Earth had fallen into an unprecedented state of panic.
All major television broadcasts were abruptly cut off, replaced by emergency announcements from governments around the world.
A glaring red message scrolled across every screen.
"Unidentified flying objects are approaching. Estimated impact zone: East City. This is not a drill."
Across streets and alleys, order had already collapsed.
Supermarket shelves were stripped clean. Even expired pet food became something people fought over.
Highways turned into endless lines of trapped vehicles. Horns blared in desperation. Some abandoned their cars and fled on foot, while others dropped to their knees, praying for mercy in what felt like the end of the world.
Fear spread like a plague, racing through broadcasts and networks, infecting billions within moments.
And yet, in West City, inside Capsule Corporation, the atmosphere could not have been more different.
It felt like a quiet island at the center of a storm.
A massive energy barrier shut out the chaos beyond. The central air system maintained a steady, comfortable temperature. The scent of freshly baked cookies lingered in the air.
Bulma sat in a leather chair inside the main control room, holding a steaming cup of black coffee.
Before her stretched an entire wall of holographic displays, streams of data flashing endlessly.
"Trajectory calculation complete. Margin of error: 0.001%."
She took a sip of coffee, fingers dancing lightly across the virtual keyboard.
"They picked their target well. Straight for East City, the most densely populated area. They're not just here to find someone. They want to make a statement."
Her eyes flicked to the countdown in the corner of the screen.
Time until impact: 03 hours 12 minutes.
"No one could predict a landing this precise except me."
She leaned back, stretching lazily, showing not the slightest hint of fear.
After all, her bald husband had confidently promised just last night that even if Earth exploded, he would piece it back together for her.
Meanwhile, in the children's room on the second floor, the mood was almost too cozy.
Under soft, warm lighting, Krillin sat cross-legged beside Trin's bed, holding a picture book titled Encyclopedia of the Universe. He was delivering what he called a "pre-battle briefing."
"Dad, who's that guy who looks like a hedgehog?"
Trin pointed at a drawing of a man with sharply spiked hair and a pronounced widow's peak.
"Oh, that guy?"
Krillin stroked his chin, speaking with complete seriousness despite the nonsense.
"He's an unlucky fellow named Vegeta. A short, prideful prince."
"His favorite hobby is telling people he's elite… and then getting knocked flat on his back."
"And what about this big bald guy?"
Trin pointed at the muscular figure beside him.
"Is he as strong as you, Dad?"
Krillin immediately made a face.
"Please. Don't compare your old man to that guy."
"He's Nappa. A brute who only knows how to use raw strength. His bald head is because his hair's gone for good. Mine is because I'm just that powerful. Totally different."
Trin nodded, half understanding, and let out a sleepy yawn.
"Then why are they coming to Earth?"
"Because they're looking for trouble."
Krillin closed the book and tucked the blanket around him.
"Get some sleep. Tomorrow, I'll take you to watch the show."
"I want to go too!"
From the next bed, Gohan popped his head up, eyes sparkling.
After six months of intense training, the boy was still shy, but the Saiyan fighting instinct inside him had clearly awakened.
"Alright, you're coming too."
Krillin smiled, ruffling Gohan's hair.
After settling the two kids, he quietly stepped out of the room.
At the end of the hallway, Bulma leaned against the doorframe, holding the Dragon Radar.
"Are the Dragon Balls ready?" she asked.
"Yeah. They're in the basement."
Krillin nodded, his expression turning slightly more serious.
Goku should have finished his training with King Kai by now.
Even if they did not strictly need him anymore, a battle like this felt incomplete without its main hero.
The two of them headed down to the underground vault.
Seven orange orbs rested quietly inside a shockproof case, glowing softly.
As Krillin looked at them, a trace of concern crossed his mind.
The last time he used them to remove his genetic limiter, he had sensed something faintly murky building inside the Dragon Balls. A seed of negative energy.
"System, analyze the Dragon Balls."
Scanning…
Target: Earth Dragon Balls
Status: Negative energy accumulation at 12%
Warning: Excessive use may trigger premature birth of an evil dragon. Use with caution.
"Only twelve percent. Still safe for now."
Krillin made his decision.
He returned to the surface and chose an open area.
Taking a deep breath, he spread his arms.
"Come forth, Shenron. Grant my wish!"
Thunder rumbled.
The clear night sky was instantly swallowed by dark clouds as golden lightning tore across the heavens.
A massive green pillar of light erupted from Capsule Corporation's garden, twisting and rising before taking the form of a colossal dragon.
Its enormous body coiled through the sky, blotting out the stars. Crimson eyes gazed down upon the tiny humans below.
Even after seeing it multiple times, the overwhelming presence of this higher-dimensional being inspired awe.
"Summoner of the Dragon Balls, speak your wish. I shall grant you one desire."
Shenron's voice boomed like thunder, vibrating through the air.
Krillin raised his head and shouted.
"Shenron, bring Son Goku back to life!"
The dragon fell silent for a moment. Its eyes flashed red.
"This wish is simple."
At that very instant, far away on King Kai's planet, the halo above Goku's head dissolved into particles of light.
"Your wish has been granted."
Shenron lowered its head slightly.
"Farewell."
The great dragon dispersed into seven streaks of golden light, scattering across the world.
Krillin made no attempt to chase them. He no longer needed such measures for reassurance.
At that moment, his system interface appeared automatically in his mind.
Host: Krillin
Race: Human, limiter breaking
Status: Post-clarity state
Power Level: 18,000, passive overclock active, mood bonus applied
Stamina: Infinite
Charm: 199, peak human
Saitama Template Integration: 36%
Skills:
Serious Punch
Consecutive Normal Punches
Flight, mastered
Destructo Disc, incomplete
Divine Healing
Kaio-ken, modified
Serious Series, Sacred Buddha Form
Ki Resonance
Instant Transmission, mastered
Special Traits:
Cosmic Adaptation
Near-death growth
Current Mission: Saiyan invasion
Countdown: 02 hours 58 minutes
"Eighteen thousand base power…"
Krillin clenched his fist, feeling the ocean-like force surging through his body.
"When Vegeta first came to Earth, he was around this level. That means I can match him even without Kaio-ken."
A grin slowly spread across his face, carrying a hint of dangerous amusement.
"And if I do use Kaio-ken…"
He let out a quiet chuckle.
"Goku's back. Now it's time to bring our 'savior' home."