The island breeze carried an uneasy weight, as though the ocean itself had paused to witness the arrival of the strange warrior. He stood tall at the shoreline, long, spiky hair swaying in the wind, his gaze fixed sharply on Goku. His armor gleamed in the sunlight, alien in design yet exuding menace with every shift of movement.
For a moment, nobody spoke. The tension pressed down on Kame House like a heavy storm cloud. Then, the stranger's voice cut through the silence—low, sharp, and commanding.
"You've finally shown yourself… Kakarot."
The name lingered in the air, foreign and unfamiliar. Goku blinked, tilting his head in confusion.
"Kaka…rot? What's that supposed to mean?"
The warrior smirked darkly, as if he expected that reaction.
"Don't play dumb. That's your true name. You are Kakarot, a Saiyan warrior, just like me."
The words struck everyone like a thunderbolt.
Krillin stumbled backward, nearly tripping over the sand. "S-Saiyan? What the heck is that supposed to be!?"
Bulma's jaw dropped, eyes darting between Goku and the stranger. "Wait, are you saying Goku's… an alien!?"
Even Master Roshi, who rarely looked unsettled, furrowed his brow. His mind stirred with old memories—the mysterious baby Gohan had once found in the woods, the strange strength Goku always displayed. It was as though the puzzle pieces finally clicked into place.
But Goku shook his head firmly, fists clenching at his sides.
"You've got the wrong guy. My name's Son Goku! I was raised here on Earth!"
The stranger's smirk widened, cruel and mocking.
"Fool. You've forgotten your mission. You were sent here as an infant, to wipe out this planet and prepare it for sale. But instead, you've grown soft… raising a family with these weaklings."
The revelation felt like a slap to everyone present. Bulma covered her mouth, eyes wide with disbelief. Krillin swallowed hard, his stomach twisting at the thought that his best friend was meant to destroy their world. Even Roshi's old eyes glimmered with worry.
And then there was Saitama. Standing off to the side, arms dangling loosely at his sides, he scratched his ear with a blank expression.
"…So he's a space monkey. Cool."
Everyone turned to him in disbelief, but the bald man simply stared out at the ocean, unfazed.
The warrior's device—his scouter—flashed faintly, scanning the group. Numbers flickered across its lens. He scoffed.
"Pathetic. Power levels… This planet really is garbage. But you, Kakarot. Your power is far greater. You belong with us. Join me. Together, we'll conquer worlds, just as we were meant to."
Goku's eyes narrowed, his voice resolute.
"Forget it! I don't care who you are—I won't let you hurt this planet!"
The smile vanished from the stranger's face, replaced with a glare as sharp as steel.
"So be it. If you refuse… then I'll take something precious from you."
Before anyone could react, the warrior moved. His body blurred into motion, faster than the eye could follow. In an instant, he appeared beside Goku and snatched up the small boy hiding behind his father's leg.
"Papa!!" Gohan cried, struggling against the iron grip.
"Gohan!!" Goku shouted, panic flaring in his voice.
The warrior looked down at the squirming child with disdain.
"Hmph. Pathetic. This runt… is your son?"
Goku's entire body trembled, fury radiating from him.
"If you want him back, Kakarot… kill one hundred humans and bring me their corpses. Do that, and maybe I'll let him live."
"You monster!!" Goku roared, stepping forward.
Bulma gasped in horror. "He took Gohan!"
Krillin clenched his fists, helplessness clear on his face. Roshi's normally calm features darkened, shadows cast by the weight of the moment.
Meanwhile, Saitama sighed.
"…That's a bit much, don't you think?" His tone was flat, almost bored.
The warrior finally turned his gaze to the bald man. The scouter beeped faintly again, assessing his power.
"And what are you supposed to be? Your power level… one? Hmph. Worthless."
Saitama blinked once.
"…Fair enough." He went back to scratching his cheek, as though the insult barely registered.
The warrior didn't spare him another glance. His aura flared, and with Gohan tucked under his arm, he lifted into the air.
"You have one day, Kakarot. Fail me, and the boy dies."
With that, he shot into the sky like a missile, vanishing into the distance. Gohan's terrified cries echoed faintly, then were gone.
The silence left behind was suffocating. Goku dropped to his knees, fists digging into the sand.
"Gohan…" His voice cracked, raw with helpless rage.
The others rushed to him. Krillin placed a shaky hand on his shoulder. "Goku… What are we gonna do? That guy's way too strong…"
Bulma bit her lip, trying to hold back tears. "This is insane! First Goku's some alien from space, and now his brother just swoops in to kidnap his son!? What's happening to our lives!?"
Roshi adjusted his sunglasses, his expression grim. "That Saiyan… His power was on a different level. Even I could feel it. He's not someone you can fight head-on."
But Goku's eyes burned with determination as he stood. His body still trembled, but his spirit refused to waver.
"I don't care who he is… I'll go after him. I'll save my son, no matter what."
The group was silent, watching him, until a new voice cut through the air.
"You won't stand a chance alone."
Everyone turned sharply. Floating above the horizon was Piccolo, his white cape billowing in the sea breeze. His arms were crossed, expression severe as his gaze locked onto Goku.
Piccolo landed, his presence commanding immediate attention.
"I felt his energy too," he said coldly. "He's far beyond either of us. If you go alone, you'll die before you even touch him."
Goku scowled, stepping forward. "Then what do you suggest?"
Piccolo smirked faintly, though it was more a grimace than amusement.
"We team up. Just this once. If that Saiyan succeeds, the entire planet will be his. And I'm not about to hand Earth over to him."
The statement shocked everyone. Krillin nearly tripped over himself. "Wait—you two… teaming up!? Are you serious!?"
Bulma's eyes darted between them, her stomach churning. "This is unreal… Goku fighting side by side with Piccolo?"
Even Roshi raised an eyebrow. The thought of two rivals uniting against such a threat carried both dread and hope.
Goku hesitated, remembering their last battle. He had barely managed to survive Piccolo's onslaught, and yet here he was suggesting an alliance. But when he thought of Gohan, there was no hesitation left.
"…Alright. Just this once. For Gohan."
The tension between them was thick, but unspoken understanding passed through their eyes. They would fight together—for now.
Bulma wrung her hands anxiously. "Just… bring Gohan back safe, okay?"
Krillin, still pale, nodded. "Yeah, don't do anything reckless, you guys…"
Saitama stretched his arms lazily.
"…Guess I'll tag along. Got nothing better to do anyway."
Every head turned toward him again.
"You!?" Krillin stammered. "What are you even gonna do? You didn't lift a finger when that guy was here!"
Saitama shrugged. "Didn't feel like it. But if there's food afterward, I'm in."
Goku tilted his head, then offered a small smile. "Alright. The more help, the better."
Piccolo glanced at Saitama, his sharp eyes narrowing. He couldn't sense anything from the bald man, not even the faintest flicker of ki. To him, it was as if Saitama were an ordinary civilian.
"Hmph. Do what you want. Just don't get in my way."
Saitama didn't bother replying. His gaze wandered toward the ocean again, expression unreadable.