Goku glanced at Master Roshi, and for once, the words true master felt like an understatement.
When he'd trained under him, he really had grown—far more than just strength.
Some lessons looked insignificant on the surface, yet they'd been pressed into his bones over time, subtle enough that you didn't even notice them… until you suddenly realized you'd changed.
So then—
When would be the right moment to properly repay him?
Goku pushed the thought aside and looked at everyone in the living room.
Master Roshi and the others were still arguing over who should use the Evil Containment Wave to "trade their life" for Demon King Piccolo—like they were lining up to martyr themselves.
It was completely unnecessary.
If someone weaker sealed someone stronger, then yes—Mafuba would chew through stamina and lifespan.
But if someone stronger sealed someone weaker?
Then it was just… tiring. Nothing more.
That was the terrifying elegance of the technique.
Goku cleared his throat twice, cutting through the heated discussion.
Everyone turned.
"What is it, Goku?" Krillin asked.
Goku scratched his shoulder casually. "I just wanna ask… do we have to die?"
They all blinked.
Krillin frowned. "What do you mean? Are you saying you'll beat Piccolo with pure strength?"
"I want to learn Mafuba too," Goku said. "But I want it as a trump card. I'd rather try winning with my own power first."
Truth was, Goku already had full confidence he could beat Demon King Piccolo.
But killing him outright?
That was a problem.
Piccolo wasn't just some enemy—he was tied to Kami's life. If Piccolo died, Kami would die too. And if Kami died, the Dragon Balls would lose their power.
That was a loss Goku couldn't accept.
Piccolo was the embodiment of evil; he wouldn't change, wouldn't surrender, and wouldn't "reform." Killing him would feel satisfying for about one second…
…and then the price would hit everyone forever.
So the safest path was simple:
Either force Piccolo to leave behind a successor so the Dragon Balls would remain…
Or seal him.
Which was exactly why Goku still wanted Mafuba.
Master Roshi's expression turned grave.
"Goku… you are strong. But the stronger you are, the less I want you risking yourself now. You're young—your future potential is frightening."
"Don't learn Mafuba," Roshi said firmly. "Keep training. If we fail, then in a few years, you'll definitely be able to defeat Piccolo."
Roshi wouldn't budge.
Goku stared at him for a second… then leaned closer.
Right up to his ear.
And in the quietest voice imaginable, he whispered:
"Master… if you teach me Mafuba… tonight, I'll treat you to some adult entertainment. My tab."
Master Roshi's entire body jolted like he'd been struck by lightning.
"…You're serious?" he whispered back, eyes shining.
Goku nodded with a perfectly innocent face. "Why would I lie to you?"
Roshi looked like he might cry.
"Goku… you've finally grown up. Your master is so moved…"
Goku's eyes sharpened. "So you'll teach me?"
Roshi hesitated, then said solemnly, "I can teach you… but only after we come back!"
Goku raised five fingers. "I'll put down enough for a VIP-level night. Teach me first. I'll practice on my own while you go enjoy yourself. Deal?"
Master Roshi nearly bled from his nose on the spot.
"Really?!"
Then he shook his head urgently.
"No… that won't work…"
Goku's chest tightened—so he really is putting duty above desire—
But Roshi continued, dead serious:
"Goku… I'm old. I can't handle that many in one night. Can we split it into two visits?"
Goku's soul left his body for a moment.
"…Fine," he said, forcing a smile. "I'll just give you the money. I'm not going with you."
"You know Bulma, Launch, and Violet would kill me if I went anywhere like that."
Roshi rubbed his hands together, grinning shamelessly. "Understood, understood! As long as the money's there!"
Then his eyes turned soft.
"Goku… you're the most filial student I've ever had!"
Not long after, everyone gathered outside Kame House.
Goku, Krillin, and even Tien all joined in to learn.
Mafuba wasn't complicated in principle—its true difficulty was aiming the target container.
It was like basketball.
Learning how to throw wasn't hard.
But sinking a clean three-pointer on the first try?
That was the difference between "knowing" and "mastering."
Miss the rice cooker, and all the stamina you spent was wasted. And if the target was someone like Piccolo, a weak user could lose their life on the spot.
So for practice, they used harmless targets—small animals, like a chicken or a turtle. Minimal cost, plenty of retries.
Training began.
Krillin learned frighteningly fast.
Tien's talent was just as sharp.
And Goku… was Goku.
In less than an hour, Master Roshi had guided them all through the basics.
By then, the sky had fully darkened.
And the moment Roshi confirmed they'd "learned enough," he took the thick stack of cash Goku gave him and practically skipped into the night.
Goku stayed behind, still practicing—trying to seal the big sea turtle into the rice cooker with perfect accuracy.
Then, suddenly—
A system notification flashed in his mind.
[Mission: Take Master Roshi to relax at a foot-massage spa — Completed.]
[Reward: +30 years lifespan. Immunity increased: No illness or poison for 30 years — Granted.]
In an instant, Goku felt it.
His body became lighter. Cleaner. Sharper.
Even his breathing felt smoother, like some invisible weight had been peeled off him.
A senzu bean could heal wounds… but it couldn't prevent sickness.
Yet now, the exhaustion from long nights, the subtle fatigue, the dull strain that built up from nonstop fighting—
All of it vanished.
Goku's eyes gleamed.
So it's real…
Late into the night, Bulma finally lifted her head from her workbench and stretched hard.
"Finally… the radar's done. I'm exhausted…"
At that moment, Goku walked in carrying a cup of milk tea.
"Bulma. Good work."
Bulma accepted it, smiling. "Thanks. You still awake?"
She took a sip.
Goku smiled too. "Yeah. I was waiting for you."
"Now… give me the radar."
Bulma froze.
Then she immediately hid the radar behind her back, eyes narrowing.
"What are you doing?"
"…You're not thinking of going after Piccolo right now, are you?!"
Goku spread his hands. "Bulma, you know my strength. Since the day I started fighting, I've never lost."
"Don't worry. Beating him won't be a problem."
Bulma shook her head fiercely.
"No. It's too dangerous to go charging off in the middle of the night. We wait until morning, discuss properly."
"And beating Demon King Piccolo isn't only your responsibility!"
"Krillin is strong too. If we plan and go together, he can help you!"
Goku's heart warmed.
Bulma was scared he'd sneak off alone—so she grabbed his hand tightly.
"Even if you're going to fight… you prepare properly."
"Tonight, you sleep. Tomorrow, you wake up naturally."
"Then everyone eats a huge meal."
"And then… we go."
Goku looked at her for a long moment.
Then he nodded. "Alright. I'll listen to you."
Bulma's expression finally eased… but only slightly.
"Good."
"And to make sure you don't run off behind my back…"
Bulma leaned in, still holding the radar behind her.
"…I'm sleeping in the same room as you tonight."
Goku caught the faint scent on her hair, and his eyes flickered.
"You sure?"
Bulma lifted her chin, smirking.
"What do you mean, 'sure'?"
"Don't forget—I'm your girlfriend, not your babysitter."
"You're old enough to date. Sleeping in the same bed is perfectly reasonable."
"And besides… you've been staying with Launch and Violet."
"So why can't I?"
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