King Kai's Planet.
"My goodness! This is bad!
"South Kai actually died at the hands of a moving Big Gete Star. No wonder Bojack and his gang's seal suddenly broke!"
The chubby King Kai's antennae twitched on his forehead, and a drop of sweat appeared as he began pacing anxiously.
"This is terrible. He's already entered the North Galaxy. He'll definitely come looking for me to settle the score!
"Killing me is one thing, but if his gang appears in the North Galaxy, they'll definitely destroy planets on a massive scale. What am I supposed to do now…?"
...
The Lookout.
"Mr. Popo, I've brought you the new Guardian. From now on, make sure you serve him well!"
Dende bowed very politely.
"Hello, Mr. Popo. My name is Dende!"
Popo's two eyes were still as round as ever.
"The new Guardian…"
Popo revealed a gentle smile and reached out his hand.
"Hello. I am Popo. Please take care of me from now on."
The two happily shook hands.
A moment later, Krillin asked curiously, "Dende, can you really create Dragon Balls?"
Dende nodded.
"Yes. If I start from scratch, I should be able to finish them in one hundred days."
"What?"
"One hundred days? Isn't that way too long?"
Goku immediately said, "Dende, Earth's Dragon Balls only stopped working. They didn't disappear.
"If you use the Dragon Balls that already turned to stone on Earth, shouldn't you be able to fix them quickly?"
Dende blinked.
"If the old Dragon Balls are still there, then that makes things much easier. I can restore them right away!"
Krillin was overjoyed.
"That's great! Then we can revive the people who died immediately.
"Of course, it would be even better if they could grant three wishes at once like the Namekian Dragon Balls."
Dende asked curiously, "Is that what you want?
"If so, I can set them to grant three wishes."
Krillin's eyes lit up.
"That's amazing! Of course, the more wishes, the better!"
Piccolo immediately stopped him.
"Wait, Dende. The Dragon Balls' wishes need to cover a wide range of people.
"They can't be like Namek's Dragon Balls, where only one person can be revived at a time."
Goku also agreed.
"Right. They need to revive everyone killed by a certain person all at once.
"That way, everyone absorbed by Cell can be brought back together.
"And if possible, it would be best if people who have already died once can be revived again too…"
A bead of sweat appeared on Dende's forehead.
Earth's clients sure had a lot of demands.
The pressure suddenly felt very heavy.
"Let me think…"
Dende thought carefully for a while.
After a moment, he raised his head.
"I have a solution!
"I can set the Dragon Balls to revive a group of people, but the number of wishes will have to be reduced to two.
"Also, the recovery period for the wishes will have to increase from one hundred and thirty days.
"Hmm… probably to three hundred and sixty-five days. Would that be acceptable?"
Bulma's face lit up.
"That sounds amazing. Dragon Balls can really be adjusted like that?"
Dende nodded seriously.
"According to my calculations, one Earth year should be enough time to recover that much magical power. It should be completely possible."
Bulma was thrilled.
"If they can be changed like that, then it's perfect! That's already one more wish than the original Dragon Balls."
Piccolo looked at Dende and nodded.
"Then do it that way, Dende."
Dende nodded.
"I understand."
He looked at Popo.
"Mr. Popo, please bring me the previous model."
"Of course!"
Popo happily ran into the interior of the Lookout.
One minute later, Popo returned holding a clay model of Shenron.
When Bulma saw the Shenron model, she rubbed her chin and asked, "Are all dragons made from clay?"
Dende nodded.
"Yes. But compared to making a clay toy, shaping a divine dragon consumes a lot of energy."
A playful look appeared on Bulma's face.
"Then can you make Shenron look a little more domineering?"
Dende nodded.
"Yes, but it would take one hundred days. Should I remake the model?"
Bulma quickly waved her hands.
"No, no. Actually, I think Earth's Shenron already looks pretty good…"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Dende walked toward the Dragon Ball model and began chanting an incantation in the Namekian language.
A moment later, the Shenron model transformed into a golden light and scattered in all directions.
Everyone looked at Dende.
"Is it done?"
Dende said, "Yes. The Dragon Balls should be restored now."
"That's great! Earth has Dragon Balls again!" Bulma said happily.
Krillin let out a deep sigh of relief.
"That's great. The people who died can finally be revived. From now on, I won't have to carry so much pressure anymore…"
Goku looked at Krillin.
"Krillin, why does it feel like being the world's hero is so exhausting for you?
"You already saved the world. It's not like you're obligated to revive the dead."
Bulma nodded.
"Yeah, Krillin. From the way you're talking, it sounds like you owe them something…"
Krillin lowered his head awkwardly.
His eyes turned slightly red.
"But whenever I see those people suffering because they lost their families, I feel terrible inside. So…"
Marron said, "See? This is exactly how he is.
"I told Krillin long ago not to agree to everything.
"Last time, that mayor's wife said something I really hated.
"She actually said, 'Since you can revive everyone, why couldn't you act sooner?' It was completely unreasonable!"
Goku blinked.
"There are actually people like that among the people you deal with?"
"If all fans were like that, then I'd say forget being a hero. Krillin isn't short on money anymore anyway!" Bulma said.
Krillin defended himself.
"I don't have a choice. I can't just ignore them, can I?
"After all, so many fans who like me supported me all the way until today.
"That's why I always have to pay attention to my public image…"
Marron immediately said, "Actually, most fans are kind.
"It's just that there are always some people with terrible personalities. They treat everything a hero does for them as an obligation. That's what makes them so annoying…"
Goku patted Krillin on the shoulder.
"Krillin, sometimes you need to be a little smoother with people. Bring back that shameless energy you had when you used to trick me as a kid.
"Helping others is fine, but you can't always let yourself be morally pressured. It'll affect your own life too much."
Bulma put her hands on her hips and laughed.
"I think Krillin can't be as slippery as he used to be anymore.
"Compared to when he was little, he's become a little too honest now…"
Krillin was speechless.
Being called honest did not feel like a compliment here.
Marron complained, "Exactly!
"The current Krillin has to maintain the image of a world hero every single moment.
"He barely has any personal life left.
"And this trip even ran into that kind of trouble. We didn't get to relax properly at all…"
Android 18 put her hands on her hips.
"Looks like being the world's hero may earn money quickly, but it isn't as easy as imagined…"
Bulma nodded.
"Yeah. That's just how life is.
"My dad became the richest man in the world ages ago, but he still has plenty of things to deal with every day…"
Seeing Krillin weighed down by the title of world hero, Goku suddenly thought of someone.
His expression suddenly brightened.
"Krillin, I think you should find an assistant who's good with words. Someone like that could help you deal with a lot of things.
"I heard there's a martial artist called Mr. Satan. Although his strength is average, he's especially good at talking and knows how to handle the media."
Krillin froze for a moment, as if remembering the person Goku mentioned.
"Mr. Satan? You mean that guy who often wins certain martial arts tournaments?"
Goku nodded.
"Yeah, him!
"His strength is nothing special to us, but he's extremely popular among ordinary people. He's also really good at dealing with reporters and fans."
Bulma folded her arms and said calmly, "Letting an ordinary person share the pressure of being a hero… That's actually not a bad idea."
Marron's eyes lit up.
"If he can help Krillin block some unnecessary trouble, that would be wonderful!
"Then Krillin won't have to be bothered by unreasonable people all day."
Android 18 asked curiously, "But that Mr. Satan already has some fame of his own. Would he be willing to help?"
Goku smiled.
"He loves being in the spotlight.
"If you let him become the 'spokesperson of the world hero,' he'd definitely be overjoyed!"
Krillin scratched his head, still a little hesitant.
"But… wouldn't that feel a bit like deceiving the public?"
Bulma rolled her eyes.
"How is it deception if he becomes your assistant?
"You're still the hero who saved the world. You're just letting Satan help you deal with some trivial matters.
"Besides, his fame can help reduce your pressure. It's a win-win."
Goku added, "Bulma's right. Having an assistant who can help you block social obligations will make things much easier for you.
"After all, not everyone can understand our power.
"If a real enemy appears, only we can deal with it.
"You don't need to worry about being replaced at all."
Krillin's expression brightened considerably.
"That's actually a good idea. I'll find some time to talk to him."
Goku nodded.
"Yeah, do it soon, Krillin. You should've reduced your burden ages ago."
Krillin nodded in agreement.
"I know. Actually, I thought about it before, but Marron wouldn't let me…"
Marron immediately pouted.
"I thought you were trying to hire a female secretary! I don't want another woman dividing our family property.
"If I had known this was what you meant, I would've helped you find someone long ago…"
Krillin laughed, then turned toward Bulma.
"Right, Bulma, give me the Dragon Radar. Since the Dragon Balls have been restored, I should hurry up and collect them."
Bulma shrugged.
"I didn't bring it. You'll have to come back with us later to get it."
Goku placed two fingers against his forehead.
"It's fine. I'll get it for you."
Goku looked at Bulma and asked, "Bulma, is the radar still in the laboratory?"
Bulma scratched her head.
"It should be. If it isn't in the lab, then it's probably in the cabinet beside the coffee machine."
Goku nodded.
"Got it!
"My sister seems to be sleeping at Capsule Corporation. I'll search for her ki…"
"Found her!"
In the next instant, Goku disappeared.
Marron looked at Krillin and continued, "Right, I'll go with you to search for the Dragon Balls this time.
"I want to take some photos of you while you're searching.
"It would be best if we staged a few shots of you looking for Dragon Balls in dangerous places like mud pits or volcanoes.
"Then we'll send the photos to the media and publish them through television and the internet. I want everyone to see how hard you're working…"
Bulma smiled.
"Oh? Marron has a pretty good head on her shoulders. Krillin really is lucky to have married you."
Marron said proudly, "Of course. I inherited my father's business sense, so naturally I'm not bad.
"Oh, right, I just remembered something. In a few days, it'll be my younger brother's birthday.
"My father is planning to hold an interesting birthday party for him in the style of a martial arts tournament. Everyone should come participate.
"And my father is putting up two hundred million as prize money for the top few places.
"If everyone can win some of the prize money, at least the wealth won't flow into outsiders' hands."
Everyone looked at Marron in surprise.
Bulma asked curiously, "That's really extravagant. Even the current World Martial Arts Tournament only gives the champion about ten million in prize money.
"Your father is spending two hundred million just to hold a birthday party for his child?"
Marron smiled.
"Of course. My father only has one precious son, so he's definitely willing to spend money.
"But actually, I know some of the details too.
"Holding a martial arts tournament can still make money. Tickets, merchandise, and advertisements can all bring in quite a lot…"
When Android 18 heard about the prize money, her expression immediately brightened.
"Two hundred million in total prize money? Then is first place one hundred million?"
Marron nodded.
"Yes. First place gets one hundred million. Second and third place share the remaining one hundred million. Why?"
Android 18 immediately said, "Then I'm joining!"
Marron smiled and nodded.
"That's wonderful. We directly gained another strong fighter.
"Right, who else wants to participate? I can help you sign up.
"Originally, we were going to invite a few strong people to play aliens and fight the contestants.
"But if all of you participate, then we won't have to spend money hiring people…"
The next moment, Goku returned with the Dragon Radar.
Hearing Marron's words, he immediately asked, "Marron, sign up for what?"
Bulma explained, "Marron's younger brother is having his tenth birthday party, and there'll be a martial arts event.
"Goku, do you want to participate?"
Goku scratched his head.
"I'm not really interested in fighting ordinary people, so I'll pass…"
Android 18 immediately said, "No, Goku. You have to participate!"
"Why?" Goku looked at Android 18 with a puzzled face.
Android 18 said, "Because of the prize money!
"If both you and I participate, then we can take the top two places.
"Conservatively speaking, one tournament could earn us at least one hundred and fifty million."
Goku's expression stiffened.
"18, just how short on money are you? You're actually forcing me to do this kind of thing for cash?
"Our family actually has quite a bit of savings. When we get home, I'll give you one billion to spend first…"
Android 18 immediately grabbed Goku's arm and rejected him.
"No. Savings are savings. Spending savings means eating into what we already have.
"But earning money is earning money. We can make this much just by joining one tournament. It's too easy.
"I don't care. You must participate in this tournament!"
Bulma also said, "Goku, I agree with 18.
"If you have the ability to fight, why not participate? Earning more money is never a bad thing!
"Working to earn money is perfectly natural."
Goku gently tapped Android 18's nose and smiled.
"Fine. I'll listen to you.
"And whatever prize money I win will belong to you."
Android 18 leaned happily into Goku's arms and said affectionately, "Goku, you're the best!"
Bulma pouted.
"Hey, Goku. You're already neglecting me, you know?"
Goku quickly pulled Bulma into his arms as well.
"That's more like it…"
Before long, Goku handed the Dragon Radar to Krillin.
"Thanks for the hard work, Krillin!"
Krillin smiled.
"It's not hard. Searching for Dragon Balls is much easier than fighting.
"You guys can just chat here for a while. I should be back soon!"
Everyone nodded.
Krillin handed the radar to Marron, then lifted her in a princess carry and flew downward.
Marron glanced at the radar and said, "Krillin, there's a Dragon Ball about five hundred kilometers in that direction…"
...
In outer space, a spaceship was speeding toward Earth.
A blonde woman with curly golden hair held a map in her hands.
As she looked at it, she said, "Lord Bojack, according to our route, we will arrive at a beautiful planet in a little over ten days. It is called Earth…
"This planet is not only extremely beautiful, but also rich in resources.
"Why don't we conquer this planet and use it as our base for conquering the universe?"
Bojack smiled.
"Earth, huh? Sounds pretty good…"
Another subordinate with pineapple-like hair said, "Lord Bojack, I have a suggestion.
"We have already entered the territory of the North Galaxy.
"I remember that among the Kais who sealed us, North Kai was one of them.
"After conquering Earth, why don't we go kill North Kai?"
Bojack laughed.
"That fat North Kai?"
"That's right. Him!"
"That fatso is only a slight threat because he understands sealing techniques. His actual strength is far too weak. He isn't worthy of me personally making a trip to deal with him."
As he spoke, Bojack looked toward the blonde woman.
"Zangya. After we finish taking over Earth, I'll leave the task of dealing with him to you."
Zangya respectfully knelt on one knee.
"As you command, Lord Bojack!"
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