Kame Island appeared on the horizon, as peaceful and tranquil as ever. From the distance, Karnel could make out two figures in orange gi practicing on the beach, their movements creating small clouds of sand with each technique.
The hover car touched down smoothly on the sandy shore. As they stepped out, Karnel took a deep breath of the familiar sea air.
"Kame Island," he murmured, gazing at the small tropical paradise. "I spent some time here as a kid, learning the basics of martial arts from Master Roshi. It feels like a lifetime ago."
"Come on!" Bulma said excitedly, tugging on his sleeve. "Those two training over there are Yamcha and Krillin. I can't wait for you to meet them properly!"
The bald monk and the scarred warrior, both wearing heavy turtle shells on their backs, paused their training as they noticed the visitors approaching.
"Hey, Bulma!" Krillin called out, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Who's your friend?"
Bulma practically bounced with excitement. "Krillin, Yamcha, this is Karnel, the person I've been telling you about for years! He's finally back!"
Karnel stepped forward with a warm smile. "Nice to meet you both. I'm Karnel. Bulma's told me so much about her friends, I feel like I know you already."
Yamcha grinned and extended his hand. "Yamcha. And trust me, Bulma never stops talking about her 'big brother Karnel.' We were starting to think you were imaginary!"
"Very real, I assure you," Karnel chuckled, shaking both their hands. "I can see you've been training hard. Preparing for the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament?"
"Absolutely!" Krillin's eyes lit up with determination. "Goku went off to train some new technique on his own, but we don't want to fall too far behind. The competition's going to be fierce this time."
As they walked toward the Kame House, chatting easily, Karnel felt a sense of nostalgia wash over him. These were good people, exactly the kind of friends Bulma deserved.
They found Master Roshi in his usual spot, lounging in a beach chair wearing his signature Hawaiian shirt. The old turtle hermit was hunched over something, occasionally making what could only be described as perverted chuckling sounds.
Karnel quietly approached and glanced over the old master's shoulder. As expected, there was an adult magazine featuring scantily clad women, with a few drops of blood staining the pages, evidence of Roshi's notorious nosebleeds.
"Well, well, Master Roshi," Karnel said in an amused tone. "I see your hobbies haven't changed much."
The unexpected voice startled Roshi so badly that he tumbled backward off his chair, frantically trying to hide the magazine under his shell.
"Who? Wait..." Roshi squinted at Karnel, recognition slowly dawning in his eyes. "You look familiar. Have we met before?"
Karnel's smile turned slightly mischievous. "Don't tell me you've forgotten already, old man. It hasn't been that long since I was here last, though I suppose I was quite a bit shorter then."
"Shorter... oh!" Roshi's eyes widened. "You're that kid who showed up here years ago! The one with the incredible power level! Look at you now, all grown up and handsome." The last part was said with obvious envy.
"You perverted old turtle!" Bulma marched over, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Don't you dare corrupt my big brother with your disgusting habits!"
She raised her foot to stomp on Roshi's leg, but then seemed to remember Karnel was watching. She quickly composed herself, smoothing down her clothes and trying to look ladylike.
'Oh no, she thought anxiously, now Karnel's seen my violent side. What if he thinks I'm unladylike?'
Karnel noticed her sudden change in demeanor and couldn't help but laugh. He reached over and ruffled her hair affectionately. "Relax, little sis. I've seen you throw bigger tantrums than that. You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not around me."
Master Roshi, meanwhile, was looking around in confusion. "Why is it suddenly so cold?" he muttered, shivering as an inexplicable chill ran down his spine.
Karnel's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the old master. "By the way, Roshi," he said, his voice carrying a subtle edge, "you haven't been... inappropriate... with Bulma during any of her visits here, have you?"
"KARNEL!" Bulma's face turned bright red. "What kind of question is that?! Of course not! I'm not that kind of person!"
Then, in a voice so quiet only Karnel's enhanced hearing could pick it up, she mumbled, "Besides... only my future husband would ever... you know..."
Karnel felt a wave of relief wash over him. His protective instincts when it came to Bulma were stronger than ever, and the thought of the perverted old turtle master making any inappropriate advances made his blood boil.
"Good," he said simply, the dangerous glint in his eyes fading.
Master Roshi, completely oblivious to how close he'd come to a very unpleasant fate, cleared his throat and tried to change the subject. "So, Karnel, the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament is starting in a few days. Are you planning to participate? I have to say, I can barely sense any energy from you at all, your control must be extraordinary."
Indeed, Karnel's mastery over his Ki was so complete that he appeared to have a power level of barely 1 to any scanning device. His energy was perfectly contained, like a still lake that hid unfathomable depths.
"I'm considering it," Karnel replied diplomatically.
Krillin jogged in place excitedly. "Oh man, you should definitely enter! There are going to be some incredible fighters this time, Goku, Tien Shinhan who won the last two tournaments, and who knows who else! I can't wait to show everyone how much stronger I've gotten!"
"Speaking of Goku," Karnel said thoughtfully, "I met him when he was very young. How is his grandfather, Son Gohan? Is the old man still doing well?"
Krillin's expression grew somber. "Grandpa Gohan? He passed away from illness about two years ago. Goku took it pretty hard."
Karnel felt a pang of sadness. In his original timeline, Gohan had died when Goku transformed into a Great Ape. His intervention had prevented that tragedy, but death had found the old man anyway through natural causes. Some things, it seemed, were simply meant to be.
"I'm sorry to hear that," he said quietly. "He was a good man."
"Hey, Karnel!" Yamcha called out suddenly, his competitive spirit getting the better of him. "Want to have a quick sparring match? I'd love to see what you can do!"
Karnel looked at the enthusiastic warrior and couldn't help but smile. Yamcha's power level, while impressive by Earth standards, was like comparing a candle to the sun when measured against his own abilities. Still, there was something endearing about the man's eagerness.
"Maybe later," Karnel said diplomatically. "Right now, I'm just enjoying catching up with everyone. It's been a long time since I've had the chance to relax with friends."
Bulma beamed at his response, proud of how easily her brother was fitting in with her circle of friends. This was exactly how she'd imagined their reunion would go, surrounded by the people she cared about most, with Karnel finally getting to see the life she'd built while waiting for his return.
For the first time in years, everything felt exactly as it should be.