Chapter 23: Kami's Lookout
"Thanks for the help, Lin Chuan, and as for Bulma..." Goku began but was immediately silenced by Bulma's deadly glare, causing him to sweat and swiftly change the subject. "Since everyone is ready, let's go. I'll lead the way..."
With that, Goku picked up Gohan, comforted him with a few words, and then levitated, flying upwards. His mastery of the Flying Technique was indeed not very proficient, which was evident at this moment.
"Really?! Can't even master basic flying? Kakarot is so useless..." Raditz complained as he effortlessly jumped up and followed Goku.
They began their ascent, and Popo signaled to Krillin and Master Roshi before maneuvering the flying carpet to follow them. Popo's ascent was slow, possibly due to the load, making it nowhere near Goku's clumsy flying speed.
As they all ascended, Lin Chuan turned to Bulma, "Are you ready?"
Bulma blushed slightly at his question. Despite her bold words earlier, the reality of being carried away made her shy. After all, there were distinctions between men and women, and they weren't familiar with each other.
Hearing only a soft "Mhm," Lin Chuan picked her up in a princess carry. The first thing he noticed was the delightful softness of her body, a sensation that made his heart flutter.
This was the first time in his life that Lin Chuan had seen Bulma so closely! Even in his previous life, his interactions with women were minimal—holding hands or an arm around the shoulder at most.
Now, holding Bulma close, he realized just how voluptuous she was. Not only did she have a figure to die for, but she also emitted a very enticing fragrance, profoundly affecting him.
He couldn't fathom why Yamcha wouldn't cherish such a catch. If it were him, he'd keep her safe and secure for life, afraid someone else might take her away.
Caught in his thoughts, Bulma was experiencing similar feelings.
She hadn't expected Lin Chuan to hold her so decisively. Now, in his arms, she felt light-headed, overwhelmed by his masculine presence and the warmth of their physical contact.
After pausing for a moment, they were reminded by Bulma and others, and Lin Chuan came back to his senses.
He and Bulma locked eyes again, her cheeks turning an even deeper red.
"You... you, put me down now!" Bulma stammered, her face flushed and covering her cheeks with her hands, embarrassed to be seen in such a state.
Recalling the flight, she had clung to Lin Chuan for protection because of the high speed.
"Remember, don't move around too much. I'll rush us straight up to Kami's Lookout," Lin Chuan said, preparing to take off.
With a swift application of the Flying Technique, they disappeared within seconds.
It took only a few moments before they reached the top of Kami's Lookout.
Lin Chuan, holding Bulma, landed smoothly on the central platform of Kami's Lookout, outpacing everyone else with his casual burst of speed.
The vast and majestic Lookout exuded a sacred and imposing aura, imposing a strong sense of awe.
Lin Chuan glanced around, his eyes finally settling on a person standing motionless ahead. It was none other than Yajirobe, known in the original story for being summoned by Kami for training.
As their eyes met, Lin Chuan smiled faintly, not really considering him a threat, and looked beyond him to where Kami was supposed to be.
Still holding Bulma, he hadn't realized it was time to put her down.
Meanwhile, Bulma, still dazed from the rapid ascent, hadn't noticed she was still in his arms until she saw Kami's Lookout. "This... this is Kami's Lookout? It's nothing like I imagined."
Caught up in her observations, she moved slightly, which made Lin Chuan tighten his grip, jolting her back to reality.
Wait! Was she still in his arms?!
Bulma suddenly snapped back to full awareness and looked up at Lin Chuan, "You... you, put me down now!"
Embarrassed and somewhat flustered, she covered her face, mortified at being caught in such an unguarded moment.
Remembering her actions during the flight—how she had clung to him and even shouted for him not to let go—Lin Chuan couldn't help but tease, "Who was it that clung to me tightly just now, insisting that I not let go?"
His teasing was obvious, and Bulma's face turned even redder.
Seeing her reaction, Lin Chuan decided not to tease her further and reluctantly set her down.
"If we ever need to, we'll just fly up again," he said with a smile, not wanting to push her too far this time.
After stepping away from Lin Chuan, Bulma took a few deep breaths to calm down.
Herself down and then shot him a look that said, "It was your fault for flying so fast in the first place!"
Lin Chuan just smiled more brightly, finding Bulma quite endearing.
Meanwhile, at the entrance of Kami's Lookout, Yajirobe was sweating profusely, feeling incredibly uneasy.
"He's that Saiyan, isn't he? His aura is terrifying... Even from this distance, I can feel the danger; it's like he could devour me alive."
His instincts told him to fear Lin Chuan.
At that moment, he wondered if Bulma wasn't afraid when facing him. Why did she seem so unfazed by someone who appeared so intimidating?