The wind howled softly above the floating palace of Earth, the Lookout. Its pristine white tiles gleamed beneath the sun, while the vast sky stretched endlessly around it, making the temple seem like it was suspended between heaven and earth.
A sudden ripple in space distorted the calm air. In an instant, three figures appeared, as if reality itself bent to allow their arrival.
It was Rudra, flanked by Goku and the mysterious young warrior, Trunks. Rudra had locked onto the familiar energy of Earth's guardian, Kami-sama, and used his instantaneous technique to teleport them all directly to the Lookout.
The trio straightened as their eyes fell upon two figures waiting ahead—Kami-sama, the wise Guardian of Earth, and his loyal attendant, Mr. Popo.
---
Kami-sama stepped forward with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression solemn yet warm.
"We've been waiting for you, all of you," Kami said, his voice calm but heavy with meaning. "King Kai has already informed me of what happened on Planet Namek. Rudra… Goku… and this young man…"—his eyes lingered on Trunks—"I must thank you all. Not only for defeating a terrifying evil but also for saving the Namekian people."
Trunks bowed his head respectfully, while Rudra remained silent, studying Kami carefully. Goku, on the other hand, scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
"Heheh… well, it's what we had to do," Goku laughed. "After all, we were kind of relying on their Dragon Balls, right?!"
Rudra smirked faintly at Goku's honesty, while Kami allowed himself a small chuckle.
---
Goku then glanced around, his eyes scanning the open space of the Lookout. His face lit up with curiosity.
"Huh? I thought Piccolo and the others would be here already!" Goku exclaimed. "But… it looks like they're not around. Maybe they're off training somewhere?"
Rudra, exhausted from the battles on Namek, slowly sat down cross-legged on the polished floor. His voice was low, carrying the weight of his fatigue.
"I'm… completely drained. I can't keep pushing anymore."
Seeing him settle down, Goku sighed and flopped onto the ground beside him.
"Yeah… me too. And honestly, I'm starving," Goku admitted, rubbing his stomach as it growled audibly.
-----
Kami-sama chuckled again, this time more warmly.
"We have plenty of food here on the Lookout. Would you care to eat?"
Before Rudra could answer, Goku shot up to his feet, his hunger overriding everything else.
"Food?! Yes! Absolutely, Kami! I'll eat anything you've got!"
Even Trunks, though more composed, couldn't help but let a faint smile cross his face at Goku's childlike enthusiasm.
Soon enough, the three warriors were seated inside the Lookout, surrounded by an array of dishes carefully prepared by Mr. Popo. Plates piled high with rice, vegetables, roasted meats, and exotic fruits from across the world filled the table.
The air filled with the sound of clattering chopsticks, Goku devouring food with unrelenting speed, Rudra eating more slowly but gratefully, and Trunks politely taking small portions.
For the first time since the chaos on Namek, the atmosphere was light, almost peaceful.
When they finally finished, each of them leaned back, satisfied. Goku let out a loud sigh of relief.
"Ahhh, that hit the spot! I don't think I've eaten this good in forever!"
The moment they stepped outside the dining hall, however, that peace gave way to something else—a reunion.
One by one, familiar figures began appearing on the Lookout, their energies rushing toward the temple as news spread of Goku and Rudra's return.
There was Vegeta, his arms crossed and his expression as proud and arrogant as ever. Beside him stood Nappa, his massive frame unyielding, and Raditz, his long hair flowing as he scanned the area curiously.
Then came Piccolo, towering and stoic, his sharp eyes fixed on Goku. Krillin was next, followed by Tenshinhan, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, and Master Roshi, his staff tapping lightly against the tiles.
From another side, Bulma rushed forward with wide eyes, her son Gohan close beside her, both of them relieved beyond words.
Soon, the entire Z Fighters stood together on the Lookout, their presence filling the air with energy and familiarity.
Goku's eyes widened with joy as he spotted all of them. He lifted a hand, smiling brightly though his voice carried a tinge of guilt.
"Hey, everyone! It's so good to see you again!"
He paused, scratching his head awkwardly before speaking again.
"I'm… sorry. I'm sorry for reviving you all so late. I know it must've felt like forever, but… we did it. You're all back now."
The Z Fighters exchanged glances. Relief washed over their faces, mixed with the unspoken gratitude that none of them could easily put into words.
Krillin stepped forward first, a grin tugging at his lips.
"Late or not, Goku… it's good to see you again. And besides, you saved the Earth and brought everyone back. That's more than enough."
Piccolo's deep voice followed, calm yet powerful.
"You did what no one else could. There's no need to apologize."
Bulma, however, crossed her arms and gave Goku a sharp glare.
"You idiot! Do you know how much worrying you've put us through?! At least try to think of how others feel next time!"
But even as she scolded him, there was a soft smile in her eyes.
Gohan ran up and hugged his father tightly.
"Dad! I knew you'd come back. I knew it!"
Goku bent down, embracing his son warmly. His eyes shimmered with pride and relief.
"Of course, Gohan. I promised I'd always come back, didn't I?"
---
Meanwhile, Rudra stood slightly apart from the group, watching the joyful reunion in silence. His body still bore the marks of the brutal battles, but his expression was calm, thoughtful.
He knew this wasn't his moment—it was theirs. The Saiyans, the humans, the Namekians… all celebrating the return of peace.
Still, in his heart, Rudra felt the quiet satisfaction of knowing he had played a part in making this possible.
Trunks, too, remained quiet. He leaned against one of the pillars of the Lookout, observing everyone with sharp eyes. Unlike Goku, he didn't rush to greet the others. His presence was mysterious, restrained, and yet undeniably powerful.
---
The Lookout, once silent, was now alive with voices, laughter, and the warmth of reunion. For the first time in a long time, Earth seemed safe.
————————————
✨ Wanna Read More?
Join patreon.com/RJ_Multiverse
and unlock 50+ exclusive chapters before anyone else!