Roshi once put Goku and Krillin through—running laps around the mountain trails, hauling water from the river, chopping wood, and plowing fields. All while carrying those cursed shells.

They passed out. A lot.

On the 2nd day alone, Sharpner collapsed mid-run and face-planted into the grass, his breath ragged. Erasa fainted by the riverbank while carrying two buckets of water. Even Videl, whose pride kept her pushing forward, eventually buckled after overexerting herself during a high-speed sprint exercise.

Thankfully, Chichi had anticipated this. With help from Bulma, she had installed a compact Healing Pod—based on Capsule Corp's modified Namekian and Saiyan technology—in their home. Each time someone collapsed or suffered sprains, they were gently lowered into the pod for a quick recovery. Gohan, at first hesitant about using such advanced tech for basic training, eventually agreed when he saw how effective it was for beginners unaccustomed to martial-enhanced strain.

Despite the harshness of it all, there was progress. Videl's balance and form had improved drastically. She was now faster, stronger, and even starting to understand the basics of though she still couldn't match Goten. Goku remarked that she reminded him of Gohan during his younger days—stubborn and sharp.

Sharpner, though still rough, had built up noticeable muscle and better control. His reckless punches had become more disciplined, thanks to Goku's light-hearted but firm coaching.

Erasa had the slowest start. Her first punch had missed a sandbag entirely and thrown her off balance. But her dedication surprised everyone. She never gave up. Every fall she took, every bruise she earned, only made her more determined to improve. Over time, she became lighter on her feet and more confident in her stance—even managing to land a clean kick during one of their light sparring drills against Sharpner.

Halfway through the month, Goku introduced them to Piccolo.

They had seen the tall green Namekian meditating before, but they hadn't spoken to him. Sharpner whispered he looked like a demon from the old Red Ribbon files they'd skimmed through. But when Piccolo opened his eyes and gave them a calm nod, they were startled by his composed demeanor.

"Don't be fooled by my appearance," Piccolo said, arms crossed. "I'm not here to scare you… unless you slack off."

To their surprise, Piccolo helped Videl fine-tune her breathing techniques and posture, especially during meditation. He didn't say much, but his presence commanded focus. Even Erasa, normally chatty, fell quiet when he guided them.

Meanwhile, Gohan and Goten trained separately with Piccolo when they weren't helping the trio. The brothers spent their afternoons meditating, practicing controlled Ki manipulation, and exchanging light sparring matches. Goten was getting faster, stronger—and even started emulating some of Gohan's hybrid techniques.

Trunks would occasionally visit, but he mostly trained with Vegeta in Capsule Corp's gravity chamber. His goal was singular: master Super Saiyan 2. He respected Goku and Gohan, but his pride—and perhaps a little competitiveness—pushed him to stay on par with them, especially since Gohan had already surpassed him once during the Cell Games.

During one of his brief visits, Trunks watched Videl spar with Goku and raised an eyebrow. "Not bad… for someone without Saiyan blood," he admitted, smirking. "But you've got a long way to go."

Videl smirked back. "And I've got the best teachers to get me there."

Their friendly rivalry fueled her even more.

Chichi, as always, played a crucial role in keeping everyone in top shape. She'd prepare high-protein meals and snacks rich with ingredients from her garden, and even created a reward system for finishing daily routines without collapsing.

The shell training continued, heavier each week.

By the end of the month, they were no longer falling after short laps. They could carry water buckets without spilling a drop. Even Erasa managed to chop firewood cleanly without flinching.

They still had a long way to go. But for three ordinary humans thrown into a world of Saiyans, Namekians, and monsters, their spirits were unshaken.

And tomorrow, Goku had promised—they'd start learning how to manipulate Ki.

After a solid month of physical conditioning and discipline under Goku's care—with sore muscles, callused hands, and countless passed-out moments spent inside Bulma's gifted healing pod—Videl, Sharpner, and Erasa were finally ready to begin the next stage: Ki Training.

This time, Gohan and Chichi took the lead.

The trio stood in a circle in the clearing behind the Son family's home. Gohan's expression was calm, his energy serene, while Chichi stood nearby with a hands-on-hips posture, watching them like a hawk.

"All right," Gohan began, smiling warmly. "Today we're going to learn about Ki—life energy. It flows through all living things, and with training, you can control it, sense it, and even shape it."

Videl crossed her arms, a skeptical frown on her face. "I've heard of Ki before. My dad always called it cheating. Said people who use it rely on tricks and flashy stunts."

Sharpner scoffed. "Yeah, like he's one to talk."

Erasa giggled nervously. "But… it's real, right? Like actually real? Not stage smoke?"

Gohan simply smiled. "It's very real. Let me show you."

With a deep breath, he focused his energy. A low hum filled the air. Within moments, Gohan lifted off the ground, calmly hovering a few feet in the air, his hair and clothes swaying gently from the aura around him.

Their jaws dropped. They knew Saiyaman flew but knowing and seeing were truly different.

"YOU CAN FLY?!" Erasa shrieked, pointing.

Sharpner took a step back. "What the hell…?! That's not normal!"

Even Videl, who usually kept her composure, visibly flinched. "No way… That's just like…"

Her eyes narrowed.

Erasa slowly turned to Videl. "Wait… didn't Saiyaman also fly?"

"And had a similar build…" Sharpner added, glancing up and down at Gohan suspiciously.

Videl's eyes lingered on Gohan. "You're… you're not him, are you?"

Gohan didn't respond immediately. He simply smiled a bit awkwardly and scratched his cheek.

He didn't deny it.

Videl caught the expression and raised an eyebrow. This just confirmed their previous suspicions.

The trio not really surprised anymore after what they've been through for the past month. 

They knew some people flew during the Cell games, but they figured it was a trick or they were only jumping high since most of the time the camera was just focused on an empty arena unable to follow the movements of Cell and the Z fighters. Plus the censoring and not to mention it cut off during the most important parts of the fight.

Chichi quickly clapped her hands, breaking the moment. "All right, enough guessing games! Let's get back to the training before dinner burns!"

Gohan touched down and nodded. "Flying is just one application of Ki. You can also use it to strengthen your body, sense others from afar, or fire it as a blast. But first—" he tapped his chest, "you need to learn how to feel it inside you."

"And don't think you'll skip the basics just because you've been running around with turtle shells," Chichi added firmly. "Ki training is delicate. One misstep and you'll either burn out or blow your pants off."

Sharpner turned pale. "That… that can happen?"

"It's more common than you think," Gohan chuckled. "Dad managed to blow off more than just pants once."

Nearby, Goku was napping against a tree, snoring with a satisfied smile.

The rest of the session went into meditation and focused breathing. Videl showed surprising potential, managing to spark a faint flicker of Ki in her hands. Sharpner mostly strained and grunted with little effect. Erasa kept getting distracted by grass and bugs, giggling through most of her attempts.

Goten and Piccolo were meditating nearby, watching silently. Piccolo's sudden appearance last week had alarmed the trio, but his calm, sage-like demeanor quickly shifted their perception. Now, they treated him like a silent, slightly scary coach.

"He's like a green monk," Erasa whispered once, only for Piccolo to crack open an eye and smirk.

Occasionally, Trunks would stop by briefly to spar with Goten or show off his progress under Vegeta's harsh training. His brief visits added a sense of rivalry and awe.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and training wrapped for the day, Videl found herself staring at her hands, feeling the tiniest warmth pulsing inside.

She looked back at Gohan, who was helping Chichi gather up towels.

"You're not going to deny it, huh?" she muttered, just loud enough for him to hear.

Gohan looked over his shoulder, grinning sheepishly.

"Nope."

Videl huffed through her nose, more amused than annoyed. "Figures."

And so, their journey continued—this time not with brute strength, but with the awakening of something far more powerful.

The world of Ki had opened before them… and Gohan, the once-quiet top student, was no longer just a mystery—he was the key.