Mount Paozu

Vroom, vroom...

Dust billowed into a long trail as a motorcycle sped rapidly across the plains.

The driver was a blonde girl wearing a protective cap, her fine hair fluttering in the wind. Behind her, a four- or five-year-old boy held onto her waist, his gaze calm as he looked ahead.

"Hey, Roland, we're almost at Mount Paozu. I heard there are tons of wild beasts there—even the hunters don't dare get close. What if we run into danger?"

"With me here, all those beasts will just become food."

"I suppose you're right. Your martial arts are so good."

This scene took place early in the morning. The driver was Tights, Bulma's older sister, the same blonde girl who had been staying at Roland's place.

It was now the second day of their journey together.

After learning of Roland's prowess yesterday morning, Tights felt as if a new perspective had opened up for her. She had pestered him to let her join his adventure, claiming she needed to broaden her horizons to write a popular novel.

Roland hadn't intended to bring a burden along, but considering she was Bulma's sister and the eldest daughter of Dr. Brief—whose help he would need in the future to build a Dragon Radar—he agreed to let her tag along.

The Briefs were a bold family with remarkably thick nerves.

Though young, Tights was filled with curiosity about everything. Like her sister Bulma, she had a penchant for adventure; otherwise, she wouldn't have left home to experience the life of an ordinary person just to write a better book.

After learning about the Scouter, Tights had bombarded him with questions. Roland had explained a lot of common knowledge regarding battle power along the way, though the silly woman still didn't realize that the concept of "battle power" was an alien standard, assuming it was just a popular metric in the mysterious martial arts world.

What a ditz!

"You Saiyans sure can eat. You polished off a giant grizzly bear in just a few bites. It's a good thing you're hiding out in such a remote place, or you'd scare people to death." As she spoke, inspiration struck Tights. "An insatiable glutton with infinite strength... hmm, I can definitely use that element in my novel."

Roland yawned and slumped against Tights' back. He pulled out the Scouter and checked it; they were getting closer to the energy source at Mount Paozu.

"Roland, tell me more about you Saiyans. Do you all have tails? Does it make daily life inconvenient? Let me tell you, I have a little sister, she's a bit younger than you, but she's so smart!"

"It's so hot, I'm covered in sweat. We have to find a place to bathe soon. Ugh, having only one change of clothes is such a pain. I'm definitely buying more when I get back."

Tights chattered on incessantly, while Roland couldn't help but roll his eyes.

If only this woman could be quiet for a moment.

Mount Paozu territory.

As the motorcycle pushed forward, the path ahead became increasingly rugged and difficult to traverse. The scenery on both sides grew more primitive until, finally, they reached a secluded area surrounded by mountains. Roland's spirits lifted.

"Stop!" Roland shouted.

Tights slammed on the brakes, the tires skidding across the gravel for a distance. She turned her head and asked, "Are we here? The person you're looking for sure lives in a remote spot."

Roland hopped off the bike and scanned the area ahead. "It's somewhere around here."

Tights pressed a button on the motorcycle, shrinking it back into a Hoi-Poi Capsule, and picked it up. As she surveyed the deep, quiet landscape, she suddenly felt a chill; the temperature in the mountains was two or three degrees lower than outside.

"Does anyone actually live in a place like this?" Tights asked, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Didn't you see it on the detector? Look, a signal with 142 battle power." Roland began walking along the mountain path.

Tights sneezed and hunched her shoulders. "But it's so isolated out here. What if there are wild beasts..."

No sooner had she spoken than a rustling sound came from nearby. Several jackals, tigers, and leopards were lurking in the woods, staring at them with fierce, predatory eyes. "Grrr..." The beasts let out low growls, their terrifying cries startling a flock of birds into the air and scaring Tights half to death.

"You're courting death!" Roland glared, releasing a terrifying aura.

In an instant, the oppressive pressure surged in all directions. The jackals and beasts nearby were terrified, letting out whimpering whines before fleeing in fear.

Tights' eyes lit up, and she exclaimed in admiration, "That's amazing! Even the beasts are afraid of you."

Roland didn't think much of it and shook his head slightly. "That caused a bit too much of a stir. The person we're looking for should have noticed us by now."

"Can powerful martial artists sense each other from a distance? That's incredible! But living in a place like this... do you think he's a recluse?" Tights trotted to keep up, feeling both puzzled and excited. She felt as if she were exploring an unknown realm, just like in her novels—she was finally touching upon a mysterious, hidden circle on Earth.

Before long, the two emerged from the forest into a relatively open area. A small, square house built of brick and blue stone stood in the shade of the trees not far away.

"Finally found it." Roland let out a sigh of relief. This was where Son Gohan lived in seclusion.

"Someone really does live here. He must be a master hermit."

Tights smiled, curiously observing the quiet and elegant surroundings. It was beautiful and serene, and the very air seemed to carry a refreshing fragrance. She couldn't help but marvel, "It really is the place for a master to hide away. By the way, why are you looking for him? Are you going to challenge him?"

Roland glanced at her. "You read too many novels."

"I write them myself."

"No wonder your sales are bad."

Tights huffed, "You're not a very likable little boy! I'm just starting out; I'll definitely write a huge hit in the future."

Roland ignored her nagging and checked the detector. It showed a powerful energy source nearby. He scanned the area, and sure enough, an elderly man with a ruddy complexion and a beard, wearing an orange robe, was walking toward them carrying firewood. When the old man saw Roland and Tights, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

Found you, Son Gohan!

Son Gohan wore a hat on his head and a long coat over his black martial arts uniform.

"Little ones, what brings you to Mount Paozu?" Son Gohan's gaze fell on Roland and Tights. When he looked at Roland, a hint of confusion crossed his eyes; his keen instincts as a martial artist told him that this boy was no ordinary child.

"We're here to find an orange-red orb with stars embedded in it. If you know where it is, please tell me," Roland said, getting straight to the point.

Wait, aren't we here to spar?

Tights looked at Roland, puzzled, but ultimately kept her questions to herself.

"Oh, you're looking for that!" Son Gohan rummaged through his clothes and pulled out a Dragon Ball. It was the size of a fist, crystal clear and beautiful. "Is this what you're looking for?"

The translucent crystal ball was orange-red, with four blood-red stars inside. It was the Four-Star Ball from the Dragon Balls. Roland's eyes lit up, and his breathing quickened.

Although Roland had never seen a Dragon Ball before—this being his first time—the features were so distinct that he recognized it instantly.