"Shenron, transport me to—" Karnel began to state his wish, but suddenly halted mid-sentence as an image flashed through his mind:Bulma, with her bright eyes and enthusiastic smile.
'What was I thinking? Karnel mentally chastised himself. I promised to return to her after collecting the Dragon Balls. I nearly forgot my pledge.'
He glanced awkwardly at the enormous serpentine dragon hovering impatiently in the dark sky. The situation was rather embarrassing, summoning Shenron only to stand there in silent contemplation.
After an uncomfortable pause, the dragon spoke again, its voice resonating across the island. "SPEAK YOUR WISH, MORTAL. STATE WHAT YOU DESIRE."
"Shenron," Karnel asked cautiously, "if I make a wish, can its fulfillment be delayed?"
The massive dragon's eyes narrowed slightly. "...THAT IS WITHIN MY POWER," it responded after a moment's consideration.
'Perfect!' Karnel smiled to himself, having found the solution to his dilemma. "Eternal Dragon, in exactly two hours from now, please transport me to Planet Namek."
The dragon's eyes glowed crimson. "YOUR WISH IS SIMPLE TO GRANT. IN TWO HOURS, YOU SHALL BE TRANSPORTED TO PLANET NAMEK. FAREWELL, SAIYAN!"
'Brilliant, Karnel thought with satisfaction. I've managed to secure my passage to Namek while still keeping my promise to Bulma.'
With a tremendous roar, the Eternal Dragon's body began to emit a blinding golden light. The massive form dissolved into energy that coalesced back into the seven Dragon Balls. Instead of remaining in their usual orange, star-marked state, however, the balls turned to gray stone, the inevitable result of a granted wish, and scattered in different directions across the sky.
With his enhanced speed, Karnel managed to intercept the four-star ball and one additional stone before they soared out of reach. He let the other five continue on their paths across the world, knowing they would be found again when needed.
Examining the stone spheres in his hands, Karnel nodded with satisfaction. "The four-star ball will go back to Son Gohan, and I'll give this two-star one to Bulma as a gift." The stones would remain inert for a full year before transforming back into usable Dragon Balls.
With only two hours before his transportation to Namek, Karnel knew he had to move quickly. First, he needed to return the four-star ball to Son Gohan, ensuring the timeline wouldn't be disturbed too drastically.
In a burst of energy, Karnel took flight toward Mount Paozu.
"Master Gohan," Karnel announced, touching down outside the small house where the elderly martial artist stood watching young Goku play, "I've brought back the sphere you lent me. It's changed appearance, as you can see."
He handed over the stone ball, which no longer displayed its characteristic orange glow or the four stars within. "This artifact is called a Dragon Ball. There are seven in total throughout the world, and when gathered together, they can summon a magical dragon capable of granting wishes. I've used them to fulfill a necessary purpose, which is why they've turned to stone. They'll return to their original form in about a year."
Karnel smiled inwardly at his tactical approach, explaining the Dragon Balls' nature only after using them, rather than before borrowing them.
"So this is a Dragon Ball?" Son Gohan examined the stone sphere with newfound interest. "And it can grant wishes... remarkable." Despite the revelation of the ball's power, Gohan showed no signs of greed or ambition. His martial spirit remained focused on higher ideals than material wishes.
"I must leave now," Karnel said, preparing to depart. "Farewell!" He hesitated, wondering if he would ever see the old master again. Though he had warned Gohan about Goku's tail, he couldn't be certain the elderly martial artist would escape his fate from the original timeline. Some things, perhaps, were meant to be.
With time running short, Karnel needed to make his final visit. It was almost time to say goodbye to little Bulma, not knowing when, or if, they would meet again. Clutching the stone two-star Dragon Ball, he sighed before launching himself into the air once more.
The sonic boom of his departure echoed across the mountain, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake.
Minutes later, Karnel arrived at the sprawling compound of Capsule Corp, the most luxurious mansion on Earth, home to the world's wealthiest family. No matter how many times he visited, the extravagant dwelling never failed to impress him.
He approached the main entrance and knocked politely.
"Well, well!" Mrs. Brief opened the door with her characteristic cheerful smile. "Our handsome young man returns after just one day! Could it be you're already missing our little Bulma?"
"You're absolutely right, ma'am," Karnel replied respectfully. "I've come to say goodbye to Bulma."
"Bulma, dear! That handsome Karnel is here to see you!" Mrs. Brief called out as she ushered Karnel into the house.
"Big brother Karnel! You came back!" Bulma's excited voice rang out as she looked up from her workbench, waving enthusiastically. "Come in, come in!"
Under Mrs. Brief's knowing smile, Karnel walked somewhat awkwardly into Bulma's room.
Despite being called her "room," Bulma's space was actually quite expansive. A small bed occupied one corner, while a large bookcase filled with advanced scientific texts lined the right wall. The central area functioned as Bulma's research space, with various high-end experimental instruments covering nearly half the room, impressive evidence of her prodigious intellect even at such a young age.
"Karnel, did you collect all seven Dragon Balls already? Let me see them!" Bulma tossed aside the book she'd been reading, her face alight with curiosity.
"They're called Dragon Balls, Bulma," Karnel explained, unable to resist gently patting her head. "I did collect all seven, and I've already made my wish. I'll be leaving Earth very soon."
"What? You're leaving?" Crystalline tears immediately formed in the corners of Bulma's eyes as she grabbed Karnel's arm with both hands. "Won't you come back?"
"Of course I'll come back," Karnel assured her, "when you've grown up a bit more. Look, this Dragon Ball is for you." He handed her the stone sphere. "I've used it to make my wish, so it won't return to its original form for another year. But when it does, it will be shiny and bright again. When you're older, you can collect all seven Dragon Balls and make a wish. If you wish for it, I'll appear before you again. How does that sound?"
He lifted the small girl up and gently wiped away her tears.
"So if I find the Dragon Balls in a year and make a wish, you'll come back right away?" Bulma sniffled, looking up at him with wide, hopeful eyes.
Karnel's expression changed as he realized the impracticality, and danger, of his suggestion. "No, no, you're still too young to be searching for Dragon Balls on your own. It's too dangerous. The wish will only work when you're grown up."
"So when I'm grown up and find all seven Dragon Balls and make a wish, you'll definitely appear?" Bulma pouted, twisting in Karnel's arms with clear disappointment.
"Absolutely!" Karnel assured her. "I promise. When you find all seven Dragon Balls and make your wish, I'll return just as I said."
The two spent the next hour chatting about various topics, with Bulma eagerly sharing her latest scientific discoveries and Karnel listening attentively to her precocious insights.
Eventually, Karnel sensed the time approaching. He stood and took a few steps before turning back to face Bulma.
"Bulma, I must go now."
Bulma stared at him with reddened eyes, speechless with emotion.
A few minutes later, Karnel's body began to emit a soft glow that gradually intensified, surrounding him in brilliant light. The radiance expanded outward, and in an instant, Karnel vanished from Earth.
"Big bro Karnel!" Bulma finally found her voice, tears streaming down her face as she clutched the stone Dragon Ball tightly to her chest. "I'll grow up quickly and find all the Dragon Balls, and then I'll bring you back. I promise!"