PROLOGUE: Saiyan Blood and Chrome!

The world of Veylan was fusion of ancient Saiyan culture and the gleaming skyscrapers of a cybernetic future. Neon lights hummed over bustling streets where Saiyan warriors soared through the sky, their tails whipping behind them, blending tradition with tech. But beneath the glittering skyline lay the shadows—a world hidden by the ruling powers.

Rye tightened the grip on his younger brother, Jiro, as they sparred in the family courtyard. His eight-year-old sibling grinned, his tail wagging with excitement. "You're not going easy on me, are you, Rye?"

"Easy? You wish," Rye said, smirking. With a feint to the left, he dodged Jiro's punch and lightly tapped his forehead. "You've got to be faster, Jiro. You're not gonna impress Mom like that."

Their mother, Kaede, watched nearby, cradling Rye's two-year-old sister, Yuna, in her arms. She was the anchor of their family.. strong, wise, and fierce. Her black hair streaked with gray framed a face lined with equal parts battle-worn experience and maternal warmth.

"Jiro's still got a lot to learn, but you were just as scrappy at his age," Kaede called out. "Though, I will say, you've mellowed out since joining the Task Force."

Rye laughed, ruffling Jiro's hair as he stood up. "Mellowed out? You mean I'm just less of a troublemaker now."

"Barely," Kaede replied with a wink.

A distant hum of engines signaled the arrival of two familiar figures. Rye's best friends had arrived, as they often did, without much warning.

First was Itsuki, a lean, sharp-eyed Saiyan with silver hair and an analytical mind. Despite his quiet demeanor, he was a brilliant strategist, often the one to pull Rye and their other friend out of trouble.

Second was Rin, a boisterous and hot-headed fighter with a mane of reddish-brown hair that matched her fiery spirit. Rin had a knack for stirring up chaos, but her loyalty to her friends was unlike no other.

"Rye!" Rin called, landing with a burst of energy. "Don't tell me you've been slacking off. You know today's the big day, right?"

"Big day for him, Rin," Itsuki said as he landed gracefully beside her. "Not for us."

Rye chuckled. "You make it sound like I'm walking into a tournament. It's just the first round of cybernetic enhancements. No big deal."

"No big deal?!" Rin threw her hands in the air. "They're about to stick metal into your body, Rye. You're not even nervous?"

Rye shrugged, his tail swaying lazily behind him. "It's part of the job. And honestly, I'm more curious than anything. The tech is supposed to make us stronger, faster. We've all seen what enhanced Task Force members can do."

Itsuki folded his arms, his sharp eyes narrowing. "I just hope you remember what it means to be a Saiyan. The enhancements might make you stronger, but strength doesn't define who you are."

Rye nodded. "I won't forget."

Kaede approached, Yuna now asleep in her arms. "You'd better not. No matter how far you go, Rye, this family will always be your foundation. Remember your roots."

Rye smiled and hugged his mother gently. "I will, Mom. Don't worry."

As the sun began to set over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Rye and his friends said their goodbyes and headed into the city. The streets of Veylan were alive with activity—Saiyans of all ages moving between vendors selling exotic foods, merchants displaying cybernetic enhancements, and warriors sparring in open arenas.

The trio made their way to the Task Force Cybernetics Facility. Rye couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and unease as the glowing structure loomed ahead.

"Itsuki, Rin," Rye said, glancing back at his friends. "Whatever happens, I'm glad you're here with me."

Rin grinned. "Like we'd miss this? You're stuck with us."

Itsuki smirked faintly. "Always."

As they entered the facility, none of them could have imagined the truths they were about to uncover—truths that would shatter their trust in the world they thought they knew.