Chapter 5: Master Roshi’s Reminder

While they were talking, the sea turtle that had dived into the ocean returned to the surface, carrying someone on its back.

"Huh? Who's that?"

Bulma pointed toward the ocean in surprise.

Su Ming narrowed his eyes. That old man riding the turtle… he wasn't simple at all. In fact, calling him Son Goku's spiritual mentor wouldn't be an exaggeration.

It was the Turtle Hermit, Master Roshi.

The turtle swam swiftly and soon reached the shore. Behind his sunglasses, Roshi's sharp gaze landed on Su Ming, and his pupils shrank slightly.

What kind of monster is this kid?

That energy… it was comparable to mine.

But his posture, the way he stood and moved… full of openings. He didn't move like a martial artist.

Strange. Very strange.

"Who saved you?" Roshi asked the turtle.

"They did. These two gave me saltwater and seaweed, and this kid carried me back," the turtle replied.

Soon after came a ridiculous sequence of events… and then, Nimbus descended from the sky.

"This cloud only lets those with a pure heart and no wicked thoughts ride it," Master Roshi explained, visibly excited.

With a big leap—

Smack!

Roshi dropped straight through the cloud and landed flat on the ground.

Goku, however, jumped on and sat comfortably. The previously cloud-like Nimbus instantly held his weight.

Roshi's eyes shifted, now filled with serious interest. He looked at the golden staff Goku carried on his back.

Son Goku…?

A thoughtful look crossed Roshi's face.

Bulma, intrigued, stepped closer to the cloud. Su Ming smiled and let her go. He never stopped her from trying anything.

Her safety was his responsibility. She just needed to enjoy each moment.

Seeing his supportive look, Bulma's nervousness disappeared. She knew that even if she failed, he'd catch her.

She leaped—

And, as expected, fell right into Su Ming's arms. She laughed as she climbed out of his embrace.

"Su Ming, want to try it?"

Su Ming shook his head.

He knew he didn't have that kind of pure, childlike heart. He wouldn't make it onto the cloud.

"Alright, now it's your turn," Roshi said. "But I've only got one Nimbus cloud. What should I give you guys as thanks?"

Having taken care of Goku's reward, Roshi's gaze shifted to Su Ming and Bulma—more precisely, to Bulma.

His eyes gleamed. He even rubbed his hands together with a pervy grin.

Su Ming frowned.

He stepped forward, blocking Bulma from Roshi's gaze.

His voice turned cold:

"Don't ogle her. You're a respected martial arts master, called the God of Martial Arts by many. Surely you understand basic decency?"

A chilling aura radiated from Su Ming's body.

Roshi hadn't expected this kid to be so bold, and he knew Roshi's true identity too. Even so, he dared speak like that.

His control over ki… not bad.

Bold. Proud. Definitely a natural-born genius.

"Ah… my bad, my bad. Old habits," Roshi chuckled awkwardly.

In martial arts, he was a master. But his lechery? Centuries of bad habits were hard to change.

Behind Su Ming, Bulma peeked out, her eyes full of admiration. Then her gaze locked onto the necklace around Roshi's neck.

A Dragon Ball.

"If you're really sorry and thankful, then how about giving us that necklace?" Bulma said slyly, careful not to say the word "Dragon Ball."

Roshi glanced down at it, then looked up at Su Ming's cold, unreadable eyes.

He sighed inwardly.

Ah… beauty causes trouble. But without it, how could I survive these long years?

"Here. Take it."

He tossed the necklace to Su Ming.

"Young man, who's your master?" Roshi asked just as Su Ming caught the necklace.

With that level of energy, Roshi knew this wasn't something you achieved just by training alone. No ordinary background could produce someone like this.

"No master. Just figured it out myself."

Su Ming turned to leave with Bulma.

He'd gotten what he came for.

Back when he was just a viewer, he hadn't thought much about the Dragon Ball world. But now that he was living it, some things rubbed him the wrong way.

"Self-taught?"

Roshi didn't press further. He hadn't sensed any evil from Su Ming's aura.

"Young man," Roshi called out again.

"With great power comes the need for great restraint. Don't forget to cultivate your mind and do good. If you stray… the path back may not exist."

It was a genuine warning.

Su Ming didn't need to do anything bad. With the Brief family behind him, the richest in the world, he lacked for nothing.

Seeing no reaction in Su Ming's expression, Roshi said no more.

He turned to Goku. "What's your relation to Son Gohan?"

"You knew Grandpa?"

Son Goku's eyes lit up.

So he's Gohan's grandson? Roshi thought.

Ah, yes. Years ago, Gohan had written about adopting a child with a tail.

So this is the one.

"Gohan was my disciple. I haven't heard from him in years. I hope he's doing well?"

Goku lowered his head. Even with his innocent personality, he looked sorrowful.

"Grandpa passed away…"

Roshi sighed deeply. Another old friend… gone.

Only his turtle remained to keep him company, while everyone else passed on.

"You're Goku, right?" Roshi asked gently. "Looks like you've trained. Want to come train under me?"

Goku shook his head.

"I promised to travel with Su Ming and Bulma and help them find the Dragon Balls. I can't break my word."

Roshi respected that.

"Whenever you're ready, come find me."

With that, he got back on the turtle and slowly disappeared into the waves.

Goku hopped back onto Nimbus. Compared to a car, he clearly preferred this cloud and gleefully bounced around on it.

Bulma, on the other hand, was fuming. She wanted to ride Nimbus too—to fly through the sky and feel the wind on her face.

She stomped her foot in frustration.

"Hmph! What's so great about that stupid cloud? Just wait till I get back. I'll build myself a flying machine!"

Su Ming chuckled, stepped forward, and gently scooped her into his arms.

Bulma naturally wrapped her arms around his neck. It was a motion they had done so often that it felt effortless.

"What's up?" he asked softly.

"Wanna fly?"

Fly?

Bulma blushed instantly.

Wait… he didn't mean that, did he?

Su Ming looked down at her, confused for a second by her reddening face. Then she softly whispered:

"...Yeah."

"Hold on tight."

Flight Technique — Bukūjutsu.

Su Ming's feet lifted off the ground. Slowly, the two of them began to float.

Bulma felt the air shift and dared a look down.

Her face went pale, and she clung tighter to Su Ming's neck.

"WE-WE'RE… FLYING?!"