Galactic Patrol Headquarters
"Son Gohan! On the top of our most-wanted list are the galaxy's most notorious criminals. Pick one," Merus said as he led Gohan into the mission hall.
Above them, a massive display screen projected photos, names, and dossiers.
Most Wanted #1: The Heinous Trio, three brothers: Rosa, Ropa, and Rona. One a lecher, one a glutton, one a bloodthirsty killer.
Rosa's lust knew no bounds, no matter the species, he was always eager to "test the waters."
Ropa's gluttony was darker, he craved the brains of sentient beings.
Rona killed without cause, murder wasn't revenge or necessity for him; it was just something he liked.
They weren't just criminals, they were depravity personified.
Most Wanted #2: Frieza, Emperor of the Universe. The strongest being in the North Galaxy, leader of an army that conquered and sold planets. Entire civilizations had been displaced or wiped out under his reign. Worst of all, the survivors of destroyed worlds were often sold off as slaves.
Most Wanted #3: Bojack. The most powerful being in the South Galaxy. A cosmic marauder who ravaged all four quadrants of the universe before being sealed on a distant planet at the galaxy's edge by the combined might of the four Kais. Still alive, hence still on the list.
Most Wanted #4: …
By then, Gohan had stopped reading.
"Merus, are these three stronger than Frieza?" Gohan asked.
Merus shook his head. "No. Their power level is lower, but they have… unusual abilities. That's how they've evaded capture for so long. Plenty of Patrol officers have fallen to them. They're ranked #1 not because they're the strongest, but because their crimes are worse than Frieza's. Frieza's brutality his conquest of planets is, in a twisted way, part of the galaxy's survival cycle. He's ranked second only because he goes too far, leaving the Seventh Universe underdeveloped."
He didn't elaborate on how the trio's methods worked, which only made Gohan more curious.
"I've decided, we'll go after them," Gohan said, excitement lighting his eyes.
"You sure? If you chose Frieza, your strength would be enough to beat him, kill him, even," Merus replied, surprised.
"I'm here to improve my skills, not chase bounties," Gohan said, pointing to the currency rewards flashing under each name.
"Heh. In that case, the Trio it is. Let's go."
At the front desk, the receptionist blushed when Merus approached.
"Captain Merus! What mission will you be taking today?"
"Most Wanted #1 the Heinous Trio," he said coolly.
"That's great! You'll finally deal with those monsters. My cousin on Meaos Star… Ropa ate her brain." Her voice trembled with anger.
"Don't worry we'll bring them in," Gohan said firmly.
She blinked at him, then looked at Merus, skeptical.
"This is Son Gohan. He'll take the lead on this mission, I'll be his backup," Merus said, adding Gohan's name to the mission roster.
Her expression said it all: I don't believe in this kid.
Gohan didn't take offense. They took the mission and boarded the Patrol ship.
"Think you can find them?" Gohan asked once they were in space.
"HQ's been tracking them don't worry," Merus replied calmly.
"Good," Gohan said, then immediately dropped to the floor to do push-ups and sit-ups, unable to contain his battle hunger.
Two months later – A violet planet
BOOM! Fsshh! The ship's thrusters flared as it landed on a wide plain.
"So we're finally here. Two months in flight… should've just used Instant Transmission from the start," Gohan muttered, stretching as he stepped out.
"You can use Instant Transmission?!" Merus's eyes widened.
"Huh? I thought you knew."
"Idiot! How would I know if you never used it?" Merus snapped.
"Well… that's on you for not asking," Gohan said sheepishly.
"If I don't ask, you don't tell?!"
"If you don't tell me you don't know, how would I know you don't know?"
Merus gave him a long, strange look. "…So what you're saying is, I'm not important enough for you to mention it?"
"Uh… something about this conversation feels wrong…" Gohan felt a shiver run up his spine.
"What are you imagining?!" Merus groaned. "I'm perfectly normal mind and body!"
"Phew! You scared me for a second there." Gohan exhaled in relief.
"Hmph. I was going to mentor you a bit, but with that attitude…"
"Merus, I was wrong! From now on, anytime you need Instant Transmission just say the word!" Gohan said quickly.
"We'll see. Let's go the Trio are in a city 3,000 kilometers east." Merus rose into the air.
Gohan followed.
The planet, Sena, was home to the Sena people physically similar to Earthlings, with purple skin, an extra set of ears, and no superpowers. Their combat ability was about the same as humans. Like most sentient life in Universe 7, they were broadly humanoid, with only small physical differences.
In the city:
Rosa, the lecherous eldest brother, prowled the streets in search of prey.
Ropa, the cannibalistic middle brother, eyed any Sena whose head seemed "nice and full," drool dripping from his mouth.
Rona, the youngest, hovered high above, waiting for his brothers to have their "fun" so he could begin the slaughter.
"Merus, why do they look exactly like the locals? Were they born here?" Gohan asked from their hiding spot.
"That's their first trick mimicry. Anyone they've seen, they can imitate perfectly," Merus explained.
"I see… So, should I make my move now?" Gohan's fists clenched in excitement.
"Get them somewhere empty. No civilians harmed," Merus instructed.
"Got it. Leave it to me."
Zwoop! Gohan vanished.
An instant later, he reappeared beside Rosa, grabbed him, and teleported to a barren plain.
"What the?!" Rosa roared in shock.
From high above, Rona felt his brother's ki suddenly vanish into the distance. He shot downward like a meteor.
Ropa froze mid-prowl, the hunger in his eyes replaced by alarm. Without another thought, he blasted into the sky toward Gohan's location.
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