Chapter 6: Chapter 6: A Booby-Trapped Cave and the Monster Carrot
The group continued their journey through the desert, with Yamcha and Puar trailing behind at a safe distance. Bulma glanced at the Dragon Radar, her face lighting up.
"The next Dragon Ball is nearby!" she exclaimed, pointing toward a rocky canyon.
"Great! I wonder what kind of adventure we'll have this time!" Goku said, bouncing excitedly on the Flying Nimbus.
Saitama, sitting in the car's passenger seat, let out a small sigh. "Probably more running around and people trying to fight us."
"Hey! That's what makes it fun!" Goku called down.
Bulma rolled her eyes. "I'd prefer a smooth trip for once, thank you very much."
As they approached the canyon, Yamcha jogged to catch up, still keeping his distance from Saitama. "Uh… I've been around here before. That place is full of traps."
"Traps?" Oolong repeated, already shaking in fear. "Why is it always traps?!"
"Relax," Saitama said. "It's just a cave. How bad can it be?"
---
The Booby-Trapped Cave
The group soon reached the mouth of a dark, foreboding cave. The Dragon Radar beeped steadily, confirming the Dragon Ball's location deep inside.
"Alright, let's go!" Goku said, eagerly rushing in.
"Wait!" Yamcha shouted. "You'll trigger something!"
Sure enough, as Goku stepped forward, the ground beneath him sank slightly. A series of arrows shot out from hidden holes in the walls.
"Whoa!" Goku dodged them with ease, laughing. "That was close!"
Bulma, clutching the radar tightly, looked nervous. "I'm not going in there! It's dangerous!"
Saitama scratched his head. "You guys stay here. I'll grab it."
"Really?!" Bulma said, relief flooding her face.
"Yeah," Saitama replied, walking casually into the cave.
"Uh, should we warn him?" Yamcha whispered to Puar.
"He doesn't look worried," Puar replied nervously.
Inside, Saitama strolled through the maze of traps. Arrows, boulders, and spears triggered all around him, but none even came close to scratching him. He walked through swinging blades as if they were curtains and even caught a falling boulder with one hand before setting it aside.
At the heart of the cave, he found the Dragon Ball resting on a pedestal. Saitama picked it up, examining its three stars.
"Got it," he said to himself, turning to leave.
As he walked back, the cave began to rumble. The walls started to collapse, and a flood of water burst through.
"Looks like I broke something," Saitama muttered. He casually jogged back to the entrance, completely unfazed by the torrent.
The group outside screamed as water gushed from the cave. Just when it seemed like they'd be swept away, Saitama emerged, holding the Dragon Ball in one hand and yawning with the other.
"Here," he said, handing it to Bulma.
"You're amazing!" Goku cheered.
"Wha… How?!" Yamcha stammered.
"I'm just built different," Saitama replied.
---
A Fateful Encounter
With the Dragon Ball in hand, the group continued their journey. They stopped at a small desert town to restock supplies. The streets were eerily empty, save for a few frightened villagers peeking out from their windows.
"What's going on here?" Bulma asked, looking around.
"Trouble," Yamcha said grimly. "I've heard of this place. It's ruled by a gang led by Monster Carrot."
"Monster Carrot?" Goku repeated, tilting his head.
"He's a freak with the power to turn people into carrots!" Yamcha explained.
"Carrots?!" Oolong gasped. "That's terrifying!"
"It's a bit weird," Saitama admitted, scratching his cheek.
Suddenly, a loud voice boomed through the street. "Well, well, what do we have here?"
A tall, humanoid rabbit dressed in a sharp suit stepped forward, flanked by two burly goons. His whiskers twitched as he grinned.
"I'm Monster Carrot," he declared. "And you're trespassing on my turf!"
"We're just passing through," Bulma said nervously.
Monster Carrot's eyes gleamed as he spotted her. "Well, well, what a pretty lady! You'll make a fine addition to my collection."
"You wish!" Bulma snapped.
"Careful!" Yamcha whispered. "If he touches you, he'll turn you into a carrot!"
"Really?" Saitama said, stepping forward. "Sounds ridiculous."
Monster Carrot sneered. "You think you can defy me? Boys, show them what happens to fools who don't respect my power!"
---
Saitama vs. Monster Carrot's Gang
The two goons charged at Saitama, wielding clubs.
"Get him!" one shouted.
Saitama didn't move. The first goon swung his club, but it shattered on impact with Saitama's head.
"Ow!" the goon cried, clutching his hands.
The second goon hesitated, then turned to run. Saitama flicked a small pebble at him, knocking him out instantly.
Monster Carrot's grin faltered. "What… what are you?!"
"A guy who doesn't like bullies," Saitama replied, walking toward him.
Monster Carrot panicked and lunged, aiming to touch Saitama and activate his power. But as soon as his paw made contact, he froze.
"My hand… It's not working!"
"Yeah, I'm immune to stuff like that," Saitama said, tapping Monster Carrot on the head.
The rabbit was sent flying into the horizon, disappearing with a faint twinkle.
---
The Town Rejoices
The villagers emerged cautiously from their homes, cheering when they realized Monster Carrot was gone.
"You did it!" one man exclaimed.
"We're free!" cried another.
"It was nothing," Saitama said, waving them off.
"Nothing? That was amazing!" Goku said, his admiration for Saitama growing.
"Maybe you're not so bad after all," Yamcha muttered, though he still kept his distance.
Bulma sighed in relief. "At least now we can rest without worrying about turning into vegetables."
As the group prepared to move on, the villagers offered them food and supplies in gratitude. Goku ate enough for three people, while Saitama casually munched on a rice ball.
With Monster Carrot defeated and another Dragon Ball secured, their journey continued toward the next adventure.
To be continued...