The soft hum of machinery filled the laboratory as I continued assembling another Battle Puppet.
My hands moved on instinct, but my thoughts were elsewhere.
Frieza's healing pods…
I paused for a moment.
From what I remembered, they weren't miracles like Senzu Beans. They didn't restore someone instantly.
Instead—
They accelerate the body's natural healing process.
"Oracle," I said quietly. "Run predictive simulations on accelerated biological recovery systems."
[Processing…]
As data flowed into my mind, I began sketching the design.
"A breathing tube alone wouldn't be enough…" I muttered. "The body would need nutrients… a constant supply to sustain rapid cellular regeneration."
The Oracle confirmed it.
So I adjusted the design:
oxygen supply
nutrient injection
stabilized environment
controlled healing rate
Hours passed.
Then more.
Simulation after simulation.
Adjustment after adjustment.
Until finally—
I stepped back and looked at the cylindrical pod in front of me.
"…Done."
The First Healing Pod
I activated it briefly.
The system hummed to life.
Stable.
Functional.
I allowed myself a small smile.
"It works."
Without wasting time, I called Raditz.
"Bring Goku here," I told him. "We're testing something new."
Then I contacted my father.
A Bigger Plan
"Dad," I said the moment he answered. "I need a ship."
There was a pause.
"…How big?"
"Two thousand meters in diameter."
Silence.
Then—
"…You're serious."
"Completely."
I began listing the specifications:
central training zone (1600 meters)
divided into two layers
two-story internal structure
total of four training chambers
"Outer armor: three meters thick."
"And the rest?"
"Living quarters. Storage. Cafeteria. Medical wing. Control room."
I paused briefly.
"And my laboratory. Mechanical bay."
Another pause.
"…You're building a mobile base."
"Yes."
He exhaled.
"It'll take three to four months."
"Too long," I replied immediately. "Hire more workers. Expand the team."
"That'll cost—"
"I'll cover it."
I cut him off calmly.
"I have more than enough from the heart virus vaccine."
Another silence.
Then—
"…Alright. I'll start immediately."
Goku Arrives
By the time I ended the call, Raditz had already arrived.
Goku was slung over his shoulder, completely wrapped in bandages.
"You move fast," I said.
Raditz shrugged.
"He's lighter than he looks."
Before I could respond, my phone rang.
I already knew who it was.
"…Chi-Chi."
I answered.
"Bulma! What's going on?!" her voice came out frantic. "Raditz just took Goku from the hospital and—"
"I'm sorry," I interrupted gently. "I should've informed you first."
There was a brief pause.
"I've developed a medical system that can heal him faster than the hospital," I explained. "He's safe."
"…Safe?" she repeated.
"Yes. You can come and see him yourself."
The First Test
While still on the call, I activated a Battle Puppet.
With precise movements, it carefully removed Goku's bandages.
Raditz watched silently as I lifted Goku and placed him inside the healing pod.
The liquid filled the chamber.
The system activated.
Monitors stabilized.
"…If everything goes as planned," I said, "he should recover within twelve hours."
Chi-Chi went quiet for a moment.
"…I'm coming."
"I'll be here," I replied.
Unexpected Guests
I didn't expect her to bring everyone.
Chi-Chi arrived with:
Gohan
her parents
Master Roshi
Yamcha
Puar
They all looked around in awe.
"…You built all of this?" Yamcha muttered.
"More or less," I replied casually.
Nearby, Krillin greeted them.
Roshi's eyes lit up.
"Well now! You've gotten stronger, Krillin!"
Krillin scratched his head awkwardly.
"Heh… I've been training."
Yamcha said nothing, but I caught the look in his eyes.
Envy.
He masked it well.
But it was there.
The Healing Room
I led them to the medical wing.
Rows of healing pods lined the room.
Inside one of them—
Goku floated peacefully.
Calm.
Stable.
Alive.
Chi-Chi stepped closer, her expression softening.
"…He looks fine."
"He is," I said. "The system accelerates his natural healing. It's not instant, but it's effective."
Gohan pressed closer to the glass.
"Dad…"
The Plan Moving Forward
I turned to face everyone.
"We have time," I said.
"About three months."
Their attention shifted to me.
"We're going to Namek."
Silence.
"I plan to train everyone who's going," I continued. "Push our limits. Recover using these pods."
I gestured around the room.
"It won't be easy. But it'll be faster than traditional recovery."
I paused.
"And if everything goes according to plan…"
My gaze sharpened slightly.
"…we'll arrive before Frieza."
That name alone changed the atmosphere.
Quiet Resolve
After explaining everything, the room fell quiet again.
Everyone was processing it in their own way.
As for me—
I looked at Goku, floating inside the pod.
The plan is coming together.
Not perfect.
Never perfect.
But better.
Every day, it gets better.
I closed my eyes briefly.
I don't need to be perfect…
I just need to do better than before.
And this time—
I intended to.