The Enemy's Conspiracy

In a secluded, remote forest, a vast manor stands.

Though located in a desolate area, squads of soldiers continually patrol the surroundings, and armed helicopters fly overhead, maintaining constant vigilance.

If anyone discovered this place, they would be utterly shocked—it is none other than the headquarters of the nefarious Red Ribbon Army!

Meanwhile, in a room at the center of the manor—

"Commander, have you acquired the items I requested?"

An elderly man standing in the room asked.

This elder, with long white hair, sunken skin, and a black hat emblazoned with the Red Ribbon Army insignia, looked frail and withered. Yet, anyone who knew him dared not underestimate him—he was Dr. Gero, one of the founding members of the Red Ribbon Army!

Sitting across from Dr. Gero was a short, stocky man with an eye patch, alongside a tall Black man standing by his side.

This was Red Ribbon Army's current leader, Commander Red, and his subordinate, Black.

"Dr. Gero, haven't we already provided you with a great deal?"

Commander Red frowned, understanding Dr. Gero referred to the technology from the rising "Dragon Ball Corporation" over the past year.

"The technology of Dragon Ball Corporation surpasses Earth's by far, undoubtedly originating from some mysterious alien civilization. What you've brought me is still far from sufficient. I need much more."

"Please expedite the acquisition of all Dragon Ball Corporation's information, Commander. With that technology, the Red Ribbon Army will reach unprecedented power; even conquering Earth will be within our grasp."

"I'm heading back to my lab. Commander, don't disappoint me."

Without the usual deference others displayed toward Commander Red, Dr. Gero stated this calmly, then left without waiting for a reply.

Watching him leave, Commander Red scowled, slamming a fist onto the table—

"That bastard dares to command me! Does he even see me as the Commander?!"

Seething with anger, Commander Red roared, prompting Black to speak up quickly:

"Please, calm down, Commander Red. Dr. Gero is one of our Army's founders, and all our weapons are of his design. Right now, we can't do without him."

"Hmph, you think I don't know that? If that old fool wasn't useful, I would've killed him long ago!"

Commander Red snorted, visibly displeased.

Since becoming Commander, he had already disposed of more than one or two of those so-called founders. Dr. Gero only lived this long because he remained valuable.

Although Dr. Gero's fate was already sealed in Commander Red's mind, the Army still needed him. As infuriating as his demands were, Commander Red had no choice but to comply.

"Haven't I already told you to gather Dragon Ball Corporation's technology? Why is it taking so long?"

Shifting his frustration onto his subordinate, Commander Red's face turned icy.

Knowing the Commander's reputation as a ruthless killer, Black felt a chill as he quickly explained:

"Commander, the women named Bulma and Tights are extremely cunning. They have secretly established numerous research bases, dispersing all their data among them. Even with our intelligence capabilities, it's impossible to locate everything in a short time."

"Moreover, some of their urban bases aren't convenient for us to send troops to. We've had to rely on bribery and theft, which has slowed us down significantly."

Commander Red, however, cared little for Black's explanations:

"I don't need excuses; I need results."

"Lieutenant Black, I'm giving you one more month. If you fail to secure all of Dragon Ball Corporation's technology by then, you know what the consequences will be."

Commander Red's words sent a chill down Black's spine.

In the Red Ribbon Army, absolute, ruthless control was enforced; failure only ever had one outcome—death!

But Black knew that completing such a task in a single month was nearly impossible.

Cold sweat appeared on his forehead as his mind raced. Then, an idea struck him—

"Commander, there might be a way to obtain all Dragon Ball Corporation's technology within a month. If we capture Bulma and Tights, everything else would fall into place."

"Moreover, we recently received new information. The true mastermind behind Dragon Ball Corporation has appeared—a man named Yuujin. If we capture all three of them, obtaining everything we need would be simple."

"Didn't we already send a team to capture Bulma and Tights, only to fail?" Commander Red asked, his brow furrowing, still skeptical of Black's suggestion.

"That failure was because we underestimated them and didn't expect skilled protectors at their side. But this time, we won't make the same mistake!"

This was a matter of his own survival, so Black assured his superior without hesitation.

"Hmph, even so—"

"Since that failure, those two women have been on guard, remaining in West City. You don't expect me to send the entire army to invade West City just to capture them, do you?"

Commander Red's discontent showed in his scowl.

While deploying the full force of the Army would indeed ensure a successful capture, it would also incur significant losses and provoke severe government retaliation.

The Red Ribbon Army might be the world's most powerful terrorist organization and ruler of the criminal underworld, but their influence was limited to the shadows. If they openly clashed with the government, they would be decimated by sheer numbers.

"No, no, Commander, this time we won't need to mobilize soldiers. We just need a few experts to infiltrate West City and abduct the targets."

"Commander, you've often done business with that legendary assassin, Tao Pai Pai. If we send him, he can easily complete the mission."

Fearful of any misunderstanding, Black hurriedly clarified, though Commander Red appeared hesitant and deeply frowned.

If it wasn't necessary, he truly wished to avoid dealing with Tao Pai Pai.

While Commander Red considered himself ruthless, Tao Pai Pai was even colder, treating lives as worthless. As long as there was money, he would kill anyone. Every encounter with him felt like being watched by a monster.

"If it's Tao Pai Pai, there's no issue, but he specializes in assassination, not abduction."

Despite acknowledging Tao Pai Pai's skill and believing he could handle the mission, Commander Red hesitated.

"Commander, our only goal is to obtain all of Dragon Ball Corporation's technology. Once we have what we want, let Tao Pai Pai kill as he pleases."

A cold smile appeared on Black's face.

Commander Red, momentarily stunned, then nodded in understanding, a similar expression on his face.

Indeed, as long as he acquired what he wanted, the fate of those three was of no concern to him!

After careful thought, Commander Red decided:

"Lieutenant Black, contact Tao Pai Pai immediately."

"Yes, Commander Red."

Relieved that his life was likely spared, Black saluted and exited...

To be continued…

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