Chapter 48: First Meeting with Master Roshi
The bright moon hung high, stars scattered across the night sky. On the desolate grasslands, a lone little house glowed with a bright white light. After a whole afternoon on the road, their campsite was finally chosen in this vast open field.
"Valley of the Dragon… what an arrogant name. By the way, how did this canyon get its name? Shouldn't it have been changed already?"
Bulma, studying the map, was startled and shot an annoyed glare at Franklin.
"Why do you care so much? Weren't you helping Goku bathe? You just went in, how come you're already out?"
Franklin spread his hands. "Even one minute with me is more than enough. He's cleaner than when you use all that high-tech equipment."
"Whatever, just don't bother me."
Bulma kept her eyes on the map while also checking the Dragon Radar, confirming the location of the remaining four Dragon Balls.
"Ah, that feels great. But I'm kind of hungry now. Brother Franklin, I'll go find something to eat. When I get back, can you roast it for me?"
Seeing Goku clutching his stomach uncomfortably, Franklin chuckled. "Of course. Go ahead, just don't hit too hard. I just washed you—try not to come back splattered with blood."
"Got it!"
As Goku pushed the door open and ran out, Bulma suddenly realized the room now held only her and Franklin.
She smiled faintly, looking at Franklin who was still focused on the map.
"Hey, Franklin, I've been meaning to ask—why does Goku have a tail? Is he really human?"
Franklin didn't intend to hide it. He answered directly: "Goku isn't from Earth. He's an alien from another planet. But he doesn't know it himself. He was sent to Blue Star when he was very young. You'll find out more over time. For now, there's no point in me saying too much."
Bulma smirked. "How is it pointless? If you tell me, then it's useful. Just like how you disappeared for six years, and your phone was always out of service. From that, I can guess you're also an alien, right? You weren't on Earth, that's why there was no news of you."
Seeing her so confident in her deduction, Franklin could only rub his forehead helplessly.
"Don't overthink it. I'm human, born and raised on Earth. As for my identity—you'll know eventually. When, I can't say."
"Tch. Always so mysterious. Fine then, I've decided: once we gather all the Dragon Balls, I'll wish for your true identity. If you tell me now, then I'll give you this chance to make a wish instead. How about it, tempted?"
He hadn't planned on making a wish at all, but Bulma's words stirred a bit of interest. After a long pause, Franklin still refused.
"My identity has to stay secret. Knowing too much isn't good for you. If you really want to make that wish, then fine—better the Dragon itself says it than me. When you finally learn who I am, you'll understand my reasons."
Bulma hadn't expected him to be so stubborn. She huffed angrily.
"Understand? How could I? You're just a riddle-spouting blockhead. I'm going to sleep. There are extra blankets in the closet. You two can sleep on the floor, just don't bother me."
With that, Bulma flopped onto the bed and stopped talking. Franklin smiled at her sulking expression, then quietly stepped outside.
Under the star-filled night sky, he lay on a soft wooden bed woven from vines and leaves, born from his Wood Spirit energy. Gazing at the glittering heavens, he knew each of those stars could hold potential enemies.
Whether for the sake of his own peaceful life, the throne of galactic dominion, or simply to prevent Blue Star from being reduced to cosmic dust in a universe full of the strong—he had to keep pushing forward.
Now that he had returned to the main timeline, the young generation of the galaxy would soon come searching. What would happen to Cainan City then? And what about Blue Star?
Thinking back to the map he had just studied, his current location seemed to be near what was Southeast Asia in his past life. The absence of a "Three Kingdoms" on the network puzzled him. Looking at the barren surroundings, Franklin guessed this land had been devastated by a great war.
A loud rumble snapped him awake. Flames flickered in the forest. Moving with incredible speed, Franklin rushed toward the fire.
A crashed airplane. Beside it, Goku muttered about roasting birds. One glance was enough for Franklin to guess the cause.
After confirming the wreckage was empty, he exhaled in relief. He quickly put out the flames, then turned to scold Goku.
"Stop worrying about food. This is an airplane. Next time you see one of these flying metal boxes, don't just attack it. Did you see anyone inside?"
"Brother Franklin, the roast bird is gone…"
Seeing Goku's foodie look, Franklin rubbed his forehead. "Forget the roast bird. Where did the people go?"
Goku scratched his head innocently. "I don't know. I met them in the canyon over there. They tried to steal my roast bird, so I knocked them down—just like earlier today."
Franklin was speechless at his crude approach. "Forget it, let's go. If they come looking, we'll deal with compensation then."
"Brother Franklin, you go back first. I killed a bunch of wolves over there. That should be enough to eat."
Fifteen whole roasted wolves. Goku devoured them all by himself. Franklin didn't even dare imagine—once Goku could transform into Super Saiyan, even Super Saiyan God—could Blue Star's natural cycle possibly withstand his appetite?
After setting up Goku's bedding, Franklin sat cross-legged in meditation, recovering his spiritual energy. By the latter half of the night, fully restored, he stepped outside once more.
Expanding his divine sense, he scanned a five-hundred-meter radius. Confirming that the Old Turtle was indeed nearby and fast asleep, he quietly returned indoors.
To keep Goku out of trouble, Franklin sent him out for basic training as soon as he woke.
Everything went smoothly. Watching Goku carrying the old turtle on his back as he trudged forward, Franklin led Bulma closely behind. Their destination: the ocean, 120 kilometers south.
"Thank you, young master. Could I trouble you to wait just a little longer? I have a gift to give you as thanks."
A turtle, the sea, and a promised gift. Bulma could only sigh. "What's next, a Treasure Box from the Dragon Palace? We're busy—we don't have time to stand around waiting…"
Before she could complain further, Franklin stopped her and called out to the turtle: "We'll wait. The reward is in your hands."
Once the turtle swam away, Franklin turned to Bulma. "Goku carried it all this way. There has to be a reward. It can be small, but it can't be nothing. We might not need it, but he can't go without giving it. Goku needs to learn this."
He then glanced at Goku, who nodded vaguely in response. Franklin ruffled his hair.
"If you don't understand now, just keep watching and learning. No rush."
Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye. From the distance, an old man with a turtle shell on his back slowly rode toward shore atop the very same turtle.
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