Returning to Kame House

Krillin lay on his Black Nimbus, leisurely flying back to Kame House. The Nimbus wasn't particularly fast, but the scenic beauty along the way made up for it.

Since arriving in the world of Dragon Ball, Krillin had been either figuring out how to make money or relentlessly training. He had rarely taken the time to appreciate the world's splendor. Sometimes, as we sprint toward distant goals, we miss out on the beauty along the way. In those moments, we should remind ourselves: Take it slow. Enjoy the view.

After some time, the familiar outline of Kame House came into view. Two months away had made Krillin realize just how much he missed Master Roshi. He leaped lightly off the Nimbus. "See you next time, Black Nimbus," he said with a grin as he sprinted toward the small house.

"Master Roshi! Master Roshi!" Krillin called out loudly.

Though he had grown accustomed to using ki to sense people's presence, Krillin preferred not to rely on it for everything. It added a touch of humanity to everyday life.

Master Roshi was lounging in a beach chair by the sea, basking in the breeze and the setting sun. However, the racy magazine in his hand slightly ruined the idyllic scene.

Krillin jogged over and greeted him with a cheeky grin. "Master Roshi, it's been two months! Did you miss me?"

Master Roshi glanced up at him, his expression calm yet tinged with pride. "Hmm, you're back. How'd it go?" he asked, like a father welcoming his child home.

"Master, you wouldn't believe it…" Krillin launched into tales of his adventures, laughing heartily at the funny parts. Master Roshi nodded occasionally, a small smile on his face.

"These two months have been quite fruitful," Krillin concluded, still chuckling.

Krillin had never intended to burden Master Roshi with the knowledge of Earth's future dangers. The old master had already done his part for his generation. The Earth of the future would be protected by the younger generation.

Master Roshi, however, was deep in thought. The ki emanating from Krillin was overwhelming, far beyond Goku's—no, not even on the same level. "Let it be," he thought. "It's their era now. Whatever fortune or calamity awaits, it's their challenge to face. Krillin becoming stronger is ultimately a good thing."

Master Roshi looked Krillin in the eye and said seriously, "With great power comes great responsibility. Stay true to the heart of martial arts, and don't lose yourself in your strength."

"I'll protect Earth," Krillin replied solemnly, as if making a vow to his master.

Master Roshi smiled and nodded.

"By the way, Master, where's Launch?" Krillin asked, noticing her absence.

Master Roshi burst into laughter. "Blonde Launch has become quite the business tycoon! Ever since she started making money, she gave up robbing banks and focused on expanding her business empire. She now owns 50 franchise stores!"

Rubbing his head sheepishly, Master Roshi added, "She even sends me the latest magazine issues every week. Quite filial, that one."

Krillin was astonished. "I never knew Launch had this talent!"

Master Roshi proudly explained, "It's her dual personalities—her assertive, bossy side handles expansion, while her gentler side maintains stability."

"Ha! Launch is so capable; she's saving me the trouble," Krillin joked.

"Does she come home often?"

"She drops by once a week," Master Roshi replied. "Her business headquarters is now in Central City. It's the busiest area, and her restaurants are wildly popular. I think her company is called the Lobster Alliance."

Krillin facepalmed. "The Lobster Alliance? Who came up with that name?" But he couldn't deny her business acumen. Launch had truly achieved something remarkable.

Compliments aside, the name sounded incredibly outdated. "Looks like I'll have to step in and give her some branding advice," Krillin muttered, shaking his head.

"Master Roshi, why don't we visit Central City together? You could enjoy the city life for a change."

"I'm too old for all that," Master Roshi replied, clearly accustomed to his hermit lifestyle.

"No worries—come out, Black Nimbus!" Krillin called with a sly grin.

A large black cloud zoomed in and descended before them.

Master Roshi immediately started cursing. "That old fart Korin! I begged him for years just to get a palm-sized Nimbus, and now he's handing out these massive ones? Hmph! Stingy old geezer!"

Krillin laughed. "Let's go, Master Roshi."

"But I haven't packed!"

"We'll buy new stuff there!" Krillin called back as the Black Nimbus carried them into the sky.

As the sun sank lower, leaving only a bright crimson sliver on the horizon, the sea shimmered in shades of red, like countless tiny mirrors reflecting the evening light. The sunset and the ocean were breathtakingly beautiful.

Sitting on the Black Nimbus, Krillin couldn't help but feel at peace as they floated toward Central City.

"Master Roshi, one day, I'll get married, buy a villa in the city, and have a pair of kids. Life will be perfect!" Krillin mused, dreaming about the future.

Master Roshi laughed heartily. "Always thinking about marriage! Have some ambition, will you?"

"Heh, I'll need you to help babysit when the kids come," Krillin teased.

Master Roshi paused, then nodded with a chuckle. "Goku might be a blockhead, but Krillin's a good, filial kid," he thought, feeling pleased with his students.

"Slow down, Black Nimbus," Krillin instructed. "Let's arrive at dawn."

The Next Morning

The first rays of dawn peeled back the night's veil, ushering in a radiant morning.

Central City lived up to its reputation, bustling with activity even in the early hours. Compared to this metropolis, Manhattan seemed slightly less impressive.

"Master Roshi, where's the headquarters?" Krillin asked.

After a moment of thought, Master Roshi replied, "I think it's in a place called CBD… whatever that means."

"CBD? Central Business District," Krillin muttered. "Got it—let's go!"

After some searching, they finally found the building. It was massive, with an extravagant interior. At the entrance stood a large lobster statue with four golden characters beneath it: Lobster Alliance.

The receptionist, a woman in her late twenties with an elegant demeanor, greeted them.

"Is your CEO here?" Krillin asked.

"She's in her office. May I know who you are?"

"We're friends of your CEO," Krillin replied.

The receptionist hesitated, then picked up the phone.

"Tell her it's Krillin and Master Roshi. She'll know," Krillin added.

After a brief conversation, the receptionist's demeanor changed entirely. "M-Mr. Krillin! I didn't realize it was you! My apologies for the inadequate reception."

Krillin smiled warmly. "You've done great."

"Right this way, please," the receptionist said, her tone soft and respectful.

Krillin and Master Roshi exchanged glances, and Krillin muttered under his breath, "Good thing there wasn't any drama. I hate those 'look-down-on-you' moments from TV."

The receptionist led them upstairs, her voice gentle as she guided them to the CEO's office.

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