At that, Bulma wore an expression that said, "I knew it," and replied helplessly, "Then never mind."
"But Gohan, remember to invite your mom and your grandpa!"
"It's been a long time since we all got together. Let's use this chance to have a proper reunion!"
"The more people, the merrier!"
Son Gohan readily agreed. "Yes, I'll tell Mom and Grandpa."
Bulma nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Krillin.
Before she could say anything, Krillin spoke up first. "I know. I'll tell Master Roshi and Android 18."
Seeing this, Bulma beamed and gave him an approving look.
"Then we'll head over and get things ready!"
"Trunks, you can take Mom home again."
She'd originally wanted Vegeta to take her home, but she knew what he was like. With so many people around, he'd definitely be too embarrassed to carry her off in his arms.
Tarble and Licks weren't suitable either.
As for Yamcha, that was out of the question. She was afraid he'd stir up a whole vat of old jealousy.
That left Trunks as the best choice.
However—
Trunks didn't seem very willing. "Huh?"
"Mom, Dad's right here, isn't he?"
"Why don't you let Dad take you home?"
Vegeta, standing nearby, felt his heart suddenly tighten at those words.
Though he felt a little excited and pleased, his prideful nature still made him curse inwardly:
He can't even be bothered to take his mother home?
I'll have to teach him a lesson later!
Bulma hadn't originally intended to tease Vegeta, but after hearing Trunks's suggestion, she suddenly thought it might be fun.
Besides, they were married!
What was wrong with letting him fly her home?!
With that thought, a mischievous smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. She pretended to suddenly realize something and said to Vegeta, "Hey, Vegeta, your son doesn't want to take me home. How about you take me instead?"
A flicker of delight passed through Vegeta's eyes, though no one else would have noticed.
But outwardly, he kept a straight face and looked thoroughly unwilling.
He even scolded Trunks without the slightest hesitation. "Trunks, if you disobey your mother again, I'll beat you!"
Seeing his expression, Bulma knew she could hitch a ride on this human airplane. In a great mood, she walked over. "Let's go. There's still a lot to prepare!"
As she spoke, she affectionately linked her arm through his strong one.
Feeling her warmth, Vegeta's face immediately flushed. Looking like a bashful tough guy, he grumbled, "Don't get so close to me!"
Before he'd even finished speaking, he took off with Bulma the very next second, flying at high speed toward West City.
They flew so fast that Tarble and the others barely had time to react before the two of them disappeared into the distance.
Bulma's terrified, indignant yelling drifted down from the sky—
"Ve—ge—ta!!!!"
Everyone was speechless at the sight.
"Huh?"
"Why is Dad flying so fast?" Trunks muttered in confusion.
Tarble and the others all held back their laughter.
They couldn't exactly tell him Vegeta was embarrassed, could they?
"Licks, take all the spaceships over there," Tarble instructed him. "Nephew, could you help carry one too?"
"Understood, Your Highness," Licks replied promptly.
"Huh, spaceships?" Trunks asked instinctively. "What spaceships?"
But as soon as the words left his mouth, he figured it out himself.
"Ah!"
"I know! They're the spaceships you and Uncle Tarble flew to Earth, right?"
Tarble nodded. "That's right."
Trunks readily agreed. "No problem!"
His curious eyes searched all around for the spaceships.
"Uncle, where are they?"
Tarble pointed to the four holes in the ground nearby. "In those holes over there..."
Before he could finish, Trunks and Son Goten had already run off.
Watching them, Tarble's mouth twitched slightly.
Forget it. No point arguing with little brats!
He then turned to Son Gohan and the others.
"Then I'll see you all tonight!"
Piccolo and the others were surprised by his politeness, but they all replied that they'd get together that evening.
After that, Son Gohan, Piccolo, and Krillin left first.
As for Yamcha and Tien Shinhan, they volunteered to help bring one of the spaceships back.
With people offering to help, Tarble was naturally happy to let them—and enjoy the easy ride.
The spaceship was being brought back so Bulma could help convert it into a gravity ship.
That would make training more convenient.
On the way back, he used his last remaining binding slot to bind Son Goten first.
He chose him because he wouldn't get to see him often in the future.
Since he'd be staying at Bulma's house, he could bind Trunks whenever he wanted once he had another slot.
At this point.
Number of people bound: 4. Training effect multiplier: 5x.
That evening, Bulma's family held the welcoming banquet as planned. The house was full of lively chatter.
Of course,
they couldn't get in touch with Son Goku, so he didn't come back.
The banquet lasted until eight that evening.
The next day.
After breakfast.
Something unusual happened: Vegeta actually took the initiative to let Tarble use the Gravity Chamber to train.
He would wait until the new Gravity Chamber had been finished before training himself.
This unusual move immediately caught Tarble's attention.
After all, Vegeta wasn't the type to casually give way to others.
Still, Tarble had already planned to ask to use the Gravity Chamber.
Since Vegeta had offered it to him, he had no reason to refuse.
At that moment,
inside Vegeta's private Gravity Chamber,
Tarble and Licks listened intently as Vegeta explained how to use the Gravity Chamber and what precautions to take.
"...I've already told you exactly how to operate it."
"You need to get used to high gravity gradually. Don't push yourselves beyond your limits."
"Tarble..."
Vegeta's eyes flickered. In the end, he still didn't say what was on his mind.
After leaving them with a "Train hard," he turned and walked away without hesitation.
He wanted to tell Tarble that his talent might be even greater than he'd imagined.
But how could he bring himself to say that?
Besides, it was only a guess. The truth would reveal itself after Tarble had trained for a while.
By then, even if Vegeta said nothing, Tarble might figure it out himself.
Tarble was a little baffled by Vegeta's hesitant manner.
If you've got something to say, just say it. Being so indecisive doesn't suit you, Vegeta!
After grumbling inwardly, he put the matter out of his mind.
He turned and instructed Licks, "Licks, start by setting it to twice Earth's gravity!"
"I've heard Planet Vegeta's gravity is ten times Earth's."
"Let's get a feel for it first, then adapt to ten times Earth's gravity today."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Licks answered and immediately pressed the button on the gravity device.
Buzz!
Tarble felt an invisible force of gravity pressing down hard on his body.
He felt heavier!
Before you continue