Meeting a Sea Turtle

Bulma filled the bathtub with water for Goku while he undressed. When she caught sight of Goku's tail, she blushed and looked away, feeling a bit embarrassed. Goku stared at her in confusion, unsure why she would avert her gaze. Of course, he knew the reason, but let's pretend he didn't.

"Wow, kid, your tail looks quite realistic. How did you manage that? Wait, don't tell me you shoved it into your... you know," Bulma exclaimed in surprise.

"What do you mean it looks real? It is real. Look," Goku picked up a brush and began scrubbing his back as he stood in the shower.

Bulma took a step back, her eyes wide with shock. "What!! It's actually real?" she exclaimed.

Goku turned towards her with a frown. "Could you please lower your voice? I'm trying to take a bath." He continued washing himself with soap and a cloth. Once he was done, he wiped himself off, causing his hair to return to its normal state.

Bulma was still standing there in disbelief. Goku walked past her with a towel wrapped around his waist, its end dragging on the floor due to his height.

"Your turn now. I'll go watch some TV," he said.

He closed the door behind him, leaving Bulma to contemplate. She had always thought he was just cosplaying, but now she knew that his tail wasn't a mere costume accessory. This somewhat explained his remarkable strength and how he managed to survive alone in the forest.

'I should inquire more about his past before embarking on this journey with him,' she thought.

Bulma took her bath, and after finishing, she changed into her nightdress. Upon exiting the bathroom, she found Goku sitting on the floor, engrossed in watching TV. She proceeded to the kitchen, preparing some food for both of them. They sat together at the table and enjoyed their dinner.

"So, Goku, how did you end up living alone in the forest?" she inquired as they ate.

"Well, I initially lived with Grandpa, but he passed away, leaving me on my own," he replied casually, taking a bite of chicken.

"Are your parents no longer alive?"

"I don't know. My Grandpa found me in the mountains when I was young, so I've never known my parents," he explained.

"Oh, I'm sorry for asking. Well, don't worry, you won't be alone anymore. I'll be like your big sister," Bulma offered. "By the way, how old are you?"

"I'm 14 years old."

"What! But you're so small. At that age, you should at least be close to my height," Bulma exclaimed once again, this time with a softer tone.

"Really? Aren't all boys my age this height?" Goku asked, genuinely curious.

"Absolutely not. You know what, I won't bother explaining. You'll figure it out as we travel around the world. Now, let's head to bed," she suggested. Goku finished the remaining food left by Bulma and followed her to bed. Just before he climbed in, she stopped him.

"Now that I know your age, I'm not sure if it's a good idea for us to share a bed," she stated.

"Alright, I'll sleep on the floor then." He grabbed a futon, laying it on the floor, and covered himself with a blanket.

< The next morning >

Goku woke up early, as usual. He got up from the floor and glanced at Bulma, who was still sound asleep. This was the moment for Goku to let Bulma know that her Dragon Balls were gone.

He proceeded to the bathroom, took care of his morning routine, and then went outside. He ran around the building fifty times and lifted a huge boulder, performing push-ups. When he finished, he shattered the boulder using both his arms. His morning exercise routine concluded, and while he headed back, he spotted a sea turtle.

"Hey there, Mr. Turtle! What's going on?" he greeted the creature, giving its shell a friendly pat.

"Could you possibly help me to the sea? I'm in need of seawater," the turtle requested. Goku chuckled as he circled around it.

"Of course, we'll need to inform Bulma first. Let me fetch her," he decided.

Goku rushed inside and found Bulma in the midst of getting ready.

"Bulma, I discovered a sea turtle that needs assistance to return to the sea. Could we make a quick detour before searching for the Dragon Balls?" he asked.

Bulma looked at him through the mirror's reflection. "Goku, are you messing with me? Why would a sea turtle be so far from the ocean?"

"I'm not sure. All I know is that it requires help. So, please hurry, and we can swiftly complete this side quest," he said.

"Alright, I'll be out in a moment. I need to get dressed," Bulma replied.

Goku went back outside and saw the sea turtle sitting under a tree's shade.

"She's on board. We'll wait a bit before heading back to your home," he informed the turtle.

Bulma emerged a minute later, spotting Goku sitting atop the sea turtle. To her surprise, there was indeed a turtle outside.

'Guess he wasn't pulling a prank on me after all,' she thought.

"Bulma, let's go. The sea turtle requires salt water. I'll run ahead while you come in the car. It's also good training for me," Goku suggested, lifting the sea turtle onto his back and starting to run. The turtle guided him in the right direction.

"Goku, wait!" Bulma exclaimed. She took out a capsule, and a pink bike materialized from the smoke. She hopped on the bike and sped toward them.

Atop a hill, a bear stood, binoculars in hand, observing Goku and Bulma's approach. This bear wore samurai attire and had a sword strapped to its waist. Upon noticing the sea turtle on Goku's back, the bear's mouth began to water with hunger. In his imagination, he cooked the turtle over an open flame, the scent of the savory dish wafting into his nostrils.

'Today is my lucky day,' he thought.