Shenron's Vow: The Ultimate Wishmaker

High above Baozi Mountain, the air crackled with energy as Goku hovered, his Super Saiyan 2 form ablaze with golden light and jagged lightning. The rugged cliffs below trembled faintly, loose pebbles skittering down the slopes. Renkai floated opposite him, arms crossed, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the electric fury radiating from his brother. He tapped the sleek combat detector perched on his ear, a gift from Bulma's genius tinkering. "Let's see what you've got," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

The device beeped: Son Goku: Combat Power 7 Billion (Super Saiyan 2). Renkai's smile widened, genuine pride flickering in his eyes. "Goku, I'm impressed—really. This training's paid off. But if you think 7 billion's enough to take me down, you're reaching a bit high."

Goku's gaze sharpened, his grin fierce and unwavering. "Brother, we're here, sky's clear—why not throw down? No point wasting the trip!" He flexed his fists, sparks snapping around them. To him, Super Saiyan 2 was a titan's strength, a peak he'd clawed his way to. Renkai's casual dismissal stung—not because he doubted it, but because he couldn't fathom where that confidence came from.

Renkai chuckled, uncrossing his arms. "If you're itching for a fight, I won't say no. But first—how hard do you want me to hit? Half-strength, or everything I've got?"

"Everything!" Goku shot back, no hesitation. "Go full tilt, Brother! I didn't drag you out here for a pat on the back." His voice carried a mix of defiance and trust—he'd hauled Renkai from Western Capital's bustle to this remote peak for a real showdown.

"Full tilt it is, then," Renkai said, his tone light but edged with promise. With a soft shout, golden flames erupted around him, his hair spiking into Super Saiyan 1's radiant blond. But then, a blood-red aura surged, weaving through the gold like veins of fire—Kaio-ken, layered atop the transformation. The sky darkened, the wind howling as his power swelled. The detector chirped again: Renkai: Combat Power 500 Billion (Humanoid Shenron · Super Saiyan 1 · 20x Kaio-ken). Renkai glanced at it, grinning. "Bulma's upgrade's a beast—didn't even flinch at that."

Goku's jaw dropped, his bravado faltering as the abyss of Renkai's strength yawned before him. The air grew heavy, pressing against his chest like a physical force. "Kaio-ken and Super Saiyan? Brother, that's insane…" His voice trailed off, a mix of awe and dread sinking in. This was Renkai unleashed—a monster beyond comprehension. No wonder Super Saiyan 2 barely registered on his radar.

"Ready when you are," Renkai said, settling into a stance, his aura a swirling tempest of gold and crimson.

Goku stared, then let out a shaky laugh, his lightning fading as he dropped the transformation. "Brother, I give up. No point—I'd be swinging at shadows." His shoulders slumped, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. The gap hadn't shrunk; it had widened into a chasm. Seven billion felt like a child's boast next to 500.

Renkai landed beside him, clapping a hand on his back. "Don't beat yourself up, Goku. You're climbing fast—keep at it, and you'll catch me one day." He winked, thinking to himself, Maybe when I'm dust. Aloud, he added, "Since we're out here, how about we grab some grub? My treat."

Goku perked up, his gloom evaporating. "Barbecue in town sounds perfect! My stomach's yelling already." He rubbed his belly, the promise of food banishing his defeat.

Renkai smirked, shedding his transformation with a flicker. He'd honed a trick from Puar's playbook—masking his Shenron form as a human shell. It was a sly shield, hiding his true nature from prying eyes. Wishes fueled his power, but relying on them too openly risked exposure. Better to nurture a crew of brothers, let them wish him stronger, and keep the ruse intact. Goku, oblivious, was the perfect test—none the wiser as they strolled off the mountain.

In a nearby town, they settled into a smoky barbecue joint, the air thick with the scent of sizzling meat. Plates piled high, they dug in, trading laughs over small talk—Gohan's antics, Bulma's latest gadgets. Mid-bite, they froze, forks hovering. A chill rippled through the air, a distant aura pressing against their senses.

Goku swallowed, glancing skyward. "Brother, feel that? Another off-worlder—and not like Vegeta's crew."

Renkai nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Stronger, too. Way past Vegeta's league."

Goku sighed, poking at his ribs. "Still a lightweight, though. Not worth the hassle."

They shrugged it off, returning to their feast, the cosmic intruder a fleeting blip on their radar. But miles away, in Western Capital, the gravity room at Bulma's mansion buzzed with tension. Vegeta, Nappa, and Raditz trained under 100 times Earth's pull, sweat streaking their faces. The same aura hit them, and Vegeta's scowl deepened, his fists clenching mid-punch.

"Frieza," he spat, the name a curse. "That bastard's here."

Nappa wiped his brow, grinning faintly. "So what, Vegeta? Earth's stacked now—Big Brother and the Super Saiyan squad'll chew him up."

Vegeta's fist slammed into the steel floor, denting it with a clang. "Shut it, Nappa! I know Frieza's no match for Renkai or Kakarot's gang. But if I don't crush him myself—avenge Planet Vegeta, wipe out years of groveling—I'll never rest!" His voice shook, raw with fury and shame. "I'm the Saiyan Prince, and I can't even outmuscle Bulma now—damn it all!"

Raditz and Nappa exchanged a glance, words failing them as Vegeta's red-rimmed eyes bored into the ground. His pride was a festering wound, and Frieza's arrival was salt rubbed deep.

Across the compound, the security team stirred. Krillin greeted Yamcha at the gate, a grin splitting his face. "Back fast, huh? Felt that aura creeping in?"

Yamcha laughed, slinging his bag down. "Yeah, business calls. Renkai's got us spoiled—fat paychecks mean I can't slack off when trouble's brewing."

The crew converged—Chiaotzu, Tien, Cell—all but Goku, who was still gorging with Renkai. Even Piccolo, ever the lone wolf, strode into Bulma's orbit, drawn by the unspoken threat. With Renkai absent, Bulma took charge, her sharp mind defaulting to command. "Alright, people," she called, clipboard in hand, "something big's coming. Gear up—we're not losing this planet on my watch."

Above, Frieza's ship loomed closer, a dark disc slicing through the void. The Earth hummed with quiet defiance, its champions readying for the storm.

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