"Actually, forget it," Karnel said with a dismissive wave. "I don't really need anything from Porunga right now."
The young Namekian translator looked confused. "But sir, what about the dragon's wishes? We've already summoned him..."
"You guys handle it however you want," Karnel replied, then paused as a thought struck him. He smacked his forehead dramatically. "Wait, actually, there is one thing. Make a wish that Bulma receives eternal youth."
The translator's eyes widened in surprise, but he dutifully relayed the request to Porunga. The great dragon's eyes flashed, and across the universe, a certain blue-haired genius would soon discover some very interesting changes.
"Mr. Karnel," the translator said, "there are still two wishes remaining. What would you—"
But when he looked up, Karnel had already vanished without a trace, his voice echoing from somewhere high above: "Keep the rest for yourselves. I've got more important things to do."
Back on Earth, Karnel materialized outside the Capsule Corp building just as the sun was beginning to set. He'd barely stepped through the front door when a blur of blue hair came rushing toward him.
"Brother! Where have you been?" Bulma demanded, nearly tackling him in a relieved hug. "I searched the entire city and you were nowhere to be found!"
Karnel caught her easily, steadying her. "Just went out to visit an old friend," he said with a casual smile. "Nothing too exciting."
He stepped back and studied her face thoughtfully. "Bulma, do you feel... different? Any strange sensations in the last few minutes?"
Bulma tilted her head, puzzled. "Now that you mention it, something weird did happen earlier. I felt… recharged, I guess? Why?"
Karnel just smiled faintly. "Let's just say I might've pulled a few strings."
Bulma narrowed her eyes but let it slide for now. "You're being mysterious again."
Karnel followed her inside, settling down on the couch. He noticed the room was filled with technical drawings and notes.
"What's all this?" he asked, glancing at the spread-out materials.
Bulma's expression turned serious. "I tried using the Dragon Balls to find you when you vanished, but Shenron said you weren't anywhere in this universe. So I thought... maybe you were in a different timeline or dimension." She sighed. "I started researching time travel tech in case I had to build something to get you back."
Karnel felt a wave of emotion. His tone softened. "That's… incredibly thoughtful of you. I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," Bulma replied with a small smile. "Just glad you're back."
Karnel nodded. "Still, from now on, let's avoid those kinds of separations if we can."
"You've got a deal," Bulma said, her grin returning.
Just then, a voice interrupted from the hallway.
"Oh my!" came Mrs. Briefs's amused tone. "Look at you two! Reunited and already planning your next adventure!"
"Uh, Mrs. Briefs!" Karnel greeted, surprised. "You're back early!"
"Mom!" Bulma groaned. "Do you always have to sneak up like that?"
Mrs. Briefs chuckled and waved. "Just checking in. Don't mind me!"
As she left, Karnel turned back to Bulma. "So, how's the time machine project going?"
Bulma exhaled. "It's hard. I keep hitting roadblocks. But now that you're here, I feel like I can take a step back and really focus."
"That's smart," Karnel agreed. "Take your time. And when you figure it out, we'll explore together, who knows what kind of worlds are out there?"
Bulma's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That would be amazing!"
Karnel gave her a nod. "We'll have plenty of time for it. A lot more than you think."