Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Turtle Hermit's Gift
As dawn broke over the forest, the trio awoke to the chirping of birds. Bulma yawned and stretched, still groggy from a restless night in the wild. Meanwhile, Goku was full of energy, practicing with his Power Pole as Saitama casually observed.
"Man, how do you wake up so energetic?" Bulma asked, rubbing her eyes.
"I'm used to sleeping outside!" Goku replied cheerfully.
Bulma groaned. "Well, I'm not. Let's get moving. The sooner we find the Dragon Balls, the sooner I can sleep in a bed again."
The group packed up their makeshift camp and continued their journey in Bulma's car. The radar beeped steadily, signaling another Dragon Ball in the vicinity.
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As they drove along a rocky path, the car screeched to a halt when a massive sea turtle appeared in the middle of the road. Bulma gasped, slamming on the brakes.
"What the heck is a turtle doing here?" she exclaimed.
Goku hopped out of the car, curious as always. "Hey, mister turtle! What are you doing all the way out here?"
The turtle turned its head slowly toward them. "I got lost while searching for the ocean. Could you kind folks help me get back?"
Bulma frowned. "The ocean? That's miles from here!"
Goku grinned. "Don't worry, we'll help you!"
Bulma sighed. "Do we really have time for this? We're on a mission, remember?"
"It won't take long," Saitama said calmly. "Besides, it's not like we're in a rush."
Reluctantly, Bulma agreed, and the group set off on foot, guiding the turtle toward the sea.
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Hours later, the group arrived at the shoreline. The turtle beamed with gratitude. "Thank you so much for your help! Please wait here—I'll return with a reward."
As the turtle swam off, Bulma flopped onto the sand. "This better be worth it."
Saitama sat down, staring at the horizon, while Goku eagerly splashed in the waves.
Before long, the turtle returned, carrying an elderly man on its back. The man had a long white beard, sunglasses, and wore a bright orange Hawaiian shirt.
"Who are you?" Goku asked, tilting his head.
The old man chuckled. "I'm Master Roshi, the Turtle Hermit! And I'm here to reward you for your kindness."
Master Roshi reached into his pocket and pulled out a small orange orb with three stars.
"A Dragon Ball!" Bulma gasped, rushing forward.
"Indeed!" Roshi said. "You've earned it."
As Bulma happily accepted the Dragon Ball, Roshi's eyes landed on her. He grinned slyly. "So, young lady, how about a little thank-you kiss for an old man?"
Before Bulma could respond, Saitama spoke up. "Not happening, old guy."
Roshi froze, realizing Saitama's unamused glare. "Uh, I was just joking!" he stammered, retreating.
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Creep."
Roshi coughed awkwardly and turned to Goku. "Young man, I see great potential in you. Tell me, would you like a special gift?"
"What kind of gift?" Goku asked excitedly.
Roshi held up his staff and chanted a brief incantation. From the sky descended a golden, fluffy cloud. It hovered in the air, shimmering in the sunlight.
"This is the Flying Nimbus," Roshi explained. "Only those with a pure heart can ride it."
"Cool!" Goku exclaimed, jumping onto the cloud. To everyone's amazement, he didn't fall through but instead balanced perfectly.
"Wow! This is awesome!" Goku said, zooming around in the air.
Roshi turned to Saitama. "What about you, young man? Would you like to try the Nimbus?"
Saitama shook his head. "I can already fly if I want to."
Roshi blinked. "Oh… well, that's… handy."
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With their new treasures—the Dragon Ball and the Flying Nimbus—the group prepared to continue their journey.
"Thanks for the help, old man!" Goku called out as he waved goodbye from the cloud.
Bulma climbed into the car, muttering about weirdos, while Saitama followed quietly.
As they drove off, Roshi watched them go, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "That bald guy… there's something different about him," he mused.
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The group set up camp again as night fell. Bulma stared at the four Dragon Balls they had collected so far, her excitement growing. "We're halfway there!"
Goku practiced with his Power Pole, while Saitama stared at the stars.
"What are you thinking about, mister?" Goku asked, sitting beside him.
"Nothing much," Saitama replied. "Just wondering what's next."
"More adventures!" Goku said with a grin.
Saitama chuckled softly. "Yeah. More adventures."
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To be continued…