Ka House, the Next Morning
"Master Roshi," Yamcha asked eagerly, "do you think I've surpassed Goku by now?"
Roshi scratched his bald head, frowning thoughtfully.
"Hard to say. Goku was already that strong three years ago. I'd wager he's on another level now."
Yamcha crossed his arms, still hopeful.
"Yeah, but people have limits, right?"
"Who knows?" Roshi shrugged.
Just then, a streak of golden light descended upon the island.
"Grandpa Roshi! I ca to visit!"
Roshi turned and blinked in surprise.
"Goku? You've grown!"
Goku laughed, scratching the back of his head.
"Not by much! Still shorter than you, Grandpa."
Yamcha ca over with a grin.
"Hey, Goku! I guess we're fellow disciples now."
Goku's eyes lit up.
"Yamcha! Wow, you've been training here all this ti?"
"Yup, been here for a whole year."
"That's aweso!"
Roshi smiled warmly.
"So, where've you been these past three years?"
Goku bead.
"Climbing Korin Tower! Chi-Chi, Krillin, and I trained there the whole ti. We just ca down for the World Martial Arts Tournant."
Roshi nearly dropped his staff.
"Korin Tower?! You an you... already got the Ultra Divine Water?"
"Well," Goku scratched his cheek, "it wasn't really magic water—just intense training with Korin."
"I see…" Roshi muttered, impressed.
"So Chi-Chi and Krillin drank it too?"
"Yup! All three of us spent years trying to snatch that bottle."
"Haha! That's exactly what I did… except I took three years. You kids sure are sothing else." Roshi nodded in admiration.
"If you've cleared Korin Tower… your strength's probably beyond mine now."
He looked around.
"Where are Chi-Chi and Krillin?"
"Krillin's off visiting his girlfriend up north. Said he'll et us at the tournant."
"And Chi-Chi?"
"She's gone ho to see her dad. It's been a while."
Roshi chuckled.
"Ah, young love."
Then his expression turned sly.
"By the way, Goku… where's Launch?"
Goku blinked.
"Launch?"
"Yeah, she left right after you three did. Took all my treasure, too. Haven't seen her in three years."
Goku frowned.
"Maybe she got caught robbing soone…"
"…Your imagination really is sothing."
Roshi sighed.
"Anyway, since you're back… you staying for a al?"
Goku perked up.
"Sure! I'm starving!"
"Actually," Roshi interrupted, "we don't have Launch anymore, so no one's cooking. And with your appetite… maybe just skip dinner."
"…You're kicking out?"
"No! I'm just… suggesting."
Goku chuckled dryly.
"Alright then, I'll go ho and see if I can hunt a dinosaur or two."
"Good boy. Say hi to Mount Paozu for !"
Goku flew off on his Nimbus, heading ho.
—
Mount Paozu
He expected to find the place overgrown and abandoned, but as he soared above the familiar peaks, sothing caught his eye.
The farmland was pristine. Crops were neatly planted. His old house—newly renovated.
There were eggplants, green beans, tomatoes, peppers… and laundry hanging in the sun.
'Wait… did soone move in?'
He landed, cautiously stepping up to the front door. Inside, everything was spotless. The furniture was upgraded. The floor tiles glead. And from the kitchen—
A familiar aroma.
He crept closer.
There, standing by the stove, was a woman with long blue hair flowing down her back. Simple clothes. A calm aura.
Goku's eyes widened.
"Launch?!"
She turned, surprised.
"Goku? How'd you find ?"
He stared at her, dumbfounded.
"Master Roshi said you disappeared three years ago! What are you doing… here?"
Launch chuckled.
"I ran from the cops after robbing a bank and ended up here. There was a house, fields, and no one around. So… I stayed."
She smiled sheepishly.
"I farm a little, hunt when I want at. Life's been peaceful."
"This is my house, though…" Goku muttered.
"Oh!"
She looked guilty.
"Sorry! I didn't know."
Goku waved it off.
"It's fine. If you like it here, stay. I won't be around much anyway—I'm always out training."
Her eyes lit up.
"Really? That's great! Sit down, I'll cook more dishes. Eat with !"
"Aweso! I missed your cooking."
She giggled, then shooed him away.
"Go! The kitchen's full of smoke."
Before long, a full al was ready. Goku dug in like a starved animal.
Launch watched him with a gentle smile.
"Goku, have you been staying with Bulma?"
"Huh? Sort of. She brought us food while we were training at Korin Tower."
"Us?"
", Krillin, and Chi-Chi."
Launch nodded, thoughtful.
"You've all been working hard. The tournant's coming up, right?"
"Yup! I've gotta test myself and see how strong I've beco."
"I'll co watch then!"
"Really?"
"I was going to go to West City to see Bulma anyway. But since you're here, I'll just tag along."
Goku laughed.
"Sure! That works."
Launch looked at him softly.
"You talk more now. You've grown taller too… a little skinnier though."
She turned away, mumbling under her breath.
"Grow up faster, Goku… or I'll be too old for you…"
—
At the Ruins of Muscle Tower
Snow listened quietly as Krillin explained the tournant.
"It gathers the best martial artists from all over the world," he said. "People co from everywhere to watch."
She blinked, starry-eyed.
"Sounds amazing…"
Krillin hesitated.
"Snow, would you… like to co with ?"
"Huh? Are you sure I won't be a burden?"
"No way! I'd love for you to co."
Just then, Snow's mother walked in.
"Snow, go with him. The world is big. It's ti you saw more of it."
Snow's eyes lit up.
"Really? You an it?"
Her father followed, serious and firm.
"Krillin, we're just simple people. Snow isn't special like you. She can't fight. She's never left the village. But if you truly like her… we give our blessing."
Krillin stood and bowed.
"Sir! I'll take care of her. I promise!"
Snow's face flushed crimson.
"D-Dad, stop embarrassing !"
Krillin panicked.
"Did I… say sothing wrong?"
Snow tugged his sleeve.
"If you win the tournant… I'll marry you, okay?"
His eyes widened, electrified by her touch.
"R-Really?"
She turned redder.
"My dad basically just handed over. What do you think?"
Then she turned on her heel.
"Dinner's ready. Wash up!"
Krillin stood there, stunned—but smiling.
He understood.
And the championship?
With only Goku and Chi-Chi in his way, victory was all but guaranteed.
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