One by one, Chi-Chi, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu had their latent potential unlocked by Piccolo's touch. Each of them experienced an immediate and dramatic surge in their power levels.
The effectiveness of this technique was nothing short of astonishing to those who understood its implications.
Gine, Krillin, and Chi-Chi recalled how, nine years ago at the martial arts tournament, Piccolo had used this very method to boost his power mid-battle, allowing him to fight on par with Super Saiyan Goku...
As Yamcha and the others marveled at their newfound strength, a certain little troublemaker shamelessly waddled up to Piccolo.
"Uncle Piccolo, can I get a turn too?"
Piccolo looked down at the black-haired, golden-eyed boy clinging to his leg and fell silent.
Tights facepalmed, leaning against Yamiru's shoulder. Yamiru himself sighed in exasperation. Bulma burst out laughing, giving Denim a thumbs-up for his audacity. Gohan made a "traitor" face at his best friend, while Krillin and the others couldn't help but chuckle.
Yamiru's son had clearly inherited none of his father's discipline or dedication to martial arts...
Denim was infamous for slacking off in training, justifying it with: "If eating can make me stronger, why waste energy exercising?" Even Piccolo had heard of the little prince's lazy habits.
Piccolo didn't move immediately. Instead, he glanced at his master for guidance.
Yamiru waved a hand. "Let him."
Truthfully, Yamiru had no particular expectations for his son's strength. He only pushed Denim to train to prevent the boy from becoming too lazy...
Denim had been conceived after Yamiru ascended to godhood. Just as Gohan had inherited Goku's S-Cells, Denim had inherited Yamiru's God cells. While not god-level at birth, Denim' cells carried traces of his father's unique ability to "refine" energy from consumed matter, converting it directly into power. This explained why the non-Saiyan boy was such a glutton.
If Denim ever learned the Spirit Bomb, he'd likely master it faster than anyone else.
Yamiru sometimes wondered if his bloodline might eventually give rise to true "energy cultivators" in the future...
"Dad said yes!" Denim cheered, tugging at Piccolo's pants. "Uncle Piccolo~"
With no other choice, Piccolo placed his massive hand atop the boy's head.
Bardock, Gine, Chi-Chi, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu—along with a pouting Gohan—all focused intently, waiting to sense Denim' energy surge.
But after a long moment...
Nothing.
Denim' energy remained completely unchanged.
"What's wrong, Uncle Piccolo?" Denim asked, confused under the giant palm.
Piccolo withdrew his hand awkwardly, looking to his master for help.
"..." Denim finally realized something was off. His face fell as he turned to Yamiru—only to find his father smirking.
Bardock and Gine exchanged glances. Chi-Chi covered her mouth in shock. Krillin and the others stared at Yamiru in disbelief. Only the Briefs sisters seemed oblivious...
Finally, Gohan spoke up. "Denim, could it be that you..."
"GAH!" Denim clutched his chest as if struck by an arrow.
"...have no latent potential..." Gohan continued.
"Stop..." Denim staggered backward dramatically.
"...at all?"
Denim collapsed to his knees, the picture of devastation. "How can this be...?"
Gohan walked over and patted his friend's head. "Look on the bright side—now we can fight fair!"
"Shut up, you scheming jerk!" Denim sprang up, his theatrics vanishing instantly as he reverted to his usual lazy demeanor. Still, he shot Yamiru a wounded look before getting pulled into a noogie.
"Enough," Yamiru laughed. "I got the same result back then."
Gohan gasped. "Uncle Yamiru, you too...?"
Denim and the others stared in shock. Yamiru shrugged. "Everyone's different. Potential varies—it's natural."
Tights squeezed his hand. Only she knew how deeply Yamiru had struggled with this realization years ago, how he'd sat in silent frustration...
Krillin sighed. "And yet you reached godhood anyway. That goes beyond mere potential..."
---
After more chatting, it was time to part ways.
Bulma tossed out a capsule, and Denim was the first to scramble inside—earning a playful swat from his mother.
The plane's engines roared to life, lifting off into the sky.
"Then we'll meet at the tournament!" Krillin waved cheerfully. "We'll bring Master Roshi along too!"
With that, he and Yamcha sprinted toward the Lookout's edge and leaped off.
Tien and Chiaotzu hovered nearby, nodding silently before descending.
Bulma's plane dove after them.
Yamiru and Gohan rose into the air, waving at those remaining—Bardock, Gine, Chi-Chi, Piccolo, and Mr. Popo. Gine cradled the sleeping Tonapp, murmuring, "I wonder if Raditz will show up..."
---
Descending from the Heavens
Lines of dark silhouettes streaked downward alongside Bulma's aircraft.
Passing Korin Tower, they exchanged greetings with the feline guardian. Korin tossed Yamiru a sack of Senzu Beans. Yamiru plucked a few for himself before flicking the rest toward his companions like bullets.
Snap! Snap! Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu caught their shares midair.
"Later!" Krillin whooped, veering toward Kame House with Yamcha.
Tien flashed a thumbs-up before banking away.
Yamiru turned to Gohan and the plane where Tights, Bulma, and a lounging Denim sat. "Ready to speed up?"
Through the window, Bulma signaled OK.
Gohan's aura flared white as he followed Yamiru's lead. The plane roared alongside them, cutting a straight path to West City.
---
West City, Training Hall
"One week until the tournament. Time to get serious."
Goku and Yamiru stood bare-chested, loose martial arts pants tied at the waist and ankles. Before them stood an attentive Gohan and a slouching Denim.
Yamiru pointed sternly at his son. "Especially you, Denim. The Fusion technique we're teaching requires perfect coordination. Learn from Gohan's discipline—absorb his work ethic during fusion! No more laziness!"
Denim groaned. "Do I have to merge with Mr. Perfect here?"
Gohan elbowed him. "You'll thank me when we're stomping the competition."