Launch

"Dad, you're really too naive. In this society, studying is the best way forward. Gohan is going to become a great scholar someday..."

Before Chi-Chi could finish, Son Wuling replied directly, "But being a scholar doesn't conflict with walking the martial arts path, sis-in-law. Martial arts aren't just about fighting and killing. Besides strengthening the body, they also carry philosophy. There's a reason they've been passed down to this day. Master Roshi's master was Master Mutaito, and Kami as well. So it isn't merely about fighting and killing like you think."

"Mm!"

Chi-Chi and the Ox-King froze. Chi-Chi snorted unhappily. "Wuling, don't try to fool me. I'm not the little girl I used to be. I won't be tricked by you anymore."

Son Wuling spread his hands. The breeze swept past his handsome face, lifting the hair at his temples, but his expression did not change in the slightest. "Sis-in-law, continuing from what you said earlier—does this society have anything to do with us?"

"I... well, I..." Chi-Chi was left speechless by Son Wuling's words. She calmed down and began considering what he had said. Did this society really have anything to do with them?

"What is studying for? A stable job. What is a job for? A salary. And what is a salary? Money! And money..."

Son Wuling curled his lips into a smile. "Are we short on money, sis-in-law?"

Was anyone short on money? At least after his involvement, these Z Fighters truly were not. The ocean held countless treasures. Yamcha, Krillin, Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu, and even Son Goku would no longer have to worry about money.

There was still enough gold, silver, and treasure in his family's cellar to drive treasure hunters mad. Even if Son Goku and Son Gohan, those huge eaters, consumed a lot, aside from food, weren't there plenty of wild beasts around Mount Paozu?

"I won't force Gohan. This is his own decision. He wants to protect you, sis-in-law, protect Goku, and protect me. He wants to protect everyone, and he wants to safeguard this planet. Sis-in-law, being a scholar and practicing martial arts do not conflict."

"B-but..."

Tears welled up in Chi-Chi's eyes as she looked at Son Wuling. "But you can't let someone as dangerous as Piccolo teach him!"

"Damn, as expected of Wuling!"

The Ox-King was genuinely impressed. Son Wuling had managed to persuade even stubborn Chi-Chi. He gave him a mental thumbs-up. He was even more impressive than the Ox-King himself!

"Sis-in-law, we all know how hard you've worked. Both Gohan and Goku respect you deeply and love you. That is precisely why they have such resolve. Besides protecting this planet, they also want to protect someone incredibly important—you!"

Son Wuling's words made Chi-Chi blush. Even though they had been married for over four years, she still covered her face shyly. "L-love me? Wuling, you're not lying to me again, are you? How could Goku possibly say something like that?"

"If my brother didn't love you, how could he have married you? If he didn't love you, how could he have willingly had Gohan with you? If he didn't love you, why would he go four years without seeing Bulma, Master Roshi, or Krillin?"

Son Wuling's three consecutive "ifs" made Chi-Chi blush as red as steam, her heart pounding wildly. She cried shyly, "Wuling, stop it, stop it. Tell Gohan that once he's made a decision, he has to stick with it. I'll support him."

"Mm! I'll tell him. Besides talking to you, I came back this time to bring Senzu Beans. Uncle Ox-King, sis-in-law, don't worry. I'll train with Piccolo too, and I'll train Gohan as well."

After returning to the house, Son Wuling packed several bags of Senzu Beans he had prepared in advance. After saying goodbye to Chi-Chi and the Ox-King, he flew toward the Lookout.

Son Wuling arrived at the Lookout. Kami, who had just returned from Other World, listened to Son Wuling's proposal and found that it aligned with his own intentions. He allowed the other Z Fighters to train at the Lookout.

Son Wuling returned to Kame House. Bulma was working on Raditz's Scouter, and he explained the situation to Krillin.

"Wuling, are you saying we can all go train at the Lookout?" Krillin asked Son Wuling.

"That's right... Krillin, contact Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, and Chiaotzu. I've already spoken with Kami. Oh, right..."

Son Wuling took out four small bags and handed them to Krillin. "There are three Senzu Beans in each bag. When the Saiyans arrive, we'll head over immediately. Krillin, give the rest to Tien Shinhan, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu for me."

"I understand, Wuling!" Krillin nodded.

"By the way, where's Launch? Why isn't she here?" Only then did Son Wuling notice who was missing from Kame House. How had he forgotten about her? He hurriedly asked.

Master Roshi shook his head. "Launch never came back after she went to follow Tien Shinhan."

"Is that so?"

Son Wuling could not help feeling a strange sense of emotion. Of course, it was not because he liked her. They had simply spent a long time together, and now they had parted like this. They might not even have another chance to meet again.

Krillin and Son Wuling left Kame House separately. Krillin went to meet up with Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu, and Yamcha before heading to Korin Tower together!

Son Wuling, meanwhile, flew toward the place where Raditz's spaceship had crashed.

Rat-a-tat-tat...

Amid the dense sound of gunfire, a woman with long golden hair and a red suspender dress held a machine gun. The crowd that had surrounded the spaceship scattered in panic.

"Launch? No way! Why am I running into her here?"

Son Wuling hurriedly landed. Looking at blonde Launch as she fiercely sprayed bullets from her machine gun, he greeted her, "Long time no see, Launch..."

"Get the hell out of my way..."

Blonde Launch swung her machine gun around and opened fire at Son Wuling.

"Holy crap..."

Son Wuling was startled badly. Though she was not actually aiming at him, the sudden attack still gave him a fright. Clearly, blonde Launch had recognized him too.

He fired an Energy Blast beside Launch, kicking up a cloud of dust. Blonde Launch was enveloped by the dust, and her nose began to itch.

Achoo...

Launch sneezed, and her appearance changed dramatically. Her golden hair and green eyes abruptly transformed into blue hair and black eyes. The fierce aura from before vanished, replaced by a gentle temperament. She looked soft and innocent.

"Hmm, where am I? Ah, Wuling! You're here too!" Blue-haired Launch said happily when she saw Son Wuling.

"Long time no see, Launch!" Son Wuling walked over to the motorcycle blonde Launch had been riding. The two bags on it were filled with gold, silver, and jewels, making the corner of his mouth twitch.

"Blonde Launch really hasn't changed at all!"

"Did I do all this, Wuling?" Blue-haired Launch looked at the devastation around them, at the bullet holes everywhere, then asked Son Wuling nervously.

"It's fine now..."

Son Wuling sensed the wailing police sirens approaching. Raditz's spherical spaceship still had its hatch open. He gathered energy in his right arm and formed a hooked chain of energy, latching it onto Raditz's spaceship.

"Launch, do you want to go back to Kame House? It's been a long time. Everyone misses you too!" Son Wuling extended his hand and asked blue-haired Launch.

"Okay. I miss everyone too. I don't even know how I left Kame House!" Blue-haired Launch replied as she looked at Son Wuling. Her tone and voice were completely opposite to blonde Launch's.

Son Wuling held out his left arm and smiled. "If you don't mind, I'll carry you back, Launch!"

"Ah, then I'll trouble you, Wuling!" Blue-haired Launch smiled shyly and naturally came to Son Wuling's side. He swept her up in a one-armed princess carry, and she hurriedly grabbed onto his collar.

"Let's go, Launch!"

Son Wuling carried blue-haired Launch in his left arm, while his other hand held the spaceship as he flew toward Kame House. Because he was mindful of blue-haired Launch, he flew slowly. The sunset had already begun to fall at the horizon as he drifted across the sea. Blue-haired Launch rested her head against him and looked at the ocean. This feeling was a first for her.

Nestled in Son Wuling's arms, blue-haired Launch looked at him and smiled. "Wuling, you've become even more handsome than before!"