Journey to Mount Paozu

Next Day:

The sun rose brightly over the horizon, casting its warm glow onto Kame House. Ayaka stood outside, her arms crossed, exuding an air of authority, her fiery determination almost tangible. Son Goku stood obediently beside her, while Master Roshi leaned against the doorframe, his signature sunglasses flashing under the sunlight.

"Alright, you sly old man, come here!" Ayaka barked, her tone sharp but brimming with energy. Master Roshi, utterly unbothered, adjusted his sunglasses, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"What's the fuss about this time?" he asked casually, his laid-back demeanor infuriating Ayaka further.

"In addition to Kamehameha, don't you have a technique called 'Thunder Shock Surprise'? Why haven't you taught Goku that yet?" Ayaka demanded, her eyes sparking with intensity. She had spent hours analyzing Master Roshi's arsenal, and this powerful move stood out as something Goku had to learn.

Master Roshi froze for a moment, surprised at Ayaka's knowledge. "How do you know about that technique?" he asked, suddenly more serious.

Ayaka waved his question away impatiently. "Does it matter? Just answer me—why haven't you taught it to Goku?"

Roshi sighed, his tone softening. "The Thunder Shock Surprise is extremely dangerous, Ayaka. It transforms all your ki into lightning, amplifying its power to destructive levels. It's far beyond what Goku can handle right now—it could even harm him if used recklessly."

Ayaka smirked mischievously. "Oh come on, old man. Goku's growing stronger by the day—he's practically far stronger than your level already! Besides, if Master Shen is teaching Tien the Tri-Beam, it's only fair for Goku to have a move just as devastating. Or are you worried he'll outshine you?"

Roshi's expression darkened at the mention of his rival. "That bastard Shen! Passing on such a dangerous move to his disciple already?! Has he forgotten Mutaito's teachings?" His voice grew cold, and his eyes glinted with determination.

Ayaka seized the moment. "Exactly. You don't want Turtle School falling behind, do you? If Shen can take that risk, so can you. Teach Goku the Thunder Shock Surprise—he's ready."

Master Roshi clenched his fists, his resolve solidified. "Alright, call Goku over. It's time he learns this technique."

Son Goku bounded forward at Ayaka's signal, his innocent grin lighting up his face. "Grandpa Roshi, what do you want to teach me today?"

Roshi smiled softly, placing a hand on Goku's shoulder. "I'm going to teach you something special, Goku—a move called Thunder Shock Surprise. But you must promise never to use it recklessly. Its power is far beyond what you're used to."

Goku nodded earnestly, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I promise, Grandpa Roshi! I'll use it responsibly!"

The training began, and the next few days were filled with intense focus and excitement. Under Roshi's guidance, Goku slowly grasped the fundamentals of the Thunder Shock Surprise. When he finally managed to release a small burst, his body was enveloped in glowing arcs of electric blue, two powerful streams of lightning converging in his palms.

Ayaka watched proudly as Goku's technique improved with each attempt. The sight of him mastering the lightning-based attack, its silver snakes crackling and roaring toward their target, filled her with satisfaction. The ground trembled with the energy of the Thunder Shock Surprise, leaving craters surrounded by wisps of smoke.

Roshi nodded approvingly, though inwardly he was astonished by Goku's rapid progress. "That boy really is something else," he muttered.

The day arrived when Ayaka had to leave Kame House, her work there complete. With Goku standing beside her, ready for the next adventure, Master Roshi called out, stopping them in their tracks.

"Goku! Wait! I've got something for you!" Roshi's voice carried a mysterious weight, and Ayaka's curiosity piqued. Could it be the Flying Nimbus?

"What's the old grandpa going to give me?" Goku's excited voice filled the air as he glanced eagerly at Master Roshi, his curious gaze brimming with anticipation.

The old master remained silent for a moment, leaning heavily on his cane. With a wry grin, he lifted his head skyward and shouted, "Flying Nimbus!"

Goku followed Roshi's gaze as a golden blur streaked across the horizon. As it approached, the blur revealed itself to be a small cloud, glowing faintly under the sun. The Flying Nimbus floated to a stop beside Master Roshi, hovering just a meter above the ground.

"Wow, what a big marshmallow!" Goku exclaimed, climbing onto the cloud and laughing as it supported him effortlessly. "This thing can hold people?"

"That's Flying Nimbus," Ayaka explained with a smile, joining Goku on the cloud. "It's a gift from Korin, used as a high-speed flying vehicle. Only people with pure hearts can ride it."

"Cool!" Goku beamed, bouncing gently on the Nimbus as it bobbed in the air. Master Roshi watched them from behind his sunglasses, his expression faintly surprised.

In Roshi's eyes, Ayaka was a stark contrast to Goku—grumpy, stubborn, and clearly more worldly. He wouldn't have expected someone with her personality to be able to sit on the Flying Nimbus. What he didn't know was that Ayaka's ability stemmed from her status as Kami of Earth, a divine connection that allowed her to interact with the Nimbus as naturally as breathing though its also because Ayaka is also a bit simple minded with a kind heart.

With a cheerful whoop, the pair took off on the Flying Nimbus, soaring over mountains, dense forests, shimmering lakes, and steep canyons. Soon, the familiar peaks of Mount Paozu came into view, the entire range bathed in the vibrant hues of spring. Flowers bloomed in a riot of color, their fragrant petals swaying gently in the breeze.

Landing gracefully, Ayaka and Goku dismounted. The Flying Nimbus vanished into the sky with a quiet swoosh, leaving them at the top of the mountain. Before them stood Goku's old hut, now weathered with age. Moss clung to the stone walls, and the overgrown courtyard was a tangle of wild plants. The strange pine trees surrounding the house had grown taller, their branches brushing against the clouds.

"It's been a while," Ayaka said quietly as she stepped into the hut. Dust swirled in the sunlight streaming through the cracks. Cobwebs hung in the corners, and the furnishings were worn and brittle. Covering her nose, Ayaka surveyed the interior and shook her head. "Looks like everything needs replacing."

She stepped outside, reached into her pouch, and produced a Capsule. Tossing it into the courtyard, she watched as a massive luxury villa materialized with a satisfying boom. White smoke swirled as the modern, four-story building emerged, sleek and imposing amidst the greenery.

"Sister, when did you get such a big house?" Goku's astonishment was evident as he stared up at the villa.

"I decided the old house wasn't spacious enough," Ayaka replied lightly, leading Goku inside. "This one's got everything we need—and more."

As they explored the villa, Ayaka handed Goku another Capsule. "Here," she said with a smile. "This is my old house. It has everything you'll need, so take it. You can use it whenever you like."

Goku accepted the gift with a grin, tucking the Capsule alongside his treasured Four-Star Dragon Ball. That evening, Ayaka prepared a feast using the Ox-King's provisions. The smell of roasted meat filled the air as they shared stories and laughter under the stars.

The seasons changed, and spring turned to summer, then back again. Over the course of a year, Ayaka and Goku settled into a steady rhythm. She trained him rigorously while increasing his gravity by 5X, and under her watchful eye, his strength grew by leaps and bounds.

One warm morning, Ayaka stood in the courtyard of the villa, watching as Goku practiced his moves. Each punch and kick carried precision and power, his movements fluid and confident. He leaped into the air with a roar, bringing his fist down with incredible force. The ground quaked as the earth beneath him crumbled, creating a wide crater.

"Not bad," Ayaka called out, her arms crossed as she surveyed his progress. "You're almost ready."

Goku wiped the sweat from his brow, beaming. "I'll get even stronger, Sister. Just watch!"

Ayaka couldn't help but smile. Over the past sixteen years, she'd worked tirelessly to strengthen herself, determined not to fall behind the rising tide of power in the universe. With a power level nearing 400,000, she was leagues ahead of Goku and the others, but the looming threats of Frieza, Cooler, and other cosmic overlords kept her motivated.

'The real story is about to begin,' she thought, a flicker of excitement in her chest. 'I've been waiting for this moment.'

Her plan was simple—allow Goku and Bulma to embark on their journey to find the Dragon Balls while she returned to the Lookout to refine her training. Beyond Earth lay an infinite universe filled with danger and opportunity, and Ayaka intended to face it all head-on.