Goku and Vegeta stood side by side before the great white doors of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Mr. Popo handed them a small pouch of senzu beans.
"Take these," Popo said sternly. "Inside, even the smallest injury can become fatal. These may be your only chance of recovery."
Goku grinned, tying the pouch to his belt. "Thanks, Mr. Popo. This'll come in handy!"
Vegeta snatched one bean from the pouch, inspecting it with disdain before tucking it away. "Hmph. Let's get this over with, Kakarot. I'll prove who the real warrior is."
With a loud creak, the doors closed behind them, leaving Rudra and the others outside in silence.
---
Rudra turned to Krillin. "Come with me. We're going to ask Chi-Chi for permission to train Gohan."
Krillin paled instantly. His knees almost buckled. "W–Wait, WHAT? Ask Chi-Chi about Gohan? Do you want me dead?!"
Rudra smirked. "You're overreacting. It's just a conversation."
"JUST a conversation?!" Krillin squeaked. "Whenever it's about Gohan, Chi-Chi transforms into a monster! She doesn't even spare Goku, and you want me to stand there?"
Before Rudra could reply, Piccolo stepped forward. "I'll go too."
Krillin froze, staring at Piccolo. "You? Volunteering to walk into the dragon's den?"
Piccolo's voice was steady. "If it's about Gohan, I have a responsibility. His potential is enormous. We can't waste it."
Rudra nodded approvingly. "Then it's settled. You, me, and Piccolo will go. Nappa, stay here and wait."
Unlike Vegeta, Nappa wasn't stubborn. He simply shrugged and sat back. "Fine. Just don't come crying if that woman throws you out."
---
The three warriors descended through the skies until they reached the Son family's quiet mountain home. Smoke rose gently from the chimney, and the smell of freshly cooked rice drifted into the air.
Krillin stopped in his tracks, sweating bullets. "O-Okay, you knock! I—I can't do it!"
Rudra sighed, stepped forward, and knocked on the wooden door.
The door creaked open. A small face peeked out. "Huh? Who is it?"
It was Gohan. His eyes widened with joy when he saw Rudra, Krillin, and—most importantly—Piccolo. "Piccolo-san! Krillin-san! Rudra-san! What are you doing here?"
Before they could answer, Chi-Chi's voice called from inside:
"Gohan! Don't just stand there. Invite our guests in properly!"
Obediently, Gohan opened the door wide. Rudra, Krillin, and Piccolo stepped inside.
Chi-Chi appeared, smiling politely at first. But the moment her eyes landed on Rudra, her expression hardened. She had overheard much that fateful day—the whispers of suspicion about Rudra's mysterious powers and his unknown origins.
"So," she began, crossing her arms. "Why are you all here? And where's Goku?"
Krillin scratched his head nervously. "Uh… Goku went into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber with Vegeta. They'll be training for… some hours."
Chi-Chi frowned. "Hyperbolic what?!"
Piccolo explained calmly, "Inside that chamber, one day outside equals one year inside. That's where Goku and Vegeta are now."
Chi-Chi's eyes widened in alarm. "One year in there? That means Goku will age faster! How could you let him do that?!"
Rudra stepped forward, trying to reassure her. "Please, listen. I know it sounds dangerous, but—"
"Stop." Chi-Chi raised her hand sharply, silencing him. Her voice was cold. "I don't know you. And I don't trust you."
---
Those words pierced Rudra like a blade. For a brief moment, the room around him blurred. He wasn't standing in Chi-Chi's house anymore—he was back in his past life.
He remembered the day his uncle had cast him out of their home. "You've abandoned your studies for this nonsense? You're no longer welcome here."
That same sting of rejection now echoed in Chi-Chi's words.
Rudra lowered his gaze. He didn't argue. He didn't explain. His lips trembled slightly before he forced them into a thin smile.
"…Thanks for your time. Goodbye."
Without waiting for a response, Rudra turned and stepped out. His aura flared softly, and in the next instant, he launched himself into the sky.
---
Chi-Chi's Point of View
Chi-Chi stood silently, watching him leave. From her perspective, she was only protecting her son. Too many people already doubted Rudra, whispering about his powers. Why should she risk Gohan's safety by trusting a stranger, no matter how powerful?
Even Piccolo, someone she distrusted deeply, hadn't earned her confidence. Only Krillin—someone she had known since childhood, Goku's dearest friend—was trustworthy in her eyes.
---
As Rudra soared through the clouds, the wind rushing past his ears, he clenched his fists.
Why… why did her words hurt me so much?
He tried to shake off the useless thoughts. No. She's right, from her point of view. I'm still a stranger. I can't expect trust so easily.
He forced the ache in his chest aside and angled his flight toward Kami's Lookout.
---
Nappa was lounging lazily, arms crossed, when Rudra landed beside him.
"Took you long enough," Nappa grunted. Then he noticed Rudra's unusually silent demeanor. "What's wrong with you?"
Rudra shook his head. "Nothing. Forget it. Let's focus. It's time we bring Raditz out."
Nappa's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Finally. I want to see that weakling again."
Together, they approached Kami.
"Kami-sama," Rudra requested, "release Raditz from the seal."
Kami nodded solemnly. Tapping his staff, a glow emerged. From within the light, Raditz materialized, falling to his knees before stabilizing.
Raditz blinked, then looked around. "Nappa! How have you been?"
The casual tone made Nappa's face twitch. "What did you just call me? No respect at all? Looks like you've forgotten your place!"
Before Nappa could lash out, Rudra intervened. "Enough. Raditz knows everything. Even while sealed, he could see what was happening. He knows the current situation."
Nappa's anger wavered. "He… what?"
Rudra extended his hand. "Come. Both of you. Place your hands over mine."
Raditz and Nappa hesitated, but did as told. "What is this about?" Raditz asked.
Rudra smirked faintly. "You'll see. Kami-sama, we'll return shortly."
The three Saiyan warriors vanished instantly, their forms dissolving into thin air.
Kami and Mr. Popo stared at the spot where they had stood.
Kami's voice trembled slightly. "…So this is the Instantaneous Movement technique."