Krillin let out a burp and chuckled. "What? You want to, too?"
Yamcha rolled his eyes. "Duh! Isn't that obvious? Every martial artist in the world dreams of training under the Muten Roshi."
"But I don't really know…" Krillin scratched his head honestly. "I'm kinda confused myself. Why don't you go ask Master Taro yourself? He's over at Bulma's place right now…"
He turned his head and saw Bulma on the other side of the dinner table, grinning mischievously as she tricked Goku into drinking spiked juice. Goku grimaced and shouted that it tasted awful, while Bulma burst into uncontrollable laughter, holding her stomach.
Mistress Hathaway was holding a cocktail, chatting with Dr. Brief.
Sensing around, Krillin felt the vague, fog-like ki of their master somewhere in Bulma's vast backyard. After telling Yamcha, Yamcha nodded solemnly and walked off nervously into the dark of night. It was cloudy tonight, with no moonlight.
"Hey, Goku, let Kakarot out for a bit!" Bulma said with interest.
"Huh?" Goku took a few gulps of juice and stuffed his mouth with meat. The sting of the alcohol finally faded. Hearing Bulma's excited suggestion, he looked puzzled and glanced at the massive leg of beef in his hand with hesitation. "But I still wanna eat! I'm starving!"
"You dummy, even if Kakarot eats, it's still going into your stomach, isn't it?" Bulma tricked him easily, and sure enough, Goku bought it. He thought, Yeah, that makes sense, and closed his eyes to call Kakarot from within.
"Your turn. Don't forget to eat a lot, okay? I'm really hungry!"
"What the hell? You call me out so casually? What do you take me for?"
Kakarot grumbled his annoyance, but he was actually pleased to stretch his legs outside for a change. His pupils glowed red as he took over the body, relishing the moment—until a sudden thump of pain smacked his head. Enraged, he turned and saw Bulma blowing on her hand.
"You ugly woman, what was that for?!" Kakarot snapped, while shoving more food into his mouth.
Bulma was rubbing her finger. His head was like a rock—she hadn't hurt him at all, but her own finger was red and throbbing. Hearing Kakarot's words, Bulma instantly flew into a rage. With sharp eyes and tongue, she fired back: "Ugly?! Are you blind?! Me? Ugly? I, the forever-youthful, invincible, genius beauty—ugly?!"
"Tch. Isn't that what you are?" Kakarot mocked between mouthfuls, still shoving food in. Since he was in control, the hunger Goku felt was now his problem.
"Looks like we've got more to settle than just you nearly stomping me to death back then…" Bulma's eyes gleamed dangerously. She cracked her knuckles and lunged at Kakarot, yanking, pulling, pinching, and twisting his face with all her might. Kakarot growled in fury, but with his mouth stuffed, all he could do was mumble, "You… how dare you?! I…"
"What, you gonna hit me? Grandpa Taro's right here—you wouldn't dare lay a finger on me!" Bulma taunted, her smug grin radiating pure mischief. Kakarot was fuming with rage, but he really didn't dare to make a move. That only encouraged Bulma further, and she began treating him like a little lackey, bullying him at will.
Patting his head, she laughed, "Haha! Not bad. From now on, you're my little henchman, okay?"
"Buzz off…" Kakarot snarled as he continued eating in humiliation, his stomach churning with rage.
Krillin shrank his neck, silently reciting a few verses in sympathy for Kakarot. Pretending like nothing happened, he continued eating. After a bit, his stomach was empty again...
As he munched away, Yamcha returned from the shadows. Krillin asked between bites, "So? What did Master Taro say?"
Yamcha looked a bit deflated. His expression was bitter, and he sighed.
"What's wrong? Did he say yes?" Krillin pressed.
Yamcha smiled bitterly and said in a low voice, "He kinda did… and kinda didn't."
What did that mean? Krillin was puzzled. He looked past Yamcha to see Puar floating in the air, looking rather downcast. Scratching his head, the little pet said, "Uhh… the Muten Roshi told the young master…"
Time turned back to when Yamcha went to find Taro in the backyard.
"Is the Muten Roshi really out here…" Yamcha muttered as he walked through the garden. "Man, Bulma's place is huge. Is this really a garden? Feels more like a jungle. Rich people are weird…"
As he twisted and turned through the foliage, he suddenly spotted a hazy figure ahead.
Though it was just a faint silhouette in the dim night, Yamcha instantly recognized him—it was the Muten Roshi. And somehow, he had the feeling the master had been waiting for him. Makes sense; someone like him wouldn't be surprised by Yamcha sneaking around.
"Mas—" Yamcha's heart raced. He was about to step forward and explain his intention—to humbly request training under the Muten Roshi.
"I know why you're here,"
Taro's voice came calmly from the shadows. His figure remained blurry as he said, "If you want to train under me… it's not impossible."
Yamcha couldn't help but feel a surge of joy—but then he heard the master continue:
"…But you must first pass a test."
Yamcha's heart pounded with excitement. Who cared what the trial was? All that mattered was a chance to train under the legendary master! He eagerly asked, "What kind of test? Please tell me, Master!"
Taro glanced slightly back, his eyes peering through the darkness.
This was the same man who, in the original story, hooked up with Bulma and later went off chasing other women, relying on his martial prowess and physique—until Bulma finally broke up with him. The same man who, later on, would always say things like, "Forget it, I'm too far behind now," and gradually gave up martial arts altogether.
So, Taro's tone was mild and unbothered as he said, "Your test is to walk around the entire Earth on foot… climb mountains, cross rivers, swim through oceans, whatever it takes. You'll wear a tracking device made by Virtual Earth Network Corp—'Babata'—which will monitor you the whole way. No vehicles allowed. You must rely on your own two hands and feet. When you return here after completing the circuit, I'll teach you martial arts."
Worth noting: even at the end, Taro never said "I'll take you as my disciple." He only said, "I'll teach you martial arts."
Yamcha didn't catch the nuance. He was too stunned by what Taro had said—walk around the world? Did he hear that right?
Walk around the world on foot?
Was that even possible?