As the Son family piles into their car, Goku takes the driver's seat, much to everyone's visible unease.
Goku: Alright, Mount Paozu, here we come! *Goku grins, revving the engine with unnecessary enthusiasm.*
Chichi: Goku, dear, maybe I should drive instead? *She clutches her seat nervously.*
Goku: Aw... come on Chichi! I've been practicing. *He puts the car in gear, jerking it forward.*
As they cruise along, narrowly avoiding several trees, Goku decides to broach the tournament topic again.
Goku: So Goten, about the tournament... *He glances at his son through the rearview mirror.*
Goten: Dad, I already told you, I have plans with Valese. *He sighs, slouching in his seat.*
Gohan: It's okay, Goten. You should do what you feel is right for you. *He gave his brother's shoulder a pat.*
Pan: Yeah, Uncle G! No pressure! *She grins, giving him a thumbs up.*
Chichi: Hmph! That Valese girl... always seems to get in the way of family traditions. *She crossed her arms, scowling.*
Goten: Mom, come on! That's not fair... *He looks at his mother, shocked.*
Videl: I hate to say it, Goten, but I agree with Chichi. *She turns to face him, her expression serious.*
Goten: What? Videl, not you too! *His tail twitches agitatedly.*
The tension in the car is palpable as they finally arrive at Mount Paozu, Goku managed to park without causing an incident.
Goten: I... I need some space. *He bolts from the car, rushing into the house.*
Goku: Goten, wait! *He reached out, but Goten is already long gone.*
Inside, Goten takes a quick shower, trying to wash away the stress of the day. He try to wash the conversation away that's still clinging to his skin.
Goten: Maybe Valese would understand... *He wonders to himself as he picked up his phone , dialing her number.*
Valese: Goten. I was just thinking about you. *Her cheerful voice comes through the speaker.*
Goten: Hey, Valese. Listen, so about our date... *He takes a deep breath, preparing to explain the situation.*