Chapter 7: The Quest for the Dragon Balls

Goku and Bulma stood in front of Grandpa Gohan's house, the sun shining brightly overhead. Bulma, eager to continue their quest for the Dragon Balls, decided to take her bike. "I'll ride ahead and meet you at the shore," she said, mounting the vehicle with a determined look.

Goku nodded and smiled. "Alright, I'll catch up with you. See you there!"

With a burst of energy, Goku soared into the sky, flying effortlessly toward their destination. Below, Bulma revved up her bike and sped off, her blue hair trailing behind her in the wind. Goku carried his Power Pole on his back, its length extending behind him as he flew.

The journey was smooth until Goku suddenly sensed a large, menacing energy approaching. He furrowed his brow, focusing his senses to pinpoint the source. Just ahead, he spotted a massive beast rampaging through the forest. With enormous claws and sharp teeth, the creature had a look of hunger in its eyes and was heading straight for a small, stranded sea turtle.

Recognizing the turtle from his memory, Goku knew he had to act fast. He swooped down and landed gracefully between the turtle and the monstrous beast. The creature roared, its eyes narrowing at Goku.

Without hesitation, Goku sprang into action. He charged at the beast with swift, calculated movements. His blows were precise, his speed unmatched. The beast attempted to retaliate but was no match for Goku's superior strength and agility. Within moments, Goku had subdued the beast, rendering it unconscious.

The sea turtle, relieved and grateful, looked up at Goku with admiration. "Thank you, young warrior! You've saved me!"

Goku smiled, patting the turtle on its back. "No problem. I'm just glad I could help."

As the turtle made its way back to the shore, Goku took to the sky again, following closely behind. He soon arrived at the shore, where Bulma was waiting by her bike, scanning the surroundings with curiosity.

The turtle approached the shore and instructed Goku and Bulma to wait. "I need to fetch my master. He'll want to thank you properly."

Goku and Bulma waited patiently, discussing their next steps. After a short while, the turtle returned, this time with a rider on his back. The rider was an old man with a long beard and a distinctive turtle shell. It was none other than the Turtle Hermit—Master Roshi.

"Greetings!" Master Roshi called out as he dismounted. "I'm the Turtle Hermit, and I've come to thank you for helping my friend here."

Goku greeted him with a friendly wave. "Hi, Master Roshi! I'm Goku, and this is Bulma. It was no trouble at all."

Master Roshi nodded, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You've done a great deed today. As a token of my appreciation, I'd like to give you a gift."

Master Roshi then produced a small, fluffy cloud. "This is the Flying Nimbus. It's a special cloud that can carry people through the sky. Only those with a pure heart can ride it."

Goku's eyes lit up with curiosity as he examined the cloud. "Wow, that's amazing! But I can already fly by myself." He hesitated, fearing he might not have a pure heart in the traditional sense and thus might not be able to ride it.

Master Roshi looked a bit disappointed but shrugged. "Well, that's true. But maybe your friend here might find it useful."

Bulma, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward. "I'd love to give it a try, but can I?"

Roshi's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Bulma. "The Nimbus only accepts those with a pure heart. I'm not sure if it will work for you."

Bulma hesitated but decided to try. She approached the Nimbus and attempted to mount it, but as soon as she did, she fell straight through and landed with a thud. Cursing under her breath, she shot an annoyed glance at the cloud.

Master Roshi chuckled, then decided to give it a try himself. However, as soon as he attempted to ride the Nimbus, he too fell through and landed on his back with a groan. "Seems the Nimbus doesn't like me either," he muttered, brushing himself off.

Goku, with a thoughtful look, turned back to Master Roshi. "Actually, since I don't need the Nimbus, I was hoping to ask for something else."

Master Roshi raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Goku pointed at the necklace Roshi was wearing, which had a distinctive Dragon Ball—specifically the Three-Star Ball—hanging from it. "I was hoping for that necklace."

Master Roshi's expression turned sly. "I see. But there's a small condition. I'll give you the necklace if you show me your underwear."

Bulma's eyes widened in shock and anger. "What?! That's completely inappropriate!"

Goku's face turned red with embarrassment as he quickly stepped between Bulma and Roshi. "Master Roshi, that's not necessary. You already said you'd give me the necklace."

Roshi sighed and reluctantly handed over the Three-Star Ball. "Alright, alright. I'll give it to you. Just don't make a big deal out of it."

Goku accepted the Dragon Ball with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Master Roshi. We really appreciate it."

Bulma, still flustered but relieved, thanked Master Roshi as well. "Thank you, perverted old man. We'll be on our way now."

With the Three-Star Ball in hand, Goku and Bulma bid farewell to Master Roshi and the turtle. As they headed back to the mountain, Goku felt a renewed sense of purpose. They now had four Dragon Balls and were one step closer to their goal.