The town mayor turned to John and said, "Young man, you're just passing through. There's no need to get involved in our conflict with the Red Ribbon Army. You should leave quickly."
It was clear that the mayor was a good person. Despite the Red Ribbon Army's approach, his first concern wasn't for his own safety or the townspeople's, but for John's, urging him to flee.
John, curious, asked, "Mayor, if you're so afraid of the Red Ribbon Army, why don't you just leave this town?"
The mayor sighed. "Leave? And go where? This is our home. If we abandon it, we'll become wanderers. Most of us are just ordinary people—we don't have skills like yours."
"The wilds are full of dinosaurs, monsters, and beasts. Finding a place safe for humans to live is nearly impossible."
John nodded. The mayor made a fair point. In the world of Dragon Ball, creatures far stronger than humans were everywhere.
Human settlements usually existed only because of agreements between people and monsters, allowing both to live without conflict.
Unless, like John, one was a powerful martial artist who could ignore such rules and travel freely across the planet.
Just then, a cloud of dust rose in the distance. The mayor shouted, "They're coming! Everyone, get ready!"
Watching these ordinary villagers prepare to defend their home, John decided to help. "I'll lend a hand. If the Red Ribbon soldiers won't listen to reason, I'll deal with them."
Soon, several tanks, armored vehicles, and about 300 armed Red Ribbon soldiers stopped just twenty meters away.
The soldiers were surprised to see the townspeople, who usually submitted without resistance, now armed and ready to fight.
A commander stepped out of a jeep, swaggered up to the mayor, and suddenly raised his hand to slap him.
In a flash, John appeared, gripping the commander's wrist.
The man, named Gaka, snarled, "Who the hell are you, interfering with Red Ribbon business?"
"My name's John. And if it happens on this planet, I'll interfere if I want to." John tightened his grip, making Gaka scream in pain.
"Bastard! Let go! Do you want to make an enemy of the Red Ribbon Army?!"
"I'll release you—if you promise to leave this town alone." John increased the pressure, and Gaka heard his own bones creaking.
"Fine! I agree! Just let go!"
John nodded. "Keep your word, or I won't be so forgiving next time." With a flick of his wrist, he sent Gaka flying back into his troops.
Gaka tried to stand but yelped in pain when he put weight on his injured arm. He turned to his men and roared, "You idiots! Help me up!"
A few soldiers hurried over, only for Gaka to slap one with his good hand. "Useless morons!"
The soldiers silently retreated as Gaka glared at John. "Let you off? Never! The Red Ribbon Army doesn't take threats!"
"Lapis! Lazuli! Kill him!" Gaka barked.
"Lazuli?!" John's heart jumped. Could it really be Android 18? Have she and 17 already been modified by Dr. Gero?
He eagerly scanned the Red Ribbon forces—but Gaka's order seemed to fall on deaf ears.
"Damn it! Lapis! Lazuli! Disobeying me means facing HQ's punishment!" Gaka threatened.
This time, it worked. A young man and woman leaped from a jeep, landing before John.
It was them—the siblings he'd been waiting to meet: 17 and 18.
But John sensed they hadn't been turned into androids yet. Their energy was strong—for humans—but nothing compared to his.
True to the manga, Lapis (17) had shoulder-length black hair, a tracksuit, and an orange scarf. Lazuli (18) had short blonde hair, a blue denim jacket and skirt, and cold light-blue eyes.
Gaka smirked. "See? The Red Ribbon Army has martial artists too."
"Lapis, Lazuli—kill him! Don't you want out of my unit? Do this, and I'll transfer you to HQ!"
The siblings exchanged glances. Lazuli said, "Gaka, you'd better keep your word. Or else."
"Of course! I always keep my promises!" Gaka sneered.
John sighed. "You didn't keep the last one you made to me."
"Shut up! The Red Ribbon Army doesn't negotiate!" Gaka turned to the siblings. "Now, attack!"
With a nod, they lunged at John.
Of all the ways to finally meet my future wife and brother-in-law… John thought. I hope she doesn't hold this against me later…