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At this moment, Broly was flying toward West City with Launch in his arms. By the time they were halfway there, she had finally calmed down.
The blue-haired Launch suddenly realized the handsome guy who'd just saved her was holding her in a pretty embarrassing way. She blushed and whispered, "Thank you for helping me... I honestly don't even know how to repay you."
"No need for thanks," Broly replied. "But I am curious—why were the police trying to arrest you?" He already knew the answer; he was just fishing for conversation, looking for some excuse to keep the girl around.
...
Once they reached Bulma's house, Broly finally pieced it together: both of Launch's personalities knew she had split personalities, but whichever personality was currently active had no idea what the other had done before.
So when Broly learned she currently had nowhere to stay, he immediately invited her to live at Bulma's place and help take care of her.
As for Goku and Krillin's formal apprenticeship with Master Roshi… that wasn't Broly's problem. Broly understood that old geezer well—if Roshi really wanted to take disciples, he wouldn't seriously make things difficult for the two even if they failed the "tasks."
Back in West City, Broly met Bulma and her parents. Dr. and Mrs. Brief had a great first impression of him. And when Broly explained Launch's situation and her split personalities, Bulma and her parents were instantly full of sympathy. Seeing blue-haired Launch looking so gentle, kind, and pitiful, Bulma's heart softened immediately. Without hesitation, she insisted on becoming sworn sisters with Launch and decided Launch would stay and look after the Brief family from then on.
Broly was stunned. He hadn't even started talking and everything had gone perfectly.Then Bulma suddenly turned her head and shot him a murderous glare. Broly shivered. No way… is she really that sharp? Did she already figure out my intentions? But I didn't slip up… is she bluffing?
Thinking that, Broly kept a straight face and looked right back at her, calm as ever. His open, innocent expression made Bulma start to feel guilty for doubting him. She scolded herself for being paranoid and misunderstanding him completely.
Meanwhile Broly, in his heart, gave himself a silent round of applause. Man, my acting skills are god-tier. Nothing but clouds ahead.
He did feel a little guilty lying to Bulma. He knew he wouldn't be able to hide it forever.
But winning Launch over was going to take time, and during that time Bulma and Launch would naturally grow closer. When everything was settled and he finally told Bulma the truth, the blow wouldn't be as harsh; she'd be much more likely to accept Launch. Way better than telling her right now—who knows how she'd react?Looks like changing Bulma's attitude and getting her to accept a harem is going to be a long-term project…
...
Just like that, Broly spent two peaceful, happy months with Bulma and Launch.
During those two months, he even exchanged for a small fruit from the Tree of Might, split it in half, and gave it to Bulma and Launch. To prevent any accidents, he had Erha seal the fruit's power so they could absorb the energy slowly. That way they'd at least have some means of self-defense while he was away.
After two months, Broly said goodbye to Bulma, Launch, and the Brief couple, preparing to head out and train. With Instant Transmission, he could return whenever he wanted, so neither Bulma nor Launch felt too reluctant.
He planned to visit Fortuneteller Baba first. According to Erha, there was going to be an event there that might be a disaster for others but would be a perfect opportunity for Broly to get stronger.
Leaving West City, Broly flew toward the desert where Baba lived. He couldn't use Instant Transmission since he'd never sensed Baba's energy—or the energy of her five underlings—so flying was his only option.
After a long search, he finally spotted a small, crystal-clear lake, its water gleaming in the sunlight.
Beside the lake stood a palace, and a line of people were waiting outside. A tiny floating ghost, who was busy managing the challengers, drifted toward Broly.
Before it could speak, Broly cut in, "Go tell Baba her little brother's disciple wants to meet her. I brought one billion zeni as a consulting fee and need her help with something." He casually slipped the ghost a small tip.
"Respected and exceedingly generous sir, please wait right here! I will notify Lady Baba immediately!" the ghost said, zipping away toward the castle.
Money really was amazing—it even worked on things that weren't quite human or ghost. Broly sighed in appreciation.As for where he got all that money? Easy: the Brief family lacked everything except funds.
A moment later, the ghost returned and respectfully guided Broly toward the palace. When Broly got his first look at Fortuneteller Baba, the corner of his mouth twitched.
She really was Master Roshi's sister—their fashion sense was… perfectly identical.
One greedy, one perverted.Truly a matching pair.
Baba sat on her crystal ball in a full witch outfit—well, she was a witch. Her tiny body was hunched over, and the wrinkles on her face looked sharp enough to pinch a fly to death.
"So you're the new disciple of that shameless little brother of mine?" she croaked. Her voice was so jarring that Broly felt goosebumps crawl down his arms.
"Y-Yes. I actually came to ask for your help. This one billion zeni is for you, and the rest… let's say it pays off some of Master Roshi's debts." Broly forced himself to smile as he placed the heavy money bag before her.
"Ohohoho! You're quite sensible, kid. Tell me, what do you want this old lady to divine for you?" Baba asked, her eyes narrowing in delight at the bulging bag of cash.
"I want to challenge your five… warriors." Broly almost slipped and said "extras."
"Oh? You paid all this just for that? I don't even need to divine anything. You could've just challenged them directly and saved a fortune. Why come to me?"
"Because too many people want your services. And I've got money to burn. I don't want to wait in line. Let's start—I'm honestly excited." According to Erha, the opportunity he needed was hidden among those five "extras."
"Fine, fine. As you wish. Follow me."
Baba led him through a long corridor. At the end was another lake, and in its center stood a ring-like platform. There was nothing around it—one wrong move and you'd fall straight into the water.
"Kid, the rules are simple. Once the match starts, whoever surrenders or falls into the water loses. How does that sound?"
"No problem. Let's get started." Broly wasn't interested in waiting. The sooner he finished this, the sooner he could climb Korin Tower, squeeze some goodies out of that old cat, and resume training—he needed to awaken his Legendary Super Saiyan bloodline as soon as possible.
"....."