Chapter 8: Visiting Master Roshi's House
The next day, the sun was bright and the sky was clear.
A ray of sunlight shone through the gap in the curtains onto Bulma's face.
She finally woke from a peaceful sleep.
The room was empty; there was no sign of Goku.
"Goku?"
"Son-kun?"
Bulma called out twice but received no response.
She suddenly noticed a T-shirt thrown on the sofa—the same one Goku had worn after his shower yesterday.
Bulma immediately glanced toward the balcony.
Sure enough, Goku's clothes were gone.
Pulling the curtain aside slightly, she spotted Goku outside moving rocks for exercise, which finally put her mind at ease.
Checking the time, she muttered to herself:
"Oh my, it's already so late?"
"I can't believe I overslept."
"Even Goku is more diligent than me!"
After saying this, Bulma threw off the blanket and got up, then began brushing her teeth and washing up.
Suddenly, she paused mid-action, lifting her pajamas to check underneath.
Her pure white underwear remained securely in place.
Bulma breathed another sigh of relief.
"Indeed, this Goku is different—he wouldn't do anything rude."
Just after finishing her morning routine and about to change clothes, Bulma heard Goku knocking.
"Bulma, open up!"
Bulma opened the door, looking somewhat displeased at young Goku.
"You were just exercising outside, why did you lock the door?"
"Did it accidentally lock?"
Goku said: "No, not accidentally. I locked it on purpose."
"I saw you were still sleeping and worried about bad people breaking in!"
Hearing this, Bulma couldn't help being surprised.
She thought to herself: "Am I hearing correctly?"
"Little Goku is actually concerned about my safety."
"Tsk tsk tsk..."
"This version of Goku is so considerate!"
As they were talking, a familiar large turtle came into view.
"Hello miss, sorry to bother you..."
Goku immediately said: "Bulma, I found this lost sea turtle outside, can we help return it to the ocean?"
Bulma looked at the turtle and smiled: "That's no problem at all!"
"Wait while I change clothes, then we'll take it back to the sea together."
The sea turtle showed a grateful expression.
"Really? Thank you so much!"
Bulma looked at the large turtle, crouched down and asked:
"Mr. Turtle, would you like something to eat or drink?"
The turtle hesitated.
"Is... is that really okay?"
"Of course." Bulma said generously.
The turtle said: "Then could I trouble you for some lightly salted water, and preferably some meat too? I'm both thirsty and hungry..."
"Coming right up! Just wait a moment!"
After saying this, Bulma took out a small bucket, threw in a handful of salt, and filled it with water.
Meanwhile, she took several pieces of frozen pork belly from the refrigerator and dropped them into the bucket.
In her previous life, Bulma had been quite familiar with Master Roshi and his group, having helped Launch feed the turtle before, so she naturally knew what it liked to eat and drink.
The frozen meat not only thawed quickly in the water, but the saltwater became refreshingly cool.
The turtle drank with great satisfaction.
After drinking enough water and eating the raw meat, the turtle was finally full.
The well-fed sea turtle expressed endless gratitude to Bulma, until Bulma quickly interrupted its chattering.
Soon, Goku finished his exercises.
Goku's appetite in the morning wasn't large anyway. After both Bulma and Goku had breakfast, Bulma packed up the capsule house.
Goku carried the large sea turtle on his back while she rode her motorcycle alongside him, heading toward the seaside where the Turtle Hermit's House was located.
Originally, Bulma had wanted to drive the large sea turtle there in her car. But Goku insisted on carrying the turtle as part of his weighted training, so Bulma gave up on driving. Riding a motorcycle made it easier to navigate difficult roads.
Along the way, whether they encountered bears or bandits from other races, Bulma didn't hesitate—she immediately ordered Goku to fight. Those bandits were utterly powerless against Goku; he taught them a harsh lesson.
…
About two hours later, the two of them and the turtle arrived at the seaside. Seeing the ocean, the turtle was overwhelmed with gratitude. "I've been wandering for a year now—thank you so much!!"
Goku laughed and said, "No need to be polite! Hurry home!"
The turtle entered the sea, then turned back and said, "Wait for me a moment—I must repay you!"
With that, the turtle swam off into the deep sea.
In his previous life, Goku had been a landlubber from the interior. He'd seen plenty of rivers but rarely the ocean. It wasn't until after he started working, during a company team-building event, that he visited Golden Coast and saw the sea for the first time. Now, in the Dragon Ball world, he was seeing the ocean again. Without hesitation, he took off his shoes and went to tread on the soft, cool sand.
Bulma gazed in the direction the turtle had gone, a nostalgic expression on her face. She knew it was heading to the Turtle Hermit's House, and as expected, Master Roshi would likely arrive soon.
Just then, Goku's voice called out, "Bulma, come play for a while too!"
Bulma looked over at Goku. He had already taken off his shoes and was barefoot on the sand. Wave after wave washed over his feet, then quickly receded. He looked completely content.
A warm smile spread across Bulma's face.
"Coming!"
She also took off her shoes and stepped barefoot onto the cool sand. At the same time, a shallow wave rushed in, submerging her feet. Instantly, a chill ran through her entire body. She couldn't help shivering: "Brr, it's so cold…" Her toes curled involuntarily, and her feet arched tightly.
As the wave receded, it washed away the fine sand trapped between her toes. Seeing Bulma still adjusting to the water temperature, Goku chuckled. The skin on the tops of her feet was as white as snow, smooth and delicate. Droplets of water slid off her feet, glinting in the sunlight—exceptionally beautiful.
Lost in the moment, Bulma's face radiated happiness. It was as if she had almost forgotten what such peaceful and wonderful days felt like. This was the life of ease; this was true bliss. Gazing out at the sea, she sighed sincerely, "It's so beautiful!"
"Yeah, the sea is really beautiful!" Goku agreed.