Dragonball 1/2

Chapter 26: The School Days

The dust cloud billowed behind Vegeta as she stormed onto the Son Family Farm, her boots leaving deep imprints in the soft earth. Her eyes blazed with determination, fists clenched at her sides. Behind her, the newcomers exchanged nervous glances, their steps hesitant.

Vegeta's gaze locked onto Goku, standing tall among his family. Male. How? Her jaw tightened.

"You kept this from us?" Chi-Chi's voice cracked like a whip. "All this time?"

Goku's eyes widened, darting between his wife and the approaching Vegeta. "I-I can explain—"

"Explain?" Chi-Chi's words dripped with venom. "You've been able to transform back this whole time?"

Vegeta's mind raced. A secret technique? Another Kakarot surprise? Her pride stung.

"Kakarot!" she barked, closing the distance. "What is the meaning of this?"

Goku's brow furrowed, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by genuine concern. "Vegeta, I didn't mean to—"

"Spare me your excuses," Vegeta spat. She glared at Chi-Chi. "How long have you known?"

Chi-Chi's eyes flashed. "I just found out myself. It seems my husband has been keeping secrets from everyone."

Vegeta's fists trembled. Another power beyond her reach. Always one step behind.

"Show me," she demanded, her voice low and dangerous. "Show me how you did it."

Goku hesitated, glancing at his family. "I don't think now's the best time—"

"Now!" Vegeta roared, her aura flaring to life. The newcomers stumbled back, eyes wide with awe and fear.

Chi-Chi stepped between them, her voice steel. "That's enough! We'll discuss this as a family. Vegeta, I suggest you leave."

Vegeta's pride screamed to stay, to demand answers. But the look in Chi-Chi's eyes gave her pause. This was a family matter. For now.

"This isn't over, Kakarot," Vegeta growled, turning on her heel. As she stalked away, her mind churned with possibilities. If Kakarot could do it, so could she. It was only a matter of time.

---

Goku's hand shot to the back of his head, rubbing furiously as he faced Chi-Chi's wrath. "Now, hold on, Chi-Chi. I can explain—"

"Explain?" Chi-Chi's voice cracked like a whip. "You've been able to change back this whole time and you didn't tell us?"

Bardock Jr. snickered, elbowing Pan. "Dad's in for it now," he whispered.

Pan's eyes darted between her grandparents, worry etched on her face. "Shouldn't we do something?"

Goku's shoulders sagged. "I didn't mean to keep it secret. I just—"

"Just what?" Chi-Chi advanced, eyes blazing. "Thought it'd be fun to surprise us? To play games with our family?"

Goku's mouth opened and closed, words failing him. The weight of his choices pressed down, heavier than any training gear.

Suddenly, Vegeta's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Enough of this domestic squabble!" She strode forward, eyes locked on Goku. "How did you do it, Kakarot? How did you change back?"

Goku blinked, caught between two storms. Chi-Chi's fury and Vegeta's burning curiosity clashed around him, leaving him dizzy.

"I... well, you see..." he started, but Vegeta's glare intensified.

"Don't stammer, you fool! Show me. Now!"

Goku's mind raced. How could he defuse this situation? His family, his rival—all demanding answers he wasn't sure how to give.