Return to Kame Island

Krillin was lying on the Flying Nimbus, heading back to Kame Island. The Nimbus wasn't fast, and the scenery along the way was beautiful—slow down, take it in, enjoy it.

Ever since arriving in the Dragon Ball World, he'd either been figuring out how to make money or training hard. He hadn't really taken the time to appreciate this world's splendor. So often, when we race toward a distant goal, we miss a lot of scenery along the way. At times like that, tell yourself: slow down, take it in, enjoy it!

After flying for a while, he spotted the outline of Kame House. It had been over two months since he left, and he had to admit he kind of missed Master Mutian. Krillin lightly leaped off the Nimbus—see you next time, Flying Nimbus—and sped toward Kame House at high speed.

"Master Mutian! Master Mutian!" Krillin shouted loudly. Though he was used to finding people by sensing Ki, he didn't want to rely on it for everything—after all, that would strip away a bit of life's flavor.

Master Mutian was lying on a beach chair, letting the breeze blow over him as he enjoyed the sunset. But the questionable magazine in his hands ruined the whole scene.

Krillin jogged over, grinning. "Master Mutian, two months apart—did you miss me?"

Master Mutian looked up at Krillin, a hint of approval in his eyes, but he spoke calmly: "Mm, you're back. How were the past two months?" It was just like a father from Krillin's past life.

"Master, you don't know: ','" Krillin laughed heartily at the funny parts, and Master Mutian nodded slightly with a smile. "" All in all, he'd gained a lot these two months.

Krillin never planned to tell Master Mutian about Earth's future disasters. Master Mutian had done what his generation needed to do. From now on, Earth would be protected by the young—by them.

Master Mutian sensed the aura radiating from Krillin and felt a flicker of doubt. What had Krillin gone through these two months to make his Ki so powerful? From what he could feel, Krillin had surpassed Goku by far—no, it was more accurate to say they weren't even on the same level. "Ah, let them be. In the end, it's the era of the young. Whatever fortune or misfortune comes, it's their opportunity and challenge. Krillin getting stronger is a good thing," Master Mutian thought silently.

Master Mutian stared at Krillin and said seriously, "With greater power comes greater responsibility. Hold fast to the heart of the Martial Way. Don't lose yourself in strength."

"I'll protect Earth from now on!" Krillin said solemnly, as if making a promise to Master Mutian.

Master Mutian smiled and nodded.

"By the way, Master Mutian, where's Lanqi?"

Master Mutian burst out laughing at the mention of Lanqi. "Blonde Lanqi is a real businesswoman! Ever since she made money, she quit robbing people and started expanding her shops nonstop. Now she has fifty chain stores."

"Master Mutian rubbed his head sheepishly. She even knows to respect her elders. Now I get the latest magazine issues every week."

Krillin was startled. "I didn't expect Lanqi to have that kind of talent."

"That's thanks to her dual personality. The domineering side is like a CEO in charge of expansion, while the quiet side handles stability." Master Mutian said with some pride.

"Haha, with Lanqi being so capable, it saves me the trouble."

"Is Lanqi coming back today?"

"She comes back once a week now. The restaurant has set up a headquarters, and it's moved to the Central Capital. That's the busiest area—business is booming. I think the headquarters is called the Lobster Alliance now." Master Mutian thought as he spoke.

Krillin slapped his forehead. "The Lobster Alliance? Who came up with that name?" But doing business all the way to the Central Capital—Lanqi really had skills.

Praise was one thing, but the name... tacky, old-fashioned! It looked like he'd have to go give some personal guidance. Krillin rubbed his head, a bit speechless.

"Master Mutian, let's go to the Central Capital together. Let's enjoy life a little."

"I'm old! Can't handle the fuss anymore." The truth was, Master Mutian was used to a hermit's life and wasn't familiar with city bustle.

"No problem. Come on out, Flying Nimbus!" Using it already, huh? Krillin grinned.

A rather large dark cloud flew in at high speed and landed in front of them.

Seeing this, Master Mutian couldn't help but curse: "That old Karin! Back then, I begged him for years just to get a palm-sized piece of Nimbus. Now he's giving away his whole stash? Pah, old geezer, such a snob." Master Mutian was so angry he threw his cane on the ground.

"Let's go, Master Mutian." With that, the Flying Nimbus lifted them both into the air.

Master Mutian shouted, "Wait! I haven't grabbed my stuff yet!"

"We'll buy new ones there!" Only an echo remained. The Flying Nimbus spun, a swirl of air flashed, and the two were already flying off into the distance.

The setting sun sank lower, leaving only a sliver of red at the top, but it shone especially bright. Crimson waves leaped, the sea breeze brushed the surface, and red light shimmered like billions of mirrors powdered with rouge. The sunset over the sea, the sea under the sunset—it was that beautiful.

The two sat on the Flying Nimbus, drifting slowly toward the Central Capital. The ocean breeze was intoxicating.

"Master Mutian, someday I'll get married, buy a villa in a big city, have a son and a daughter—life would be perfect." Krillin couldn't help daydreaming about the future.

Master Mutian laughed heartily. "Always thinking about marriage. Have some ambition."

"Hehe, when I have kids, I'll have to trouble you to help take care of them, Master."

Master Mutian paused for a moment, then nodded and burst into laughter.

"Goku's a blockhead. At least Krillin is a good, filial kid." Thinking this, Master Mutian felt even happier. He'd taken on two fine disciples.

"Flying Nimbus, slow down. We'll arrive by dawn."

The light of dawn lifted the veil of night, revealing a brilliant morning.

The Central Capital truly lived up to its name. Even in daytime, it was as bustling as ever—even Manhattan from his past life couldn't quite compare.

"Master Mutian, where's the headquarters?"

Master Mutian thought for a moment. "I think it's somewhere called CBD. No idea what that place is."

Master Mutian was well-traveled; if you named a specific place, he might know it. But CBD was a general term—Central Business District. Let's go, onward. The Flying Nimbus headed toward the city center.

After some effort, they finally found it. The company was quite large. Krillin walked inside. The interior was lavishly decorated, and at the front stood a giant lobster, with four glittering golden characters beneath it: "Lobster Alliance."

At the front desk was a woman around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, fairly attractive. Krillin walked up. "Excuse me, is your chairperson in?"

"The chairperson is in the office. May I ask what business you have?"

"We're friends of your chairperson."

The manager looked a bit awkward. Krillin glanced at Master Mutian—what the hell—and quickly elbowed him, whispering, "Public place, image! Image!"

Master Mutian was staring at her with a lecherous gaze; anyone with a worse temper would have already thrown you out. This elder sister here was still pretty decent.

"Give your chairman a call. Just say Xiaolin and Master Mutian are here, and your chairman will understand."

"Alright." One moment, please.

Krillin let out a long sigh of relief. Thankfully, the cliché scene of being looked down upon didn't happen. If she had reached out her hand, would he hit it or not? That was the question, hehe.

A minute later, the customer service elder sister looked somewhat flustered. She hadn't expected the person before her to be the company's founder, Chairman Xiaolin. What should she do? Had she done well just now?

"Ch-Chairman Xiaolin, hello. I didn't know you were coming to the company. My reception was lacking," the customer service elder sister said nervously.

Krillin gave a mysterious smile. "You've done very well already." Krillin was deeply scarred by the clichés of his past life.

Hearing this, the customer service elder sister relaxed a little. "Please follow me, Chairman," she said, her voice very soft and gentle.