Shen Long Resurrected!

Shenlong Restored

God instructs Mr. Popo to fetch Shenlong, and Popo returns carrying a small glass-encased statue of the Eternal Dragon, broken into pieces just as the real Shenlong was destroyed. Popo sits down and glues the fragments together. He explains that he crafted the figure himself and God breathed life into it. God reveals that he originally gave the Dragon Balls to the people of Earth to inspire courage and hope, though humans ended up using them selfishly. He notes that Goku is different.

With the statue repaired, God fires a blast of energy at it. Shenlong erupts from the figure and streaks toward Earth, returning to the Dragon Balls. Normally the Balls would remain inert stones for a year, but in this case a wish can be granted immediately. Goku is thrilled, but God tells him he must stay and train. After three years, Goku can reunite with everyone at the next Tenkaichi Budokai.

Piccolo's Offspring

God explains the reason for this timeline. Just before dying, Piccolo Daimao expelled an offspring from his body. That offspring grows stronger each day, driven by hatred, and will surely appear at the tournament targeting Goku's life. Three years of training here will prepare Goku to defeat the new Piccolo. God and Popo cannot fight him themselves, so only Goku can handle the threat. Privately, Popo asks about the life link: if Piccolo dies, God dies too. God accepts this as unavoidable, adding that he has long sought a worthy successor, and Goku may be the one.

Revival on Earth

At Kame House, the Dragon Balls have been gathered and Shenlong appears. Bulma is stunned that the dragon was dead, and Shenlong explains that Goku asked God to restore him. The wish is granted, reviving Krillin, Master Roshi, Chiaotzu, and all others killed by Piccolo's forces. The revived fighters learn of Piccolo's defeat, and Roshi recognizes that Goku trains in the Heavenly Realm under God himself. With the 23rd Budokai as their goal, Tenshinhan, Yamcha, and Krillin throw themselves into training on Earth.