Kidnapping Crisis (Part 1)

Beneath the azure sky of West City, skyscrapers stood in dense rows, and the streets were filled with a bustling, prosperous flow of traffic. Yet, in the hidden corners of this city, an undercurrent was quietly surging.

"Lord Kasang, the population of West City is truly as dense and vibrant as the intelligence reports suggested. We should be able to recruit quite a few people!" a subordinate clad in black combat armor reported respectfully to Kasang.

Kasang's gaze was cold and sharp, his lips curling into a sneer: "Indeed, a dense population means a greater source of fodder!"

He spoke slowly, his eyes piercing through the clouds as if he could already see every corner of West City: "Focus on those from ordinary families, of course. If necessary, kidnapping a few individuals with potential is not out of the question!"

"Understood, sir!" the lackeys replied in unison, their eyes gleaming with a thirst for power and absolute loyalty to Kasang.

Zhou Zilong was unaware of this at the moment; he was busy thinking about what his own exclusive combat suit should look like. After all, since he was living in the Dragon Ball World, it would be better to have a suit of his own.

Since I am in the world of Dragon Ball, how can I not have a battle suit of my own? Zhou Zilong muttered to himself, a confident smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

He looked around; the walls were covered with pictures of various martial arts uniforms, but none could fully satisfy him. Thus, he decided to break the mold and create a combat outfit that belonged solely to him.

Inspiration flowed like a spring. Zhou Zilong first thought of the iconic orange gi worn by the adult Goku. He mocked up two versions in different colors (one gray, one deep red), but that was merely a starting point, not the end.

What he wanted was something unique—a design that could both reflect his own style and blend into this world.

As his thoughts raced, he felt as if the figures of countless anime heroes were interweaving in his mind, eventually converging into a clear image.

"Xiao Ling, help me redeem these materials!" Zhou Zilong commanded, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. Xiao Ling responded instantly, and a series of rare and unique materials appeared out of thin air in the room, emitting a faint luster.

For the time that followed, Zhou Zilong devoted himself entirely to the design and production of his combat suit.

In terms of design, Zhou Zilong knew that the choice of color and pattern was crucial. Black symbolized depth and mystery, a reflection of the calm and introverted side of his personality; red represented blood and passion, a symbol of his never-say-die spirit when facing challenges. He chose black as the main color, accented with red—low-key yet striking.

He cleverly combined tradition with modernity. The tight-fitting short-sleeved design perfectly outlined his robust physique, while the red vest-style gi added layers. He decorated the chest and hip bones with golden cone-shaped patterns, which not only embodied his pursuit of power but also added a touch of nobility and grandeur. Black leather gloves extended to his forearms, protecting his hands while adding a hint of combat flair.

The golden square buckle on his black belt featured a dragon-like, dancing "Dragon" character in the center. This was not only a character from his own name but also a source of pride as a member of the Dragon Ball World.

The black Turtle Hermit School trousers, worn beneath the red gi, preserved the essence of traditional martial arts while incorporating the practicality of a modern combat suit.

As for the boots, Zhou Zilong put in extra effort. He created a pair of long boots that combined elements of Goku's shoes and Vegeta's combat boots. The clever mix of red and black—the front half primarily black, the back half a vibrant red—and the golden, blade-like design at the toe declared the extraordinary nature of their owner. The golden ring circling the top of the boots was the finishing touch, making the entire look flawless.

Paired with his current hairstyle, which resembled that of Gogeta (a change that occurred when his bloodline was cleansed into that of a Saiyan), he looked both mysterious and extraordinary.

Standing before the mirror, Zhou Zilong carefully examined his new image and nodded with satisfaction: "Xiao Ling, what do you think?"

"Hee hee, it's great! It looks really good!" Xiao Ling replied playfully, her tone full of approval.

Hearing this, Zhou Zilong felt even more confident and expectant. He knew that this was not just a combat suit, but the beginning of him writing his own legend in this world in his own way.

Just then, Bulma walked in. Seeing Zhou Zilong's new attire, she asked curiously: "Zilong, what are you doing?"

Zhou Zilong replied: "Bulma, I'm preparing this outfit for when I fight enemies in the future. What do you think?"

Bulma threw herself into Zhou Zilong's arms and said: "It looks great, but we need to design something for you to change into it quickly!"

Zhou Zilong replied: "Let's study that together after I come out of seclusion!"

Bulma nodded and agreed: "Okay!"

Soon, night fell. The night was as dark as ink, the moonlight thin—a perfect time for action. Kasang was leading his subordinates, recruiting members in the streets and alleys of West City. The generous rewards they promised acted like a magnet, quickly attracting the eyes of those eager to get rich quick.

As the enthusiasm of the applicants grew, a cold, imperceptible sneer curled Kasang's lips. He raised his hand slightly and signaled his two confidants. A much darker plan was quietly set in motion. Under the cover of the dark, windy night, some innocent women became the silent victims of this conspiracy, taken away from this seemingly peaceful city without a sound, leaving behind only the anxious cries of their families and confusing clues for the police.

At this time, Zhou Zilong was in the Capsule Corporation residence, unaware of what was happening. After discussing some scientific research with Bulma, he began his own training regimen.

When the morning light first broke, Zhou Zilong bid farewell to Bulma and stepped into a high-rise building in the heart of West City—"Ace Guards." This was one of his important assets.

Pushing open the door marked "Ace Guards," Zhou Zilong faced his four loyal guardians: Ali, Xiujie, Ling, and Yuena. These four were among the most trusted partners Zhou Zilong had cultivated.

"I will be going into seclusion for three days. Ali, Xiujie, Ling, Yuena, Bulma's safety is in your hands. Remember, no matter what happens, ensure her safety," Zhou Zilong instructed.

"Yes, Boss!" the four replied in unison, their tones heavy with the importance of the mission and their respect for Zhou Zilong.

Before entering the room for his seclusion, Zhou Zilong paused once more and said earnestly: "If any emergency arises, remember to come to my training room and notify me immediately!"