Goku winced, turning his head away from the scene. "Vegeta! That was... excessive! There were still people around!" He exclaimed, his voice laced with disapproval. He understood Vegeta's pragmatism, but the sheer brutality of the act was jarring, even for him.
Vegeta, unfazed by Goku's reaction, simply shrugged. "Collateral damage. She made the mistake of trying to attack me from behind. It was a fatal error." He casually brushed off the non-existent dust from his shoulder, his expression indifferent. "Besides, she was already a lost cause. Better to eliminate the threat completely."
He turned his attention to the remaining bandits, who were now scrambling away like insects, their faces contorted with terror. They didn't need to be told twice; the sight of their leader and comrade being dispatched with such ease had thoroughly broken their spirits.
"And as for you all," Vegeta said, his voice a low growl, "consider this a warning. If I ever see you preying on the weak again, I won't be so lenient. Now get out of my sight."
The bandits didn't hesitate, scrambling to their feet and fleeing in all directions, their whimpers and cries fading into the city's cacophony. The crowd, still stunned by the violence, watched them go, a mixture of relief and apprehension on their faces.
A moment of tense silence hung in the air, broken only by the occasional sob or gasp. Then, slowly, tentatively, the crowd began to stir, their eyes turning towards Goku and Vegeta with a newfound sense of awe and uncertainty.
The old shopkeeper, who had been cowering in fear, slowly emerged from the ruins of his shop, his face etched with gratitude and trepidation. He shuffled towards the two Saiyans, bowing deeply.
"Thank you... thank you," he stammered, his voice trembling. "You saved my life. I don't know how to repay you."
Goku, despite his discomfort with Vegeta's methods, forced a smile, his inherent kindness shining through. "No need to thank us, old man. We just did what anyone would do. Are you alright?" He asked, his tone filled with genuine concern.
The old man nodded, wiping a tear from his eye. "Yes, I'm fine, thanks to you. But... who are you? I've never seen anyone like you before." He looked at their strange clothing, their muscular physiques, and the remnants of Vegeta's tail wrapped around his waist with a mixture of curiosity and unease.
Before Goku could answer, Vegeta stepped forward, his imposing presence silencing the crowd. "We are travelers," he said, his voice cold and authoritative. "We are simply passing through this city. We have no interest in your affairs."
He glared at the onlookers, his eyes piercing and intense. "But remember this: justice comes in many forms. And sometimes, it requires a heavy hand. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have more important matters to attend to."
With that, Vegeta turned and strode away, leaving Goku and the stunned crowd in his wake. Goku, feeling a pang of guilt for the unease they had caused, bowed apologetically to the old man. "Sorry about all that," he said, his voice sincere. "Vegeta can be a little... intense sometimes. But he means well."
He winked at the old man and then hurried after Vegeta, his tail swaying slightly behind him. The crowd watched them go, whispering amongst themselves, their minds racing with questions and speculation.
As Goku caught up with Vegeta, he sighed. "You didn't have to be so harsh, Vegeta. You scared those people half to death."
Vegeta scoffed. "They needed to be scared, Kakarot. They have grown complacent, weak. They need to understand that there are consequences for weakness."
"But not everyone is strong like us, Vegeta," Goku countered, his voice gentle. "We can't expect everyone to be able to defend themselves. Sometimes, people need a little help."
Vegeta remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the bustling city streets. Then, he spoke, his voice barely a whisper. "Perhaps... but help should not be given freely. It must be earned. Otherwise, it breeds dependency."
Goku knew that arguing with Vegeta was futile. The Saiyan Prince had a deeply ingrained sense of pride and self-reliance, and he wasn't likely to change his views anytime soon.
"Alright, alright," Goku said, raising his hands in surrender. "Let's just focus on finding the source of that evil energy, okay? We can argue about ethics later."
Vegeta nodded, his expression hardening. "Agreed. The sooner we find the source, the sooner we can leave this pathetic world."
They continued their trek through the city, their senses on high alert, searching for any clue that might lead them to the source of the evil energy. The city, despite its vibrant exterior, felt oppressive, tainted by a darkness that seeped into every corner.
As they walked away, leaving behind the chaos and the fear, Leone watched them from a nearby rooftop, a thoughtful expression on her face. She noted the contrast between the two Saiyans, their differing philosophies, and their undeniable power. This time, she had a friend with her who also observed the scene quietly; the name of Leone's friend was Lubbock.
(Lubbock was a young man with shoulder-length green hair that covers his left eye, green eyes, and red goggles on top of his head. He wore a long, green jacket with a fur-trimmed hood over a white and red ringer shirt and blue jeans with brown shoes. He was occasionally seen wearing a long, black coat. When in battle, he wore his Teigu (Cross Tail) on his hands.
Lubbock was an easy-going individual who tended to be a pervert from time to time, including trying to peep on Leone while she was bathing. Despite this, he was careful not to let this get in the way of battle when fighting females. His playful and optimistic nature showed even during fights, and he would often tease his enemies and brag about his abilities. However, he was not too arrogant and was always ready to flee if he had too much of a disadvantage in battle.
He was incredibly loyal to Night Raid, as he refused to betray them, even after being tortured by Syura, claiming that his love for Najenda helped him withstand any pain.)
Leone turned to Lubbock and spoke. "What do you think, Lubbock?" Leone said toward her friend.
Lubbock looked seriously at the two Saiyans thoughtfully. "Leone, I think it would be better if we report everything that happened here to Najenda. These two seem to be neither from the Empire nor the Revolutionary Army." He said, looking at the two Saiyans. "And their clothes, what the hell are they even wearing?" He scratched his head as he looked at the two Saiyans and studied their attire. "The tall guy is wearing some kind of orange and blue martial art outfit, and the short guy is wearing some kind of sleeveless blue bodysuit with white gloves and boots with yellow lines in the center, and not just that, these two have some kind of monkey tail for some reason." He said, scratching his head, trying to understand their attire or if they were even humans.
"And did you see how easily that short one shot a yellow blast at the bandit leader, and how he made that female bandit's body explode in just a single hit?" Lubbock shuddered slightly, adjusting his goggles. "That wasn't normal human strength. We need to proceed with caution."
Leone nodded, her golden eyes narrowed in thought. "You're right. We can't just ignore them. Their power is substantial. If they're a threat to the revolution, we need to know. They are also someone who we shouldn't mess with without knowing anything about the two of them." She paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "But they did help that old shopkeeper. That suggests they're not inherently evil, at least not the taller one."
Lubbock tried to shake his head, trying to alleviate the headache he was having. "What about you, Leone? What are your thoughts on them?" He said, wanting to know Leone's thoughts on them.
Leone looked at the two Saiyans with a serious expression, holding her chin. "It's strange because of the animal instinct that my animal-type Teigu gives me; my instinct tells me that these two are from a race of apes." She said in a serious expression.
Lubbock blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Apes? Seriously? You mean like actual monkeys?" He glanced back at the retreating figures of Goku and Vegeta, trying to reconcile their powerful presence with the image of primates. "That's unexpected." He chuckled, but quickly sobered up, realizing Leone was serious.
Leone nodded and continued, still carrying her serious expression. "And not just that, my animal instinct tells me that the short guy is the alpha male of their race..."
Lubbock's eyebrows shot up. "The alpha male? You mean like the top dog? The leader?" He looked at Vegeta with a newfound respect, or perhaps a hint of fear. "Well, that explains the attitude. He definitely carries himself like he owns the place." He paused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "So, what's the plan, Leone? Do we tail them? Try to get some intel?" He adjusted his goggles, a playful glint returning to his eyes. "Maybe I can use my Cross Tail to eavesdrop on their conversations, see what these ape-men are up to."
Leone shook her head, a sly smile forming on her lips. "Too risky, Lubbock. We don't know the extent of their senses. If they detect us, things could get messy fast." She paused, tapping her chin again, her golden eyes gleaming with mischief. "Besides, I have a better idea. Let's try a little social engineering."
Lubbock was surprised and said. "Wait, we're going to do that? I think we should report everything that happened here to Najenda first, Leone..." He said with an awkward smile.
Leone chuckled, ignoring Lubbock's apprehension. "Relax, Lubbock. I'm not going to pick a fight with them... yet. We're just going to be friendly." She winked, her smile widening. "After all, who can resist a pretty face and a charming personality?" She struck a playful pose, flexing her biceps.
Lubbock groaned, rubbing his temples. "Oh, no... This is going to be a disaster. You're going to flirt with a potentially dangerous ape-man? What if he gets the wrong idea?" He shivered, imagining the possible consequences. "Najenda is going to kill us both."
Leone waved off his concerns with a dismissive flick of her wrist. "Don't worry your pretty little head about it, Lubbock. I know what I'm doing." She took a deep breath, smoothing down her outfit. "Now, come on. Let's go find those two and make some new friends, or at least gather some intel." She grinned mischievously and leaped off the rooftop, landing gracefully on the street below.
Lubbock sighed dramatically before reluctantly following her, muttering under his breath. "Social engineering... with Leone... This is going to end badly. I just know it." He jumped down, landing beside her with a slight thump. "So, what's the plan, exactly? Are you going to just walk up to them and ask them what their intentions are?"
Leone shook her head, already scanning the crowded street for the distinctive figures of Goku and Vegeta. "Patience, Lubbock. We need to observe them first, see what they're interested in, what their weaknesses might be. Then we'll make our move." She winked. "And trust me, everyone has weaknesses, even alpha male ape-men."
As Leone and Lubbock began their pursuit, Goku and Vegeta were already several blocks away, the Saiyan's enhanced senses picking up on the city's undercurrent of corruption and despair. They passed by lavishly decorated shops, juxtaposed against the ragged figures of beggars pleading for scraps. Guards, clad in gleaming armor, openly extorted merchants, their faces smug and indifferent.
"This city is rotten to the core," Vegeta growled, his fists clenching. "The stench of evil is practically suffocating."
Goku nodded, his expression grim. "It's worse than I thought. I can feel the suffering of these people, and it's not just coming from the bandits. It's like... the whole system is designed to hurt them."
Vegeta nodded, his expression also serious. "Yeah, keep your guard up, Kakarot; the people of this world might be weaker than ours, but that doesn't mean we will let our guard down..."
Goku nodded, agreeing with Vegeta's words. "Yeah, I got you, Vegeta..." He said in a serious expression. "I still don't understand why you had to kill him, Vegeta!" Goku insisted, his voice still laced with frustration. "He was already defeated! We could have turned him over to the authorities or something!"
Vegeta scoffed, his arms crossed over his chest. "The authorities are corrupt, Kakarot. They would have let him go, and he would have continued his reign of terror. I simply eliminated the problem permanently."
Goku was surprised to hear what Vegeta just said. "What makes you say that the authorities are corrupt, Vegeta?" He said, tilting his head.
Vegeta, still carrying that serious expression, spoke. "Because I heard some people talking about how this empire runs its kingdom, Kakarot."
Goku, still surprised, spoke. "Really! When did you hear that, Vegeta?" He said, wanting to know.
"When you were fighting those weakling bandits earlier..." Vegeta said, his expression unchanged.
Goku, scratching the back of his head, said. "But that's not the point! We're supposed to be heroes! We can't just go around killing people, even if they're bad!"
Vegeta stopped abruptly, turning to face Goku with a fierce glare. "Don't you dare lecture me about being a hero, Kakarot! I am a Saiyan Prince! I do what is necessary to protect those who cannot protect themselves!" He said, glaring at Goku with an angry expression.
Before Goku could respond, Vegeta already continued walking, not interested in continuing this pointless conversation. Goku pouted at how stubborn Vegeta was, so he also continued to walk as well.
As the two Saiyans were walking in the city, they soon came across something that caught Goku's attention, particularly the wanted posters on the wall. It was the wanted posters of the Night Raid. The pictures of the posters were Najenda on the left side, Akame in the center, and Bulat on the right side.
Goku held Vegeta's shoulder, which made Vegeta stop, as he turned his head towards Goku. "What's wrong, Kakarot?" He said toward Goku.
Goku pointed his index finger at the wall and said. "Take a look at these wanted posters, Vegeta."
Vegeta took a look and looked uninterested at what he was seeing. "What about them? What's so special about it?"
Goku, walking slowly at the wanted posters one by one, then he looked at Akame's poster, his expression somewhat focused. "I don't know Vegeta, but I was curious why there are three people that have wanted posters."
Vegeta walking to Goku's side, his expression serious, his arms folded. "Obviously, they are criminals, for the look of it. But it's not our concern to change these criminals, nor is it our business to." He said dismissively.
Goku nodded, his expression still focused, looking at the three wanted posters. "Yeah, I know, Vegeta. I'm just curious, that's all..." He said, holding his chin.
Then Goku noticed the word "Night Raid." "Night Raid? What the hell is that..." he said, scratching his head.
Vegeta, looking at the wanted posters with an uninterested look, spoke. "I don't know; they are some sort of a Boy Band or something..." He said sarcastically.
Goku, chuckling at Vegeta's joke, said. "Really funny, Vegeta." He said with a mischievous grin.
Vegeta, still having that serious expression, spoke. "I was not joking, clown. I was being sarcastic..." He said seriously.
Goku rolled his eyes but couldn't help but give a small chuckle. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Vegeta..."
Vegeta then somehow noticed Goku was too focused on the three wanted pictures and said. "What's wrong, Kakarot? You seem quite..." He said, his expression unchanged.
Goku blinked and then looked at Vegeta and said. "Oh, ah, nothing. I was thinking if I've ever seen this girl before..." He said, looking at Akame's poster. "She seems familiar for some reason, as if I met her a long time ago. But I don't know why?"
Vegeta raised his eyebrows and said. "And what exactly do you mean by that, clown?" He said in a serious tone.
Goku blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I don't know, Vegeta. It's just a gut feeling. Maybe I'm just imagining things." He said, trying to remember where he met this woman.
Vegeta scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Don't tell me you're actually getting sentimental over some random criminal, Kakarot. You're losing your edge." He pushed past Goku, continuing down the street. "Come on, let's find some food. All this walking is making me hungry."
Goku sighed, taking one last lingering look at the wanted posters before hurrying after Vegeta. "Alright, alright. But I still feel like there's something I'm missing." Suddenly, just then, a guard approaches them.
"Oh, hello there, citizen..." The guard said, catching Goku and Vegeta's attention. Goku sweatdropped, while Vegeta raised an eyebrow. "Are you two responsible for beating that group of bandits earlier?" He said toward the Saiyans.
Goku blinked in surprise, while Vegeta simply narrowed his eyes, sizing up the guard. "Well, uh, yeah, we kinda did," Goku admitted, scratching his cheek sheepishly. "They were picking on an old shopkeeper, so we couldn't just stand by and watch."
The guard nodded and said politely. "I see, thank you for doing that. You might be wondering why the authorities didn't get involved. As you see, the Empire is corrupt, and the guards let that happen if they cannot get some money out of it..." He said in a sad expression. "And those bandits were doing that for almost a month now, and none of the guards care about it..."
Goku's eyes widened in surprise, while Vegeta remained serious. "I guess Vegeta was right; this place is indeed corrupt. So that's why I sensed something wrong about this place. How horrible, that Honest needs to be stopped then." He thought to himself.
Vegeta, his serious expression unchanged, continued to fold his arms and remained silent. "So the rumors were true after all; the Empire is indeed corrupt. Hmph... Like I care about it..." He thought to himself dismissively.
Vegeta then finally spoke. "You are working at the Empire as a guard, right? Why didn't you stop the bandits yourself?" He said in a serious expression.
The guard's expression remained hurt and said. "I was trying, but I realized that I can't do it by myself since I'm only one person against a group of armed bandits..."
Goku, looking at the guard with a sympathetic expression. "So why don't you just quit and get a different job, friend?"
The guard sighed and said. "It's not that easy to get a job here actually; many of the shops here get their gold taken from the Empire as High Tax payment, which is why most of us are underpaid. Because I have a family to feed and I got to say this job stinks. I get paid so low it wouldn't cover a bill for drinks..."
Goku with a sad expression said. "I see, I'm sorry to hear that." He said, feeling sympathy for the guard's life.
The guard dismissed Goku's words and said. "It's okay, that's how life works in here..." He said with an awkward chuckle.
Then the guard looked back at the two Saiyans and said. "I see you're looking at the wanted posters of the terrorist group known as Night Raid."
Goku, looking back at the three wanted posters, spoke. "Yeah, what are they exactly?" He said in a curious tone.
The Guard was shocked that Goku didn't even know who Night Raid was. "What? Did you hit your head or something? Look, buddy, these guys are assassins, as the name states, they kill at night, usually targeting the upper class, my advice is if you see these guys, I would suggest you run away if you want to live..."
Vegeta scoffed, interjecting with a dismissive tone, "Assassins, huh? Sounds like a bunch of cowards, attacking in the shadows." He folded his arms, his expression unchanging. "If they were so strong, they wouldn't need to resort to such tactics."
Guard: "Really, you think so? Then again, I wouldn't doubt your skills, misters. For what you two did to those bandits earlier, I'm sure you guys are very strong."
Goku chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "So you did see us fight the bandits..."
The guard nodded and said. "Yeah, I was there, I saw you knocking all of the bandits unconscious, while your friend here killed their boss, and killed one of its members."
Goku winced slightly at that, remembering Vegeta's brutal execution of the bandit leader. He glanced at Vegeta, who remained impassive, seemingly unaffected by the guard's words.
Goku awkwardly laughed, while scratching the back of his head. "Well, they had it coming," Goku mumbled, more to himself than anyone else.
The guard sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Regardless, I'd be careful if I were you. The Empire doesn't take kindly to vigilantes, even ones that clean up their messes. And Night Raid... well, they're a whole different beast. They don't discriminate between good and evil; they just kill whoever they deem to be corrupt."
Goku, however, seemed intrigued. "So, these night raid group, did they fight against the Empire?" He tilted his head, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Maybe they're not so bad, then. If the Empire is as corrupt as you say, then maybe they're just trying to do what's right."
The guard looked at Goku with a mix of surprise and admiration. "Well, I wouldn't go that far, mister. They're still murderers, no matter who they're killing. But... I can't deny that they've taken down some truly awful people. People who deserved it, in a way." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's complicated."
Vegeta raised an eyebrow, a flicker of interest in his eyes. "They target the corrupt, you say? Hmph... perhaps they're not entirely useless after all."
The guard looked surprised at Vegeta's comment. "Don't get any ideas. They're still dangerous criminals. The Empire has put a huge bounty on their heads. Anyone who turns them in will be rich."
Goku perked up at that. "Rich, huh? How much are we talking about?"
Vegeta shot him a glare. "Don't even think about it, Kakarot. We're not bounty hunters. We have more important things to worry about."
Goku deflated slightly, but his eyes still held a hint of mischief. "I was just asking! Besides, maybe we could use the money to buy a lifetime supply of food!"
The guard chuckled, finding the two Saiyans amusing. "Well, I appreciate you listening to my warnings. Just be careful out there, alright? This city can be a dangerous place, especially for outsiders." He gave them a polite nod. "I should get back to patrolling. Good luck to you both."
With that, the guard turned and walked away, leaving Goku and Vegeta standing by the wanted posters. Goku decided to take the wanted poster in the middle.
Vegeta, noticing Goku taking one of the wanted posters, spoke. "What are you doing, you clown? Are you really considering hunting down these assassins? They aren't worth our time."
Goku, looking at Akame's poster, spoke. "No, Vegeta, I'm just curious, that's all, but I think I met this girl somewhere; I'm just not sure where and when..."
Vegeta folded his arms, his expression serious. "What about that girl? What's so interesting about her?" He raised his eyebrow.
Goku, looking so seriously at the poster, spoke. "Like I said, I'm just curious, Vegeta, really curious to know where I met her..."
Vegeta scoffed. "Who cares? It's not our problem. Let's just find some food and get out of this cesspool of corruption." He started walking again, his stomach clearly leading the way.
Goku hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on Akame's poster. He still couldn't shake the feeling that he knew her from somewhere. He frowned, trying to jog his memory.
"Alright, alright, I'm coming," Goku said, hurrying to catch up with Vegeta. "But I still think we should find out more about Night Raid. Something tells me we might cross paths with them sooner or later."
As the two Saiyans continued their walk, unaware of the two pairs of eyes watching them from a distance, Leone and Lubbock were watching from the corner of an alley wall as they heard everything that the two Saiyans and the guard talked about earlier.
Leone leaned over to Lubbock, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Well, well, well... looks like our ape-men aren't as oblivious as we thought," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "They're curious about Night Raid, and the tall one seems to be interested in Akame for some reason."
Lubbock adjusted his goggles, his expression thoughtful. "So, I guess we are correct in our analysis then, that these two are not from the Empire nor from the Revolutionary Army either." He whistled softly. "And the tall one's got it bad, huh? Well, who can blame him? Akame's got that mysterious beauty thing going on." He adjusted his goggles. "Still, this whole thing is getting more complicated by the minute. We really need to go back and report these to Najenda immediately."
Leone nodded and said. "Yeah, you're right, I think we should go back and report anything that we see here to Najenda..." She said, agreeing with Lubbock. "Also, did you hear what their names are? The short one is calling the tall one 'Kakarot', and the tall one is calling the short one 'Vegeta'..." She said, a bit interested in her tone.
Lubbock raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Kakarot and Vegeta, huh? Sounds exotic. Well, whatever their names are, they're definitely something else. So, what do you say, Leone? Time to head back to HQ and fill Najenda in on our 'ape-men'?"
Leone nodded, pushing herself off the alley wall. "Yeah, let's go. This is getting too interesting to handle on our own. Besides," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of those two. Especially if Kakarot's got a thing for Akame."
With a final glance in the direction of the retreating Saiyans, Leone and Lubbock disappeared into the shadows, making their way back to the Night Raid's hidden base.
Meanwhile, Goku and Vegeta continued their search for food, the bustling city streets providing a constant stream of sights and smells. Vegeta, as always, was focused solely on finding a decent meal, his Saiyan appetite demanding immediate satisfaction. Goku, still looking at Akame's poster with a serious expression, couldn't quite shake the feeling that he was forgetting something important.
"I have a feeling I met this girl a long time ago... I just couldn't tell where and why..." Goku thought, trying to remember where he met Akame, then Goku's stomach started to growl loudly as he held his stomach. "Ah man, I'm hungry, I hope I and Vegeta can find something to eat."
Vegeta, sensing Goku's distraction and the rumbling symphony emanating from his stomach, sighed in exasperation. "Enough with the brooding, Kakarot! Your stomach is louder than a Saibaman explosion. Let's find some food before you start gnawing on the cobblestones."
Goku, startled from his thoughts, chuckled sheepishly. "Hehe, sorry, Vegeta. I guess I got a little carried away. My stomach is calling the shots now!" He grinned, rubbing his belly. "Lead the way! I'm ready to eat anything that doesn't bite back."
Vegeta rolled his eyes but quickened his pace, his enhanced Saiyan senses already picking up the tantalizing aroma of roasted meat wafting from a nearby alley. "Come, let's find a restaurant to eat," he said, leading the way.
"You got it, Vegeta," Goku said, as he followed Vegeta, crumpling the poster into his pocket, the image of Akame momentarily fading from his mind as the promise of food took precedence.
The marketplace was a sensory overload, a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells. Merchants hawked their wares, their voices a boisterous mix of salesmanship and friendly competition. Stalls overflowed with colorful fruits, vegetables, and spices, their aromas mingling with the tantalizing scent of roasted meats. Crowds of shoppers bustled through the narrow aisles, their faces a kaleidoscope of expressions – eagerness, curiosity, and the occasional exasperation. Then, in the corner, the two Saiyans found a simple-looking restaurant.
The aroma of grilled meats intensified as they approached the restaurant, a small, unassuming establishment with a weathered wooden sign swinging gently in the breeze. Smoke billowed from a brick oven at the back, carrying with it the promise of savory delights. The interior was dimly lit, furnished with sturdy wooden tables and benches, and filled with the chatter of hungry patrons.
"This place seems decent enough," Vegeta said, his eyes scanning the interior. "Let's see if their food lives up to the smell."
Goku's stomach rumbled in agreement. "Sounds good to me! I'm so hungry I could eat a whole four-course meal right now!"
They stepped inside, the sounds and smells washing over them in a comforting wave. A plump, middle-aged woman with a warm smile emerged from behind the counter, wiping her hands on her apron. "Welcome, strangers!" she said, her voice hearty and welcoming. "Find a seat, and I'll be right with you."
They chose a table near the back, settling onto the wooden benches with a sigh of contentment. The woman bustled over, placing two worn menus in front of them. "What can I get for you gentlemen?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Vegeta scanned the menu, his expression critical, while Goku did the same. "Wow, they all look so delicious, I can't choose," Goku thought, a little saliva appearing in his mouth. Vegeta looked at the food menu quietly.
Goku, with a big smile, looked at the woman and said, "Can I have all of them, please?"
The woman's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a hearty laugh erupting from her lips. "All of them? Now, that's what I call an appetite! Are you sure, dear? We have quite a few dishes on the menu."
Goku nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Absolutely! I'm starving! Bring me one of everything you've got!"
Vegeta, who had been silently scrutinizing the menu, finally looked up, a hint of exasperation in his eyes. "I'll take the same thing as him," he said as he closed the menu and put it on the table, folding his arms.
The woman's laughter subsided, replaced by a look of awe and slight concern. "Alright, alright, you've got it! But you two seem like you're going to eat all of that by yourselves. It's going to be a lot of food, are you sure?" She chuckled, shaking her head in amusement, and started jotting down their order on a small notepad. "You boys must be famished! It'll take me a little while to prepare everything, so make yourselves comfortable."
Goku grinned, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "No problem! We're patient. Besides, I'm sure it'll be worth the wait!"
Vegeta, on the other hand, remained serious, his arms still crossed. "Just make sure it's cooked properly. I have no patience for undercooked meat."
The woman gave a playful roll of her eyes. "Don't you worry, dearie. I've been cooking for longer than you've been alive. I know how to cook meat." With a final wink, she turned and headed towards the kitchen, her voice calling out orders to the cooks.
As they waited, Goku and Vegeta observed the other patrons, a mix of locals and travelers, all enjoying their meals and conversations. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a welcome change from the tense atmosphere they had encountered earlier in the city.
Goku, his curiosity piqued, leaned towards Vegeta. "Hey, Vegeta, what do you think they're gonna bring out first? Maybe some roasted dragon meat? Or some grilled lizard skewers?"
Vegeta scoffed, but a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, Kakarot. This isn't some backwater planet. They probably have more civilized cuisine here. Expect something bland and tasteless, like boiled vegetables."
Goku's face fell slightly. "Aww, man. I was hoping for something exciting! Boiled vegetables? That's no fun at all!"
Just then, a young girl, no older than ten, approached their table, carrying a tray laden with drinks. She had bright, curious eyes and a shy smile. "Here are your drinks, sirs," she said, her voice soft. "What would you like to drink?"
Goku beamed at her. "Ooh, what do you have?"
The girl shyly pointed at the different types of drinks she was carrying. "We have water, juice, and ale..."
Goku's eyes glimmered at the last option. "Ale? What is that?" in a confused expression.
The young girl giggled and said, "It's an alcohol, sir..." smiling at Goku.
"Oh, then I'll take water then..." Goku said with a big smile. The young girl nodded and poured a glass of water for Goku.
Vegeta, still carrying his serious expression, only folded his arm. The girl then turned to Vegeta, looking slightly intimidated by his stern expression. "And you, sir?"
Vegeta looked at the girl with a serious expression and said, "The ale..." directly at the young woman.
The girl blinked, momentarily surprised by Vegeta's gruff tone, but quickly recovered and poured him a generous mug of ale. The liquid was a rich amber color, topped with a frothy head that released a malty aroma. She carefully placed the mug in front of him, avoiding eye contact, and then scurried away to attend to other customers.
Vegeta took a long, appreciative swig of the ale, his eyes closing for a moment as he savored the taste. It was surprisingly good, a complex blend of bitter and sweet that warmed him from the inside out. He set the mug down with a decisive clink, a flicker of contentment crossing his usually stern features.
Goku watched him with a curious expression, swirling the water in his glass. "Ale, huh? Is it good, Vegeta?"
Vegeta grunted in response. "It's tolerable. Better than the swill I expected."
Goku's eyes widened with interest. "Really? Maybe I should try it! Hey, miss!" He called out to the girl, who was now serving a table across the room. "Can I get a taste of that ale too?"
Vegeta shot him a warning glare. "Don't you dare, Kakarot. You have the alcohol tolerance of a child. You'll be passed out on the floor before the food even arrives."
Goku pouted. "Aww, come on, Vegeta! Just a little sip? I wanna see what all the fuss is about."
Vegeta's expression hardened. "Absolutely not. I will not be responsible for babysitting a drunken Saiyan in this unfamiliar world. Stick to the water, or you can order a juice, Kakarot."
Goku sighed dramatically but relented under Vegeta's unwavering gaze. "Fine, fine. You're no fun, Vegeta," he mumbled, taking a large gulp of his water. "Juice it is, then. I wonder what kind they have?"
As if on cue, the young girl returned, her arms laden with plates piled high with steaming food. The aroma was intoxicating, a symphony of roasted meats, fragrant herbs, and savory spices. Goku's eyes widened in delight, his earlier disappointment forgotten.
"Here's your food, sirs!" she announced, her voice a little breathless from the effort. With a practiced flourish, she began placing the dishes on the table, quickly filling every available space.
There were platters of roasted chicken, glistening with golden-brown skin, skewers of grilled lamb, dripping with savory juices, bowls of hearty stew, simmering with vegetables and tender chunks of beef, and plates of crispy roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices. The sheer quantity of food was astounding, enough to feed a small army.
Goku stared at the feast before him, his mouth watering in anticipation. "Wow!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with delight. "This is amazing! Thanks, miss!"
The girl blushed at his praise, her shy smile returning. "You're welcome, sir. Enjoy your meal!" With a final nod, she hurried back to the kitchen, leaving Goku and Vegeta to their culinary bounty.
Vegeta, despite his initial skepticism, couldn't help but be impressed by the sheer variety and abundance of the food. He picked up a roasted chicken leg, examining it critically. "Hmph. It looks edible." Without further ado, he took a large bite, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Not bad," he admitted, his voice grudging. "The seasoning is acceptable."
Goku needed no further encouragement. He grabbed a skewer of grilled lamb and devoured it in a matter of seconds, his eyes closing in blissful satisfaction. "Mmm! This is so good, Vegeta! You gotta try this!" He grabbed another skewer and offered it to Vegeta, who reluctantly accepted it.
As the two Saiyans began to devour their meal with gusto, Goku ate the food with no table manners, while Vegeta, as expected for the prince of all Saiyans, ate the same food with manners. Customers who were also eating their meals glanced at the two Saiyans and were shocked at the scene they saw, because Goku and Vegeta ate their food like there was no tomorrow, but they didn't care about the attention, as they were more focused on eating.
Goku and Vegeta ate with a fervor that defied description, a whirlwind of gnawing, chewing, and satisfied sighs. Bones were stripped clean in seconds, skewers emptied in the blink of an eye, and bowls of stew vanished as if by magic. The sheer volume of food they consumed was a spectacle, drawing stares of amusement and disbelief from the other diners. The customers that were also eating stopped and only stared at the two Saiyans in shock.
The plump woman who owned the restaurant watched them from behind the counter, her eyes wide with amazement. She had never seen anyone eat with such passion and efficiency, and a part of her was both impressed and slightly intimidated. She quietly gestured to the cooks, who frantically began preparing more food to keep up with the Saiyan's insatiable appetites.
"These guys are unbelievable," one of the cooks whispered, wiping sweat from his brow. "I've never seen anyone eat like that before. They must have hollow legs!"
"Just keep cooking!" the woman hissed back, her eyes glued to Goku and Vegeta. "We can't afford to run out of food now. This could be good for business!"
Meanwhile, back at the table, Goku and Vegeta continued their culinary assault, oblivious to the commotion they were causing.
"Mmm! This roasted chicken is amazing, Vegeta!" Goku exclaimed, tearing off another leg with his bare hands, talking while his mouth is full. "It's got just the right amount of spice!" "The lamb is surprisingly tender," he conceded. "And the herbs are palatable." Vegeta did not respond, as he continued to eat his food quietly.
As they ate, Goku's mind drifted back to the wanted poster of Akame. The image of her face flickered in his mind, a nagging feeling that he couldn't quite shake. "Hey, Vegeta," Goku said, his voice a little more subdued than before. "I was thinking about those wanted posters earlier..."
Vegeta groaned inwardly. He knew that Goku's insatiable curiosity wouldn't let the matter rest. "What about them, Kakarot? Can't you just enjoy your food for once?"
"I just can't shake this feeling that I know that girl," Goku insisted, his brow furrowing in concentration. "The one in the middle, Akame. I feel like I've met her somewhere before, but I just can't remember where or when."
Vegeta sighed, setting down his skewer with a clatter. "It's probably just a coincidence, Kakarot. You've fought countless battles and met thousands of people. You can't possibly remember everyone."
"I know, I know," Goku said, his voice thoughtful. "But this feels different. It's like... a piece of my memory is missing or something."
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "You're being ridiculous, Kakarot. Stop dwelling on it. It's not our concern."
Just then, the young girl returned to their table, carrying a tray laden with even more food. She placed the dishes down with a weary smile, glancing at the mountain of empty plates and bones that surrounded Goku and Vegeta.
"Is there anything else I can get for you sirs?" she asked, her voice a little strained.
Goku grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, if you have any more of that roasted chicken, I wouldn't say no! And maybe some more of that delicious stew?"
The girl's eyes widened in disbelief, but she nodded politely. "Of course, sir. I'll bring it right out."
Vegeta also added, "And while you're at it, bring me another boiled eggs."
The girl nodded, her pace quickening as she retreated towards the kitchen. Vegeta watched her go, as the two continued to devour their meals.
The Saiyans continued their feast, oblivious to the looks of awe and amusement they were garnering. Plate after plate disappeared, replaced by a growing mountain of bones and empty dishes. The aroma of grilled meats and savory spices hung heavy in the air, a testament to the sheer volume of food that had passed through their Saiyan digestive systems.
Finally, even Goku began to slow down, his usual boundless appetite showing signs of waning. He leaned back on the wooden bench, patting his stomach with a contented sigh. "Man, that was some good food, Vegeta! I'm stuffed!"
Vegeta, who had maintained a more measured pace, though no less impressive, wiped his mouth with a napkin, his expression as serious as ever. "It was adequate. A sufficient replenishment of energy."
Goku chuckled, shaking his head. "You're such a weirdo, Vegeta. You always have to downplay everything." He stretched his arms above his head, yawning widely. "I'm gonna need a nap after this. Where do you think we should go?"
Vegeta shrugged, his gaze sweeping over the bustling marketplace outside the restaurant. "Anywhere is fine. Somewhere quiet, preferably. I prefer something quiet."
Just then, the plump woman who owned the restaurant approached their table, a nervous smile on her face. "Ahem... sirs?" she began, her voice hesitant. "I hope you enjoyed your meal?"
Goku grinned, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Enjoyed it? It was amazing! The best food I've had in ages! You're an awesome cook!"
The woman visibly relaxed at his praise, her smile widening. "Oh, thank you, sir! I'm so glad you liked it! But, um... there's just one small matter..."
Vegeta raised an eyebrow, his expression hardening. "What is it?" in a serious expression.
The woman hesitated, glancing nervously at the mountain of empty plates and bones that surrounded them. "Well, you see... the bill is rather large. I've never had anyone order one of everything on the menu before."
Goku's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly recovered his cheerful demeanor. "Oh, right! The bill! How much do we owe you?" He said as he checked his wallet. Vegeta also did the same thing, Goku and Vegeta eyes widened as their Zeni turned into gold coins.
Goku stared at the gold coins in his hand, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Hey, Vegeta, what's with the shiny money? I thought we had Zeni."
Vegeta scowled, examining the coins with disdain. "Clearly, this planet doesn't use the same currency as we do. These 'gold coins' must be their equivalent."
The woman looked at the two Saiyans, not understanding what they were talking about. "What's wrong sir, is there a problem?" She said towards the two Saiyans.
Vegeta waved his hand and said, "Nothing, mind your own business woman, tell me how much is the bill..." in a serious expression.
The woman cleared her throat, her eyes darting nervously between Goku and Vegeta. "That will be 50 gold coins, please," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Goku and Vegeta were surprised at how cheap the bill was. They ate half of the menu of this restaurant, and they only had a bill of 50 gold coins. If this were in their world, their bill might be around 5,000 plus. Goku has 100,000 gold (zeni's), given to him by Chi Chi, while Vegeta, being the husband of Bulma, the richest woman in their world, has 10,000,000 gold (zeni's).
Vegeta scoffed, pulling out a small pouch from his armor. "Fifty coins? Is that all? Pathetic." He counted out the gold coins with a swiftness that belied his usual meticulous nature, slapping them onto the table. The coins clinked against the wood, a sound that seemed to echo in the sudden silence of the restaurant.
Goku, equally nonchalant, pulled out his own pouch, hefting it with a grin. "Here you go! And keep the change!" He tossed a few extra coins onto the table, his generosity born from pure, unadulterated glee.
The woman's eyes widened as she scooped up the coins, her earlier nervousness replaced by a wide, grateful smile. "Oh, thank you, sirs! You're too kind! Please, come back anytime!"
As she scurried away to attend to other customers, Goku and Vegeta rose from their table, stretching their limbs. The looks they received were now a mixture of awe and gratitude, the diners clearly impressed by their prodigious appetites and their generous tip, as the two Saiyans went outside the restaurant.
To be continued.