Yamcha's Dilemma (2)

With the threat of a beating from his senior, Yamcha began his training. His first step is to recover his former strength. And under the direct supervision of Master Roshi, his training was brutal…

Master Roshi, noticing Yamcha's struggle, berated him. "Yamcha, stop holding yourself back already." 

Ox King chuckled. "Come now master, he already knows I'm going to beat him senseless later, perhaps it's something else?"

Master Roshi winced, slightly ticked that Ox King said anything. "You'd best keep quiet, if you don't want to undergo training again. Actually, you still lack a variety of skills. Perhaps you should show your junior how it's done." 

And so that's how Ox King was roped into the training regiment as well. The effects of this were far reaching. And led to the two students spending quite a bit of time together. And then one day, several months later the pair were sharing a meal after a long day of meditation, and image training, they spoke…

Ox King started, after downing a glass. "My daughter is due to give birth any day now. So I'll be heading to visit with her and Goku. Will you come with me?"

Yamcha froze up, petrified about his possible answers to such a sudden question. "I-"

Master Roshi spoke up. "Do not feel like you have to right now. In fact, I'd say it's best for you not to go. Using this reason as your excuse, would only be insulting to Bulma, and especially Bosa."

Ox King, could be seen thinking about his master's words a little more, he added that to the knowledge he had from being a father himself, he felt conflicted. "I believe you're right, Master. Though, as a father myself, I can't help but feel Yamcha has to make an effort soon. If he waits much longer… even Chichi would start preventing him from seeing Bosa." 

Krillin arrived with a chuckle. "Hey there, Master Roshi, Ox King, and… Yamcha." 

Master Roshi chuckled. "Fantastic, you've made quite the great strides since I last saw you. I take it you've taken your training seriously."

Krillin gave a half prideful chuckle. "Well, Goku and Tien are hard to keep up with, I try my best. Goku is something else entirely though, it takes Tien, myself, and Chiaotzu, just to make him sweat a bit." 

Ox King laughed aloud. "Hah hah! That's Goku for you. Always impressing everyone." 

Master Roshi had a satisfied chuckle before sipping his drink. "So Krillin, perhaps you could help enlighten us about something. We're discussing if Yamcha should pay a visit when Ox King goes to see Chichi… Hmm what's that look for?" 

Krillin's face was filled with worry. "Master, if I'm being honest… Bulma has all but written Yamcha off. To her it's almost been a whole year since the last tournament and that kind of time has changed things. For starters, Chichi has already made comments multiple times regarding what she'll do to Yamcha. And it just gets worse by the week, sometimes by the day. For that matter to everyone there, it feels like Yamcha doesn't even care, nor even want to care." 

Yamcha spoke up in an attempt to protest. "But, Bulma, she said I shouldn't even bother anyway-"

Krillin's look soured a bit, hearing those words coming from his friend's mouth. "Yamcha, you and I both know that's just an excuse you came up with. Even if there was anyone telling you to stay away, you should have at least tried to make a noticeable effort to stop by… In fact, if you insist on relying on that excuse I ought to beat you up myself. Bosa doesn't deserve this, and it's infuriating. Perhaps it's best if you wait a bit longer after all." 

Master Roshi's brow raised, interested and curious about these remarks. "Oh, what's your reasoning for that, Krillin?" 

Krillin took a breath, calming himself down. "Master Roshi, if Yamcha said anything like that while there, Tien would beat him within an inch of his life. And don't get me started on anyone else. They'd do something far worse… Goku and Chichi both see Bosa as if he was their own. It's actually quite a nice sight. That whole Uncle Goku thing has been replaced with Papa Goku. And Chichi has a similar result. Bulma, of course, was the one who got Bosa started on it too." 

Yamcha, slumped down a bit. His actions have really pushed him to the lowest he possibly could have fallen. And now there isn't a good way out. If what Krillin said is true, then everything really is my fault. 

Master Roshi chuckled. "I figured something like that would happen. Good news is, that once one has reached rock bottom, one can only improve." He then sighed. "I'll stay here and continue your training-" 

Yamcha, making the first real attempt in nearly a year, spoke up. "No, I'm going on a journey. Master, you once had Goku travel the world to learn from life. I wish to do the same." 

There was a moment of silence. Yamcha's words, on the surface, sounded like a request; however, if one read underneath it was obvious that there was more to it than met the eye. He was practically begging Master Roshi. 

Master Roshi, with a keen eye, took in every single detail of Yamcha's condition. "Ox King, you have people here who can take care of things, correct?" 

"Yes, Master. I have a number of capable people. If I'm being honest, they don't really need me for anything other than disputes between villages."

"Good, then Yamcha-"

"Yes Master!"

"You may embark on this journey. However, you must rely only upon yourself. Help those in need with an open heart. And if you break any of my teachings you must immediately make your return." 

"Thank you, Master. I swear, I will not let you down." 

Yamcha got up and took his leave. Opting to not waste a single moment. 

"Well, with that development. I can come visit with everyone as well." 

Ox King Laughed. "Hahaha! So that was your plan Master. Very well. I'm sure everyone will be happy to see you." 

Krillin chuckled. "Master Roshi, I'll let you know ahead of time. Bulma has also been training. So be careful not to let your hands slip."

Master Roshi started shouting. "Why you! Do you really think I can't contain myself?" 

"No, not at all Master."