The desert slept under a blanket of cold night, the camper faintly glowing beneath the stars.
Inside, Bulma snored softly, while Oolong rolled restlessly, muttering in his sleep.
Outside, Buu stood motionless, eyes fixed on the dark horizon.
He walked to the capsule house, opened the door, and lifted Bulma effortlessly into his arms. She barely stirred as he leapt into the sky, vanishing into the night with a faint hum of energy.
Moments later, behind them, the capsule's energy core began to spark.
Oolong sat up. "Wait… is that ticking?"
A muffled BOOM answered him, launching him through the sand, blackened and smoking.
"WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME?!"
Far above, Buu glanced down and chuckled. "That should teach him not to play scientist."
Bulma stirred in his arms, groggy. "Wh—what's happening? Where are we going?"
"To the next Dragon Ball," Buu said calmly. "And your pig friend just tried to blow us up."
"WHAT?! That slimy little—!"
"He failed," Buu said flatly. "Now stop moving. We're almost there."
The horizon ahead glowed crimson. The air shimmered, heatwaves rippling through the night.
They descended upon Mount Frypan, a fortress engulfed in flames so intense they turned stone to liquid.
At the base stood a massive man in ornate armor, sweat pouring down his brow.
"Who dares approach Mount Frypan?!" he roared, brandishing a halberd.
Buu landed gracefully. "The one who's about to fix your problem."
The Ox-King froze, sensing the crushing pressure of Buu's ki. His weapon trembled slightly.
"You… you're no normal man."
"Glad you noticed," Buu said. He inhaled once, then exhaled.
A hurricane-force gust ripped across the mountain, swallowing fire and smoke alike. In seconds, the inferno was gone—leaving behind only the scent of scorched air and silence.
The Ox-King fell to his knees, stunned. "It's over… after all these years…"
Bulma stepped forward, fanning her face. "Wow… talk about overkill."
The Ox-King stood, looking at Buu with a newfound reverence. "You saved my home, stranger, I was about to send my daughter to find master Roshi but now... Why not marry my daughter?"
Bulma froze mid-step. "W-What?!"
Buu just smirked. "Interested but I prefer earning what I take."
At that moment, a door creaked open from the castle ruins, and a young girl in armor peeked out—long black hair, bright eyes full of curiosity.
"Father! The fire's gone!"
"Chichi!" the Ox-King cried, running to embrace her.
Buu watched silently, eyes glinting as he noticed the Dragon Ball inside. With a flick of his fingers, it floated gently to his hand.
"Thanks. That makes four."
Chichi blinked. "You're so strong! Are you a hero?"
Buu gave a lazy shrug. "Something like that."
Bulma sighed, rubbing her temples. "Great. Now the big scary guy's the town savior and a marriage candidate."
Buu turned to her, ignoring the Ox-King's continued praise. "Speaking of homes… Want to see my castle?"
Bulma blinked. "You have a castle?"
"Not now." His grin returned, faintly dangerous. "But let's just say someone will give it to me."
Bulma froze, "W-wait, what do you mean?!"
Buu floated upward, motioning for her to follow. "Come."
Behind them, the Ox-King waved enthusiastically. "Farewell, mighty one! You'll always be welcome here—and the offer for my daughter still stands!"
Bulma shouted back, mortified. "No, it doesn't!"
Buu chuckled as they ascended into the starry sky. "He offered his daughter to me… and you blush. Interesting contrast."
Bulma crossed her arms, huffing. "You're insufferable."
"Heheheh," Buu laughed quietly. "And you're still coming with me."
The wind carried them higher, the flames of Frypan now only embers far below, as the first hints of dawn began to break.