Goku and Gohan strolled through the bustling streets of the nearby town, their footsteps accompanied by the lively chatter of merchants and shoppers. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the scene.

"Gohan, don't forget to pick out a couple of books your mom asked for," Goku reminded his son as they approached the bookstore.

Gohan nodded, browsing through the shelves filled with colorful spines. "I remember, Dad. Mom said she wanted some new science and math guides."

After a few minutes of browsing, Gohan selected a couple of books and added them to their basket. "I think these should do," he said with a smile.

Goku grinned in agreement. "Great choices, Gohan. Now, how about we grab something to eat?"

As they made their way to a nearby food stall, they ran into Krillin and Yamcha, who were engaged in a lively conversation.

"Hey, guys! What's up?" Goku greeted, a warm smile on his face.

Krillin turned towards them, a grin spreading across his face. "Hey, Goku! Gohan! Just talking to Yamcha here about our plans for the day."

Yamcha, however, seemed a bit preoccupied, his gaze darting around nervously. "Yeah, just, uh, discussing some stuff," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Krillin, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow. "Everything alright, Yamcha? You seem a bit... off."

Yamcha forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Oh, it's nothing, Krillin. Just got a lot on my mind lately."

Krillin shrugged, turning back to Goku. "So, Goku, I was telling Yamcha about my plans to ask Android 18 out on a date."

Goku's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Android 18? Isn't she still dead set on killing me?" he joked, a playful grin on his face.

Krillin laughed, shaking his head. "Nah, she's mellowed out quite a bit since those days. We've actually become friends, believe it or not."

"That's great, Krillin! I'm glad you two are getting along," Goku said, clapping Krillin on the back.

Meanwhile, Yamcha shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering away for a moment before returning to the group.

"What about you, Yamcha?" Goku asked, noticing his friend's unease. "Got any plans?"

Yamcha hesitated for a moment before replying, "Uh, yeah, I've got a date later too."

Krillin raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his expression. "Oh yeah? With who?"

Yamcha hesitated, his mind racing for a suitable answer. "Uh, just someone I met recently. Nothing serious."

Krillin raised an eyebrow, sensing something amiss. "Oh yeah? What's her name?"

Yamcha hesitated, then blurted out the first name that came to mind. "Uh, her name's... um... Lisa!"

Goku raised an eyebrow "Sounds exciting, Yamcha. Hope it goes well."

Yamcha forced a smile, his discomfort evident. "Thanks, Goku. I appreciate it."

After exchanging pleasantries, Goku suggested they grab a bite to eat before heading back home.

"How about some of that delicious street food?" Goku suggested with a grin.

Krillin and Yamcha agreed, and they decided to part ways after their meal. As they bid farewell, Gohan couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, especially with Yamcha's behavior.

"Dad, do you think Yamcha's date is with someone he doesn't want to talk about?" Gohan asked as they made their way through the bustling crowd.

Goku shrugged, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Maybe, Gohan. Sometimes people have their reasons for keeping things private. Let's just focus on getting home for now."

"Dad, can we stop by the Lookout on the way?" Gohan asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

Goku hesitated for a moment before replying, "How about we head home first and then maybe we can go after? Your mom might be expecting us."

--

As Goku and Gohan arrived home, they found Chi-Chi in their bedroom, bustling about as if preparing for an event. Gohan eagerly approached her, clutching the books he had bought.

"Mom, look! I got some new books like you asked," Gohan said with a smile, holding out the books for her to see.

Chi-Chi glanced briefly at the books before turning her attention back to the mirror, adjusting her hair. "That's nice, Gohan. Just put them on the table," she replied absentmindedly.

Goku stood in the doorway, observing the exchange with a furrowed brow. He could sense something amiss in Chi-Chi's demeanor. "Chi-Chi, why aren't you paying attention to Gohan? He's excited to show you what he got."

Chi-Chi sighed, her tone clipped. "I have more important things to worry about right now, Goku."

Goku folded his arms, his concern growing. "Like what? Gohan was just trying to share something with you."

"It's none of your business, Goku," Chi-Chi snapped, her frustration evident. "And why do you suddenly care? You didn't care before Cell, so why now?"

Goku recoiled slightly at the biting remark, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean, Chi-Chi? Of course, I care about Gohan. I just want to know what's going on, Chi-Chi. Is something bothering you?"

Before Chi-Chi could respond, she announced abruptly, "I'm going out."

Goku raised an eyebrow. "Out? Where are you going?"

Chi-Chi avoided his gaze, her tone dismissive. "It doesn't matter. Just make sure Gohan finishes his homework by the time I get back."

Goku's concern deepened. "When will you be back?"

Chi-Chi shrugged nonchalantly, heading towards the door. "I don't know. Whenever I feel like it."

Chi-Chi shrugging indifferently, offered no reassurance before she walked out the door, leaving Goku standing there, his mind reeling with unanswered questions.

Releasing a heavy sigh, Goku ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He made his way to Gohan's room, finding his son seated at his desk, diligently working on his homework.

"Hey, Gohan," Goku began, his voice tinged with concern as he took a seat beside his son on the bed. "How are you holding up?"

Gohan glanced up from his books, offering his father a weary smile. "I'm okay, Dad. Just a little confused."

Goku nodded sympathetically, his own worries mirrored in his son's eyes. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Your mom's been acting strange lately."

Gohan sighed, a troubled expression crossing his face. "I don't understand why she's acting like this. It's like she doesn't even want to talk to us anymore."

Goku placed a comforting hand on Gohan's shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile. "I know, Gohan. But we'll figure it out together, okay?"

Gohan nodded, finding solace in his father's words. "Thanks, Dad. I'm glad you're here."

Goku returned the smile, though his mind was still fraught with worry. As they sat together in the quiet of Gohan's room, father and son drew strength from each other, determined to weather whatever storm lay ahead.

Goku placed a reassuring hand on Gohan's shoulder, offering a small smile. "Let's finish up here, and maybe we can visit the Lookout afterward."

As Gohan finished his homework, Goku roused himself from his reverie, determined to shake off the heaviness that had settled over him. He rose from his seat by the window and made his way to the kitchen, his mind still swirling with unanswered questions.

As he prepared a simple meal for himself and Gohan, Goku couldn't help but reflect on the events of the past two years. After defeating Cell, he had hoped for a period of peace and tranquility. And in many ways, life had been just that. But in others, it had been fraught with tension and uncertainty.

Chi-Chi's behavior had changed, becoming increasingly distant and aloof. They spent less and less time together, and Goku couldn't shake the feeling that she was deliberately avoiding him. It was a stark contrast to their earlier years together, when their relationship, though unconventional, had been filled with love and camaraderie.

Lost in thought, Goku didn't notice when Gohan entered the kitchen, nudging him gently to bring him back to the present.

"Hey, Dad, is the food ready?" Gohan asked, his stomach grumbling in anticipation.

Goku chuckled, ruffling Gohan's hair affectionately. "Almost there, Gohan. You're just in time."

As they sat down to enjoy their meal, Goku marveled at Gohan's voracious appetite, reminiscent of his own. They shared a moment of quiet camaraderie, the simple act of eating together offering a brief respite from the worries of the day.

Once they had finished their meal, Gohan turned to his father with a smile. "I'm heading to the lookout, Dad. Are you coming?"

Goku shook his head, a determined glint in his eyes. "Not just yet, Gohan. I've got some things I want to take care of first. I'll join you later."

With a nod, Gohan bid his father farewell and headed out the door, leaving Goku alone with his thoughts once more.

As the evening wore on, Goku found himself drawn to the vast expanse of the wastelands, seeking solace in the familiar embrace of training. With each punch and kick, he poured his frustrations and uncertainties into his movements, seeking clarity amidst the chaos.

In the midst of his training, Goku's thoughts drifted back to his recent conversation with Dende. Flashbacking to their exchange, he remembered seeking guidance from the Namekian guardian, sharing his concerns about Chi-Chi's behavior.

Flashback

Goku stood before Dende, the Namekian guardian regarding him with a knowing gaze. "Dende, I need your advice. Chi-Chi's been acting strange lately, and I don't know what to do."

Dende listened attentively as Goku poured out his concerns, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and worry. "I thought after defeating Cell, everything would go back to normal. But it's like she's been avoiding me, spending more time away from home. I don't know how to approach her about it."

Dende nodded sympathetically, understanding the weight of Goku's words. "Relationships can be challenging, Goku. It's important to communicate openly and honestly with each other."

Goku nodded, a hint of desperation in his voice. "That's what I want to do, Dende. But what if she won't talk to me? What if she's hiding something?"

Dende's expression softened, his wisdom shining through. "Goku, trust is the foundation of any relationship. Without it, there can be no true understanding. Perhaps, instead of seeking answers from others, you should talk to Chi-Chi directly. Share your concerns and listen to hers. Only then can you find a way forward."

Goku considered Dende's words, a sense of clarity dawning upon him. "You're right, Dende. I'll talk to Chi-Chi and see if we can work things out. But, do you think you could... you know, keep an eye on her? Just in case?"

Dende's gentle smile faltered slightly, a hint of reluctance in his response. "Goku, while I understand your concern, monitoring Chi-Chi's actions would be an invasion of her privacy. Trust is built on mutual respect, not surveillance."

Goku's expression fell as he realized his mistake. "Oh, right. I forgot about that."

"Talk to Chi-Chi. Share your feelings and listen to hers. Only then can you find a way forward."

Goku nodded, grateful for Dende's wisdom. "Thanks, Dende. I'll talk to Chi-Chi and see if we can work things out."

End of Flashback 

Ever since that day, he had tried to communicate with Chi-Chi more, but she never gave him her attention or time.

Lost in his thoughts, Goku pushed himself to the limits of his power, the energy coursing through his veins as he ascended to Super Saiyan 2. The adrenaline fueled his determination, driving him to push even harder.

For hours, he trained tirelessly, the desert landscape bearing witness to his determination. The intensity of the workout began to blur the lines between physical exertion and emotional release.

Then suddenly, a voice cut through the silence, startling Goku from his concentration.

"Kakarot, what the hell are you doing?"

Goku snapped out of his trance, returning to his base form as he turned to face the source of the voice. It was Vegeta, hovering above him with a scowl on his face.

"Oh, hey Vegeta," Goku greeted him with a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his head.

Vegeta landed with a thud, glaring at Goku before delivering a sharp smack to the back of his head. "Don't 'oh, hey Vegeta' me! Training, huh? You should focus more on keeping track of your son! Some random girl dropped him off at my house."

Goku winced at the blow, his mind racing to process Vegeta's words. His eyes widened in surprise, the realization dawning on him."Wait, what? Who dropped him off?"

Vegeta shrugged dismissively. "I don't remember her name, Gohan said something about her living in a village by the lookout. Anyway, she brought him to Capsule Corp since no one was home at your place."

Goku's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, that's Y/n. She's been training with Piccolo. She's pretty cool!"

Vegeta grunted in acknowledgment. "Your kid mentioned something about that." Vegeta turned to leave, his irritation still evident. "Hurry up, Kakarot. I've got better things to do than babysit your brat."

Realization dawned on Goku, and he felt a twinge of guilt for losing track of time. "Thanks, Vegeta. I'll head there right away."

Goku watched as Vegeta disappeared into the distance before gathering his energy and launching himself into the sky, his thoughts racing as he made his way to Capsule Corp to retrieve his son.