"What's wrong? Don't you remember me?" the unfamiliar girl asked, staring at Goku with a sharp gaze.
Goku scratched the back of his head, clearly confused. "Uhh… sorry, but I don't remember you."
The girl's expression immediately darkened. A look of disgust flashed across her face before she turned on her heel and stormed off, her anger practically radiating from her.
Krillin and the others exchanged puzzled glances. Had Goku really forgotten about her? Why else would a random girl show up and act like she knew him?
Meanwhile, Goku frowned, still watching her retreating figure. Something about her felt familiar, but no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't recall where he had seen her before.
Who is she…?
Krillin smirked. "Wow, Goku! First Akemi, and now this mystery girl? You sure have been meeting a lot of women lately!"
Goku just shrugged, still lost in thought.
Before the conversation could continue, a voice echoed through the hall.
"Attention, participants! The preliminary rounds are about to begin. Please take your designated positions."
A short man with a microphone stood at the center, addressing the eager competitors.
Excitement surged through the crowd of fighters—each one there for different reasons. Some sought recognition, others glory, some money, and a few were just there for the thrill of battle.
Within minutes, the preliminary matches had begun. Fighters clashed in heated duels, one by one eliminating their opponents.
Finally, it was Goku's turn.
"Look! It's Goku's fight!" Puar exclaimed, floating near the window for a better view.
Master Roshi, leaning on his staff, turned his attention to the ring, while Oolong and Launch sat nearby, enjoying their ice cream.
Unfortunately for Oolong, Launch sneezed.
"ACHOO!"
Boom!
Suddenly, the sweet, polite Launch was gone—replaced by her wild, blonde alter ego, who immediately pulled out a submachine gun.
Master Roshi fell off his cane in shock, while Oolong let out a horrified scream.
'Great, my ice cream fell on the floor…' Oolong thought miserably as he stared at his ruined strawberry treat.
Meanwhile, Tenshinhan watched Goku with an analytical gaze.
Time to see how much you've improved over the years, Goku…
Krillin grinned. "Good luck, Goku!" He bumped fists with his best friend before Goku jumped into the ring.
Once in the combat arena, Goku stretched lightly, warming up his muscles. He was ready.
---
"It seems we meet again, young Goku," a deep voice spoke.
Goku turned to see a dark-skinned man with an afro, wearing a yellow robe and barefoot.
"King Chapa!" Goku's eyes lit up. "Wow, it's been a long time! I'm really happy to see you again."
King Chapa nodded with a calm smile. "Likewise. Let's have a good fight. May the best man win."
"Yeah!" Goku grinned, slipping into his fighting stance.
Their last encounter had been three years ago, during the previous tournament preliminaries. Goku had won that fight—but now, things might be different.
King Chapa wasn't just here to participate.
He was here for redemption.
Three years ago, Piccolo Daimaō had ordered the massacre of every participant in the 22nd Martial Arts Tournament. King Chapa had barely survived.
Even Krillin, Chiaotzu, and Master Roshi had nearly lost their lives. If not for Goku defeating Piccolo, the world would still be under his rule.
This tournament wasn't just about winning—it was about proving that he had moved past that nightmare.
"BEGIN!"
The referee shouted, marking the start of the fight.
Goku and King Chapa bowed respectfully before assuming their battle stances.
For a brief moment, neither moved.
They were studying each other, searching for openings to exploit.
Then—
"AAAHHH!"
King Chapa rushed forward, his speed remarkable. Goku, however, didn't move.
With a powerful punch, King Chapa struck Goku's abdomen.
Immediately, he followed up with a knee strike to the same spot.
Still, Goku did not react.
Confused, Krillin leaned forward. "Why isn't he fighting back?"
"This is strange," Yamcha muttered, eyes narrowing.
King Chapa continued his relentless assault, landing a hard kick to Goku's torso, sending him skidding backward.
Goku stopped just at the edge of the ring.
King Chapa smirked. "It looks like today isn't your day, Son Goku…" He stepped forward. "Let's end this!"
With one final punch, King Chapa swung at Goku's face.
But—
Goku caught his fist.
"What?!"
Krillin, Yamcha, and Tenshinhan all exclaimed in shock.
Slowly, Goku lifted his head. A small smile formed on his face—a knowing smile.
"That was great, King Chapa," Goku admitted, before his expression turned serious.
"But… not enough!"
And then—
King Chapa saw nothing.
One moment, Goku was standing in front of him. The next—
Everything went black.
The crowd gasped.
"The winner of the match is Participant Number 4!" the referee declared, blowing his whistle.
As King Chapa hit the ground, his vision returned. He blinked in shock.
What… just happened?
He hadn't even seen the attack.
Goku extended a hand, smiling. "King Chapa, that was a great fight! I hope we can battle again sometime."
Still dazed, King Chapa took Goku's hand and stood up. Then, a soft chuckle escaped him.
"You've grown into a formidable warrior, Goku," he said respectfully. "I wish you luck in the tournament."
With that, King Chapa stepped away, a content smile on his face.
It was time to pass the torch to the next generation.
---
Goku returned to his friends, his hands casually resting behind his head.
"That was actually pretty fun!" he admitted with a grin.
Tenshinhan crossed his arms. "You weren't fighting seriously, were you?"
Goku laughed sheepishly. "Hehehe… I just wanted to test his strength!"
Yamcha shook his head with a smirk. "Man, you never change, do you?"
Krillin sighed in relief. "Looks like I'm gonna have to give it my all if I want to make it to the finals."
Goku's smile widened. "Yeah! But who knows? Maybe you'll beat me this time!"
Krillin, Yamcha, and Tenshinhan all exchanged amused glances.
Goku—ever the optimist.
But in the end…
Only one of them would be champion.
And Goku wasn't planning on losing.