Somersault Cloud

Bulma rode her motorcycle with Goku toward the direction indicated by the Dragon Radar. The radar showed that the next Dragon Ball was by the sea. Along the way, they came across a Turtle crawling along at a leisurely pace.

"Hello!" Turtle looked up at them and said gently, "I'm on my way to the seaside. Could you give me a lift?"

Goku chuckled inwardly. He knew Turtle was Master Roshi's old companion, but he put on a confused expression and waited to see Bulma's reaction.

Although Bulma found it a little strange to bring along a Turtle, she generously said, "Sure, it seems to be on the way. Goku, you carry him. Don't lose him!"

Goku jumped off the motorcycle, rolled up his sleeves, and lifted Turtle up as though he were holding a huge watermelon. Turtle was heavy, but to Goku, that weight was nothing.

He happily held Turtle aloft while Bulma twisted the throttle and sped toward the sea like the wind.

Along the way, Goku held Turtle up with one hand and chatted with him. "Big brother, are you visiting family or traveling?"

Turtle replied unhurriedly, "Uh... actually, I just came out to find something to eat, and then I couldn't find my way home."

The scenery along the way was beautiful, and the sea breeze gently brushed against them, putting Goku in a fine mood. Then, a low roar sounded from ahead.

"Stop! You little twerps, hand over that Turtle! I'm starving!" A huge monster blocked the road ahead, its eyes red and its sharp fangs menacing.

Frightened by the monster, Bulma quickly hit the brakes and cried out, "What? That monster wants to eat Turtle!"

Goku glanced at the monster and secretly smiled. What perfect timing! I was just worrying about not having a chance to test my strength, and this guy delivered himself right to me!

The monster let out an angry roar and lunged at Goku with its massive body.

Goku was delighted. Just what I wanted!

He clenched his fists and lowered his stance, dodging the monster's claws. Then he sprang forward and slammed a fist into its nose.

"Ow—!" The monster staggered back several steps in pain, clearly not expecting Goku to possess such tremendous strength. It shook its head and charged again furiously. Goku became even more excited, struck a pose, and delivered a beautiful spinning kick to its forehead, sending the monster sprawling to the ground, unable to get back up.

Bulma's mouth fell open as she stared at Goku in shock. "Oh my god! Goku, you're practically a little monster! That thing nearly scared me unconscious!"

Goku dusted off his hands and put on a smug, relaxed expression. "That monster was too weak!" He turned to Turtle with a smile. "All right, Turtle, nobody will dare eat you now."

Before long, they arrived at the Azure Sea. Turtle had finally reached his destination and excitedly turned to Goku. "Goku, thank you so much! I can't let you go through all that trouble for nothing. I have to give you a special gift!"

As Goku wondered what it could be, an old man with a white beard approached from afar. He wore an orange casual outfit, sunglasses, and carried a cane. He looked kindly enough, but when he reached Bulma, he revealed a smile that made everyone uncomfortable—one that was somewhat lecherous.

Bulma frowned, displeased by the strange old man's behavior, and immediately slapped him. "Hey, old man, stop staring!"

The old man staggered back from the slap and coughed a few times to hide his embarrassment. Then he smiled and said, "Hehe, little girl, you've got quite the temper! Cough, cough... Young man, I'm Master Roshi. Thank you for bringing my Turtle friend back. As thanks, I intend to give you a treasure!"

Goku was delighted. Isn't this the powerful Master Roshi from Dragon Ball?

Master Roshi smiled faintly and beckoned into the air. "Somersault Cloud, come!"

A yellow cloud rapidly drifted over from the distant sky and stopped in front of Goku.

Master Roshi stroked his beard and said to Goku with a smile, "Somersault Cloud is a treasure, but not just anyone can stand on it. Only those with pure hearts can."

Bulma snorted with laughter and mockingly said, "From the sound of that, old man, you definitely have no chance, right? With that lecherous face of yours, don't even think about it."

Bulma's words hit Master Roshi where it hurt. His beard practically stood on end with anger as he blushed and retorted, "What does a little girl like you know? I'm a gentleman! Who says I can't stand on it?"

He stomped his foot, coughed, and leaped confidently toward Somersault Cloud—then, with a whoosh, Master Roshi passed straight through it and crashed heavily onto the ground, rolling into a ball.

Bulma was beside herself with laughter, clapping her hands as she howled, "Ha! A 'gentleman'? Even Somersault Cloud hates you, old man. Give it up!"

Master Roshi scrambled up from the ground, dusted off his clothes, and coughed awkwardly a few times. He muttered, "Hmph, Somersault Cloud has no eye for quality..."

Goku stood nervously beside Somersault Cloud, thinking, If I were the original Goku, this would definitely be no problem. But I transmigrated here... Images from those dirty movies and the memory of bathing with Bulma surfaced in his mind, making him even more uneasy.

Yet, to his utter surprise, when he gave a light jump, Somersault Cloud caught him steadily! The moment Goku stood on it, Somersault Cloud softly supported him, hovering in the air and drifting with extraordinary lightness.

Goku's heart skipped a beat as he thought in surprise, This... I can really stand on it? No way! He looked down at Somersault Cloud and secretly rejoiced. Looks like the protagonist's halo is still here!

Bulma stood beside him, dumbfounded, a trace of approval flashing through her eyes. "Wow, Goku, I never thought you'd actually be able to stand on it! You really are a kind, pure, good kid."

Even Master Roshi stared wide-eyed in shock, clicking his tongue in amazement. "There really is a boy in this world with such a pure heart!"

Goku sat on Somersault Cloud, listening to Bulma and Master Roshi's praise, feeling pleased with himself as he secretly celebrated. Thank goodness. If I couldn't stand on it, maybe Bulma wouldn't bathe and sleep with me anymore!

Goku flew Somersault Cloud around to his heart's content. After experiencing the incomparable thrill of flight, he returned to Bulma and Master Roshi, his face brimming with smiles as he excitedly said, "That was so much fun! Thank you, Grandpa!"

Master Roshi smiled faintly and nodded in satisfaction. "Kid, you must learn to use Somersault Cloud well!"

Just then, Bulma's gaze fell on the shining sphere around Master Roshi's neck, and she blurted out, "Wow, you dirty old man, that ball around your neck is so pretty! Can I have it?"

Master Roshi froze, then raised a hand to touch the Dragon Ball around his neck. "I picked this up. I thought it was pretty, so I wore it around my neck. You want it? Then take it!"

Bulma secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Great, I got a Dragon Ball so easily! She gave Master Roshi a flirtatious look and sweetly said, "Thank you, old man!"

Master Roshi's face was full of smug delight as he eagerly handed the shining Dragon Ball to Bulma.

Afterward, Master Roshi rode Turtle and slowly headed out toward the sea.

Bulma and Goku stood on the shore, happily looking at their newly acquired Dragon Ball.

Goku asked, "Bulma, where are we going next?"

A sly smile curled across Bulma's lips. "Of course, we're going to find the next Dragon Ball. We can't stop now!"