Krillin began his training early, as usual. After a week of adjusting to his new routine, he had grown to love the feeling of breaking past his limits. However, with Goku's wedding only 23 days away, Krillin realized he needed to start earning some money. After all, he couldn't keep relying on others.
"I need to get to work!" Krillin declared, though he wasn't sure what to do.
Delivering milk like he did as a kid? Too low-paying. No future there. Saving up for a dowry with that? Laughable. He sighed, lamenting his lack of useful skills. Do I need to resort to underground fighting? He winced at the thought. What a depressing picture…
"Krillin! Time to eat!" Launch called from the dining area.
"Oh, coming!" Krillin walked over, still lost in thought. Suddenly, the aroma of garlic hit him. His eyes lit up as an idea formed.
"Launch, have you eaten this before?" Krillin pointed at the garlic-infused dish.
"No, it's my first time. It tastes really unique," Launch replied with a smile.
"Perfect! This world hasn't discovered garlic's true potential yet. Garlic butter lobster... it's my path to fortune!" Krillin's eyes gleamed.
"Launch, how about I teach you how to make garlic butter lobster? Then we can open a small restaurant together. It'll be fun, safer than robbing people all the time, and who knows? Maybe in your blonde form, seeing all that cash will stop you from wanting to rob anyone!"
Launch hesitated but eventually nodded. "That's a great idea, but I'm worried I might mess it up."
"No problem, I'll teach you step by step."
Blue-haired Launch proved to be a quick learner, mastering the technique in no time. Next, they needed a cart and some tables and chairs to start their venture.
Krillin ventured into the nearby forest to gather materials. The island had no shortage of trees, and before long, he had crafted five sturdy sets of tables and chairs. "This should be enough for now," he muttered. All that remained was a cart, so he decided to borrow one from Master Roshi.
"Master Roshi, can I borrow Capsule No. 5 for a few days?"
"Hm? Capsule No. 5? I think I left it in the cabinet. Go take a look," Roshi replied lazily.
"Got it, thanks!"
With everything ready, Krillin prepared ingredients: a thousand portions of garlic from the garlic farm and freshly caught lobsters. Carrying a 40-kilogram turtle shell, he dove into the ocean. The underwater resistance and weight provided excellent training. Not only could he earn money, but he could also grow stronger—a win-win!
The next morning, Launch was up early, her excitement evident. "Krillin, when do we start making money?"
"Not yet. We'll wait until sunset."
The previous night's training had left Krillin physically recovered but mentally exhausted. Launch, somewhat disappointed, sighed and went back to rest.
By evening, Krillin was refreshed and ready to go. "Time to head out, Launch!" he called. Master Roshi, curious about their plan, decided to tag along.
They traveled by boat to a nearby bustling town. The vibrant night market was filled with delicious smells, towering buildings, and people of all kinds—wolves, bears, and more. The Dragon Ball world's diversity never ceased to amaze Krillin.
After scouting for a spot, Launch worried aloud, "It looks like all the good spots are taken…"
Krillin grinned. "Don't worry, even if we're tucked away, good food always attracts a crowd." He pointed to an open corner. "Let's set up there."
As they prepared, Launch looked around. "Hey, where's Master Roshi?"
"Don't worry about him. I saw him chatting with a young lady earlier. He's probably… preoccupied," Krillin said with a knowing smirk.
They put up their handwritten sign: Garlic Butter Lobster – 5,000 zeni each!
The aroma of garlic soon filled the air, drawing curious onlookers. People gathered around, drawn by the enticing smell, but hesitated to buy.
Knowing he needed to spark demand, Krillin called out, "First taste is free!" and handed out samples.
The crowd's reaction was instantaneous.
A wolf-man's eyes gleamed. "I'll take five!"
A nearby bear scoffed, "Five? Pathetic. Give me twenty!"
Not to be outdone, the wolf-man shouted, "Make it fifteen more for me!"
Chaos erupted as people vied for their share. Within two hours, every portion was sold out. Krillin announced, "We're out for today, but we'll be back here tomorrow!"
As they packed up, Launch exclaimed, "That was exhausting but fun!"
Krillin nodded. "You rest; I'll go find Master Roshi."
Roshi, engrossed in conversation, was reluctant to leave. "Just a little longer…"
"Fine, we're leaving. You can swim back," Krillin joked, forcing Roshi to hurriedly follow.
That day, they sold 200 portions, earning a total of 1 million zeni. Krillin gave Launch 500,000, which she accepted happily. For once, she'd earned money honestly, without resorting to theft.
The next day, Krillin set an ambitious goal of selling 1,000 portions. He trained in the ocean all morning, the resistance providing excellent physical conditioning.
By evening, they returned to the market. This time, the food sold out even faster, and Krillin realized they needed more help. As he pondered, a boy approached.
"Excuse me… do you need help?" the boy asked hesitantly, his nervousness evident.
Krillin sized him up: a thin, 17-year-old in patched clothes but clean and tidy. His bright eyes suggested honesty.
"What makes you think we need help?" Krillin asked.
The boy, emboldened, replied, "You're so busy, and I saw that this lady here could use some assistance."
Krillin grinned. "You're a smart kid, but you're too scrawny."
"I may be thin, but I'm strong! Let me prove it," the boy pleaded.
Krillin had already checked his stats using the system:
Name: Fan Yu
Age: 16
Race: Earthling
Combat Power: 25
Potential Limit: 150–800
A combat power of 25 was impressive for an average Earthling. "Alright, you're hired. Come back tomorrow at this time. It'll be hard work, though."
The boy beamed. "Thank you! I won't let you down!"
Krillin chuckled as the boy ran off. Didn't even ask about the pay. I'll give him 10,000 zeni a day so he can bulk up.
That day, they sold 1,000 portions, earning 2.5 million zeni. Life was getting better, step by step. As Krillin drifted off to sleep, he felt a renewed sense of hope. "This is just the beginning."
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