In the boundless, adventurous world of Dragon Ball, the warm sun beamed down like a golden curtain, gently draping over the lush greenery of Mount Paozu. Each leaf shimmered with light, their emerald hues kissed by sunlight. A light breeze passed through the forest, brushing against Son Goku's cheeks, bringing with it the cool scent of nature and movement.
Goku, still a child at this time, leapt nimbly from boulder to tree branch, his agile form darting between shadow and sunlight like a mischievous monkey. His tail swayed with each leap, adding a wild grace to his movements—he was a creature of the mountains, brimming with vitality and raw strength.
Suddenly, the serene forest was broken by the roar of an engine—a mechanical growl that echoed through the trees. A bright-colored Capsule Corp hovercar sped along a narrow dirt path, kicking up a trail of dust. Inside it sat a teenage girl, full of energy and determination—Bulma, the brilliant young genius from West City. She was on a personal mission to collect the mystical Dragon Balls, said to grant any wish once all seven were gathered.
As Bulma maneuvered the vehicle through the forested trail, her keen eyes spotted a strange sight—a boy with wild, spiky black hair and a monkey-like tail hopping through the trees with ease. She slowed the car to get a better look, puzzled by the child's primitive clothing and curious expression. His garments were patched and simple, but his black eyes gleamed with an innocent clarity, like mountain spring water untouched by the world.
Curious, Bulma parked and stepped out. With a friendly smile, she waved and called, "Hey there, little guy! What are you doing all alone out here?"
Goku paused mid-jump, blinked, and dropped to the ground. His tail curled reflexively behind him as he looked at the strange girl with wide eyes. Scratching the back of his head, he answered honestly, "I'm training, sis!" His tone was cheerful and filled with the kind of simple honesty only a boy raised in the mountains could have.
Bulma chuckled softly. "Training, huh? That's cute," she said, assuming it was just a child's playful imagination. "Have you ever heard of the Dragon Balls?"
Goku tilted his head, pretending to be clueless. "Dragon Balls? What are those? Are they food?" His eyes blinked innocently, but inside, his instincts—sharpened by Saiyan blood and raw curiosity—were already locked on Bulma's energy and gadgets.
Seeing his genuine confusion, Bulma sighed but didn't give up. With sparkling enthusiasm, she began to explain the legend—seven magical orbs scattered around the world, each with a specific number of stars. When brought together, they summon Shenron, a dragon who grants a single wish. Her voice was energetic and bright, rising and falling with passion as she described her journey so far.
Goku listened attentively, nodding here and there, his tail twitching behind him as he filed every detail away. Though he acted naive, he was already intrigued. Something inside him stirred—a feeling that this journey was the beginning of something much greater.
When Bulma finished, she leaned forward and asked, "So, what do you say? Wanna help me find them?"
Goku scratched his chin, squinting thoughtfully. "Hmm… I dunno if I can help much, but sure, I'll come with you!" he grinned. "You seem nice, and I've never left the mountains before."
Bulma beamed. "Awesome! It'll be fun. Just stick with me, and we'll find all seven in no time!"
And so, the unlikely pair set out together, the first steps on a path that would shape the fate of the universe.
The scenery on their journey was breathtaking—rolling green hills, glistening rivers, and the boundless blue sky above. But nature held dangers, too. As they trekked through a dense valley, a sudden rustling in the bushes made Bulma freeze. Three monstrous beasts emerged, with snarling fangs and claws like knives, eyes glowing with primal rage.
Bulma shrieked and jumped behind Goku. "W-what the hell are those things?!"
Goku trembled and whimpered, "I'm scared, sis!" He hugged her arm tightly, looking like he was ready to bolt. His tail puffed up in fear, and he muttered nervously, "They're huge!"
Shaking, Bulma reached into her capsule bag and pulled out a blaster, hands trembling. She tried to keep it steady, but fear was written across her face.
Then, "Oops!" Goku tripped and rolled forward, landing directly in front of the largest beast.
Bulma gasped in horror. "GOKU, NO!"
The beasts roared and charged, jaws wide. But then—it happened.
Goku's eyes flashed. The fear vanished, replaced by raw Saiyan instinct. His body tensed, and a flicker of energy surged around him. He clenched his fists, muscles tightening, and in a blur, he threw a single punch.
WHAM!
The lead beast was launched through the air like a ragdoll, crashing into a tree with a sickening thud. Dust flew. The forest went silent.
Bulma's jaw dropped. "W-What was that?! You… you just…!"
Goku scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "Hehe… maybe I got lucky?"
Bulma stared, eyes wide, heart racing. "That wasn't luck… that was insane. What are you, some kind of monster?"
He just shrugged, tail swaying. "I've always been strong, I guess."
As they resumed their journey, Bulma glanced at the boy beside her with renewed interest. Behind that innocent smile was a power unlike anything she'd ever seen. She didn't know it yet, but she had just met the boy who would one day become the strongest warrior in the universe.
And Goku? He was just getting started.
Unbeknownst to either of them, this encounter had set the wheels of destiny in motion. The search for the Dragon Balls would lead them into a world of danger, friendship, enemies, and battles that would shake the heavens.