A large crowd had gathered outside the venue for the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, eagerly waiting to register for a chance to win. Fighters of all kinds, from seasoned martial artists to enthusiastic newcomers, stood in line, brimming with anticipation.
Among them was a familiar group of warriors and friends.
"Wow, Krillin, it seems like you're the only one who hasn't changed in the past nine months," Oolong teased, smirking at the bald fighter dressed in his usual orange gi.
Krillin's temple twitched. "Look who's talking—the little pig that never grows up!" he shot back, earning laughter from the group.
Standing nearby were Tenshinhan, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, Puar, Launch, and Master Roshi. The elderly martial artist adjusted his sunglasses, stroking his beard as he observed the lively exchange.
"Hmm… this is strange," Yamcha muttered, his arms crossed. "Goku isn't here yet."
"Don't worry," Roshi reassured him. "He's probably doing some last-minute training. Oh, that reminds me—Bulma called. She said she won't be coming today. Something about being sick."
Yamcha sighed. "That's a shame. I was hoping she'd be here to see me win the tournament." He struck a dramatic pose, prompting Puar to gaze at him with admiration.
Krillin chuckled nervously while Oolong snorted. "Yeah, sure. Keep dreaming, Yamcha."
Tenshinhan glanced at the registration table. "Goku better hurry. The sign-ups are about to close."
Just as he finished speaking, the sound of footsteps echoed from behind them.
They turned to see a familiar figure—a young man with wild black hair, an orange gi, and an unmistakable smile.
"Hey, guys! How's it going?" Goku greeted cheerfully as he approached. It had been nine months since he had last seen his friends at the surprise party they had thrown for him—a party that had resulted in an unexpected pregnancy for Bulma and fatherhood for him.
Krillin's face lit up. "Man, am I glad you made it in time! I was starting to think you'd miss it."
Goku laughed. "I just got a little caught up with my stretches."
The group collectively sweatdropped. Only Goku would risk missing registration because of stretching.
Master Roshi, meanwhile, studied his student carefully. There was something different about Goku—something subtle, yet significant. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but he had a feeling he'd find out during the course of the tournament.
"We all came here with one goal—to win," Yamcha said confidently, clenching his fists.
Goku grinned at the challenge. "That's great! I can't wait to fight you guys."
Tenshinhan smirked, his three eyes narrowing. "This time, we'll see who's really the strongest, Goku."
Goku turned to Launch, who was standing nearby. "Hey, Launch! It's been a while. How've you been?"
Launch smiled. "Not bad. Haven't seen you since that day you and Bulma were in the park."
At her words, the rest of the group perked up.
"What were you doing with Bulma in a park?" Krillin asked curiously, making Goku visibly tense up.
Bulma had been very clear that no one was supposed to know about her pregnancy.
Think, Goku, think!
"W-well, Bulma asked me to go shopping with her at the mall!" he blurted out nervously, repeating the excuse Bulma had used back then.
Yamcha raised an eyebrow but ultimately shrugged. She could have asked anyone for help, but he decided not to dwell on it.
"Speaking of Bulma," Krillin added, "she said she's sick and won't be coming."
Goku nodded quickly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah… I hope she feels better soon. Hehehe."
Oolong snorted. "Anyway, you better hurry up and sign in. You're the only one who hasn't registered yet."
"WHAT?!" Goku exclaimed in panic before sprinting toward the registration table.
His friends shook their heads. Goku was still Goku.
---
With Bulma
Bulma sat comfortably on the couch, watching the TV as the tournament's opening ceremony played on the screen.
"Yes… I understand. Thanks… talk to you later," she muttered before ending a call with a sigh. She had only intended to check in on a friend, but somehow, the conversation had spiraled into a discussion about the history of trains in the last century.
"Who was that?"
Bulma turned to Fusui, her friend from college, who was sitting beside her.
"Just a friend from college," Bulma replied with a chuckle. "She's… a bit odd. I mean, who schedules their bathroom breaks?"
Fusui laughed. "Oh, by the way… I heard from Ken that you're really happy for us. Thanks for the support!"
Bulma smiled. "Of course! I knew you two would end up together sooner or later."
Fusui blushed slightly before hesitating. "So… how about you and Goku? Have you confessed yet?"
Bulma's face turned red instantly. "W-what?!"
Before she could respond further, another voice joined the conversation.
"This sounds interesting."
Bulma groaned internally. Just great.
She turned to see her older sister, Tights, walking into the room with a mischievous grin.
"I'm Tights, Bulma's sister," the blonde introduced herself, shaking Fusui's hand.
"Nice to meet you! I'm Fusui, Bulma's friend," she replied cheerfully. Then, turning back to Bulma, she grinned. "So, tell us everything about you and Goku. Every little detail."
Bulma sighed in defeat as both women squealed excitedly.
Fusui even pulled out a small banner featuring an image of Goku and Bulma inside a heart, while Tights held up a sign that read "Goku & Bulma Forever!"
Oh, great. Fangirls.
"Fine… I'll tell you," Bulma muttered, resigned.
---
Back at the Tournament
Inside a large waiting room, the tournament participants gathered around several tatami mats, where the preliminary matches would take place. Only eight fighters would make it through to the final rounds.
Each contestant picked a number, which determined their matchups:
• 1 vs. 2
• 3 vs. 4
…and so on.
"We got lucky," Yamcha sighed in relief. "At least we don't have to fight each other right away."
"Yeah," Krillin agreed. "We just need to win our matches and make it to the finals."
Meanwhile, Goku was scanning the room, searching for someone.
"What's wrong, Goku?" Krillin asked, noticing his friend's distracted state.
"I was looking for someone named Akemi. She told me she'd be entering the tournament."
Yamcha smirked. "Wow, Goku, you've been busy, huh?"
Goku scratched his head, about to explain— "She's just a fan. I signed a napkin for her."
But before he could, a voice called out behind him.
"Oh… it really is you, isn't it?"
Goku and the others turned toward the new arrival—a beautiful black-haired girl with a traditional Japanese hairstyle, wearing a dark blue kimono with white pants.
She smiled warmly at Goku, her eyes filled with expectation.
Goku tilted his head in confusion.
Meanwhile, the girl's thoughts raced.
Finally… I've found you, Goku. Now, you'll fulfill your promise and we can finally get married!
Goku, completely unaware of what was going on, simply blinked.
"...Huh?"