The sky within a hundred miles was shrouded in darkness. A moment later, a brilliant golden beam erupted from the seven Dragon Balls, shooting into the heavens.
The light coalesced into the form of Shenron, towering before everyone. The immense Dragon Pressure it exuded created an atmosphere of profound gravity.
"You who have gathered the seven Dragon Balls, state your wish. Whatever it may be, I shall grant you three," Shenron declared, uttering his classic opening line.
Far away in the Otherworld on King Kai's planet, King Kai was ecstatic.
After all these years, the moment had finally arrived.
Goku, meanwhile, gazed at Shenron soaring through the sky, lost in thought.
In his world, the emergence of the Shadow Dragons was a direct result of their greed, their reckless and repeated use of the Dragon Balls.
After these wishes were granted, he wouldn't touch the Dragon Balls again unless it was absolutely necessary.
"Shenron, my first wish is to revive King Kai, Bubbles, and Gregory," Goku said, looking up at Shenron.
"Is that your first wish? Very well." Shenron's eyes glowed fiercely, and an unseen power was unleashed.
The mystic energy spread rapidly at Shenron's will, extending from this world into the afterlife, and finally reaching King Kai's planet.
On King Kai's planet, the halos above King Kai, Gregory, and Bubbles vanished simultaneously.
They were restored to life.
"Finally... Finally, this day has come!" King Kai exclaimed, a look of relief on his face.
For years, he had been mocked by his fellow deities for being a dead man. That would never happen again.
Ever since being blown up by Cell, he had been the laughingstock of the Kais, who often joked about his death.
Now that he was revived, he wouldn't have to endure their taunts any longer.
As a Kai, he could have contacted the Namekian Elder and used their Dragon Balls to wish himself back to life.
However, he was too proud to do so.
King Kai's pets, Bubbles and Gregory, were less concerned about being revived.
As pets of a Kai, the only difference between being alive and dead was whether or not they had halos above their heads.
...
Back on Earth, Shenron's deep voice echoed, "Your first wish has been granted. State your second."
"Shenron, my second wish is to have my tail grow back," Goku declared.
This immediately caught Vegeta's attention.
Why would Kakarot wish for his tail to return? Vegeta wondered, his suspicious gaze fixed on Goku.
The tail was certainly a powerful tool for Saiyans to enhance their strength. The Great Ape transformation could multiply their power tenfold, or even more.
But ever since mastering Super Saiyan, the Great Ape transformation had become less important, even a hindrance in battle.
He had abandoned his tail a long time ago.
Now, the area where his tail used to be was filled with flesh, making it impossible for it to grow back.
"That's an easy wish." Shenron gestured an "OK" sign with his claw and his red eyes glowed again.
With the release of the wish, Goku felt the restriction that Kami had placed on his tail had been removed. A brown and black tail burst through his belt, swaying playfully.
"My tail is back," Goku said, glancing at his tail with a smile.
With the return of his tail, he could clearly feel his energy increase. The part of him that had been missing was now restored, making him complete once more.
Although his tail would increase his fighting power, the boost was minimal. The tail was more than just a power amplifier.
With a thought, Goku wrapped his tail around his waist.
"Your second wish has been granted. State your third wish." Shenron couldn't wait to finish his shift.
"Now that your wishes have been granted, Goku, it's my turn," Bulma said, looking up at Shenron. "Shenron, my wish is..."
"Bulma, let me have that third wish," Vegeta interrupted, cutting her off.
Bulma turned to him in confusion. What did he want to wish for?
"Give me that wish," Vegeta said firmly.
"I gathered the Dragon Balls, Goku used two, and now you want one... Fine... You can have it," Bulma said, pouting unhappily.
She was displeased, but Vegeta was her husband, after all.
If she missed out this time, she would be the first to collect the Dragon Balls next year and make her wish then.
Seeing Bulma give him the third wish, Vegeta's expression didn't soften.
Folding his arms, Vegeta looked up at Shenron with his characteristic glare. "My wish is the same as Kakarot's—to have my tail grow back."
"Is that your third wish? Very well." Shenron granted Vegeta's wish immediately.
Vegeta felt an itch in the area where his tail used to be, and soon a brown and black tail burst through his belt.
"Your three wishes have been granted. Farewell," Shenron said, eager to leave.
The massive Dragon disappeared, and the seven Dragon Balls rose into the air, scattering across the globe.
The darkness that had engulfed the sky dissipated as well.
As Shenron vanished, Vegeta grinned and turned to Goku.
"Now I understand why you wished for your tail to return, Kakarot."
"My power has noticeably increased now that my tail has grown back."
"If you think it's easy to surpass me, think again, Kakarot."
Vegeta's triumphant look seemed to say, "You can't fool me with your little tricks."
"I never intended to hide it from you, Vegeta," Goku said, smiling.
"But you're wrong about one thing. The tail is more than just a power booster." With that, Goku formed a sword-finger gesture on his forehead and said, "See you later, Vegeta, Bulma."
As soon as he finished speaking, Goku used Instant Transmission once more and disappeared.
