At that moment, two more Dark Dragon Balls flew out, joining the three Zalama had brought back and shining in harmony with them.
The five Dragon Balls formed a ring above Zalama's head, like a ritual implement.
"We have five now. Do you know where the other two are?" Zalama asked, looking away from them.
Mechikabura said, "We've confirmed their locations. Aside from the one the Time Patrol took, we've located the other one as well. I've already sent Towa."
"Towa? Alone?"
Zalama frowned. "Mechikabura, at this point, why aren't you sending everyone out? What if something goes wrong?"
Zalama knew a fair amount about Towa. Although she had received Demon God Power, she was the weakest of his subordinates.
Mechikabura had actually sent her after this last Dragon Ball, and Zalama couldn't help worrying.
Mechikabura, however, seemed confident. "Don't worry. But what about you, Zalama? One of the Dragon Balls is now in the Time Nest. Since you've already fought the Time Patrol, why didn't you press your advantage and take that Dragon Ball back too?"
"Mechikabura! If I have to retrieve every Dragon Ball myself, we might as well end our partnership!"
Zalama snapped at him, then left the great hall and headed back to his room.
Seeing Zalama snap at Mechikabura, someone from the Demon World nearby tried to rebuke him, but Mechikabura stopped them.
"Enough. Zalama is right. Relay my orders: have all the Demon Gods and the Masked Legion prepare. As soon as Towa returns, we'll attack the Time Nest. Bring me that last Dragon Ball!"
"Yes!"
While voices answered Mechikabura in unison, Zalama was far away, inside his room in the Demon King's Castle.
Zalama dropped into a cold chair and closed his eyes, exhaustion written across his face.
"Damn that Mr. Popo! Damn