After Garlic Jr. was destroyed, Bulma and the others regrouped with Goku.
Krillin said, "Goku, you competed in the World Martial Arts Tournament today, then fought Piccolo. After that, Garlic Jr. showed up causing trouble, and you even worked overtime to send him into the Dead Zone. You must be exhausted. How about I treat you to a meal?"
Goku blinked. "Krillin, why didn't you say that before I ate the Senzu Bean? Didn't want to spend too much money?"
Krillin's mouth twitched. "Hey, that's not fair! You were the one who insisted on eating it…"
Master Roshi waved them off. "Alright, stop arguing. It's getting dark. We haven't all seen each other in a while—let's have a gathering. We can head to Kame House!"
Bulma immediately objected. "Let's go to Capsule Corporation instead. I've got more ingredients there—and plenty of drinks. If we're getting together, we're doing it properly."
Krillin's eyes lit up. "Wow, dinner at the richest family's house? This is awesome…"
Goku grinned. "Then you owe me that meal, Krillin. I'll cash it in when I'm hungry!"
"No problem," Krillin laughed. "I've got some popularity now, but no money yet. Once I start earning, you can eat as much as you want!"
"Deal!"
"Deal!"
Launch clapped her hands. "Then let's get going!"
"Let's go!"
Everyone boarded Bulma's plane and headed for Capsule Corporation.
…
By the time the plane landed, night had fallen. Capsule Corporation remained brilliantly lit under the dark sky.
Bulma, dressed in a stylish off-shoulder mini dress, raised her cocktail high. "Cheers!"
The others followed suit, celebrating the return of peace to the world once more.
Meanwhile, Goku stationed himself by the grill, eating as he praised, "Mmm! This is amazing! Yajirobe, I didn't expect your barbecue skills to be this good!"
Yajirobe puffed up proudly. "Of course! I've lived off the wild since I was a kid. Grilling's my specialty. Besides, with all these seasonings you've got, even a shoe insole would taste good!"
He tore into a slab of meat, devouring it with gusto.
In just a few bites, he finished what amounted to an entire pig, then rubbed his belly contentedly. "Ahh… so good. Thanks, Goku. I haven't eaten this full in ages…"
Krillin sniffed the air—though he technically didn't have a nose. "Hey, Yajirobe, I smell something burning! Watch the fire!"
Yajirobe scoffed. "As if I'd burn it. Don't insult me."
He pulled down another skewer and placed it on his plate, then picked up a knife and flicked his wrist. Several flashes of steel cut through the air—shk shk shk!
In an instant, the chunk of meat became thin slices suspended midair. Before they even hit the board, Yajirobe grabbed a bamboo skewer and, with a few swift motions, threaded the slices neatly onto it.
He placed the new skewer back on the grill in one smooth, flowing sequence.
Goku watched with keen interest. "Hey, Yajirobe, you're really that good at grilling?"
"Of course," Yajirobe said smugly. "In my life, nothing's more important than eating. Mastering the craft is the highest respect you can give food."
He finished another skewer in one bite.
Most people were full after a few pieces, but Yajirobe and Goku were on another level entirely.
Goku suddenly remembered the task he'd planned.
"Yajirobe, Bulma's building a resort out in the West City suburbs. She's hired some chefs. Your cooking's impressive—interested in being one of them?"
Yajirobe narrowed his eyes. "What? You want me working for you?"
Before Goku could answer, he waved it off. "Forget it. No way. I'd rather starve than work like a beast for you capitalists…"
Then he resumed eating heartily.
Goku glanced at the growing pile of used skewers and wondered if this Earthling's appetite rivaled his own.
Still, the ingredients were basic—even high-quality cuts were just food. And for someone like Bulma, no amount of eating could make a dent in her wealth. Tons of food were discarded daily just to feed the animals in the garden.
Thinking about Yajirobe's freeloading lifestyle, Goku tried again. "It's not working for me! If I paid you, that'd be a job. But if I don't pay you, it's not working, right?"
Yajirobe raised a brow. "You want me to be your chef and not pay me? What am I, a slave?"
Goku grinned. "Normally, yes, chefs get paid. But you don't."
"Why not?"
"I've noticed your appetite. We'll give you room and board. Unlimited food. As much as you want."
Yajirobe froze mid-bite.
"Really?"
"Of course."
His eyes gleamed. "I'm in. When do I start?"
"Tomorrow. The place isn't fully built yet. We've planned multiple cuisines—you'll handle barbecue. Once it's finished, we'll use it as a gathering base. Until then, just experiment with dishes alongside the other chefs. Eat what you make. Feed the rest to the dogs if it's bad. But when we gather, you bring your best."
Yajirobe beamed. "And I don't have to cook every day?"
"Nope."
"Perfect! As long as I'm fed, we've got a deal!"
He raised his palm, and Goku slapped it.
"Deal!"
[Mission Complete: Send Yajirobe to work and let him experience the hardships of life.
Reward: Stamina +10
Side Effect: Appetite +10% (Activated)]
Instantly, Goku felt a slight pang of hunger.
"Hey, Yajirobe! Grill me something special. I need a taste test!"
Yajirobe smirked. "Watch and learn."
As he went to fetch ingredients, Bulma approached Goku.
"Hey, are you sure putting that fat guy at the resort is a good idea?"
Goku nodded. "He looks lazy, but he's capable. Out in the suburbs, he can be both chef and bodyguard."
Bulma nodded. "Ah, so you're thinking about security. Fine—your call."
The gathering lasted until midnight. Krillin, Tien, and the others left satisfied. Even Yajirobe eventually departed.
Goku had already told everyone he wouldn't return to Mount Paozu tonight. Capsule Corporation had plenty of rooms, and after living together for so long, it felt like home too.
Chi-Chi, Launch, and the others had drunk quite a bit and went to bed early.
Goku, exhausted after a long day, headed to the bathroom for a shower.
Just then, Bulma, cheeks flushed with wine, leaned lazily against the frosted glass door. She tapped lightly and smiled.
"Goku, you worked hard today. Want me to help you relax?"
Goku turned quickly. "No, I'm fine. Just a quick rinse and sleep. I'm tired…"
Ignoring him, Bulma stepped inside. Her white bathrobe slipped to the floor.
She poked his chest with a slender finger, smiling drowsily. "Tired where? Let me help."
She stumbled—accidentally or not—straight into his arms. The shower sprayed over both of them.
Goku lifted her in a princess carry. "Bulma, I'm done washing. Let's go to the bedroom."
She blushed. "I can't walk. Carry me."
He lightly smacked her hip, wrapped her in a towel, and she looped her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply.
Moments later, Goku carried her to her room.
…
Several hours later, Bulma lay lazily on the bed, satisfied but sore. She nestled into Goku's arms.
"Hey, Goku… next time, want to try a bubble bath together?"
"No way," Goku replied instantly. "Next time I'm bathing with Launch. She's gentler."
Bulma raised a brow, pouting. "You dare say that to my face? How rude. Your punishment is one more round!"
Goku shrugged. "Who's scared? Whoever begs first is a puppy."
"Fine. Whoever begs is a puppy!"
Outside, even the moon shyly slipped behind the clouds.
…
The next day, the sun was already high before Goku and Bulma woke up.
Chi-Chi knocked softly on Bulma's door.
"Goku, Bulma, it's lunchtime…"
Goku's voice came from inside. "Chi-Chi? Just a second!"
He opened the door.
Chi-Chi's face turned bright red at the sight of the marks on his neck.
"You went to bed after midnight… what time did you sleep?"
Goku scratched his head. "Not sure. Almost dawn, I think…"
"Almost dawn?"
She twitched slightly. "Well… no wonder you're still asleep."
Goku glanced back at the still-sleeping Bulma. "I'll eat. Let her sleep."
Chi-Chi looked at Bulma, then at Goku apologetically. "Sorry… we all drank too much last night. Otherwise Bulma wouldn't be so tired…"
Goku wrapped an arm around her waist. "Why apologize? She started it. She's just reckless and playful. Let her rest."
Chi-Chi nodded, then added, "By the way, I heard barking from your room last night. Did a dog get in?"
Goku paused, recalling Bulma's playful antics.
"Yeah. A dog got in. I chased it out."
Chi-Chi laughed as she walked with him. "Capsule Corporation's great, but the yard's huge. Lots of little animals."
Suddenly, Goku thought of something.
"Chi-Chi, now that Piccolo's dealt with and the world's at peace… how about we have a child?"
Her face flushed instantly.
"A… a child?"
"Yeah. Any problem?"
She hesitated. "Isn't it too soon? I'm not sure I'm ready to be a mother…"
Just then, Launch and Violet approached.
Launch smiled gently. "Goku wants a baby? I've been thinking about it too. Let's work hard."
Violet nodded. "To be honest, I want to be a mother as well. Let's try together."
Goku took their hands. "Alright! Let's give it our all!"
Launch laughed. "Still, TV says you shouldn't conceive casually—it's unhealthy. We need proper nutrition first. Violet and I should exercise more. And I need to quit smoking."
Goku nodded firmly. "Right. You have to quit. Especially after sneezing—no more lighting up. I'll hide all the fire sources at home!"
Violet added, "We should schedule exercise. Wake us when you train—we'll go jogging."
"Deal!"
Seeing how serious they were, Chi-Chi hurriedly said, "Goku! I've thought it over. I don't smoke or drink. I exercise and eat healthy. I think… I'm ready now."
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