Chapter 61: Return to Blue Star
The enraged Saiyan Great Ape charged at everyone with a ferocious expression. Taking a deep breath, Franklin's gaze turned razor-sharp. The Guardian Sword appeared in his hand, and in a flash, he sped toward the massive ape.
Having a high power level didn't mean everything—if anything, the Great Ape's enormous body only slowed its movements. Its defense had indeed grown stronger, but Franklin could tell that even Master Roshi could subdue it here.
Easily dodging the ape's attacks, Franklin casually swung his sword. A crescent-shaped sword energy flashed, and with a single strike, the massive tail fell to the ground. In an instant, the Great Ape began shrinking at a speed visible to the naked eye.
"It's over. All of it's over."
The Guardian Sword returned to his energy sea, and Franklin exhaled deeply. Looking at Bulma and the others, still frozen in shock, he clapped his hands helplessly.
"Don't just stand there. Didn't you strip that little yellow dog's clothes earlier? Where are they now? Hurry and put them on Goku."
Only after hearing Franklin's voice did Bulma, Oolong, and Puar snap out of their daze. Seeing their monster-like stares, Franklin could only smile wryly.
"We've been traveling together this whole time—why are you still so shocked? Things like this are nothing for me; I just have to move my hands."
Oolong and Puar didn't respond and instead rushed toward the jet plane to look for the clothes.
Bulma, still in disbelief, squeezed Franklin's arm, feeling the normal human softness of his skin. Her eyes widened in astonishment.
"Just how strong are you? How many things can you even do? Goku's power is already terrifying, but you handled him like he was just a kid."
Franklin spread his hands helplessly. "Not really. If he still had his senses, I'd have had a hard time. But since he turned into a mindless giant ape, as long as you handle it right, even Puar and Oolong could deal with him."
Recalling the way Goku had raged uncontrollably just moments ago, Bulma finally nodded in understanding.
"When you put it that way, it does make sense. Then who's stronger—you or Master Roshi?"
"Of course Master Roshi. He's lived for so many years; his martial arts must have reached their peak. I just happen to be stronger physically, that's all."
"Really?"
Franklin smiled. "What would I lie about that for? Of course it's true."
As Oolong and Puar helped dress the unconscious Goku, Bulma tugged Franklin aside and walked some distance away.
"Now that this journey's over, where will you go next? Will you come back to West City with me? Or is there something unfinished you need to do? What about Goku, Puar, and Oolong—what will you do with them?"
Franklin had been thinking about these questions for days. They had just confirmed their relationship as a couple, yet now they were about to part ways completely. His reluctance was one thing—but what weighed more on him was how unfair this was to Bulma.
Most importantly, he had no idea how long it would be before he could return. The timing of his missions wasn't under his control.
Seeing the hesitation on Franklin's face, Bulma already guessed the truth. Before he could reply, she asked again softly,
"When will you return to the future? You said before that you'd tell me something after I made my wish… Was it because once I made the wish, you'd have to leave?"
Looking into her sad eyes, Franklin could only nod lightly.
"Yes… I do have to leave. But I've thought about it—I should be back before too long. I don't know exactly how long, but it shouldn't be too long."
Hearing his confirmation, Bulma suddenly threw herself into his arms. Feeling her warmth and softness, Franklin gently patted her back in comfort.
"I'll wait for you. What's nine years, anyway? I can wait. I've already waited six years before this. In these nine years, I'll work even harder—I'll invent black technologies that will amaze you. I'll make sure you'll never be able to live without me."
Her heartfelt words filled Franklin with warmth. Feeling Bulma's trembling body, he held her tightly.
"I won't make any empty promises, Bulma. I swear, no matter what happens in the future, I'll always love you the way I do now."
"Don't say that," Bulma interrupted softly. "I've read plenty of cultivation novels when I was bored. Seeing how you never sleep and always train… you must be cultivating, right? Don't make grand promises—you might get possessed by some inner demon for breaking them."
Franklin hadn't expected Bulma to be interested in such things, or to even notice that much. But he trusted his own character—he would never do something like that.
"I can guarantee it. No matter what happens, I'll always love you just like now. And if one day I really break my word and get possessed… so be it. Living after that would just be a waste of air—"
Before he could finish, Bulma pressed a finger to his lips.
"Don't say it. I believe you. When are you leaving?"
The words had been spoken, the emotions laid bare. Franklin knew that if he stayed a few more days, his state of mind might be shaken.
Seeing the reluctance in her eyes, Franklin pulled her behind a withered tree and kissed her deeply.
When the glowing particles of light completely faded away, Bulma stood motionless, staring blankly at the empty desert. Her heart could not calm down for a long time.
When Franklin opened his eyes again, he found himself back in the familiar yet slightly strange surroundings of his school infirmary. His emotions were still in turmoil.
Sensing someone watching him, he looked up to see Ryōko Mikado and Haruna Sairenji gazing at him in confusion.
"Didn't you just leave? Why are you back so soon? How long were you gone this time? You look like an old man who just saw his life flash before his eyes."
Hearing Ryōko's teasing, Franklin lay back on the spare bed, exhausted.
"Don't talk to me yet. Let me sort things out."
Lines of text flashed before his eyes, and he gradually sank into them.
[Talent Awakened successfully returned to the main timeline of the Treeborn universe. Commencing mission reward settlement.]
Mission World: Dragon Ball World
Mission Difficulty: SS+
Mission Objective: Ensure the Dragon Ball main storyline proceeds smoothly; assist Goku and Bulma in collecting the seven Dragon Balls and making a wish.
Worldline Integration: 30%
Mission Completion: S
Mission Reward: 100 Supreme Spirit Stones
[Mission reward has been stored in the Dimensional Heavenly Tome's Spirit Stone page. The Talent Awakened may check it at any time.]
[Supreme Spirit Stones: 756]
After checking his total number of spirit stones, Franklin let out a long breath.
When he opened his eyes again, Ryōko still looked calm, but Haruna Sairenji was staring at him with wide-eyed curiosity and amazement. Feeling somewhat embarrassed under her gaze, Franklin sat up.
"Stop staring already. What's there to see? Haruna, how are your injuries? No lasting effects, right?"
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