Chapter 19: Yamcha, the Desert Bandit

To reach Fire Mountain, they had to first traverse the vast desert. Fortunately, with their advanced vehicles, ample supplies, and numerous capsules, crossing the desert was not a challenging task for John Doe and his companions.

Getting lost in the desert was a common fear, but with the Dragon Ball Radar, they had no worries about losing their way.

John Doe drove the car, with Bulma, Goku, and Oolong inside, singing happily. Their journey was filled with laughter, a stark contrast to the struggles depicted in the original storyline.

On a distant mountain overlooking the desert, a man named Pu'er, Yamcha's servant, was scanning the desert road through a telescope. He soon spotted a car approaching from the outside, heading into the desert.

Pu'er immediately flew down from the cave and called out to Yamcha, "Young Master Yamcha, we have customers! A car is heading in our direction."

Yamcha finished the water in his teacup and grabbed the sword hanging on the wall. "Pu'er, let's go greet these people. If they're sensible, we'll let them go. If not, they'll have to face my blade."

With that, Yamcha hopped on his motorcycle and sped towards John Doe's car to intercept them.

John Doe was driving towards Fire Mountain when the desert heat started to intensify after they entered. The once lively trio gradually became sluggish.

Despite the air conditioning in the car, the three of them began to doze off in their seats.

Suddenly, a motorcycle appeared, blocking their path. John Doe was startled and slammed on the brakes.

The screeching sound of tires against the ground filled the air as the car came to a halt just short of the motorcycle. Goku and Oolong, not wearing seatbelts, were thrown forward and collided with the front seats, crying out in pain.

Bulma, awakened by the commotion, was about to unleash her fury until she laid eyes on the handsome man on the motorcycle. Her anger dissipated, replaced by delight.

John Doe also noticed Yamcha, who would become a significant figure in his future. Unlike the manga, Yamcha's appearance was far more attractive and charismatic.

Perhaps due to his desert lifestyle, Yamcha exuded a wild and untamed aura that captivated others, especially women. Goku also possessed a similar wildness, but his youth and innocence made him appear more naive.

Yamcha didn't notice Bulma in the car; his attention was immediately drawn to John Doe, who had just stepped out of the driver's seat. Despite John Doe's average looks, Yamcha could sense the aura of a skilled martial artist.

Yamcha shouted, "You know the situation. Hand over all your capsules, and I'll let you go. Otherwise, my sword will decide your fate."

John Doe calmly replied, "As a fellow martial artist, you should know that our duty is to protect the innocent and fight against evil, not bully the weak."

Yamcha sheathed his sword and yelled, "Enough talk! I'm not here for a debate. If you won't hand over the capsules, my sword will do the talking."

He drew his sword and lunged at John Doe. John Doe dodged and countered with a kick, engaging in a fierce exchange. Yamcha, with his sword, had the upper hand.

The sound of their battle awakened Bulma, who was captivated by Yamcha's good looks. She opened the door and stepped out.

"Stop!" Bulma's sweet voice instantly grabbed Yamcha's attention. He turned to see her, and his face, once pale, turned bright red.

His body stiffened as if struck by lightning, and he fell to the ground as if his pressure points had been struck.

Goku, who had just gotten out of the car to help, was shocked to see the sudden collapse of their opponent. He thought John Doe had done something, and he looked at him with a mix of fear and awe.

John Doe gave Goku a disapproving look and explained, "This guy is afraid of girls. He froze up as soon as he saw Bulma."

Goku and Oolong were speechless.

On the other side, Pu'er, Yamcha's servant, knew his master's weakness. Seeing Yamcha paralyzed and unable to move, he shouted, "Young Master Yamcha!" and flew over to carry him away.

Bulma, startled by the sudden collapse of the handsome man, thought he had fallen ill and wanted to help.

But as she approached, Yamcha retreated, pleading, "Don't come near me!"

Bulma was offended and pointed at herself, asking John Doe, "Am I that ugly and scary?"

John Doe quickly shook his head and complimented her, "Of course not! You're the cutest, most beautiful, and most mature girl I know."

Bulma was pleased by his words and seemed less angry. Still, she asked, "Then why does he react this way to me? Why is he so afraid?"

John Doe watched as Pu'er dragged Yamcha onto the motorcycle and said, "Maybe he's naturally afraid of girls. The prettier they are, the more he fears them."

Bulma was surprised, "Is there such a condition in this world?"

John Doe replied, "The world is full of wonders."

"It's such a pity," Bulma said regretfully. "He's so handsome, yet he can't even touch a girl."

By this time, Yamcha had recovered. He started his motorcycle and said to John Doe, "I won't let you off easily. Just you wait."

With that, Yamcha sped away on his motorcycle.

John Doe and his companions ignored him and continued their journey. The desert was vast, and they drove for an entire day without escaping it.

They found a flat spot, and Bulma used a capsule to create a domed house for them to rest for the night.