Bulma stepped forward, facing Pilaf's towering castle.
She shouted, "Pilaf! If you don't want to lose your two subordinates, hand over all six Dragon Balls—right now!"
From inside the fortress came a sharp, disdainful voice.
"Two useless lackeys can't even handle something this simple. I don't need them anymore! What can you possibly do to me?"
Achu and Mai burst into tears.
"Please don't, Your Majesty!"
"King Pilaf, don't abandon us!"
But Bulma's lips curved into a sly smile.
"Oh really?"
Pilaf scoffed, "That's right. Just two worthless underlings—I don't want them anymore."
Bulma turned to Son Goku. "Goku, tear that castle down for me."
Without hesitation, Son Goku gripped his Power Pole and strode forward.
In an instant, countless rockets fired from the fortress, their trails streaking across the sky as explosions rocked the earth. Yet, Goku's pace didn't falter in the slightest.
With a leap, he dodged another missile, planting his feet firmly. His hands came together in a blooming shape, gathering at his waist.
"Kame…"
"Hame…"
"Ha…"
"Me—HA!"
A blinding white flash burst forth as he thrust his palms forward.
A roaring wave of energy blasted straight toward the castle, swallowing it whole in a storm of dust and smoke.
Moments later, Pilaf crawled out from the rubble, coughing and filthy.
Bulma checked her Dragon Radar and quickly found the remaining six Dragon Balls.
"Perfect! That's all seven."
Son Goku nodded. "Bulma, go ahead—summon Shenron and make your wish!"
Pilaf, Mai, and Achu all stared at the glowing orbs in Bulma's arms, their eyes brimming with greed.
Pilaf leaned close, whispering urgently to his subordinates. Whatever he said made both of them tremble.
"King Pilaf, I knew you wouldn't abandon us!" Mai exclaimed tearfully.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Achu added. "As long as we stay united, we'll definitely make a comeback and rule the world!"
Pilaf smirked. "Who says we have to wait? According to my plan, we might succeed in just a few minutes."
Both nodded eagerly.
But Bulma wasn't fooled. She cast them a quick glance.
"Goku, keep an eye on these three. I'm going a bit farther away to make the wish—I don't want them trying to steal it once Shenron appears."
Goku nodded seriously. "Got it. Don't worry, I'll watch them."
He jabbed the Power Pole into the ground, the tip sinking several inches deep with a sharp thud.
"You three better not get any funny ideas," he warned, dust swirling around his feet. "Or my stick won't go easy on you."
The Pilaf trio froze, clenching up in terror.
"Y-yes, we understand!"
Bulma's plan was flawless—no loopholes, no chance for betrayal.
Pilaf sighed in defeat, lowering his head.
Mai whispered softly, "Don't worry, King Pilaf. We can always collect the Dragon Balls again next year."
Pilaf nodded reluctantly. "You're right… we'll try again."
In the distance, Bulma lifted the seven Dragon Balls high and began to chant.
A column of golden light shot up into the heavens. The bright blue sky darkened within seconds, clouds swirling into a storm of shadow. Night swallowed the daylight.
From the depths of the clouds, a brilliant streak of light blazed downward—a majestic green dragon spiraled through the darkness, eyes burning crimson with divine power.
Shenron's booming voice echoed across the land.
"You who have gathered all seven Dragon Balls, speak your wish. Any desire within my power shall be granted."
Bulma gazed up, awe and excitement lighting her face. She turned to glance at Goku, who stood guard beside the trembling Pilaf gang, then looked back toward Shenron.
"Shenron, please make it so that Son Goku will never fall ill!"
"I understand."
Shenron's eyes flared brighter. A ripple of invisible power washed over Goku, shimmering faintly before fading.
"Your wish has been granted," Shenron declared. "Farewell."
Bulma exhaled in relief. "Goodbye, Shenron."
The dragon's body dissolved into beams of gold that streamed into the seven orbs. In the next heartbeat, the Dragon Balls shot off in seven directions, vanishing across the land as they turned to lifeless stone.
The storm cleared. Sunlight returned to the sky.
Bulma and Goku released the Pilaf trio, who scurried away with their heads hung low.
Goku asked curiously, "Bulma, did you get to help your friend with the wish?"
Bulma smiled sweetly and nodded. "Yes, I did."
"That's good."
She looked at Goku with a playful curve to her lips. "Aren't you curious who I made the wish for?"
"Not really," he said bluntly.
Bulma shrugged. "Fine then! Oh—and Goku, you've been training hard lately. I think you should visit someone."
Goku tilted his head. "Who?"
"The greatest martial artist alive," Bulma said. "We met him a few days ago—the old man who gave us the Flying Nimbus. Master Roshi, the Turtle Hermit."
Her eyes sparkled. "You should train under him. He can definitely make you stronger. Take the Flying Nimbus—it'll carry you straight to him."