It seemed Kakarot understood what Grandpa Gohan had said. His eyes lit up instantly, and he rushed forward, furiously scratching at Grandpa Gohan's face.
In the blink of an eye, Grandpa Gohan's face was covered in messy red streaks like a clown's paint.
Grandpa Gohan: "…"
Seeing his masterpiece, Kakarot burst into laughter, holding his belly in delight.
"Feeling better now?" Grandpa Gohan asked with a smile.
Kakarot nodded.
"Have you seen a book around here?" Grandpa Gohan asked, picking up the torn cover of the shredded manual. "This one, to be exact."
Kakarot pointed to his mouth, then patted his belly, and grinned, flashing a row of white teeth.
"You… ate it?" Grandpa Gohan wiped the sweat from his brow.
Kakarot nodded vigorously.
"Was it tasty?" Grandpa Gohan was on the verge of tears.
Kakarot immediately shook his head like a rattle drum.
After shaking his head, he patted his belly again.
Grrrrrr…
His stomach let out a loud growl.
"You're hungry?" Grandpa Gohan finally got it.
Kakarot nodded once more.
"Alright, come home with me. I'll make you something to eat," Grandpa Gohan offered, setting his bamboo basket down. "Climb in—I'll carry you back."
Kakarot hopped in with a light leap, landing inside the basket.
"By the way, what's your name?" Grandpa Gohan asked.
"Ka… Ka…" Kakarot could only stammer out part of his name.
"'Kaka'? What kind of name is that?" Grandpa Gohan chuckled and shook his head. "Never mind. Let's get you something to eat first."
Back at the house, Grandpa Gohan cooked a large meal for Kakarot.
Kakarot devoured it with joy.
"You really can eat… That was a whole month's worth of food for me…" Grandpa Gohan wiped sweat from his brow. "Still, I don't know where you're from, but just like that companion of yours, you've got some impressive abilities for such a young age. If I hadn't had a bit of skill myself, I'd be toast! And by the way you eat, it looks like no one's ever taught you a thing. If you've got nowhere else to go, you can stay here. I'll teach you."
"Heh heh…" Kakarot laughed, then casually picked up a leftover bone and bonked Grandpa Gohan right on the head.
Grandpa Gohan: "…"
What kind of weird kid is this?
"Ouch… that hurt…" Grandpa Gohan rubbed his head.
Kakarot jumped on him again and gave his face another good scratching.
Once again, Grandpa Gohan's face was a chaotic mess of scratches.
"Take it easy, the last round hasn't healed yet…" Grandpa Gohan said with a chuckle.
After his scratching spree, Kakarot bounced a few times, then dashed off into the forest, disappearing into the darkness.
By then, the sky over Mount Paozu had turned black. The forest was pitch dark, with the occasional howl of wolves echoing through the night.
Grandpa Gohan glanced in the direction Kakarot had gone, but suddenly noticed he was making no sound at all.
"What's that kid up to?" he muttered, concerned, and hurried after him.
When he reached the scene, he was instantly speechless.
Kakarot was lying in the middle of the forest, fast asleep, drooling a puddle beneath his cheek.
About three meters away, a large-tailed wolf had its jaws wide open, eyes locked on Kakarot.
Just as the wolf was about to pounce—it spotted Grandpa Gohan nearby and froze.
Grandpa Gohan locked eyes with the wolf.
The big-tailed wolf seemed to recognize him. It let out a low whimper and backed away several steps in fear.
"Hahaha, it's you. All healed up, huh?" Grandpa Gohan waved with a grin.
Apparently recalling the beatdown it received last time, the wolf tucked its tail between its legs and fled into the night without looking back.
"You little rascal… Falling asleep here of all places? You almost got eaten," Grandpa Gohan sighed and went to pick up Kakarot.
Kakarot stretched and nestled into Grandpa Gohan's arms, falling into an even deeper sleep.
"Let's get you home and into a proper bed," Grandpa Gohan said with a smile, carrying him back.
This would be Kakarot's most peaceful sleep since arriving on Earth.
…
Meanwhile, Ken had found another Dragon Ball during his return trip.
That brought the total to six in his possession.
"Six already? That fast?" Bulma looked excitedly at the six Dragon Balls arranged on the table. "Once Broly gets back, we'll have all seven, right?"
"Yeah," Ken nodded.
About an hour later, Broly came flying in from afar and landed in the courtyard, holding out the last Dragon Ball.
"Not bad," Ken praised.
"Hehe!" Broly scratched his head and grinned.
"Now that we've gathered all seven Dragon Balls, we can make a wish." Ken smiled.
Broly nodded like a happy puppy, face full of anticipation.
Bulma was also staring at the seven Dragon Balls in awe, mumbling, "I've always wondered what Shenron actually looks like…"
Ken placed all seven Dragon Balls on the ground and called out to them:
"Come forth, Shenron!"
Immediately, golden light erupted from the Dragon Balls. The glow intensified, merging into a towering golden beam.
Fwoooosh!
The beam shot skyward like a golden lightning bolt, flashing wildly as it illuminated the entire sky in gold.
Broly's eyes went wide, stunned.
Bulma's round, curious eyes sparkled as she stared up at the spectacle in amazement.
BOOM!
Suddenly, the sky turned pitch black.
The surrounding golden light shone even more brightly against the dark backdrop.
Then, the golden beam transformed into a massive dragon, which twisted and coiled through the night sky, radiating a divine aura.
"Th-that's Shenron?! Whoa… he's huge…" Bulma gasped.
Broly scratched his head, eyes wide with awe—and a little mischief. He looked ready to charge in and punch it.
Ken quickly pulled him back.
What are you doing, man?!
"The ones who summoned me… State your wish. I shall grant any single desire within my power," Shenron's booming voice echoed across the skies.
He glanced cautiously at Broly.
Why do I get the feeling this kid wants to deck me?
And his energy… it already far surpasses my own.
No doubt—he really is the legendary Super Saiyan.
To be this strong at such a young age…
"Shenron, my wish is simple," Ken said. "Grant Broly the ability to survive in the vacuum of space. That should be well within your capabilities, right? I mean, even the Namekian Shenron could do it. You should be even better than him."
Shenron: "…"
(End of Chapter)
[100 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
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