Kame House, the Next Morning
"Master Roshi," Yamcha asked eagerly, "do you think I've surpassed Goku by now?"
Roshi scratched his bald head, frowning thoughtfully.
"Hard to say. Goku was already that strong three years ago. I'd wager he's on another level now."
Yamcha crossed his arms, still hopeful.
"Yeah, but people have limits, right?"
"Who knows?" Roshi shrugged.
Just then, a streak of golden light descended upon the island.
"Grandpa Roshi! I came to visit!"
Roshi turned and blinked in surprise.
"Goku? You've grown!"
Goku laughed, scratching the back of his head.
"Not by much! Still shorter than you, Grandpa."
Yamcha came over with a grin.
"Hey, Goku! I guess we're fellow disciples now."
Goku's eyes lit up.
"Yamcha! Wow, you've been training here all this time?"
"Yup, been here for a whole year."
"That's awesome!"
Roshi smiled warmly.
"So, where've you been these past three years?"
Goku beamed.
"Climbing Korin Tower! Chi-Chi, Krillin, and I trained there the whole time. We just came down for the World Martial Arts Tournament."
Roshi nearly dropped his staff.
"Korin Tower?! You mean you... already got the Ultra Divine Water?"
"Well," Goku scratched his cheek, "it wasn't really magic water—just intense training with Korin."
"I see…" Roshi muttered, impressed.
"So Chi-Chi and Krillin drank it too?"
"Yup! All three of us spent years trying to snatch that bottle."
"Haha! That's exactly what I did… except I took three years. You kids sure are something else." Roshi nodded in admiration.
"If you've cleared Korin Tower… your strength's probably beyond mine now."
He looked around.
"Where are Chi-Chi and Krillin?"
"Krillin's off visiting his girlfriend up north. Said he'll meet us at the tournament."
"And Chi-Chi?"
"She's gone home to see her dad. It's been a while."
Roshi chuckled.
"Ah, young love."
Then his expression turned sly.
"By the way, Goku… where's Launch?"
Goku blinked.
"Launch?"
"Yeah, she left right after you three did. Took all my treasure, too. Haven't seen her in three years."
Goku frowned.
"Maybe she got caught robbing someone…"
"…Your imagination really is something."
Roshi sighed.
"Anyway, since you're back… you staying for a meal?"
Goku perked up.
"Sure! I'm starving!"
"Actually," Roshi interrupted, "we don't have Launch anymore, so no one's cooking. And with your appetite… maybe just skip dinner."
"…You're kicking me out?"
"No! I'm just… suggesting."
Goku chuckled dryly.
"Alright then, I'll go home and see if I can hunt a dinosaur or two."
"Good boy. Say hi to Mount Paozu for me!"
Goku flew off on his Nimbus, heading home.
—
Mount Paozu
He expected to find the place overgrown and abandoned, but as he soared above the familiar peaks, something caught his eye.
The farmland was pristine. Crops were neatly planted. His old house—newly renovated.
There were eggplants, green beans, tomatoes, peppers… and laundry hanging in the sun.
'Wait… did someone move in?'
He landed, cautiously stepping up to the front door. Inside, everything was spotless. The furniture was upgraded. The floor tiles gleamed. And from the kitchen—
A familiar aroma.
He crept closer.
There, standing by the stove, was a woman with long blue hair flowing down her back. Simple clothes. A calm aura.
Goku's eyes widened.
"Launch?!"
She turned, surprised.
"Goku? How'd you find me?"
He stared at her, dumbfounded.
"Master Roshi said you disappeared three years ago! What are you doing… here?"
Launch chuckled.
"I ran from the cops after robbing a bank and ended up here. There was a house, fields, and no one around. So… I stayed."
She smiled sheepishly.
"I farm a little, hunt when I want meat. Life's been peaceful."
"This is my house, though…" Goku muttered.
"Oh!"
She looked guilty.
"Sorry! I didn't know."
Goku waved it off.
"It's fine. If you like it here, stay. I won't be around much anyway—I'm always out training."
Her eyes lit up.
"Really? That's great! Sit down, I'll cook more dishes. Eat with me!"
"Awesome! I missed your cooking."
She giggled, then shooed him away.
"Go! The kitchen's full of smoke."
Before long, a full meal was ready. Goku dug in like a starved animal.
Launch watched him with a gentle smile.
"Goku, have you been staying with Bulma?"
"Huh? Sort of. She brought us food while we were training at Korin Tower."
"Us?"
"Me, Krillin, and Chi-Chi."
Launch nodded, thoughtful.
"You've all been working hard. The tournament's coming up, right?"
"Yup! I've gotta test myself and see how strong I've become."
"I'll come watch then!"
"Really?"
"I was going to go to West City to see Bulma anyway. But since you're here, I'll just tag along."
Goku laughed.
"Sure! That works."
Launch looked at him softly.
"You talk more now. You've grown taller too… a little skinnier though."
She turned away, mumbling under her breath.
"Grow up faster, Goku… or I'll be too old for you…"
—
At the Ruins of Muscle Tower
Snow listened quietly as Krillin explained the tournament.
"It gathers the best martial artists from all over the world," he said. "People come from everywhere to watch."
She blinked, starry-eyed.
"Sounds amazing…"
Krillin hesitated.
"Snow, would you… like to come with me?"
"Huh? Are you sure I won't be a burden?"
"No way! I'd love for you to come."
Just then, Snow's mother walked in.
"Snow, go with him. The world is big. It's time you saw more of it."
Snow's eyes lit up.
"Really? You mean it?"
Her father followed, serious and firm.
"Krillin, we're just simple people. Snow isn't special like you. She can't fight. She's never left the village. But if you truly like her… we give our blessing."
Krillin stood and bowed.
"Sir! I'll take care of her. I promise!"
Snow's face flushed crimson.
"D-Dad, stop embarrassing me!"
Krillin panicked.
"Did I… say something wrong?"
Snow tugged his sleeve.
"If you win the tournament… I'll marry you, okay?"
His eyes widened, electrified by her touch.
"R-Really?"
She turned redder.
"My dad basically just handed me over. What do you think?"
Then she turned on her heel.
"Dinner's ready. Wash up!"
Krillin stood there, stunned—but smiling.
He understood.
And the championship?
With only Goku and Chi-Chi in his way, victory was all but guaranteed.