Chapter 21: Superior
"There!"
Son Goku had finally reached his destination after what felt like eons of nonstop, uncoordinated flight. He felt his boots crush the thick snow beneath him as he continued his way towards his secondary target, the cluster of Dragon Balls that had been collected.
Muscle Tower was a large structure, towering up at least several stories and housing what Goku assumed to be hundreds of soldiers.
"The Dragon Balls are somewhere in there," the Saiyan said to himself, using the radar in hand to scan for the orange orbs. And then closing his eyes, he focused his attention toward his best friend's energy signature. While the beacon of light so to speak was faint, he could practically smell her location with a seventh sense he was not consciously aware of.
"Don't worry Hinata, I'm on my way!"
Goku began scooting ever closer toward the building until he heard unnatural commotion nearby. Hiding behind a nearby mound of snow, he was able to hide from and watch over as two more of the Red Ribbon's foot soldiers forcibly dragged a group of eight or nine of what appeared to be villagers into a small shack near the tower at gunpoint. Looking harder at the scene, the teenagers self control began to wane...
"You stupid meanies won't get away with any of this anymore!" The shrill voice of one of the female captives spat back to an aggravated soldier she was bickering with.
"Quiet down you little brat! You should be worried about your last words!" the mercenary retaliated in the same aggravated tone. "In fact..."
Turning to face the girl, the soldier flashed a sinister smirk when he leaned down to meet her face to face. Swiftly cocking his arm back, he smashed the wooden butt of the assault rifle in his hands across the girl's cheek and knocked the girl to the ground with the unrelenting force he struck her with.
Goku watched as tears formed in her eyes and a lake of crimson emerged from the large cut in her mouth.
Feeling his blood boiling in his veins in anger, his black eyes stared coldly at the potentially soon-to-be-dead soldier.
"Chill out man," the other soldier admonished to the aggressor. "The doctor might want these guys for testing. The last thing we need to do is piss him off by killing them when we were only ordered to reel them in."
Sighing, the nautical soldier withdrew his weapon, smirking slyly as a sinister thought popped into existence.
"Hey Kruos," the smaller of the two, Shima, bellowed as he aimed the pump shotgun at the back of the crowd of villagers. He poked the closest hostage with the barrel of the gun, motioning for him to speed up. "What do you think the good doctor has planned for this lot?"
"I don't wanna think about it Shima…gives me the creeps each time I think about his madness…" The bigger man, Kruos, gawked in disgust.
Each member of the Red Ribbon Army knew of Doctor Gero. He was not somebody you wanted to upset or associate too closely with. Many members with profiles and notoriety within the army wound up going missing, their bodies never to be recovered or seen ever again. With that being the fate of those who overplayed their roles, the smartest of soldiers managed to keep their distance away from the quiet, yet perpetually observant mad doctor.
Gero had used his vast intelligence to both design and develop a vast number of superweapons, vehicles, and devices for the recreational use of the Red Ribbon Army in exchange for Zeni and Ryo in order to sustain himself and the freedom to use "human bodies" to assist in other projects in his free time. Rumors had it that the scientist was working on something straight out of science fiction... merging people into mechanical slaves with the help of cybernetic parts… cyborgs? To the majority of the known world, such terms were decreed lunacy and utterly blasphemous.
Whatever the case was, Son Goku could care less. Save Hinata and steal the Dragon Balls. That was all that mattered. So as he tried to remain silent like a shinobi in the stillness in the night, he could no longer afford to wait until the shinobi should strike.
For he was a Martial Artist.
Bursting from his position, the Saiyan tumbled into the picture with the grace of a master acrobat, speaking in a threatening tone before anyone could react.
"Free the prisoners," the boy growled, staring daggers at the two men.
Stepping closer towards his trembling foes, Goku doubled down on his statement. "All of them!"
"Haha that's a good one, kid. What makes you think that we'd listen to a little punk like you?" The larger of the two spat with his hands on his shotgun. Aiming it at the Saiyan, he added, "I'd hate to blow the brains off you you little shit, so you got ten seconds to scram."
"Believe me I would if I had a choice," the Saiyan started, stepping toward the two men. "But you guys are wrong! I can't let you guys run around hurting innocent people anymore!"
BANG! BANG! BANG!
"What?! Who are you?" One of the men screamed out as he watched Goku shift ahead of each bullet that was unloaded out of the canister. "Even the likes of you shinobi shouldn't be capable of this!"
BANG! BA-
Lunging forward, Son Goku grabbed the head of the rifle and crushed it to a pulp. With eyes conveying nothing but a calm focus, the martial artist ducked under the chest of the gawking soldier and delivered a devastating elbow to his rib cage, holding back just enough to not outright end the mans life. Or at least, that was the goal.
"You killed him!" The other soldier gulped, backing away from the palm-tree haired Saiyan. He looked between the blank white eyes of his ally and the boy standing over what could be mistaken as a corpse.
"I-I'll do whatever you want me to do, I promise!" He pleaded, knowing this was a fight he had no business trying to win.
The monstrosity simply pointed at the captives, maintaining a stern expression despite his youthful visage. "Free those guys and make sure they safely make it back to where they came." And then the boy vanished, reappearing behind the soldier with his back toward him, hair flowing free. "Don't try anything funny or I will hunt you down and make you regret it. Got it?"
"Y-yessir..."
With that, Goku jumped in the air in a 360 degree contortion, patting the man of the head with a playful smirk on his face as if to say "that's a good boy." Levitating off the ground with slightly greater ease than even the last time he attempted to take flight, the Saiyan relayed one more thought that crossed his mind. He had to inform the man that he would be considered unemployed after he executed his plan to liberate the Earth from the Red Ribbon Army.
"Oh and don't bother coming back! You're gonna need to find a new job!" the boy quipped.
"Huh? Whaddaya mean? Not only are you ordering me around, you're firing me too?" was the response.
"Absolutely! This place stinks," Goku replied, slowly sifting away from the scene entirely. "More importantly you guys asked for it, so here I am. Blame yourselves!"
"But-"
"Just go, the job won't be around by the end of the day. And I don't wanna hurt you or anyone more than necessary, so I'm begging you to leave and be free."
And with that, the Saiyan reached into his pocket in order to refresh the screen and relocate the Dragon Balls. For whatever reason, he couldn't sense Hinata effectively with all of the energy signatures and ruckus associated with the HQ of a private, futuristic technological army. The fact that his best friend was held captive in the first place rubbed him the wrong way...just like that, Goku found himself losing his mind and all ounces of self-control.
Hinata... Bora… Upa... the prisoners – this would be for all of them as well as anyone else who'd been forced to suffer. Vengeance or justice could be considered Siamese twins at this point in his mind, the army had what was coming to them.
They lured him into the Lions den. This is what they wanted. And now they have him.
Unbeknownst to them however, Goku is the Apex Predator.
The Saiyan could feel that merciless beast within raging in anticipation, the urge to ravage every foe in sight. The temptation to battle, the craving to unleash his true strength without restraint. To stop living in a world made of cardboard. The Red Ribbon was going to pay for their actions. He would become a monster much greater than the army in order to stop them. Or maybe he shouldn't, maybe he could rise above the nature within and the nature of the world...
Too bad Goku was not in the most virtuous of moods whenever a certain indigo-haired girl flashed into his mind.
Maybe in other timelines, Son Goku would not let his attachment to others affect his judgement and morality. In this timeline however, he had a bond with a girl for a best friend of all things. Therefore, this was of far greater magnitude than Krillin could ever hope to be. This was personal.
"Let's just get this over with," Goku muttered as he trotted toward the infamous Muscle Tower. "Hinata I'm coming!"
CRASSSH!
The double doors of the towering, red military headquarters known as Muscle Tower shot open, a relatively small figure entering with vindictive intentions.
The emotionless expression on the Saiyan's face carefully masked his initial surprise upon what he perceived.
Before him stood all of the vehicles and destructive means of automobiles that the base held all to the use of its occupants. How the Red Ribbon Army had managed to keep such hardware contained from the naked eye of the shinobi world and off of the radar of the authorities was bewildering. Between the speedy aircraft's and jets alike, military-used cars and trunks, jeeps, heavily armored and armed battle tanks, and the snowmobiles, the Red Ribbon Army was truly a threat to the entire world.
Goku's skin crawled with anticipation and excitement. Apparently throughout the multiverse, he was destined to do a demolition job on this particular army.
Even this peculiar timeline was bound to follow the canon.
Smirking with an almost animistic glean, the Saiyan blasted through the ceiling of the initial floor only to be faced with numerous soldiers in his wake. Not even registering the words or terminology being utilized in reaction to his existence, Goku relished the opportunity to challenge himself once more. With every bullet shot at his head, he either weaved with efficiency or plucked it out of the sky as if it were slow motion. With every knife attempt to disembowel him, there was a hand chop or deflection that immediately led into a counterattack.
POWWW! SMASSSH! BADOOOM!
Goku swiftly and easily mowed through the first line of defense. There was practically zero resistance, as if he were tearing through wet paper. He needed more.
Having the grace of someone who did not care for utter devastation of a tech-savvy environment, the Saiyan skipped up the stairs like a Good Samaritan. Hopefully he could find proper enjoyment at the next level.
And sure enough, the third floor guard happened to be another story. Emerging from the opening in the floor, Goku looked to his left and then to his right multiple times. Then right on cue, his attention was grabbed by a rather humorous, robotic voice.
"STOP: INTRUDER."
And there it was. An enormous, hulking brute of an android sat on a purple chair, standing up to confront the boy multiple times smaller than it.
"Wow! You're huuuuge!"
"I AM THE GUARD SIGNED TO THIS FLOOR. YOU MUST GET PAST ME TO PROCEED UPSTAIRS."
"You mean, a fight?"
And then the mechanism clenched its fist.
"YOU'RE DEAD."
The fist was launched into the tiles that composed the floor, but nothing was touched. Taken aback, the entity known as Major Metallitron could be perceived as experiencing an unfamiliar emotion of perplexity in regards to his targets whereabouts. Unbeknownst to it, the speedy teenager could be found hanging from the ceiling with a teasing smile on his face.
"Hehehe," Goku chuckled.
Dropping from the chain on the ceiling, the boy landed on the Major's broad left shoulder and promptly delivered a tower-crushing left hand jab to its face. SMASSH!
And Major Metallitron was dropped to the floor, immobilized. Flipping off of his foe, Goku put a fist in the air to signify his victory.
"Well that was easy, moving up!"
Not so easy perhaps, as two hands larger than the majority of his body clamped down up him, squeezing him in a vicious bear hug attempt.
"GOING DOWN," was the simple statement from the machines voice box. And then Major Metallitron applied more and more pressure to its squeeze, eyes glowing red and metallic muscles exerting an increasing amount of force as the seconds went by.
If Goku had not received any kind of gravity training or been through the specific circumstances of the Naruto world, he would have had to wait until the robots batteries died before he could move on to the next floor.
However, this particular Son Goku exceeded his main timeline counterpart due to extenuating circumstances.
"I-I wish I coulda fought you at a better time than this!"
The metallic blue aura began to flow out of his body like an oasis glowing in the desolate desert, and the hold of the Major on his being began to weaken. And then Goku outstretched both of his palms, creating a shock wave that enabled him to tap the floor with his feet. Crouching immediately upon impact with the ground, the boy from the stars drove both of his fists into the core of the robot.
SHRRRKKKK!
And then in a fit of instinct, Goku rocketed through the horizontally angled wall of the tower with reckless abandon, his aura leaving a trail beneath him as he levitated into the night sky with the hulking figure over his head and impaled by his two fists. Unplugging said fists, the boy assaulted the behemoth in what could be constituted as his first aerial assault ever.
Needless to say he needed a lot of work. Coordination in the air as opposed to the ground happened to be a new world of martial arts that Goku had yet to ever tap into or explore on his own. Luckily for him, skill was not necessary to claim victory here.
He could perform as if he were Superman instead. Basic punches, kicks, and bruiser skills would suffice for now.
However, despite being pummeled, the hulking Major unleashed a huge missile from its mouth.
Even after homing in on Goku with his target-locking mechanism, the missile had little hope of actually touching the boy. How was he so fast? The calculations within the mind of Gero's creation could not comprehend it. No human should be capable of such feats!
"VICT-"
WHAM! The vocal box within the robot was crushed to smithereens by a well-aimed roundhouse kick to the mechanical esophagus. Somersaulting over the head of the mechanism, Goku lodged his boot firmly into Major Metallitron's head, leaving a gruesome indentation and catapulting it back into the same floor of Muscle Tower that they began their fight on.
Not willing to waste anymore time on a challenge that could not match him, Goku cupped his hands in order to deliver the finishing blow, summoning cerulean ki that would only briefly illuminate the night sky.
Dashing back inside the hole he had created, Goku refused to allow his opponent any recovery time. Too much was at stake.
"KamehameHAAAAAA!"
THUM THUM THUUUUM!
An indigo haired kunoichi awoke to the jarring noises beyond her perception, stirring in her rather uncomfortable position. Where was she?
Her last memory before everything going dark happened to be...a swarm of Red Ribbon Army robots.
- Flashback no Jutsu -
Hinata lay on the ground floor near a wall, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The matches of the day and then the lack of recovery had been more grueling than anticipated, and she remained less than apt to take on more than a few machines. She sat up and leaned against a window, trying to gather her strength to move, but every attempt sent sharp pain shooting through her body.
The sound of rustling leaves caught her attention, and she instinctively activated her Byakugan, scanning the area for any signs of danger. What she saw made her heart sink. A squad of metallic figures was closing in on her position, their movements precise and unnervingly synchronized. Their bodies gleamed under the dappled sunlight, and each bore a red ribbon emblem, a symbol she knew that spelled trouble.
As the robots emerged from the shadows, Hinata could see their cold, emotionless eyes assessing her. She struggled to push herself up, determined to defend herself, but her fatigue and injuries were starting to mount.
"TARGET IDENTIFIED," one of the robots announced in a monotone voice. "HINATA HYUGA: DNA MATCH 100%. TARGET IDENTIFIED."
Hinata's vision blurred with agony, but she refused to back down. She mustered the last of her strength and assumed a defensive stance, her hands trembling but alas ready to fight.
The largest of the robots, towering over the rest, stepped forward. "RESISTANCE IS FUTILE," it droned, its voice devoid of any emotion.
It raised a mechanical arm and motioned to the others, who immediately surrounded Hinata, cutting off any chance of escape.
Before Hinata could react, one of the robots lunged at her with lightning speed, delivering a precise strike to her injured ankle. She cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground, her body refusing to cooperate any longer. Another robot quickly followed, securing her hands behind her back with a tight, unyielding grip.
The leader robot crouched down beside her, its cold, unfeeling eyes inches from hers. "YOU ARE NOW A PRISONER OF THE RED RIBBON ARMY," it said in a mechanical voice. "YOU WILL COMPLY."
"G-Goku, I'm sorry..."
Darkness began to creep into the edges of Hinata's vision. She fought to stay conscious, but her body was too battered to resist any longer. As she slipped into unconsciousness, her last thought was of her friends and particularly one Son Goku, and the hope that they would come for her before it was too late.
- Present no Jutsu -
Hinata Hyuga groggily opened her eyes, her head pounding with a dull ache. As her vision cleared, she realized she was lying on a cold, hard floor. She struggled to sit up, her limbs heavy and uncooperative. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from a flickering torch mounted on the stone wall. She blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the darkness and make sense of her surroundings.
She was in a cell.
Her heart raced as she took in the iron bars that enclosed her, the solid stone walls that seemed to close in on her. Panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. She needed to think clearly.
"Where am I?" she whispered, her voice echoing softly in the small space.
Hinata found the resolve within her to activate her Byakugan, scanning the area beyond the cell. She could see the faint outlines of other cells and the distant shapes of guards patrolling a corridor. Her chakra was very low, probably due to some kind of suppressant they had used on her. She had to be careful and conserve her strength.
"You're awake," a voice said, drawing her attention to a figure standing at the edge of the room. It was another robot, slightly smaller than the others but no less intimidating. It approached her, its mechanical eyes scanning her from head to toe. "Do not attempt to struggle. It is useless."
Hinata's mind raced as she tried to make sense of her situation. She had only heard stories of the Red Ribbon Army from her bestfriend, a notorious organization known for its technological advancements and ruthless tactics. But she had never imagined she would find herself at their mercy.
"What do you want with me?" she demanded, her voice hoarse.
The robot tilted its head slightly, as if considering her question. "You possess unique abilities that are of interest to our creators," it replied. "Your Byakugan is a rare and valuable asset. We intend to study it."
Hinata's heart sank. She knew that the Byakugan, her clan's prized kekkei genkai, was highly sought after by many, but the thought of being experimented on was terrifying. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She had to find a way out of this, to escape before it was too late.
"Release me," she said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "You have no right to hold me here."
The robot did not respond immediately. Instead, it turned away, its attention seemingly diverted by something on a nearby console. Hinata took the opportunity to assess her surroundings, looking for anything that might help her escape. The room was sparse, with only a few pieces of equipment and the metal table she was strapped to. There were no windows, and the only door was guarded by another robot.
As she struggled to think of a plan, the door suddenly opened, and a new figure entered the room. This one was human, dressed in a white lab coat with the Red Ribbon emblem on the sleeve. He approached her, a look of clinical interest in his eyes.
"So, this is the famous Byakugan user," he said, his voice cold and detached. "I've been looking forward to studying you."
Hinata glared at him, anger and fear boiling within her. "You'll never get away with this," she spat. "My friends will come for me."
The scientist chuckled, a sound devoid of any warmth. "Let them try," he said. "By the time they find you, it will be too late."
Suddenly, two robots grabbed Hinata's arms in a vice grip and placed her roughly onto a pad designed for experimentation.
The scientist promptly turned to the console, tapping a few buttons. The restraints on Hinata's arms and legs sprouted up and then tightened, making her wince in pain.
"Now, let's begin," he said, as a mechanical arm descended from the ceiling, equipped with various instruments.
Goku concurrently stood in the dimly lit hallway of Muscle Tower, the cold wind of the Northern Lands seeping through the walls. His breath formed small clouds in the frigid air, but the young Saiyan barely noticed. He was on a mission, and nothing would deter him from his goal. He had already faced several formidable opponents and now found himself on the fourth floor, ready to confront his next challenge.
As he approached the end of the hallway, a door slid open with a mechanical hiss, revealing a spacious room shrouded in shadows. Goku stepped inside, his senses on high alert. The room was eerily silent, save for the occasional creak of the building settling. He scanned the area, his eyes narrowing as he searched for any sign of danger.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the room, breaking the silence. "So, you're the little monkey who's been causing so much trouble for the Red Ribbon Army."
The voice was taunting, filled with amusement.
Goku spun around, trying to pinpoint the source of the voice. "Who's there?" he called out, his fists clenched and ready for a fight.
A figure emerged from the shadows, revealing a tall man dressed in traditional ninja attire, complete with a dark purple mask covering his face. His eyes gleamed with a mix of cunning and confidence. This was Ninja Murasaki, one of the Red Ribbon Army's most skilled and elusive fighters.
"Welcome to your doom," Murasaki said with a smirk. "I am Ninja Murasaki, and you've just stepped into my domain."
Goku eyed the ninja, his curiosity piqued. "You're a ninja? Cool! But I'm not scared. I've faced tough opponents before, and I'm going to beat you too!"
Murasaki chuckled, amused by Goku's bravado. "We'll see about that one kid." With a swift motion, he threw a handful of smoke bombs to the ground, filling the room with thick, billowing smoke.
Goku coughed, waving his hand in front of his face to clear the air. His eyes darted around, trying to catch any movement through the smoke. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his side as Murasaki appeared out of nowhere, delivering a swift kick that sent Goku flying across the room. He crashed into a wall, the impact knocking the wind out of him.
"Not so tough now, are you?" Murasaki taunted, his voice seeming to come from all directions.
Even in another timeline, Goku was still more than capable of dropping his guard.
The Saiyan pushed himself to his feet, determination burning in his eyes. "That was a cheap shot! I'm not going to let you win!"
Now officially locked into the fight, he focused his energy, enhancing his senses to track Murasaki's movements through the smoke.
Murasaki launched another attack, but this time Goku was ready. He dodged the incoming strike, countering with a punch to Murasaki's midsection. The ninja grunted in surprise, but quickly recovered, vanishing into the smoke once more.
"Impressive," Murasaki's voice echoed. "But you're still no match for me."
Goku grinned, his Saiyan spirit invigorated by the challenge. "We'll see about that!"
The room descended into chaos as Goku and Murasaki clashed, their movements a blur of speed and skill. Murasaki used his ninja techniques to keep Goku off balance, disappearing and reappearing with lethal precision. But Goku's instincts and relentless spirit allowed him to adapt, countering Murasaki's attacks with increasing accuracy.
Murasaki somersaulted over Goku, throwing a flurry of shurikens in mid-air. Goku deflected them with his left index finger, the metal projectiles clanging harmlessly to the ground. He then launched off the floor in a blur, catching Murasaki off guard and knocking him to the floor.
The ninja rolled to his feet, his eyes narrowing in frustration. "You're more skilled than I anticipated," he admitted. "But I still have a few tricks up my sleeve."
With a series of rapid hand signs, Murasaki summoned five identical clones, each one an exact replica of himself. They surrounded Goku, their expressions mirroring Murasaki's smug confidence.
"Now, let's see how you handle this!" the clones said in unison, their voices echoing ominously.
Goku's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself. "You can use Kage Bunshin too? I'll just have to take you all down, then!"
He leaped into action, attacking the clones with a barrage of punches and kicks. However, each time he struck one, it vanished in a puff of smoke, only to reappear moments later.
The clones moved with perfect synchronization, their attacks coordinated to keep Goku off balance. He struggled to keep up, realizing that he couldn't tell which one was the real Murasaki. But he refused to give up. He knew he had to find a way to outsmart the ninja.
As the clones closed in, Goku took a deep breath and focused his energy. "I have to find the real one," he muttered to himself. Suddenly, an idea struck him. He closed his eyes, relying on his other senses to detect the faint differences in the clones' movements.
The room seemed to slow down as Goku's heightened senses picked up on subtle cues: the slight shift in weight, the almost imperceptible hesitation in a movement. He zeroed in on one of the clones, his instincts telling him it was the real Murasaki.
With a burst of speed, Goku lunged at the target, delivering a powerful punch that connected solidly with Murasaki's jaw. The ninja staggered back, clutching his face in shock as the other clones vanished.
"How did you...?" Murasaki stammered, his confidence shaken.
Goku grinned, his fists still at the ready. "I just knew! Now it's time to finish this!"
Determined to end the fight, Murasaki pulled out his last resort: a deadly ninjato blade. He charged at Goku, the blade gleaming in the dim light. Goku met the attack head-on, his alien forearm clashing with the blade in a shower of sparks.
The two combatants traded blows, their movements a blur of speed and precision. Goku's raw power and tenacity clashed with Murasaki's skill and cunning, the room reverberating with the sounds of their battle. Goku felt the sting of several shallow cuts, but he pressed on, refusing to back down.
In a final, desperate move, Murasaki leaped into the air, aiming a downward slash at Goku. But the young Saiyan was ready. He sidestepped the attack and brought his right palm down on Murasaki's wrist, shattering it and there by disarming him. With a swift kick, he sent the ninja crashing to the floor, his blade skittering out of reach.
Goku stood over Murasaki, his face racked with excitement. Despite the circumstances, he was having the time of his life.
"It's over," he said, his voice firm.
Murasaki looked up at Goku, a mix of anger and respect in his eyes. "You're... stronger than I thought," he admitted, his voice tinged with grudging admiration.
Goku nodded, extending a hand to help the ninja up. "Thanks. You were a tough opponent."
Murasaki hesitated for a moment, then accepted the gesture, allowing Goku to pull him to his feet. "You have a strong spirit, kid," he said, rubbing his sore wrist. "I can see why the Red Ribbon Army is so afraid of you."
Goku smiled, his determination renewed. "I'm going to stop them, no matter what. They've hurt too many people."
Murasaki nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Good luck, kid. You're going to need it."
With the ninja defeated and the path clear, Goku continued his ascent up Muscle Tower, his resolve stronger than ever. He knew the challenges ahead would only get tougher, but he was ready. With his friends and his unwavering spirit by his side, he was confident that he could overcome anything.
As he climbed the stairs to the next floor, he thought about the villagers he was fighting for and the friends who were counting on him. He wouldn't let them down. The Red Ribbon Army would fall, and peace would be restored.
And so, with his heart set on victory and his spirit burning bright, Goku pressed on, ready to face whatever lay ahead in his quest to bring down the Red Ribbon Army once and for all.
Hinata's mind raced. She couldn't let them do this to her. She had to find a way to escape, to fight back. How could she? The odds were not in her favor.
Son Goku.
With those two words resonating in her mind, Hinata focused her chakra, summoning every ounce of strength she had left. She felt the familiar surge of energy flow through her body, and with a fierce cry, she activated her Basuto Modo.
The scientist stepped back, startled by the sudden burst of energy. "What are you doing?" he demanded, but it was too late.
Hinata's chakra flared, and she shattered the restraints with a burst of raw power.
Ignoring the pain in her injured ankle, she leaped off the table, her Byakugan scanning the room for an escape route. The robots reacted quickly, moving to intercept her, but she found a way to be faster.
With a rush of adrenaline and desperation, she delivered a series of rapid strikes to their joints, disabling them one by one.
The scientist watched in shock as his prized captive turned the tables.
"Stop her!" he shouted, but the remaining robots were no match for Hinata's wounded speed and precision.
Within moments, they lay in a heap on the floor.
Hinata turned to the scientist, her eyes blazing with determination. This was no time to reverse her hardened character development.
"Where is the exit?!" she demanded.
He hesitated, then pointed to a door at the far end of the room. "There," he said, his voice trembling.
Without another word, Hinata sprinted towards the door, her heart pounding. She didn't know what awaited her on the other side, but she knew she had to keep moving, to find her way back to her friends and safety.
As she burst through the door, she found herself in a long corridor, lined with more metal panels. The sound of alarms filled the air, and she could hear the distant clatter of footsteps as more robots converged on her location.
She pressed on, her mind focused on one thing: escape. She couldn't let the Red Ribbon Army win. She had to survive, to return to Konoha and help Goku and her friends defend the village!
The corridor seemed to stretch on forever, its metallic walls reflecting the harsh fluorescent lights overhead. Hinata's heart raced as she moved as quickly as her injured ankle would allow. She knew she had to stay ahead of the robots, to find a way out before they could catch her.
At the end of the corridor, she found a stairwell leading up. She hesitated for a moment, then began to climb, her injured leg protesting with each step. She could hear the robots behind her, their mechanical limbs clanking against the metal floor.
She pushed herself harder, ignoring the pain, her determination driving her forward.
The stairwell opened into a large room filled with machinery and monitors. Hinata scanned the area, her Byakugan revealing a group of robots stationed near a large metal door. She took a deep breath, formulating a plan.
She needed to create a distraction, to draw the robots away from the door so she could make her escape.
Spotting a control panel on the far side of the room, she made her way towards it, keeping low to avoid detection. She reached the panel and began to press buttons at random, hoping to trigger an alarm or disable some of the robots. Within moments, the room was filled with flashing lights and a loud siren blaring through the speakers.
The robots immediately reacted, moving towards the source of the disturbance. Hinata took advantage of the chaos, slipping past them and heading for the door. She reached it just as the first robot realized what was happening, but it was too late. She pushed the door open and slipped through, slamming it shut behind her.
She found herself in another corridor, this one lined with large windows that looked out over a sprawling complex. She could see more robots patrolling the grounds, their red ribbon emblems stark against the gray landscape. She knew she had to keep moving, to find a way out before they could catch her.
At last, Goku reached a dimly lit chamber, where he sensed a powerful presence. The room was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the hum of machinery. In the center of the room stood a tall, hulking figure, its eyes glowing a soft blue. Goku approached cautiously, his eyes narrowing as he prepared for another fight.
"Who are you?" Goku called out, his voice echoing in the chamber.
The figure stepped into the light, revealing a large, humanoid android with a gentle expression. "I am Android 8," the android replied, his voice surprisingly soft and kind. "But you can call me Eighter."
Goku's stance relaxed slightly. "I'm Goku. Are you with the Red Ribbon Army?"
Eighter shook his head, his expression troubled. "I was created by the Red Ribbon Army, but I do not wish to fight. I hate violence."
Goku's eyes widened in surprise. "You don't want to fight? But you're so big and strong!"
Eighter sighed. "I was built to be a weapon, but I cannot bring myself to hurt others. I want to live peacefully and help people."
Goku smiled, sensing the kindness in Eighter's heart. "Well, I'm here to stop the Red Ribbon Army and rescue my friend. Will you help me?"
Eighter hesitated, his eyes reflecting a deep inner conflict. "I want to help, but I am afraid. The generals will punish me if I disobey."
The boy stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Together, we can stop them. You don't have to be afraid anymore."
Moved by his words and determination, the android nodded. "I will help you, Goku."
With Eighter by his side, Goku continued his ascent through Muscle Tower. The gentle android used his immense strength to clear obstacles and protect Goku from the more dangerous traps. Their bond grew stronger with each passing moment, their trust in one another solidifying.
As they reached the top floor, the final confrontation loomed. General White and General Blue awaited them, their expressions a mixture of confidence and malevolence. The room was stark and cold, with large windows offering a panoramic view of the frozen landscape outside.
"Welcome, monkey boy," General White sneered, his voice echoing through the room. "You've caused quite a bit of trouble for the Red Ribbon Army. But your journey ends here."
Goku stepped forward, his resolve unwavering. "I'm here to stop you and rescue my friend and take back the Dragon Balls!"
General Blue laughed, a cruel and mocking sound. "You think you can defeat us? You're just a child! We'll show you the true power of the Red Ribbon Army!"
With a press of a button, the floor beneath Goku and Eighter's feet began to shake. Panels in the walls opened, revealing an array of weapons and automated turrets. Goku braced himself as bullets and energy blasts rained down upon them. He dodged and deflected the attacks with remarkable speed and agility, while Eighter shielded him with his large frame.
The barrage of attacks intensified, but Goku's determination only grew stronger. He leaped into the air, using his sheer quickness to vault over the incoming fire and land a powerful kick on one of the turrets, smashing it to pieces. Eighter, despite his gentle nature, used his strength to dismantle the defenses, tearing through the machinery with ease.
General White and General Blue's confident demeanor faltered as they realized their defenses had failed. Desperation crept into their voices as they called out, "You may have destroyed our weapons, but you'll never defeat us in hand-to-hand combat!"
With a swift motion, General Blue launched himself at Goku, his fists flying in a flurry of powerful strikes. Goku met the attacks head-on, blocking and countering with precision. The two exchanged blows, their movements a blur of speed and power.
Seeing an opening, General White lunged at Goku from behind, aiming to catch him off guard. But Eighter stepped in, grabbing General White and tossing him aside like a rag doll. The impact sent General White crashing into the wall, clutching his stomach in pain.
"You insolent brat!" General White growled, his face twisted with rage. "I won't be defeated by a child and a defective android!"
General Blue took advantage of the distraction, activating his psychic powers. His eyes glowed with a menacing blue light, and Goku suddenly felt an invisible force constricting around him.
What the hell? It was as if unseen hands were gripping his body, squeezing the air from his lungs and immobilizing him.
"How do you like my paralysis technique?" General Blue sneered, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "No one can move once I've used it on them."
Goku struggled against the psychic grip, his muscles straining as he tried to break free. The force was incredibly strong, but Goku's determination was stronger. He closed his eyes and focused, drawing on the inner strength that had carried him through countless battles.
"You can do it, Goku!" Eighter's voice echoed aloud, spurring him on. He couldn't let his new friend down.
With a mighty roar, Goku unleashed a burst of energy, breaking free from General Blue's psychic hold. The sudden release of power sent shock-waves through the room, causing General Blue to stumble back in shock.
"No! That's impossible!" General Blue shouted, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Goku didn't waste a moment. He charged at General Blue, his fists glowing with energy. The two clashed in a flurry of punches and kicks, each strike reverberating through the room. The Saiyan's speed and power were unmatched, and he began to overwhelm General Blue with a relentless barrage of attacks.
General White tried to intervene, but Eighter was there to stop him. With a swift, powerful punch, Eighter sent General White crashing into the control panel. Sparks flew as the machinery malfunctioned, and the general slumped to the ground, defeated and unconscious.
Panting heavily, General Blue realized he was outmatched. Desperation filled his eyes as he made one last attempt to use his psychic powers. But Goku was ready. With a final, powerful punch, Goku sent General Blue crashing to the floor. The impact shook the room, and General Blue lay still, defeated.
Goku took a deep breath, his body relaxing as the adrenaline of the fight began to fade. He had done it. He had defeated General White and General Blue, and thereby saved Muscle Tower from the grip of the Red Ribbon Army.
As far as he knew, at least.
As he looked around the wrecked control room, Goku smiled at Eighter. "Thanks for your help, Eighter. I might not have done it without you."
Eighter's face lit up with a grateful smile. "And thank you, Goku. You showed me that I can be strong without fighting. You are a true friend."
With Eighter by his side, Goku made his way through the ceiling of Muscle Tower to stand on the roof and survey the area. As they stepped into the cold, crisp air outside, they were greeted by the sight of what looked to be a chaotic manhunt of epic proportions...a manhunt?
Hinata was awake!
She moved down the corridor, her Byakugan scanning for any signs of danger. At the end of the hall, she found a set of double doors that led to a large, open area. She paused, taking a moment to catch her breath and assess her surroundings.
The open area was filled with crates and machinery, and she could see a group of robots loading supplies onto a large transport vehicle. She knew this was her chance. If she could reach the vehicle, she might be able to use it to escape the complex.
She moved quickly, staying low and using the crates for cover. The robots were focused on their task, giving her the opportunity to slip past them unnoticed. She reached the transport vehicle and climbed inside, ducking down to avoid being seen.
She waited, her heart pounding, as the vehicle began to move. She didn't know where it was going, but she knew it had to be better than staying in the complex. She had to trust that it would take her somewhere she could find help, somewhere she could get back to her friends and safety.
As the vehicle moved through the complex, she allowed herself a moment of relief. She had made it this far, and she knew she couldn't give up now. She had to stay strong, to keep fighting, no matter what.
The vehicle came to a stop, and she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. She held her breath, hoping the robots wouldn't check inside. The footsteps passed, and she let out a sigh of relief. She waited a few more moments, then carefully climbed out of the vehicle.
She found herself in a large garage, filled with more transport vehicles and machinery. She moved quickly, looking for an exit. She spotted a door at the far end of the garage and made her way towards it, her heart pounding in her chest.
And of course, it wouldn't possibly be that easy! The plot could not allow it.
"Eighter," Goku said, his voice barely audible over the wind, "we have to save Hinata. She's counting on us."
Eighter, the gentle giant of an android, looked down at Goku with a soft smile. "I know, Goku. We will save her. I may not know Hinata, but she doesn't deserve to be in the hands of those cruel people."
As they approached the bottom levels of the HQ, the tension between them grew. Goku's heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. He had faced many enemies before, but this felt different. The thought of Hinata in danger made his resolve even stronger.
Goku's sharp eyes spotted the swarm of Red Ribbon Army robots patrolling the perimeter. These robots were designed for battle, their menacing red eyes glowing in the dim light. The sight of them made Goku's blood boil, but he took a deep breath, focusing on the task ahead.
"They have a lot of guards," Goku muttered, his fists clenched. "But that won't stop us."
Eighter nodded, his usually kind eyes now filled with determination. "I'll do everything I can to help you, Goku. We won't let them keep Hinata."
As they trotted about carefully, they tried to stick to the shadows to avoid detection in order to properly hone in on the girl's energy signature. However, one of the robots' sensors picked up their presence, and an ear-piercing alarm echoed through the cold air.
"INTRUDERS DETECTED!" a robotic voice blared. "ENGAGE AND NEUTRALIZE!"
Goku sprang into action, his movements a blur as he dodged the initial barrage of laser fire. He leaped into the air, landing a powerful kick on the nearest robot, sending it crashing into a snowbank. Eighter followed, using his immense strength to smash through the robots with ease, though his heart ached at the violence he was forced to use.
"We have to keep moving, Eighter!" Goku shouted, determination etched on his young face. "Hinata needs us!"
The freshly formed duo continued their relentless assault on the robots. Goku's fists flew in a blur of motion, each strike disabling a robot with precision. Eighter's powerful blows created a path of destruction, his strength overwhelming the mechanical soldiers.
"We need to get inside!" Goku shouted over the din of battle, his senses firmly locked onto his best friend. "Hinata's in there!"
Eighter scanned the area and spotted a large metal door leading into the over-sized garage. "There, Goku! Let's go!"
With a final push, they broke through the last line of robotic defenders and charged towards the door. Eighter used his immense strength to rip it off its hinges, and they rushed inside, only to be met with more robots waiting for them.
"More of them?!" Goku exclaimed, his frustration evident. "How many of these things do they have?"
The robots surged forward, their red eyes glowing ominously. Goku and Eighter fought valiantly, but the numbers seemed endless. Just as things were looking dire, a sudden flash of chakra illuminated the room.
"Hinata!" Goku shouted in relief as he saw her enter the fray. Despite her weariness, she moved with grace and precision, her Byakugan allowing her to target the robots' weak points with devastating efficiency. With her help, the tide of the battle quickly turned in their favor.
BOOMM! SLASSSSH! BADDDDOOOOMM!
CRACCCCCCK! PPSSSSSHH!
SKRRRRR!
Working together, the trio dismantled the remaining robots, their combined strength and skill proving too much for the mechanical foes.
As the last robot fell, the headquarters fell silent, the only sound being their heavy breathing. Even Goku, the alien, needed a moment of respite.
Whew. And then the two genin locked eyes.
Overcome with emotion, Hinata dashed forward despite her condition and embraced Goku tightly.
The Saiyan, surprised at first, quickly returned the hug, feeling a warmth spread through him despite the cold surroundings. The bond of friendship and shared hardship strengthened their connection, making them far more than just allies in battle. Or comrades of the Hidden Leaf.
Goku could feel Hinata's tears soaking into his shoulder, and he gently patted her back. "It's okay, Hinata. You're safe now. I'm here. And so is Eighter."
Hinata pulled back slightly, looking into Goku's eyes. "For a moment I was scared, Goku. But I knew you would come for me. Arigato."
Goku smiled, his own eyes misting over ever so slightly. "I promised I'd protect you with my life a long time ago. I'm just glad you're okay."
Eighter watched the heartfelt exchange with a gentle smile, feeling a sense of peace knowing that they had succeeded in their mission.
As they made their way out of the former technologically impossible but not irreversibly devastated garage, the snow falling gently around them, Goku, Hinata, and even Eighter by proxy felt a profound sense of triumph and even more...grit.
They had faced overwhelming odds and emerged victorious, even when it seemed impossible!
The girl looked at the boy, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Goku...you never gave up on me. Even when things seemed hopeless, you kept fighting, didn't you?"
Goku blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his head scratching his hair. "Well, I couldn't let them hurt you, Hinata. You're important to me."
Eighter, ever the gentle giant, placed a comforting hand on Hinata's shoulder. "You're safe now, Hinata. And we'll make sure the Red Ribbon Army can't hurt anyone else ever again."
The girl nodded in agreement with the last statement, and then smiled glowingly at Goku. Her heart swelled with emotion just thinking about the enigmatic shinobi-
Martial Artist.
The trio walked through the snow, the cold air biting at their faces but unable to dampen their spirits. They had faced the darkness and emerged stronger for it. However, something registered in Goku's mind before he could officially take pride in this moment...something super important.
As they neared the edge of the Red Ribbon Army's territory, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the Dragon Radar. The small device beeped and flashed, indicating the locations of the four Dragon Balls in the vicinity.
"Let's see where the Dragon Balls are now," Goku said, his curiosity piqued.
He studied the radar, noting the positions of the remaining Dragon Balls gathered together in a particular area of the map.
Hinata peered over his shoulder, intrigued by the device. "So, that's the Dragon Radar? It can show you where the Dragon Balls are?"
Goku nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Yeah! With this, we can find the Dragon Balls and make a wish."
The girl smiled, her earlier trepidation replaced with hope and determination. "Then let's do it together. We'll gather the Dragon Balls and make your wish finally come true Goku."
Eighter nodded, his gentle voice filled with resolve. "I'm with you both. We can use them to make this world a better place."
With the plan of removing Son Goku from the picture being executed, there was no better moment than this to bear his poisonous fangs!
The air was thick with tension and the scent of smoke as Orochimaru stood atop the shattered remains of the Hokage's office. The Konoha invasion was in full swing, chaos erupting in every corner of the village. Shinobi clashed with enemy forces, buildings burned, and the once peaceful streets of the Hidden Leaf were now a battleground.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, watched the devastation from a rooftop, his heart heavy with sorrow. He knew this day would come, but the sight of his village in flames was more than he had ever feared. Determined to protect his home, he prepared himself for the inevitable confrontation with his former student.
"Orochimaru!" Hiruzen's voice boomed across the battlefield, carrying both authority and a deep-seated sadness. "Face me and end this madness!"
Orochimaru turned, his serpentine eyes glinting with malevolence and a hint of something more. The experiment had been a success. A sliver of Goku's cells coursed through his veins, granting him unimaginable power. He smiled, a cold and cruel expression that sent chills down the spines of those who saw it.
"Ah, sensei," Orochimaru replied, his voice dripping with contempt. "It's time to show you the true extent of my power."
With a swift motion, Orochimaru ascended into the air, his body surrounded by a fiery aura of purple energy.
The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Hiruzen's eyes widened as he realized just how much power Orochimaru had gained. This was not the student he once knew; this was something far more dangerous.
The Sandaime summoned his trusted staff, the Enma, and transformed it into its unbreakable form. He leaped into the air, meeting Orochimaru in combat. Their clash practically shook the village, sending shockwaves that toppled buildings and rattled the very earth.
The battlefield was a cacophony of screams, clashing steel, and crumbling buildings. Yet, amidst the chaos, Hiruzen's eyes remained locked on Orochimaru. The Third Hokage's resolve had never wavered, but the gravity of Orochimaru's new powers was undeniable.
"Orochimaru," Hiruzen began, his voice firm despite the turmoil around them. "I taught you better than this. You were supposed to protect the village, not destroy it."
"Spare me your sanctimonious lectures, old man," Orochimaru spat back. "The village did nothing but stifle my potential. That boy's cells have shown me true power, power you could never comprehend!"
"You've gone too far, Orochimaru!" Hiruzen shouted, his voice strained with effort. "Son Goku's power... it's unnatural! It will drive you mad!"
"Power is power, sensei," the Sannin sneered, dodging a powerful strike and countering with a devastating energy blast that nearly ended the battle right there. "And now, I'll show you just how superior I've become."
With a sudden burst of speed, the snake vanished and reappeared behind Hiruzen, delivering a literal bone-crushing kick that sent the Hokage crashing into the ground.
CRACCCKKKKKOOOOOOOM!
The impact created a massive crater, dust and debris flying everywhere.
Hiruzen struggled to his feet, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth. From that strike alone he knew he was far outmatched, but he couldn't afford to give up.
And in another burst of speed, Orochimaru closed the gap between them once more. Hiruzen barely had time to react as a powerful fist slammed into his abdomen, lifting him off his feet and sending him crashing through a nearby wall.
The Hokage gasped for breath, feeling the full weight of Orochimaru's enhanced strength.
"Do you feel that, sensei?" Orochimaru mocked, hovering above the rubble. "This is the difference between us now. You're nothing but an ant before me."
Hiruzen wiped the blood from his lips and stood once more, his eyes blazing with determination. "I may be old, but I will fight until my last breath to protect this village."
Orochimaru smirked and descended, landing with a force that cracked the ground beneath him. "Then let's see how long you last."
The two clashed again, their battle a blur of furious strikes and counterattacks. Hiruzen fought valiantly, utilizing every technique and strategy he had mastered over the years. But Orochimaru's Saiyan-enhanced agility and power were overwhelming. Each blow from Orochimaru was like being hit by a freight train, and Hiruzen found himself struggling to keep up.
With a swift motion, Orochimaru caught Hiruzen's arm and twisted it behind his back, forcing the Hokage to his knees.
"Pathetic," Orochimaru hissed. "You're out of your league."
Hiruzen gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out in pain. He managed to summon a Kage Bunshin, which quickly attacked Orochimaru, forcing him to release his grip. The clone then transformed into a massive shuriken, which Hiruzen hurled at Orochimaru with all his might.
Orochimaru merely laughed and swatted the shuriken aside, his aura flaring with purple energy. "You're wasting your time, sensei. You can't win."
Determined to protect his village at any cost, Hiruzen formed a series of hand signs, summoning the Enma in his staff form once more. "Extend!" he commanded, and the staff elongated, striking Orochimaru with surprising force.
Orochimaru staggered back, momentarily caught off guard. Hiruzen took advantage of the opening, unleashing a barrage of elemental attacks.
Fire, water, earth, and lightning combined in a dazzling display of power, all aimed at Orochimaru.
But Orochimaru was undeterred. He powered up further, his aura intensifying. With a roar, he deflected the elemental attacks and charged forward, his fist glowing with energy. He delivered a devastating punch to Hiruzen's chest, nearly caving it in and sending the Hokage flying across the battlefield.
Hiruzen crashed into the ground, his vision blurring. He struggled to rise, but his body refused to cooperate.
Orochimaru approached, his steps deliberate and menacing.
"Kukuku. Is this how it ends, sensei?" The Sannin taunted. "On your knees, helpless before my power?"
Hiruzen struggled to his feet, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth. He knew he was outmatched, but he couldn't afford to give up.
The village depended on him.
"This ends now!" Hiruzen declared, channeling all his chakra into a final, desperate attack. "Shiki Fujin!"
The grim specter of the Reaper Death Seal appeared behind Hiruzen, its spectral hand reaching for Orochimaru.
But before the jutsu could take hold, Orochimaru powered up, his purple aura flaring brightly.
"Foolish old man," Orochimaru laughed. "You think that pitiful jutsu can stop me now?"
Hiruzen coughed, blood spilling from his mouth. "I... I won't let you win, Orochimaru. Even if it costs me my life."
Orochimaru's expression darkened.
"Then die knowing you failed."
With that, he bore his fangs, an orb of golden energy forming in his mouth. The villagers watched in horror as Orochimaru unleashed a massive energy blast, the likes of which had never been seen before in the ninja world, aside from Son Goku of course.
The golden beam of energy tore through the air, obliterating everything in its path. Sarutobi tried to counter, but the sheer force of the attack overwhelmed him.
In a blinding flash, the Third Hokage was engulfed by the blast. The village watched in horror as their leader was ripped apart and disintegrated, reduced to nothing but ash and memories.
The explosion rocked the village, a shockwave that flattened buildings and sent debris flying. When the dust settled, Sarutobi Hiruzen was gone, reduced to nothing but ashes.
The Third Hokage, the man who had dedicated his life to protecting the Hidden Leaf, was no more.
Orochimaru stood amidst the ruins, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Konoha will remember this day," he declared, his voice echoing through the silence. "The day they witnessed true power."
And with that, the Sannin turned away, leaving the shattered remains of the Hidden Leaf Village behind. His path of destruction was far from over, and the world would soon learn to fear the wrath of the Superior Serpent.