A Slim Hope

Goku Learns the Truth

Goku regains consciousness and discovers Vegeta took the last Senzu Bean. He senses Buu's energy but finds no trace of Vegeta or Gohan. He detects Piccolo and Krillin, confirming the petrification spell broke, and teleports to the Lookout. Piccolo estimates the boys will stay unconscious for an hour. Krillin laments the deaths and asks Dende to bring his family to safety. Dende agrees, noting Earth survives because of these fighters.

Goku Arrives

Before Krillin departs, he and Piccolo sense Goku's energy. After Dende heals him, Goku receives the full report: Gohan, Supreme Kai, and Vegeta are all gone. Krillin insists Goku is their only hope and asks how much time he has left in the living world.

Fusion, the Last Resort

Goku delivers a blunt answer: victory is impossible for him alone. The gap between his strength and Vegeta's was negligible, yet Vegeta's sacrifice barely scratched Buu. However, Goku reveals a technique called Fusion, learned from the Metamoran people in Other World. Two fighters of similar power and size perform a synchronized pose to merge into one exponentially stronger warrior. Piccolo realizes Goku could have fused with Gohan or Vegeta had either survived. Mr. Popo makes a critical suggestion: Goten and Trunks share nearly identical power levels and builds. Goku will teach them Fusion during his remaining time, with Piccolo continuing afterward.

The Dragon Balls Activated

As Krillin prepares to leave, the sky turns black. Shenron has been summoned. Goku deduces Bulma gathered the Dragon Balls to revive the tournament spectators. Dende warns that three wishes means a year-long cooldown. Goku teleports to Capsule Corporation but arrives too late; Yamcha has already wished back everyone who died that day except villains. Goku contacts Dende telepathically and learns a single wish means only four months. He dismisses Shenron without further wishes. Elsewhere, Babidi notices the sky flickering while riding Buu's back, and Kibito opens his eyes, alive once more.