Chapter 22: The Marriage Proposal

Reference for the previous chapters technique.

Mr Popo link: https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Mr._Popo

Kami link: https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Kami

Asian traditions where arrange marriage was common for this chapter.

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While Goku continued his secret training with Popo and Kami, a different kind of situation was unfolding down on Earth. The Ox King and Chi-Chi, unaware that Goku was the grandson of Grandpa Gohan, decided to visit Gohan after the recent fire at Fire Mountain had been resolved. However, they had another pressing problem—an infamous desert bandit named Yamcha had been stealing from them and escaping before they could fight back. Seeking Gohan's help, they traveled to his remote mountain home.

Upon their arrival, Ox King and Chi-Chi explained the situation to Grandpa Gohan. The Ox King, being a former student of Master Roshi, thought about seeking his master's help as well, but Gohan waved his hand, laughing.

"Roshi? Oh, don't bother him now. He's too...preoccupied with his 'special magazines' and 'TV shows.' The old man's not much of a fighter these days," Gohan chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll help, but let me introduce you to someone first."

Ox King raised an eyebrow, and Chi-Chi looked curiously at Gohan as he led them into the courtyard. Standing there was a short, bald boy who was practicing his punches against a wooden dummy.

"Meet Krillin," Gohan said proudly, gesturing to the boy. "He's my new disciple. Don't let his size fool you. He's been training hard, and he's got potential."

Krillin bowed respectfully to the Ox King and Chi-Chi, though he looked a bit nervous standing next to the towering figure of the Ox King. Chi-Chi smiled politely, and Ox King nodded in approval.

"He's going to help me deal with this Yamcha fellow. It'll be good experience for him. And don't worry, Ox King, we'll take care of your bandit problem."

After a bit of small talk and introductions, Chi-Chi pulled out a photo she had been carrying with her—a picture of Bulma, Oolong, and a young boy. She handed it to Grandpa Gohan, curious. "Who are these people?" she asked, pointing to the boy in the picture.

Gohan smiled warmly. "Ah, that's a photo from after Goku, Bulma, and Oolong finished their journey to find the Dragon Balls."

Chi-Chi's eyes widened. "Goku? That's Goku?"

"Yep," Gohan nodded, his eyes twinkling with pride. "He's my grandson."

Chi-Chi's mind raced as she remembered the time she met Goku in the forest. How he had carried her like a princess... She had been young, but ever since that day, she couldn't quite forget him. Now learning that he was Grandpa Gohan's grandson made her heart race a little. She smiled faintly but didn't say anything, though it was clear that Goku had left an impression on her.

The Ox King noticed his daughter's reaction. He wasn't oblivious to the way Chi-Chi's face had brightened when Gohan mentioned Goku's name, and as a loving father, he knew his daughter well. A thoughtful expression crossed his face, and after a few moments of silence, he cleared his throat.

"You know, Gohan..." Ox King began, stroking his beard. "I've been thinking. Chi-Chi here has always admired strong, brave boys... like Goku. And with our families being so close, maybe... well, maybe we should consider arranging a marriage between the two of them."

Grandpa Gohan's eyes widened in surprise, but after a moment, a smile spread across his face. "A marriage between Goku and Chi-Chi, huh? That's not a bad idea at all, Ox King. Goku could use someone like Chi-Chi by his side—strong, determined, and smart."

Chi-Chi's face turned bright red. "D-Dad! What are you saying?! I-I barely know Goku!"

The Ox King chuckled heartily. "Oh, come now, Chi-Chi. I saw the way you lit up when Gohan mentioned his name. Besides, it's an old tradition. Families arrange marriages all the time. It's not like you'd be getting married right away! You can get to know Goku better first."

Chi-Chi, flustered and embarrassed, looked away, but deep down, the idea didn't sound as terrible as she pretended it was. After all, Goku had made quite an impression on her during their first encounter.

"Well," Grandpa Gohan said, "we'll have to talk to Goku about it when he returns from his training, but I think he'll be open to the idea. He's always been a bit... carefree when it comes to matters of the heart." He laughed, thinking about how oblivious Goku could be at times.

The conversation turned to lighter topics as they continued to chat, with Gohan assuring the Ox King that Krillin and he would take care of Yamcha. Meanwhile, Chi-Chi kept glancing at the picture of Goku, her thoughts drifting back to that day in the forest.

As the Ox King and Chi-Chi prepared to leave, Ox King turned to Grandpa Gohan with a grin. "Let's make sure Goku doesn't run off on us once he finds out about this arrangement, eh?"

Gohan chuckled. "Don't worry, Ox King. I'll make sure he stays put when the time comes."

Chi-Chi groaned. "Dad, please!"

The two old friends laughed, leaving Chi-Chi red-faced and flustered once more. The idea of marrying Goku wasn't something she had expected, but now that the seed had been planted.