Chapter 15: Becoming a Disciple

"The Dragon Ball?" Master Roshi held the three-star ball around his neck and hesitated, "But this ball seems quite precious!"

"Unless..." Master Roshi leered at Bulma's bust and continued, "Unless you let me touch it." He made a lewd gesture and slowly approached Bulma.

Hearing Master Roshi's suggestive words, Bulma's face turned red with anger, and she slapped him across the face.

Master Roshi, caught off guard, stumbled back, and a red handprint appeared on his cheek. Bulma's hand swelled up from the force of the slap, and she blew on it to ease the pain.

Master Roshi rubbed his sore cheek and said, "I was just joking. No need to get so worked up!"

Seeing that the young girl's hand was indeed swollen, Master Roshi took the Dragon Ball from his neck and handed it to Bulma. "Alright, alright, I'll give you the Dragon Ball."

Bulma's anger dissipated, and she happily took the three-star ball. She turned to John Doe and said, "We've got another Dragon Ball! Now we have four Dragon Balls. Once we collect the remaining three, we can summon Shenron and make our wish. I'm so happy, John. Are you happy too?"

John Doe nodded, also delighted. "Of course I'm happy."

Master Roshi walked up to John Doe and said, "Mr. John, your two friends have received gifts. What gift do you want? But let me tell you beforehand, I don't have the Flying Nimbus or the Dragon Ball anymore."

John Doe quickly bowed and said, "Master Roshi, I don't want any gift."

"Oh, you don't want a gift? Then what do you want?" Master Roshi's tone was no longer as calm as before, even though he maintained a faint smile.

Master Roshi had lived for hundreds of years and had experienced all sorts of things. He knew that if John Doe had asked for a gift, it would have been easier to accommodate. But now, this young man didn't want a gift, and the request he was about to make would likely be more challenging to fulfill.

John Doe understood Master Roshi's thoughts, but he had to make this request. Even if he later obtained a Saiyan body through Shenron's wish, he still needed to learn martial arts in the Dragon Ball world. Martial arts knowledge was not something easily acquired; it was often guarded by various sects and factions.

As the current strongest human on Earth in the Dragon Ball world, Master Roshi was the perfect person to be John Doe's martial arts mentor.

It was Master Roshi's foundation that allowed the low-class warrior Son Goku to become the future Universe's strongest warrior.

John Doe bowed deeply and sincerely said, "Master Roshi, after this adventure with Bulma and Son Goku, I wish to become your disciple and formally study martial arts."

"Please!" John Doe bowed again.

"You want to become my disciple?" Master Roshi was expecting an unreasonable request, but he hadn't anticipated that John Doe wanted to become his disciple.

Looking at the sincere young man before him, Master Roshi hesitated. "Taking on a disciple is a significant decision. I don't know anything about you. Can you tell me why you want to study martial arts?"

"Don't even think about lying to me. No lie can escape my eyes," Master Roshi said.

John Doe immediately replied, "Of course. My reason for studying martial arts is simple: to survive!" As he said this, John Doe's voice trembled slightly, as this was his most genuine thought.

"To survive?" Master Roshi was puzzled by John Doe's reason. He had assumed John Doe would say something like becoming the strongest on Earth or the strongest in the universe, but he hadn't expected it to be just about survival.

Master Roshi had observed John Doe earlier and knew he had some martial arts foundation, even if it wasn't exceptional. As long as he didn't provoke stronger opponents, he could live a peaceful life.

But now, John Doe wanted to become his disciple for the sole purpose of survival, which piqued Master Roshi's curiosity.

Master Roshi asked, "Why do you have such a reason? If you just want to survive, I can share some of my elixir of immortality with you. As long as you're not killed by someone, you can live forever."

John Doe shook his head, "That method may not ensure survival in the future."

"Why?" Master Roshi was becoming more and more confused.

John Doe continued, "Earth is just a small planet in the universe. There are countless other planets with life, and some of them have powerful beings who enjoy invading and occupying other planets."

"One day, aliens will discover Earth. Without powerful martial arts skills, it will be impossible to survive and protect Earth."

"Alien invasion!" Master Roshi's expression turned serious. He knew about the existence of the God of Earth and had learned from Master Cat that the current God was an alien.

He hadn't considered the possibility of an alien invasion before, not because it was impossible, but because it had never crossed his mind.

Now, John Doe's reminder made Master Roshi realize that this possibility was very real.

Master Roshi looked up at John Doe and said, "I'd like to take you as my disciple, but you should know that what determines your martial arts potential is not your effort but your physique. If your physique is not suitable, no matter how hard you try, your progress will be limited."

"Unfortunately, I took a look at your body earlier, and I don't think you're suited for martial arts training. I suggest you choose another path."

Upon hearing that Master Roshi was willing to take him as a disciple, provided he improved his physique, John Doe immediately replied with joy, "Master, please rest assured. I'm already working on solving my physique issue. Once it's resolved, you can take me as your disciple."

"You can solve your physique issue?" Master Roshi had just been thinking about Bulma's earlier mention of collecting the seven Dragon Balls and making a wish to Shenron.

Suddenly, he understood, "So, you're going to use Shenron's wish to solve your physique problem!"

John Doe smiled but didn't respond, implicitly agreeing with Master Roshi's statement.

Seeing John Doe's acknowledgment, Master Roshi couldn't go back on his word. He said, "Alright, as long as you use Shenron's wish to solve your physique problem, I'll take you as my disciple. I only ask that you remember your wish today when you've achieved success in martial arts."

John Doe was overjoyed, but upon hearing Master Roshi's final request, he solemnly promised, "Yes, Master, I won't forget!"