.

Here are the salient features of this fic:

No Dragon Balls (Character death shall occur)

Limited ki sense (functional only nearby)

Utilization of the under-utilized characters

A more realistic environment, use of smartphones

Slowly but surely it will diverge significantly from the original storyline.

Unpredictable twists and turns

Hopefully, a motivating piece of work.

The Reunion

Piccolo stood brooding on the edge of a rugged cliff, the jagged rocks beneath him contrasting with the sweeping view of the valley below. His cape billowed dramatically in the gusty wind, echoing the turmoil within him. As always, his mind was consumed with thoughts of revenge against Goku.

Suddenly, a sharp instinct made him tense up.

"WHAT IS THAT?!" He spun around, eyes wide with alarm. A massive power was approaching rapidly, making the very air around him crackle with energy.

With a soft impact, a long-haired, well-built man landed.

"Wait, you are not Kakarot!" the tall man shouted, his voice carrying over the roaring wind.

Piccolo quickly regained his composure, narrowing his eyes. "You have five minutes to tell me why you are here before I blast you to pieces," he said, masking his fear. He could feel the stranger's immense power, like a looming storm.

The man ignored him and pressed a button on his eyepiece. "Power level 322. I can tell you're not from this planet. Blast me to pieces, you said? Heh! I'd like to see you try."

Piccolo bristled. How dare this guy mock him? "RAAH!" he exclaimed, firing an energy blast directly at the newcomer.

DHISHOO!

Smoke rose, billowing out from the impact. As it cleared, the tall man stood unfazed, the ground around him scorched but his body untouched.

"Impressive. You actually managed to singe some of my leg hair," the man said, chuckling.

Piccolo's mouth dropped open in shock.

BEEP! BEEP!

"That's it. It must be him," the tall man said, looking at his eyepiece. "I am coming for you, Kakarot!"

With that, he took off, leaving a terrified Piccolo behind.

Piccolo dropped to his knees, sweat pouring down his face. The wind continued to howl, now feeling colder. "My God...what was that guy?"

----------------------------------------

At Master Roshi's island..

The island was a serene haven, with the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore and seagulls calling in the distance. Goku, Krillin, and Master Roshi sat in the sand, their laughter mingling with the ocean breeze.

"And then," Krillin recounted with a grin, "Me and Master Roshi were thrown out of the restaurant."

"Really?" Goku's eyes widened with curiosity.

Master Roshi nodded, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Suddenly, Goku's expression turned grim, the light-hearted atmosphere abruptly shifting.

"Er... what's the matter, Goku?" Roshi asked, his voice tinged with concern. "I know that was sad and all, but you look terrified!"

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Sweat began to bead on Goku's forehead, trickling down his face. "I am sensing a great power level!"

Master Roshi's jovial expression turned serious as he too sensed the overwhelming presence. His eyebrows furrowed deeply.

"Wait, I feel it too."

Unaware of the rising tension, young Gohan was busy building a tiny hill in the sand, his small hands patting it into shape.

A pinpoint in the sky grew larger, becoming distinguishable against the azure backdrop.

"Who is that?" Master Roshi muttered, straining to see through his sunglasses.

Moments later, a tall man descended onto the island with a soft landing, barely disturbing the sand. Goku and his friends stared in shock at the newcomer.

"So, I finally found you, Kakarot. You look just like your father," the tall man said, his voice deep and menacing. He raised a finger, pointing directly at Goku. "KAKAROT! Your mission was to kill all people on this planet. Why haven't you carried it out?"

Goku and his friends exchanged puzzled looks, their confusion evident.

"Now, now..." Krillin stepped forward, chuckling nervously. 'Out of Dew Dork's mental asylum, I guess,' he thought to himself. "Allow me to escort you back to the hos-"

SMACK!

"OWW!"

Krillin was sent flying, crashing through the wall of Kame House. Dust and debris scattered from the impact, leaving a gaping hole.

"A tail!" Master Roshi exclaimed, his eyes wide. "And... my house! What have you done?!"

The stranger's belt had unfurled and struck Krillin on the cheek. It now waved behind him, revealing itself to be a tail.

Goku's anger flared. His teeth gnashed as he clenched his fists, the muscles in his arms tensing visibly. The once cheerful atmosphere of the island had turned into one of impending confrontation.

Goku clenched his fist as he turned to face his brother. "Even if what you say is true, I now belong to this planet. It's nice to know that I have a brother and all, but I really would have hoped our reunion to be friendlier than this," he said, glancing towards Krillin and the destroyed wall of Kame House, his voice tinged with both disappointment and determination.

"Oh, it's going to get so much friendlier..." Raditz sneered, raising his hand in the direction of Master Roshi. A glowing ki ball formed in his palm, its energy humming ominously.

"Don't dare!" yelled Goku. In a flash, he leaped forward and threw a punch aimed at Raditz's face, but Raditz easily dodged it and kneed Goku in the stomach.

Goku was sent flying back, spit spraying from his mouth. He landed hard on the sand, groaning in pain as he clutched his abdomen. "Agh!"

"Daddy!" wailed Gohan, breaking into a run towards his fallen father.

"No, Gohan!" Krillin yelled.

However, it was too late. Raditz stepped forward and snatched the wailing Gohan, holding him tightly.

"No," groaned Goku, his body wracked with pain, unable to move. "Oh God..."

Krillin and Master Roshi looked on in horror, their faces pale. They could sense the vast difference in power, knowing they were helpless against this formidable alien.

Raditz chuckled, his grip tightening on the screaming child. "So, Kakarot. I am giving you one last chance. Either you return to your mission of killing the people on this planet, or I will do it for you and make your son suffer."

Goku looked at his wailing son, his eyes filled with despair. He extended a trembling hand towards Gohan. "No, please. No..."

"After you have exterminated the population of at least ten cities, you can meet me in the plains eight hundred kilometers northwest of here," Raditz added, glancing at the data on his eyepiece. "The place is just two hundred meters from this Saiyan farmhouse of your planet. You have only got forty-eight hours."

With that, Raditz took off with a wailing Gohan, disappearing into the horizon. Goku watched helplessly from the ground, his heart breaking at the sight of his son being taken away.

...

Five minutes later...

Goku had finally managed to stand with support from Krillin and Master Roshi. The waves crashed against the shore in a rhythmic pattern.

"I am going after him!" Goku declared, his eyes blazing with determination.

"No, Goku!" Krillin said urgently. "You will get killed!"

Master Roshi remained silent, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Goku groaned, frustration evident in his voice. "Then what should I do? How will I be able to show my face to Chi-Chi if something happens to Gohan?"

Krillin tried to calm his friend, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Stay cool, Goku. We've still got forty-eight hours. Surely we will find a way out of this by then."

Master Roshi was stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I know of something. Do you remember what would happen to you, Goku, when somebody squeezed your tail?"

Goku nodded. "Yeah. I was paralyzed. I felt all of my strength sap out of my body." A glimmer of hope appeared in Goku's eyes. "And if my brother shares the same weakness..."

Krillin grinned. "Then we can take him out, no problem."

Master Roshi shook his head. "He won't just let us walk up to him and grab his tail, Krillin. Hmm, I think...the three of us should attack him straight away...together. He would least expect it."

Krillin looked horrified at the prospect.

Goku stood straight now, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Alright. It's settled then."

Master Roshi clenched and unclenched his fist in front of him. "Hope these old bones still pack a punch."

Suddenly, a booming voice filled the air.

"YOU WILL NEVER SUCCEED! YOU ARE TOO WEAK!"

All of them looked up, their hearts sinking as they saw Piccolo floating above them, his cape billowing dramatically in the breeze.

Krillin looked at the green man with dismay. "Oh great... this day just keeps getting better..."

Piccolo descended, landing softly on the sandy shore, the tension palpable.

Goku tensed, readying himself for a fight. "I don't know what your intentions are, Piccolo, but if you want a rematch, I am really not in the mood right now."

Piccolo began to walk towards the group, his presence exuding power. Krillin and Master Roshi fell into their battle stances, ready to defend themselves. However, Piccolo calmly walked past all of them, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Piccolo stood with his back to Goku, staring out at the sea. "I saw everything that happened here. I have fought your brother, Goku. Neither of us alone can defeat him."

Goku listened carefully, his mind racing. He knew what Piccolo said was true. His stomach still ached from the blow it had received.

Piccolo continued, clenching his fist in front of him and grinning. "But together we might stand a chance."

"Hey!" exclaimed Krillin, his anger and mistrust evident. "Why would you want to help Goku?"

Piccolo growled, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "I am not here to help your friend! In fact, I am waiting for the day I see him dead. But...I can't let this guy take over the Earth. I plan to do it myself."

Goku looked serious, weighing the options, the gravity of the situation settling over him.

"So what do you say, Goku?"

Goku had never thought he would see a day like this. "Well, if that's the only way to beat my brother..."

Piccolo smirked. "Good choice. But remember, this alliance is only temporary."

"Yes," said Goku, smirking back. "Krillin, could you give me a senzu bean, please?"

Krillin tossed the bean to Goku, who caught it mid-air and quickly consumed it. Instantly, he felt his strength returning, the energy surging through his body.

Goku clenched his fists, feeling his power restored. "Alright, Piccolo. Let's go."

Piccolo nodded, his eyes fierce. "Remember, Goku, this is just a truce. Once this is over, we settle our score."

Goku nodded. "Understood."

As they prepared to take off, Goku turned to Krillin and Master Roshi. "Take care of things here. I'll bring Gohan back."

Krillin nodded, trying to keep his worry from showing. "Be careful, Goku."

Master Roshi placed a reassuring hand on Goku's shoulder. "Good luck, my boy. We'll be waiting."

With a final nod, Goku and Piccolo jumped into the air, hovering for a moment as they looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Let's do this," Goku said, his voice resolute.

"Lead the way," Piccolo replied, his tone equally determined.

Together, they shot into the sky, the wind whipping around them as they flew towards their destiny. The island grew smaller beneath them, the vast ocean stretching out as far as the eye could see.

Silence reigned on the island for a minute, the only sounds the gentle lapping of waves and the distant cries of seagulls. Krillin and Master Roshi were still trying to make sense of what had happened.

Finally, Master Roshi yelled in excitement. "Come on, Krillin! We have to see this! The two greatest fighters on the planet fighting together on the same side!"

To be continued...