Chapter 9: Uncovering the Secrets of Shapeshifting

The night had settled over their campsite, and the flickering firelight cast dancing shadows on the faces of Goku, Bulma, and their new companion, Oolong. The evening had been filled with revelations about Oolong's shapeshifting techniques, and Goku was deep in thought, considering how these skills might fit into their adventures.

Oolong, looking slightly relieved and a bit more at ease, spoke up. "There's actually more to shapeshifting than what I've shown you. The school had many advanced techniques, but I was expelled before I could learn them. Some of those techniques could be really powerful if you can master them."

Goku's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Advanced techniques? Like what?"

Oolong shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure since I never got the chance to learn them. But I heard they involve more complex transformations and even longer-lasting forms. It's a shame I didn't get to explore them."

Bulma, who had been listening intently, looked at Oolong thoughtfully. "Advanced techniques would definitely be interesting. Maybe one day you can find a way to learn them or develop your own."

"Maybe," Oolong said, a bit hopeful. "But for now, I'm glad to have shared what I know."

With that, Oolong reached into his bag and pulled out a worn, old book. He handed it to Goku. "This is a book I managed to sneak out of the shapeshifting school before I was expelled. It contains detailed descriptions of all the techniques I learned. It might help you understand and even improve upon them."

Goku took the book, flipping through its pages filled with sketches and notes about various shapeshifting techniques. He was excited by the prospect of learning more.

"I'll definitely take a look at this," Goku said, his enthusiasm evident. "Thanks, Oolong. This could be really useful."

As the conversation wound down, Goku noticed that the night was growing late. He stood up and began arranging the bed. The events of the previous night were still fresh in his mind.

Flashback: The First Night in Capsule House

The scene from the previous night replayed in Goku's mind. They had just arrived at Bulma's capsule house, and the place was comfortable and well-equipped. Goku had been eager to find a spot to sleep, but when it came to choosing beds, things had taken an unexpected turn.

Bulma had offered Goku the sofa, but he had insisted on sleeping in the bed. "Sharing is a good thing!" Goku had declared, his voice full of exaggerated bravado. "I should sleep in the bed, not on the sofa!"

Bulma had rolled her eyes at Goku's antics. "Seriously? Just sleep on the sofa. It's perfectly comfortable."

Goku had started to argue, but Bulma's patience had worn thin. She had swiftly hit him on the head with a pillow. Goku had relented, "Fine, fine. If you're going to be stubborn, then I'll sleep on the sofa."

End of Flashback

Back in the present, Goku smiled at the memory.

Oolong glanced at the bed and, unsure of his place, asked, "Can I sleep on the bed?"

Goku shook his head, laughing softly. "No, you can't sleep on the bed because the 'old woman' doesn't like sharing."

Bulma's face flushed with anger. "Old woman? When did I become an old woman?" she demanded, clearly annoyed.

Goku, realizing that he had mistakenly provoked her, quickly backtracked. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that! I just meant that, like yesterday, you wanted me to sleep on the sofa while you took the bed, so I thought you didn't like sharing."

Bulma, still fuming, grumbled under her breath but did not press the issue further. Oolong looked between the two, trying to gauge the situation.

Suddenly, Bulma gave Goku a big punch on his head. "You'll be sleeping on the sofa again tonight, you little brat!"

Goku started to act like a pitiful child, rubbing his head where she had hit him. "No fair! I don't want to sleep on the sofa!"

After seeing this display, Bulma finally sighed, giving in. "Fine, fine. You can have the bed. But don't get used to it!"

Goku grinned triumphantly, while Bulma huffed in annoyance. Oolong, seeing that neither was going to give him any attention, sighed and looked around hesitantly. Not wanting to push his luck any further, he resigned himself to sleeping on the floor.

Oolong had been nervous about his new situation, but the strength he saw in Goku gave him a sense of comfort. "I guess it's not so bad," he muttered to himself as he settled in.

Bulma, unable to sleep comfortably on the sofa, eventually gave up and decided to join Goku on the bed. She quietly climbed in on one side, making sure to keep a respectful distance from Goku. To ensure some semblance of privacy, she created a pillow wall between them.

The night deepened, and the fire's glow dimmed. The stars shone brightly in the clear sky, marking another peaceful end to a day filled with adventure and new beginnings. As sleep began to take hold, Goku's thoughts wandered to the adventures that lay ahead.

Before he drifted off, Goku muttered to himself, "This Life really is like a game, isn't it? One big, fun adventure after another… I wonder what tomorrow will bring."

With that, the campsite fell into a calm silence, the trio ready for whatever challenges and surprises awaited them in the morning.