The Cosmic Wanderer: A Saiyan’s Journey

Following their initial meeting in the wilderness, Kaidan, Goku, and Bulma regrouped in the capsule house near Mount Paozu. The Dragon Radar showed multiple Dragon Balls scattered across Earth, prompting Kaidan to stay and assist in the search.

"We need to stick together," Kaidan said, folding his arms. "If there's one thing I've learned from my travels, it's that power attracts danger."

Bulma adjusted her hair and shot him a sly grin. "Danger seems to follow you more than anyone else, Saiyan."

"Funny," Kaidan retorted, smirking. "You're the one running around looking for magic relics."

Goku looked between them, his innocent curiosity cutting through the tension. "So, what do we do first?"

Bulma pointed at the radar. "The next Dragon Ball is pretty far west. We'll need to cross a desert to get there."

Their journey to the desert wasn't smooth. The trio faced blistering heat, wild animals, and even a group of bandits who tried to rob them.

Kaidan stepped forward, his energy flaring slightly. "You really don't want to do this."

The leader laughed nervously, backing away after sensing Kaidan's power. "W-We didn't mean it! Just a joke, you know?"

"Leave," Kaidan said coldly.

Goku pouted. "Aw, I wanted to fight them!"

"You'll have your chance," Kaidan replied. "Save your energy for something worth your time."

They eventually arrived at a ruined temple hidden within the desert. Bulma's radar pointed directly at it, but the Dragon Ball wasn't unguarded.

A large mechanical guardian emerged, its glowing eyes scanning them.

"Finally, something interesting," Kaidan said, stepping forward.

"Wait!" Bulma shouted. "That thing looks dangerous!"

Kaidan smirked. "Not for me."

The Mechanical Guardian

The guardian attacked with surprising speed, firing energy blasts and launching razor-sharp projectiles. Kaidan dodged with ease, countering with Starburst Barrage, which left dents in its metallic shell.

"Not bad," Kaidan muttered. "But not good enough."

Switching tactics, he activated Gravity Shift, crushing the guardian under intense gravitational pressure. It struggled for a moment before collapsing entirely.

"See? Told you it wasn't dangerous," Kaidan said, grinning.

Bulma rolled her eyes. "Show-off."

As they retrieved the Dragon Ball from the ruins, Goku sat down beside Kaidan, munching on some food he'd brought along.

"You're really strong," Goku said, looking up at him.

Kaidan chuckled. "You're not bad yourself. You've got potential, but you need guidance."

Goku's eyes lit up. "Will you teach me?"

"I'm not much of a teacher," Kaidan admitted. "But I'll make sure you're ready for whatever's coming."

Bulma watched the exchange, her gaze softening. Kaidan was rough around the edges, but there was a genuine kindness in his actions.

That evening, as they camped under the stars, Kaidan stared into the night sky. His thoughts drifted to the stories he'd heard about Earth's Dragon Balls and their ability to grant any wish.

"Do you think it's real?" Bulma asked, sitting beside him.

"I've seen enough in this universe to believe it," Kaidan replied. "But power like that always comes with a price."

Goku joined them, holding his Dragon Ball tightly. "If I could wish for anything, I'd want Grandpa back."

Kaidan frowned. "Sometimes, it's better to leave the past in the past, kid."

Bulma glanced at him. "And what would you wish for, Kaidan?"

He hesitated, then smirked. "I've already got what I need: power. The rest... I'll figure out."

With two Dragon Balls in their possession, the group prepared to move toward the next location. Kaidan felt a sense of purpose growing within him—not just to find the Dragon Balls, but to protect these people who had become his companions.

As they packed up, Kaidan looked at the horizon. "Let's get moving. We've got a long way to go, and I've got a feeling things are about to get interesting."