I was revisiting an old curiousity of mine.
Suppose you arrive in the Dragon Ball world, on the date of Goku's birth (12 years before the start of Dragon Ball.)....
In theory, you have your knowledge, maybe some credit, the means to get the pirate treasure in the cave, & thus, money.
You know there's at least 1 saiyan (& other danger.) approaching in the future.
But from what I've read, some things of note:
1. Senbei Norimaki couldn't fix a Dragon Radar without Turbo doing it for him to save his dignity, & Senbei found it bafflingly advanced.
2. Since this is 12 years before the start of Dragon Ball, Bulma is almost certainly no help. (At best, she has old papers in her basement or such about the Dragon Balls.)
3. Supposedly, Capsule Corp owns 48% of the market for all vehicles. Is this true 12 years ago? With this in mind, his time would be absurdly valuable.
4. I don't remember how long ago, but the Global Dragon Radar the Red Ribbon Army uses may be the oldest Dragon Ball detection system.
So, the questions are:
How smart is Dr. Briefs, especially 12 years before the start of DB? How do Dr. Gero, The Pilaf Gang & The Red Ribbon Army match up?
AFAIK:
Gero is a dubiously trustworthy trade partner at best. What is he up to at this time? Has he made Eighter or any other machines? Is he affiliated with the RRA at this time?
The Pilaf Gang aren't much better, if they're even assembled/active. Do the Pilaf Gangs have their mechs?
& The Red Ribbon Army would probably just interrogate, rob & kill you than strike deals, right? Or would they be underformed enough to negotiate?
Bottom line: Who would be the best candidates to barter with using your money & knowledge?
Especially for something like a Dragon Radar or something to help in acquiring a DR or Dragon Balls?
Pardon any bother, all.