Chapter 9: Can Bulma Ride the Flying Nimbus?
Bulma said, "Goku, how about when we grow up, I buy an island and build a seaside resort on it? What do you think?"
Hearing Bulma's suggestion, Goku's eyes lit up. He recalled the delightful scenes from Dragon Ball Super: Whis, Beerus, and many good friends, along with the children. Throwing parties and gatherings, everyone enjoying delicious food together.
The island had many chefs offering various cuisines and world-famous delicacies.
In the original story, he and Vegeta would engage in exhilarating battles and sparring sessions over the ocean.
When they grew tired from fighting, they could return to enjoy all kinds of delicious food.
Imagining such a life—simple yet extraordinary—felt utterly wonderful.
Goku immediately declared, "The island should have lots of chefs with all kinds of delicious food from around the world!"
Bulma smiled sweetly. "Alright, it's settled then! I'll make sure you get to eat delicious food every day."
"Mm, it's settled!" Goku nodded eagerly.
Just then, a voice cut through the sound of the waves.
"Hey!"
They turned to see a dubious figure emerging from the sea. A bald man wearing sunglasses, a floral shirt, and shorts was slowly riding toward them on a giant turtle.
Who else could it be but Master Roshi?
Meeting Bulma and Goku's gazes, Master Roshi flashed a peace sign.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Master Roshi and Turtle came ashore.
He glanced at the short Goku, then approached Bulma.
"Hello, beautiful lady. Did you rescue Turtle?"
Bulma nodded, then glanced at Goku. "We both saved Turtle."
Master Roshi laughed. "Turtle has been missing for a year. Thank you so much for bringing him back. As a token of my gratitude, I'll give each of you a wonderful gift."
With that, Master Roshi attempted to summon the phoenix. Of course, the phoenix had died from food poisoning.
After some commotion, Master Roshi summoned the Flying Nimbus instead.
He turned to Bulma. "This is called the Flying Nimbus. It's a treasure that can carry you through the sky. To thank you for saving Turtle, I'm giving this cloud to you!"
Bulma stared blankly at the Flying Nimbus.
She remembered that in her previous life, she couldn't ride the Flying Nimbus. This cloud was only suitable for pure-hearted people like Goku. Even Chi-Chi and Gohan—his entire family—could ride it.
Bulma turned to look at Goku. "Goku, you should be the one to ride the Flying Nimbus!"
"Alright!" Goku nodded and immediately stepped forward.
Unexpectedly, Master Roshi interrupted him, blocking his path. "Wait! This cloud is for you, beautiful lady. I'll have something else for him later."
Bulma was taken aback again. "Specifically for me?"
Master Roshi nodded. "Yes, why don't you give it a try?"
Bulma hesitated but reached out to touch the Flying Nimbus. The tangible texture surprised her. Unlike in her previous life, her hand didn't pass through empty air but instead felt the cloud's substance—soft, like cotton or a mattress.
Her pupils dilated in shock. She couldn't understand why.
"Can't you get on? Let me give you a hand!"
Just as Bulma was marveling, Master Roshi moved to "help" from behind—clearly intending to push her bottom.
Slightly annoyed, Bulma ignored him and swiftly leaped onto the cloud. To her astonishment, she sat steadily on the Flying Nimbus.
Seeing Bulma seated on the cloud, Goku was also stunned. But the next moment, his eyes lit up.
He never expected that the Bulma he encountered wasn't as boy-crazy as in the series and could even ride the Flying Nimbus—proof of her pure heart.
That's really great.
As for Goku himself not getting the Flying Nimbus, he actually didn't feel like he suffered much of a loss.
Because once he learned Flight later on, it would become much faster than the Flying Nimbus anyway.
Now Bulma could ride the cloud, which was much better than him possessing the Flying Nimbus.
After all, Bulma wasn't very strong physically, and without transportation, travel would be much slower.
He was different—even if he couldn't ride the Flying Nimbus.
He could run; he had plenty of stamina and could train along the way.
He imagined a scene: Bulma flying through the sky on the Flying Nimbus while he jogged along on the ground, chasing after her.
Training while traveling—it was a win-win situation.
Finding the Dragon Balls would be so much more convenient from now on.
At last, he didn't have to worry about transportation issues.
Goku immediately praised, "That's amazing, Bulma! Hurry up and try flying on it."
Bulma knelt on the cloud, gripping the two protrusions on the Flying Nimbus, and nodded at Goku.
The next moment, the Flying Nimbus took off with Bulma.
After all, she was a woman and not as bold as Goku.
Unlike an airplane, the Flying Nimbus didn't even have glass, so she was naturally afraid of falling.
During the flight, the Flying Nimbus sensed her fear.
So, it slowed down, flying not very fast but steadily.
Master Roshi also looked up at Bulma in the sky.
She was wearing a skirt; if she had been standing on the cloud, the view would have been limitless.
But because she was timid, she knelt on the Flying Nimbus, wrapped in the golden cloud, with no risk of exposure.
What a pity.
Master Roshi couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.
After a few circles, the Flying Nimbus brought Bulma down steadily.
Turtle lifted its head and looked at Master Roshi.
"That child carried me back. You still need to give him a thank-you gift."
Master Roshi scratched his head.
"I'm thinking about it!"
"The phoenix is gone, and I don't have a second cloud."
"Let me think about what to give him..."
Just then, Bulma made a suggestion.
"Grandpa Roshi, could you give us the bead on your chest?"