Mount Paozu was usually a secluded area, populated more by wild beasts than humans. However, today it was abuzz with activity due to Goku's wedding.
It was still early morning, and the wedding preparations were complete.
"Bulma, Yamcha, and Oolong still aren't here?" Krillin asked, sounding slightly impatient.
Goku scratched his head. "Oh… but I didn't tell them about it!"
"What?!" Krillin slapped his forehead. "I'm so dumb. Really. Dumb." He sighed. Of course, this is Goku we're talking about. Had it not been for the Ox-King visiting Kame House, Krillin might not have known about the wedding himself. There was no helping Goku's carefree nature.
As time passed, it was time for the ceremony to begin.
"Master Roshi, please preside over the wedding for Goku and Chi-Chi," the Ox-King said, bowing deeply in supplication.
Master Roshi chuckled mysteriously and said, "There's someone else better suited for this. They're not here yet, but they will be."
Just as his words fell, a figure descended from the sky. Dressed in martial arts robes and wearing a small round hat, the figure had a long white beard and a golden halo above his head. He smiled kindly at Goku.
"Grandpa! Grandpa!" Goku cried out, running toward him and leaping into his arms. Just like when he was a child, Goku broke into uncontrollable sobs. The bond of family was a powerful force, and even someone as pure-hearted as Goku was overwhelmed by emotion.
"Good boy. Don't cry," Grandpa Gohan said gently, his face full of warmth. "Seeing you grown up and getting married fills me with joy."
"But Grandpa, didn't you already come back once? I thought people could only return from the Other World once," Goku asked, puzzled.
At that moment, Fortuneteller Baba floated down and explained, "Normally, that's true. But since you defeated King Piccolo and saved the world, you greatly reduced King Yemma's workload. When my junior apprentice learned of your wedding, we arranged this. King Yemma granted special permission for Gohan to return today."
Naturally, Grandpa Gohan was the best candidate to officiate the wedding.
As the wedding ceremony began, Goku walked slowly toward the crowd in a black suit with a white tie. Chi-Chi, dressed in a stunning white wedding gown with her hair down, clung tightly to Goku's arm, her face glowing with a radiant smile.
The ceremony went off smoothly, and after much cheer and celebration, it reached its conclusion.
"Goku, Chi-Chi is a wonderful wife. You must live a good life together and try to give your grandpa a chubby grandson soon!" Grandpa Gohan said with a hearty laugh.
Chi-Chi, still shy and inexperienced, blushed furiously. "Grandpa!" she said softly.
"Goku, it's time for me to go," Grandpa Gohan said.
Goku stretched out his arms as if to hug him but stopped halfway.
Grandpa Gohan noticed and stepped forward, embracing Goku tightly. "Silly boy, I know you don't want me to leave. But remember, I'll always be watching over you from the heavens. I've never left your side."
"Mm-hmm!" Goku nodded tearfully.
After a heartfelt farewell, Grandpa Gohan approached Master Roshi, bowed respectfully, and said, "Master Roshi, I leave Goku in your care."
Roshi nodded silently.
"Fortuneteller Baba, let's go," Grandpa Gohan said. In an instant, he and Baba disappeared from sight.
The Next Day
"Master Roshi, you and the others should return home. I'd like to go out and train for a while. Staying on Kame House for too long is getting a bit dull," Krillin said earnestly.
"Krillin, you little rascal! Where do you think you're sneaking off to? Chasing girls again? Let me catch you!" Roshi shouted.
Krillin laughed. "Master Roshi, would you have come here if I didn't say that?"
Roshi muttered something inaudible and let it go.
Krillin stayed at Mount Paozu for a few more days, sparring with Goku to increase his strength.
"Sorry, Goku," Krillin smirked. "I'm going to make the most of these matches."
For three days, the two battled fiercely, hunting for food in the mountains when they were hungry and drinking fresh spring water when thirsty. Krillin's strength steadily improved.
Time: Age 756
Name: Krillin
Power Level: 300
Meanwhile, Goku also made some progress:
Time: Age 756
Name: Goku (Kakarot)
Power Level: 278
"Congratulations, host. You've successfully passed the adaptation period. Energy acquisition methods have changed. Basic creatures now provide significantly less energy. You must seek higher-quality energy sources," the system announced.
Krillin panicked. "If I can't get energy, I'll lose my edge! How do I obtain advanced energy?"
After a brief pause, the system replied, "Advanced energy sources include rare minerals, ancient medicinal herbs, and other high-energy items. However, Earth currently has limited availability of such resources."
"Anything else?"
"Of course. Senzu Beans—the legendary healing item of Dragon Ball—provide a fixed 500 energy points no matter your power level. Additionally, spiritual fruits that restore life force can also grant 500 energy points."
The system continued, "There's also Black Stones—"
"What's a Black Stone?" Krillin interrupted.
"The eternal power source within Androids 17 and 18. But I figured you wouldn't consider that, so I didn't mention it earlier," the system teased.
"Never bring that up again," Krillin said darkly.
"Hey, I didn't mean in this timeline…" the system muttered to itself.
The system also hinted at other possibilities: "When your power reaches a certain level, you can extract energy from planetary cores to further your training. But that's a discussion for the future."
Armed with a clearer goal, Krillin felt more focused. Without direction, he had been aimlessly wandering. Now, every step toward his objective would yield greater results.
"It's time to say goodbye to Goku," Krillin thought. His power level had surpassed Goku's, and remaining here was no longer productive. Plus, his current energy reserves could only sustain his high-speed training for 20 more days. It was time to search for advanced energy sources.
"Goku, I'm leaving. I came to say goodbye," Krillin said.
Goku, in the middle of training, simply nodded.
"Let's have one last fight, Krillin. You've gotten so much stronger recently," Goku said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Krillin shook his head. "No, Goku. You need to stop training for a while. Take Chi-Chi out and have fun—you're newlyweds, after all. It's called a honeymoon."
"Honeymoon? Is that something tasty?" Goku asked, his face lighting up.
Krillin sighed. "It's not food, Goku. Just spend time with Chi-Chi. No training for a month!"
"But… that'll slow down my progress," Goku said, looking conflicted.
Krillin placed a hand on his shoulder. "Goku, a woman's youth only lasts a few short years. You've got to cherish her. Your Saiyan lifespan is far longer than hers. Don't wait until it's too late…"
Though Goku looked confused, Krillin pressed on. "Just trust me."
"Alright…" Goku agreed hesitantly.
Krillin smiled wryly, hoping Goku would eventually understand.
After bidding farewell to Goku, Krillin set off. With nothing but a portable capsule case in hand, he grinned.
"An adventure with no strings attached—let's go!"
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