Chi-Chi and the Ox-King stormed out of the hotel, climbed into their airship, and shot westward at full speed.
Only after their craft disappeared over the horizon did the hotel staff finally exhale.
The front-desk manager wiped cold sweat from his brow.
"Man… that was way too much drama. I can't believe we had to hold that gossip in!"
"Seriously! That little kid who got bossed around by the rich lady—turns out he's the fiancé of that adorable girl?"
"And he's already two-timing her? That's messed up!"
"I thought that big guy was her boyfriend, not her dad!"
"Right? The size difference threw me off. Honestly, I still kinda doubt that's her real father."
"Same here. But one thing's for sure—he dotes on that girl."
"Alright, place your bets: what happens if that father-daughter duo actually catches up to the blue-haired woman and the kid?"
Everyone shuddered at the thought.
"Can you imagine? The father-in-law and fiancée catching them in the act—he'd get beaten to death!"
"Ugh… yeah. Brutal."
At Pilaf's Castle.
"You two idiots!" Pilaf roared, slamming the table. "If you don't bring those Dragon Balls back tonight, I'll personally dismantle you!"
"Y-yes, Lord Pilaf! We'll definitely find them this time!"
Suddenly, the radar began to beep frantically.
"Wait!" Shu shouted. "The radar's picking up movement—one Dragon Ball is heading straight for us!"
"Hey, you're right!"
Pilaf's eyes gleamed. "Hahaha! After searching high and low, fate delivers it right to my doorstep!
If they want to walk into their doom—let's oblige them! Prepare for battle!"
"Mai! Shu!"
"Yes, sir!" the two replied in unison, snapping to attention.
"Get out there and deal with them! Bring me the Dragon Balls! Do you have confidence?"
"YES, LORD PILAF!"
Moments later, outside the castle gates—
Mai and Shu each piloted a towering steel mecha, waiting for Goku and Bulma's arrival.
When the golden cloud appeared in the distance, Mai lifted a loudspeaker and sneered,
"How dare you trespass on Lord Pilaf's domain? Looks like you've come seeking death!"
The two metal giants stomped forward, shaking the ground as they blocked Goku and Bulma's path.
From inside his cockpit, Shu jeered,
"Listen up, you two! Hand over the Dragon Balls and maybe we'll spare your lives! Lord Pilaf is generous that way!"
Bulma's lips curved into a sharp smile. She turned to Goku.
"Goku, go easy on them—don't kill anyone. Just rough them up a little and get our Dragon Balls back."
"Got it," Goku nodded. "I'll hold back."
Rolling up his sleeves, he strode toward the towering mechs.
For someone of his current strength, defeating the Pilaf gang was child's play.
Bulma folded her arms and took a few steps back, watching calmly.
Shu gritted his teeth. "You dare charge me head-on? Fine—die then!"
He swung the robot's massive fist down like a hammer.
Goku leapt lightly into the air, dodging with ease. The blow hit the ground instead, shaking the entire area.
Mai cackled over the loudspeaker. "Hahaha! You see that? Lord Pilaf's mecha packs tons of power! One punch could flatten a mountain!
Lucky for you, you dodged—or you'd be a red stain by now!
Be smart and hand over the Dragon Balls! Dying over them isn't worth it!"
Shu laughed too. "Exactly! Bow to Lord Pilaf's might and surrender!"
Goku smirked. "Might, huh? Then let's play a little."
He pulled out the Power Pole, pointing it straight at Shu's machine.
In a flash, he stamped the ground and lunged forward.
Shu panicked—he hadn't expected Goku to take on a giant robot bare-handed.
He quickly pulled the controls, swinging the robot's arms again.
But the Power Pole suddenly extended, sweeping through the air with a thunderous whoosh!
The enchanted staff struck the mecha squarely across the torso—far tougher than steel, it cut through metal like paper.
A moment later, Goku landed smoothly.
Shu blinked in confusion. "W-what just happened—?"
Then came the sparks, the groan of twisting metal—
and his cockpit began to tilt.
"W-wait, what—?"
Zzz-crack-krrk!
The entire robot split clean in half.
As the top section collapsed, Goku swung again—
the Power Pole slammed into the lower half, ripping it apart and triggering a massive explosion.
Smoke billowed skyward. When it cleared, a soot-covered Shu sat dazed amid the wreckage.
Mai, watching in horror, knew she didn't stand a chance.
She spun her mech around to flee—
—but Goku was faster. The Power Pole shot out once more, smashing through the mech's leg.
A second explosion lit up the courtyard.
Mai tumbled out of the debris, equally blackened and coughing.
And just like that, both of Pilaf's prized robots lay in ruin, while Goku stood calm and smiling, Power Pole resting on his shoulder.