Smith Dole was strolling down Broadway with Bulma. With the Dragon Ball battle over, he had set aside the next two days to spend a pleasant weekend with her.
Bulma spotted an ice cream cart by the street and dashed over with excitement, buying two cones — one vanilla and one strawberry.
Returning to Smith's side, she handed him the vanilla cone.
"This one's yours."
Smith pinched her cheek with a smile. "Thanks for the ice cream."
He took a bite — it tasted pretty good. Bulma, holding onto his sturdy arm with one hand and her own cone with the other, happily walked alongside him.
Dressed in a youthful outfit, Bulma radiated fresh, lively charm, drawing the eyes of passersby. But when people recognized Smith, the superhero, and tried to approach for signatures or cards, they were intercepted by suddenly appearing League of Assassins members, ensuring the couple wasn't disturbed.
Fox had arranged for a team of werewolves to shadow Bulma from a distance, ensuring her safety.
Bulma didn't mind; in fact, she preferred to enjoy her time with Smith without unnecessary interruptions.
Just as she leaned against him to speak, the sound of gunfire echoed from afar. The moment it rang out, panic rippled through the street — some people fled quickly, others craned their necks toward the source.
Bulma frowned. "Even Broadway's this chaotic? Are we only safe going out in the daytime? Can't even enjoy a quiet outing without someone causing trouble."
An explosion followed, clearly from the next street over.
"Boom!"
Smith also frowned as police sirens wailed. "Looks like something big's going down. Wonder what caused it?"
At the intersection ahead, numerous police cars and military vehicles were gathering. Another explosion flared, followed by flames.
"Looks like the Abomination," Smith muttered. From the flames, he had spotted a massive figure. Considering Bruce Banner and Betty had left earlier that morning, it was likely Banner had sought Dr. Blue for treatment — and this was the result.
Bulma looked toward the chaos and the rampaging Abomination. "Smith, looks like it's time for you to play superhero."
Hit by an RPG, the Abomination grew even more frenzied, snatching up a car and hurling it straight toward Smith and Bulma.
Smith's eyes flashed twin beams — Piccolo's Eye Beams — slicing the car clean in two. The halves crashed harmlessly onto the street sides.
Nearby pedestrians gasped. "Superman!" "God!"
With Piccolo's abilities, Smith truly looked the part of Superman — he could even conjure himself a matching cape, whether in Superman's style or Piccolo's white one.
The Abomination spotted him instantly, abandoning the military vehicles and roaring, "Smith!" before charging, scattering cars in its path.
Smith turned to Bulma. "Stay safe."
The werewolf team immediately surrounded her, shielding her as she drew a custom-built laser gun. Under their cover, she moved to the side — anyone who tried to take advantage of the chaos would soon regret it.
Smith shot into the air and came down with a punch aimed at the Abomination.
"Boom!"
The blow exploded with a sonic boom, white light rippling from the point of impact. Blonsky, in Abomination form, flew back even faster than he'd charged, carving a deep trench through the street and flattening cars in his path.
The soldiers and police stared at Smith in shock. "God!" "Yeah! Beat that green giant to death!"
Smith called out, "Folks, clear the civilians out of here and give me room to fight this big guy."
The police immediately moved to evacuate the crowd. The soldiers didn't exactly follow Smith's orders, but at least they didn't get in the way.
…
Elsewhere.
Bruce watched the video feed of the rampaging monster and turned to General Ross. "Send me in. You have to let me go."
Betty stared at him in disbelief. "What are you saying? You think you can control it?"
"Not control," Banner said quickly. "Use it."
Ross frowned. "And if it doesn't work?"
"This thing is our creation," Banner replied, his expression dead serious. "All of ours. Please."
Ross hesitated, then gave the order. "Drop him near it."
"No," Banner refused. "Stay high. Open the rear hatch."
Seeing his determination, Ross nodded to a soldier. The hatch opened, and Banner moved to jump — but Betty grabbed his arm.
"Think this through. You don't even know if you'll transform. Maybe the Hulk's gone for good. Don't do this — it's too crazy."
Banner looked into her tearful eyes. "Betty, I have to try. I'm sorry."
He kissed her suddenly, then let himself fall backward out of the aircraft.
Betty opened her eyes, reaching for him — but he was already falling away.
(End of Chapter)
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