Dragon Ball: Mori's tales

The chatter of lively conversation filled the restaurant as Mori sat at a long table with the original cast of characters: Goku, Krillin, Bulma, Yamcha, Oolong, Puar, Launch, Tien, Chiaotzu, and even a talking turtle named Turtle. The atmosphere was warm, the excitement of the recent tournament still lingering in the air as everyone shared stories and laughter.

Yamcha grinned and gave Mori a friendly slap on the back. "You fought pretty well for someone so young. I watched your match against Goku—pretty impressive."

"Yeah, you're tough!" added Bulma with a smile. "But you're also still just a kid, so you better keep training."

Mori chuckled, "I'll definitely keep training. Fighting's the best thing ever."

As the group continued chatting, the waiters began bringing out dishes of steaming hot food, setting them on the table one by one. The sight and smell of the food made everyone's mouth water. Goku, however, suddenly froze, a look of realization crossing his face.

"Uh-oh," he murmured, drawing everyone's attention. "I left my grandpa's Dragon Ball and Power Pole back at the tournament."

Krillin, who was sitting next to Goku, stood up quickly. "No problem, Goku! I'll go get them for you. They should still be in the contestant's room."

Mori felt a chill creep up his spine, a sudden uneasiness that he couldn't quite explain. It was like a dark cloud had settled over him. "I'll come with you, Krillin," he said, his voice steady despite the strange feeling. "Just in case. I've got a bad feeling about this."

Krillin raised an eyebrow. "Really? It's just a quick trip. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to have some company. Let's go."

The two boys made their way out of the restaurant, setting off toward the tournament grounds, which were only a short distance away. As they approached the contestant's room, they found Goku's Power Pole and the four-star Dragon Ball lying right where Goku had left them.

"There they are," Krillin said, relieved. "Let's grab these and get back before the food gets cold."

Just as they were about to leave, a sudden gust of wind blew through the room, accompanied by a strange sensation that made the hairs on the back of Mori's neck stand up. He turned around slowly, his eyes widening at the sight before him—a tall, green-skinned creature with wings stood in the doorway, blocking their exit. The figure's yellow eyes glowed with a malicious light, and his mouth curled into a cruel smirk.

"What the—?!" Krillin exclaimed, dropping the Dragon Ball in surprise. "Who… what are you?!"

The creature's voice was cold and mocking. "My name is Tambourine," he said, stepping forward. "And I'm here for that Dragon Ball… and a little payback."

Without another word, Tambourine lunged at Krillin with frightening speed. Krillin barely had time to react, dodging to the side as the creature's clawed hand slashed through the air where his head had been just moments before.

"Krillin, watch out!" Mori shouted, rushing forward to join the fight. He launched a rapid flurry of punches at Tambourine, who parried them effortlessly, his mocking grin never wavering.

Krillin jumped back into the fray, the two boys attacking Tambourine from both sides. But the creature was fast—too fast. He sidestepped Mori's punch, and with a swift spin, landed a brutal kick to Krillin's chest, sending the boy flying across the room.

Krillin struggled back to his feet, clutching his ribs. "This guy's strong…" he gasped, his eyes narrowing. "We can't hold back!"

Mori nodded in agreement, his eyes burning with determination. "Let's take him down together!"

The two fighters launched a coordinated assault, their fists and feet moving in a blur as they tried to overwhelm Tambourine. But their efforts were in vain. Tambourine moved like a phantom, dodging and blocking their attacks with ease. 

Suddenly, he countered, driving his knee into Krillin's stomach, knocking the air out of him. Before Krillin could recover, Tambourine spun around and delivered a vicious kick to his neck, the sickening snap echoing in the room. Krillin collapsed to the floor, his body limp.

"Krillin!" Mori screamed, his heart pounding in his chest. He leapt toward Tambourine, rage fueling his every move. He threw a powerful punch aimed at the creature's face, but Tambourine caught his fist with one hand, his cruel grin widening.

"You're next, boy," Tambourine sneered. With a swift motion, he unleashed a point-blank ki blast from his free hand, the force of it slamming into Mori's chest and sending him crashing through the wall and out of the building. 

Mori's vision blurred as he flew through the air, pain searing through his entire body. He hit the ground hard, skidding to a stop far from the tournament area, his torn shirt fluttering in the breeze. His consciousness faded as darkness consumed him.

---

Back at the restaurant, the food had all been served, filling the table with a variety of delicious dishes. But Goku wasn't eating. He sat there with his hands in his lap, a deep frown on his face.

"They've been gone too long," Goku said, his voice low. "Krillin and Mori should have been back by now."

Master Roshi noticed Goku's unease and glanced toward the door. "It's probably nothing, Goku. But if you're worried, why don't you go check on them?"

Without a word, Goku jumped out of his chair and dashed out of the restaurant, his concern driving him to move faster. The others quickly followed, their own curiosity and concern growing. As they reached the tournament grounds, Goku was the first to see Mori's torn shirt lying near the entrance. He picked it up, his face filled with dread.

"Something's wrong…" he whispered.

The group hurried inside, and Goku's heart sank at the sight before him. Krillin lay motionless on the floor, his body limp and lifeless. There was a gaping hole in the ceiling, and the tournament announcer was slumped against the wall, clutching his side in pain.

The announcer looked up as the group rushed in. "You… you're all too late… A green monster came in here," he said weakly. "He beat that boy Mori and… killed Krillin. He took a Dragon Ball… and the list of contestants… Before he left, he dropped this."

The announcer held up a small emblem, and Master Roshi's eyes widened as he recognized the symbol. It was the mark of the Demon King Piccolo.

"No…" Master Roshi whispered, his face pale. "It can't be… He's supposed to be sealed away."

Goku stood there in stunned silence, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His eyes burned with rage and sorrow as he slowly reached into his pocket and took out the Dragon Radar Bulma had given him.

"I'll find him," Goku said, his voice trembling with emotion. He turned and ran toward the backstage exit, calling for Nimbus with all his might.

"Goku, don't go!" Master Roshi called out desperately, but Goku didn't listen. The Flying Nimbus appeared, and Goku leapt onto it, taking off into the sky without looking back.

As the others watched him disappear into the horizon, a heavy silence fell over them. The celebration had turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye, and a dark shadow loomed over them all. The name "Demon King Piccolo" echoed in their minds, a reminder of an ancient evil that had resurfaced.

With Mori's life hanging by a thread and Krillin gone, the fight to stop this new threat was only beginning.