The months that followed Majin Buu's defeat unfolded in tranquillity and peace.
In the bustling life of the western city, Vegeta dedicated most of his days to rigorous training within the Gravity Room. Frequently, he requested increasingly advanced machinery to intensify the challenges of his workouts. Bulma, on the other hand, divided her time between the laboratory, where she tirelessly worked on new inventions, and meetings with Capsule Corp employees.
Trunks, having returned to school, quickly distinguished himself as one of the most promising students. When not immersed in his studies, he often found himself playing with Goten; their friendship was proof of the strong connection between their families.
Yet, amidst their respective responsibilities, the couple also carved out moments solely for themselves. Bulma and Vegeta occasionally ventured out alone in the evenings, opting for dinner at upscale restaurants handpicked by Bulma. Vegeta, though initially reluctant about social events, yielded to his wife's persistent requests.
Arguments occasionally arose between them, often stemming from Vegeta's penchant for breaking the gravity room equipment, leaving Bulma with the task of constant repairs.
Another source of contention was Bulma's complaint about Vegeta's prolonged training sessions, which she perceived as neglect. However, most of these disagreements found resolution in the private confines of their bedroom.
On the other side, the countryside boasted a serene existence. Instead of the cacophony of horns and traffic, the soundtrack of the day comprised the gentle murmurs of streams, birdsong, and the soothing hum of crickets as dusk settled in.
Goku mirrored Vegeta's commitment to training, albeit in the woods near his home. Post-training, he returned home to relish the delectable meals prepared for him. To his great "delight", Chi-Chi had also secured a part-time job as a farmer, an occupation that might not have thrilled him, but it contributed to their household income.
Gohan dedicated most of his days to focused study sessions in his room. His mother strongly wished for him to become a scholar, and with the return of peace to Earth, he had plenty of time to delve into his books. In matters of the heart, his relationship with Videl flourished. They often made plans to meet up and began going out together. They relished trips to the cinema, exploring various restaurants, or simply walking hand in hand.
Goten, on the other hand, remained an exuberant child with an insatiable appetite for play. Unlike his scholarly brother, he showed minimal interest in studying. Given the opportunity, he would sneak out the window to join Trunks, engaging in lively games and occasional wrestling matches.
And then there was Chi-Chi. Her days were a whirlwind of activity, as she took care of household chores like cleaning, doing the laundry, ironing, and cooking for the family. Rarely did she treat herself to social outings with her family, and when she did, it typically involved a visit to the shopping centre or dining at a restaurant on occasions when she didn't feel like cooking. There were moments when she wished Goku would spend more evenings with her, show more desire, but after so many years, she had grown accustomed to his unchanging nature. Goku was who he was.
As for the other Z fighters, Krillin found contentment in his life with Android 18 and little Maron. They moved from Master Roshi's beach house to a small house in the city, enjoying increased privacy. To ensure a stable future for his family, Krillin decided to take the path to become a policeman, recognizing the importance of providing for his loved ones. Android 18 spent much of her time taking care of little Maron, a role that kept her occupied full-time. When time permitted, she would invite Chi-Chi and Bulma for tea, catching up on the latest gossip.
Meanwhile, Tien Shinhan was on the verge of realising his dream by opening a martial arts school in a secluded area on Earth. Fueled by his passion for the martial arts, he aspired to pass on his unique techniques and wisdom to students who showed genuine dedication and eagerness to learn. Tien envisioned creating a nurturing environment where aspiring martial artists could hone their skills and develop a profound understanding of the discipline.
Yamcha's life stayed the same – always fun and relaxed. Being a lifelong bachelor, he enjoyed carefree days with little to do. He embraced a laid-back lifestyle, finding joy in simple pleasures and avoiding any hectic routines.
And then there was Master Roshi, whose life seemed to be in a constant state of similarity. He spent his days lounging on his deckchair by the sea, immersed in reading hentai comics.
Life continued in a somewhat expected way until...
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"I've had enough!" Bulma exclaimed, frustration evident as she slammed her fists on the table. "Vegeta disappeared again with his son, and I don't know what happened to them. They have to stop leaving the house without notifying me. I never know when they leave, and I never know when they'll be back. How dare they ignore me! As soon as they get back, I'll give them a good lecture," Bulma declared, standing up and storming off toward the lab.
Once in the lab, Bulma briskly walked over to a cluttered desk and pulled open a drawer with an air of triumph.
"Lucky I developed this latest generation mobile phone," she exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "I'll give one to Vegeta and one to Trunks, so they'll have to write to me and keep me updated on what they do."
Her fingers deftly retrieved the sleek devices from the drawer, their cutting-edge designs a testament to Bulma's technological prowess. With a determined nod, she envisioned a more connected future for her family, the devices serving as a bridge to close the gaps in communication that had caused her frustration.
"Got an idea! I'll give one to our friends too, so we can all talk more easily," she declared with a determined fist pump. "Plus, I'd like to organise a party soon; I haven't seen the others for a while.," Bulma exclaimed with enthusiasm, her eyes lighting up at the thought of reuniting with her old friends.
After several hours, Vegeta returned home with Trunks and was met with a barrage of reproaches from his wife.
"Vegeta, this house is not a hotel. When you leave, please inform me of your whereabouts. Do you understand?" Bulma's hand gestured sternly, emphasising her point.
Vegeta crossed his arms defensively. "Why do I have to tell you where I'm going? It's none of your business."
"Because I'm your wife," Bulma asserted, reaching into her pocket and handing him the cell phone.
"What is this?" Vegeta questioned, his expression sceptical as he held the cell phone with a quizzical look.
"It's a phone, Vegeta. So, when you decide to wander off without telling me, at least I can reach you. It's not rocket science," Bulma explained.
"I have no intention of using this thing," Vegeta declared.
"But you will have to do it; otherwise, I won't let you use the gravity room anymore," Bulma asserted, pointing a finger at Vegeta.
"What? You can't do that," Vegeta protested.
"Sure, I can," Bulma replied with a determined look, nodding her head.
"Damn!" Vegeta grumbled. "I have no idea how to use such a thing."
Trunks burst out laughing.
"Dad, you're really ancient," he teased.
"Don't you dare call me that," Vegeta snapped, his expression turning more serious.
"Alright, alright, don't get angry," Trunks chuckled, raising his hands in a placating gesture.
"I'll tell you how to use it, no worries," Bulma reassured, taking a seat at a table and motioning for Vegeta to do the same.
"Well then, I'll leave you to this very interesting activity. I'm going to take a shower, and then I'm going to play with Goten. Bye, everyone," Trunks announced, grinning at the unfolding spectacle of his father grappling with the intricacies of a cell phone.
With a nonchalant wave, he exited the room, leaving Bulma to guide Vegeta through the mysteries of modern communication.
"Bye, son!" Bulma exclaimed.
As the door closed behind Trunks, Bulma turned her attention back to Vegeta, ready to navigate the uncharted waters of Earth's technology with the Saiyan prince. It was a moment that promised both amusement and a hint of exasperation for him.
"So, let me go over the basics. This button here is meant to..." Bulma initiated her tutorial, gesturing towards the designated icons on the cell phone screen.
Thus commenced another episode in Vegeta's life where he found himself grappling with yet another peculiar Earth custom. Over the past half an hour, Bulma had introduced him to a whole new realm of communication possibilities that, ironically, seemed to lack much communication.
"And this one? What does it do?" Vegeta inquired, eyeing another icon.
"That's for sending text messages. You can type your message here," Bulma responded, demonstrating the virtual keyboard on the device.
Vegeta scrutinised the tiny letters on the screen. "Text messages, huh? Seems like a waste of time."
"Well, it's a quick way to communicate without talking," Bulma retorted, amused by Vegeta's reluctance to embrace Earth's technological conveniences. "Oh, and this is the contact list." Bulma added.
"Con..contact list?"
"Yes, contact list! It's where you can find all the people's phone numbers," Bulma replied, emphasising the word 'contact' to help Vegeta grasp the concept.
"Which people, woman?" Vegeta asked in amazement.
"Do not worry, I have added just the ones that you will need," Bulma reassured, her eyes focused on the screen as she demonstrated the features.
"That mean?" Vegeta questioned.
"Open it and you will see," Bulma replied, her gaze fixed on the screen as she awaited Vegeta's exploration of the contact list.
With a tap of his finger, Vegeta opened the list, revealing a roster of names before him.
"The first one is Bulma…," Vegeta began, tapping the screen with a raised eyebrow. "Trunks..." he continued, using a swiping motion to navigate through the contacts. Suddenly, he paused, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Wait! You added your parents' number too?" Vegeta asked in amazement.
"Yes, in case I am not at home and you might need to ask them something," Bulma replied, her fingers deftly swiping across the screen to showcase the entries.
"Wait! Goku? Why is Kakarot in my contacts list?" Vegeta questioned, a scowl forming on his face. He jabbed a finger at the screen, expressing his disapproval through a dismissive gesture. "I do not want it there."
"I added it because you might need it," Bulma explained, her eyes fixed on Vegeta's reaction.
"For what?" Vegeta demanded, his arms crossed.
"I do not know, but better to have it, you never know," Bulma replied, shrugging slightly and making a nonchalant gesture with her hands.
Vegeta scowled, his Saiyan pride rebelling against the unnecessary inclusions in his contacts.
"I'm sure I won't need it. In fact, tell me how to delete the number," Vegeta declared, his tone resolute as he gestured toward the screen.
"Oh, well Vegeta, leave it there," Bulma responded, raising an eyebrow in a gesture of mild insistence.
Vegeta's frustration lingered, a testament to his reluctance to entertain the idea of having Goku's contact at his fingertips.
"Rather... could you tell me how to change the name of a contact?" Vegeta said, a mischievous smile on his face, reminiscent of someone planning something.
"Why?" Bulma asked with a tone of curiosity.
"Tell me how to do it and shut up!" Vegeta demanded, his tone sharp, and he made a dismissive hand gesture, signalling his impatience.
"Okay! just click here, then press this, etc." Bulma continued her patient tutorial.
As soon as she goes away, I'll think about changing the name. From Goku to Kakarot! Maybe I'll add some emoji... the emoji of a clown just like him.
And as he thought about this, he began to laugh.
"Why are you laughing?" Bulma asked, not understanding her husband's reaction.
"Eh... Hum... nothing," Vegeta stammered, a sly smirk lingering on his face. "Is the lesson over? I would like to go and take a shower if you do not mind!"
"Yes, it is over. Ah, I was forgetting... I will give a phone like this to each of our friends so that it will be easier for us to communicate," Bulma announced.
"Do as you wish!"
Bulma, perplexed by Vegeta's mysterious behaviour, watched him as he hurriedly excused himself, disappearing upstairs. The mischievous glint in his eyes left her curious about what might be going on in his mind.
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Once he finished taking his shower, Vegeta approached the bed and tiredly sank down. He closed his eyes, taking a moment to relax. After a few minutes, a realisation struck him – the cell phone that Bulma had given him a little while ago.
I'd better go over what Bulma explained to me; otherwise, I run the risk of forgetting everything.
Vegeta, now fully awake, began to explore the cell phone, trying to remember each of the buttons and features that Bulma had shown him earlier.
Ah, I almost forgot about it. I have to change that name in the contacts' list.
Vegeta delved into the names contained in the phone, and there it was – Goku's name.
How do I go about editing? Ah, it's right here, the edit button.
Vegeta changed Goku's name to Kakarot but, not content, decided to add a fun twist. He inserted the emoji of a clown and that of a carrot, a subtle mockery of Goku's Saiyan name.
As soon as he changed the name, Vegeta's mind began to wander. It had been a long time since he had heard from Goku. After the battle with Majin Buu, everyone had gone on with their lives but there was no news of him. The only updates he received came from Bulma during occasional meetings with Chi-Chi for tea or shopping. The mystery of what Goku was doing hovered in Vegeta's thoughts as he stared at the altered contact on his phone.
Who knows how much progress Kakarot will have made? I'm sure, knowing him, he won't have stopped training one day. Now, he will have reached a really crazy level of fighting. But I, too, have not been idle. I, too, have been training hard for the past few months. I would like to fight with you again. The next time I see you, you can be more than sure that I will kick your ass...you can rest assured…
And with this conviction he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
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The following day, as the late afternoon sun bathed Mount Paozu in a warm glow, Bulma made her way to Goku's house to deliver a cell phone to the entire family. Upon arrival, she gently knocked on the door, the sound echoing through the tranquil surroundings, and patiently waited for someone to answer.
"Hi Bulma, I was waiting for you," exclaimed Chi-Chi with a welcoming smile, inviting her to come in.
"Thanks, Chi-Chi," Bulma greeted warmly as she stepped in. "Are you home alone?" she inquired, her eyes glancing around Goku's house.
"Yes, for the moment. Goku is out somewhere training as usual but should be home soon. You know it's almost dinner time, and he'll definitely be hungry," Chi-Chi explained, a hint of affectionate exasperation in her voice.
"Eheh, I can imagine," Bulma said, her laughter echoing the understanding of the Saiyan's relentless dedication to training and passion for food, two traits shared by her own husband, Vegeta.
"Gohan is having dinner at Mr. Satan's house, you know he and Videl are now a permanent couple," Chi-Chi shared with Bulma, a proud and contented smile gracing her face.
"Ah, what great news! I'm genuinely happy for them; they deserve all the happiness," Bulma responded with a heartfelt expression.
Chi-Chi continued, "And that Goten pest will be somewhere playing with your son." She couldn't hide a fond smile, acknowledging the playful antics of the two young Saiyans. "But tell me, you're here about that cell phone you were telling me about on the phone, right?" Chi-Chi inquired, her curiosity piqued about the purpose of Bulma's visit.
"Ah, yes, exactly. I came to bring you one each so it will be easier to communicate with each other, don't you think? It's our new invention (or rather, it's my invention). It's the best technology currently on the market," Bulma explained, showcasing her enthusiasm for the cutting-edge device she had developed.
"Ah, really? That's interesting. I will ask my son to teach me, as you know I am not really into technology," Chi-Chi admitted, showing a willingness to adapt and learn from the younger generation.
"Yeah, I am sure they will be able to teach you," Bulma reassured.
As soon as she finished the sentence, Goku came to the edge of the door and exclaimed, "Hi Bulma!"
"Hi Goku," Bulma replied with a friendly smile, acknowledging his presence.
"Long time no see. How have you been doing?" Goku asked, his voice filled with genuine warmth and friendliness.
"Not bad, thank you," Bulma replied, her expression lightening with a playful grin. "Of course, if I don't deign to pay you a visit from time to time, you don't even bother bothering," she teased.
"Ah...sorry, sorry. You know I am always busy with training and..." Goku began to apologise, explaining his dedication to his constant pursuit of improvement.
"No excuses, Goku! We've been friends for a lot of years, and I don't accept these excuses," Bulma replied, shaking her head with mock sternness. "However, I don't feel like accusing you because even Vegeta is made the same way as you. He stays almost all day in the gravity room I built for him and only comes out to eat or sleep," she added, using animated hand gestures.
So also Vegeta continues to train incessantly every day…
"You gave the exact description of Goku," Chi-Chi exclaimed, looking at Goku sideways.
"By the way, please, Bulma, tell Goku why you are here today," Chi-Chi requested as she shifted her gaze from Goku to Bulma.
"Ah, I almost forgot...I came to bring you these cell phones for all of you," Bulma said, as she reached into her bag. With a warm smile, she held up the smartphones and continued, "I'll bring one to our other friends too. This way, it will be easier to communicate with each other."
Goku mumbled incomprehensibly, his brows furrowed in confusion. The lines on his forehead deepened, and a puzzled expression lingered on his face.
"Oh, and in the contact list, you will already find some useful numbers...those of Chi-Chi, of your children, of Vegeta, of Krillin, of..."
"Vegeta? What should I say to Vegeta?" Goku interrupted.
"I don't know, but one day it may come in handy, who knows," Bulma responded, her tone carrying a hint of amusement, as if acknowledging that understanding Vegeta's communication preferences might prove to be an interesting challenge.
"Mmm… okay, I'm not really sure how to use this thing," Goku said, scratching his head with a perplexed expression.
"Can't you make an effort to be kind and say thank you for the gift?" Chi-Chi said, her tone now laced with a hint of frustration. The Saiyan's nonchalant attitude toward the gift seemed to be testing her patience.
"Huh? Oh, sure, sure. Thank you so much, Bulma, for the gift," Goku responded, offering a genuine but somewhat distracted expression of gratitude.
"Forget about it! For me, it is a pleasure," she smiled.
"Anyway, I have to go now, I still have a few things to do. Have a good evening!" Bulma exclaimed, offering a warm farewell before making her exit.
"Bye Bulma," Goku and Chi-Chi chorused, waving as Bulma left.
After eating dinner and taking a shower, Goku settled down on his bed and took out the cell phone Bulma had given him. Despite his best efforts to understand its functions, he found it challenging. Faced with the complexity of the device, Goku decided to leave the phone on the bedside table and patiently wait for Gohan to explain how it worked. The anticipation of his son's guidance brought a sense of reassurance, knowing he could count on the younger generation's tech-savvy expertise.
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