The Muten-Roshi's Decision

Two Sides Closing In

On Pilaf's flying base, the radar shows the last cluster of Dragon Balls racing directly toward them. King Piccolo sneers at the apparent stupidity of whoever is carrying them, while far below Master Roshi notes the same convergence in reverse. He reminds Tien that a head on fight is suicide and repeats the plan: steal Piccolo's orbs, summon Shenron, and wish the monster out of existence. At the same time, Yajirobe's air car speeds toward Korin Tower, and along the way Goku explains to him what the Dragon Balls actually do.

A Trap Among the Rocks

Roshi spots a suitable stretch of rocky ground and has Tien set the plane down. He tells Chiaotzu to bury their five Dragon Balls and hide himself completely while he and Tien ambush Piccolo for the two he already carries. Once the theft is done they will toss the balls to the little emperor, who will summon Shenron and speak the wish before Piccolo can react. The airship drifts into position and begins to descend, and the trio slips into the cover of the boulders to wait for the right moment.

The Old Man's Quiet Sacrifice

Before landing, Piccolo simply swallows his two Dragon Balls whole, ruining the entire plan. Tien turns wildly to his master, certain they now have no choice but to fight the Demon King head on. Instead, Roshi tells him that he alone will handle this, then silently releases a sleeping gas that drops the three eyed warrior where he stands. He instructs Chiaotzu to keep hidden no matter what happens next. Then the old master steps into the open and calls up to the hovering ship, announcing that the Dragon Balls are right here and challenging Piccolo to come take them. The ancient demon descends and scoffs at the foolish human, while Tien, barely conscious behind the rocks, can only watch his master walk to his fate.