The next day at the martial arts tournament venue, the first match that was supposed to take place was John vs. Shen. However, the host announced some unfortunate news to the audience.
"Contestant Shen found us last night and said he would forfeit today's match. Despite our efforts to persuade him, he insisted on withdrawing."
"As a result, we must announce that the first match of the semifinals will see John win by default."
The host's words caused an uproar among the audience, who expressed their dissatisfaction. However, there was nothing to be done; with a contestant forfeiting, the organizers had no choice but to quickly start the second semifinal match.
The second match was between Goku and Piccolo. With the host's call, both fighters stepped onto the stage.
Due to the absence of the first match, the host quickly announced the start of the battle to calm the audience.
Goku and Piccolo squared off. After his tough match against Krillin yesterday, Piccolo realized that his strength might be significantly inferior to Goku's. Therefore, he was extremely cautious in this duel and did not initiate an attack.
Since Piccolo was unwilling to attack first, Goku took the initiative.
In a flash, Goku appeared behind Piccolo.
Piccolo didn't even see how Goku moved; by the time he noticed, Goku was already behind him.
Fortunately, Goku did not attack, allowing Piccolo to avoid losing right at the start.
Terrified, Piccolo quickly distanced himself from Goku, his face filled with fear.
Krillin and the others watching were equally shocked. Krillin remarked, "I can't believe Goku's strength has become this formidable!"
Tien Shenhan sighed nearby, feeling increasingly distant from Goku and John's strength. While he could once see their backs, now he couldn't even catch a glimpse of their shadows.
As for Yamcha, who was the weakest among them, his confidence took a severe hit; he even wondered if he should give up martial arts training and switch to baseball.
Although these Z Fighters would eventually fade from subsequent storylines due to their lack of strength, John hoped that they wouldn't face such a fate after his arrival.
Perhaps they might not be able to defeat Frieza, Androids, or Cell, but John believed they could handle minor enemies without any issues.
So when they felt disheartened, John said: "The heart of martial arts allows for progress but forbids retreat. If you lose your ambition now after years of training, then your martial achievements will amount to nothing."
"Are you willing to let all those years of martial training come to a halt?"
John's words awakened them; however, Yamcha helplessly replied: "But what can we do? Our talents are limited."
John turned to them and said: "Don't worry; once this battle is over, I will teach you some ultimate techniques that will greatly enhance your strength. Always remember never to lose your fighting spirit as warriors."
Hearing John's words temporarily alleviated their fears and instead sparked excitement about the ultimate techniques he mentioned.
At this moment on stage, Goku and Piccolo had already engaged in combat.
From an outsider's perspective, it seemed like Piccolo was completely dominating Goku. However, everyone understood that Piccolo was getting anxious; while it appeared he had control over Goku, it was actually Goku who dictated the pace of the fight.
After another clash where they separated again, their conditions were different: Goku still looked relaxed and at ease while Piccolo was panting heavily. It was clear that after several exchanges, he had exhausted too much energy.
Piccolo knew that if he did not use his ultimate technique soon, defeat would be inevitable.
So he flew into the sky and shouted from about fifty meters above the stage: "Goku! Do you dare to take my ultimate move?"
Goku loved when opponents unleashed their ultimate techniques; thus he shouted back: "No problem! Go ahead!"
Upon hearing Goku agree to take his ultimate move head-on, Piccolo felt elated. He began gathering energy in mid-air as a massive aura formed in his palm.
As Piccolo gathered more energy, Goku's expression turned serious.
Goku realized that even if he could withstand Piccolo's attack, many innocent spectators around the arena—including his friends—could be harmed by such a powerful technique from Piccolo.
Thus, Goku shouted for everyone to evacuate from around the stage quickly. However, at that moment, the audience remained confused and unaware of what was about to happen.
As Piccolo finished gathering energy and wore a sinister grin in preparation for his attack—with many innocent spectators still nearby—Goku suddenly shot into the air and yelled: "Piccolo!"
Instantly distracted by Goku's voice, Piccolo redirected his attack from below towards Goku soaring in mid-air.
With a loud bang, Piccolo unleashed a powerful energy blast that shot towards Goku. He barely had time to react before being struck by Piccolo's blast.
After being hit, Goku fell from high above with scorched clothing and landed heavily on the stage.
"Goku!"
"Goku!"
Goku's friends—Chi-Chi, Krillin, Yamcha—looked on with worried expressions at their fallen friend on stage.
Especially Chi-Chi; she almost rushed onto the stage because it was her husband lying there.
John stopped her and said: "Don't worry; Goku is fine. That level of attack won't harm him."
Piccolo didn't expect his first attack would have such an effect; seeing Goku lying on stage seemingly lifeless made him burst into triumphant laughter.
"Hahaha... So this is all you are? I thought you were much stronger." After saying this, Piccolo turned his gaze towards John with a calm expression and scoffed: "Hmph! John, you're next."
However, John didn't say much in response; he merely raised his chin slightly and gestured behind Piccolo: "You haven't won yet?"
"What?!" Upon hearing John's words, Piccolo was taken aback and immediately turned around. To his shock, he saw Goku—who had been motionless on stage—suddenly lift his head and stick out his tongue at him playfully.
Startled by this unexpected sight, Piccolo jumped back in shock: "What are you?!"
Goku stood up from the stage and brushed off some dust from his clothes before saying: "Of course I'm human! If I were a ghost I'd be with King Enma right now."
"King Enma?" Hearing this made Piccolo's face fill with confusion; he had no idea who Goku was talking about.
Realizing that Piccolo looked puzzled by his reference to someone unknown to him made Goku understand that he had mentioned someone unfamiliar. Nevertheless, there was no need for explanation; he continued: "Alright! I've taken your ultimate move; now it's time for you to take mine!"