Preparations

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 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."

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, revitalized after consuming the Senzu beans provided by Master Roshi.

Goku scanned his surroundings anxiously. "Where's Gohan?"

Krillin sighed heavily before recounting the recent events to his friend. "But don't worry, Goku," he reassured, "now that you're healed, it's only a matter of time before we locate them and rescue Gohan from that son of a devil."

"So Piccolo wants to train Gohan?" Goku's concern seemed minimal. "I don't see a problem with that."

"Are you serious, Goku?!" Krillin exclaimed, incredulous. "Piccolo could brainwash him!"

"Nah," Goku replied casually. "Gohan's upbringing will keep him grounded. Besides, I want Gohan to discover his potential, and Chi-Chi wouldn't let me train him."

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

Goku's expression shifted, worry creasing his brow.

Krillin sighed, understanding his friend's apprehension. Finding Piccolo wouldn't be easy.

Over the years, Piccolo had made headlines for numerous criminal acts, each time drawing Goku and Krillin into prolonged searches that often ended fruitlessly.

Krillin knew Goku shared his concerns, although he tried to maintain optimism.

Tien turned away, resolute. "I'm off to train."

"Wait!" Master Roshi exclaimed. "I have a message from Korin!"

Krillin piloted the helicopter, his friends chatting animatedly in the backseat.

"Hey, Tien," Goku called out, gratitude in his voice. "I'm glad you showed up. And that Dodon Ray was impressive!"

Tien's response was gruff. "It wasn't enough. I'm still not as strong as you, Goku." His jaw clenched in frustration.

"How did you find us, Tien?" Master Roshi inquired.

"I was meditating, deep in remembrance of God," Tien explained, "when I heard an explosion. I flew toward it and found them fighting. I acted quickly."

"Good timing," Master Roshi remarked.

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

"Yes," Tien confirmed.

**South Carifa City**

Yamcha slumbered in his modest rented apartment.

Just months ago, he had been a star baseball player, wealthy and celebrated. A falling out with his manager had turned his life upside down, resulting in false accusations of corruption that led to a one-year ban and financial ruin.

From a lavish mansion to a humble rented room...

RING! RING!

Yamcha stirred, blinking at his phone. "Krillin?" He answered, surprised. "Hey, Krillin! Long time. I thought you'd forgotten about this old friend."

"Nah, Yamcha. Could never forget you."

"So, what's up, Krillin?"

"It's a long story..."

Goku had explained everything to his wife, 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 told her. "It'll prepare him to defend himself."

Things had settled, yet Goku's worry about Gohan lingered as he contemplated his own training.

Korin's Tower..

Yajirobe tended to the tower's plants when he was startled by a bright light.

The light turned out to be Tien's shining bald head.

Krillin, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu followed, each with their own determination.

Tien grinned confidently. "First one up."

Yamcha smirked. "I wasn't even trying... You should've told me it was a race."

Krillin shot Yamcha a bemused look.

Yajirobe grumbled. "Grr... I hate visitors."

Barren Wasteland...

Piccolo landed in a desolate expanse, Gohan unconscious in his arms.

Studying the boy's face, Piccolo wondered at his strength against Raditz.

"It's time to wake you up."

To be continued...