Utterly terrified, King Piccolo felt a threat unlike any he had ever faced, unease flickering in his eyes.
At this critical moment, he hurriedly waved his hand and unleashed a powerful Ki Bullet straight at Chiaotzu. The energy wave carved a dazzling streak through the air and struck Chiaotzu like thunder before he could cover his ears.
Chiaotzu instantly lost his balance and crashed heavily to the ground.
He struggled to say something, his voice broken and halting. "Make Pic... colo..." But in the end, he breathed his last, his eyes slowly closing as he sank into eternal sleep.
King Piccolo stood nearby, relief showing on his face.
"Damn, that was close. I never expected him to have an accomplice here," he muttered in relief, looking warily around him at the same time, afraid there might be other lurking threats.
Then Shenron's voice rang out again, breaking the tense atmosphere. "Speak quickly. What is your wish?" His voice carried unquestionable authority.
King Piccolo immediately collected himself and answered in a low voice, "Restore my youth at once. Return me to those days when I was full of energy. Well, can you do it?" A glimmer of longing flashed in his eyes.
"A trivial matter." A red light suddenly flashed in Shenron's eyes, displaying his immense power.
Then a layer of white light enveloped King Piccolo's entire body, his form gradually changing within its glow.
As the white light slowly faded, his muscles had become noticeably firmer, and his face had regained its youthful appearance.
"Hahaha... So this is what youth feels like. I'm restored!" King Piccolo laughed excitedly, his voice filled with irrepressible joy.
"Your wish has been granted. Farewell..." Shenron said calmly, preparing to disappear.
Yet an evil smile suddenly appeared on King Piccolo's face. "Heh heh heh, what a pity." With that, he suddenly unleashed a powerful wave of light from his mouth, aiming it directly at Shenron.
Struck by the wave, Shenron let out a roar of agony. Dust sprayed everywhere and rocks flew, plunging the entire scene into chaos.
When the dust settled, Shenron's remains lay scattered everywhere before vanishing completely, leaving only the seven Dragon Balls, now turned to stone.
"They've turned into ordinary stones. Hahaha... Shenron is dead! Hahaha..." King Piccolo laughed smugly, his laughter revealing a victor's arrogance. "Now there's nothing left that can threaten my life."
Meanwhile, Tien Shinhan had witnessed everything from his hiding place in the distance, disbelief written across his face. "How could..." he murmured, his voice filled with shock and incomprehension.
However, under the combined mental and physical strain, he finally collapsed as well and lost consciousness.
King Piccolo smugly used the Flight Technique, rising into the air and flying toward the distant airship, leaving chaos and confusion behind.
Kame House sat quietly on an unnamed little island. The sunset's lingering glow spilled over its roof, golden light mingling with the sound of waves gently lapping the shore to create an atmosphere of mystery and tranquility.
"They're gone." Bulma frowned, staring intently at the Dragon Radar in her hands. Every point of light that had been blinking on its screen had vanished. Her voice carried disbelief and anxiety.
Yamcha, Launch, and the others exchanged looks, confusion and worry written across every face. Launch bit her lower lip and asked uneasily, "Then... who actually succeeded?"
Yamcha took a deep breath and speculated, "If Master Roshi and the others were the ones who summoned Shenron, then King Piccolo is gone." A trace of hope showed in his eyes.
Oolong chimed in from beside them, his tone firm. "Exactly. That must be it. Usually, the side of justice wins in the end."
He tried to comfort everyone this way, but his slightly comical expression revealed that he did not entirely believe his own words either.
Bulma sighed and said worriedly, "If only that were true..." Her voice was low, and a trace of unease flashed in her eyes.
For a while, silence fell over the house, with only the waves and the breeze echoing in their ears.
Puar suddenly broke the silence, his voice carrying a measure of curiosity and concern. "But... if King Piccolo was the one who summoned Shenron, what wish would he make?"
His question landed like a heavy bomb, weighing everyone's spirits down even further.
Yamcha quickly stood up and said decisively, "Anyway, Bulma, tell me where the Dragon Ball signals disappeared. I'll go take a look." His tone carried an unquestionable resolve.
Bulma hurriedly grabbed Yamcha's arm and said worriedly, "But if Master Roshi and the others succeeded, they'll contact us in a little while. Let's wait a bit." Her eyes were full of pleading.
Yamcha frowned, clearly dissatisfied with this attitude of passively waiting, and cursed under his breath, "Damn it!" But in the end, he reluctantly sat back down.
Driving the hovercar, Yajirobe looked through the windshield at the gradually brightening sky and could not help remarking, "Ah, the sky's getting bright again."
Sitting in the passenger seat, Son Goku clutched the Dragon Radar tightly, his brow furrowed. His eyes had never left its tiny screen for even a moment.
The blinking signals on the Dragon Radar suddenly disappeared, sending a wave of unease through him. "All the Dragon Ball signals are gone. So it really was that guy making a wish." His fists involuntarily clenched, and anger flashed in his eyes.
At those words, Yajirobe's gaze shifted slightly, and he replied softly, "Shenron, huh? I'd like to see him."
Son Goku's voice was low and thoughtful. "What would someone that powerful wish for?" His words revealed deep curiosity and a faint worry about that unknown wish.
The atmosphere inside the car gradually grew tense as they talked.
The scenery outside raced backward as the hovercar traveled steadily across the plain, surrounded by sparse trees and the occasional small hill. Morning dew glittered on the tips of the leaves.
Just then, Yajirobe suddenly pointed ahead, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I see it! That's Korin Tower, right?"
Son Goku quickly raised his head and looked toward the tall tower faintly visible in the distance.
Yajirobe immediately stepped on the accelerator, and the hovercar instantly picked up speed, shooting toward Korin Tower like an arrow loosed from its bow.
The sounds of wind and machinery mingled inside the car, forming a tense, urgent symphony.
Son Goku gripped the Dragon Radar in his hands tightly. Though his heart was full of unease, he was also utterly resolute.
He knew that no matter how powerful his opponent was this time, he had to face him.