Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 7: Goku's Limits

The air crackled with energy as Goku's fist narrowly missed Vegeta's jaw. Pink hair whipping, she pirouetted, her leg arcing in a graceful roundhouse. Vegeta blocked, forearm stinging.

"Not bad, Kakarot," he smirked. "For a girl."

Goku's eyes flashed. She launched a flurry of punches, each more precise than the last. Vegeta weaved, analyzing her movements.

Faster. More agile. But holding back.

He countered with a swift knee to her midsection. Goku gasped, doubling over.

"Come on! Is that all you've got?" Vegeta taunted.

Goku straightened, a determined glint in her eye. "I'm just getting warmed up."

She vanished, reappearing behind Vegeta. Her elbow connected with his spine. He stumbled forward, growling.

This new form. It's... different. But why isn't she pushing harder?

Vegeta spun, unleashing a barrage of ki blasts. Goku dodged effortlessly, her movements fluid and precise.

"Impressive reflexes," Vegeta grudgingly admitted.

Goku grinned. "Thanks! This body feels so light."

Light? She should be striving for power, not... grace.

"You're holding back," Vegeta snarled. "Stop playing around!"

Goku paused, head tilted. "I'm not playing. This is fun!"

Fun? Vegeta's fists clenched. Where's her fire? Her drive?

He lunged, unleashing a devastating combo. Goku matched him blow for blow, her pink hair a blur.

"Kakarot! Push yourself!" Vegeta demanded. "Where's your Saiyan pride?"

Goku's brow furrowed. "I'm giving it my all, Vegeta."

But she wasn't. And that infuriated him more than any defeat ever could.

---

Goku's eyes narrowed, determination etched across her delicate features. She clenched her fists, muscles tensing as she reached deep within herself. A familiar tingling sensation coursed through her body, but something felt... off.

"Haaaaa!" she cried, her aura flickering weakly around her. Beads of sweat formed on her brow as she strained, desperately trying to ignite the transformation she'd mastered countless times before.

Nothing.

Vegeta crossed his arms, scowling. "What's the matter, Kakarot? Can't go Super Saiyan?"

Goku gritted her teeth. "I... I don't understand. It's like trying to grasp smoke."

She lunged at Vegeta again, her strikes powerful but lacking their usual earth-shattering force. Each punch, each kick felt hollow, a pale imitation of her true strength.

"This isn't right," Goku muttered, dodging Vegeta's counter-attack. "I can feel the power, but it's... different. Like it's locked away."

Vegeta's eyes widened. "Your new form. It's limiting you."

Realization dawned on Goku's face. She dropped her guard, panting heavily.

"Time out," she gasped, hands on her knees. "I need... I need a minute."

Vegeta landed beside her, frustration warring with curiosity. "Giving up already?"

Goku shook her head, pink hair clinging to her sweat-drenched forehead. "Not giving up. Just... processing." She straightened, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "I've never felt so... challenged before. It's actually kind of exciting."