This Is Definitely Not Dragon Ball!!

After the Martial Arts Tournament concluded, Yuujin hosted a grand celebration banquet for all the martial artists who participated, and during the event, he presented rewards to those who excelled, such as Tien Shinhan and Yamcha.

This tournament was unprecedented in terms of its generous rewards, high participation, and the remarkable performance of participants like Yamcha and Tien Shinhan during the final battles. Furthermore, under the operation of Dragon Ball Corporation, the tournament finals were broadcast worldwide on a continuous loop.

Undoubtedly, the entire world is set to experience a martial arts craze following this event, precisely the development Yuujin hoped to see.

The day after the banquet, following Yuujin's instructions, Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, Krillin, and Chiaotzu officially set off for training at Korin Tower.

With their current strength, climbing Korin Tower wouldn't be much of a challenge. Yuujin had already informed Korin, and after completing their training there, their strength would likely reach new heights.

After seeing Yamcha and the others off, Yuujin and the group of women including Bulma invited Master Roshi, Gohan, and the Ox-King aboard a luxurious cruise liner, and they all headed to a small island developed by Dragon Ball Corporation for a month-long vacation.

Meanwhile, in an endless desert at Pilaf's Castle—

"L-Lord Pilaf, are we really going to release him?"

"You said that the demon sealed inside almost destroyed the world once. Won't something terrifying happen if we let him out?"

Looking at the rice cooker on the table, sealed with ancient markings, Pilaf's subordinate Shu was visibly nervous.

"Hmph, what's there to fear? We're his saviors; he certainly won't harm us."

"With the legendary Great Demon King Piccolo's tremendous power, if he's willing to help us, we can finally achieve our dream of world conquest!"

"Oh-ho-ho...oh-ho-ho-ho..."

With an exasperated glare at Shu, Pilaf covered his mouth and laughed.

In truth, even Pilaf felt a bit anxious about releasing the legendary, malevolent Great Demon King Piccolo. However, driven by his ambition for world domination, he couldn't afford to be cautious now.

Ever since the Dragon Balls were seized by that demon named Yuujin, Pilaf had been unable to locate any of them, even with the Dragon Radar. Desperate to fulfill his ambition, he was forced to seek other means.

After researching countless records and paying a considerable price, he finally managed to obtain the rice cooker containing the sealed Great Demon King Piccolo. Now that he had it, there was no way he'd let the chance slip away.

Despite feeling that Pilaf was overly optimistic, Shu knew Pilaf was the boss, so he'd go along with it.

"L-Let's open it now," Shu said nervously, as both he and Pilaf braced themselves.

Pilaf stretched out his short arms, preparing to open the rice cooker holding Great Demon King Piccolo.

But just then—

Boom!

A tremendous explosion sounded, shaking the entire castle!

"Aahh…!"

"W-What's happening?!"

Completely caught off guard, Pilaf and Shu frantically dodged falling debris.

The chaos continued for a long time before finally subsiding, and Shu poked his head out from under a nearby table.

"L-Lord Pilaf, are you okay?"

"Ow, it hurts…!"

"You fool, come over and help me!"

One of Pilaf's legs was buried under rubble as he lay on the floor, groaning in pain, and shouting at Shu.

"Yes, right away!"

"Hang on, Lord Pilaf; I'm coming," Shu said as he crawled out from under the table and rushed to clear the debris, helping Pilaf up.

At that moment, three beautiful girls in fiery red battle skirts descended through a breach in the castle's ceiling. Upon seeing these intruders, Pilaf's anger flared.

It was clear they were responsible for the explosion!

Just as Pilaf was about to angrily confront them, he got a good look at the lead girl's face, and both he and Shu froze.

"M-Mai?!"

Descending from above was none other than Mai, flanked by two red-sashed girls. Shu, now recognizing her, burst into excitement.

"Mai, is it really you?"

"This is wonderful; you finally came back!"

"When you were taken away by that Yuujin, Lord Pilaf and I waited for you here at the castle for over six months, thinking you'd never return…"

"I'm so glad, truly glad…"

Rushing to Mai, Shu's eyes filled with happy, excited tears.

He, Mai, and Pilaf had all left their homeland together, working to help Pilaf conquer the world, making them partners who grew up together. When Mai was taken away, Shu had been extremely worried, and now seeing her safe filled him with relief.

Yet, unlike Shu's joy, Mai only responded indifferently—

"It's been a while, Lord Pilaf, Shu."

Mai no longer felt any attachment to her past self. Seeing Shu and Pilaf stirred no emotion in her; if not for fulfilling her master's plan, she would never have bothered returning to them.

Though Pilaf felt happy upon seeing Mai, his pride compelled him to feign indifference.

"Hmph, Mai, what are you doing back now?"

"Shu and I are on the verge of achieving our dream of conquering the world; there's no place for you even if you return now!"

Hugging the rice cooker containing Great Demon King Piccolo, Pilaf wore a smug expression, but his smugness appeared laughable to Mai.

They were so weak and childish, yet they still dreamed of world conquest!

Thinking back to when she, too, was once part of their group, just as naïve and laughable, Mai felt nothing but shame.

Compared to them, though, she felt fortunate because she'd met her master.

If not for him, she would never have realized how vast the world truly was.

Only a man as great as her master could conquer the world, not these two foolish, ridiculous characters.

With that thought, Mai's gaze toward Shu and Pilaf grew colder…

To be continued…

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