Chapter 8: The Encounter with the Demon

Author's Note:

I've decided to focus primarily on three main female characters: Bulma, Chi-Chi, and Android 18. Each of these characters will play a significant role in Goku's journey and development. However, I know there are many other fascinating female characters in the Dragon Ball universe, like Launch (Lazuli), Princess Snake, Zangya, and more. While I may not have fully fleshed out their roles yet, I'm considering how they might fit into the story as it progresses. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome as I continue to explore these possibilities!

Additionally, if you have any ideas for techniques that you'd like to see Goku or other characters use in the novel, please feel free to comment. I'd really appreciate your input as I continue to shape this story!

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After leaving Master Roshi's island with the Three-Star Dragon Ball in hand, Goku and Bulma continued their journey in search of the next Dragon Ball. Using the Dragon Radar, Bulma quickly identified the nearest location, and they set off with Bulma on her bike and Goku flying alongside her.

As they approached a small village nestled in a valley, the Dragon Radar signaled that the next Dragon Ball was nearby. Bulma slowed her bike and looked around. "It must be around here somewhere," she muttered, scanning the area for any signs.

They followed the signal to a small, humble house at the edge of the village. Bulma parked her bike, and the two of them walked up to the door. Goku knocked on the wooden door, and almost immediately, it was flung open by a burly man with a fierce expression. Without warning, the man swung his axe-hand at Goku, aiming to strike him down in one blow.

However, Goku's reflexes were unmatched. Before the man's axe could make contact, it shattered upon hitting an invisible barrier surrounding Goku's body. The man's arm recoiled from the impact, and a sickening crunch echoed through the air as his bones fractured. He cried out in pain, clutching his now broken arm.

Bulma gasped in shock, her eyes wide with horror. She rushed over to Goku, panic in her voice as she scolded the man. "What were you thinking?! You could've seriously hurt someone!"

She then turned to Goku, quickly checking him over for any injuries. To her relief, Goku stood there unfazed, a calm expression on his face. "I'm fine, Bulma," he reassured her with a smile. "He just didn't know what he was dealing with."

Goku then approached the man, who was groaning in pain on the ground. Kneeling beside him, Goku placed his hand over the injured arm and channeled his ki into his palm. A soft glow enveloped his hand as he used his Healing Palm technique to mend the man's broken bones. Within moments, the pain subsided, and the man's arm was not fully healed but was out of danger of being permanently disabled.

The man looked up at Goku, his expression a mix of awe and gratitude. "Thank you… I didn't know you were so powerful. Please, follow me inside."

He led Goku and Bulma into the house, where an elderly woman sat by a warm fire. The room was cozy and filled with the scent of herbs. The old woman looked up as they entered, her wise eyes quickly assessing the situation.

Goku and Bulma explained their quest for the Dragon Balls, and the old woman nodded knowingly. "Yes, we do have the Six-Star Dragon Ball," she confirmed. "But I'm afraid we cannot give it to you so easily. Our village is being terrorized by a demon, and we need help to get rid of it."

Bulma looked at Goku with a mix of worry and hope. "Do you think you can handle it, Goku?"

Goku grinned confidently. "No problem at all. I'll take care of this demon for you."

As night fell, Goku prepared himself for the encounter. He already knew who the so-called "demon" was, thanks to his knowledge of the original Dragon Ball plot. It was Oolong, a shape-shifting pig who had been using his abilities to terrorize the villagers in his demon form.

When Oolong finally appeared, his monstrous form cast a long shadow across the village. Goku didn't waste any time with pleasantries or banter. He stepped forward, his voice firm and unwavering. "Give up now and tell us where you've hidden the girls, or you'll be lying in bed for a month."

Oolong, in his demon form, sneered at Goku, believing the boy to be nothing more than a boastful child. He tried to intimidate Goku with a roar, but Goku wasn't impressed. He decided to teach Oolong a lesson and used just 0.1% of his strength in a single punch.

The impact was immediate and overwhelming. Oolong was sent flying across the village, crashing into the wall of a cottage before landing in a heap on the ground. The villagers who had gathered to watch the confrontation gasped in astonishment.

Oolong groaned, trying to lift himself up but finding it impossible. He was in pain, but it wasn't life-threatening—just enough to ensure he wouldn't be causing trouble for a while. Goku walked over to him, placing his hand on Oolong's chest and using his Healing Palm to ease the worst of the pain.

Now thoroughly terrified, Oolong reverted to his true form—a small, trembling pig. "Please, don't hurt me anymore!" he begged. "I'll tell you everything! I'll take you to where the girls are!"

Oolong led Goku, Bulma, and the villagers to his lair, which turned out to be a luxurious hideaway where the girls he had abducted were living in comfort. The villagers were stunned to find their daughters not in distress but rather enjoying the lavish lifestyle Oolong had provided.

The girls, however, refused to return home at first, preferring the luxury they had been living in. But after some "gentle persuasion" from their parents, they eventually agreed to return to the village.

With the situation resolved, Goku and Bulma returned to the elderly woman's house. The old woman, deeply grateful for Goku's help, retrieved the Six-Star Dragon Ball from a hidden compartment and handed it to them.

"Thank you," she said with a bow. "You've done our village a great service."

Goku accepted the Dragon Ball with a smile. "I'm just glad I could help."

As they prepared to leave, Goku looked at Oolong, who was still trembling with fear. "You're coming with us," Goku said firmly.

Oolong's eyes widened in shock, but he was too frightened to protest. He nodded meekly and followed Goku back to where Bulma was waiting.

"Bulma, this pig is joining us," Goku announced, much to Bulma's surprise.

Oolong gulped, clearly terrified of what might happen next. Goku then looked at Oolong with a serious expression. "Now, spit out every technique you learned at shapeshifting school."

Oolong, still scared but eager to avoid any more pain, quickly began explaining the various techniques he had learned. He hoped that cooperating with Goku would keep him safe and possibly earn some leniency.