Kaito huddled under Bulma's workbench. The faint hum of Capsule Corp's lab buzzed around him, but it was drowned out by the oppressive aura radiating from the courtyard. Vegeta, the Prince of Saiyans, stood just outside, his silhouette framed against the lab's reinforced windows. Even through the glass, Kaito could feel the weight of his glare—like a supernova ready to erase anyone dumb enough to breathe too loudly.
Kaito's system interface flickered in his vision, its neon-blue glow glitching with static from Gero's earlier hack attempt.
[System Notification: Stealth Check Initiated – Vegeta Proximity Alert]
Objective: Avoid detection by Vegeta while maintaining Bulma's trust.
Time Limit: Until Vegeta leaves the courtyard (Estimated: 15 minutes).
Reward: +100 EXP | +1 Stealth | Bonus Gacha Pull
Bonus Objective: Eavesdrop on Vegeta for intel without being spotted.
Penalty: Vegeta's Wrath (Severity: Catastrophic) | Bulma's Trust -20%
[Current Status: Suspicion Level – 20% | Power Level: 14.2 (Three Squirrels, One Hamster, and a Mildly Enraged Gerbil)]
[Warning: System Glitch Active – 10% Chance of Random Skill Activation per Action]
[Tip: Vegeta's ego is a landmine. Don't step on it.]
Kaito's heart thumped like a war drum. "No kidding," he whispered, glancing at his AI maid, who hovered beside him, her chibi form dimmed to avoid detection. "Maid, any chance Vegeta's in a good mood?"
Her pigtails twitched, and she projected a tiny hologram of Vegeta's scowl. "Analysis: Vegeta's mood is 92% 'punch something,' 7% 'yell at something,' and 1% 'tolerate existence.' Recommendation: Become one with the floor."
"Great," Kaito muttered, pressing himself deeper into the shadows. His dirt-streaked jumpsuit snagged on a bolt, and he winced, praying the noise didn't carry.
Outside, Vegeta's voice cut through the air like a ki blast. "Woman! What's with the alarms? If this is another one of your pet projects exploding, I'm training on the moon!"
Bulma, unfazed, shouted back from her console. "Relax, Vegeta! Just a minor drone attack. Yamcha handled it. Go punch a robot or something!"
Yamcha, leaning against a wall with his baseball bat, smirked at Kaito. "See? Told ya he's touchy."
Kaito shot him a look. "Understatement of the century, man."
The lab's security feed showed Vegeta crossing his arms, his spiky hair casting jagged shadows. "Tch. Weaklings. If those drones are Red Ribbon, they're not worth my time."
Kaito's ears perked up. Vegeta knew about the Red Ribbon? That was intel he could use. He activated his ki threads, weaving them delicately toward the window to amplify the sound. The threads vibrated like tiny microphones, catching Vegeta's next words.
"…Gero's tech is pathetic compared to Saiyan strength. But if he's active again, he's plotting something. Kakarot better not hog this fight."
[Stealth: +1]
[Eavesdropping Success: Intel Gained – Vegeta's Aware of Gero's Return]
Reward: +50 EXP
Kaito's system glitched, and a Shadow Clone popped into existence beside him, unprompted. The clone grinned, whispering, "Yo, boss, bad time to photobomb."
"Shut up!" Kaito hissed, shoving the clone behind a crate. The glitch was getting out of hand—random skill activations were going to get him obliterated.
Bulma glanced over, her eyes narrowing. "Kid, you muttering to yourself under there?"
"Uh, just… admiring your tech!" Kaito called, forcing a grin. His AI maid projected a thumbs-up, but her expression screamed, *"You're doomed."*
[Charisma Check: Partial Success]
Bulma's Trust: +5% | Total: 45%
Vegeta's aura flared outside, and Kaito felt it like a physical weight. The Saiyan prince turned toward the lab, his eyes scanning the windows. Kaito ducked lower, his Ki Suppression skill kicking in to cloak his energy. His heart pounded as Vegeta's gaze lingered, then moved on.
[Stealth Check: Success!]
Reward: +1 Stealth | +50 EXP
The system stabilized, and Kaito exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Okay, Vegeta's gone for now. Maid, any updates on Gero?"
"Analysis: Gero's drones have retreated, but residual signals suggest a larger force mobilizing. Estimated arrival: 12 hours. Recommendation: Assist Bulma in decoding schematics to counter Gero's network."
Kaito nodded, crawling out from under the workbench. Bulma was still at her console, her fingers flying across holographic keys. The schematics glowed on her screen, revealing intricate designs for Android power cores and ki-draining nanites. Kaito's own nanites tingled under his skin, a reminder of his Chimera origins.
"Hey, Bulma," Kaito said, approaching cautiously. "Find anything on those nanites? Like, how to turn them off without turning *me* off?"
Bulma glanced at him, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "You're not just a random kid, are you? These schematics mention a 'Project Chimera'—hybrid DNA, Saiyan and human, with nanite integration. Sound familiar?"
Kaito's throat went dry. His AI maid whispered, "Caution: Revealing too much risks trust loss. Recommend deflection."
"I, uh, heard Gero talk about it," Kaito said, scratching his head. "Crazy science stuff, right? Bet you could crack it faster than he ever could."
Bulma smirked, her ego clearly tickled. "Obviously. I'm already halfway through his encryption. The nanites are designed to track and enhance, but they're unstable. I can build a pulse device to neutralize them, but I need time—and a sample of your blood to calibrate it."
Kaito hesitated. A blood sample meant exposing his hybrid nature, but refusing might make Bulma suspicious. He opened the chat room for advice.
[Multiverse Chat Room – Active Members: 7]
[K-18]: Bulma wants my blood to neutralize Gero's nanites. Good idea or am I screwed? Also, Vegeta's outside, and my system's glitching like crazy.
[Goddess of Explosions]: Blood sample? Sounds like a trap. Blow up the lab and run! Kidding. Sorta. 💥
[Crimson Alchemist]: Give her the sample. Bulma's your best shot at removing the nanites. Reinforce your system's firewall to block Gero's hacks—use ki like a transmutation circle.
[Captain Sogeking]: Bro, you're dodging Vegeta *and* Gero? You're a stealth god. Blood sample's fine, just don't let Vegeta see you bleed—he'll probably call you weak.
[Senpai Noticed Me]: Bulma's so cool! Trust her, but maybe bribe her with pudding? Also, stay away from Vegeta's bad side!
[Master of Cards]: Blood sample's risky, but you're out of options. Gero's closing in. Don't trust Yamcha to save you—he's probably flirting with a drone.
[Rider of the Storms]: Give the sample, but watch Bulma's tech. Gero might have backdoors in his schematics. And yeah, hide from Vegeta.
Kaito sighed. "Crimson's right. No choice." He rolled up his sleeve, offering his arm. "Go for it, Bulma. Just don't turn me into a lab rat."
Bulma raised an eyebrow but grabbed a small scanner. "Relax, kid. I'm not Gero." She pricked his arm, drawing a tiny sample. The scanner beeped, analyzing his DNA. "Huh. Saiyan markers, human base, and… nanites. You're a walking science fair project."
Kaito forced a laugh. "Yeah, I'm a limited edition."
[Charisma Check: Success!]
Bulma's Trust: +10% | Total: 55%
[System Notification: Blood Sample Provided – Nanite Neutralization Progress: 20%]
Reward: +1 Intelligence
Yamcha wandered over, tossing his bat in the air. "Kid's got guts. Most people would've bolted by now."
"Or fainted," Bulma added, smirking. "Alright, I'll work on the pulse device. Yamcha, take him to the guest room. He's staying until I'm done."
Kaito's system glitched again, and a Destructo Disc formed in his hand, spinning wildly. He yelped, dispersing it before it sliced a monitor. "Sorry! System's acting up!"
Bulma frowned. "System? What are you talking about?"
"Uh… just a figure of speech!" Kaito lied, his AI maid projecting a panicked facepalm.
[Charisma Check: Failed]
Bulma's Suspicion: +5%
Yamcha chuckled, leading Kaito out of the lab. "You're weird, kid, but I like you. Let's get you some food before Vegeta decides you're a training dummy."
As they walked through Capsule Corp's halls, Kaito's system pinged with a new alert.
[System Warning: Gero's Hack Attempt Intensifying]
Effect: System Glitch – Random Skill Activation Risk Increased to 15%
[New Objective: Reinforce System Firewall with Ki (Requires 1 Hour of Focus)]
Reward: +1 Willpower | System Security +20%
Kaito groaned. "I need a nap, not a meditation session." But he followed Yamcha to a guest room, a cozy space with a bed, a fridge, and a TV blaring a baseball game. Yamcha flopped onto a couch, tossing Kaito another soda.
"Make yourself at home, kid. Bulma's got your back, but don't expect Vegeta to roll out the welcome mat."
Kaito nodded, sitting cross-legged on the floor. He closed his eyes, focusing his ki to reinforce his system's firewall, as Crimson had suggested. He visualized it as a glowing barrier, weaving ki threads into a protective net around the interface. The glitchy static faded, and Gero's voice fell silent.
[System Notification: Firewall Reinforced!]
Reward: +1 Willpower | System Security +20%
[System Glitch Risk Reduced to 5%]
Kaito exhaled, feeling lighter. His AI maid materialized, offering a pudding cup. "Emotional stability: 80%. Firewall integrity: Optimal. Pudding reserves: Critical."
Kaito grinned, digging in. "You're the real MVP, Maid."
As he savored the pudding, the door slammed open. Vegeta stood there, arms crossed, his scowl cutting through the room like a ki blade. "Who's this weakling, and why is he in my house?"
Kaito froze, pudding spoon halfway to his mouth. His system screamed.
[System Alert: Vegeta Encounter – Stealth Check Failed]
[Objective Update: Survive Vegeta's Scrutiny]
Reward: +100 EXP | +1 Charisma
Penalty: Immediate Expulsion or Worse
Yamcha jumped up, laughing nervously. "Uh, Vegeta, this is… uh, Kaito! Bulma's new intern! Totally harmless!"
Vegeta's eyes narrowed, his aura flaring. "Harmless? He reeks of Saiyan blood. Explain, now."
Kaito's mind raced. His system glitched, and a Shadow Clone appeared beside him, mimicking his panic. "Not helping!" Kaito hissed, dispersing it.
Vegeta's eyebrow twitched. "What was that? Some cheap parlor trick?"
Kaito stood, forcing a grin. "Just… a training thing! I'm, uh, a big fan, Prince Vegeta! Loved your Saiyan Saga arc—real badass energy!"
Vegeta's scowl deepened, but his ego seemed to flicker. "Hmph. At least you have taste. But you're no Saiyan. You're a mongrel."
Kaito's AI maid whispered, "Charisma check: 50% chance of survival. Recommend flattery overload."
"Uh, totally!" Kaito said, clasping his hands. "But, like, your training regimen? Legendary. Bet I could learn a ton from you!"
[Charisma Check: Partial Success]
Vegeta's Hostility: -10%
Reward: +1 Charisma
Vegeta grunted, turning away. "Stay out of my way, brat. Bulma, finish whatever you're doing with this pest and get him out."
As Vegeta stormed off, Kaito collapsed onto the bed, heart pounding. "I'm alive. Holy crap, I'm alive."
Yamcha whistled. "You got lucky, kid. Most people don't survive Vegeta's death stare."
The system pinged, and the chat room flared back to life.
[K-18]: Just met Vegeta. Didn't die. Bulma's working on my nanites, but Gero's coming for me. Send help or pudding.
[Goddess of Explosions]: VEGETA?! You're insane! Should've blown up his ego with a compliment bomb. 💥
[Crimson Alchemist]: You survived Vegeta—impressive. Focus on Bulma's pulse device. Gero's next attack will be bigger.
[Captain Sogeking]: Bro, you stared down the Prince of Saiyans? You're a legend! Get Bulma to make you a cool gadget.
[Senpai Noticed Me]: VEGETA AND YAMCHA IN ONE DAY?! I'm screaming! You're my hero!
[Master of Cards]: You're gonna jinx it. Gero's probably sending an army.
[Rider of the Storms]: Stay sharp. Vegeta's a wildcard, but Bulma's your anchor. Protect her.
Kaito leaned back, staring at the ceiling. Bulma was close to neutralizing his nanites, Yamcha was an unexpected bro, and Vegeta hadn't obliterated him—yet. But Gero was out there, and K-17 was probably rebooting for round three.
The lab's alarms blared again. Bulma's voice crackled over the intercom. "Kaito, Yamcha, get out here! We've got incoming!"
Kaito bolted upright, his system flashing.
[System Alert: Hostile Force Detected – Gero's Android Swarm]
Threat Level: High (Multiple Units, Including K-17)
Objective: Defend Capsule Corp with Yamcha and Bulma.
Reward: +200 EXP | +2 Teamwork | Rare Item Drop
Penalty: Capsule Corp Destruction | Bulma's Trust -50%
Kaito grabbed his soda can, chugging it like a warrior downing a potion. "Alright, let's do this. Yamcha, you ready?"
Yamcha grinned, spinning his bat. "Born ready, kid."
As they raced to the courtyard, Kaito's system glitched one last time, and a Ki Barrier flared around him unprompted. "Okay, system, you're drunk, but I'll take it."
Outside, the sky was dark with drones, and K-17 loomed at the center, its nanites glowing with unstable energy. Gero's voice echoed through a drone's speaker: "K-18, your rebellion ends now."
Kaito smirked, flaring his ki. "Bring it, old man."