Chapter 20: Extinguishing the Flames with Kamehameha
Hearing Goku's criticism, Ox-King's face briefly showed a pained smile, though it vanished quickly.
"Hey, I was just saying that. If I don't act tough, outsiders might covet my family's treasures. Right, Chi-Chi?"
Chi-Chi nodded earnestly.
"Mm, Daddy is right. Daddy has changed for the better—he hasn't killed anyone in a long time. As far back as I can remember, I've never seen Daddy kill anyone."
Ox-King's expression turned serious as he continued speaking to Goku:
"Goku, what do you think of my proposal from earlier?"
"Though you're still a bit young, I'm completely serious about this. Chi-Chi would definitely be willing too—it all depends on you now."
After he finished speaking, Chi-Chi also looked at Goku with anticipation in her eyes.
Though Ox-King maintained a smiling face, there was a certain pressure for Goku to respond.
Goku actually didn't want to agree, but he was afraid of hurting young Chi-Chi's feelings, unsure of how to respond.
So he secretly tugged at Bulma's sleeve.
Understanding his signal immediately, Bulma responded: "Uncle Ox-King, as Chi-Chi's father, you can make decisions about her marriage, but not about Goku's."
"After all, he's still a minor and doesn't have full judgment capability yet. He can't make such decisions for himself. However, you and Gohan are martial arts brothers, and grandpa Gohan is Goku's grandfather, so I think the matter of Goku and Chi-Chi's future marriage should be discussed with grandpa Gohan."
Ox-King stroked his chin thoughtfully as he considered this.
Being an adult, he naturally recognized Goku's reluctance about marriage.
It couldn't be helped—boys usually mature later than girls, especially straightforward boys like Goku who are passionate about adventure and don't understand romance yet.
At the same time, he also noticed that Bulma, who clearly liked Goku, didn't want to share him with Chi-Chi.
Plus they had saved Chi-Chi, so forcing the issue would be inappropriate.
What to do?
Just as Ox-King was pondering, Chi-Chi tugged hard at his sleeve.
"Daddy, Daddy!"
Ox-King turned to look at Chi-Chi.
"What is it, Chi-Chi?"
Chi-Chi blushed and said: "After the fire at our home is put out, can you go talk to your grandpa Gohan about the marriage proposal?"
Looking at Chi-Chi's expression, Ox-King was speechless.
Good heavens, he hadn't expected his obedient daughter to be so deeply infatuated with Goku already, taking such initiative.
Just as Ox-King was about to advise her, Chi-Chi switched to her acting cute mode.
"Please, Daddy..."
"Will you do it~?"
Ox-King scratched his head awkwardly, then gave Chi-Chi an indulgent smile.
"Alright, alright, we're all family here. After we put out the fire at home, I'll go discuss the marriage proposal with my Gohan."
A blush spread across Chi-Chi's face: "Thank you, Daddy! You're the best..."
Because Chi-Chi was quite small and particularly cute, any form of acting spoiled or acting adorable never seemed out of place, instead making her even more endearing.
Watching Chi-Chi's performance, Bulma was momentarily speechless.
No wonder she had lost to Chi-Chi and failed to win Goku in her previous life.
It turned out that even though Chi-Chi was young and didn't understand many things yet, her competitive instinct regarding Goku was already this strong.
Bulma thought to herself, if she were to act cute like that and shamelessly pursue Goku, she simply couldn't do it.
Such behavior would be too embarrassing for a girl her age.
Finally having kicked the engagement issue with Chi-Chi over to Gohan, both Goku and Bulma breathed sighs of relief.
Soon, it was time for the Kamehameha fire-extinguishing scene.
Goku alone jumped onto the abandoned city wall, assumed a horse stance, formed his hands into a flower-bud shape with his palms positioned at his waist, and began gathering Turtle School Chi.
"Ka...me...hame..."
Goku's body began to ripple with energy, an invisible wave of power swirling around him.
A brilliant blue-white light ignited in his palms.
The spectators—Ox-King, Chi-Chi, and Bulma—all held their breath.
Ox-King exclaimed eagerly, "Ah, it really is the Kamehameha! Watch closely, the energy wave is about to be unleashed!"
"...ha!"
No sooner said than done.
The ball of light glowing between Goku's palms erupted in a flash.
With a forceful thrust of his hands, a blinding Energy Wave shot toward the raging flames.
"BOOM!"
As the energy struck Fire Mountain, it unleashed a colossal hurricane.
The intense gale forced everyone to shield their eyes and dig their feet firmly into the ground.
After the explosive roar, the sky itself seemed to change color.
The once crimson, fire-scorched horizon returned to a clear, azure blue.
A cool breeze swept through, instantly refreshing the air.
When they looked again at Fire Mountain, all that remained under the pristine sky was a stark, solitary castle.
Goku let out a sigh of relief, his muscles relaxing.
"Whew! We did it!"
Chi-Chi's face lit up with delight, her eyes shining brighter than ever as she gazed at Goku.
"Goku, you're really amazing!"
Ox-King also gave a thumbs-up.
"Goku is incredible! You must have trained very hard—your power is almost on par with your seniors now."
Bulma smiled contentedly at the sight of the nearly unscathed castle.
Since Goku was still young, his Energy Wave lacked the destructive force of Master Roshi's, yet it perfectly spared the castle.
This outcome couldn't have been better.
Not only would finding the Dragon Balls be easier now, but Ox-King's family wouldn't go bankrupt because of this.
Chi-Chi could enjoy a life of luxury for a long time to come.
Hopefully, she would grow up as a true little princess and not turn into the fierce woman she had been in her previous life.
As the intense heat dissipated, everyone gathered at Ox-King's castle.
His treasures were safe, and Bulma obtained the sixth Dragon Ball.
Ox-King sent his men to purchase ample ingredients and hosted a grand feast in the castle to honor Goku and Bulma.
For three days and nights, the castle remained brightly lit.
It wasn't until the dawn of the fourth day that Bulma and Goku finally departed.
On the Flying Nimbus...
"Goku!"
"Hmm?"
"Do you want to marry Chi-Chi when you grow up?"
"I haven't thought about it."
"Why not? She'd probably make a good wife."
"Chi-Chi is a nice girl, that's true. But I want to get stronger, I need to train—I might not have time to spend with her. So, I think marrying her would actually be doing her a disservice..."
Bulma stared at Goku in shock.
She never expected this young Goku to have such insight in this lifetime.
Goku turned to look at Bulma.
"What's wrong, Bulma?"
Bulma shook her head. "Nothing. I'm just surprised that someone as young as you can think so far ahead. But you're right—it's a responsible way to think about Chi-Chi's future."
"Bulma, can we go any faster...?"
"Sure..."
Unconsciously, a happy smile spread across Bulma's face.