Chapter 20: Breaking Through Limits

Reached 100 stones, here the bonus chapter.

Next: 125

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"Just remember, Gohan," Piccolo continued, his voice steady, "you're not just fighting for yourself. You're fighting for everyone you love. Channel that energy."

Taking a deep breath, Gohan felt his ki building within him, rising like a wave that threatened to crash over the edge. He pushed harder, his mind narrowing in on the surge of power growing inside him. The ground beneath his feet trembled slightly, the air around him rippling as he concentrated.

"Come on, Gohan! You can do it!" he urged himself, gritting his teeth.

With a sudden surge of energy, Gohan felt a flicker of transformation. His hair began to lift, spiking upward, and the faint golden hue of Super Saiyan flickered around him. For a brief moment, the change was visible, his eyes flashed green, his aura radiating a soft, golden glow.

"Yes! I'm almost there!" Gohan exclaimed, excitement bubbling up within him. His body shook with power, but just as quickly as it had appeared, the transformation flickered and faded, leaving Gohan panting heavily, his knees trembling under the strain.

"No!" he shouted in frustration, his hands balling into fists. "Why can't I hold it? I felt it... I was so close!"

Piccolo stepped forward, his expression firm but encouraging. "It's okay, Gohan. You felt it, that's a sign you're making progress. You're getting there, but you can't rush it."

Gohan took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I will! I just want to be strong enough to protect everyone. I can't fail them again."

Piccolo placed a hand on Gohan's shoulder, his voice calm yet commanding. "Remember, Gohan, strength isn't just about power. It's about control. You've got the potential, but you need to control that power. Don't let your emotions overwhelm you, channel them."

Gohan nodded, his determination returning as he steadied his breathing. "I know. You're right, Piccolo. I'll get there. I just need more focus."

Piccolo observed his young student carefully, seeing the fire in his eyes. "You've already proven your strength in battle before, Gohan. It's time you trusted that strength. Don't force the transformation, let it come to you."

Gohan closed his eyes and resumed his stance, focusing inward. He could feel the dormant power within him, so close, yet just out of reach. The anger, the desperation, the love for his family, all of it fueled him. He had tasted the transformation briefly, but something held him back.

The ground trembled again as Gohan's energy flared. His fists clenched tighter, his muscles tensed, and once more, the faint glow of Super Saiyan began to surround him. But just like before, the transformation slipped away, leaving him standing in his base form, panting in frustration.

Piccolo stepped back, nodding approvingly. "Don't worry, Gohan. It will come. Just keep working at it. You're on the right path."

Gohan looked up at Piccolo, determination filling his eyes. "I won't give up. I'm going to unlock this power, for everyone. For my dad. For you."

Piccolo gave him a rare smile of approval. "Good. Keep that focus, and you'll reach it sooner than you think."

....

Not far away, Vegeta stood at the edge of a cliff, his arms crossed as he glared out over the barren landscape. His body ached from hours of relentless training, but the Saiyan Prince was far from done. He was chasing something far more personal, his pride. The new form he sought was more than just a transformation, it was a manifestation of his will, of his desire to stand above all others.

"Come on!" Vegeta roared to himself, his energy flaring wildly. His aura glowed blue, a unique form in his base state, symbolizing the intense pride fueling his ki. Each attempt pushed him closer to a breakthrough, but each time the form evaded him, leaving him even more determined.

The energy surged around him, crackling like electricity, but the transformation still slipped away just before it could solidify. His blue aura faded, leaving Vegeta panting in frustration. "Damn it!" he growled, clenching his fists. "Why can't I harness this power? It's right there!"

His frustration boiled over, but Vegeta was not one to stop. His pride wouldn't allow him to falter, and his willpower was unyielding. He closed his eyes, his body still glowing faintly with the residual energy of his failed transformation. 'I can't let Kakarot surpass me again. Not after everything. I must harness this power.'

Taking a deep breath, Vegeta focused inward. He remembered all the battles, all the victories and defeats, the constant need to prove himself. His pride had always been his driving force, but now he needed to channel it differently, not as rage, but as a calm, unshakable resolve. His pride wasn't just a source of strength, it was the very core of who he was.

Slowly, the blue aura around him began to pulse, like a heartbeat. Vegeta felt the power stabilizing, rising and falling with his every breath. The transformation was close, but instead of forcing it like before, Vegeta let the energy flow naturally, guiding it with his pride, not overwhelming it.

His muscles tensed, and his aura flared brighter than before, the air around him crackling with power. This time, the energy held firm, stabilizing into something tangible. Vegeta's eyes snapped open, glowing with intensity as his blue aura surged. The ground beneath him cracked under the pressure of his power, but it didn't fizzle out. It stayed.

"Finally..." Vegeta muttered to himself, a confident grin spreading across his face. "I've done it."

This new form, driven by his pride and willpower, was finally within his grasp. It wasn't just a transformation, it was an extension of who Vegeta was, the Prince of Saiyans, unwilling to bow to anyone. As long as his will remained unshaken, his power would grow without limit.

....

Not far from Vegeta, Gohan stood with Piccolo, the two of them observing the Saiyan Prince's latest success. Piccolo's expression remained firm, but he nodded slightly in approval. "Looks like Vegeta's getting closer to his goal."

Gohan, still feeling the sting of his own struggles, glanced at Vegeta with a mix of admiration and determination. "Yeah... he's incredible. I just hope I can reach that level soon."

"You will," Piccolo replied confidently. "Just keep pushing yourself, but don't lose focus. Strength comes from more than just raw power."

Gohan nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. He would continue his training. He wouldn't stop until he unlocked his Super Saiyan form and gained the strength to protect everyone he cared about. 'I'll get there. I have to.'

As the sun set on King Kai's planet, the Z-Fighters continued their intense training, each inching closer to their respective goals. Goku was nearing mastery of the Kaio-Ken and Super Saiyan combination. Vegeta had begun to grasp the form born of his pride. And Gohan, while still struggling, was steadily closing in on his own transformation.

Time was running out. Frieza was growing stronger with every passing day. When the time for their rematch came, they would have to be ready. Failure wasn't an option.

And they wouldn't stop until they were ready to face Frieza and win.

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