After that, the story began to unfold much like the original timeline: Son Goku and Bulma set off on a journey to collect the seven Dragon Balls.
However, unlike the original, things were already changing—because of Lynx's influence, this version of Bulma was no longer a helpless girl with no combat skills. Instead, she was a martial artist stronger than Goku himself.
Not long after leaving Mount Paozu, they were attacked by a pterodactyl.
The beast attempted to snatch Bulma as prey, but she easily grabbed it mid-air and took it down with a single blow.
Instead of praise, Goku got scolded.
"Goku! What kind of bodyguard are you? You let that thing get the drop on me!"
"Bulma… you're scarier than the pterodactyl… and you still want me to protect you?"
"What are you talking about? I'm just a delicate girl!"
Goku could only shrug.
Later on, they encountered some bandits and robbers. This time, Goku finally got a chance to shine—he took care of the troublemakers and defended Bulma.
As they continued their journey, their relationship grew closer. Bulma even discovered something surprising—Goku's battle power was starting to increase after just a few fights.
"Huh? Goku, your power level just went up! It's at 11 now."
"Power level? What's that?"
That night, on their way to the Eastern Sea, the two stopped to rest inside a capsule house. After taking a shower, Bulma got bored and used her scouter to check Goku's strength—and was surprised to see it had changed.
"Power level measures how strong someone is. The higher the number, the stronger they are."
"So, what's your power level, Bulma?"
"Hmph! I'm at 20. Among regular humans, I don't have any real opponents anymore!"
"Wow! That's amazing!" Goku said, full of admiration. "How did you get so strong?"
"Ugh…" Bulma sighed. "Don't even ask. I had to train for years under a dirty old man to get this strong."
"A dirty old man?" Goku tilted his head.
"Forget it," Bulma waved her hand. "Anyway, you're the real deal. Just a few days and your power's already gone up. No doubt about it—you're a Saiyan. Keep fighting, and you'll probably surpass me in no time."
"Saiyan? You keep calling me that… what exactly is a Saiyan?"
"Saiyans are a race from outer space," Bulma explained. "They look like humans, but they all have tails—just like you."
"Whoa… so I'm not a human?" Goku scratched his head. "That makes sense. Grandpa always said I fell from the sky."
Bulma chuckled at his simple honesty.
"You really don't act like a Saiyan. Most of them are serious and kind of cool… but whatever. Saiyans are powerful warriors from space. You may be weak now, but one day, you'll be strong."
Then she clapped her hands.
"Right! Once we collect all the Dragon Balls, how about coming to my place? Some Saiyans drop by every month—you can ask them about your background!"
"Really? Sure!" Goku nodded enthusiastically.
The next day, just like in the original story, they met a lost sea turtle in the forest.
But this time, Bulma immediately recognized him.
"You dumb turtle! Master Roshi thought you were dead!"
"I didn't mean to! I got lost in the forest…" the turtle replied sheepishly, surprised to meet someone familiar.
"Well, I guess I can't leave you behind since I know you."
So, despite their better judgment, they gave the turtle a ride.
After fending off a tiger bandit, they eventually reached the sea.
"Wait here," the turtle said, "I'll go fetch something as thanks!"
"Bulma, what's it doing?"
"How should I know? Probably going to get that dirty old man."
"Dirty old man?"
Sure enough, just as Bulma predicted, the turtle soon returned—carrying Master Roshi on its back.
"Hey there! So you're the ones who saved my turtle?"
But when he saw Bulma, Master Roshi froze.
"Bulma?! What are you doing here?"
"What? Not happy to see me?" she replied coldly.
"N-No! Of course I am!" Roshi laughed nervously, wiping cold sweat from his brow.
Back when Lynx asked Roshi to train Bulma and her sister, Roshi often considered it the worst mistake of his life.
Two beautiful girls living under his roof, and he didn't even have the courage to sneak a glance—because their background was terrifying.
Even worse, Bulma constantly monitored him and wouldn't even let him watch yoga videos. When they finally left, Roshi had felt relieved… and now here she was again.
"Bulma, since we know each other, how about we skip the gift part, hmm?"
"Sure. You don't really have anything worth giving anyway—huh?"
Bulma suddenly noticed something around his neck.
"Master Roshi! Is that a Dragon Ball?!"
"Oh, this? Yeah." Roshi took off the necklace. "I thought I'd lost it years ago, but during spring cleaning, it turned up in the Turtle House."
"Perfect! Give me that as a thank-you gift!"
Just like in the original story, Roshi had wanted to offer it under a condition. But after a moment of thought, he handed it over without argument.
No way was he going to offend Tights' little sister—especially since her boyfriend was a Super Saiyan-level monster.
"Master Roshi, this kid helped save me too," the turtle reminded him.
Roshi adjusted his sunglasses, left Bulma behind, and turned to Goku.
"So you're the one who helped my turtle? I'll give you a gift in return!"
And just like in the original, Roshi gave Goku the Flying Nimbus.
As Goku soared through the sky, gleefully riding the golden cloud, Roshi suddenly squinted.
"Huh? Bulma, why does that kid have a tail?"
"Of course he does. He's a Saiyan."
"What?! You mean Lynx and Tights had a kid?!"
"No! I met him in the mountains! His grandfather's name is Son Gohan!"
"Huh?"
Roshi called Goku down and confirmed the details himself—this boy was the adopted grandson of his former student, Son Gohan.
"Unbelievable… so Gohan's adopted grandson is actually a Saiyan..."