**Chapter 2: Into the Wild - The Red Ribbon Rumbles Begin**
Following the conclusion of the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament, the sun dipped low over the city skyline. The tournament may have ended, but Goku's thirst for adventure had only grown. With the Dragon Radar in hand and his trusty Flying Nimbus underfoot, he set off to find his grandfather's Four-Star Ball—and beside him, riding her own fluffy golden cloud with ease, was none other than Aera.
"So, these Dragon Balls... they can grant *any* wish?" Aera asked, kicking her legs lazily on the Nimbus as it sailed through the clouds.
"Yup! That's what Bulma said!" Goku grinned. "I wanna find Grandpa's ball."
"Hmm... I still don't get why people would want a wish when they could fight someone strong instead," Aera replied innocently, tilting her head.
Goku laughed. "You're funny."
Their journey led them deep into a dense forest. It didn't take long before trouble found them.
---
A small army base hidden in the trees.
Red Ribbon soldiers in black uniforms scrambled around as radar alerts beeped wildly.
"Commander Silver! We've detected movement approaching the area of Dragon Ball #6. Possibly hostile."
Silver narrowed his eyes. "Deploy units. Secure the Dragon Ball. And if it's a kid... squash them."
---
Meanwhile, Aera and Goku landed beside a peaceful lake, Dragon Radar in hand.
"Looks like it's nearby," Goku said, pointing. "Wanna race there?"
"Yes! First one there gets the first punch!" Aera giggled, blasting off into the trees.
As they zipped through the forest, gunfire suddenly erupted. Trees splintered, and smoke filled the air.
"Ambush!" Goku shouted.
Aera, completely unbothered, twirled mid-air and dodged bullets with a joyful spin. One soldier rushed her with a stun baton.
"Hold still, you freak!"
She smiled and tapped him on the forehead.
*THUNK.* He dropped like a sack of bricks.
"They're not very strong..." she muttered.
Goku dropped down beside her, already having KO'd five others with his Power Pole.
"Hey, Aera, do you think these guys are after the Dragon Balls too?"
"Probably. Should we beat them up until they tell us?"
"Yeah, sounds good!"
---
Inside the base, Commander Silver watched his monitor, sweat dripping down his face.
"W-What kind of kids *are* these?!"
He grabbed a rifle and stormed out.
Outside, Goku and Aera stood amid a pile of groaning soldiers.
"So, you're the little punks making a mess of my men," Silver growled.
"You smell stronger than them! Wanna fight?!" Aera beamed.
Silver blinked. "What?"
"She likes strong people," Goku added. "It means she respects you."
"Tch. I don't need respect from brats. I need that Dragon Ball. Hand it over, or else!"
Aera stepped forward. "Let's spar!"
Silver aimed his rifle and fired.
In a flash, Aera disappeared.
*BAM!*
Silver's weapon exploded in his hands. Aera had appeared beside him and flicked the barrel. Just... flicked it.
"Let's use fists instead!"
Silver snarled and threw a punch. Aera ducked, twisted behind him, and gently chopped his shoulder. The commander dropped instantly.
"That was fun!"
"Wow, you didn't even punch him," Goku said.
She shrugged. "He wasn't trying his best. Maybe next time."
Inside the base, they found the Dragon Ball locked in a vault. Aera ripped the door off with one hand.
"Got it!"
Back outside, the forest shimmered in golden light as the sun began to set.
---
Elsewhere...
"What do you mean Silver was defeated by *children*?!" a shrill voice snapped.
Red, leader of the Red Ribbon Army, slammed his fist onto his desk.
"Find them. Track their radar signal. I want those Dragon Balls!"
---
Meanwhile, Goku and Aera made camp under the stars. A fire crackled between them as they roasted fish.
"Do you think there are more strong people in the world?" Aera asked.
"Definitely," Goku said. "I wanna meet 'em all."
"Me too! But I also want to eat more fish."
They both laughed.
Unseen by them, a small figure watched from the bushes. Short, pudgy, and wearing shades.
"Heh... another kid with a tail? This is gonna be interesting."
Aera's journey had only just begun. More enemies, more allies, and more hearts were waiting to be conquered.
And the next one might just be a certain piggy shape-shifter.
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