Chapter 19: Peaceful Days and New Adventures
The sun rose over a peaceful Earth. The 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai had ended, and Aera, now the champion, was back to doing what she loved best—training, exploring, and, of course, eating.
After the tournament, Master Roshi had returned to his island, while Goku went off once again in search of his four-star Dragon Ball. Aera, ever curious and excited, had decided to tag along with him, much to Goku's delight.
The two Saiyans traveled across the countryside, leaping from mountain to mountain, crossing rivers and forests, meeting new people, and helping with small adventures along the way. Aera's innocent charm won hearts wherever they went. Even the grumpiest travelers found themselves smiling when she giggled or offered to help them carry lumber with one hand.
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A Quiet Forest Clearing
"Let's race to the top of that cliff!" Aera pointed excitedly.
Goku grinned. "You're on!"
They took off like rockets, bounding up trees and leaping over boulders. Birds scattered as they sprinted skyward. Goku reached the summit first—barely.
"Ha! I win!" he cheered.
Aera landed beside him seconds later. "Yay! That was fun! What do I win?"
Goku scratched his head. "Uhh… a roasted fish?"
Her eyes sparkled. "Yum!"
They caught and roasted their meal by a river. Aera, cheeks puffed out with fish, smiled brightly. "Do you think there's someone even stronger than us out there?"
Goku nodded without hesitation. "There's always someone stronger. That's why we keep training!"
She beamed. "I wanna punch the strongest person in the universe someday!"
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Meanwhile… Elsewhere on Earth
Yamcha, Krillin, Tien, and Chiaotzu each went their separate ways after the tournament. Tien had started his own training in the mountains, focused on reaching greater heights.
Krillin returned to Master Roshi's island. Even though Aera had overwhelmed him, he was more determined than ever. "I'm gonna get stronger. I'll surprise everyone at the next tournament."
Yamcha, now more confident than before, trained hard in the desert alongside Puar.
"I can't let them leave me behind," he said, sweating and bruised. "I have to catch up… to Goku… and Aera."
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A New Friend?
One day, during a visit to a quiet village, Aera and Goku stumbled upon a girl being harassed by a group of men demanding money.
"Hey!" Aera shouted, hopping down from a rooftop. "You're being mean!"
The thugs laughed. "What's a little girl like you gonna do about it?"
Goku scratched his head. "Uh-oh. You guys shouldn't have said that."
Before they could blink, Aera dashed forward, lightly tapping the men with open palms. Each one went flying backward into carts, haystacks, or water barrels.
The villagers cheered.
"Thank you so much!" the girl cried.
Aera tilted her head. "You're welcome! What's your name?"
"Akari," the girl replied. "I run the flower shop here."
Akari quickly became fond of Aera, offering her bundles of flowers wherever she went. She even gave her a flower crown, which Aera proudly wore during sparring matches.
"She's so pretty," Akari whispered to Goku one night. "And strong, too. It's kind of… enchanting."
Goku blinked. "Yeah, she's amazing!"
He didn't quite understand romantic affection—but Akari clearly did. She watched Aera like a starstruck artist, inspired and helplessly smitten.
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Training Days
Weeks passed, and the two Saiyans kept training. Goku refined his techniques. Aera learned new moves just by watching animals or copying things from dreams.
She discovered a technique she called "Bouncy Palm," where she redirected an opponent's energy back at them with a rubbery aura.
"Where'd you learn that?" Goku asked after getting launched into a tree.
"I dunno. I was watching a squirrel bounce on a branch!"
Her techniques were bizarre, unpredictable—but highly effective.
They started sparring daily, and both grew stronger at a pace that stunned anyone who saw them fight. They moved in ways that defied gravity, endurance, and logic.
One afternoon, as they trained in a canyon, Goku stopped.
"I think we're getting close to the Dragon Ball," he said, pointing at the radar.
Aera leaned over, eyes wide. "Is it shiny?!"
"Let's go see!"
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A New Challenge
The Dragon Radar led them to a volcano.
Inside, a powerful creature guarded the next Dragon Ball—a massive fire lizard with molten skin and smoke for breath.
Goku cracked his knuckles. "Looks strong."
Aera nodded. "Let's fight it!"
The battle was intense. Flames exploded, the ground trembled, and smoke filled the skies. Aera dodged gracefully, her movements like dancing through fire. Goku struck from above, redirecting blasts with his Power Pole.
Eventually, the lizard fell, and they retrieved the ball.
"That's five!" Goku beamed.
Aera hugged it. "They're so pretty. I wanna collect all the shiny things!"
Goku looked at her. "You're really something, Aera."
She blinked. "Huh?"
He smiled. "I'm glad we met."
She smiled back. "Me too."
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Far Away…
A familiar figure meditated on a cold, empty plateau. Tien's third eye opened, and he whispered, "The next tournament… we'll all be even stronger."
And in a dark cave, a shadowed figure stirred. Evil laughter echoed through the darkness.
But for now…
Peace reigned.
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End of Chapter 19