Bulma's Birthday!

Time passed quickly, and soon it was Bulma's birthday.

A luxurious ship several times larger than before sailed across the endless sea.

The ship's deck was decorated with colorful balloons and streamers.

Every table was laden with delicious food and sweet cakes.

But the birthday party, which should have been bustling with excitement, felt rather quiet at that moment.

Bulma stood in the middle of the deck with her hands on her hips.

Her brows were tightly furrowed, and her face was full of anger.

"These guys!"

"What on earth are they doing?"

"The birthday party's been going for almost half an hour!"

"And not a single one of them has shown up!"

Bulma grew angrier with every word.

She looked at the enormous cream cake on the table.

Her heart ached.

If they didn't arrive soon,

they'd miss the cake-cutting.

And there was the specially prepared food she'd made for Whis and Lord Beerus.

She'd spent several days coming up with those recipes.

If the food got cold, it wouldn't taste nearly as good.

Seeing this, Son Gohan hurried over with a glass of juice.

He handed it to Bulma.

A gentle smile appeared on his face.

"Aunt Bulma."

"Please don't be angry."

"Uncle Vegeta and the others should be here soon."

"Maybe something happened on the way."

Bulma took the juice and drank it all in one go.

The cold juice slid down her throat.

But the anger in her heart didn't fade one bit.

"What could have happened?"

"It must be that Vegeta dragging Son Goku off to train again!"

"It's always the same!"

"As soon as training comes up, they forget everything else!"

Son Gohan gave an awkward smile.

He didn't say anything more.

He knew perfectly well

that Bulma was probably right.

Just then. That was the truth.

Just then,

a brilliant blaze of light suddenly descended from the sky.

Its dazzling glow drew everyone's eyes to the deck.

The light faded.

Five figures slowly appeared on the ship's deck.

It was Vegeta, Son Goku, Lin Fan, Whis, and Lord Beerus!

"Thank goodness!"

"They're finally here!"

Son Gohan's eyes lit up.

He hurriedly waved to them.

Vegeta's gaze immediately fell on Son Gohan.

He crossed his arms over his chest.

A hint of disdain appeared on his face.

"Hmph."

"Son Gohan."

"You're still as lazy as ever."

"Just look at your energy."

"It's even weaker than it was seven days ago."

"If you keep this up,"

"you won't even be able to match your former peak!"

Son Goku quickly nodded.

He gave Son Gohan a once-over.

His expression showed that he agreed.

"That's right!"

"Gohan, have you been slacking off on your training again?"

"Your energy's gotten so much weaker!"

Son Gohan's face instantly turned bright red.

He awkwardly lowered his head.

He felt utterly helpless.

He wanted to train too.

But lately, he'd been busy with school

and taking care of Pan.

He simply didn't have any time to spare.

Piccolo stood off to the side.

Arms crossed, he looked at Son Goku and Vegeta.

A wry smile tugged at his lips.

"You two."

"It's only been a few days,"

"and your energy has grown so strong."

"Just standing next to you,"

"I can feel an intense pressure."

"Looks like"

"I'll never catch up with you."

There was a hint of envy in Piccolo's voice.

And a hint of helplessness.

He knew perfectly well

that Son Goku and Vegeta had always been far more talented than he was.

With Lin Fan and Whis guiding them as well,

their strength would only continue to grow.

Seeing this, Whis hurried over.

He gave a soft laugh behind his hand

and bowed slightly to Bulma.

His expression was apologetic.

"Miss Bulma."

"I'm terribly sorry."

"We're late."

"It's all Lord Beerus's fault."

"He woke up too late this morning."

"It took quite a while for us to wake him."

Beerus's expression changed instantly at that.

He glared fiercely at Whis

and shouted in protest.

"Don't talk nonsense!"

"You're the ones who didn't wake me in time!"

"And now you're trying to pin the blame on me!"

"Do you want me to turn you into chocolate right now?"

Son Goku scratched his head and chuckled.

Remembering what had happened that morning,

he couldn't help chiming in.

"Ha ha ha!"

"Whis is telling the truth!"

"When I went to wake Lord Beerus this morning,"

"I almost got hit by his Destruction Energy!"

"I nearly died!"

Beerus snorted.

He turned his head away.

Under his breath, he muttered,

"That was his own fault."

"He shouldn't have disturbed me while I was sleeping."

Bulma watched them bicker.

Then she glanced at her watch

and saw that there were still more than ten minutes until it was time to cut the cake.

Most of her anger instantly melted away.

"Fine, fine."

"At least you're here now."

Bulma waved a hand.

Then her gaze fell on Vegeta.

When she saw the battered, dusty Battle Suit he was wearing,

her brows furrowed again.

"Vegeta!"

"Just look at what you're wearing!"

"It's filthy and torn!"

"Go change into something new right now!"

"Don't embarrass yourself in front of everyone!"

Vegeta looked down at his Battle Suit.

He awkwardly scratched his head.

During those four days of hellish training,

he hadn't had time to change his clothes.

It was only to be expected that his Battle Suit had ended up like this.

"Yeah, yeah."

"I'll change right away."

Vegeta agreed impatiently.

Then his gaze shifted

to Son Goku.

A sly smile appeared on his lips.

"Hey."

"Son Goku."

"During these seven days of training,"

"I mastered a completely new power."

"Want to have a match?"

"Let's see which of us is truly the strongest Saiyan!"

Son Goku's eyes lit up the moment he heard that.

He clenched his fists.

The blood in his veins began to boil.

"Great!"

"That's exactly what I want!"

"I've mastered a whole new power, too!"

"This is the perfect chance for us to have a proper match!"

Bulma looked at the two of them, poised to fight.

She couldn't help covering her head and letting out a helpless sigh.

"I give up on you two."

"Can't you wait until I've cut the cake before you start fighting?"

The others on the deck saw what was happening.

They couldn't help laughing.

They'd seen it coming.

Whenever Son Goku and Vegeta got together,

they were bound to fight first.

Whis walked over to Bulma.

He looked at the delicious food on the table.

His eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Miss Bulma."

"Where's the custom meal you prepared for Lord Beerus and me?"

"I can hardly wait."

At that, Bulma wore a smug smile.

She clapped her hands.

Then she gestured to the servants behind her.

"Don't worry."

"It's all ready."

"I guarantee it'll be so delicious, you'll scream with delight!"

With that, Bulma turned and headed into the cabin.

Whis's eyes narrowed into upside-down U shapes.

He followed close behind Bulma, brimming with anticipation.

The moment Beerus heard the word "food,"

his eyes lit up.

He didn't even bother bickering with Whis.

He hurried after them.

He happily thought to himself,

I'll enjoy some delicious food while watching Son Goku and Vegeta fight.

Now that's one of life's greatest pleasures!