Lazuli

But at this point in time, Sun Wuxiu really could not think of any girl like her.

Before Sun Wuxiu could think further, the owner grimaced and handed over the half-person-tall Panda Doll.

The little girl hugged the doll. Although she still wore that cool expression, the joy in her eyes and brows was impossible to hide.

She even looked at Sun Wuxiu, something she rarely did, as if waiting for some kind of approval.

"Your shooting was really accurate. You're even better than me." Sun Wuxiu gave her a thumbs-up and praised her without hesitation.

The little girl's face reddened slightly, and she buried her head in the Panda Doll.

After that, the three of them played whack-a-mole and basketball.

No matter the game, the little girl displayed astonishing reaction speed and dynamic vision.

The more Sun Wuxiu watched, the more shocked he became.

Was she really an ordinary human girl? With those physical qualities, she was practically a born warrior.

Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, night had completely fallen.

The amusement park's broadcast began playing the closing announcement music.

The little girl, who had been full of excitement, suddenly stiffened when she heard the music. That loneliness and unease appeared in her eyes again.

She kept looking toward the amusement park entrance, but the familiar figure never appeared.

"She still hasn't come?" Sun Wuxiu asked softly.

The little girl bit her lip. At last, she stopped pretending to be strong, and her eyes reddened slightly.

"...Mom said she was going to buy water. She's been gone for a long time."

"Silly child, you should have told us earlier." Bulma stroked her head sympathetically. "Come on, big sister will take you to the broadcast room to find your mother."

Though the girl acted cool, she was still somewhat resistant to having her head patted.

But this time, she did not refuse. She obediently let Bulma and Sun Wuxiu take her hands.

The amusement park broadcast room.

The staff were very enthusiastic and immediately activated the park-wide announcement.

"Attention, all visitors. A little girl wearing a denim vest with short blonde hair is waiting for her mother in the broadcast room. Please come claim her as soon as you hear this announcement..."

The announcement played on a loop several times.

About ten minutes later.

The broadcast room door was violently pushed open.

A frantic middle-aged woman with blonde hair rushed inside.

"My child!!"

The little girl, who had been sitting in a chair, immediately jumped down and rushed toward the woman the instant she saw her.

"Mom!!"

Mother and daughter clung to each other and burst into tears.

It turned out that the mother's wallet had been stolen. She got lost while chasing the thief, and her phone had run out of battery as well. She had searched the enormous amusement park until she was completely disoriented, which was why she had been delayed until now.

Watching this touching scene, Sun Wuxiu and Bulma exchanged smiles.

"Looks like the mission is complete." Sun Wuxiu shrugged.

"Yeah. She's such a pitiful yet strong little girl." Bulma sounded moved.

"Let's go. We shouldn't interrupt their reunion."

Neither of them sought credit nor went over to say goodbye.

To Sun Wuxiu, this was merely a small episode in his long life, a casual act of kindness.

Holding Bulma's hand, he quietly left the broadcast room and blended into the night outside.

Just as they had walked a little over ten meters away.

Inside the broadcast room, the mother, who had finally calmed down, wiped her tears and hugged her recovered daughter tightly. Half reproachful and still full of lingering fear, she called out that name:

"...You scared Mommy to death, Lazuli! Don't ever run off again, understand?"

"Lazuli, where did the panda in your hands come from?"

"A kind big brother and big sister gave it to me..."

The girl named Lazuli hugged the panda and turned to look toward the doorway.

But it was empty. Only the night wind stirred the curtain.

Those two people had already left.

At that moment, Sun Wuxiu, who had reached the amusement park entrance, suddenly paused.

"What's wrong, Wu Xiu?" Bulma turned back and asked.

"Nothing." Sun Wuxiu turned around, looked in the direction of the broadcast room, and shook his head. "I just thought... I really liked that little girl's eyes."

"Hey! Don't tell me you're into little girls?" Bulma stared at him suspiciously.

"What are you thinking?" Sun Wuxiu pinched her cheek irritably. "I'm only interested in a certain sixteen-year-old genius beauty."

"Hmph, that's more like it!"

Laughing and teasing each other, the two got into the hovercar and sped toward Capsule Corp.

Sun Wuxiu did not know that just moments ago, he had completed his first encounter across time and space with the future "Android 18," the girl who would one day occupy his every thought.

Meanwhile, Lazuli hugged the Panda Doll tightly. Yet the face of that black-haired boy had been deeply imprinted in her mind, along with his warm smile when he handed her the ice cream.

It was one of the few bright colors in her childhood memories.

A seed called bond had already been quietly planted, without anyone noticing.

Back at Capsule Corp.

Dr. Brief happened to be walking out of the laboratory, holding an oil-stained rag.

"Oh, you two came back at just the right time."

The Doctor adjusted his glasses and pointed toward the basement.

"Wu Xiu, I've had someone clear out the gym you wanted. The equipment is all standard stuff, but the quality is top-notch."

Sun Wuxiu glanced toward the basement and nodded.

"Thank you, The Doctor. This will be enough."

He took off his stylish biker jacket, revealing the tight training vest underneath.

"Bulma, don't wait up for me tonight."

He rolled his neck, producing a series of cracking sounds.

"Starting today, I'm entering seclusion for special training."

But not the kind of training where I push myself to the brink, Sun Wuxiu silently told himself. I need to learn how to find the source of strength in tranquility.

This prosperous West City, this peaceful everyday life, is my best place of cultivation.

Bulma looked at the determined Sun Wuxiu and sighed helplessly, though there was even more adoration in her eyes.

"What a martial arts fanatic... Still, he looks even more handsome when he gets serious."

As the heavy metal door slowly closed.

Sun Wuxiu's West City training arc officially began.

And on a distant overseas island.

Kame House.

"Ah-choo!!"

Master Roshi, who was assigning Goku the task of delivering milk, suddenly sneezed.

"Strange... Is someone thinking about me?"

He looked at little Goku, who was running with a turtle shell on his back, panting with effort, and shook his head.

"That kid Wu Xiu... I wonder how he's doing in West City now. That flowery world better not make him neglect martial arts."

Little did he know that his eldest disciple was embarking on a path toward the "God Realm," one beyond anything he could imagine.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a year quietly passed.