The morning after their feast of shark and octopus, Master Roshi stepped out onto the sand carrying a small capsule in his hand.
"You've got hunting to do," he said, flicking it toward Haruko. "This will help."
Haruko caught it, pressed the top, and tossed it onto the sand. With a burst of smoke, a sleek white helicopter, compact but big enough for all of them, appeared.
Goku's eyes widened. "A ship that pops out of a capsule! That's amazing!"
Yamcha just whistled. "That's Capsule Corp tech for you."
"Don't break it," Roshi warned. "And don't bring back trouble too soon."
Haruko smirked. "No promises on that second one."
Hours later, the helicopter descended into a small valley. A scattering of houses sat under a worn hill, the place quiet but tense. As they stepped out, the villagers gathered slowly, eyes wary.
An old woman stepped forward, her back slightly bent, but voice still clear. "You're not from here. What do you want?"
"We're searching for something you might have," Haruko said. "A round orange ball with red stars inside."
The woman's eyes narrowed. "We have such a thing… but it's not for trade. A demon terrorizes our village. Deal with him, and the ball is yours."
Haruko nodded once. "Then point me to him."
He already knew what — who — it would be.
In his past life's memories, this was Oolong. A shapeshifting troublemaker with a taste for bullying and petty tyranny, who eventually got dragged into Goku's adventures by force.
As if on cue, the ground shook lightly. A mechanical stomping sound approached, and from between the houses strode a hulking tin "mecha" suit — crude in design but impressive enough to scare villagers.
A booming voice came from within. "Leave now, or face destruction!"
Goku cracked his knuckles. "Let's get him!"
Haruko didn't even wait for a plan. "On him."
They split the approach — Goku leapt high, landing a punch square on the chestplate, while Haruko struck low, kicking the metal knee joint. Sparks flew. The mecha staggered, but the heavy plating held.
"Not bad for little pests," the voice growled.
"Not bad for a coward in armor," Haruko shot back.
The mecha swung a massive arm. Goku ducked, Haruko slid past and drove a strike into the back panel. There was a sharp clang, and smoke hissed from a vent.
Then, before they could land another blow, the armor began to shake and shrink — literally. Metal dropped away piece by piece, and what remained lifted into the air, changing shape entirely.
A fluttering, dark shape shot upward.
"A bat?" Goku blinked.
Haruko's eyes narrowed. "No. That's him."
They chased him through the air until they plunged into thick forest. When they caught up, a small, round pig with a tiny green cap sat panting on a stump, pretending not to notice them.
"Hey pig," Haruko said evenly, "seen a big guy pass through here?"
Oolong didn't meet his eyes. "Uh… yeah, he went that way." He pointed without much conviction.
Goku, still wearing the padded training turtle shell, started marching in that direction automatically — but Haruko's arm shot out, blocking him.
Without warning, Haruko's other hand caught Oolong by the collar and lifted him off the stump. "I know it's you. Enough games."
The pig's eyes went wide. "W-wait! I—"
"Take us to your hideout," Haruko said flatly.
They moved deeper into the forest until Oolong led them to a well-kept lodge hidden under trees. Inside, the supposed "hostages" were lounging in bright dresses, some dancing, others applying makeup.
"So these are the kidnapped women?" Yamcha muttered.
One of the women saw him and waved lazily. "Kidnapped? Not really. Better than the village chores."
Haruko just shook his head. "Figures."
Yamcha stepped outside, cupping his hands around his mouth. "They're fine! Come in!"
Villagers flooded the hideout, some relieved, some annoyed.
In the corner, on a locked shelf, the Dragon Ball sat in clear sight. Haruko took it without ceremony, the orange surface catching the sun through the window. Another piece in their growing set.
Oolong shifted uneasily in the doorway. "So… we're square, right?"
Haruko raised an eyebrow. "Square? No. Now you work for us." He glanced back at Yamcha. "This is your new servant. Train him. Keep him busy."
Yamcha cracked his knuckles, expression sharp. "Got it. You heard him, piggy. You're on kitchen, camp, and errand duty."
Oolong's ears drooped. "Uh… yeah, yes, master. Piggy will do the jobs… no mistakes."
"Good," Haruko said. "Or next time, we skip the talking part."
The villagers dispersed, leaving their odd new band one member larger — even if that member wasn't exactly thrilled.
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