Chapter 46: Temporary Departure
Franklin had already expected that Sun Goku would refuse — after all, the Four-Star Ball was deeply tied to the main storyline of Dragon Ball. Many major events began with Goku's search for it.
"Goku, do you know what the Dragon Balls are?"
Taking the Four-Star Ball from Franklin's hand, Goku scratched his head in confusion. "I've always lived in the mountains, and Grandpa never told me about them. I'm not really sure. But Grandpa is very important to me, so I really can't give this to you, Brother Franklin."
Franklin wasn't bothered. His voice was calm as he explained, "There are seven Dragon Balls in total. Gather them all, and you can summon Shenron to grant you a wish. After the wish is granted, the Dragon Balls remain intact but scatter again across the world.
Because of a promise I made, I need to collect all seven Dragon Balls to make a wish. I hope I can borrow the keepsake left behind by your grandpa, Grandpa Gohan, for that purpose.
As a return, I'll take you to see many incredible sights, and afterward, I'll help you find the Four-Star Ball again. How does that trade sound?"
Once the Four-Star Ball was in his hands, Goku slipped it into a small cloth pouch and tied it to his waist.
"If Brother Franklin just wants to borrow it, then I can lend it to you. If the Four-Star Ball won't be damaged, I'll find it again myself — you don't have to go to the trouble.
Grandpa said friendship is about give and take. Brother Franklin, you're taking me away from Mount Paozu and bringing me on an adventure. Lending you the Four-Star Ball for a bit is only right."
"Then thank you."
Franklin was genuinely surprised at how readily Goku agreed. Smiling, he turned to Bulma.
"Bulma, do you think that kind of promise is acceptable?"
Seeing Franklin's smile, Bulma puffed up her cheeks. She was angry, but she knew there was no other way when it came to the Dragon Balls.
"I'm fine with it. But my car capsule is already wrecked. The only vehicle I have left is a motorcycle capsule, and it can only seat two people. One of you will have to suffer."
Franklin had already prepared for this. He was still an outsider to the Dragon Ball main story — staying with the main characters too long might affect the plot.
"Hold out your hand."
Bulma immediately looked at Franklin suspiciously. "What are you planning?"
"Just leaving a mark. You and Goku go ahead first. Once you find a place to rest, I'll use the mark to locate you."
"You're going to run after us?"
Rolling his eyes, Franklin sighed helplessly. "Do I look that stupid? It's a teleportation mark — an instant movement marker. No matter where you go, I can appear right next to you."
Bulma's eyes widened. "You even have a power like that? Are you even human?"
"Of course I'm human. Haven't you seen superhero movies or TV shows? I'm just like that. Why are you so surprised?"
Franklin's casual tone only made Bulma angrier. She glared at him, cheeks puffed up.
"Water manipulation, spatial transfer, super strength, special healing potions… You even know about the secret of the Dragon Balls granting wishes. And somehow, you're connected to my dad's Capsule technology too. And you just brush it all off so casually."
Franklin spread his hands with a helpless smile. "What do you want me to do? Act all arrogant and domineering? Build an army? Seize land? Rule the world…"
Mid-sentence, Franklin realized he had already done most of those things. "Ahem, anyway, none of that matters. I'm a law-abiding citizen. Why are you worrying so much? Just go with Goku."
"Idiot, idiot, idiot!" Bulma shouted angrily before storming out. Goku, curious about the outburst, turned to Franklin.
"Brother Franklin, when are we leaving?"
"Are you packed?"
"Of course I am. I've got Grandpa's keepsake and the Power Pole with me."
Looking at Goku dressed in his simple blue outfit, the Power Pole strapped to his back and the Four-Star Ball tied to his waist, Franklin sighed and went to check his room. Seeing Goku's pitifully few, tattered clothes, he gave up.
"If you're ready, then let's go."
After placing the Flying Thunder God mark and confirming the direction of the next Dragon Ball, Bulma — still fuming — tossed a capsule. A motorcycle appeared instantly. With one last angry glare at Franklin, she took Goku and set off ahead. Franklin didn't stay behind either, following at a leisurely pace.
As the motorcycle sped up and Mount Paozu grew more distant, the trees disappeared completely. Bulma, still stewing in anger, finally couldn't hold it in anymore and shouted at the top of her lungs:
"Idiot, idiot, idiot! You dense jerk! I searched for the Dragon Balls just to find you, and now that I did, you treat me like this! You big jerk! I'm never talking to you again!"
"Bulma, are you talking to me? And what's a 'dense jerk'?"
Goku's innocent voice came from behind, making Bulma remember he was still there.
"I'm cursing Franklin. It doesn't mean anything. He's just a big jerk."
"But Brother Franklin is a good person. Grandpa told me that when I was four, Brother Franklin used three whole vials of a special healing potion to save me. And when we train together, he always helps me a lot."
Hearing that Franklin had used three vials of healing potion to save four-year-old Goku, Bulma's attention shifted completely. She remembered that when her father drank just one vial, his injuries were not only completely healed, but he was practically hyperactive for a month afterward.
And four-year-old Goku had needed three vials… Only then did Bulma realize what kind of monster she was traveling with.
I stormed off without thinking… I still have three more motorcycle capsules in my pack. Should I go back? Is it really safe for me to travel alone with this monster?
She didn't think for long before her speed began to slow, eventually coming to a stop.
"Goku, wait here for a bit. I need to use the bathroom. And don't peek!"
With that, Bulma ran behind a large boulder. Taking out her phone, she searched for the number Franklin's phone had been registered with by her dad and tried dialing it again.
Every previous attempt had failed — out of service. But she wanted to try once more. Just as she tapped "Call," a massive claw suddenly wrapped around her.
Only then did she notice the large hole behind the boulder — this was the nest of a gigantic pterosaur.
"Help! Goku, help me!"
"What's wrong? Did a snake bite your thing?"
Leisurely strolling over, Goku turned the corner and saw Bulma caught in the pterosaur's grip.
"Are you two playing a game? Bulma, weren't you going to the bathroom? Who's this Mr. Pterosaur?"
"Help—mmph!"
"That's right, brat. We're playing. You wait here — we'll be back soon."
With that, the pterosaur took off into the sky, carrying Bulma with it. "When will you be back? Brother Franklin is really fast. You'll fall behind."
"Stupid brat! Just sit tight and wait!"
The pterosaur accelerated sharply, shooting into the clouds in the blink of an eye. "It's been ages since I've had a two-legged lamb. They keep too close an eye on this area now, but since I'm here… I'll deal with you first and come back for the brat later."
Standing on the ground, Goku shouted angrily at the sky, "You called me stupid! When you come back, I'm gonna beat you up!"
Only then was Bulma able to scream again, "Idiot! Moron! Hurry up and save me — it's going to eat me!"
(Support me and read ahead on Patreøn: patreøn.com/craxxtranslations.
3 new chapters are released daily—thank you for your support!
Powerstone Event: For every 50 powerstones, 1 chapter will be unlocked.)