In the vast, boundless universe, at the edge of the Milky Way's Orion Arm, a sapphire-blue planet floated quietly among the stars like a forgotten pearl.
Earth—on the star charts of cosmic conquerors, it was labeled as a low-class, worthless planet. And it was precisely this lack of value that allowed it to remain peaceful in a corner amidst countless interstellar conflicts, rarely affected by the storms from the outside world, save for the occasional cosmic visitor who crash-landed by accident.
West City, Capsule Corporation Estate.
"Phew—! It's finally done!"
In a bright laboratory, a young girl with sea-blue short hair, Bulma, excitedly held up a strangely shaped device.
On the screen's grid map, seven flashing points of light were clearly visible.
This was the Dragon Ball Radar she had painstakingly created by referencing the electromagnetic wave-like signals emitted by a Dragon Ball itself!
Ever since discovering one of the seven legendary Dragon Balls—said to grant any wish—in her father Dr. Brief's warehouse, as recorded in ancient texts, Bulma's spirit of adventure had been thoroughly ignited.
She threw herself into the lab, analyzing the unique radio wave signals emitted by the Dragon Ball, and finally, today, she had turned the radar that could capture these signals into a reality!
"Dad! Mom! I finished my Dragon Ball Radar!"
Bulma rushed out of the lab, her face beaming with youthful radiance and eager excitement. "I'm going to use my summer vacation to find them all! And make my wish come true!"
With the support of her open-minded parents, Bulma's expedition plan was quickly approved.
She rapidly packed her bags, stuffing a whole case of DynoCaps filled with various supplies and daily necessities into her backpack, and picked out a high-performance car from her father's dazzling collection in the garage.
"First stop..." Bulma sat in the car and activated the Dragon Ball Radar.
On the screen in her hand, a point of light to the east was the closest to her, located in the vast wilderness east of a small town.
"The wilderness east of town... Let's go!"
With a roar of the engine, the young girl, filled with a desire to explore the legend and a longing for the unknown, drove her car away from the familiar city, heading off on an adventure steeped in legend.
Beep... beep... beep beep...
A faint electronic sound, almost scattered by the wind, echoed rhythmically in the depths of a mountain valley.
The vegetation here was dense, tangled with vines, and rarely visited by people.
In a hidden corner at the bottom of the valley, a silver-gray, streamlined spaceship lay dormant.
Its elegant design was out of place with the surrounding primitive jungle environment. The hull was covered with thick vines and moss, with only a few faint indicator lights still blinking stubbornly, proving that it was not completely dead.
Judging by the extent of natural erosion, it was clear that it had been silent here for quite a long time.
However, this silence was broken today by a young girl.
Vroom vroom vroom—!
The rough roar of an engine tore through the valley's tranquility, startling countless birds and small animals.
"Seriously! I was following the map, how did I get lost again?! Where the heck is this stupid place!"
Bulma rode her beloved off-road motorcycle, navigating with difficulty through the rugged, vine-covered valley.
The bike's body had already been scratched several times by sharp branches, which pained her greatly.
"I can't take it anymore! At this rate, my collectible motorcycle will be wrecked!"
Bulma huffed and stopped the bike, turning off the engine. She took out her DynoCap case, and with a soft "pop," the motorcycle was stored away.
Just as she was about to take out the capsule containing her aircraft, a sound that reached her ears made her pause.
"Huh? What's that sound?"
She tilted her head, listening to the wind, her sharp ears catching an extremely faint but unusually regular electronic tone mixed in with it.
"It sounds like... it's over there?"
Intense curiosity instantly overcame her frustration with being lost.
Bulma followed the sound, pushing aside layers of vines and cautiously exploring forward. When she struggled to push aside the last giant leaf blocking her view, the sight before her almost took her breath away!
A huge, sci-fi-esque, silver-gray spaceship lay quietly in the valley's embrace like a slumbering steel beast!
The marks of time had made it almost one with the forest, but its unique streamlined shape and the occasionally flashing signal lights indicated that it was not completely destroyed!
And that beeping sound was coming from inside it!
"Oh... my... god!" Bulma covered her mouth, her eyes wide. "Is... is this a spaceship? It must have been here for at least seven or eight years, right? The power isn't even depleted? This technology... it's incredible!"
She excitedly ran forward, ignoring the red marks being scraped on her hands by the rough vines, and vigorously cleared the vegetation near the ship's hatch.
Soon, a sealed hatch was revealed.
"This must be the entrance!"
Bulma's heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
Taking a deep breath, she pulled a small pistol from her backpack and, with her other hand, cautiously pressed a protrusion next to the hatch that looked like a switch.
Hiss—!
With the sound of compressed gas being released, the heavy hatch slowly slid to the side, revealing a deep, alien-tech-filled corridor inside.
"Whoa..."
After a gasp of amazement, Bulma gripped her pistol tighter. She warily peeked her head inside to check the situation.
The ship was filled with all sorts of instruments and conduits she had never seen before, flashing with a幽 blue or pale green light. The environment was eerily quiet.
After confirming there was no danger near the entrance, she took a few deep breaths and bravely walked in.
"This is... the cockpit!" Bulma soon found the core area.
To her delight, the main console still had power! She tentatively touched a few buttons, and the screen lit up!
"Autopilot mode... is still running? Remaining energy... medium. No problem maintaining basic systems!"
Bulma instantly forgot about any potential danger.
As a genius science girl, her thirst for knowledge burned brightly. She was quickly captivated by the complex interface and a program called the Universal Star Chart, completely forgetting her surroundings as she studied it voraciously, immersing herself in the ocean of alien technology.
After an unknown amount of time, Bulma, satisfied after recording a large amount of information, remembered to explore the other areas.
She followed a corridor to the living quarters in the rear of the ship. A heavy metal door caught her attention.
"Stasis Chamber?" Bulma looked at the sign on the door and carefully pressed the open button. The door slid open silently.
In the center of the room stood a cylindrical pod. Above the pod's transparent cover, an electronic timer's screen displayed [9 YEARS 11 MONTHS 29 DAYS], but the countdown seemed to have stopped; the numbers on the screen were not changing.
"A stasis pod... there wouldn't... still be an alien inside, would there?"
Bulma's heart was in her throat again, the palm holding the gun slightly sweaty. But intense curiosity and a strange premonition drove her on.
She walked a circle around the stasis pod, carefully observing the external interfaces and indicator lights.
"Power supply is normal... Life support system... is running?" She found a manual release valve and bit her lip. "Here goes nothing!"
Bulma mustered her courage and forcefully pulled the valve!
HSSSS—!!!
A large amount of cold, white gas instantly spewed from the seams of the pod, filling the entire room! Bulma was startled and backed away, her gun aimed nervously at the hatch!
The white gas gradually dissipated. The hatch slid silently to the side.
And inside... was it empty?
No! As the mist completely cleared, Bulma could see a person lying inside the pod!
A young man with an extremely handsome face, spiky black hair, and wearing a dark, tight-fitting battle suit!
He had his eyes closed, his chest rising and falling faintly, as if he had just fallen into a deep sleep.
"It's... it's a person?! And... he's so handsome!!!"
Bulma was instantly mesmerized, almost dropping her pistol. This completely subverted her imagination of aliens being bizarrely shaped!
Whitley felt as if he were floating in an endless darkness, his sense of time completely lost in a haze of consciousness.
Vaguely, it seemed like a voice was calling him. He frowned, trying to catch the faint sound, but it quickly disappeared, and his consciousness sank again.
Suddenly!
A slight jolt!
Accompanied by a clear and curious female voice: "Wake up! Hey, wake up! Are you still alive?"
The darkness was torn apart, and fragmented memories flooded his mind like a tide—Planet Sofu... departure... spaceship... hibernation... destination Earth... Earth?!
Alarm bells went off in Whitley's mind! He snapped his eyes open, and the weakness from long-term hibernation was instantly dispelled by the surging torrent of power within him! His muscles tensed instinctively, and his dormant aura erupted like an awakening dragon!
"Haaa—!!!"
An invisible, powerful shockwave of ki suddenly exploded outwards from Whitley!
The remaining nutrient fluid in the stasis pod was sent splashing, and the sturdy metal walls of the pod groaned! Bulma, who was closest, felt an irresistible force hit her. She cried out as she was violently thrown backward, slamming into the wall behind her with a "thud," seeing stars. Even the pistol in her hand flew from her grasp!
Like a cheetah, Whitley shot out of the pod, instantly assuming a combat stance. His sharp eyes scanned his surroundings like lightning!
Still inside the ship... safe. Source of danger... only the blue-haired girl in the corner, clutching her rear end and wincing in pain.
Earth? Did I make it to Earth?
Whitley's tense nerves relaxed slightly, and only then did he take a closer look at the girl he had accidentally injured. Blue hair... a young girl... that familiar appearance...
"Oww, that hurts... my butt..." Bulma rubbed the sore spot, tears welling up in her eyes.
When she saw Whitley's scrutinizing and slightly dazed gaze, her anger instantly overcame the pain and her awe of the handsome guy. She struggled to stand up, but after several tries, she failed. Finally, she could only point at Whitley and yell angrily:
"Hey! What's your problem?! Why are you so barbaric?! I kindly saved you, and you send me flying?! Do you have any idea that if I hadn't found this broken ship, you'd still be sleeping in there until the end of time! You ungrateful alien!"
Whitley watched the girl's explosive reaction, especially her iconic blue short hair and vibrant expression, and instantly confirmed her identity—Bulma!
The central character of the Dragon Ball world, an undisputed genius of technology!
But... the timeline seemed to be a bit off? She looked to be about eighteen... (Don't ask why eighteen.) Was this already the beginning of the story where she searches for the Dragon Balls?
"Sorry, sorry," Whitley showed a disarmingly gentle and apologetic smile, proactively walking over and extending a hand to Bulma, who was sitting on the floor. "I just woke up, still a bit of a stress reaction. I thought I ran into a bad guy. I'm very sorry for hurting you."
His smile and apology dispelled most of Bulma's anger, especially that outstretched, well-defined hand...
She hesitated for a moment, but still took it with a blush, and was easily pulled to her feet by Whitley.
"Hmph! At least you have some conscience!"
Bulma dusted herself off, her cheeks still puffed out, but her eyes couldn't help but dart back and forth to Whitley's criminally handsome face.
She suddenly noticed a furry tail behind Whitley, swaying gently and unconsciously!
He really is an alien! But... a handsome alien!
Whitley watched the change in Bulma's expression—from anger to curiosity to... a bit of infatuation—and smiled to himself. With a twinkle in his eye, he decided to take the initiative:
"Hello, my name is Whitley. Thank you so much for saving me. I don't know how I can ever repay this kindness..."
He paused deliberately, watching Bulma's curious, wide eyes, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "How about... I offer myself to you in return?"
"Okay!" Bulma blurted out almost without thinking! But she immediately realized what she had said, and her entire face turned beet red!
"You... you guy! Who... who wants you to offer yourself! Pervert! Jerk! Alien lech!"
She stomped her foot in embarrassment, pointing at Whitley incoherently.
But looking at his handsome face, which was smiling without any ill intent (at least on the surface), she couldn't stay angry. Instead, her heart beat even faster.
"Alright, alright, I was just kidding."
Whitley knew when to quit while he was ahead and became serious. "My name is Whitley. Thank you again for saving my life. Miss Bulma, may I ask what year it is on Earth?"
"How do you know my name?" Bulma was stunned, her attention diverted. She puffed out her chest proudly. "My name is Bulma, and I'm 18 years old! I'm enjoying my summer vacation right now! It's Age 749! But... speaking of repayment..."
Her eyes darted around, a cunning glint in them. "You did say you were going to repay me, right?"
Whitley nodded, understanding. Age 749 is exactly when Bulma first sets out to find the Dragon Balls and meets little Goku! It seems I slept for more than ten years (I left in Age 731)... this crappy ship's calculations were quite off.
"Perfect, then!"
Bulma clapped her hands excitedly. "I'm looking for the legendary seven Dragon Balls! They're magical orbs that can grant any wish! This journey might be dangerous, and since you want to repay me..."
She looked Whitley up and down, remembering the powerful force that had sent her flying. "Why don't you be my bodyguard! Protect me while I find the Dragon Balls, and we'll call it even! How about it?"
Whitley looked at the vibrant young girl before him, thought of her terrifying future achievements in technology, and nodded without hesitation. "Alright! It's a deal! Bodyguard Whitley, at your service, Miss Bulma."
He gave a slight bow, a gesture a Saiyan would absolutely never make.
Are you kidding me? This is my future long-term meal ticket and the strongest logistical support. Only a fool would refuse! Yamcha? Who's that idiot? I don't know him!
The two of them walked out of the spaceship. Whitley looked at the deep mountain valley, which was almost completely covered by primeval forest, and felt a wave of fear.
This landing spot was too remote! If he hadn't met Bulma, he really would have slept in that iron coffin until the end of time.
Bulma, on the other hand, took out a DynoCap and with a "pop," stored the massive spaceship inside it, making Whitley click his tongue in amazement. "DynoCaps... such convenient things."
"The road here is too difficult. Let's just take my aircraft and leave!" Bulma said, about to pull out the aircraft capsule.
"No need for that trouble."
Whitley smiled slightly, and to Bulma's surprise, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her small waist.
"Hey! Wait... what are you doing?!"
Bulma cried out as her body was suddenly lifted into the air!
"Haha, hold on tight! Can't blame me if you fall!"
Whitley laughed heartily, holding Bulma as he steadily levitated. He then turned into a streak of light, easily breaking through the dense canopy of trees and flying into the clear sky!
The strong wind blew through their hair and clothes.
"Whoaaa—! I'm... I'm flying!"
After the initial panic, Bulma felt an unprecedented sense of freedom and couldn't help but feel excited. "Amazing! Whitley! Can all you aliens fly?"
Whitley smiled but didn't answer the question. Instead, he said, "Lead the way, Bulma. Where do we go next to find a Dragon Ball? Also..."
Before he could finish, a thunderous "Grrrrrumble" came from his stomach, so loud that it couldn't be drowned out by the wind. "...I'm starving. Is there anywhere we can eat? Or should I go hunt something?"
Bulma was amused by the exaggerated stomach growl. "Haha! Don't worry, I brought lots of food! We just need to find a place to land. I guarantee you'll eat until you can't eat anymore!"
Soon, the two landed by a relatively flat riverbank.
Bulma confidently took out one DynoCap after another, producing an exquisite house, all kinds of beautifully packaged Earth food, drinks... piling them high on a table.
"Eat as much as you want! Don't be polite!" Bulma waved her hand generously.
Whitley's eyes lit up at the sight of the dazzling array of Earth's delicacies. This was Earth food! On Planet Vegeta, he had despised the food there.
And he hadn't eaten for over a decade!
He didn't hold back, starting to eat like a whirlwind! The speed and quantity of his eating gradually turned Bulma's initial pride into utter astonishment.
Hamburgers? Three in one bite! Sandwiches? Three in one bite! A whole roast chicken? Gone in one bite! Not even the bones were left! Piles of rice balls? Like pouring them into a bottomless pit! Juice and drinks? Chugged straight from the bottle, one bottle per gulp!
The food on the table disappeared at a visible, rapid pace...
Half an hour later.
Whitley patted his stomach contentedly, looking at the empty table and packaging, smacking his lips with a hint of wanting more.
"Mm... tastes good! Just a little small on the portions. I'm about... a third full. Bulma, is there any more food?"
Bulma's jaw nearly hit the ground. She mechanically pointed to several other large, equally empty refrigerators that had been full of food, her voice dry. "N-no... all... all gone... you ate it all... that was... enough for a normal person to eat for a month..."
She looked at Whitley's still-handsome face, which even looked more energetic after eating the good food, and thought of his terrifying strength that had sent her flying, his appetite, and that swaying tail...
A thought uncontrollably grew in her mind: "Oh my god... is... is this the husband heaven has sent me?! Although he can eat a bit... a normal family can't afford to feed him!! But... he's so handsome!!!"
Bulma clutched her burning cheeks, looking at Whitley who was picking his teeth, her heart filled with... a sweet? kind of trouble and a strange satisfaction from having fed him.
"Sigh..." But then she sighed helplessly. "Looks like the plan has to change. Whitley, tomorrow we have to go to the nearest town to restock supplies... Tonight, you'll... just have to bear with it!"
Whitley nodded in understanding. Since it had come to this, it was best to sleep first.
At the pinnacle of the Earth, past the unreachable Korin Tower, floated the mysterious and ancient Kami's Lookout, ten thousand meters in the sky.
On the wide, white plaza in front of the lookout, two figures, one tall and one short, stood quietly.
The Guardian of Earth, Kami, dressed in a long white robe with green skin, was currently gripping his staff tightly, his face as grave as the clouds before a storm.
His eyes, which could see through the mortal world, were piercing through layers of clouds, locked onto the two people who had just finished dinner in the distant wilderness below.
To be precise, he was locked onto the black-haired young man with a tail named Whitley.
Beside Kami, his servant Mr. Popo, who stood silently like a shadow, also wore a rare, serious expression.
After a long time, Kami slowly took a breath, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
He raised a slightly trembling hand and wiped the fine beads of cold sweat from his forehead with a towel.
"To think... such a terrifyingly powerful being could appear in this world..."
Kami's voice, carrying a barely perceptible dryness and shock, echoed across the silent plaza.
"That burst of aura... was so powerful! It's simply unimaginable!"
His gaze once again turned to the world below. Seeing Whitley talking with the blue-haired girl, Bulma, even helping to clean up the trash, a relaxed smile on his face, Kami's tense nerves relaxed a little.
"Fortunately... fortunately..."
Kami let out a long sigh of relief to Mr. Popo beside him, his voice filled with lingering fear.
"He doesn't seem to have any ill intentions, at least... for now. And his aura quickly retracted and stabilized after the outburst. When he's with that girl named Bulma, he seems peaceful... even somewhat... casual?"
Mr. Popo's dark, pool-like eyes were also watching below. He slowly nodded, his voice steady.
"Yes, Kami. Popo felt it too. Although that young man named Whitley's 'ki' is frighteningly powerful, at its core... it is not evil. There is no violence, no thirst for slaughter. Instead... there is a sense of calm that comes with time."
Kami leaned on his staff and looked at the rolling sea of clouds in the distance, his deep eyes filled with worry and helplessness.
"Let's hope so, Popo. Let's hope that this sudden variable... is a blessing and not a curse for Earth."
He recalled the torrent of power that had erupted from Whitley the moment he awoke. That power was so pure and immense, far beyond the limits of his understanding of life on Earth!
It was like a meteorite plunging into a calm lake, completely shattering the balance of the Earth's power structure.
Was this alien's arrival a coincidence? Or was it the gear of some unknown fate beginning to turn?
Kami sighed deeply again, the wrinkles on his old face seeming to deepen.
The future of the Earth, at this moment, seemed to be shrouded in a thick, impenetrable fog.
He could only hope that Popo's judgment was correct, that this powerful alien visitor named Whitley was truly as... harmless as he appeared on the surface.
The plaza of the lookout fell silent once again, with only Kami's sighs and the faint sound of the wind from below.