Kidnapping

A cold breeze swept over the battered landscape, where the ground bore witness to the recent fierce battle. Multiple craters marred the terrain, a testament to the intensity of the fighting that had unfolded.

Amidst the aftermath, Tien and Gohan lay unconscious, their forms placed against the rugged earth. Nearby, the weary Goku had succumbed to deep sleep.

Standing over the fallen, only Piccolo and Krillin remained. The silence was palpable, broken only by the mournful sigh of the wind as it whispered through the loneliness.

Krillin trembled, his nerves frayed by the weight of recent events.

"Hehe," Piccolo chuckled darkly. "It would be so easy to end all of you right now."

Krillin staggered back, his voice strained as he struggled to find words. Having seen what Piccolo's attack had done to that monster of a man, he didn't have any illusions regarding his chances against him.

With a sudden movement, Piccolo drew back his fist.

"Argh!" Krillin instinctively closed his eyes and ducked, anticipating the worst.

But instead of striking, Piccolo's arm extended swiftly, snatching the sleeping form of Gohan. With a fluid motion, his arm retracted to its original length, leaving Krillin momentarily stunned.

As moments passed in tense silence, Krillin dared to look up.

Piccolo grinned wickedly, his eyes gleaming with malice. "I won't kill you just yet. Your aid will be needed against Raditz's allies."

Krillin's expression darkened. "That's Goku's son! Put him down, Piccolo!"

Piccolo's grin widened. "Hehehe! Don't sweat, Krillin. I intend to mold him into a force stronger and more ruthless than any of us. With him at my side, I'll eliminate you all, including Goku! Yes... I am going to make a man out of him!"

With those ominous words, Piccolo took flight, carrying Gohan away despite Krillin's desperate protests.

Suddenly, the sound of a helicopter rotor broke the eerie stillness. Krillin turned to see the aircraft landing some distance away.

"Hehe!" Master Roshi hopped out, exclaiming jovially. "Did I miss something?"

"Couldn't you have arrived sooner?" Krillin replied, his tone heavy with frustration. "You missed everything!"

Master Roshi surveyed the battlefield with a furrowed brow. "What happened, Krillin?"

"Raditz is dead," Krillin began, his voice tinged with bitterness, "but Piccolo has taken Gohan."

"What?!" Master Roshi's disbelief was evident, his mouth agape.

Krillin recounted the events with a sigh, explaining the dire situation to his mentor.

Master Roshi sighed deeply, retrieving a small bag from his pocket. "These Senzu beans would have been invaluable, if only I'd arrived sooner."

Krillin managed a weak smile. "What's done is done, Master Roshi. At least Raditz is no longer a threat."

Stolen story; please report.

Master Roshi nodded grimly. "Indeed, thank God for that."

Krillin reflected on their plan: Master Roshi was to acquire fresh Senzu beans from Korin Tower while Krillin followed Goku and Piccolo discreetly. He had also messaged Tien, who happened to be nearby by chance.

Krillin harbored deep mistrust toward Piccolo. The thought of Goku facing both Piccolo and Raditz simultaneously sent shivers down his spine.

Approaching the battlefield, Krillin had masked his power level to evade detection by Piccolo's keen senses, narrowly escaping detection by Raditz's scouter.

........... .

Goku and Tien stood upright, their energy revitalized after consuming the Senzu beans Master Roshi had provided. The effects of the miraculous beans were immediately evident; both fighters were restored to their peak condition, their fatigue and injuries vanishing as if they had never been.

Goku's eyes darted around, scanning the area with visible concern. "Where's Gohan?"

Krillin let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation evident in his expression. He took a deep breath before recounting the recent events to his friend. "But don't worry, Goku," he said, attempting to reassure him. "Now that you're healed, it's only a matter of time before we find them and rescue Gohan from that son of a devil."

Goku listened intently, though his concern seemed somewhat subdued. "So Piccolo wants to train Gohan?" he asked, his tone suggesting he didn't see the issue.

"Are you serious, Goku?!" Krillin exclaimed, disbelief clear in his voice. "Piccolo could brainwash him! This isn't just about training."

"Nah," Goku replied with a casual shrug, brushing off the concern. "Gohan's upbringing will keep him grounded. Besides, I want Gohan to discover his potential, and Chi-Chi wouldn't let me train him anyway."

Master Roshi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, interjected thoughtfully. "You never cease to amaze me, Goku. But how will you explain this to the boy's mother?"

Goku's expression shifted, a frown forming as the reality of the situation sank in. The thought of confronting Chichi and explaining Gohan's training under Piccolo brought a crease of worry to his brow.

Krillin sighed again, understanding the gravity of his friend's apprehension. Tracking down Piccolo wouldn't be straightforward. Over the years, Piccolo had made headlines for numerous criminal acts, each incident drawing Goku and Krillin into lengthy and often fruitless searches. The task of finding him was always challenging, and their past attempts had rarely ended in success.

Krillin knew Goku shared his concerns, even though he tried to maintain a hopeful outlook.

Tien, having listened to the conversation with growing resolve, turned away with a determined expression. "I'm off to train," he said.

"Wait!" Master Roshi called out urgently. "I have a message from Korin!"

..............

Krillin piloted the helicopter, his friends engaged in animated conversation in the backseat. The hum of the helicopter's engines and the wind whipping past the windows created a backdrop of activity and anticipation.

"Hey, Tien," Goku called out, his voice tinged with genuine gratitude. Despite his outward calm, a storm of concern churned within him. "I'm glad you showed up. And that Dodon Ray was impressive!"

Tien's response was blunt and carried a note of frustration. "It wasn't enough. I'm still not as strong as you, Goku." His jaw was set firmly, betraying his inner turmoil.

Master Roshi, observing the exchange with a thoughtful expression, asked, "How did you find us, Tien?"

"I was meditating, deep in remembrance of God," Tien explained, his tone measured. "When I heard the explosion, I followed the sound and found the fight. I acted quickly to join in."

"Good timing," Master Roshi remarked, his voice carrying a hint of approval.

"Hey, Tien!" Krillin shouted from the pilot's seat, steering the helicopter with practiced ease. "Is this where Chiaotzu's supposed to be?"

"Yes," Tien confirmed, his gaze steady.

...............

South Carifa city...

In a modest rented apartment, Yamcha slumbered peacefully. The contrast between his current situation and his past life was stark.

Just months ago, he had been a celebrated baseball star, living in a luxurious mansion, basking in wealth and fame. But a falling out with his manager had sent his life into turmoil. False accusations of corruption had led to a one-year ban from the sport and financial ruin.

From the opulence of a grand estate to the simplicity of a rented room...

RING! RING!

The sudden sound of his phone jolted Yamcha awake. He blinked groggily at the screen. "Krillin?" he muttered, surprised. Answering the call, he added, "Hey, Krillin! Long time no see. I thought you'd forgotten about this old friend."

"Nah, Yamcha. Could never forget you," Krillin's voice was warm and reassuring.

"So, what's up, Krillin?" Yamcha asked, curiosity piqued.

"It's a long story..." Krillin began, setting the stage for the unfolding conversation.

................

Meanwhile, Goku had recently discussed the situation with his wife, carefully omitting Piccolo's involvement in Gohan's disappearance. Surprisingly, she had been understanding.

"I've enrolled Gohan in martial arts training for a year," Goku had explained to her. "It'll help him defend himself."

"We will get to see our baby boy once in a while, wouldn't we?" Chichi had asked.

Goku chuckled nervously. "Actually the school I have enrolled him in has very strict rules. "

While things had settled somewhat, Goku's anxiety over Gohan remained palpable as he pondered his own training and the challenges ahead.

.................

The serene peak of Korin's Tower stood tall amidst the clouds, its timeless structure a beacon of tranquility. Yajirobe, the tower's current caretaker, was busy tending to the lush, vibrant plants that lined the perimeter. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the gentle hum of the wind.

Suddenly, Yajirobe was startled by a brilliant flash of light that disrupted the peaceful atmosphere. Shielding his eyes, he squinted to see the source. To his surprise, the light was reflecting off Tien's gleaming bald head as he arrived at the tower.

Krillin, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu followed closely behind, each wearing expressions of unwavering determination.

Tien grinned confidently, his eyes narrowing with a competitive spark. "First one up."

Yamcha smirked, crossing his arms casually. "I wasn't even trying... You should've told me it was a race."

Krillin shot Yamcha a bemused look, shaking his head slightly.

Yajirobe grumbled under his breath, turning back to his plants with a scowl. "Grr... I hate visitors."

..................

Piccolo descended into a barren wasteland, a desolate expanse stretching as far as the eye could see. The ground was cracked and dry, with sparse vegetation clinging to survival in the harsh environment. In his arms, Gohan lay unconscious.

Piccolo studied the boy's face, his usually stern expression had a hint of curiosity and wonder. Gohan had shown an incredible burst of power against Raditz, something that Piccolo couldn't ignore.

"It's time to wake you up."

To be continued...