Break Wastelands

"HYAAAAAAH!"

Tenshinhan let out a mighty roar as a swirling maelstrom of green energy stretched a small blue imp and compacted him into a white flare, the victim screaming in pure horror the entire time. The three-eyed warrior brought his arms down, and the now-compressed ball that was the imp followed, aiming directly for the open basin that was an electric rice cooker, tagged with a talisman at the side. Sure enough, the imp landed directly inside the rice cooker and the lid sealed itself from the impact. Over to the side, Chaotzu watched his friend perform the technique with pride, all while Mai and Shu, still trapped in the cage Chaotzu tossed them in, watched with horror as they watched their leader be the subject of such a technique, though they themselves were not exempt from testing. Tenshinhan relaxed his arms and breathed a sigh of relief. Physically exhausted, he smiled, noting that he was certainly still alive, and would recover.

"And now my aim is on point," Tenshinhan noted with pride as he had successfully mastered the Mafuba. He couldn't help but grin at his accomplishment. "And now I'm coming for you, Demon King!"

"You did it, Tien!" Chaotzu cheered. "You mastered the Mafuba!"

"Indeed," Tenshinhan nodded, finally catching his breath. "The technique places a lot of strain on the user, but I'm tougher than I look."

"So, what should we do about these guys?" Chaotzu casually asked, gesturing a thumb to the caged Pilaf Gang members, who flinched in response.

"I say leave them here," Tenshinhan suggested, opening up the rice cooker, and dumping Pilaf into the cage with his cronies. "When we call the others to pick up Rōshi and Lunch's freezer capsules, they'll decide."

"Wait! Don't leave us!" Pilaf pleaded as he gripped the bars of the cage he was trapped in. "W-We realize we may have screwed up a tiny bit-"

"You unleashed an ancient demon that's planning to turn the world into a living nightmare," Chaotzu deadpanned. "You screwed up big time."

"W-Well, perhaps we could offer, uh…"

"Uh, boss, we don't exactly have anything to barter with," Shu whispered into Pilaf's ear.

"Well they don't need to know that!" Pilaf hissed back.

"We know now," Tenshinhan sighed. "Alright, enough wasting time with these morons. C'mon, Chaotzu."

"Right behind ya," Chaotzu nodded as his three-eyed friend clicked and tossed a capsule, revealing the jet flier he and his fallen allies had taken to get here. The two quickly hopped into the vehicle and it began to take off in pursuit of the Demon King.


CCS Blue Bloomers, Bridge

Gebo stood at attention on the bridge, unnerved at the news that Muten Rōshi martyred himself in vain, as well as Lunch dying at the hands of Piccolo. He was even more unnerved when he recently heard a news bulletin that a massive explosion had devastated a large portion of Central City, where the King's castle was established. Not wanting to risk further casualties, he charted the carrier's course for Central City in an effort to arrange an evacuation for any survivors. The remaining Dragon Teams had returned and were preparing themselves at various sections of the bridge. Suddenly, a transmission ping caught Gebo's attention, and he patched it through.

"Tenshinhan to Blue Bloomers, do you copy?" The radio clicked in as Tenshinhan's voice came through.

"Copy," Gebo responded flatly. "I assume you have some news?"

"Indeed," Tenshinhan responded. "I've mastered out the Mafuba technique, and I'm heading out now to track down Piccolo, and imprison him."

"Hold up!" Yamcha perked up upon hearing the technique's name. He grabbed a headset and patched into the call. "You've mastered the Mafuba?! But I thought Muten Rōshi-"

"I saw the technique and had practice, Yamcha," Tenshinhan interrupted. "More importantly, I'm certain I can pull it off without exhausting myself to death."

"If that's the case, you should know that we suspect Piccolo has been causing trouble in Central City," Gebo added. "A massive explosion was reported there, and we're on our way there now to coordinate evacuations."

"Understood," Tenshinhan nodded. "Any word from Bulma?"

"Unfortunately no," Gebo sighed. "We haven't heard back since she retrieved Son Gokū and Caulifla."

"Well, in any case, I suggest you send a transport to these coordinates," Tenshinhan added as the display screen received the input and targeted the location in question. "Muten Rōshi and Lunch's bodies are there, along with some former accomplices of Piccolo."

"Commander Gebo," A robotic automaton spoke up, earning the former Red Ribbon officer's attention. "A worldwide broadcast is being sent out from the King's Palace. Shall I put it on display?"

"Do it," Gebo ordered. He had a bad feeling about this. First an explosion, now a worldwide broadcast? The main screen activated, and the channel it was tuned to showed a forlorn King Furry at his desk, clearly hesitant with what he was about to say. "Are you reading this, Tenshinhan?"

"Loud and clear," Tenshinhan answered grimly.

"People of the world," The king began with a defeated tone in his voice. "I have governed with the best of my ability to make sure peace could be retained. Be that as it may, my seat has been contested… and taken. From this moment on… Though it pains me to say it, The king of the world shall be… Shall be Piccolo Daimao…"

"Oh no," Gebo muttered in disbelief, seeing the king himself surrender. Not even the old Red Ribbon Army could manage such a feat after years of campaigns, and this Piccolo had done so in less than a day. If Son Gokū and Caulifla could take down an upstart military organization, what sort of power must Piccolo have to uproot a well-established government in a shorter amount of time?

"And a rule from Piccolo Daimao will only lead this world to ruin!" King furry suddenly shouted, speaking with passion against his usurper. "Please, I beg of you! Anyone who has the strength! End his ru-"

"What did I tell you about improvising?!" Piccolo snarled as a green four-fingered hand gripped King Furry's throat and held him aloft. "Istill have so much for you to see, and I do not want to waste the chance because of your insubordination…"

'So this is Piccolo Daimao…' Gebo thought to himself. Even over a televised broadcast, he could simply feel the malice rolling off of him like typhonic storm surges.

"Now then," Piccolo sighed with a grin. "Citizens of the world, I am Piccolo Daimao, your new ruler. If you are just tuning in from other news stations reporting on a devastating explosion in Central City, I can put your worries of uncertainty to rest, as I am the one responsible."

Piccolo raised a fist and clenched it, causing arcs of electricity to roll down his arm to emphasize his point. "To begin, I will explain your new master's expectations. I will inform you all that I absolutely abhor the concepts of peace and justice. So boring is peace, and so trivial is justice."

The Daimao turned around and sat in a large throne similar to the one that was installed into Pilaf's airship before he continued. "That said, I do not plan to bind anyone to slavery. In fact, I welcome you to do anything you please, the only exception being the enforcement of justice and peace. Suffice to say, I am calling for the immediate disbandment of all law enforcement and legislation! Steal, vandalize, torture, and murder to your hearts content! No one will stop you!"

Piccolo let out a bellowing laugh laugh before he continued once more. "Truly this will mark an exciting time of terror! It's time to break down the mundane shackles of order and embrace the exciting nightmare of chaos! And believe me, this is only the beginning..."

"Anarchy?!" Yamcha exclaimed, hearing the Demon King's proclamation. "What could be worse than that?!"

"Now I will ask a simple question," Piccolo continued. "Do you know how many countries the world is divided into? If you said 43, then you would be correct. I have a box of cards numbering from 1 to 43 prepared. Today is May 9th, the day of my ascension, so on every year this day, I will draw one of these cards, and for the respective province, I will personally destroy it…"

The atmosphere on the bridge suddenly shifted from bad to worse, as Piccolo threatened the lives of millions with a game of lottery.

"I can promise the destruction that comes will be painless," Piccolo spoke lowly and with malicious intent." But I will certainly enjoy seeing your faces twist in terror at your destruction! And to think, the luckiest of you gets a 43 year reprieve! Those who consider my actions to be 'high treason' are welcome to try and stop me! Feel free to launch a military assault if you can coordinate one! Now to celebrate, let us begin the lottery!"

"Damn you…!" Tenshinhan snarled as he floored it on his flight controls, his grip threatening to crush the yoke in his hands. "You will be stuffed back into a rice cooker! I swear it!"

Piano walked forward and held a box up to the demon king who gleefully reached inside to draw a card. He pulled one out and looked at the number. "Oooh~ this one's nearby," Piccolo hummed as he turned the number towards the camera. "Province number 29, home of West City. Let the fun begin!"

Gebo flinched at the realization. West City. Home of Capsule Corp, where Bulma's parents and his own mother were residing. Checka had gone home to resume her work after the deployment of the Blue Bloomers, and now she and millions more were in Piccolo's sights.

"Divert course to West City, immediately!" Gebo shouted, forcing the automaton crew in a frenzy to comply. "All munitions crew, man your stations and prime targeting computers, now!"

"That might not be enough to stop him, Gebo!" Tenshinhan warned as he continued to floor it to Central City. "If he was powerful enough to stop-"

"My mother is in West City, Tenshinhan!" Gebo snapped. "Along with Miss Bulma's parents, and millions of others! I will not stand idle while that bastard is on the move, and we know where he's going!"

"Wait, I see Central City, up ahead!" Tenshinhan called out over the intercom. "I might be able to stop this, if not at least buy you some time, to evacuate West City!"

"And what about you?" Gebo retorted, finally calming down from his initial outburst.

"I don't plan to martyr myself, but I also don't plan to just sit by and wait," Tenshinhan answered. "You focus on evacuating West City. We'll take care of things from here."

"Very well. Good luck out there," Gebo nodded as he cut communications and turned to his autonomous crew as well as the Dragon Team members present. "I suggest you each get to a ferry shuttle and get ready to coordinate evacuations. We need to be ready for every possible outcome."

"At least I can be of use with my leg still shot," Yamcha sighed as he hobbled away to the flight deck.

"I'll, uh, just… keep maintaining communications like I've been doing," Oolong said, the nervousness in his voice betraying his words.


Karin Tower

Dawn had broken over Karin Sanctuary, as Gokū and Caulifla were still under the potent effects of the Chōshinsui. Their screams from earlier had died down to strained gasps as they continued to fight off the poison.

"Jeez, 6 hours of this," Yajirobe sighed, seeing the two Saiyan's resilience. "The sun's already come up."

"C'mon, you guys can do this," Bulma muttered, praying that her two friends would pull through.

Karin's mindset was completely different. In various flickers, he felt their respective powers flicker ferociously before being quenched by the Chōshinsui's potent effects. Eventually, what he saw with his own eyes surprised him. The duo each began to glow with a vibrant orange aura, but the true awesomeness of the spectacle could not be seen with mortal eyes. The ki of Gokū and Caulifla took the silhouette of a ferocious Oozaru as the glow surrounding them intensified.

"Oh my…" Karin gasped as he nearly dropped his staff.

"What is it?" Bulma asked.

"Power…" was all Karin could mutter before his composure returned somewhat. "I can see their true power…!"

With a massive thrum, the auras surrounding the Saiyan teenagers dispersed, and their eyes opened wide with surprise, their irises a bright yellow. All the strain they had felt had vanished, and all of the burning coursing through their veins had been replaced by a feeling of rejuvenation. Slowly they sat up, inspecting themselves and then each other.

"Whoa…" Caulifla gasped when she saw Gokū's eyes. Normally when she saw those yellow rings encircling her boyfriend's pupils, it was accompanied by a primal and visceral fury, but this was… calm. "Are you alright, Gokū?"

"Never better," Gokū answered with a shrug. He took another glance at himself and gave his fists a clench, only to feel the raw power coursing through his entire being. "I actually feel incredible!"

As quickly as the feeling rushed through his body, it vanished, as did the topaz hue in his eyes. Even so, his base strength had been increased by several fold, as his body was now adjusted to greater power. Caulifla was no different, still digesting the newfound strength she too possessed.

"I never thought I'd see a survivor of the Chōshinsui in my lifetime, let alone two," Karin sighed, seeing his star pupils succeed in overpowering the divine water's toxin.

"This… could take some getting used to," Caulifla stated as she began to do some basic stretches. "It's like I've been reborn. My ki reserves are practically overflowing, but also… calm."

"Y'don't look any different," Yajirobe muttered, confused at their wonder, but still surprised that these two kids survived drinking literal poison.

"Even without the well of power from your Oozaru nature, you both still possess incredible strength at the core," Karin commented. "If you were to apply it to what you have now, who knows what your strength would be like."

"Hm," Gokū hummed as he began to focus, trying to draw out the power of the Oozaru at will. He began to groan with frustration as it was still not revealing itself. "Crap. The Ikari state's not budging."

"Ikari state?" Caulifla echoed.

"Well it needs a name, right?" Gokū shrugged. "Ikari state, Wrath state, Angry yellow-eyed berserk mode, take your pick."

"I kinda like Ikari state," Caulifla shrugged before turning to the edge of the gazebo, something catching her attention. A new sensation washed over Caulifla, and she did not like where it was coming from. "Something powerful and… evil, is in that direction."

"Hey, I can sense it too!" Gokū said as he focused on the horizon in the same direction.

"Y-You two can sense Piccolo Daimao?!" Karin stammered, almost not believing what he was hearing. It takes years of practice to sense the life force of others, but these two…

"Alright, let's go get him!" Gokū announced.

"Yeah!" Caulifla nodded in agreement, raising a challenging fist. "Even if we can't draw out the Ikari state, we should have enough oomph between the two of us to take down Piccolo for good this time."

"Well, if I was a betting cat, my money would be on you two," Karin responded with a nod. "And while your ability of flight will be bolstered with your new strength, you two will need something to get you there with even greater speed. You might appreciate this.~"

"What do you mean?" Caulifla asked, now visibly curious as to what Karin was about to do.

"KINTO'UN!"

"Kinto'un?!" Gokū and Caulifla repeated simultaneously. Suddenly, a low and puffy rumble approached the tower. The four guests went to the railing and saw an incredible sight. A massive nimbus of swirling yellow fluff hovered just below the gazebo, the cotton candy texture Gokū and Caulifla thought they would never see again, let alone in such a massive castle-sized amount.

"This has to be the mother of all Kinto'uns!" Gokū gasped in amazement, all while Caulifla was at a loss for words.

"You're technically not wrong, lad," Karin added. "After all, the original you were gifted by Muten Rōshi was made from a portion of the one you see here. I gave it to him after he had concluded his training with me 3 centuries ago."

"Whoa!" the duo gasped in amazement.

"Feel free to take whatever portions you need and ride," Karin offered with a smile. "You two amazed me with a feat I have never before witnessed, so this will be my thanks."

"Thank you very much, Master Karin!" Gokū beamed as he jumped down to pick out a brand new piece of Kinto'un.

"T-That kid landed on a cloud?!" Yajirobe exclaimed with disbelief.

"Get used to seeing weird stuff when he's around," Bulma casually commented, seeing the Saiyan boy take in the sights of the mass of fluffy yellow before him.

'I could have my own Kinto'un…?' Caulifla thought. Sure the idea of having her very own was exciting, but at the same time, something felt… off about the idea.

"You want to share a Kinto'un with Gokū, don't you?~" Karin casually asked, causing Caulifla's face to immediately turn beet red.

"I-What?!" Caulifla sputtered, beads of sweat now rolling down her face. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"I'm okay with sharing," Gokū said as he hovered up, standing atop a newly fissioned piece of Kinto'un, though it was slightly larger than the one from before. "I mean, we're dating after all, right?"

"I, uh," Caulifla could not form a cohesive sentence at the moment, between her being flustered and Gokū's endearing nature, her brain was firing signals in all directions.

"I say roll with it," Bulma kindly suggested as she gently nudged her elbow into Caulifla's shoulder. "I knew the moment I saw you two together that you'd make a cute couple. Sharing a magic cloud would just make it all the more romantic.~"

Caulifla took a deep breath all the while Gokū gave his trademark grin, waiting for a response. Eventually, without saying a word, Caulifla hopped up onto the brand new Kinto'un and hugged Gokū from behind. "Alright, I'm rolling with it!" She declared with a warm smile.

"Okay!" Gokū said as he patted his new mode of transport. "Alright, Kinto'un 2.0, ...Or maybe Kinto'two-n?"

"You really have a thing with nicknames," Caulifla sighed, still smiling regardless, to which Gokū responded by scratching the back of his head and chuckling. "I think just Kinto'un will do fine."

"Alright, let's go then!" Gokū declared as he pointed in the direction of Central City. "Onward!"

With that, the new Kinto'un and its two passengers bolted off to face their adversary, leaving Karin, Bulma, and Yajirobe at the large gazebo in the sky.

"Whoa," Yajirobe gasped. "That's one fast cloud."

"Kinto'un, as it's called," Karin clarified. "A magical cloud that follows its master's whims, commanded by either the voice or the mind."

"Can I have one two?! Please?!" Yajirobe pleaded excitedly.

"You wouldn't be able to ride it," Bulma interrupted. "Trust me, I know. Only folks with a pure heart can ride it. Otherwise, you'd fall through it and on your ass. Speaking from experience."

"Aw damnit…" Yajirobe cursed as he could not experience the thrill of riding on a magical somersault cloud. "Hey, wait a minute! That jackass promised me food!"

"Didn't you just scarf down 10 years worth of calories in one go?" Bulma deadpanned. Once Yajirobe began to grumble to himself - something about a high metabolism or whatever - a new thought crossed her mind, and she turned her attention to the blue cat master. "Master Karin, you trained Muten Rōshi before Gokū and Caulifla, right?"

"Hm? Indeed I did," Karin nodded. "You seek my training now too?"

"It's curiosity more than anything," Bulma answered with a shrug. "I've actually been practicing using my ki for fabrication, but I keep losing focus and needing to take a breather every 5 minutes."

"Is that so?~" Karin hummed as he scratched his furry chin. "In that case, go take a drink from that flask in the center."

"Um, okay?" Bulma agreed, albeit with hesitation as she walked over to the flask, only to be tripped up by a wooden staff that quickly after hooked up the flask.

"That is, if you can get it!~"

And with that, Bulma's training with Karin had begun.


Central City, "King Piccolo's Citadel"

Tenshinhan could not believe he had been so careless.

He was on the precipice of sealing away Piccolo Daimao, his aircraft hovering over the King's Castle. He had already called out the demon for a challenge, who casually agreed if only to broadcast his defeat to make an example. He was about to jump down when Chaotzu had noticed a very large crack along the side of the rice cooker. The massive fracture must have happened whilst Tenshinhan was practicing his aim for the Mafuba, and failed to notice the damage. Pilaf and his minions were weak, so it was not possible for them to break through, but Piccolo was a completely different story.

"Damnit," Tenshinhan cursed under his breath before steeling himself. "I guess I have no other choice but to fight him head-on now."

"B-But Tien-"

"I've already challenged him, Chaotzu," Tenshinhan interrupted Chaotzu's pleas. "If I ran now, not only would he simply kill us outright, but I wouldn't be able to live with myself by just copping out like that. You take the flier somewhere safe."

"A-Alright," Chaotzu nodded reluctantly. "You be careful."

"Well?! Are you coming down?" An amused Piccolo shouted from ground level. "I don't have all day, I have a city to destroy!"

Tenshinhan peered out of the flier and glared down at Piccolo, who had his arms folded and was impatiently tapping his foot. Steeling himself, the three-eyed warrior hopped down, slowing his descent with his own power, something the demon took note of.

"Bukūjutsu, eh?" Piccolo chuckled. "You must be of a decent caliber of martial artist, but the pride with being one will mean your death."

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch, monster!" Tenshinhan spat, staring down his foe with all three eyes.

"Ha! The perfect choice of words, vermin!" Piccolo boasted, confusing Tenshinhan. "I intend to introduce my servant, since I have no need to sully my hands with whelps like yourself."

Slowly, Piccolo's gullet began to swell and bulge, disturbing Tenshinhan very much. The Daimao's jaw soon unhinged and a massive egg was spat out of his mouth.

"I count… one.~"

The egg began to crack and break apart as a large rotund demon with lizard-like skin and a frilled crest running from its scalp down its back emerged, complete with trousers and a waistcloth adorned. The sumo wrestler-looking demon began to cackle with shrill glee.

"I shall call you Drum," Piccolo declared as his spawn wiped away the egg shells and yoke. "Show this three-eyed buffoon what he's in for for standing up to a demon! And do not waste time playing with your food, as I have business to attend to.~"

"Enough of this mockery!" Tenshinhan shouted. "I'll take you both down here and now!"

Tenshinhan launched himself forward and delivered a swift right hook jab, only for Drum to easily duck underneath, and follow up with a jab of his own. The ex-Crane Schooler had just enough time to counter the blow and blocked it with his other hand, feeling the sting of the impact in his palm. Not wanting to give this bloated lizard a chance to follow up, Tenshinhan unleashed a volley of kicks at Drum's head, each one was dodged with ease. Growing bored of this assault, Drum delivered a quick sucker punch to Tenshinhan's face, sending him reeling. Eager to finish quickly, the demon added a sweeping leg kick followed up with a blow to the abdomen, sending Tenshinhan flying.

"Such a boring display," Piccolo sighed, watching as his spawn had the clear upper hand.

Tenshinhan landed on his feet and crouched before vaulting himself right towards Drum. What the monster did not see coming was that Tenshinhan did not deliver any punch or kick, but a swift head butt to his own face. Drum reeled back from the impact while Tenshinhan backed off to gain some distance. Piccolo took note of this display, but was not worried in the slightest. As Drum stood there, he began to chuckle as he wiped a small dribble of blood from the corner of his mouth.

"Not bad, baldy," Drum spoke in a shrill, high-pitched voice. "Kinda hope that ain't the best you got."

'Damnit!' Tenshinhan cursed mentally. 'This guy is faster and stronger than I would like, and this is just Piccolo's spawn!'

"Lights out, Three-eyes!" Drum declared as he vanished from sight, even faster than Tenshinhan's enhanced vision could detect. Drum soon reappeared right behind the three-eyed warrior, and before he could react, Drum delivered a devastating punch to the center of Tenshinhan's back, sending a jolt throughout his entire body. The pain was beyond anything he had experienced before, as all the feeling he had from the waist down had vanished, and he collapsed onto the ground. Even so, Tenshinhan refused to stay down and tried to push himself up, his strength all but left him after such a devastating blow.

"Tsk tsk, Even after such a devastating attack, he won't stay down," Piccolo chuckled at Tenshinhan's misery. "Drum, I do believe this game is over. Tear out his heart!"

"Gladly,~" Drum nodded, eager to get his hands messy. The large demon walked over to Tenshinhan and pinned him by the shoulder with one arm, ready to claw out his innards. There was no way he would be able to defend against this next blow, and it was guaranteed to finish him.

"GAUGH!"

That scream was not Tenshinhan's. Drum was sent flying off of his feet and onto his large back, a small boot-shaped indent welling into a bruise on the demon's face. Piccolo was able to see the ordeal and was beyond surprised, his calm demeanor faltering.

"Y-You two?!" The Daimao stammered as landing before him were Son Gokū and Caulifla. "You vermin are still alive?! I was certain I had killed you. Your hearts had stopped."

"Special contingencies," Caulifla responded with a shrug before glaring at the demon.

"S-Son Gokū…? Caulifla…?" Tenshinhan sighed with relief, seeing his new friends completely recovered.

"That'd be us, buddy," Gokū greeted with a two-finger salute. "I had a feeling it was you stalling Piccolo over there."

"And he's definitely looking less… sun-dried," Caulifla commented off-handedly.

"That would be the results of my wish for eternal youth," Piccolo chuckled. "The version of me you fought and were defeated by was merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of power."

"Guys, you should run!" Tenshinhan pleaded, somewhat recovered from his injury. "If his new minion did this to me-"

"-Then he deserves a thorough mincing," Gokū finished, glaring at the rotund form of Drum standing firm. He then turned to Caulifla. "Since you got Tambourine last time, mind if I have this one?"

"Go for it," Caulifla nodded as she took a few steps back.

"Still the suicidal fools you are," Piccolo sighed. "No matter. Drum, kill them all!"

"Yes, father!" Drum cackled as he settled into a fighting stance. Gokū did not do the same, but simply wrapped his tail around his waist, Caulifla doing the same, despite not stepping up first. "I'm gonna shred you to-"

"HYAH!"

No one except for Piccolo saw what had happened, but Gokū leapt forward and brought his knee directly into Drum's face, causing his entire skull to cave in and an eyeball to pop out from the sheer force alone. The beast made inhuman gurgling noises before collapsing over into a lifeless heap. Tenshinhan was at a loss for words, as the monster that picked him apart so easily was crushed both figuratively and literally in one blow.

"Suicidal, maybe," Gokū stated as he stared daggers at the Demon King. "But we're also much stronger than before. And now you're next…"


A/N: Hoo boy! New chapter before the new year! And on such a blue-ball-inducing cliffhanger too...! Not really much to say other than the fact that the Saiyan couple be sharing a magic cloud, because fluff. Now, I should address something in case some readers are confused. Why do I keep describing Piccolo as having 4 fingers instead of 5. In the manga, he has 4 fingers, but he was given 5 because censorship also exists in Japan, and this particular instance is because of the Yakuza's influence. Look at a bunch of western cartoon characters and see their Japanese localized versions, and compare the number of fingers they have, and you will see what I mean. Localization censorship isn't exclusive to the U.S. after all. Little PSA aside, do leave a review, and I hope this was a fun read. Until next year! :)