Chapter 96: The Incredible Maha Adventure
In the country of Rice, the largest and most powerful nation on Earth (without question), the world's mightiest military strength and top martial arts masters are gathered.
Due to the former king passing away early, the new king is merely a child, with political power essentially controlled by the prime minister.
"Out of the way!"
Jet-propelled hovercars sped through the bustling city center. Judging by their markings, they were all military models—clearly, something urgent was happening.
"Watch it, you idiot!"
Curses filled the air, and the speeding vehicles stirred up quite a commotion in the city.
But the military didn't care. They had only one goal: to find the king's bride.
Just a few days ago, the bride of the Rice Kingdom's king mysteriously disappeared. Such a significant event naturally caused a nationwide uproar, and the entire kingdom was scouring for any trace of her.
Inside the grand palace, the young king sat on the throne, his face filled with anxiety.
"Still no news?"
His tone carried a deep sense of urgency.
The young king's appearance was strangely familiar—his paper-white skin and the two striking blush marks on his cheeks...
Isn't this Chiaotzu, the disciple of Master Shen?
No—this is not Chiaotzu the disciple, but Chiaotzu the young king of the Rice Kingdom.
Though they shared the same name and appearance, their identities were vastly different.
"Your Majesty, I regret to inform you that your bride does not appear to be in the city."
The man called Prime Minister was another familiar figure—it was Master Shen himself.
More precisely, he was both Master Shen and the Prime Minister of the Rice Kingdom—but not Chiaotzu's master in this world.
Standing beside Chiaotzu was his royal guard, who happened to be his former martial brother—Tien Shinhan.
However, their relationship here was that of monarch and subject, though their bond remained as close as in the original story.
They weren't roleplaying—this was how the world was set up. A world both different from and similar to the original Dragon Ball story. This was a parallel world—one of many in the Dragon Ball multiverse. You could also call it a "movie universe."
To be specific, this was the third Dragon Ball movie: The Mystical Great Adventure.
This movie used the setting from the first Dragon Ball series, particularly the arc where Krillin and young Goku seek out Master Roshi. However, the power levels were around those of the 22nd–23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. Characters like Mercenary Tao, Tien, and Master Shen were given new roles as ministers of the Rice Kingdom. The plot combined the collection of Dragon Balls with the martial arts tournament.
"What should we do, Prime Minister?"
The young king, clearly lacking decisiveness, quickly sought his minister's guidance.
"I have an idea, Your Majesty. It's said that seven mystical orbs exist in this world. Whoever gathers them can make any wish come true. You could wish for your bride's return. What do you think?"
"That sounds like a good idea."
"Then, please allow me to mobilize the army and use the power of the entire nation to find the legendary Dragon Balls."
Master Shen's true motive was revealed—he wanted the army! He wanted military power!
"I…"
Although the young king missed his bride dearly, he felt something was wrong.
Sensing hesitation, a sinister look crossed Shen's face. He stepped right up to the little king.
The scene was reminiscent of Obai intimidating Emperor Kangxi—no, even more arrogant than that.
Every minister and official in court was one of Shen's men.
No one dared to speak against him.
Maybe someone had before—but not anymore.
Except—
"That's enough!"
Clanking metal echoed as a man with golden armor, blond hair, and blue eyes strode in from the palace gates.
It was the Border General of the Rice Kingdom—General Blue.
Indeed, he was the same General Blue from the Red Ribbon Army, but unlike his old self, this version of Blue exuded true masculinity.
General Blue first saluted the king, then pointed at Master Shen and declared, "Your Majesty, you mustn't agree! This is all part of the Prime Minister's conspiracy!"
"If this man gains military power, the entire nation will fall into disaster."
"I have already found evidence of their crimes!"
"I've long wondered why the bride vanished without a trace. The only place in the entire kingdom that hasn't been searched… is Master Shen's bedroom. So tell me, Shen—do you dare let my soldiers search it?"
Master Shen was speechless. Faced with Blue's aggressive accusations, he didn't know how to respond.
Fortunately, he had anticipated this. He signaled his men, and the heavy palace doors slowly closed, turning the hall into a sealed chamber.
A figure appeared behind General Blue.
Master Shen's hidden trump card—
The world's greatest assassin: Mercenary Tao!
Still portrayed as Shen's brother, the Shen-style faction had gathered in full.
"If you want to search the Prime Minister's room, you'll first have to prove you're capable."
Mercenary Tao looked at General Blue as if he were already dead.
His murderous aura sent a chill down Blue's spine. He immediately struck with his sword.
But his opponent was Mercenary Tao—his strike missed entirely.
Blue stared into Tao's eyes, which began to glow.
It was a special ability—Dragon Ball's version of psychic powers—allowing the user to restrain enemies or manipulate objects.
Unfortunately, such powers had no effect on Mercenary Tao, who was naturally immune.
Tao glanced sideways at the stunned General Blue with disdain. With a flick of his head, he tossed his braid behind him, placed his hands behind his back, and shot out his tongue—aiming straight at Blue's temple with lightning speed.
It's said that when assassination techniques reach the highest level, any part of the body—even hair or a tongue—can become a deadly weapon.
Mercenary Tao was that kind of man—the number one assassin on Earth.
In the face of overwhelming power, all resistance is futile. Blue didn't even have time to react.
If nothing unexpected happened, he was doomed.
But when you say "if nothing unexpected happens," something will happen.
A sudden whooshing sound came from behind Tao. His keen senses detected the danger. If he continued the attack, he would surely be hit—so he instantly backed off, abandoning the strike. Because of that, General Blue barely escaped with his life.
All of this happened in just a few breaths.
By the time Blue came to his senses, Tao was already five meters away.
A playing card was embedded in the floor where Tao had just stood.
A Two of Clubs.
"I told you—coming alone was suicide."
A calm voice rang out from above. Everyone looked up and saw someone standing atop the palace beam.
Yamcha!
He leapt down gently, like a feather, landing without a sound.
Not a single noise was made during his descent.
A true master!
Tien, Tao, and Master Shen all thought the same thing at once.
(End of Chapter)