The Cosmic Wanderer: A Saiyan’s Journey

With three Dragon Balls safely in their possession, Kaidan, Bulma, and Goku pressed forward. The Dragon Radar beeped incessantly, pointing them toward the next Dragon Ball hidden in a treacherous mountain range.

"This one looks pretty far," Bulma said, staring at the screen. "We'll need to cross the mountains to get there."

"More challenges, huh?" Kaidan said, crossing his arms. "Fine by me."

"Let's get going!" Goku cheered, running ahead.

The group reached the base of the mountains as the sun began to set. The air grew colder, and the once-lively forests gave way to jagged cliffs and howling winds. Bulma shivered, pulling her jacket tighter.

"You sure you're up for this?" Kaidan asked her.

Bulma glared at him. "Don't underestimate me! I'm tougher than I look."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Kaidan said with a smirk, earning an annoyed huff from her.

The climb was grueling, but Kaidan and Goku made quick work of the steep terrain. Bulma struggled to keep up but refused to complain, her determination impressing Kaidan.

As they approached a narrow pass, the radar began to beep faster.

"We're close!" Bulma exclaimed, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

Suddenly, a loud roar echoed through the mountains, followed by the sound of rocks crumbling.

"What was that?" Goku asked, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

Before anyone could answer, a massive beast emerged from the shadows—a hulking, four-legged creature with sharp claws and glowing eyes. It let out another roar, shaking the ground beneath them.

"Looks like we've got company," Kaidan said, stepping forward.

The beast charged, its claws slashing through the air. Kaidan leaped to intercept it, his fists glowing with energy. He struck the creature's side, sending it skidding across the rocky ground.

"Goku, back me up!" Kaidan called.

"On it!" Goku replied, launching himself at the beast. He landed a solid punch on its jaw, but the creature barely flinched.

"It's tougher than it looks," Goku said, dodging a swipe from the beast's claws.

Kaidan narrowed his eyes. "Then we'll just have to hit harder."

Using Gravity Shift, Kaidan increased the pull around the beast, pinning it to the ground. Goku took the opportunity to unleash a flurry of punches, but the creature's hide was incredibly durable.

"Bulma, stay back!" Kaidan shouted as the beast broke free of the gravitational pull and lunged toward her.

Bulma stumbled backward, her eyes wide with fear. Kaidan appeared in front of her in an instant, catching the beast's claws with his bare hands.

"You're not touching her," Kaidan growled, his energy flaring. With a powerful kick, he sent the beast flying into a nearby boulder.

"Whoa!" Goku exclaimed. "You're strong, Kaidan!"

After a grueling fight, the beast finally collapsed, defeated. Kaidan stood over it, his breathing steady despite the intensity of the battle.

"Is it… dead?" Bulma asked, peeking out from behind a rock.

"No, just unconscious," Kaidan replied. "It was only protecting its territory."

He turned to see the Dragon Ball lying amidst the rubble. Its glow was unmistakable, and Bulma rushed over to pick it up.

"That makes four," she said, holding it up triumphantly.

"Good work," Kaidan said, his tone softer.

Bulma smiled. "Thanks for saving me back there."

"Don't mention it," Kaidan said, looking away.

As they descended the mountain, Kaidan couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He glanced over his shoulder but saw nothing.

"Something wrong?" Bulma asked.

"Just a feeling," Kaidan replied.

Unbeknownst to them, a shadowy figure stood atop a nearby peak, observing their every move. The figure smirked, their eyes gleaming with interest.

"They've got four Dragon Balls," the figure muttered. "This could get interesting."

With the fourth Dragon Ball in hand, the group made camp at the base of the mountains. Goku quickly fell asleep after eating a hearty meal, while Bulma tinkered with her gadgets.

Kaidan sat by the fire, staring into the flames.

"You're pretty quiet tonight," Bulma said, sitting next to him.

"Just thinking," Kaidan replied.

"About what?"

"The Dragon Balls. What happens if we're not the only ones after them?"

Bulma hesitated. "Well, we'll just have to get them first, won't we?"

Kaidan smirked. "I like the way you think."

The next morning, the trio packed up and continued their journey, following the radar's signal to the next Dragon Ball. The path ahead was uncertain, but Kaidan was determined to see it through.

"Let's go," he said, his voice filled with resolve.

"Right behind you!" Goku said cheerfully.

Bulma smiled. "With you two around, I feel like we can handle anything."

Kaidan glanced at her, his expression softening. "We'll make sure of it."