Red Ribbon Army Headquarters
"Report, Commander! According to the radar, three Dragon Balls are approaching rapidly!"
Commander Red laughed heartily. "Hahaha! As expected of Tao Pai Pai! Efficient as ever—he's already collected three more Dragon Balls. That makes six! We're only one away from completing the set!"
Black, his nervous aide, nodded in agreement. "Yes, sir. As they say—leave it to a professional. The world's top assassin lives up to his name… though his price is outrageous."
Outside Red Ribbon HQ – Recon Plane #84
The soldier in the patrol aircraft had been ordered to welcome Tao Pai Pai back.
Spotting a figure in the distance, he leaned forward. "Is that Tao Pai Pai?"
But as the silhouette grew closer, he frowned, then looked at the photo.
"Wait… that's not him!"
Before he could radio in, Goku's silhouette flashed past. The aircraft exploded midair. All contact with Recon Plane #84 was lost.
"Plane 84, report in! What the hell are you doing—sleeping on duty?!"
"No response, sir!"
"Activate external monitors!"
A moment later, Goku's image riding the Flying Nimbus lit up the Red Ribbon Army's main screen. Gasps erupted from every officer in the room.
"It's not Tao Pai Pai! It's that kid—Son Goku!"
Red's cigar dropped to the floor. "What?! Why is he here?!"
Commander Red turned to the screen and watched in horror as Goku flew straight into the base—dodging bullets, tanks, and airstrikes with absurd ease. Soldiers fell like dominoes.
"He's cutting through our defenses like they're nothing! He's already on Platform 12!"
"Sir, we need to evacuate you to the underground bunker!"
"Evacuate? Over my dead body! You think I'd run from a brat like him? The Red Ribbon Army is the most powerful military force in the world!"
"But sir," Black stammered, sweat rolling down his temple, "he might've already killed Tao Pai Pai! We've lost all contact—only his flight pillar remains. There's no sign of him."
"Hmph! Tao Pai Pai was disrespectful anyway. Arrogant, rude… good riddance. We hadn't paid him yet."
"What should we do when the boy reaches us?"
Commander Red scowled and picked up the phone.
"Looks like we'll have to use them after all…"
Meanwhile – West City
"Colonel Violet, what's the situation?" Red barked into the receiver.
"Sir, everything is going according to plan. Should I proceed?"
Commander Red smiled. "Excellent! I knew I could count on you. You have ten minutes to capture Dr. Brief and his wife. Send me proof once it's done."
"No need for ten—I'll have them within five."
"Perfect! When this is over, you're getting a promotion."
Capsule Corporation – Garden
Colonel Violet sipped tea leisurely in the Briefs' lavish garden as her soldiers surrounded the compound and detained all employees.
Moments later, Dr. Brief and his wife were dragged out and tied up on the lawn.
"Photograph them—get those pics to HQ immediately!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Dr. Brief looked up and immediately noticed Violet's graceful figure.
"My, what a lovely lady. Are you single by any chance?"
Colonel Violet's brow twitched.
"You're Dr. Brief, the founder of Capsule Corp?"
He nodded cheerfully. "Indeed! Have you admired my work from afar? Looking to go on a date?"
A tic mark popped on her forehead.
Still tied up, he continued, "With your looks and body, you're wasting your talents in the military. Why not let me invest a few billion Zeni and make you a star? You'd be adored worldwide. Let me get you a manager."
Violet's eyes narrowed—but then her gaze flicked to his wristwatch and diamond-studded glasses. The watch alone probably cost tens of millions. The glasses? Even more.
She blinked.
Wait a second… he's serious? This guy really is Capsule Corp's founder! He's richer than nations!
She had only joined the Red Ribbon Army for the money. It wasn't about loyalty or patriotism—they were an arms-dealing, evil organization.
If she defected… if these kids really could destroy the army's headquarters…
Wouldn't I be better off going legit?
"Ma'am, the photo's been sent to Commander Red," one soldier said.
She nodded. "Untie them. They're not going anywhere."
"Yes, ma'am!"
As soon as they were untied, Mrs. Brief turned toward a nearby soldier with a sweet smile. "Hey, handsome~ Wanna go on a date?"
The poor grunt froze, sweat forming instantly.
Violet blinked again. Are they always like this?
Just then, a strange flying object appeared above the garden.
"What's that?"
A sleek alien ship descended and opened a beam gate.
Two figures stepped out: Tights and Jaco the Galactic Patrolman.
Seeing the army surrounding her parents, Tights tilted her head. "Huh? Dad, when did you start hiring mercenaries?"
Jaco facepalmed. "Tights, you idiot! They've been kidnapped!"
"What?!"
Before anyone could react, Jaco drew his blaster and charged.
A few Red Ribbon soldiers moved—but Jaco swiftly incapacitated them with precision shots and hand-to-hand combat.
Violet tried to fire back, but Jaco dodged with ease and disarmed her, pointing his gun right between her eyes.
"I am Jaco of the Galactic Patrol! Drop your weapons unless you want to rot in intergalactic prison!"
With no other choice, Violet called off her troops.
One patrolman. Total victory.
Tights clapped slowly. "Wow. Heroic. But I thought Galactic Patrol didn't handle Earth crimes?"
Jaco puffed his chest. "It's a favor. Don't forget to write me as a badass next time you start a new novel."
Tights shrugged. "Sorry. In my books, the patrol only exists to make the protagonist look cooler."
"…I hate you."
Dr. Brief turned to Violet, still calm. "Now, where were we? Would you consider my proposal?"
Violet hesitated, then sighed. "Our orders were to use you and your wife as hostages… to force your daughter Bulma to hand over the Dragon Balls."