Dragon Ball: Reborn as a Saiyan, They Covet Me Chapter 39

She spotted Master Roshi at a single glance.

"Are you... Master Roshi?"

Master Roshi looked toward Bulma as well.

"Are you..."

Master Roshi immediately recognized Bulma, though he couldn't quite recall her name.

"Oh, it's you! You're that girl who went on an adventure with Little Goku before. I remember, I even gave you the Flying Nimbus!"

Bulma nodded immediately.

"Yes, yes! It's so good that you still remember me. By the way, Master Roshi, where exactly do you live now? I remember you used to live on an island not far from the coast. How come I went to that island several times and couldn't find you?"

In her previous life, Bulma had visited Kame House often, so there was no way she wouldn't recognize the place, but she also knew that Master Roshi had moved. Therefore, she had gone to look for Goku and searched the surrounding islands as well. However, searching for a Little Goku in the vast sea of people—especially now that he lacked his tail, his most distinct feature—was simply too difficult, to the point that she had failed to find him after several attempts.

Master Roshi nodded. "Ah, yes, that's where I used to live. But because Goku, Krillin, and Chi-Chi needed to train, I took them with me and moved to a larger island."

Bulma was startled. "What?"

Master Roshi explained, "I've taken on a few disciples: one is Goku, one is named Krillin, and there is also a girl named Chi-Chi."

Having lived two lifetimes, how could Bulma not know Krillin? But how did Chi-Chi end up with Master Roshi? Bulma asked immediately, "Chi-Chi? Are you talking about the Ox-King's daughter?"

Master Roshi nodded instantly. "Yes, yes, that's the one! So you know her!"

As he spoke, Master Roshi's expression turned lecherous. "So, are you interested in coming to visit my island after the tournament ends?"

Bulma nodded at once. "Sure! Take me with you when you leave; I've been looking for Goku!"

Master Roshi blinked. "What exactly is Goku to you? Why do you care about him so much?"

A faint blush appeared on Bulma's face. She covered her small face and whispered, "I like him!"

Master Roshi was shocked. "What! He's still just a child!"

Bulma shot Master Roshi a glance. "People grow up eventually, don't they!"

Master Roshi couldn't help but swallow hard. "Alright then... young people these days really know how to play; they've even started playing at raising their own..."

Bulma: "..."

As they spoke, Goku, Krillin, and Chi-Chi climbed over the wall and walked toward them. However, when the three of them looked toward Master Roshi, they all saw Bulma. Their reactions, however, were quite different.

Krillin had never seen Bulma before, and his expression brightened the moment he saw her. "Wow, what a beautiful girl!"

Chi-Chi froze for a moment, a trace of wariness appearing in her eyes, though it vanished into composure in the blink of an eye.

A smile bloomed on Goku's face as he happily walked toward Bulma.

"Bulma, why are you here?"

Bulma bent over and pinched Goku's cheeks hard.

"You, Goku, you're just awful! I gave you the Flying Nimbus and even took you to my home, yet it's been nearly a year and you haven't come to see me once. Have you forgotten all about me?"

Goku rubbed his reddened cheeks, looking aggrieved. "That hurts! How could I ever forget you? You don't know, but I've been training with Master Roshi from four in the morning until night every single day without a moment's rest."

Bulma wasn't actually angry and immediately broke into a smile. "Is that so? Have you gotten stronger during this time?"

Son Goku nodded. "Naturally!"

Goku looked Bulma over and said, "Bulma, I haven't seen you in a while, and you seem to have gotten even prettier!"

Bulma tapped the tip of Goku's nose and laughed. "What's this? Haven't seen you for a few months and you've already learned how to sweet-talk girls?"

Goku chuckled. "No, I'm not trying to sweet-talk you. I'm telling the truth. Did you get a perm?"

Bulma touched her large curls and smiled. "Mhm! Yes, I did. It's the big waves that are popular lately. Do you like it?"

"Yeah, it looks great!"

Bulma turned her gaze toward Chi-Chi and Krillin. She asked curiously, "Hi Krillin, hi Chi-Chi, it's good to see you!"

It was rare for such a beautiful girl to greet Krillin. Krillin looked up at Bulma, shyly saying, "Hello, nice to meet you!"

Chi-Chi nodded slightly and said indifferently, "We meet again, Bulma."

Even though Bulma saw the hidden hostility in Chi-Chi's eyes, she just smiled and said nothing. Even if she viewed her as the greatest rival for Goku, Bulma didn't dislike Chi-Chi. She was just a little girl, after all. The jealousy displayed by little Chi-Chi wasn't annoying at all; in fact, it seemed exceptionally cute.

Having lived a second life, Bulma understood everything. In this world, she was the only one who loved the Goku who remained true to his original self; she would always love that hot-blooded boy, Son Goku, whose heart had never been tainted by money. Chi-Chi was different from her; she was just an ordinary woman who wanted Goku to provide her with a better life. With the advantage of foresight, Bulma knew that Goku would definitely be hers in this lifetime. As for Chi-Chi, if she still felt the same way about Goku when she grew up, she would only be able to follow her father's arrangements and become Goku's concubine. With her own presence to hold the fort and the financial backing of her Capsule Corporation, Chi-Chi wouldn't have the right to scold Goku or any reason to complain about him not earning enough money.

She hadn't seen Little Goku for a long time, and the more Bulma looked at him, the more she liked him. To love him was to let him be happy and allow him to truly be himself.

Just then, the announcer began to declare, "The World Martial Arts Tournament is about to begin. Will the top eight contestants please gather in the tournament arena immediately!"

Hearing the announcer call for them to assemble, Bulma immediately shouted, "Alright, it's time to gather! You all should hurry over!"

Son Goku nodded. "Alright, see you in a bit. We're heading off!"

Son Goku, Chi-Chi, and Krillin rushed toward the martial arts arena.

The three of them leaped, easily vaulting over the wall.

Looking at the small Son Goku, Bulma's face was filled with a smile.

He hasn't changed; he's still such a little shrimp!

I'm seventeen now, and he's thirteen.

If I wait until he's eighteen, I'll be twenty-two. That's still a bit of an age gap.

Sigh...

Bulma's eyes sparkled with a flash of wisdom.

Once Son Goku is an adult, I'll just gather the Dragon Balls again and wish to be four years younger. That way, I'll be the same age as Son Goku. Yes, that's a delightful plan.

When Bulma returned to her senses, she realized Master Roshi had vanished.

"Eh? Where did Master Roshi go?"

A moment later, the dedicated announcer appeared on the tournament stage.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting!"

"The 21st World Martial Arts Tournament officially begins!"

"The matchups for the top eight are as follows!"

"First match: Krillin versus Baku!"