Aside from his dedication to training, there was one other thing Goku took just as seriously—eating.
It wasn't even about greed; it was pure instinct. His appetite was simply enormous.
Having lived on Mount Paozu his whole life, his meals were limited—grilled meat, boiled meat, and the same few cheap seasonings every day: peppercorns, cumin, chili powder. No "advanced culinary techniques," no variety.
The same food, the same flavors—he'd long since grown tired of it.
Grandpa Gohan had occasionally taken him to the city to eat, but anyone who knew Saiyans knew their appetite was inhuman.
A normal person's portion could barely fill the gaps in his teeth, let alone satisfy his hunger.
And though he tried not to complain, deep down he craved those city dishes—so many kinds, so flavorful.
If only he could eat as much as he wanted and be full, life would be perfect.
So when Bulma had mentioned visiting the night market, his tired, droopy-eyed face suddenly lit up like a child's.
He even smiled sweetly at her, trying to flatter her a little—something that made Bulma laugh out loud.
No matter how mature he'd become in this life, he was still that same Goku.
She remembered how, during the World Martial Arts Tournament, he'd been hypnotized mid-match.
And it was her yelling "Dinner's ready!" that had snapped him out of it.
Moments later, the two descended from the clouds and landed in front of a hotel in East City.
Walking side by side, they entered together.
"Hello, I'd like a room," Bulma said.
The receptionist smiled and handed her two key cards.
"Of course. May I see both of your IDs, please?"
Bulma casually handed over hers.
"One room is enough. No need for two."
She swiped her card, paid, and led Goku toward the elevator without hesitation.
The receptionist stared after them—the fashionable young woman and the small boy with a furry tail swaying behind him.
She murmured under her breath, "What a strange pair… Sister complex? Or… ah, roleplay? That tail looks way too realistic, though. Maybe it's an accessory? Kids these days are wild…"
In their room, Bulma went straight to the bathroom, took a long shower, discreetly washed her underwear, and hung it up to dry.
Then, pretending nothing had happened, she took Goku out again—straight to the food street.
The night market was bustling. Though the stalls were simple and the hygiene… questionable, the food was cheap and delicious. The longer the line, the tastier the food.
Bulma scanned the rows of stalls. "So, Goku, what do you want to eat first?"
But Goku was already gone—he'd darted straight toward a jianbing cart.
It was the only stall without a line.
Bulma sighed.
'I tell him to celebrate and eat whatever he wants, and he picks pancakes? Does he think I'm broke?'
Then she caught herself. Maybe this was just how Gohan had raised him—thrifty and unspoiled.
So instead of commenting, she smiled and paid the vendor.
From then on, Goku went on an unstoppable eating spree.
Stinky tofu, meat buns, roasted chicken, grilled squid, fried noodles, skewers, spicy hot pot, cold noodles—everything he could get his hands on.
He wasn't picky. He just loved to eat.
Bulma, meanwhile, used the chance to stock up. She bought several ready-to-eat meals and preserved foods, neatly packed into storage Capsules—enough to last several days of travel.
She even picked out a few sets of proper clothes for Goku—light, sporty outfits for a boy his age, all trendy enough to make him look lively and cool.
The next morning, they were on the move again.
Since Goku liked to train as they traveled, Bulma didn't rush. Riding the Flying Nimbus, she matched his jogging pace below.
Three days later, near noon, they arrived at a quiet village—the site of the fifth Dragon Ball.
Dozens of houses stood scattered around, but not a single villager was in sight.
Bulma immediately recognized it.
'So this is Gao Village,' she thought.
In her memory, this was where Oolong had tricked the villagers.
But that wasn't the important part.
The important part was that someone might be waiting to ambush them.
She remembered the scene—someone was supposed to jump out and try to split Goku's head open with an axe.
Her stomach tightened. If that axe landed on her, she'd be in real trouble.
She stepped closer to Goku and whispered, "I'll knock. You stay alert—if anyone attacks, block it right away."
"Got it," Goku said, nodding confidently.
Bulma rapped on the nearest door.
"Hello? Is anyone there?"
Her clear, feminine voice echoed softly down the silent street.
After a moment, the door creaked open a crack, revealing a pair of frightened eyes.
When the person inside saw her, their expression relaxed slightly.
"Oh… it's just a girl. Not Oolong. You're not from this village, are you?"
Bulma smiled politely. "No, just passing through."
The villager's eyes widened. "Then you'd better leave quickly! There's a monster near here—it kidnaps pretty girls to take them as brides! Several of our women have already been taken!"
Bulma chuckled.
"Is that all? It's just looking for brides, not eating people. What's so scary about that?"
The moment those words left her mouth, the surrounding doors opened one by one.
Soon, a small crowd gathered around her and Goku.
"Young lady… are you serious?"