Kidnapping Crisis (Part 2)

At 7:10 in the morning, the city was just waking up. Students were making their way to school, including Iris and her best friend Bulma, the brilliant young scientist.

Iris stood before the Capsule Corporation's iconic silver gates, her eyes shining with curiosity about the unknown and appreciation for her friendship.

Yet on this peaceful, beautiful morning, an unseen undercurrent was quietly stirring.

At a street corner not far away, two figures lurked furtively. They were subordinates in Kasang's squad, from the distant Scale-Head Clan: Sada and his companion.

Their mission was to kidnap several young women from West City as part of their wicked plan—to use them as "breeding tools," providing the Scale-Head Star People's powerful warriors with nourishment to increase their strength, so the clan could eventually dominate the universe.

"Sada, how long do you think the people we're taking this time will last as playthings?" one of them asked, his tone tinged with amusement. His eyes revealed his eager anticipation of the "prey" soon to be in their hands.

Sada shook his head slightly, his gaze cold. "I don't know. That depends on what Lord Kasang's superior has planned. But don't forget, our mission is crucial to the Scale-Head Clan's future. We can't afford to fail, so we have to be careful!"

"Exactly. These people we're kidnapping and taking back are all precious, so we'll have to 'take good care' of them," the other replied with a laugh, his words betraying his disregard for life. "Honestly, the women on this planet are pretty great. Of all the races I've encountered, they're the most alluring!"

"Hm? That woman by the entrance looks pretty good. According to our Scouter's analysis, she has the potential to produce perfect-grade feed. Should we kidnap her in a bit?" Sada remarked, having noticed Bulma and Iris.

The two exchanged a knowing glance, then steadied their breathing, preparing to approach the Capsule Corporation entrance.

But their conversation hadn't escaped another pair of sharp ears. Xiujie, one of Zhou Zilong's subordinates, had heard everything. His heart clenched as he realized that Bulma and her friend Iris were probably the targets of the kidnapping.

"Kidnapping? They've already set their sights on our future boss's wife!" Xiujie exclaimed inwardly. He immediately signaled to his companions. "Quick, we have to move now and protect them!"

At Xiujie's command, three bodyguards, all skilled fighters, quickly gathered. Like ghosts, they slipped through the streets and silently approached the Capsule Corporation.

Bulma and her friend Iris were walking arm in arm out of the company gates, looking forward to a new day of exploration. Their plan was simple: head to the famous breakfast shop on the corner and enjoy a delicious meal to fuel up for the day.

But as the two set off for the breakfast shop, Sada and his companion, now beginning their kidnapping attempt, blocked their way. Four eyes stared straight at Iris and Bulma, and an ominous air hung around them.

"Had enough staring? If you have, then get lost!" Iris had always been outspoken. Faced with this sudden threat, she issued a warning without the slightest fear.

But Sada's smile only grew colder, as if he already considered them his possessions. "I haven't had enough. I'm planning to take you back with me so I can keep looking at you!" His words were both a taunt and a declaration.

Iris was incensed. She had loved martial arts since childhood. Though she wasn't as strong as Little Goku or Yamcha, she had still trained herself into a formidable fighter.

Without hesitation, she threw a punch, intent on teaching this unwelcome intruder a lesson.

But against Sada's superhuman speed and strength, Iris's fist seemed to move in slow motion, posing no real threat.

Sada casually raised a hand and blocked Iris's full-force punch with ease. His nonchalant manner seemed to mock her helplessness.

A contest of speed and strength unfolded on the street. Sada moved like a phantom, darting behind Iris in the blink of an eye.

Bulma's cry of "Watch your back!" hadn't even fully left her lips when Sada struck Iris precisely at the back of the neck with a chop. She instantly lost consciousness and crumpled to the ground.

Just then, another figure crept closer, a greedy hand about to reach Bulma. But at that critical moment, a sharp, crisp slap broke the silence.

Xiujie appeared in front of the attacker as swiftly as a leopard. His hands were curled like claws, and his sharp gaze seemed able to see through all evil.

"Watch yourself! You don't get to lay a finger on my future boss's wife!" Xiujie's voice was low and forceful, filled with unquestionable authority. He stood like an unbreakable shield, protecting Bulma behind him.

Ling, Yuena, and Ali rushed over as well, taking their places beside Xiujie to form a solid line of defense.

Meanwhile, Sada calmly analyzed the four opponents' readings on his Scouter. His eyes held a detached coldness, as though this conflict were nothing more than a dull game.

"Sada, how strong are these four? Are they worth me taking seriously?" asked his companion, a similarly well-equipped warrior, with a hint of amusement.

Sada gave a scornful smile. "They're just a bunch of losers. The guy you're fighting has a power level of 300. The other three are only at 270. All four together barely break a thousand, and strength isn't just a matter of adding numbers. They're nowhere near enough to give you a challenge!"

His words were a grave insult to Xiujie and the others, and they enraged Ali. "Damn it, how dare he look down on us! Just wait—I'll show him!" He clenched his fists, every muscle in his body taut, as if he might unleash tremendous power at any moment.

Xiujie, however, remained unusually calm. He knew how big the gap in their strength was and understood how difficult this fight would be. "Based on what the boss taught us about sensing their ki, we'll have a hard time beating either of those two," he said gravely to his companions. "So, Ling, Yuena, after Ali and I engage them, you two must get the boss's wife out of here as quickly as possible and notify the boss!"

Hearing this, Bulma felt a warmth rise within her. She hadn't expected anyone to be willing to make such a sacrifice for her in the midst of this danger. "I can't let you face them alone!"

Xiujie gave her a slight smile, his eyes full of tenderness and resolve. "Miss Bulma, protecting you is our duty. Please trust us. We'll be fine!"