Avengers Initiative Z Part 1

A Warning from the Kais

Children’s laughter echoed through the courtyard of Capsule Corporation as friends and family gathered to celebrate the birthdays of Trunks and Goten. Bright balloons drifted above the tables, and Bulma moved from one decoration to another, making certain everything surrounding the enormous birthday cake was perfect.

“Three already?” she said, smiling as she wrapped her arms around Trunks.

“And four!” Chi-Chi added.

Goten proudly held up all five fingers.

Goku scratched the back of his head and grinned. “It’s hard to believe they’re growing up so fast.”

Vegeta stood nearby with his arms folded, pretending not to care about the celebration. Despite the indifferent expression on his face, his eyes never wandered far from his son.

The rest of the Z Fighters were scattered throughout the courtyard. Krillin and Android 18 spoke with Yamcha and Tien near one of the tables. Piccolo stood alone beneath a tree, watching the gathering in his usual silence, while Dende smiled at the sight of everyone enjoying themselves after years of peace.

Without warning, two flashes of divine light appeared in the sky.

Every conversation stopped as the guests looked upward.

Two figures descended toward the courtyard.

“The Supreme Kai,” Gohan whispered.

“And Kibito?” Krillin asked.

The music stopped.

Supreme Kai landed gently before the group. Kibito touched down beside him, his solemn expression making it clear that they had not come to join the celebration.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Supreme Kai said, “but we’ve come because the universe faces a terrible threat.”

The smiles disappeared.

Goku stepped forward. “What kind of threat?”

Supreme Kai hesitated before answering.

“His name is Thanos.”

The name meant nothing to most of those gathered.

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed.

Supreme Kai noticed the reaction but continued. “Thanos is a galactic tyrant whose influence surpasses even Frieza’s. He seeks an ancient power capable of controlling—or destroying—the entire universe.”

Silence settled over Capsule Corporation.

“We need your help to investigate him before it’s too late,” Supreme Kai said.

Vegeta scoffed.

“No.”

Everyone turned toward him.

Piccolo studied his expression. “You know him?”

“I met him years ago while serving under Frieza.”

Krillin’s eyes widened. “You never told us!”

“There was never a reason.”

Vegeta appeared completely unconcerned.

“Thanos is no threat.”

Supreme Kai stared at him. “What?”

“He’s a coward,” Vegeta said. “He avoids battles unless he is certain he can win. He may be strong, but he is nowhere near powerful enough to concern me.”

Goku’s face brightened. “So there’s someone stronger than Frieza out there?”

A familiar excitement entered his eyes.

“Sounds like fun.”

Vegeta glared at him. “Idiot.”

Goku blinked. “What?”

“The Kais are exaggerating. They want us to dispose of their problems because we are the only mortals capable of doing it.”

“That isn’t what—” Supreme Kai began.

“And if we attack Thanos now,” Vegeta interrupted, “we could throw half the universe into chaos.”

His gaze moved over the others.

“He isn’t invading this planet. He isn’t pursuing us. Leave him alone.”

“Maybe,” Piccolo said.

Vegeta looked toward him.

Piccolo folded his arms. “But there’s another possibility. Suppose Supreme Kai is right.”

He turned toward Dende.

“What happens if Thanos discovers the Dragon Balls?”

The courtyard went still.

Bulma’s smile vanished. Chi-Chi pulled Goten closer to her side.

Even Vegeta had no immediate answer.

Supreme Kai stepped forward. “Exactly. Thanos has spent decades conquering one world after another. He invades planets, slaughters civilizations, and destroys anyone who stands in his way. Everything he does is in pursuit of this ancient power.”

His voice became more urgent.

“If he learns about the Dragon Balls, they may give him everything he needs.”

The Z Fighters exchanged uneasy looks.

“Entire planets?” Yamcha asked.

“He kills everyone?” Krillin added.

Supreme Kai lowered his head. “Countless worlds have already fallen.”

Dende stepped forward, his expression unusually grave.

“I remember what happened on Namek.”

Everyone turned toward him.

“I remember Frieza.”

The memories returned to them all—the ruined villages, the murdered Namekians, and Frieza’s relentless hunt for the Dragon Balls.

Dende clenched his fists.

“If Thanos is anything like him, we can’t simply ignore this.”

He looked around the courtyard.

“I’m not saying we should attack him, but we should investigate. At the very least, we need to learn whether this ancient power truly exists.”

Tien nodded first. “That seems reasonable.”

“I’d rather know what we’re dealing with,” Krillin said.

“So would I,” Piccolo agreed.

Goku grinned. “Works for me.”

Vegeta sighed. “Do whatever you want.”

Everyone looked toward him again.

“I’ve already told you what Thanos is. Weak. Cowardly. Unworthy of our time.”

He turned away.

“The universe is filled with problems. We don’t need to search for more.”

Supreme Kai stepped forward one last time.

“Please. Can I count on your help?”

No one answered immediately.

Then Gohan stepped away from the crowd.

“You can count me in.”

Goku blinked. “Gohan?”

Gohan smiled. “It’s been peaceful for a long time. If there’s even a chance this threat is real, someone should find out.”

He adjusted his glasses, removed them, and placed them carefully in his pocket.

“And besides…”

A determined smile spread across his face.

“I think it’s time I went on another adventure.”

Supreme Kai’s expression softened with relief.

Before he could thank Gohan, Chi-Chi’s voice cut across the courtyard.

“No!”

Everyone turned.

She marched toward Gohan and placed both hands firmly on his shoulders.

“Absolutely not.”

Gohan blinked. “Mom—”

“You’re only fourteen years old! You should be studying for school, not flying across the universe chasing dangerous monsters.”

She turned toward Supreme Kai.

“With all due respect, Lord Kai, my son is not going.”

Supreme Kai bowed his head. “I understand your concern.”

“You understand?” Chi-Chi demanded. “Do you know how many times Gohan has nearly died? The Saiyans, Frieza, the Androids, Cell…”

Her anger faded as she looked back at her son.

“He has done more than enough. He deserves a normal life. He deserves an education.”

Gohan lowered his eyes. “I know, Mom, but—”

“No buts.”

She crossed her arms.

“You’re staying here.”

Silence followed.

Then Goku stepped forward.

“I think you should let him go.”

Every head slowly turned toward him.

Chi-Chi stared at her husband. “What did you just say?”

Goku rubbed the back of his head. “I know you’re worried, but I think this could be good for him.”

“Good?” Chi-Chi repeated. “You think sending our fourteen-year-old son after another galactic tyrant would be good for him?”

“I don’t mean because of the fighting.”

Goku looked proudly at Gohan.

“He has always been strongest when he’s protecting people. He defeated Cell and saved all of us. But since then, he has mostly been studying.”

“I like studying,” Gohan said.

“I know.” Goku smiled. “And I’m proud of you.”

The admission surprised Gohan.

“But there’s an entire universe out there,” Goku continued. “You’ve spent your life fighting because someone else forced you to. This time, it would be your decision.”

He placed a hand on Gohan’s shoulder.

“No one is making you go. If you want to investigate with Supreme Kai, I think you should be allowed to choose.”

Chi-Chi’s voice softened. “But he’s only fourteen.”

“I know. I was younger than that when Grandpa Gohan taught me how to survive.”

Goku pointed toward Supreme Kai and Kibito.

“And he won’t be alone.”

Piccolo stepped away from the tree.

“I won’t allow anything to happen to him.”

Everyone looked toward the Namekian.

“If Gohan goes, I’m going too.”

Gohan gave him a grateful look. “Piccolo…”

Krillin raised a hand. “Count me in.”

“So will I,” Tien said.

Yamcha grinned. “I wouldn’t want you kids having all the fun.”

Android 18 smirked. “It doesn’t look as though he’ll be alone.”

Chi-Chi sighed.

The determination in Gohan’s eyes was painfully familiar. It was the same expression he had worn before facing Cell.

She reached up and straightened his collar.

“You truly want to do this?”

Gohan nodded. “I do. I want to know whether Thanos is as dangerous as Supreme Kai believes.”

His expression hardened.

“And if innocent people are suffering, I can’t ignore them.”

Chi-Chi closed her eyes.

For several moments, she said nothing.

Then she pulled him into a tight embrace.

“My little boy…”

She smiled sadly.

“I suppose you aren’t so little anymore.”

Gohan held her. “I’ll come home.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

She pulled away and wiped the tears from her face.

“Then promise me one more thing.”

“Anything.”

“You’ll continue studying whenever you have the chance.”

For a moment, the courtyard was silent.

Then Gohan laughed.

“I promise.”

Goku laughed with him. “Only your mother would worry about homework during a mission to save the universe.”

Chi-Chi glared at him. “And don’t you encourage him to skip it!”

Goku raised his hands. “I wasn’t going to!”

Vegeta rolled his eyes.

“Only this family could turn the fate of the universe into an argument about school.”

Krillin sighed. “What now, Vegeta?”

Vegeta ignored him and fixed his attention on Gohan.

“So you’ve decided.”

“I have.”

Vegeta studied him.

“This mission is a fool’s errand.”

Supreme Kai frowned. “You still refuse to believe Thanos is dangerous?”

“I refuse to believe he is worth disrupting the balance of the universe,” Vegeta replied. “If he is as insignificant as I remember, you’re wasting your time.”

He smirked.

“And if he has somehow grown stronger, charging after him without preparation makes you fools.”

Piccolo narrowed his eyes. “Then why are you speaking to Gohan?”

Vegeta approached until he stood directly before the young Saiyan.

“Because if he is determined to go, he should go alone.”

Chi-Chi immediately stepped forward. “Absolutely not!”

Vegeta didn’t acknowledge her.

“This isn’t a school trip,” he told Gohan. “If you need Piccolo to protect you, your father to rescue you, or these weaklings to hold your hand, then remain here.”

Goku frowned. “Vegeta…”

“No. You wanted the boy to choose. Let him.”

Vegeta folded his arms.

“A Saiyan doesn’t become a warrior by hiding behind others.”

His tone became quieter.

“When I was his age, I conquered worlds. I survived because I learned to depend upon my own strength.”

He looked Gohan over.

“You’re fourteen. You defeated Cell. You possessed power greater than your father’s at the same age.”

His eyes hardened.

“Stop acting like a child.”

Gohan remained silent.

“This journey is part of your Saiyan heritage,” Vegeta continued. “You carry the blood of warriors—not soldiers who blindly wait for orders, but warriors who discover the truth with their own eyes.”

He pointed toward Supreme Kai.

“If the Kai speaks the truth, you will discover it. If he is lying, you will learn that as well.”

Vegeta’s expression became solemn.

“But either way, you will return stronger.”

Chi-Chi stepped protectively in front of Gohan.

“He is my son before he is a Saiyan.”

Vegeta finally met her glare.

“And that is precisely why he hesitates.”

The words struck harder than anyone expected.

Gohan lowered his gaze.

“Your mother has every right to worry,” Vegeta continued, his voice softening slightly. “But one day, you will have to leave this planet without your parents beside you.”

He glanced at Goku.

“Every Saiyan does.”

Goku gave a faint smile. “For once, I agree with him.”

Chi-Chi stared at him. “You too?”

“Not about going completely alone.”

Goku returned to Gohan’s side.

“But he’s right about making your own decisions. I’ll always help you if you need me, but this is your adventure.”

He squeezed his son’s shoulder.

“Not mine.”

Gohan looked from his father to Piccolo, then toward his mother and finally Vegeta.

A quiet determination settled over him.

“I understand.”

He drew a breath.

“I’ll investigate with Supreme Kai.”

Then he looked toward Piccolo and the others.

“But if things become dangerous, I won’t hesitate to ask for help.”

Vegeta gave a satisfied smirk. “Good.”

He turned away.

“Knowing when to fight alone and when to rely upon allies is the difference between a reckless child and a true Saiyan.”

Vegeta walked back toward the house.

“Do whatever you wish. I won’t be joining this pointless hunt.”

Piccolo watched him leave.

“For someone who claims not to care,” he muttered, “that sounded remarkably like advice.”

Goku laughed. “That’s Vegeta’s way of saying he believes in Gohan.”

Vegeta’s voice echoed from inside the building.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Kakarot!”

The following morning, the courtyard of Capsule Corporation was filled once again.

This time, there were no balloons, decorations, or birthday presents.

Only farewells.

Supreme Kai and Kibito waited patiently while Gohan emerged from the house carrying a small travel bag over his shoulder. He wore his familiar orange gi, but the uncertainty in his expression made it clear that the reality of his journey had finally begun to settle over him.

Chi-Chi immediately embraced him.

“Promise you’ll eat properly.”

“I will.”

“And study.”

Gohan smiled. “I packed my textbooks.”

Several people laughed.

As Gohan started toward Supreme Kai, Vegeta’s voice stopped him.

“Gohan.”

Vegeta approached carrying a folded bundle beneath one arm. Without explanation, he tossed it toward him.

Gohan caught it. “What is this?”

He unfolded the material and discovered a new set of Saiyan armor.

Unlike the bulky armor Vegeta had worn while serving under Frieza, this design was slimmer and more flexible. A white chest plate fit closely against the body, while the dark-blue underlayer allowed complete freedom of movement. Lightweight shoulder guards, boots, and reinforced gloves completed the design without restricting his speed.

“It’s new,” Bulma said proudly. “I helped redesign it.”

Vegeta folded his arms. “The old Frieza Force armor is outdated. This version is lighter, stronger, and will not slow you down.”

Gohan stared at it. “You made this for me?”

Vegeta looked away. “Don’t misunderstand. I was tired of watching you fight in cloth.”

He gave the armor a brief glance.

“It suits a Saiyan.”

Gohan smiled. “Thank you.”

Vegeta gave a small nod. “Don’t disgrace it.”

A few minutes later, Gohan returned wearing the new armor over a dark-blue undersuit. It fit him perfectly, allowing him to move as naturally as he had in his gi.

Even Piccolo appeared impressed.

“It suits you.”

Bulma approached with a small silver case.

“Hold still.”

She clipped a compact device onto his belt.

“What is it?”

“A universal communicator. I’ve been working on it since the Cell Games.”

She handed him a capsule.

“If you’re anywhere near a compatible signal relay, you’ll be able to contact Capsule Corporation.”

Bulma winked.

“That way, your mother can make sure you’re eating.”

“Bulma!” Chi-Chi protested.

Everyone laughed.

“It also contains a galactic map, an emergency locator, a translator, a medical scanner, and enough battery power to last several years.”

Gohan blinked. “Several years?”

“I like to overprepare.”

He chuckled. “Thank you.”

“You’d better come back,” Bulma said. “I want the chance to build you a better version.”

Android 18 approached him next.

Unlike the others, she didn’t smile.

“You’ve always underestimated yourself.”

Gohan looked at her in surprise.

“When people speak about you, they remember the boy who defeated Cell. I remember something else.”

She folded her arms.

“You never enjoyed fighting.”

“No,” Gohan admitted.

“That may be your greatest strength.”

His confusion must have shown, because she continued.

“The strongest people aren’t the ones who search for battles. They’re the ones willing to fight when there is no other choice.”

A small smile touched her face.

“Don’t lose that. The universe already has enough warriors. It could use more heroes.”

Gohan smiled. “I’ll remember.”

She lightly punched his shoulder. “I know.”

Finally, Goku stepped forward.

Father and son regarded each other in silence before Goku smiled.

“You’ve grown up.”

Gohan laughed. “I don’t know about that.”

“You have.”

Goku placed both hands on his son’s shoulders.

“When you were younger, everyone expected you to become a fighter. After Cell, everyone expected you to become a scholar.”

He smiled proudly.

“But this journey isn’t about becoming what other people expect.”

Gohan listened closely.

“This is the first step toward finding your own path. You don’t have to become me.”

He glanced toward Vegeta.

“And you don’t have to become him.”

Vegeta scoffed.

Goku looked back at his son.

“You get to decide what kind of man you want to be. A warrior, a scholar, or something neither of us has imagined.”

His smile widened.

“Just make sure it’s your choice.”

Gohan felt a lump form in his throat.

“I will.”

Goku pulled him into an embrace.

“I’m proud of you.”

For a moment, neither spoke.

When they separated, Gohan looked around at everyone gathered in the courtyard.

His family.

His friends.

His teachers.

The people who had shaped his life.

“I’ll come back.”

Piccolo nodded. “We’ll be here.”

Chi-Chi wiped another tear from her face. “You’d better.”

Supreme Kai stepped forward.

“Are you ready?”

Gohan looked toward the sky and then back at his home.

He took a deep breath.

“Yeah. I’m ready.”

For the first time in his life, Gohan was leaving Draco Boru not because an enemy had forced him into battle, but because he had chosen his own path.

He did not know where that path would lead.

He knew only that somewhere beyond the stars, innocent lives were in danger—and he could not ignore them.