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.*