"Zilong, where do you think the Dragon Ball we're looking for this time is?" Bulma asked curiously as they walked.
At that, Little Goku suddenly cut in. "What's a Dragon Ball? Is it something really tasty?"
His face was full of innocence and curiosity.
Bulma couldn't help laughing. She turned to Little Goku and gently shook her head. "Goku, Dragon Balls aren't food. They're special objects with incredible powers!"
As she spoke, Bulma took out one of her Dragon Balls and showed it to Little Goku.
But Little Goku suddenly glared at Bulma angrily and shouted, "Give me back Grandpa! You thief!"
Bulma was startled by Little Goku's sudden accusation and quickly explained, "Hey, you little rascal, don't make things up! I found this Dragon Ball myself. It isn't your grandpa!"
Seeing the tension between them grow, Zhou Zilong hurriedly stepped in to smooth things over. "Goku, trust me. Bulma really did find that ball herself. It has nothing to do with your grandpa. He's safe at home, waiting for you!"
Little Goku looked at Zilong doubtfully, then finally nodded. "I'll believe you for now. But if I get home and Grandpa's gone, even if I can't beat you, I'll keep fighting you!"
Zilong smiled and patted Little Goku on the shoulder. "Don't worry. I promise your grandpa is still at home. Let's go check your house together!"
On the way to Goku's house, Bulma couldn't help asking Zilong about the strange connection between Little Goku and the Dragon Ball.
Zhou Zilong rubbed Bulma's head, then leaned close and whispered, "I'll tell you using a technique I learned called Telepathic Communication. Some things aren't suitable to tell Goku just yet!"
Bulma nodded to show she understood. Then a voice that only she could hear rang out, and she listened as she walked with Zhou Zilong toward Goku's house.
Before they knew it, they had reached Goku's front door. Little Goku eagerly pushed it open and ran inside. When he saw the Four-Star Ball sitting there unharmed, he let out a long sigh of relief.
Bulma and Zilong followed right behind him. Seeing Goku clutching the Four-Star Ball tightly, they exchanged smiles. The little guy really was adorable!
"Sorry, I misunderstood you," Little Goku said, turning to Bulma with an apologetic expression.
Bulma smiled and shook her head, showing she didn't mind.
"How come you have so many grandpas?" Little Goku asked curiously.
"I told you, I found it myself," Bulma replied helplessly.
Zhou Zilong walked up to Little Goku and smiled. "Goku, have you ever thought about leaving this mountain and seeing the world outside?"
Little Goku paused, then replied, "I was planning to live on this mountain until I grew old. But I didn't expect you to be so strong, Zilong. I think I should go out and see if there are other fighters as strong as you!"
Zhou Zilong laughed heartily and patted Little Goku on the shoulder. "Great! Why don't you come along with us for a while?"
A flicker of excitement lit up Little Goku's eyes, and he nodded.
The morning after they set out together, the first rays of sunlight fell across the quiet mountain forest. Birds began singing merrily, as if welcoming the new day.
At six o'clock sharp, Little Goku got out of bed. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, washed up quickly, and began his morning training. He took a deep breath, crouched down, and wrapped both hands around a rock a little bigger than he was. His eyes shone with determination, as if he were gathering all his strength into that one moment.
With a low growl, Little Goku sprang to his feet and lifted the rock high above his head. The massive stone seemed like a mere toy as he moved it around at will. Then he brought both hands down hard on it. The rock began to crack under his force, until it finally crumbled into countless small stones scattered across the ground.
A satisfied smile spread across Little Goku's face. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and prepared to find another target for his training. But just then, he spotted an unusual "rock."
"Wait, I'm not a rock!" A voice rang out as Little Goku lifted a brownish object.
What Little Goku was holding was a turtle with a brown shell, black spots on its head and elsewhere, and a pale underside. Zhou Zilong would have recognized him immediately.
"So it's a turtle! I'll go ask Zilong what to do with you!" Little Goku said, holding the turtle up as he examined him.
"Please, let me go!" the turtle cried when he saw Little Goku carrying him toward the house, thinking he was about to meet a terrible fate.
"Mr. Sea Turtle, what are you doing here?" Zhou Zilong asked when he saw Master Roshi's Sea Turtle as he came out to call Goku for breakfast.
"Zilong, it's like this: I came ashore to pick mushrooms and got lost. It's been a year!" Sea Turtle replied.
"I see. But you've gone the wrong way, Mr. Sea Turtle. The sea is in the other direction!" Zhou Zilong explained.
"I see. Could I have some salt water first? And it would be even better with a little seaweed in it," Sea Turtle added.
"Of course. Just wait a moment. Goku, come inside and have breakfast. It's ready!" Zhou Zilong replied to Sea Turtle, then called to Goku.
After breakfast, Zhou Zilong placed Sea Turtle beside Goku and made sure Goku was settled before setting off again.
After they had traveled some distance, a burly Bear Monster with an orange-red body and a large sword at his waist blocked their way. His fierce eyes and bared fangs made it clear he was no good.
In a gruff voice, he threatened them. "Hey, hand over that Sea Turtle and I'll let you pass!"
Bulma wrapped her arms tightly around Zhou Zilong's waist and stared firmly at the monster. "No way! We're taking him back to the sea!"
Zhou Zilong smiled faintly and gently patted Bulma's hand, signaling her not to worry.
He turned to Little Goku, a small boy with determination and courage in his eyes, and said, "Goku, this guy's too weak for me. You handle him!"
Little Goku nodded with an excited grin. He sprang off the motorcycle and landed in front of the Bear Monster.
Seeing how scrawny Little Goku was, the Bear Monster laughed contemptuously. He swung his sword at Little Goku, but Little Goku seemed to have anticipated the attack. He shifted slightly to the side and easily dodged it.
"You're just as weak as Zilong said!" Little Goku said, standing on the Bear Monster's nose.
The Bear Monster flew into a rage. He swung his sword again and again at Little Goku, but Little Goku moved like a phantom through the flashing blade, nimbly dodging every attack.
When his attacks failed, the Bear Monster began to panic. He roared and attacked with greater force and speed, but to Little Goku, it was all child's play.
Bang! After toying with the Bear Monster for dozens of exchanges, Little Goku punched him and sent him flying. He spun through the air several times before crashing heavily to the ground.
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