CHAPTER 13: EMBRACE YOUR INNER SAIYAN

Truffle leaned back in her seat, her feet propped on the control panel, lazily flipping through a magazine while Meelo floated over her shoulder, watching silently as the hum of the ship’s engines filled the air. The navigation system chirped softly, signaling that they were still on course. Peering over her shoulder, Truffle glanced into the back compartment where Gohan and Vegeta sat across from one another, their eyes closed, perfectly still.

Tarble and Broly stood nearby, silently observing the two Saiyans. After a moment, Tarble broke the quiet. “What are you guys doing?”

Without opening his eyes, Gohan answered calmly. “Image training.”

Tarble tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his gaze. “What’s that?”

“It’s a mental exercise,” Gohan explained, his tone steady and focused. “You create a mental image of your opponent and spar with them in your mind. It’s not just about visualization—it requires syncing your ki with your training partner. Done properly, it can feel as real as an actual battle.”

Tarble frowned slightly, processing the explanation. “So, you’re training without physically fighting?”

“Exactly,” Gohan replied with a slight smile, his eyes still closed. “It’s a useful method when space is limited—or when it’s better not to risk a real fight.”

Broly continued to watch in silence, his curious gaze fixed on the pair as their ki gently pulsed in the still air.

As Gohan and Vegeta returned to their mental battle, Broly and Tarble exchanged glances. The concept was fascinating but foreign.

***

Inside the mental arena, Gohan and Vegeta clashed with explosive force. Their movements were a blur—precision and power combined in every strike. Gohan unleashed a barrage of punches, his attacks sharp and calculated, each one backed by years of relentless training. Vegeta met them head-on, his defenses impenetrable, countering with swift, punishing blows that tested Gohan’s limits.

The simulated battlefield trembled under their combined energy. Each kick and punch sent shockwaves rippling through the air. Gohan's aura flared with determination as he dodged a powerful strike from Vegeta, countering with a spinning kick aimed at his opponent’s ribs.

Vegeta blocked it with ease, retaliating with a rapid series of punches that forced Gohan onto the defensive.

The battle’s intensity ramped up as Vegeta’s ki exploded, his body radiating the distinct, ominous purple glow of Ultra Ego. His grin was sharp and wild, his eyes gleaming with a thirst for the fight. 

Gohan gritted his teeth, the pressure mounting under Vegeta’s relentless assault. He knew this wasn’t just about holding his ground—it was about pushing himself past his limits. With a roar, Gohan’s energy spiked, his aura erupting into a violent, untamed blue-gray glow. His hair lengthened and sharpened, turning silver-white, and his eyes burned with crimson intensity.

Beast Gohan had emerged.

The battlefield trembled under the sheer magnitude of their combined power. Gohan wasted no time, launching himself at Vegeta with a speed and ferocity that made the Saiyan Prince’s grin widen. Their fists collided, sending shockwaves that cracked the ground beneath them.

The fight was brutal, each exchange more devastating than the last. Gohan’s raw power in Beast form was overwhelming, his punches carrying enough force to shatter mountains. He managed to press Vegeta back, landing a flurry of strikes that made even the Saiyan Prince falter for a moment. But Vegeta’s Ultra Ego thrived in the chaos, and each blow he endured only seemed to make him stronger.

Vegeta countered with a powerful kick to Gohan’s side, sending him skidding across the ground. Gohan caught himself mid-slide, his aura flaring violently as he charged forward again, this time releasing a massive energy wave. Vegeta took the hit head-on, emerging from the smoke with a laugh, his energy surging even higher.

Gohan growled, his frustration mounting. He could feel the raw, untapped energy of his Beast form threatening to spiral out of control. He pushed harder, trying to find a balance, but the more he fought, the more unstable his energy became.

Vegeta capitalized on the opening. In a flash, he closed the distance and delivered a punishing blow to Gohan’s midsection, knocking the wind out of him. Gohan staggered but refused to fall, his aura flickering wildly as he tried to regain control.

With one final, devastating combination, Vegeta broke through Gohan’s defenses, landing a blow that sent him crashing into the ground. The mental arena trembled, then dissolved, leaving the two Saiyans back in the real world.

Gohan opened his eyes with a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair. His breathing was steady, but his frustration was evident. “I was so close,” he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. “I could feel it. I’ve gotten stronger, but…” He trailed off, his brow furrowing.

“You’ve got power, Gohan,” Vegeta said, his voice cutting but not unkind. He crossed his arms, his sharp gaze fixed on the younger Saiyan. “I’ll give you that. But power without control is useless—and it wasn’t enough. There’s still something missing—something holding you back.”

Gohan nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I’ve been training nonstop since Cooler, honing everything I’ve got. And yet, this form…” He paused, glancing at his hand as if he could still feel the raw energy. “Beast. It’s incredible, but I can’t fully control it yet. It’s like trying to hold onto a storm.” He exhaled sharply, his brow furrowed. “I’ve found a way to manage it—powering up to the edge of losing control and staying there. It lets me unleash the form’s full potential for a massive burst of power and speed, but…” He trailed off, running a hand through his hair. “It’s a stopgap at best. It drains my stamina so fast, and if I slip even for a second, I could lose control completely. It works for now, but I know it’s not enough. I need to master it—really master it—or it’s just going to hold me back.”

Vegeta narrowed his eyes, his tone turning serious. “Then you’ll need to find a way to. Whatever that power is, it’s the key to breaking past your limits. Turles won’t hold back, and neither will the others. You’ll need every ounce of strength you’ve got to survive.”

Gohan straightened, determination flickering in his eyes. “I’ll figure it out. I have to.”

Vegeta gave a curt nod. “Good. Because anything less won’t be enough.”

For a moment, Vegeta said nothing, his arms still crossed as his gaze lingered on Gohan. Then his expression softened slightly, a rare, almost reflective look crossing his face. “You know, Gohan,” he began, his tone quieter but still firm, “I’ve watched you grow up—seen the power you’ve wielded, the potential you have. You’re different from Kakarot and me. You fight for something else, something deeper. And because of that…I believe you have the potential to surpass us both.”

Gohan blinked, his eyes widening in surprise. “Surpass…you and Dad?”

Vegeta’s smirk returned, faint but genuine. “Don’t let it go to your head,” he said with a faint scoff. “But yes. You have that power. The problem is, you’re still clinging to it—overthinking it, trying to control it too much. I’ve been where you are, trying to force my way through barriers with sheer effort. It doesn’t work.” He closed his eyes briefly, recalling his own training with Beerus. His voice took on a sharper edge, not harsh but deliberate. “Let it go. Only then will you see your true potential.”

Gohan was silent, his mind processing Vegeta’s words. He’d never expected to hear something like this from him, of all people. “Vegeta…” he started, then stopped, a small, grateful smile forming on his face. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Vegeta turned away, his expression already back to its usual stoic demeanor. “Don’t waste it. Potential means nothing without results.”

Gohan nodded, his resolve stronger than before. Vegeta’s words stayed with him, echoing in his mind like a guiding mantra: Let it go. Only then will you see your true potential.

Broly and Tarble, who had been watching the scene unfold in silence, exchanged a glance. Tarble’s curiosity was evident, while Broly’s expression remained thoughtful as he absorbed what he had just witnessed.

“Want to give it a try?” Gohan asked, motioning toward the empty space.

Tarble hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting toward Broly. Broly met his eyes, the two exchanging a brief, silent look. With a subtle nod, as if silently agreeing “sure,” they both stepped forward and sat across from each other.

As they both closed their eyes and began channeling their ki, Tarble was immediately struck by the overwhelming difference in their power. Even though Broly was clearly suppressing his energy to match, the sheer depth and weight of his aura felt like standing at the edge of a raging storm. It wasn’t just the raw strength—it was the primal intensity, as if Broly’s energy carried a wild, untamed force that was barely held in check.

Tarble’s brows furrowed as he concentrated, trying to steady his own ki, but the gulf between them was undeniable. A bead of sweat formed on his temple, his body tensing under the pressure.

After a long moment, Tarble opened his eyes and stepped back, letting out a quiet breath. “Maybe…another time,” he said, his tone calm and measured. There was no fear in his voice, only a quiet understanding of the challenge Broly represented, even in a controlled scenario.

Broly opened his eyes, tilting his head slightly as if trying to understand. He shrugged after a moment, his expression unreadable but accepting of Tarble’s decision.

Truffle’s voice echoed from the cockpit. “We’re approaching. Everyone, get ready for landing.”

As the group moved toward the ship’s viewport, Vegeta stayed behind, his thoughts elsewhere.

Seating himself cross-legged, he closed his eyes again. This time, he envisioned a new opponent—Turles. The rogue Saiyan appeared before him in his mind, his smirk taunting, his aura dark and menacing.

Vegeta charged forward, his attacks swift and powerful, but Turles countered each one effortlessly. No matter how many times Vegeta replayed the scenario, the outcome remained the same—defeat. Turles seemed insurmountable, his power always one step ahead.

The frustration boiled within Vegeta as he clenched his fists. Memories of his training with Beerus surfaced, the god’s stern words ringing in his ears:

"You’ve fallen time and time again. And yet, you rise. That is your strength. But clinging to that cycle—falling and rising endlessly—will only keep you shackled. Destroy that weakness. Let it go. Only then will you see your true potential."

Vegeta’s eyes snapped open, determination burning in his gaze. He rose to his feet, his aura flaring briefly as he resolved to break past his limits once more.

“I am not the same man I was,” he muttered to himself. “Turles…you won’t win.”

The ship jolted slightly as it descended into the atmosphere, and Truffle’s voice called out again. “Welcome to Vornis.”

Vegeta joined the others at the viewport, his expression hard but focused. Below them, the sprawling city of Vornis unfolded—its towering skyscrapers and neon-lit streets contrasting sharply with the dark, dangerous underbelly of the planet. The tension in the air was palpable as they prepared for what lay ahead.

___________

Writer’s Note:

This chapter stays true to my original idea, focusing on Gohan and Vegeta, who are the main characters of this story arc. I thought it would be cool to bring back Image Training, a concept that’s only been used a handful of times (once in Z and, if I’m correct, once in Super, with Frieza also mentioning it during his time in hell). It felt like the perfect opportunity to reintroduce it here—similar to how Krillin and Gohan used it on their way to Namek.

The focus is on Gohan embracing his inner Saiyan, and who better to guide him than Vegeta? Vegeta sees untapped potential in Gohan but often views his focus on studies as a waste. Over time, though, Vegeta seems to understand that Gohan is on a different path than he or Goku, and part of him has come to accept that. At the same time, you can sense that Vegeta’s feelings toward Turles are deeply personal, adding another layer to his motivation.

As for the bit with Tarble and Broly, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include it. The thought of anyone Image Training with Broly—whose ki, even when controlled, has a primal, immense aura—was too funny not to explore.

This chapter sets the stage as the team arrives on a new planet in search of answers. It’s just the beginning!