"That's everything..." Bulma concluded with a sigh, setting down her glass of water.
"So... you haven't told Goku that you're in love with him because you're afraid he'll reject you and it'll ruin the relationship you've built?" Tights summarized, raising an eyebrow.
Bulma nodded.
Fusui gasped dramatically. "Who in their right mind would reject Bulma Briefs, the most beautiful and intelligent girl I know?!"
Bulma chuckled softly. "It's not that... it's just that Goku doesn't think that way. He grew up in the wilderness with his grandfather, and until a few years ago, he couldn't even tell the difference between a man and a woman."
A deep blush spread across her cheeks as she recalled an old memory—the morning after she met Goku, he had innocently removed her panties, not understanding the significance.
And worse? She hadn't noticed until much later—after she had already flashed Master Roshi multiple times in exchange for a Dragon Ball.
Tights smirked knowingly. "Yeah, you told me about that. That kid was way too innocent."
"Exactly. Any other guy in his position would've taken advantage," Bulma muttered, shaking her head.
But Goku was different.
Over these nine months, Bulma had witnessed his growth firsthand. He had gone from a boy who only cared about training and eating to someone who genuinely cared about the well-being of the mother of his child.
He changed diapers.
He prepared bottles.
He even sang lullabies.
And with each passing day, Bulma fell deeper in love with him.
Goku had been there every step of the way—from sunrise to sunset.
He ate with her.
He laughed with her.
He played with her.
He sang with her.
He watched movies with her.
He never left her side.
If Bulma had to write a yearbook, Goku would be on every page.
At first, she had panicked when she discovered she was pregnant. She was at the height of her career, and the idea of raising a child seemed infuriating.
She had even considered abortion...
But then—Goku stayed.
As promised.
He took away that guilt she had been carrying. He supported her when she needed it the most. He made her smile even on her darkest days.
Goku had filled her life with magic and light.
She never imagined seeing Goku shopping, or Goku in a movie theater, or Goku changing diapers—but he did all of that.
And he even skipped meals to prioritize her.
How could I not fall in love with him?
Bulma couldn't imagine life without Goku.
Their daughter had brought them closer than ever, allowing them to truly understand each other.
And now, after three months of sorting through her emotions, she finally realized the truth.
This wasn't just physical attraction.
This was love.
Real, indescribable love.
But there was one problem—Goku's innocence.
She didn't want to force him into a relationship or pressure him into reciprocating feelings he didn't understand.
No.
She wanted him to learn how to express himself, to love her naturally, in his own time.
Even if it took years.
"Maybe you'd be surprised," Tights mused, resting a finger against her lips. "Maybe Goku does love you… but just doesn't know how to say it."
Fusui nodded. "Yeah! He's hugged you twice and even told you that you're beautiful. That's already a start."
Tights smirked. "Besides, you two should be a couple—for my niece's sake."
Bulma sighed, deep in thought.
Maybe they're right…
But for now, her priority was giving birth.
Everything else can wait.
---
The tournament matches continued successfully for Goku and his friends.
Most of them had qualified for the final rounds—except for Chiaotzu, who had been eliminated by Tao Pai Pai, now a cybernetic assassin seeking revenge against Goku and Tenshinhan.
Goku also took notice of Piccolo Daimaō's son, who had disguised himself under the name "Majunia" to avoid suspicion.
Now, with the final eight fighters selected, the matchups were set:
• Tenshinhan vs. Tao Pai Pai
• Goku vs. the unnamed girl
Tenshinhan won his match but suffered a deep chest wound, leaving a lasting scar.
Now, it was Goku's turn.
"Good luck, Goku! You got this!"
Goku paused, recognizing the familiar voice from the audience.
He turned his head and spotted a blue-haired girl smiling at him—Akemi.
"Hi, Akemi!" Goku waved. "How've you been?"
"Great! I hope you win this match, Goku!" she called back excitedly.
Akemi clutched her hands together, remembering the day her hero had signed an autograph for her.
She had preserved that napkin in a golden case—although, thanks to a certain blue-haired girl, she never got a photo.
This time, I'll get my picture—no matter what!
Meanwhile, the announcer stepped forward, adjusting his glasses.
"It seems Son Goku is fired up for this round! But let's see if his opponent feels the same way!"
A black-haired girl stepped onto the stage.
Her expression was fierce.
Her gaze? Deadly.
And yet, Goku still didn't recognize her.
"Hello again!" Goku greeted with a grin. "I hope we have a great fight!"
The girl huffed.
"Let's hope so."
"Let's see if this match is as intense as the last!" the announcer declared, as the drums rolled.
"BEGIN!"
The girl charged at Goku, throwing a high kick aimed at his torso.
Goku effortlessly dodged, stepping back to reposition himself.
"You fight really well!" he said excitedly.
The girl's eye twitched.
"It's outrageous that you still don't recognize me, Goku!" she snapped.
Goku blinked. "Huh?"
"It's me—Chi-Chi! How could you forget me after all these years?!"
Goku's eyes widened.
"Ooooohh!" He pointed at her dramatically. "Now I remember you!"
Chi-Chi sighed in relief. "I knew you hadn't forgotten me."
Then, her cheeks turned pink.
"I hope you haven't forgotten your promise, either."
"Promise?" Goku scratched his head. "What promise?"
Chi-Chi's blush deepened. "When we were little… y-you promised that we'd get married. Do you remember?"
Goku furrowed his brows, digging through his memories.
"Hmm… Oh yeah! I think I remember now!"
Chi-Chi smiled expectantly.
"So… will you marry me?"
The arena fell silent.
All eyes were on Goku.
The Saiyan tilted his head. "Marry you?"
Chi-Chi nodded shyly.
Goku closed his eyes, thinking deeply.
Then—
"I'm sorry, Chi-Chi, but I can't."
Chi-Chi's eyes widened in shock.
"Wh-what…?"