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Goku and Vegeta launched energy blasts from opposite sides, beams screaming through the air toward Omega Shenron.
BOOM!
The shockwaves collided, exploding into a wall of smoke that swallowed the battlefield.
Taking advantage of the cover, Goku and Vegeta bolted into the distance, throwing themselves into the stance for Fusion.
From within the haze came a low, mocking laugh."Don't think I'll let you succeed."
As Omega Shenron lunged out of the smoke, Goku and Vegeta exchanged a quick grin."Now's our chance!"
A searing flash burst from their hands, fire and light tearing across the battlefield. Omega Shenron's eyes widened in disbelief just before the blast consumed him.
"Vegeta, let's fuse—now!"
But before they could finish, a streak of white light split the sky. In the blink of an eye, Omega Shenron reappeared.
"You're far too naïve!!!"
He had teleported clear of the blast, and now he came at them like a storm, fists crashing down in a relentless assault. The sky rippled under the shockwaves of their clash, explosions echoing with every strike. Screams of effort and bursts of energy thundered across the battlefield.
From afar, Gohan and the others watched in mounting panic.
Suddenly, two figures were blasted out of the golden light and slammed deep into the earth. Dust and rubble exploded upward.
Hovering above, Omega Shenron scanned the smoke, wary of an ambush.
Then—behind him—light shot skyward.
"Kame… hame… ha!!!"
And in front of him—another beam erupted.
"Final Shine Attack!!!"
Both blasts struck him dead-on.
BOOM!
The sky itself seemed to crack open from the explosion. When the light finally faded, Omega Shenron stood unfazed, smirking.
"Incredible. I didn't expect you two to pack such power individually, even without fusion."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed, sweat dripping."What…? Not a scratch…?"
Omega Shenron sneered down at them."The more I think about it, the more pointless this seems. I don't need to fight you both. If I destroy just one of you, there'll be no fusion."
His finger extended, locking onto Vegeta."Here—this is how you use a ki blast."
The energy bullet fired faster than sight. Vegeta barely had time to gasp before it smashed into him, blasting him away.
"VEGETA!!"
Fury surged through Goku."You bastard!!!"
He rocketed forward, colliding with Omega Shenron midair. The sky turned into a blur of shadowy clashes, each impact booming like thunder.
After dozens of furious exchanges, Goku began to falter under the relentless assault. Omega Shenron's speed spiked, and in a flash he had Goku by the throat, arm locked around his neck.
"I'll start with you. You'll never fuse."
But Goku clamped both hands around his enemy's head."Don't count us out just yet!"
With a roar, he hurled Omega Shenron down.
CRASH!
The ground erupted as the dragon slammed into a crater.
"Vegeta! Now! Let's fuse!"
Vegeta rushed in—but before he reached Goku, Omega Shenron burst from the pit, scarlet energy already forming.
"Kakarot!!!" Vegeta shouted.
A colossal red wave engulfed them, blasting them both away.
"Damn it!" Vegeta cursed, struggling to stand. "If we can't fuse into Super Saiyan form, do we really have no way to beat him?"
His words lit a spark in Goku's eyes."Not necessarily! Vegeta, you were the one who suggested fusion this time. The old you would never have said that. We can't give up now!"
Omega Shenron drifted closer, his voice cold and cruel."I was born to destroy. My negative energy will send you to hell… and then I'll tear Earth apart. After that, the entire galaxy will burn."
His finger pointed, another crimson orb swelling at the tip.
"We'll never lose to you!" Goku shouted."Because we're Saiyans—the warrior race!!" Vegeta finished.
Both charged, their speed a blur.
"This time, you won't dodge."
Omega Shenron flicked his finger. A red tornado ripped the air apart, snaring Goku and hurling him away. Another flick, and Vegeta was blasted back.
Goku staggered to his feet, wiping blood from his lip."Vegeta! Let's use Afterimage!"
Vegeta's eyes widened."Afterimage…? I see."
"That's right, Vegeta. Let's start the fusion now!"
They faced Omega Shenron once again, standing tall.
"Listen up, Omega! You're about to see just how strong fusion really is!"
In an instant, dozens of Gokus and Vegetas filled the battlefield, darting in and out with Afterimage Fist.
From Omega's perspective, everywhere he looked, Goku and Vegeta were fusing.
"Fools! I won't let it happen!"
He unleashed a hail of blasts, tearing through image after image—only to realize every one was a phantom.
"What?! Where are you?!"
His eyes narrowed, fury twisting his face. He unleashed a storm of energy, lighting up the sky—but all of it hit nothing.
Then, from behind—golden light erupted.
In the Dragon Ball universe
Master Roshi watched from his screen with a proud smile."To think… even my Afterimage Fist could make such a difference in a battle of this scale."
He remembered Kami's words long ago: "Goku, you truly had a great teacher."
On Namek, Krillin and Goku gawked at the sight."The Afterimage Fist?!""He hasn't used that since the World Martial Arts Tournament… and now it's saving the future."
In the Naruto world
Naruto's eyes sparkled."That looks just like my Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Kakashi stepped forward calmly."Similar principle. Shadow Clones are more refined, but the Afterimage Fist works off the same idea—a simpler version."
Naruto's admiration shone."Wow… you're amazing, Kakashi-sensei!"
Sasuke scoffed."Tch. If only Kakashi was half as strong as that Goku guy."
In the One Piece world.
Luffy jumped up with excitement."They split into shadows?! That's awesome! Is it some kind of Devil Fruit power?"
Zoro folded his arms."Talking about shadows reminds me of Gecko Moria, one of the Seven Warlords…"
"Bah, that guy was nothing like Goku," Luffy cut in.
Back in the battle, fear flickered across Omega Shenron's face."No… this isn't good!"
But when the golden light cleared—no Gogeta appeared.
The fusion had failed.
Goku and Vegeta stared at each other in shock.
Omega Shenron burst into laughter."Ha! You nearly scared me! But what trick are you planning now?"
He hurled a green blast at them. They barely dodged, splitting apart.
"How… how did it fail?!" Goku gasped, baffled.
"Damn it, Kakarot, what's going on?!" Vegeta snapped.
"Don't look at me—I don't know!" Goku shot back."Wait—Vegeta, did you mess up the pose?"
Vegeta's face went red with rage."You dare accuse me of botching that ridiculous dance?! You think I'd humiliate myself by doing it wrong on purpose?!"
Omega Shenron's laughter cut through their argument."So… you can't fuse? Delightful!"
Trunks clenched his fists."Goku's been fighting nonstop. With the energy drain of fusion on top of his injuries… maybe he just doesn't have the power left to fuse at all! Did Omega notice that too?"
Omega Shenron smirked."Go on then. Try again. I'll even give you the chance."
Goku grinned defiantly."Careful what you wish for—if it works, you're finished."
He turned to Vegeta."Let's try again!"
The two Saiyans struck the pose."Fusion—HA!!!"
A brilliant light enveloped them—but in the next instant it shattered, and Goku collapsed back into his normal state, his Super Saiyan 4 form gone.
"..."
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