Time moved forward on Dragon Ball Universe 6, and for the first time since his arrival, Ben Tennyson began to understand what it truly meant to carry more than just strength. His days were no longer defined only by training and battles, but by responsibility, by the lives that now depended on him.
Caulifla refused to slow down completely, even during her condition. She still trained, though less recklessly, often arguing with Ben when he tried to stop her. "I'm not fragile," she would say, crossing her arms, though she stayed closer to him than before. Kale, on the other hand, adapted more calmly, focusing on control and staying balanced, often helping keep Caulifla from overdoing things.
Ben found himself in a strange position between them, one moment stopping Caulifla from pushing too far, the next making sure Kale wasn't quietly exhausting herself either. It wasn't easy, but somehow, it felt natural.
At the same time, his own training didn't stop.
If anything, it became more focused.
Super Saiyan 3 was powerful, but it drained too much energy. He couldn't rely on it for long battles, not when he now had something to protect. So instead, he worked on refining his lower forms, strengthening his base, and stabilizing Super Saiyan 2 to its absolute peak.
Cabba often trained with him during this phase, helping him sharpen technique rather than just power. "Raw strength isn't everything," Cabba reminded him. "Control is what lets you survive."
Ben nodded. He understood that now more than ever.
One evening, as the sun set over Planet Sadala, the three of them sat together again, just like before. But this time, the feeling was different.
Caulifla leaned back, looking at the sky. "You've gotten serious lately."
Ben glanced at her. "Guess I had to."
Kale smiled softly. "You've changed… but in a good way."
Ben looked at both of them, then let out a small breath. "Yeah… I think so too."
There was a quiet pause.
Then Caulifla smirked slightly. "Don't think that means I'm going easy on you later."
Ben chuckled. "Wouldn't expect anything less."
Kale looked between them, her smile growing a little brighter.
In that moment, everything felt balanced again.
But far away, beyond Planet Sadala, something stirred.
A presence.
Heavy.
Ancient.
Watching.
Ben suddenly felt it.
A chill ran through him, completely different from anything he had sensed before. Not like a Saiyan, not like any opponent he had faced.
Something else.
Something stronger.
His expression changed instantly.
Caulifla noticed. "What is it?"
Ben stood up slowly, looking toward the horizon. "…We're not alone."
Cabba arrived moments later, his face serious. "You felt it too?"
Ben nodded.
Kale's hands tightened slightly.
The peaceful days were ending.
Because whatever that presence was…
It was coming.
And this time, it wouldn't just test Ben's strength.
It would test everything he had built.