Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 1: The Saiyan Prince's Challenge

The gravity pressed down, a relentless force threatening to crush Vegeta's very bones. Sweat stung his eyes as he launched into a flurry of punches, each impact reverberating through the chamber. His muscles screamed in protest, but he pushed harder, faster.

"Not enough," he growled through gritted teeth.

A roundhouse kick sliced through the air. Another. His movements blurred as he battled invisible foes, dodging phantom attacks with lightning reflexes.

Kakarot's face flashed in his mind. That infuriating grin.

"Damn you," Vegeta snarled, unleashing a barrage of energy blasts that ricocheted off the reinforced walls. "I am the Prince of all Saiyans!"

The gravity increased again. 450 times Earth's normal pull. His legs trembled, threatening to buckle.

No. I won't yield.

He forced himself upright, chest heaving. "Computer, increase to 500!"

Warning lights flashed. The air grew thick, oppressive.

Vegeta's thoughts raced. Always one step behind. No matter how hard I train, that clown surpasses me.

"I refuse to be second best!" he roared, powering up. Golden energy crackled around him as he transformed, his hair flashing blonde.

Super Saiyan wasn't enough. He needed more.

Vegeta launched into a series of rapid-fire punches and kicks, each movement a defiance of the crushing gravity. His body protested, muscles straining to their limit.

Just a little further. Push harder.

He wouldn't stop. Couldn't stop. Not until he surpassed Kakarot. Not until he reclaimed his rightful place as the strongest warrior in the universe.

The Prince of all Saiyans would bow to no one.

---

The hiss of the Gravity Room's door pierced through the hum of machinery. Vegeta's fist froze mid-strike, his eyes darting to the entrance.

Bulma stood there, her blue hair disheveled, concern etched across her face. "Vegeta!"

He grunted, acknowledging her presence with a curt nod before resuming his barrage against an invisible opponent.

"Computer, maintain current gravity," he commanded, voice strained.

Bulma's eyes widened as she glanced at the control panel. "500 times? Are you insane?"

Vegeta didn't respond, his focus unwavering as he executed a series of rapid kicks.

"Vegeta, please," Bulma's voice softened, cutting through his concentration. "You need to take a break."

He paused, chest heaving. "I can't afford to rest. Not now."

"You can't afford not to," she countered, taking a cautious step forward. "This obsession... it's not healthy."

Vegeta's jaw clenched. Obsession? No, this was necessity. Kakarot's face flashed in his mind again, fueling his resolve.

"You don't understand," he growled, turning to face her. "I am the Prince of all Saiyans. I cannot be second best."

Bulma's eyes met his, a mix of empathy and frustration. "And what good is a prince if he destroys himself in the process?"

Her words hit him like a physical blow, but he refused to yield. "I know my limits, woman."

"Do you?" she challenged, gesturing to his trembling muscles. "Because from where I'm standing, you're pushing way past them."

Vegeta's pride flared. "This is what I am. A warrior. A Saiyan. I won't apologize for that."