Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ.

Author's Note: I started writing this story nearly 10 years ago. Warning/Trigger alert: Gohan might come across as OOC for roughly the first 15 chapters (and especially after chapter 1), but it's all part of the bigger plot. The events of the first 10-11 chapters (including any obvious logistics and inconsistencies) will eventually be explained in full detail. Have patience and it will eventually be rewarded.

"A proton is accelerated in a magnetic field of 3 Teslas with a velocity of 3,200,000 m/s as shown in the diagram. Determine the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the proton."

Gohan took this moment to slam his book shut. Magnetism was his least favorite topic in Physics. Glancing at his clock, he saw that it was almost midnight and decided to call it a night. "Until tomorrow…" Gohan fell onto his bed as these words escaped his lips, and eventually dosed off.

As he lay in bed the next morning for a few moments, Gohan started to wonder what he wanted to do with his life. He had little time to train; Chi-Chi and Goten made sure of that. All he could do was play with his 3 year old brother, help out around the house, or study.

I'm getting tired of this lifestyle, Gohan thought to himself as he got up to take a bath. I haven't had any fun since I beat Cell… nothing beats turning into Super Saiyan 2. Even Dad couldn't do that!

That was when he felt the pang of guilt. If it weren't for his arrogance, Goku wouldn't have had to sacrifice his life to save the Earth from Cell's self-destruction.

"It's all my fault…" Gohan hung his head in shame and then went back to his life.

Later that night, Gohan continued to ponder over the thoughts he had earlier this morning.

"I am the world's strongest fighter. I shouldn't have to remain stuck to a small house on Mt. Frypan!" he gnarled. "Dad's not even here…that leaves Piccolo"

Nappa was right in front of him. This was it; only 6 years old and he was about to die at the hands of an alien. As Nappa's blast was about to rip him to shreds, someone else jumped in the way…Mr. Piccolo. Letting out a blood-curling scream, he let the energy consume him. It was the ultimate sacrifice; Piccolo had only known him for a year, and yet he took his own life away to let his pupil live.

"Gohan, dinner's ready!" ChiChi yelled from the kitchen.

Gohan snapped back to reality. This was it; he needed to get back in touch with Piccolo, his original master and his longtime friend. He needed to train with the Super Namek who became a second father to him after all the battles they had fought together.

Gohan had 5 – 6 helpings of chicken and a few glasses of water "What's up with you Gohan? Are you on a new diet?"

"No mom, I'm just not in the mood to eat," he replied.

"Well can you watch over Goten for a little while?"

"Sure, mom" he reluctantly complied.

"Ouch, Goten that hurts!" Gohan was trying to get pull Goten off of his hair "Gohan funny!" It took 30 minutes to control Goten and put him to sleep.

"Mom, I'm going to see Piccolo now"

"No you are not. You need to go back to your studies."

"But I haven't seen him in—"

"NO GOHAN AND THAT IS FINAL. NOW GO TO YOUR ROOM NOW"

A defeated Gohan went back upstairs to his room.

"Why do I let her treat me like this? She has always been too overprotective of me. I don't care if she's scared to lose me because first of all, no one can beat me and second of all, she's trying to turn me into her pet. I can't stand her anymore!" And with that, Gohan blasted out of his window to return to his mentor.

Somewhere in the forests, a person was hovering in midair, meditating with his eyes closed. Only this wasn't a human. It had antennae protruding from its head, brown shoes and purple robes which were not in style anywhere on the planet, and a weighted vest and turban. No, this was no human, it was the Super Namek known as Piccolo. And all of a sudden his eyes opened to see the boy who had changed his life in the past decade.

"Hey Piccolo! Long time no see!" the half-saiyan exclaimed.

"Hey Gohan, what brings you here?" Piccolo replied with his usual rumbling voice.

"I wanted to make you an offer you can't refuse" said Gohan.

"Well?"

"I want to train with you Piccolo. But not only that, I want to be more like you. I find myself sounding very immature at times, and until recently my squeaky voice exemplified my lack of growth. I want to become wiser and disciplined with your help. I know saiyans and nameks are opposites when it comes to how much they eat, but I am willing to change. If you take me under your wing once again, we will be the most powerful and intimidating fighters in the universe"

Piccolo's eyes widened with shock "What?! You want to train with me?" The shocked experssion turned into a smile. "Heh. you're too powerful for me. You're in a league of your own. Besides, I prefer to fly solo."

It was Gohan's time to smirk "Nah, we can use the dragonballs to make you Earth's strongest warrior, even if it takes both wishes. Besides, can't you make an exception for your best friend?"

"This really goes against my routine…since it's you kid, I'll make an exception" Piccolo gave a pure-hearted grin, something he rarely did. "Wait, what about your mother? She isn't too fond of me as you know"

"Don't worry," Gohan replied. "If my mom can't accept you for who you are, then I'll have to choose between you and her, and I think I know who the choice would be…" And with that, he sped off back to the 439 Mountains area.

"You can't be serious!" Piccolo thought, gritting his teeth.