A/N:
Hey, lovely readers! 🥳
It's time to decide the pace of our epic tournament chapters! Should I take my sweet time to savor every punch and kick, or should I zoom through like Goku chasing after a flying senzu bean?
Vote below:
If you want me to write slowly, type "SLOW" (and maybe throw in a "Kamehameha" for good measure!).
If you're feeling the need for speed, type "SKIP" (just like Goku skipping breakfast before training).
Let's see which side of the tournament you're on! 🥊💨
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The day of the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament had finally arrived, and Goku couldn't contain his excitement. As he walked up to the registration booth, he grinned widely, eager to see how much stronger he had become after all his intense training. His mind was buzzing with thoughts of his new techniques, his gravity belt, and the fights he would soon have.
Goku handed over his registration form to the attendant, who stared at him for a moment, then shrugged and stamped it. Goku gave a quick nod of thanks and stepped aside, scanning the crowd. He quickly spotted familiar faces—Krillin, Yamcha, and, to his surprise, Grandpa Gohan, deep in conversation with none other than Master Roshi.
Goku rushed over to join them, but before he could say anything, his eyes wandered to the crowd, sensing several strong ki signatures. He was taken aback. Among them was King Chappa, a powerful martial artist he had read about in some old tournament records. There were also several other strong fighters from the anime, people he hadn't expected to see. Goku's grin widened. This tournament was going to be interesting.
"Goku! You're here!" Krillin shouted, waving excitedly. Yamcha, who stood next to Krillin, gave Goku a friendly nod.
"Hey, guys!" Goku called back, joining them.
Grandpa Gohan, noticing Goku's approach, waved him over. "Goku, you're just in time. Master Roshi was just telling us about some of the new techniques he's been working on... and his latest... uh... hobbies."
Master Roshi, sitting cross-legged with his hands behind his head, gave a mischievous chuckle. "Yes, yes. You know, important martial arts techniques... and, of course, a few special magazines I've been collecting."
Goku, who was clueless about Roshi's special magazines, smiled politely. "That's great, Master Roshi! Maybe you can show me later."
Krillin and Yamcha snickered quietly, while Gohan gave an embarrassed cough.
"Goku, maybe you should... uh, stick to fighting techniques," Gohan said, trying to steer the conversation back on track.
Before they could continue, Goku noticed the gathering of fighters around them. Strong martial artists from all over had come to participate, and Goku was particularly drawn to King Chappa, who was standing not too far from them, radiating calm but intense energy.
"Hey, Grandpa, who's that guy?" Goku asked, pointing toward King Chappa.
"That's King Chappa," Gohan replied. "He's one of the strongest martial artists in the world. He's won many tournaments before, and some say he's almost unbeatable."
Goku's eyes lit up. "Really? Almost unbeatable? I can't wait to fight him!"
Krillin, overhearing the conversation, looked worried. "Uh, Goku, maybe don't rush into that fight just yet. He's really strong."
Goku, with his usual carefree attitude, shrugged. "It'll be fun!"
As they stood chatting, another fighter approached the group. It was none other than Nam, the desert fighter, who had also come to compete. He walked over with a serious expression, and his gaze fell on Master Roshi.
"Master Roshi," Nam said respectfully, bowing his head. "It's an honor to see you again."
Roshi, not missing a beat, nodded sagely. "Yes, yes. It's good to see you too. I'm here to watch the next generation of fighters... and maybe win some prize money. You know, to help with my magazine collection."
Nam blinked in confusion, but Gohan quickly interrupted, "Master Roshi, we'll leave your... interests... out of this conversation for now."
Yamcha leaned toward Krillin and whispered, "What's with Master Roshi and these magazines? Is this really the same guy who trained Goku?"
Krillin smirked. "Yeah, but don't let his... hobbies... fool you. He's still one of the strongest fighters out there."
Before long, the tournament announcer called for all the fighters to gather in the main area for the qualifying rounds. Goku, Krillin, Yamcha, and the others made their way over, surrounded by the buzz of excitement and anticipation.
As they stood waiting for their turn to fight, Goku noticed that some of the other contestants were eyeing them with a mix of curiosity and intimidation. King Chappa, in particular, kept glancing their way, clearly sizing up the competition. Goku could barely contain himself. He wanted to fight everyone!
The announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, "Welcome, everyone, to the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament! Today, we'll begin with the qualifying matches! Fighters, please step forward when your name is called!"
The crowd cheered, and Goku bounced on his toes, ready for action. Krillin and Yamcha stood by, looking more nervous than excited.
"I've got this," Yamcha muttered under his breath, trying to psych himself up. "No problem, I've been training hard."
Krillin shot him a sideways glance. "Just don't lose your cool like last time, Yamcha."
"Hey, I've learned from my mistakes!" Yamcha shot back defensively.
As the first round of matches was announced, Goku found himself matched against a towering fighter named "Bear Claw," whose muscles seemed to ripple with every movement. The guy looked like he could crush a boulder with his bare hands.
Krillin gave Goku a worried look. "Be careful, Goku. That guy looks tough."
Goku just grinned. "Don't worry. I've been training hard too!"
Bear Claw glared at Goku from across the arena, cracking his knuckles menacingly. The crowd fell silent as the match began.
Bear Claw charged at Goku with incredible speed, his fists swinging wildly. But Goku, always quick on his feet, dodged effortlessly, barely breaking a sweat. The crowd gasped as Goku leaped into the air and landed a soft punch on Bear Claw's shoulder, sending the giant fighter crashing to the ground with a loud thud.
The crowd erupted into cheers, but Goku simply smiled and waved.
"Well, that was fun!" Goku said cheerfully as he rejoined his friends.
Krillin and Yamcha stood there, mouths agape.
"Did... did you just win with one punch?" Krillin asked, stunned.
Goku shrugged. "I guess so! That guy wasn't as strong as I thought."
Yamcha shook his head in disbelief. "Man, you make it look easy."
As the matches continued...