Chapter 41: Happy Birthday (2)
"Dear! Your daughter has just arrived!" Panchy called out, knocking on the door.
Seconds later, the door creaked open, revealing Dr. Briefs. A thin layer of smoke covered his face, his glasses were fogged up, and his white coat was stained with soot.
Bulma raised an eyebrow. "Dad, what are you working on now?" she asked, pulling out a tissue to wipe his face and glasses.
"Some training equipment for Goku," he answered with a satisfied smile. "I suggested a few days ago that I could help him, and he accepted without hesitation."
Bulma blinked. "Oh… Goku didn't mention that part." She turned to him, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "What exactly is it?"
"They're small, extremely resistant combat robots," Dr. Briefs explained. "So durable, in fact, that they could withstand six grenades without being destroyed."
Bulma nodded, intrigued. "So… basically, they're designed to improve Goku's endurance?"
"Exactly," her father confirmed. "But that's not all. I've also equipped them with high-energy beam emitters and motion sensors, allowing them to move autonomously."
Bulma's mind raced with possibilities. Not only would these robots help increase Goku's resistance, but they would also sharpen his reflexes, reaction speed, and combat awareness. It was the perfect way to push his limits even further.
Despite nearly surpassing her father in scientific achievements, she still admired him greatly.
"Goku's going to love this," Bulma said with a knowing smile. She understood better than anyone how much her boyfriend loved a challenge and strived to become stronger every day.
Her thoughts drifted to a hilarious memory from a few months ago, when she had played a harmless prank on Goku while they were sleeping…
Flashback
"Goku… Goku…" Bulma shook his arm gently, but he didn't stir.
She sighed. If she wanted to wake him up, she needed stronger tactics.
Bra was sound asleep in her crib, but Bulma was always the one getting up at night—changing diapers, singing lullabies, and feeding her while Goku remained blissfully unconscious, snoring behind his ridiculous bat-shaped sleep mask.
"You leave me no choice…" she muttered, smirking mischievously as she activated one of her signature wake-up tactics—
"Goku! There's a really strong guy here who wants to fight you! And he says he won't wait any longer!"
WHOOSH!
Before she even finished her sentence, Goku leapt to his feet at lightning speed, still wearing his sleep mask.
Unfortunately, his foot landed on Bra's discarded diaper, sending him slipping across the floor. He crashed straight into the wall and slumped to the ground completely unconscious.
"F-Fight… strong guy…" Goku mumbled in his daze, a cartoonish swirl spinning above his head.
Bulma burst into laughter, clutching her sides as she fell off the bed.
She had no idea how the diaper ended up on the floor, but she was too busy laughing to care.
Meanwhile, Bra smirked in her sleep—kicking off that annoying diaper had been the best decision ever.
Too bad Goku didn't see it coming.
End of Flashback
"Hahahaha!"
Bulma couldn't help but laugh out loud, lost in the memory.
Dr. Briefs raised an eyebrow while Panchy chuckled, even though she had no idea why.
Bulma wiped away a tear from laughing before her father's serious tone caught her attention.
"Bulma… I know this might not be the best time, but have you thought about going back to university?"
Bulma paused, her expression softening. "I have… I was waiting for the right moment, but I think I'm ready to go back."
Dr. Briefs smiled with pride. He couldn't be prouder of his daughters.
"Well, we have a party to prepare, right?" Bulma said, shifting the mood with a grin. "Let's get to work!"
Panchy nodded excitedly, already brimming with ideas.
----
Later That Night
The party was in full swing inside Capsule Corporation. Everyone had arrived, filling the space with laughter, music, and the warmth of friendship.
Goku, however, wasn't thrilled.
Dressed in a white button-down shirt, black dress pants, and matching shoes, he shifted uncomfortably and frowned. "I don't like this suit at all… and I'm the only one dressed like this!" he complained, pouting like a child.
His friends burst into laughter.
"That's because you're special, love," Bulma teased, kissing him softly on the lips.
"I didn't know you worked in an office, Goku!" Yamcha mocked with a grin. "Executive by day, warrior by night—nice career change!"
Krillin joined in with a smirk. "How much do you bet Goku already has his own office?"
Oolong, never missing an opportunity, added dramatically, "Sure! And his business partners are Lawyer Sausage and Director Fried Chicken. What a powerful team!"
"Hahahaha!"
The room erupted with laughter, even Master Roshi couldn't hold back his chuckles.
Chi-Chi, however, crossed her arms disapprovingly. "You guys should be ashamed! Goku looks great!"
"Thanks, Chi-Chi," Bulma sighed in relief. At least someone was on their side.
Chi-Chi smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.
Fusui, on the other hand, wasn't amused. She shook her head in disappointment. "I expected this from Yamcha, but you too, Krillin?"
Krillin immediately panicked. "I-I was just joking, Fusui!" he stammered, waving his hands nervously.
Everyone laughed again at his cartoonishly desperate apology.
Bulma felt a vibration in her pocket. She pulled out her phone and saw a message from her mother, who had arrived hours later than expected.
Mom: Sorry for the delay, sweetheart. Your sister and I were eating cakes at a nearby bakery, but we're home now.
Bulma's eyes widened.
"IT'S TIME! Turn off the lights and hide!" she shouted.
Everyone scrambled into position. In the chaos, Goku attempted to slide under the table—only to smack his forehead against its edge.
"Why is it always me?" he groaned, rubbing the sore spot. This kind of thing always happened to him at the worst moments.
Bulma, trying not to laugh, grabbed Tights' birthday cake and lit the candles. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as she stepped toward the door.
A few seconds later, the door swung open.
Panchy entered first, smiling as usual. And behind her stood Tights.
"SURPRISE!"
The entire room erupted in cheers as everyone jumped out of their hiding spots.
Tights froze in place, her eyes widening in shock. She glanced around at the smiling faces, the decorations, and the birthday cake in Bulma's hands.
"Guys… I…" Tights stammered, completely speechless. Never in her life had she been thrown a surprise party.
And then the singing began.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…"
Some sang beautifully, others were completely out of tune—including Goku and Krillin, who somehow managed to be the loudest.
Tears welled up in Tights' eyes. She tried to hold them back, but it was useless.
"We wish you all… happy birthday!"
As they finished the song, confetti and balloons burst into the air, raining down in a colorful celebration.
Bulma stepped closer, her voice soft but full of warmth.
"Blow out the candles and make a wish, sister."
Tights nodded, her tears spilling over.
'Today is your day, sister. Enjoy it,' Bulma thought, smiling at her.
'I love you, Bulma,' Tights thought back, closing her eyes as she made her wish.
She took a deep breath and blew out the candles.
"Happy Birthday, Tights!"
At that moment, a large banner unfurled from the ceiling, displaying Tights' name along with a collage of treasured photos.
Tights wiped her tears, overwhelmed with emotion.
"Thank you, everyone… I don't even know what to say," she whispered, her voice trembling.
She looked around at all the people who cared about her, at her family and friends, and smiled through her tears.
"This is the best gift I've ever been given."
It was, without a doubt, the greatest surprise of her life.
-----
Hours Later...
The party was in full swing, laughter and music filling the air. Some guests danced to the rhythm while others chatted and enjoyed the celebration.
Meanwhile, Goku and Oolong were engaged in an intense battle—not in the arena, but over the last plate of food.
On the terrace, away from the noise, Bulma and Tights stood side by side, gazing at the night sky.
Despite the excitement downstairs, up here, there was only silence.
After a long pause, Tights finally spoke.
"Do you know what I wished for?"
Bulma turned to her sister and shook her head.
Tights smiled softly. "I wished that no matter what happens, we'll always stick together. Even through the strongest storms, I hope we'll always be there for each other… because we're sisters."
Bulma's eyes widened at those heartfelt words. A single tear rolled down her cheek.
Tights continued, her voice gentle but firm. "As your older sister, it's my duty to correct you when you make mistakes… but that doesn't mean I don't make mistakes too." She sighed, looking at Bulma with nothing but love.
"Tonight has been the greatest gift of my life. I know you did all of this to apologize to me, but in reality… there was never anything to forgive."
Tights smiled warmly. "I love you so much, Bulma."
Without hesitation, Bulma threw herself into her sister's arms, unable to hold back her tears.
She clung to Tights, letting years of unspoken emotions pour out.
Tonight had been one of the best nights of her life.
And she would cherish this moment forever.
For all eternity.