Chapter 37: Rising Waves and New Paths

The impact of Goku and Grandpa Gohan's intense battle spread quickly. News of their extraordinary powers traveled far and wide, reaching the ears of masters, mercenaries, and hidden warriors alike. Mercenary Tao, who once believed his power nearly rivaled Master Roshi's, was especially unsettled. Watching Goku's skill, he realized he was leagues behind.

Unnerved, Tao reached out to his contacts in the Red Ribbon Army. He was done taking chances; if raw strength couldn't put him ahead, technology could. With access to advanced mechanical enhancements, he planned to upgrade himself to a level no one could match, transforming into a deadly fusion of man and machine. "If I can't beat them with fists," Tao muttered to himself, "then I'll crush them with steel."

But it wasn't just Tao; martial artists from every corner of the world who had witnessed the battle felt the same. A whole new standard of strength had been set. Masters who had remained hidden, satisfied with their own power, were now roused from their complacency. They each vowed to train harder and test their strength in the next World Martial Arts Tournament, hoping to challenge Goku and Gohan for themselves.

After the thrilling match, everyone gathered at a hotel to celebrate. Goku, as expected, ate like there was no tomorrow. Plates piled up as Goku devoured everything in sight, with the restaurant staff nervously glancing at the never-ending orders.

"Goku!" Bulma exclaimed, staring at the enormous stack of dishes. "How are you still eating?! You've spent enough for a small village!"

Goku grinned sheepishly, swallowing his latest mouthful. "Heh, sorry, Bulma! I was really hungry after that fight!"

"Hungry doesn't cover it," Yamcha muttered, watching Goku tear into another roasted duck. "At this rate, he'll bankrupt us all."

Krillin, laughing, patted Yamcha on the back. "It's fine. Goku probably doesn't even need money—he can just make anything he wants now with that materialization technique he's been showing off!"

Bulma raised an eyebrow. "Is that so, Goku? Why didn't you create your own food then?"

Goku shrugged, grinning innocently. "But this way, I get to taste everything here! Besides, I don't just make food out of thin air every day. Wouldn't want to miss out on a feast like this!"

Bulma rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. The others laughed along with Goku's infectious enthusiasm, although they did have to double-check their wallets.

After the meal, Goku took a moment to gather everyone. "I've got a little something for each of you," he announced. With a quick movement of his hands, he summoned heavy training clothes for each of them, crafted with the same technique he used for his own. The weights varied according to each person's strength, ensuring everyone had a challenge. He also handed out specially designed gravity belts modeled after the one Bulma had made for him.

Gohan took his new weighted clothes, admiring the craftsmanship. "Thank you, Goku. This will help my training greatly."

Krillin and Yamcha, amazed, immediately put theirs on. "These things are heavier than they look," Yamcha muttered, adjusting the belt. "I feel like I can barely move!"

"Exactly!" Goku laughed. "These weights will help you guys get stronger. If you want to keep up with me, you've gotta train hard!"

Krillin and Yamcha exchanged glances, determination lighting up in their eyes. "Goku, we'll catch up to you!" Krillin declared, tightening his belt.

Goku chuckled. "You might want to pay a visit to Korin's Tower, too. That's where I got some of my own training. It'll be tough, but it's worth it."

"Thanks for the tip, Goku!" Yamcha said, his eyes shining with excitement. "We'll head there as soon as we're ready."

As the two friends prepared to set off, Goku thought about his next steps. His mind drifted back to his earlier plans: finding the Dragon Balls again and setting off on new adventures.

The next morning, as Goku made plans to leave, Bulma intercepted him, hands on her hips. "And just where do you think you're going, Goku?"

"Oh, just gonna start tracking down the Dragon Balls again," he replied casually, pointing toward the horizon.

Bulma narrowed her eyes. "Remember, you promised we'd go together! Besides, you didn't think I'd just let you have all the wish, did you?"

Goku scratched his head, grinning sheepishly. "Oh, yeah! Guess I did say that…"

She held up her Dragon Radar, which had recently started blinking with new signals. "See? The Dragon Balls have been revived, which means there's another wish up for grabs. And this time, I'm the one making it!"

"Fine by me!" Goku laughed, not too concerned. "I already got my wish last time!"

"Good," she replied with a satisfied smirk. "Let's get going then!"

As the group prepared to leave, Oolong waved them off, pretending to be sad. "Oh, go on without me! It's not like I wanted to join the fun or anything!" he pouted dramatically, though it was clear he didn't mind sitting this one out.

Goku laughed and gave Oolong a playful shove. "Don't worry, Oolong, we'll tell you all about it when we get back!"

Bulma rolled her eyes, ushering Goku along. "Alright, let's get a move on. Adventure awaits!"

With the Dragon Radar in hand and their spirits high, Goku, Bulma, and their friends set out once again, unknowingly stepping into the path of the Red Ribbon Army and new, unforeseen dangers.

Meanwhile, deep within a fortified Red Ribbon Army base, Mercenary Tao was strapped to a table as Red Ribbon scientists worked around him, installing mechanical enhancements that would turn him into a formidable cyborg. As the procedure began, Tao sneered, thinking of his newfound power.

"Just you wait," he murmured. "When I'm done, there won't be a soul on Earth who can stop me."

Back in the hotel, Yamcha, Krillin, and Gohan watched the group depart, each of them energized with the excitement of training and future adventures. They looked at each other, fists clenched in mutual agreement.

"Well," Krillin said with a grin, "we've got our own training to do. We're not letting Goku leave us in the dust, right?"

"Right!" Yamcha replied, his eyes glinting with anticipation.

Grandpa Gohan smiled proudly at his young friends, his thoughts with Goku. "He's on a path to something greater," he murmured, feeling a surge of pride for his grandson. "But he's also given us all a chance to become something more."