As the deadline drew near, Chi-Chi visited with Gohan in tow. At first she just watched, arms crossed, but after a week her curiosity gave way. She joined our training, leaving Gohan with my mother.
That was when I knew — the path had already diverged.
Chi-Chi adjusted quickly, her body stronger than I expected. She kept pace with me at ten times gravity, though Goku and Krillin were already pushing twenty.
One afternoon, while Goku sparred with Krillin, Chi-Chi and I faced each other. She smiled as our fists clashed.
"You've gotten strong, Bulma. I never thought I'd see you in a place like this."
"Guess I surprised even myself," I said, panting. She was smoother, more graceful. I had the strength, but no polish. Sparring with Goku or Krillin didn't help much — they had to hold back. But with Chi-Chi, I could go all out.
Between strikes, I spoke.
"Being a scholar and a fighter don't have to be opposites. Gohan can be both."
Chi-Chi froze for a second, eyes narrowing.
"What are you trying to say?"
I held her gaze.
"He doesn't have to be as strong as Goku. But he should know how to defend himself. You won't always be there."
Her guard wavered. She looked down, voice softer.
"I know… but I can't stand the thought of him getting hurt. I want him safe. Always."
"In a perfect world, maybe," I said. "But we don't live in one. And you're afraid he'll turn out like Goku. Aren't you?"
She let out a small laugh despite herself.
"Maybe. I don't want him obsessed with fighting."
"Then he won't be," I said firmly. "Gohan isn't his father. He's your son. You can give him balance. Not just books. Not just fists. Both."
She hesitated, then nodded.
"All right. I'll train him… but gently. Nothing like what Goku went through."
"That's enough," I said, smiling. "Baby steps. Look at me — it took nearly two years to reach this point."
She exhaled, finally lowering her stance. We both collapsed to the floor, sweaty and sore. Across the room, Krillin was sprawled on his back while Goku did push-ups like the gravity was nothing at all.