Moments later, Bulma's excitement began to settle. She slowly released Son Goku from her embrace.
Goku tilted his head, studying her face with innocent curiosity.
Her long, soft blue hair flowed freely over her shoulders. Her eyes were wide and luminous, sparkling with wonder and a hunger for the unknown.
Her features were delicate, youthful—still carrying a touch of girlish charm—but her gaze held an unexpected wisdom and determination beyond her years.
'Strange,' Goku thought. 'This Bulma seems different from the flirty one I remember.'
Bulma pressed a hand over her chest, still shaken. "That dinosaur just now scared me half to death! I'm so glad I ran into someone—even if it's just a little boy."
She smiled faintly. "Hello, I'm Bulma—a girl!"
She extended a pale hand toward him with polite grace.
Goku blinked. A dinosaur?
Could she have just escaped from one? Was that why she hugged him so suddenly?
He glanced over her again—no wounds, not even dirt on her clothes. He let out a small sigh of relief.
'She's fine. That's what matters.'
He decided to skip catching that dinosaur for now—it could wait as food for Grandpa later.
Reaching out, he took her hand.
"Hi! I'm Son Goku. Welcome to Mount Paozu!
My grandpa's really friendly—especially with girls.
If you don't mind, come visit our home!"
Bulma's eyes widened.
'Wait… what?'
That wasn't how she remembered it.
How could the Goku of this age be so polite? Wasn't he supposed to be a wild child of the mountains?
But then she caught that one word—Grandpa.
Her breath paused. Then realization dawned.
This wasn't the same world.
In her past life, Son Gohan had died.
But here, he was alive.
A living grandparent meant Goku had guidance—someone to teach him right and wrong.
No wonder he seemed so well-mannered.
In her previous life, after Goku's fight with Vegeta, he finally learned the truth of his grandfather's death.
When Saiyans looked upon a full moon, they transformed into Great Apes—losing all control.
As a lower-class Saiyan, Goku had gone berserk in that form, and in his rampage… accidentally killed Son Gohan.
Bulma and the others had discovered that secret long ago.
She remembered how, during their battle with Pilaf's gang, Goku had transformed for the first time. When he awoke, he had no memory of it at all.
Later, during the World Martial Arts Tournament, he transformed again.
If not for Master Roshi using the Kamehameha to destroy the moon, who knows how much destruction Goku might've caused before regaining his senses?
Yes—this world was different.
But perhaps… that wasn't a bad thing.
Bulma smiled softly. "Then I'll gladly take you up on that offer."
Goku grinned, noticing she seemed deep in thought.
He figured it made sense—she was just a girl with no combat skills. A little caution was natural.
So he didn't rush her.
Soon enough, they reached the mountaintop.
A small wooden house came into view.
As soon as Goku saw it, he shouted excitedly:
"Grandpa! Grandpa! I brought a girl home to visit!"
…
Moments later, Son Gohan, Goku, and Bulma sat around a low wooden table.
At the center lay the Four-Star Ball.
Son Gohan took a deep breath. "Goku, the world out there is full of wonders.
There are strong martial artists beyond these mountains.
You've grown powerful enough—it's time you go meet them.
Go down the mountain with Bulma and train. See the world."
Goku's face fell slightly. "But Grandpa, what about you?
Will you stay here all alone?"
Son Gohan chuckled. "Don't worry about me. Fortuneteller Baba came by recently. She said she's hiring some guards—no age limit, just need to fight well. Ten million zeni a month, full benefits."
He winked playfully. "And if I do a good job, I might even get promoted to work for the Grand Supreme Elder, tending his furnace!"
Bulma couldn't help but giggle. She could tell Son Gohan was giving Goku permission to go. Her eyes brightened.
"Full benefits? That's not bad at all. Way better than farming here!"
Son Gohan laughed and nodded. "Exactly! Like Bulma said—finding good work beats tilling the soil any day."
Then he looked between them.
"Goku, Bulma is a young lady, and you're a man now. You must protect her, understand?"
Goku nodded firmly. "Yes, Grandpa! I'll protect her!"
"Good." Gohan smiled warmly. "Every meeting must end someday. There's no banquet that lasts forever."
He picked up the Four-Star Ball from the table and handed it to Bulma.
"Since you're collecting the Dragon Balls, take this one.
And as for Goku—he eats a lot, so be patient with him."
Bulma's hands trembled as she accepted it. She bowed deeply.
"Th-thank you, Grandpa!
I'll make sure to take good care of Goku!"