As Goku and Vegeta stepped out of the bustling restaurant, they noticed it was almost midnight. Few people were out at this hour—they had spent the whole day in this foreign world. Goku scratched the back of his head and asked, "Alright, Vegeta, now that we're full, what do you want to do? Should we find a way to go back to our world, find a place to stay for the night, or keep looking for that evil energy?"
Vegeta, his expression stoic, glanced around at the few people milling about. "I don't know—I don't have any ideas," he said, folding his arms. "We already know the dark energy we feel comes from the empire itself, and we don't even know if that crystal of yours will still work."
Goku's face fell slightly. "Oh yeah... I almost forgot about that." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small, cracked crystal. It pulsed faintly with a soft inner light, but it was nothing like the vibrant energy it had possessed before.
Vegeta walked toward Goku and snatched the crystal, inspecting it with a serious expression before moving to throw it away—but Goku caught it mid-air. "Hmph, it seems like it's useless now..."
Goku stared at the crystal in his hand, a sad smile gracing his lips. "Yeah, I guess it is," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "It was a long shot anyway. I'm sure if Bulma were here, she could fix this for us." Goku's face fell as he thought of Bulma, wanting to return to his timeline to see her.
Vegeta scoffed and turned away from Goku. "Hmph, sentimental fool. It's just a useless trinket. We don't need it to get back home, Kakarot. We'll find another way."
Goku looked at Vegeta with a smile. "Hehe, I know, Vegeta," he said. "You and I are strong, after all—we can do anything!"
Vegeta rolled his eyes, but a slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Don't get cocky, Kakarot. Strength alone won't solve everything."
Goku scratched his chin and said, "So, Vegeta, where do you think we should find a place to stay for the night? I mean, we could go back to the forest outside the village and make ourselves some shelter..."
Vegeta scoffed, his arms still crossed. "Absolutely not. I am not sleeping in some backwater forest like a wild animal. We'll find an inn—somewhere with a roof and a bed, preferably."
Goku's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, an inn! Well, I guess that is a good idea, Vegeta," he chuckled.
Just then, Tatsumi was walking down the street in the middle of the night, carrying his bag and sword on his back. He'd had a rough day: first, he was rejected from joining the Capital's army, then a big-breasted blonde woman scammed him into buying her drinks and took all his money. Now he was broke—and furious with himself for falling for it. (The woman was Leone.)
"Damn that big-breasted woman—I can't believe I let myself be scammed by her..." Tatsumi thought to himself. Suddenly, he bumped into the two Saiyans, not looking where he was going. He hit Goku's back and fell to the ground, landing hard on his butt.
Tatsumi groaned, rubbing his backside as he sat up with a scowl. "Ouch! Watch where you're going, you—" He started to snap, but the words died in his throat as he looked up at Goku and Vegeta.
Goku, ever optimistic, offered a hand with a sheepish grin. "Oh, sorry about that! I didn't see you there. Are you alright?"
Tatsumi stared at Goku's outstretched hand, then at Vegeta's serious face. His anger faded, replaced by surprise and confusion—he'd never seen anyone like them before. Their strange clothes, spiky hair, and especially their tails were out of the ordinary. He could also sense immense power radiating from them.
He hesitantly took Goku's hand, letting the Saiyan pull him to his feet. "Uh, yeah, I'm fine," he mumbled, brushing dirt off his pants. "Just a little sore."
Vegeta, unimpressed, harrumphed. "Hmph. Watch where you're going, kid—otherwise, it could be the death of you."
Tatsumi, intimidated by Vegeta's cold demeanor, swallowed nervously. "Y-yes, sir," he stammered, avoiding eye contact. His gaze drifted back to Goku, whose friendly smile offered some reassurance.
Goku shot Vegeta an annoyed look. "Vegeta, don't threaten people with their lives, okay?" Vegeta only hummed in response.
Goku turned back to Tatsumi with a warm smile. "Sorry about that, kiddo—my friend over here is a bit rough around the edges, hehehe."
Tatsumi managed a weak smile. "It's alright," he said, his voice wavering slightly. "I probably deserved it—I wasn't paying attention." He decided to introduce himself to the strange men before him.
Goku's smile widened. "By the way, what's your name, kiddo?"
Tatsumi blinked, surprised by Goku's warmth. "My name is Tatsumi," he replied with a polite bow. "It's nice to meet you... both." He glanced nervously at Vegeta, who folded his arms and observed him critically.
Goku nodded enthusiastically. "I'm Goku—Son Goku! And my friend here is Vegeta," he said, gesturing toward his stoic companion. "Nice to meet you, Tatsumi!"
Vegeta merely grunted in acknowledgment, his arms still folded across his chest.
Tatsumi was surprised by their unusual names. As he looked closer, he noticed they seemed older than him—their muscular physiques suggested maturity, yet they looked surprisingly young for adults. He also observed their outfits: Goku wore an orange and blue martial arts uniform, while Vegeta wore a sleeveless blue bodysuit with white gloves and boots accented with yellow lines. And of course, their tails—Goku's wagged slightly in the air, while Vegeta's was wrapped around his waist.
Goku's grin didn't waver as he asked, "So, Tatsumi, what are you doing out so late? Shouldn't you be home sleeping?"
Tatsumi shifted uncomfortably under Goku's gaze. "Uh, well, things haven't exactly been going my way today," he admitted, a flush creeping up his neck. "I... I kind of got scammed out of all my money."
Goku's eyes widened in concern. "Scammed? What happened?"
Tatsumi sighed and recounted his encounter with Leone. "I got separated from my friends on the way here, got turned down by the army I wanted to join, and then got swindled by a woman with... really big breasts!" He said, referring to Leone with an annoyed expression.
Goku chuckled and scratched his head. "Well, that's a new one. So what exactly did she do to you?"
Tatsumi buried his face in his hands for a moment before continuing. "She sweet-talked me into buying her drinks at a bar, said she knew someone in the military who could get me assigned as an officer if I paid her. I gave her all my money so she could 'call her contact'—but she never came back!" He looked up with watery eyes, clutching Goku's gi. "Now I'm broke and have nowhere to sleep!"
Goku's expression softened with sympathy. "Wow, that's awful, Tatsumi! She really took advantage of you." He glanced at Vegeta, who remained impassive with his arms folded and eyes closed.
"Hmph," Vegeta finally grunted, opening his eyes slightly. "Foolish brat. You should have known better than to fall for such an obvious trick," he said coldly.
Tatsumi sniffled, still clinging to Goku's gi. "I know! I was just so desperate to join the army and make a name for myself. I wanted to protect people and support my poor family."
Goku gently patted Tatsumi's head. "Well, it's not your fault you trusted her, kiddo. Some people are just... not very nice." He paused thoughtfully. "Hey, I have an idea! Why don't you come with us? We were just about to look for a place to stay—you can tag along!"
Tatsumi's eyes lit up with hope. "Really? You'd do that for me, sir?"
Goku grinned, his tail swaying back and forth. "Of course! What kind of person would I be if I left a kid like you alone on the streets at midnight? Besides," he added mischievously, "the more the merrier, right?" He gave Tatsumi a thumbs-up.
Vegeta's eyes snapped open, and he glared at Goku. "Absolutely not, Kakarot. We don't need to drag some brat along with us," he said angrily.
Goku tilted his head in confusion. "What? Come on, Vegeta—everyone starts somewhere! Besides, he seems like a good kid, and didn't you hear? He wants to protect people!"
Vegeta scoffed and turned away. "Protect people? Hmph. He couldn't even protect himself from a common scammer. He'll be nothing but a burden."
Tatsumi's hopeful expression faltered, but Goku quickly intervened. "Don't listen to him, kiddo! Vegeta's just being grumpy—he doesn't mean it, right Vegeta?" Goku nudged Vegeta with his elbow, grinning playfully.
Vegeta clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Don't put words in my mouth, Kakarot. I meant exactly what I said." Despite his words, he didn't push Goku away—and a faint softening flickered in his eyes before he masked it with a scowl.
Goku ignored Vegeta's grumbling and turned back to Tatsumi. "So, what do you say, Tatsumi? Want to join us?"
Tatsumi hesitated, glancing between the two Saiyans. Vegeta's demeanor was intimidating, but Goku's kindness was too much to resist. "Well... if it's not too much trouble, I'd really appreciate it, sir."
"Great!" Goku cheered, clapping Tatsumi on the back so hard he nearly stumbled. "It's settled then! Let's go find us an inn—wait, I'm starving again!"
Vegeta sighed dramatically but followed them, muttering under his breath, "This is going to be a disaster."
Just then, a red carriage with two guard-like coachmen pulled to a stop in front of them. Inside was Aria—she'd seen the three walking and assumed they were travelers. "Stop!" she called out, drawing their attention. One coachman said, "My lady, not again?" "I can't help it—that's just who I am," she replied to her personal guards.
Goku, Vegeta, and Tatsumi reacted differently: Goku looked curious, Tatsumi was taken aback, and Vegeta raised an eyebrow. A moment later, a young woman stepped out of the carriage with her guards.
Aria was a cute girl with shoulder-length blonde hair topped with a fluffy light blue accessory, and blue eyes. She wore a white long-sleeved shirt with a light blue neck ribbon, over which she had a sleeveless light blue dress with a black bodice and white frills. She also wore white boots.
(Aria initially appeared kind, optimistic, and caring—but this masked her true nature. Like her parents, she was cruel, sadistic, and ruthless, enjoying tormenting and killing peasants. She was manipulative, petty, and hypocritical, tricking guests into trusting her. She also held an irrational hatred for Sayo because of her hairstyle, which drove her to torture the girl. Incredibly, she confessed to all her crimes when confronted, giving herself away and pushing Tatsumi to finally kill her.)
The Saiyans immediately sensed a dark, evil aura beneath her cute appearance. Goku's eyes widened and grew serious, while Vegeta's frown deepened—their ability to sense ki meant her act couldn't fool them. Tatsumi, however, only tilted his head in confusion.
Aria walked toward them and spoke politely, "Are you three from the country?"
Tatsumi lifted his head and answered honestly, "I'm from the countryside. Why do you ask, miss?"
Aria giggled. "Nothing—just curious," she said.
Goku and Vegeta remained quiet, observing the conversation with serious expressions. Aria's guards glanced at them, noting their strange attire and tails.
Aria's gaze lingered on Tatsumi. "Well, you seem new to the Capital," she said sweetly. "Are you looking for a place to stay? The city can be dangerous at night, especially for strangers."
Tatsumi scratched his head, bewildered by her interest. "Well, yes, miss—I just arrived today and was hoping to find an inn. But... I got scammed out of all my money," he admitted, blushing with embarrassment.
Aria's eyes widened in feigned surprise. "Oh my! That's terrible! How awful of someone to do that to you. Don't worry—I can help!" she insisted with a bright smile. "My family owns a lovely mansion just outside the city walls. We have plenty of room, and I'd be happy to offer you a place to stay for the night. It's the least I can do for someone in need."
Tatsumi's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Really, miss? That would be amazing! I don't know how to thank you enough!"
One of the guards added, "Lady Aria just can't ignore people who need help."
Goku stepped forward slightly. "That's very kind of you, miss," he said, his eyes narrowed as he continued to sense her dark energy. "But we wouldn't want to impose—we can manage on our own." He subtly placed a hand on Tatsumi's shoulder as a silent warning.
Vegeta scoffed. "Hmph. I don't need charity from some pampered noble," he muttered, eyeing Aria suspiciously.
Aria's smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. "Nonsense! It would be my pleasure. Besides," she added, looking at Goku and Vegeta with curiosity, "you two look like you've seen your share of battles. You deserve a night of comfort!"
Tatsumi, oblivious to the tension, was practically bouncing. "Oh come on, sir! A mansion—with a real bed! We can't pass this up!"
Goku hesitated, torn between his suspicion and desire to help Tatsumi. He glanced at Vegeta, whose expression remained unreadable. "Well..." he began, scratching his head.
Vegeta interjected before Goku could decide. "That won't be necessary, miss. We have our own money to take care of ourselves—we'll pass." He folded his arms and looked at Tatsumi. "If you want to go with them, brat, go ahead. We won't stop you—we're not your guardians to decide your fate." He turned around with his eyes closed. "Let's go, Kakarot."
Goku's eyes widened. "Vegeta!" he protested.
Vegeta stopped but didn't turn around. "What, Kakarot? Are you going to argue with me? Choose—follow me, or stay with this charity case?" His tone left no room for debate.
Tatsumi's face fell in disappointment. "Oh... I understand, sir," he mumbled. "Thank you for considering it, though."
Goku placed a hand on Tatsumi's shoulder, his expression earnest. "Listen, kid—I know things seem rough, but you're a good person. Don't let anyone take advantage of you, okay? Trust your instincts." He paused, glancing at Aria. "And be careful—not everyone is who they seem." He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and pressed half his gold coins—50,000 total—into Tatsumi's hand. "Here, take these. You'll need them."
Tatsumi's eyes widened in disbelief. "Sir, I can't accept this—it's too much!" he protested, trying to return the money.
Goku pushed his hand back gently. "Nah, take it, kiddo! I have plenty more," he said with a smile. "Think of it as an investment in your future. Use it to get back on your feet, find a place to stay, and pursue your dream of joining the army. Just promise me you'll be careful and not let anyone scam you again, alright?" He gave Tatsumi a reassuring thumbs-up.
Tatsumi's heart swelled with gratitude. "I... I don't know what to say, sir," he stammered, tears welling in his eyes. "Thank you so much! I promise I won't let you down!" He gripped the pouch tightly.
Goku grinned and clapped him on the back again. "That's the spirit! Now go on—don't keep the lady waiting." He glanced at Aria, his expression hardening slightly. "And remember what I said."
Before Tatsumi could join Aria, Goku grabbed his shoulders. "Be careful out there, kid," he said seriously—his words carrying a weight that sent a shiver down Tatsumi's spine.
"I... I will, sir," Tatsumi whispered. He took a deep breath and turned to Aria, forcing a brave face. "Thank you again, miss, for your kindness." Aria smiled serenely, though Goku noticed a flash of impatience in her eyes.
Aria's smile widened, but Goku caught a predatory glint in her gaze. "Of course, dear. It's my pleasure," she said, her voice overly sweet. "Well then—shall we be off? My carriage awaits."
Tatsumi hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Goku and Vegeta. Vegeta remained impassive with his back turned, while Goku gave him a warm smile. Taking a deep breath, Tatsumi took Aria's hand and walked toward the carriage, clutching the gold tightly as her guards followed behind.
As the carriage pulled away, Tatsumi couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Aria's kindness felt false, and her smile sent shivers down his spine—but he pushed his doubts aside, telling himself he was just being paranoid.
Goku waved goodbye with a smile, but once the carriage was out of sight, his expression turned serious. Vegeta walked to his side, his face equally grim.
Goku spoke quietly: "Vegeta—did you feel what I felt just now?"
Vegeta folded his arms, his expression severe. "Yes, Kakarot. I sensed a very dark and dangerous presence coming from that young woman..."
Goku clenched his fist, his knuckles white. "She's hiding something bad—I know it. That aura... it's twisted, like she takes pleasure in hurting people."
Vegeta's frown deepened, his gaze fixed on the road where the carriage had vanished. "Hmph. A spoiled noble with a taste for cruelty. Typical of this corrupt empire. The stench of her evil was almost as foul as the city itself."
"But what about Tatsumi?" Goku asked, his voice heavy with concern. "He's a good kid—he doesn't deserve to get caught up in whatever that woman is planning."
Vegeta scoffed but didn't argue, folding his arms with his expression unchanged. "He made his choice, Kakarot. We warned him as much as we could. Besides, you gave him enough gold to get out of trouble if he uses his head for once."
Goku sighed, running a hand through his spiky hair. "I know... but I still feel responsible. Maybe we should follow them?"
"Absolutely not," Vegeta said firmly. "We have our own mission. Remember the dark energy we're tracking? This entire empire is tainted by it—we can't save every fool who walks into danger." He paused, then added more quietly, "But if that brat survives whatever she has planned for him, he'll learn a valuable lesson about trusting strangers." With that, he turned and walked in the opposite direction.
As they continued walking through the quiet streets, Goku's mind kept drifting back to Tatsumi and the mysterious noblewoman. He'd seen enough evil in his life to know when someone couldn't be trusted, and Aria had set off every alarm bell in his head.
Vegeta noticed Goku's worried expression and spoke up. "You don't need to worry about that brat—I can tell he's a skilled warrior who can handle himself," he said with a serious look.
Goku glanced at Vegeta in surprise. "What makes you say that, Vegeta?" he asked curiously.
Vegeta closed his eyes, his hands in his pockets. "What? You didn't notice the kid is carrying a sword on his back?" he said, annoyed that Goku had missed it. "I can tell he's a skilled fighter in his own right—even if his strength is nothing compared to ours. He carries himself like a proud warrior."
Goku's eyes widened slightly. He hadn't noticed the sword, too focused on the dark energy emanating from Aria. Vegeta's keen perception, honed through countless battles, often saw what Goku missed. Still, he couldn't completely shake his unease.
Goku nodded and said, "A warrior, huh? I didn't sense much power from him, but you're right, Vegeta. He did seem to carry himself with a certain... resolve." He paused, considering this new information. "Still... that doesn't mean he's safe. That girl... her ki is just wrong. Even if Tatsumi is a capable fighter, he might not be prepared for what she's planning."
Vegeta only grunted. "Then go do something about it yourself, Kakarot. I have no interest in your path of heroism—I'm going to find a motel and rest." With that, he levitated into the air and began flying slowly into the sky.
Goku watched Vegeta ascend, a sigh escaping his lips. "Stubborn as always," he muttered, facepalming at Vegeta's gruff demeanor. He knew Vegeta's tough exterior hid a complex, if reluctant, sense of honor. So he too levitated into the air, matching Vegeta's speed as they flew side by side through the sky. He turned to Vegeta and asked, "So where are we going to find a motel or inn to rest at?"
Vegeta scoffed, not even looking at Goku. "Anywhere that's clean and quiet, Kakarot. Unlike you, I value my sleep." He maintained his slow, steady pace, his eyes scanning the city below as he folded his arms.
Goku chuckled, falling into step beside him. "Alright, alright, Mr. Grumpy. No need to get your Saiyan armor in a twist." He paused, then added thoughtfully, "You know, I still can't shake this feeling about Tatsumi. Even if he is a warrior, that girl... she's trouble. What if we just kept an eye on him? From a distance, of course—just to make sure he's okay."
Vegeta remained silent for a long moment, and Goku thought he might dismiss the idea outright. Instead, Vegeta suddenly accelerated, his white base-form aura engulfing his body as he shot off at high speed. He was clearly not interested in continuing the conversation, too tired to concern himself with Goku's worries.
Goku stared, dumbfounded, as Vegeta vanished in a flash of white energy. "Hey! Vegeta! Come back here!" he yelled after him, but it was no use—the Saiyan Prince was already gone. Goku's own white base-form aura flared to life as he accelerated to catch up.
Goku pushed himself, his aura blazing as he tried to match Vegeta's speed, tracking his receding ki signature. "He can be such a pain sometimes," he grumbled to himself. He respected Vegeta's independence, but his stubbornness could be infuriating—especially when Goku's gut was screaming at him to act.
As he flew through the night sky, Goku looked down at the city below. Yellow and white lights twinkled across the landscape, and he found it beautiful despite everything. For a medieval planet steeped in evil energy, it had an unexpected charm. Before long, he caught up to Vegeta.
Goku slowed his pace to match Vegeta's, though the Saiyan Prince didn't acknowledge him. He simply continued soaring through the night, arms crossed and expression unreadable as ever.
"Vegeta," Goku began, his voice calm but firm. "I know you don't want to get involved, but I can't shake this feeling. That girl... she's dangerous. And Tatsumi—even if he's a warrior—he's walking right into a trap."
Vegeta remained silent, clearly tired of Goku's persistence. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, and Goku braced himself for another dismissal—but instead, Vegeta suddenly veered left and shot down toward a motel on the ground.
Goku's eyes widened as he watched Vegeta plummet toward the earth, a streak of white energy cutting through the night. Before he could question the sudden move, he saw Vegeta land softly in front of a brightly lit motel, the force of his descent kicking up a small cloud of dust. The place looked basic, with a flickering neon sign casting a garish glow over the dusty parking lot.
"What the...?" Goku muttered, descending beside him. "I didn't expect you to choose a normal-looking motel, Vegeta. For the husband of the richest woman in our world—and the Prince of all Saiyans—I thought you'd pick something high-class." He said it jokingly.
Vegeta ignored the comment and strode toward the entrance. "It's a place to sleep, Kakarot. Nothing more, nothing less." He pushed open the door, and a wave of stale air mixed with the faint scent of cheap cleaning products washed over them.
Goku sighed but followed Vegeta inside. The lobby was small and sparsely furnished, with a tired-looking clerk behind the counter and a couple of faded armchairs in the corner.
As they approached the counter, the elderly clerk stared wide-eyed at them—clearly startled by their unusual clothes and the tails visible on their backs.
"One room," Vegeta said, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Two beds."
The clerk, flustered by Vegeta's abruptness, nodded nervously and handed over a key. "Room 204, top floor. Enjoy your stay."
Vegeta snatched the key and headed for the stairs, leaving Goku to offer the clerk a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that," he said. "He's not much for pleasantries."
As they climbed the creaky stairs to the second floor, Goku couldn't shake a sense of unease. The air was thick with oppressive silence, and shadows seemed to cling to the hallway corners.
"You really think this is a good idea, Vegeta?" Goku asked in a low voice. "Staying here? Shouldn't we be trying to figure out what that girl is planning?"
Vegeta stopped in front of room 204, shoving the key into the lock. "I don't give a rat's ass about that, Kakarot. We will rest. And if you're so concerned about that brat, sense his ki and use your damn Instant Transmission," he said, fixing Goku with a cold look.
Vegeta pushed the door open and stepped inside, leaving Goku standing in the hallway with a mix of relief and apprehension. He knew Vegeta wouldn't admit it openly, but the Saiyan Prince was concerned too—he just had his own way of showing it.
When Goku entered the room, he found it small but clean. There were two twin beds, an empty wardrobe, and two large windows overlooking a dimly lit street—the city's sounds a distant hum. Without hesitation, Vegeta walked over to one of the beds while Goku stood by the door.
Goku stood there for a moment, watching as Vegeta settled onto his bed, stretching out with his arms behind his head. The Saiyan Prince's eyes were already half-closed, as if he could fall asleep the moment he hit the mattress.
"You really aren't going to say anything more about Tatsumi?" Goku asked, walking over to the window and peering out at the dark streets below.
Vegeta let out a low grunt. "What more is there to say? If he's as capable as I think he is, he'll find a way out of whatever mess he's walked into. If not… then he wasn't meant for the military in the first place."
Goku sighed, pressing his palm against the cool glass. He could still sense Tatsumi's ki—faint, but steady—moving further away from the city center toward the outskirts where Aria's mansion likely stood. He could also feel the twisted darkness of Aria's energy wrapping around it like a snake.
"I know you're right… but I can't just do nothing," Goku said quietly. He turned to face Vegeta, a determined look crossing his face. "I'm going to check on him. Just for a little while. I'll use Instant Transmission so I can be back before you even know I'm gone."
Vegeta was still sitting on the bed, arms folded. His eyes were closed, but his expression was serious. "Tell me, Kakarot... Why do you care about that brat so much? We barely even knew him; we only met that brat in the streets a minute ago, and yet here you are wanting to be that guardian angel of that foolish brat."
Goku paused, his hand already beginning to glow with the familiar blue light of Instant Transmission as he considered Vegeta's question. For a moment, he didn't have an answer—he just felt that he needed to help, the same way he'd always felt when someone was in trouble, no matter how little he knew them.
He lowered his hand slowly, looking at his friend with a thoughtful expression. "I guess… because I see a lot of myself in him," he said finally, sitting down on the edge of his own bed. "When I was younger, I was pretty naive too. I trusted people easily, and I got into all kinds of trouble because of it. If it weren't for the friends I met along the way—people who looked out for me even when I didn't know I needed it—I might not be here today."
Vegeta opened one eye, his gaze sharp but not unkind. "Foolish sentiment," he muttered, but there was no real bite to his words. "You've almost died because of that 'trust everyone' mentality of yours," he said with an annoyed expression.
"I know," Goku said with a small smile. "But it's also led me to meet some of the best people in my life—Bulma, Krillin, even you." He glanced at Vegeta, who looked away with a slight scowl. "Tatsumi's trying to do the right thing. He wants to protect his family, make a difference. I can't just let him walk into danger without at least making sure he has a fighting chance."
Vegeta opened both eyes now, studying Goku with a look that was part frustration, part understanding. "You're comparing yourself to that brat? You truly are insuperable, Kakarot."
Goku chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe you're right," he admitted. "Maybe I am indeed insuperable..." He said with a chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "And besides… he's got good intentions. He wants to join the military to protect people, even though the Empire is completely corrupt, and he wants to earn money for his poor parents. That's not something you see every day—not even back home. In a world as corrupt as this one, someone with that kind of heart deserves to be given a chance to grow strong, not get crushed by people like Aria."
Vegeta was quiet for a long moment, thinking back on his past—when Planet Vegeta was destroyed, when he served under Frieza, and how he'd been truly alone back then. He'd dismissed Raditz and killed Nappa, the one who'd raised him. But when he met Goku, his life changed. He started to care more about people, and began to soften. And it only grew stronger when he started living on Earth with Bulma, Trunks, and all the people he'd come to know in their world.
Finally, with a heavy sigh, Vegeta stood up—surprising Goku. He walked toward his white gloves and began putting them on slowly.
Goku, still surprised, spoke up. "What are you doing, Vegeta?" he asked curiously.
Vegeta turned toward Goku—his right glove half-worn, his expression serious. "What do you think… I'm coming with you," he said. His monkey tail was still wrapped around his waist.
Goku's eyes lit up when Vegeta agreed to help him. A slow smile formed on his lips. "Really, thank you, Vegeta. I knew you'd help…" he said with a wide smile.
But Vegeta didn't respond. After putting on his gloves, he turned around and walked back to the bed, retrieved his wallet from his training suit, opened it, took out some gold coins, and placed them on the bed as payment for using the room.
Goku watched, bewildered, as Vegeta carefully arranged the coins in a neat stack on the mattress. "Vegeta? What are you doing?" he asked, lowering his glowing hand slightly.
"Showing basic decency, Kakarot," Vegeta replied, sliding his wallet back into the pocket of his blue training suit. "We paid for the room—we might as well leave the payment where it can be found. The old clerk didn't deserve to be shortchanged just because we're abandoning our stay." He paused, his gaze hardening. "Besides, it's only proper to pay for what you use. Even in this pathetic world, honor still matters."
A warm smile spread across Goku's face. "You really do care about doing the right thing, don't you?" He said, his monkey tail wiggling from side to side.
"Quiet!" Vegeta growled, striding back toward Goku and placing his hand firmly in the Saiyan's outstretched palm. "I'm only doing this so you'll stop pestering me about saving that brat. Now focus on your transmission before you botch it and send us halfway across the planet."
With a final deep breath, Goku concentrated fully on Tatsumi's ki. The blue light of Instant Transmission flared brighter, wrapping around both Saiyans in a shimmering aura. In the blink of an eye, the motel room vanished, replaced by the cool night air of the city's outskirts. They teleported into the mansion's hallway—the building was dark with lights off, but moonlight streamed in, illuminating the interior.
"Whoa…" Goku breathed, his senses already on high alert. "The darkness here is even stronger than I thought," he said, looking from side to side and taking in the mansion's massive size. Vegeta also scanned their surroundings, his expression unchanged.
Then suddenly, both Saiyans stepped on something hard on the ground, and they caught the stench of blood in the air. When they looked down, they saw a gruesome scene: a female body sliced in two, with her arms severed. The person was Aria's mother.
Aria's parents came from a wealthy family, and both enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle. The father was often seen wearing pricey suits, while the mother donned silk dresses.
(When deceiving their guests, both presented themselves as well-mannered, humble, and affectionate people. However, their true nature was vile and sadistic—they took pleasure, along with their daughter, in torturing and killing naive, trustworthy citizens they took in. Most were people from the countryside who sought a better life in the Capital. Aria's mother even described their torture methods as an evening hobby she thoroughly enjoyed.)
Goku's face paled as he took in the horrific sight, his hands clenching into fists. "This… this is wrong," he whispered, his voice tight with anger. "What happened here?"
Vegeta's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening as he scanned the hallway. He did not respond—instead, he knelt to the ground, touched the blood with his fingers, rubbed them together, and then smelled them. He noticed that the blood was a bit dry, as if the scene had happened minutes ago.
Vegeta stood up slowly, wiping his fingers on his training suit. "The blood's consistency means this murder happened no more than ten minutes ago," he said, his voice low and sharp. "Whoever did this is likely part of the girl's family..."
Goku's eyes widened and he said, "What do you mean? There's someone here…" As if in response, a blood-curdling scream echoed through the mansion—an old man's voice ringing out in the hallway.
Without a word, both Saiyans moved with inhuman speed through the dark corridors, their feet barely touching the floor. The mansion's grand halls twisted and turned, lined with expensive paintings that now seemed grotesque against the backdrop of blood and violence. They burst into another hallway to find Aria's father—his neck snapped back, lying dead on the ground.
Goku's breath caught in his throat as he stared at the second body. "Another one… who could be doing this?" he murmured, his ki beginning to flare with barely contained tension.
Vegeta circled the corpse, his eyes sharp as he scanned every detail of the hallway. "Look at the damage," he said, pointing to deep gouge marks in the marble floor nearby—slashes that looked like they'd been made by claws or blades far sharper than any normal weapon. "This isn't the work of an ordinary human. The force used to break his neck… it's similar to what we saw with the little girls mother, but more brutal," he added, kneeling down beside Aria's father's body.
Goku clenched his fists, his face hard with anger. "Who… who could have done something like this?"
"Night Raid…" Vegeta said, his expression serious as he slowly stood up.
Goku's eyes went wide. "Night Raid? The group that's been attacking the Empire's corrupt officials?" he asked, looking around the hallway as if expecting someone to jump out at any moment.
"They're the only ones capable of this kind of precision and force," Vegeta said, his voice low. "If you remember what the guard said to us earlier, it's not surprising they were the ones behind this assassination," he stated, his expression serious.
Goku shook his head, his brow furrowed with conflict. "But they're supposed to be fighting for good—taking down the corrupt to protect people like Tatsumi. Killing them like this… it doesn't feel right."
"Right or wrong doesn't matter to them," Vegeta replied, his expression serious. "They operate by their own rules. Now we need to find that brat before they reach him too."
Then they heard another scream—this time from outside. As they walked to the window, they saw many guards' bodies lying dead on the ground, their corpses littering the area. They burst through the window and landed lightly on their feet, gazing at the carnage before them.
Goku wasn't expecting to find the guards' dead bodies scattered all over the place. It reminded him somewhat of when he fought against the Red Ribbon Army as a kid—only this time, he'd never had the chance to check if he actually killed any of the soldiers who served them. Why would he have? They were all bad people; they probably deserved it. But ever since meeting Android 8, he'd been taught to show mercy to those he'd beaten rather than kill them outright like he used to. Even now, it surprised him how cold-blooded he'd been as a child when taking down villains. He pulled himself back to reality and immediately knew who was responsible.
"So much blood spilled on these guards. I think you know who did this, right?" Goku said, looking around at his surroundings.
Vegeta's gaze swept over the fallen guards, his expression grim. "Night Raid," he stated flatly, kicking aside a broken piece of a guard's spear. "Look at how clean the kills are—each strike precise, no wasted movement. It's obvious the attack is calculated teamwork," he said, his expression cold as he looked at the guards' bodies.
As the Saiyans examined the guards' corpses, they were unaware they were being watched by three people standing on wires above them. It was Lubbock, and this time he had new companions by his side—Mine and Bulat.
(Mine is a self-proclaimed "Genius Sniper", as well as a sharp-tongued and quick-witted member of the assassin group Night Raid.
Mine is a young girl of below-average height with very long pink hair tied in twin tails on either side of her head, though she occasionally wears it down. She has large pink eyes and wears a pink outfit consisting of a tied shawl with a high collar, a long-sleeved shirt, a gown, black stockings, and pink shoes.
(Often quick to anger and easily irritated with people she doesn't know well, Mine has a cold, temperamental, and aggressive personality. During Tatsumi's first days in Night Raid, she tended to tease him for being the newest member, often saying he wouldn't last.
Despite her cold exterior, she is warm and kind to those she opens up to. She showed her compassionate side by teasing Tatsumi to distract him from Susanoo's death.
Over time, she develops romantic feelings for Tatsumi, who returns them, and the two enter an intimate relationship. Since dating him, she has shown a jealous side—getting angry over Leone's flirty advances toward him and lecturing him to refuse firmly as he now has a girlfriend. She is also deeply worried about his well-being, especially when he was imprisoned and she had no contact with him.
Mine wants to eliminate racial discrimination, as she is of half-foreign descent and was targeted by others as a child.)
(Bulat was a tall, muscular young man with blue eyes and black hair usually styled in a combed-up, heart-shaped pompadour. Before joining Night Raid, he wore his hair down. When not wearing his Teigu Incursio, he often donned a black shirt with green shoulders, chest armor, white pants, and black boots. He also occasionally wore a black leather jacket over his outfit.
Bulat had a calm, kind personality; though he referred to himself as passionate and hot-blooded, he never lost his cool in battle. He was among Night Raid's most compassionate members and taught Tatsumi to embrace his emotions without letting them consume him. Leone informed Tatsumi that Bulat was gay, to which he blushed heavily and replied, "Don't give him the wrong idea," without denying it. Bulat occasionally flirted with Tatsumi, making him extremely nervous.)
The three had watched the two Saiyans burst through the mansion's window earlier and were now observing them below. Mine and Bulat looked at the Saiyans with curiosity, taking in their appearances—Goku in his orange and blue martial arts gi, and Vegeta in his blue training suit. Looking closer, they noticed both had monkey tails: Goku's swayed left and right in the air, while Vegeta's was wrapped around his waist. Lubbock, meanwhile, stared in shock—he hadn't expected to see them again, let alone in this place.
Mine looked down at the Saiyans, raising an eyebrow. "Who the hell are these two? I've never seen them before."
Bulat smirked mischievously. "I don't know, but they're kinda cute though," he said, his tone playful.
Mine rolled her eyes and facepalmed. "Ugh, Bulat—can't you not be all over every guy right now?" she said, annoyed.
Bulat chuckled. "Well, sorry if that bothers you, Mine. Maybe you're interested in one of them too?"
Mine grimaced. "Gross—I'm not interested in dating anyone," she said, turning her head away before looking back at him.
Lubbock sweatdropped at their exchange. He had seen the Saiyans earlier in the capital with Leone and caught glimpses of their power—he still remembered how Vegeta obliterated the bandit leader and destroyed a female bandit's body with a single blow. He shook off the memory, his expression growing serious as he watched Goku and Vegeta below. "We need to be careful with these two," he whispered to his companions. "I've seen what they can do—their power is way beyond anything we've faced before."
Mine narrowed her eyes, adjusting her position on the wire. "So what are you saying? That we should just leave them be? They're snooping around our mission target."
"Not leave them be—just don't underestimate them," Lubbock replied, his fingers already moving to adjust his Cross Tail gauntlets. "Leone was right about being cautious. If we confront them now, we might not like the outcome."
Bulat nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the Saiyans. "He's got a point. Those tails... and their outfits—what even are they wearing?" he said, finding the two Saiyans' attire strange. "The way they carry themselves—they're not from around here. We don't know what they want with Aria's mansion, or if they're a threat to our cause. I don't think they're from the Jaegers either..."
As if on cue, Goku suddenly looked up—his dark eyes darted to where the three stood on the network of strings. "Vegeta," he said quietly, "we're not alone." His expression was serious and guarded.
Vegeta didn't even glance up at first, continuing to examine a deep slash mark on the ground as a smirk appeared on his face. "I know," he grunted. "Three of them, standing above us..." He finally stood up, looking at the three with a smirk.
Mine tensed, reaching for her Teigu Pumpkin at her hip. "They spotted us!" She pointed her weapon at them—Pumpkin was ready. Lubbock also readied his gauntlets.
(Roman Artillery: Pumpkin was a rifle-type Teigu. It had a case with different parts that could be detached and attached to modify it. Wielded by Mine, it was previously used by Najenda. Pumpkin was destroyed due to overheating during Mine's battle against Budo.)
"Calm down," Bulat whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Let's see what they want first."
Goku looked up at the three Night Raid members, his tone serious. "Are you guys Night Raid?"
To be continued.