Mai and Shu were piloting a robot, racing full speed toward the direction of the Flying Nimbus.
They had almost caught up when the golden cloud suddenly shot forward at impossible speed, disappearing from sight in an instant.
After hours of relentless pursuit, the robot's energy finally ran dry. By the time they trudged back to Pilaf's Castle, dawn had already broken.
When Pilaf learned they had failed, he scolded them furiously for nearly an hour straight.
Meanwhile…
After Goku and Bulma had departed, Ox-King found himself relentlessly urged by Chi-Chi to keep his word—he had to go and propose the engagement to Goku's guardian.
Resigned, Ox-King packed a mountain of gifts, loaded up a plane, and took Chi-Chi along to Mount Paozu to find Son Gohan and officially propose to him for Chi-Chi and Goku's marriage.
When they arrived at Gohan's home, they found the door unlocked. Inside, everything was neat and spotless, without a speck of dust.
It looked like the old man had only been away for a few days.
Ox-King scratched his head.
"That's strange. What's my senior brother doing out of the house? Could he be avoiding me?"
He frowned at the clean furniture, grumbling under his breath.
"Don't tell me my brother's avoiding me because he thinks my daughter looks like me—a big, ugly brute! I told him already, she takes after her mother! She's a real beauty! …Wait, did I ever mention that to him?"
Chi-Chi blinked her wide, innocent eyes.
"Daddy, when Goku stayed at our house the other day, he said Master Roshi's home—the Kame House—isn't far from here, across the ocean.
Maybe Grandpa Gohan went there to visit Master Roshi?"
"Visit the old master, huh?"
Ox-King rubbed his beard thoughtfully.
"You might be right. It's been years since I've seen him! Since we know where to look, let's pay the old man a visit."
And so, Ox-King steered the plane toward the Kame House.
It didn't take long before they landed on the small, sunny island.
Master Roshi was sitting outside, enjoying his morning tea. He squinted at Chi-Chi, blinking several times.
"Ox-King, that little girl's your daughter? She looks nothing like you."
Ox-King chuckled proudly.
"You're right, Master! She takes after her mother. Cute, isn't she?"
Roshi nodded absently.
"Mm, very cute. Though… a bit too small. No figure yet. Not in the same league as that blue-haired girl traveling with Goku."
Ox-King blinked. "Huh? What was that, Master?"
Roshi coughed and waved it off.
"Nothing, nothing! Anyway, since you're here looking for someone, maybe you can help me find someone, too."
Ox-King straightened immediately.
"It's my honor to serve you, Master! Who do you need us to find?"
But Chi-Chi frowned and huffed impatiently.
"Hey, old man Master Roshi, we haven't even found Grandpa Gohan yet, and now you want us to find someone for you? We're busy people, you know!"
Roshi raised an eyebrow.
"Well now, the little lady's got quite the temper for her size."
Ox-King quickly stopped her.
"Chi-Chi, mind your manners! This is my teacher!"
Then he turned back to Roshi.
"Master, please, tell me what you need. I'll do whatever I can."
Roshi stroked his beard.
"Gohan asked me to take Goku as a student, but he left to collect the Dragon Balls before I could meet him. I don't know where he is now.
When you run into him, tell him to come train under me.
Also…" Roshi's eyes gleamed. "Seeing your daughter here has given me a new idea. She's about Goku's age and seems to have potential.
If I'm going to teach one student, I might as well teach two. So when you find Goku, bring him here—and have Chi-Chi stay too. I'll train them both."
Chi-Chi's eyes lit up instantly.
"Train with Goku? That's amazing! Daddy, let's go find him!"
Ox-King laughed heartily.
"Haha! You're one lucky girl! Master Roshi rarely takes disciples. Quick, bow to the master and thank him properly!"
Chi-Chi blinked, then knelt and gave a respectful bow.
"Chi-Chi greets Master Roshi!"
Roshi chuckled.
"Alright, alright, no need for all that formality. When you and Goku come back, you'll still have to pass my test before you can call me 'Master.'"
Chi-Chi nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling.
Soon after, she and her father took off again in their plane.
"Daddy, where do you think Goku went?"
"No idea," Ox-King mused. "But since they're collecting Dragon Balls, they shouldn't be too hard to track. Goku's got that tail—and they've got the Flying Nimbus. Word about them should spread fast."
Chi-Chi smiled. "Right! Then let's go find them! I can't wait to see Goku again—and to train with him!"
Ox-King grinned. "Not going to find Gohan for the engagement first?"
Chi-Chi's cheeks turned crimson.
"I read in a book that love between childhood sweethearts lasts longer than arranged marriages! If I spend more time with Goku, he'll definitely fall in love with me!"
She ducked her head, face glowing red.
Ox-King roared with laughter.
"Hahaha! That's my girl! You're adorable—how could he not fall for you?
But remember, that Bulma girl traveling with him is quite the rival. You'll need to be even kinder and gentler if you want Goku to like you more!"
Chi-Chi nodded earnestly.
"Mm! I'll do my best!"