The sun rose lazily over the forest as Goku and Bulma trudged through the underbrush, the Four-Star Dragon Ball secured safely in Bulma's capsule case. Their journey had been relatively uneventful until they came across a peculiar sight: a large, starved turtle lying on its belly in the middle of a dirt path, its shell cracked in places from dehydration.
"Oh, poor thing!" Bulma gasped, running over to the turtle. "What happened to you?"
"I… I got lost," the turtle rasped, her voice weak. "I was trying to find the ocean… but I can't walk anymore…"
Goku's sharp eyes scanned the creature with a glimmer of genuine compassion, but his mind was already calculating. A chance to help and gain favor with the Turtle Hermit? The opportunity was too good to pass up. Without a word, he crouched down and hoisted the turtle onto his back.
"Let's go," he said cheerfully, as though the massive creature weighed nothing. "I'll carry you to the ocean."
The trio had only been walking for an hour when a hulking figure emerged from the woods. A towering bear clad in rusty armor, wielding a jagged sword, blocked their path.
"Humans!" the bear growled. "Hand over that turtle, or prepare to face my wrath!"
Goku set the turtle down gently and turned to the bear, his childlike grin betraying nothing of his actual intent. "I don't think so. You want a fight? Let's play!"
The bear lunged, slashing with his massive blade. Goku, still acting the part of an innocent child, dodged effortlessly, weaving around the bear's strikes with unnatural precision. Ultra Instinct, a power he was still learning to control, flickered within him. His movements became fluid and instinctive, as if his body had a will of its own.
The bear grew frustrated, roaring with rage as Goku continued to dodge every swing. After several minutes of this dance, Goku decided to end it. He leapt back, drawing a deep breath, and unleashed an Air Punch. The sheer force of the blow sent a compressed wave of energy through the air, punching clean through the bear's chest and leaving a smoking hole where his heart once was. The armored beast collapsed, lifeless.
"That was fun!" Goku said, dusting off his hands. He turned to Bulma and the turtle, his grin wide. "Let's keep going!"
By midday, the group arrived at the shimmering expanse of the ocean. The turtle, now rejuvenated, expressed her gratitude. "Thank you for saving me. Please wait here—I'd like to repay you."
Bulma and Goku exchanged curious glances but agreed to stay. After a short wait, the turtle returned, carrying a bald, elderly man in a Hawaiian shirt. Master Roshi, the Turtle Hermit, stepped off his mount and studied the two travelers.
"So, you're the ones who helped my friend?" Roshi said, stroking his beard. "I owe you a debt of gratitude. Let's see if I can repay you properly."
Roshi raised his hand to the horizon, his voice commanding. "Immortal Phoenix, I summon thee!"
A majestic screech pierced the air as the horizon erupted in white-hot flames. A massive phoenix, its feathers shimmering with golden and crimson fire, soared toward them at breakneck speed. The bird stopped just before crashing into Roshi, perching gracefully on the turtle's shell. Its flaming eyes locked onto Goku, and it let out a low, approving cry.
"This is Ignis Altiora," Roshi announced proudly. "The Immortal Phoenix. She has the power to grant eternal life to those who are pure of heart."
Ignis cocked her head, studying Goku closely before nodding. She flapped her wings once, sending a wave of warm air cascading over him. The bird leapt from Roshi's side and perched on Goku's shoulder, her fiery presence surprisingly comfortable.
"You've impressed her," Roshi said, his voice tinged with awe. "But remember, her immortality comes with a price: you must merge with her, body and soul, and your heart must remain pure."
Goku smirked inwardly. Pure of heart, huh? I can manage that… for now.
Bulma clapped her hands, drawing Roshi's attention. "That's great and all, but what about the Dragon Ball? I heard you have one."
Roshi's eyes lit up with mischief. "Oh, I do! But you'll have to do something for me first."
Bulma rolled her eyes, already guessing where this was going. "You want a peek under my skirt, don't you?"
"Well, if you insist…" Roshi began, chuckling awkwardly.
To Goku's surprise, Bulma shrugged and lifted her skirt without hesitation. "Fine. Just give me the Dragon Ball."
Roshi's nose bled, and he hurriedly handed over the Three-Star Dragon Ball. Bulma accepted it with a grin, tucking it into her case.
That night, as the group rested by the fire, Bulma curled up beside Goku without prompting. Her head rested on his chest, her breathing steady and calm. Goku smirked, watching her with a mix of amusement and satisfaction. Didn't even have to ask this time. She's growing more attached by the day.
As Ignis perched nearby, watching the flames, Goku closed his eyes, already planning his next move. The game was only beginning, and he intended to win it all.