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Chapter Text

Last Season on Dragon Ball IJ:

Goku and Launch/Lunch began their new training journey after the Tournament as the Kame School split up. Their first stop was to return fellow competitor Nam to his hometown, which escalated into a bit of dam-busting to alleviate the drought. More importantly, in the excitement the fighters forgot they were supposed to pick up Bulma, oops!

From there, the twins and Goku decided to train at Goku's home on Mount Paozu while waiting for the Dragon Balls to activate once again. But the hunt had barely begun before they crossed paths with the evil Red Ribbon Army! In the frigid north, the young Kame disciples faced the menacing Muscle Tower, where they faced not only a deadly android, but the Murasaki ninja brothers. And found a new friend in the peaceful Android 8 and many friends in the people of Jingle Village.

Needing to repair the Dragon Radar earned them a visit to Bulma and a chewing out from Bulma. All the while, the Red Ribbon plotted its next move, such as sending the legend in his own mind he Pink Puma after them!
Thwarting the Puma with very little effort, they carried on their quest with Bulma now in tow. Only to learn the next Dragon Ball wasn't only on the bottom of the sea, but near Kame House. Hitting Master Roshi up for a submarine, they reunited with Yamcha in the midst of his training under the pervy old master. And met new student Mai, who they had certainly never met before back in Season 1!

The Red Ribbon stepped up its game, trying to both conquer Kame House and sending the mighty powerful and mighty handsome General Blue after Goku's group. While Roshi took out the trash on his end, the wily General Blue escaped with the Dragon Ball and the Radar!

Also, reuniting with Bulma prompted Yamcha to break up with her and seek new motivation for walking the path to power.

A trip back to West City yielded a new radar and a fun day at the theme park, and Goku somehow adopting the twins as his sisters? And Bulma decided she needed to start her own journey to deal wth various issues of her own.

Arriving at the mysterious Korin Tower, the defeat of the Red Ribbon's initial forces left the young Turtles unprepared for the deadliest foe thrown at them yet – Taopaipai, the world's top assassin, whose family and Crane School are old enemies of Roshi and the Kame School. Showing the old school ain't done quite yet, Tao dominated the two-on-one fight and not only won, but seemed to have killed our heroes!

Thankfully, some good luck or heaven-sent blessing let the youths cheat King Yenma out of an appointment. But even down to one Dragon Ball, they knew Tao would return, and they knew they had to avenge their new friend Upa, who died by General Blue's hand.

Following Bora's tale, they decided to climb Korin Tower and seek the power legend told awaited at the top. After a grueling climb that pushed them to their limits, they discovered the mighty feline Master Korin.

Training under Master Korin bore grand fruit, as when Tao returned for a rematch, it came to an explosive conclusion, and for Tao a bitter end at the hands of Bora.

With Bora's aid, the Sons took the fight right to Red Ribbon HQ, which it turned out had nothing left to stand in their way. Backed into a corner and deeply disappointed in his Commander's motives, Staff Officer Black struck down the leader of the evil army and surrendered not only himself but the Drgon Balls.

But the last Dragon Ball proved evasive, leading the warriors to call on Master Roshi for advice. Led by Roshi and joined by Yamcha and Mai, they journeyed into the desert to consult the all-seeing bone, I mean crone. Who it turns out is Roshi's sister. They found themselves in a tournament of sorts against Baba's monstrous champions.

The contest came down to a one-on-one between Baba's ghostly ace and Goku. Shockingly, the epic clash ended in forfeit by the ghost, who it tuns out was none other than Son Gohan, Goku's long-dead grandfather. In addition to a happy reunion and first meetings, Gonna revealed secretly to Roshi a dark secret – none other than Goku was responsible for his death?! Strange and kindly Goku turns into a giant monster ape when he looks at the full moon? What's up with that?

Oh dear, does that mean Chichi and Bulma can too, since Goku wished for them to have tails?

After a brief tussle with the new and supposedly improved Pilaf gang, Upa was resurrected, and friends old and new parted company to train for the next Budokai. And so, the Twins and Goku traveled the world, making new friends and gaining new rivalries as they traveled their path to power before setting their sights on Papaya Island and the tournament.

But the world is bigger than this merry band.

After going solo to settle scores with his past, Krillin traveled to Frypan Kingdom to check with Chichi. He got more than he bargained for, with the little girl he'd trained with blooming into a lovely young lady, and getting volunteered for a horrifying quest to Demon World. That one quest developed into a training partnership that has endured these years, and seen the two go on various adventures across the countryside.

Meanwhile, Bulma found her own sensei in the dreaded Crane Hermit, who relishes turning friend against friend in the Budokai.

Now after three years, competitors old and new have made their way to the tournament grounds once more to see who is truly the Strongest under the Heavens.

Long live the fighters! Today on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey.

Dragon Ball Intended Season 2

Chapter One

The Strong Assemble

Reunions can be Overly Dramatic

"Back here again, feels like a lifetime but also like it's hardly been anytime at all," Yamcha said as he stepped back from the registration table.

Papaya Island was blessed with a bright and blazing day today. Unlike last time, with its concern for rain, they had good weather forecast for today and most of the week. A good thing, as he'd heard the tournament was now a multi-day affair.

"Were there this many people last time?" Mai asked, finishing her own registration and joining him. They looked over the crowd milling about, the few still waiting in line and the mass of people already registered.

"No. Guess that makes it all the better they expanded the main tournament from eight to sixteen. It'd be a shame for great fighters to be excluded just because there weren't enough slots," Yamcha said.

"There were plenty of reasons for the change," Roshi said, also looking over the people mingling in the courtyard. The registry table had been moved from the gate further into the temple grounds. There would be an hour after registration closed before the preliminary hall opened, and vendors were already making their holiday zeni hawking drinks and any sort of cold or wet treat.

Roshi smiled at Yamcha and Mai, who had already changed into Kame School gis. He had realized they would be his last students; if the Kame School lived on, it would have to be either Yamcha or Krillin taking it up, he had decided. Though maybe it was too soon to rule out Mai; as much progress as she'd made, he still couldn't see her rivaling the likes of Goku or Krillin in the long run, but then again, maybe teaching would agree with her?

Whatever the case, feeling a definitive end to his days as a teacher, he felt no regret or sorrow. Sure, he had had bad times, and not everything had turned out for the best with his students over the centuries. But what he felt here was a sense of satisfaction, that in the end he had done his job and done it well, and after this tournament it would just plain be done.

"Master Roshi, are you crying?" Yamcha asked.

"Course not. Just a bit of city dust getting in my old man eyes. What about you, Yamcha? Last time you were here you were with Bulma, and you're still single all these years later. That bringing a tear to your eyes?" Roshi asked, poking the young man with his staff.

"Well, it is nostalgic coming here with a beautiful woman," Yamcha chuckled. Mai blushed and did that wiggling thing she did when embarrassed, grabbing her cheeks.

"Don't say such things! What if someone heard?" the raven-haired woman protested.

Mai had gotten considerably tanner over her training, and while she had returned to some makeup use for the tournament, it was much less than her old stuff Roshi vividly remembered from that first encounter; just a little touch-ups and coloring to her lips most wouldn't notice at first glance. Her hair she'd let grow back down to her waist, tied into a tight tail save for bangs framing her brow. The gi showed off her arms, which while not as developed as Yamcha's, you'd be able to tell she was someone who took her fitness seriously.

Yamcha wasn't blind, so he'd at Roshi's urging asked her about getting dinner together in town when Roshi gave a day off months ago. He was willing to spend a bit to accommodate such a manly ambition. But Mai, at the very suggestion of a date, was overly flustered. Roshi wondered if she was into girls instead, as she never seemed distracted by Yamcha or other men around her. But nothing he'd noted for girls either. Maybe she was what his old master had called a natural born monk? One who was born with the candle of carnal desire having never been lit in the first place?

Well, he supposed it didn't matter, but she could use some staying power in the face of being the object of distraction. Little need to feel threatened when he knew she could punch most men out of their boots with ease.

As for Yamcha, he'd taken the rejection well, after getting over the guilt of getting his friend so flustered. Roshi was of the mind that growing the circle of friends was helping Yamcha more than a new girlfriend would have anyway. Not that he'd let any of this secret respect prevent him from teasing either of them. Such was the ancient and sacred privilege of the elderly since time immemorial!

"Hmm, we weren't the first here; I'll check to see if anyone we know has signed up already," Roshi said. Secretly he was hoping to register as Jackie Chun on the sly while cutting line. My goodness, there was quite a turnout this year!

Yamcha watched Roshi go to talk with the monks at the register, and smiled, glancing up to look over the wall at the city beyond.

'Life is certainly funny. Last time, I was fixated on winning to prove myself worthy to Bulma, and before that I was torn between being afraid of girls and my desire for a wife and family. I still want the wife and family, but that old urgency is like my feelings for Bulma. Not gone, but not the all-consuming fixation they were. Funny indeed.'

"Do you suppose Goku and the twins will show up? They don't seem the type to plan ahead that well," Mai mused.

"Well, Launch isn't the type to lose a grip on something she wants, and a rematch with Jackie Chun is pretty high on her list. And Goku isn't one to be late for a fight," Yamcha remarked.

"Yamcha, Mai, is that you?" A voice called over the murmuring of the crowd.

"That's Bora..." Mai gasped.

"Bora!" Yamcha greeted cheerfully with a raised hand.

The chiseled mountain of a man had changed attire for his trip to civilization. The feathers that had adorned his hair last time were currently tucked into the band of a broad-brimmed leather hat, and a poncho decorated in a lovely pattern of red black and white triangles covered a good bit of his frame.

"Nice hat!" Mai greeted him.

"Master Korin said it would be good luck for me to acquire a new outfit on my way to a new place. The store worker was quite helpful. Though it's far too much to wear on normal days," Bora said, spreading his arms and looking down at himself.

"Wow," a boy beside him said. The two Turtle students hadn't noticed him before, but it was apparent he was Bora's son. A bit past his father's mighty knee, he still had a bit of the cuteness and softness of childhood, but manly features reminiscent of his father were emerging in the face, and they recognized the look of someone who pushed themselves physically.

"You must be Bora's son. Sorry to say I can't recall the name," Yamcha greeted.

"I am Upa! You both fought monsters to help father resurrect me. I owe you each a debt of honor," Upa said.

"No debt, it was its own reward," Yamcha said firmly.

"I lost my only fight, so you wouldn't owe me anything anyway," Mai confessed, pushing her index fingers together and sweatdropping a bit.

"Humble as ever. It will be a pleasure to see your skills in a contest of friendly stakes. Though be warned, I have trained with a great master, and I would honor him by winning this tournament if I can," Bora told them, crossing his thick arms over his chest.

"Good to hear Bora, but we've been working hard too. We owe it to Master Roshi to give the Kame School the best showing we can. Right, Mai? ...Mai?" Yamcha asked. Mai had turned away, and with a hand shielding her eyes, was squinting toward the crowd passing by the gate.

"...I thought I saw someone familiar," she muttered, frowning.

"An old enemy?" Upa asked.

"Uh, nothing that dramatic. Last time, I came here with some coworkers. I haven't seen or heard from them for years now. Guess being here has them on my mind," Mai said, rubbing the back of her neck. Upa smiled widely.

"I'd never lose touch with you," he said. Bora gave a sigh.

"Be warned, Mai, Upa has become rather, interested in girls lately. I worry his judgement may be bit... compromised."

"Compromised? Nonsense, just a young man being a natural young man, more like," Master Roshi said, returning with a clack of his staff.

Mai and Yamcha exchanged an urgent look that wordlessly communicated a thought while Bora and Master Roshi exchanged greetings.

'We must protect that child from the Master's influence.'

"So, how have the Son siblings been?" Bora asked.

"Yes, I have been looking forward to seeing Goku and Lunch again," Upa said.

"We haven't seen them since they left Baba's Palace. In fact, Master Roshi was checking to see if they already registered," Mai said.

"They haven't, maybe they want to make a dramatic entrance?" Roshi wondered.

"This isn't a cartoon, Master Roshi," Puar commented.

"Hey, it's them! Master Roshi, guys!" a familiar voice called.

"Krillin!" Yamcha smiled, looking around for his fellow student. He spotted Chichi first, waving and smiling, wearing a Turtle gi. Yamcha was shocked for a moment; she looked to be as tall as him now, and um, bigger, he thought. Her hair was gathered up into a large bun on the back of her head, putting her forehead on display.

Krillin appeared alongside her as they got through the crowd, and he might have been, a little taller?

"Hey guys, glad you could make it. Say, this is that Bora guy you told us about, isn't it?" Krillin greeted them.

"Correct, I am Bora of the Land of Korin, of the Tingo Tribe, and this is my son Upa. It is an honor to meet more students of the venerable Turtle Sage," Bora greeted.

Chichi introduced herself as the Princess of Frypan, while Krillin had nothing more than his name to offer.

"Say, Chichi, where did you get that gi? Master Roshi mail it to your father's castle?" Yamcha asked.

"No, I made it, Krillin's too," Chichi said, puffing her chest out with pride.

"I didn't know you were a seamstress," Mai gasped, impressed.

"I trained with a tailor. Knowing Goku, he'll need lots of clothes mended, we certainly did."

Roshi frowned a bit.

"That is impressive, but you two don't need to wear the symbol of my school anymore. I can tell you have progressed beyond what I taught you. There's no reason you can't fight under your own symbol or just name now, rather than bearing my mon."

"Nah, we owe you a lot, Master, we're proud to honor you here by choice," Krillin said, and Chichi nodded. Roshi coughed into his fist and gathered himself, and Bora beamed at the words, while Upa was still focused on the recently puffed out chest.

"I made one for Goku too," Chichi said, whipping out another gi shirt. That stunned the others.

"Goku got big? When did you see him?" Yamcha asked.

"Oh, never! But I figured he'd be a bit taller than me by now, so I just pictured my ideal man and made a gi around him," Chichi blushed, lost in fantasy.

"You're Goku's intended?" Upa asked, a bit crestfallen. Chichi blushed, staring off.

"Yes, we have family history, as my father and his grandfather were brothers in arms. And now we're so much more grown up when we reunite, we can start making some actual plans for our future. Such as marriage after the next Budokai," she squeed.

"Yeah, she gets this way when Goku comes up," Krillin said to the others.

"What? Can't a pure maiden get excited about true love?" Chichi pouted, addressing Krillin.

"Well, it is Goku you're talking about..." Krillin chuckled.

"Oh, you're a boy Krillin, you just don't see him like I do," Chichi huffed.

"Well, hopefully we'll all be seeing him soon, the twins too, as there's not much time left to register," Roshi said, checking his watch.

Nearby:

Yurin ducked into the hiding spot and let out a huge breath.

"Safe! They didn't see me register," the Crane student reported to the others. Bulma grinned and held out a hand for the girl to high five.

Tien frowned, eyes going from his fellow students to his master, who stood with his back to them, hands behind his back.

"Master, why should we sneak around like bandits under the castle walls? You yourself have entered the tournament, we should be boldly declaring war on the Kame School and any who stand with them."

"Those two meddlers you encountered haven't arrived yet. Ours will be a dramatic entrance worthy of our greatness, and I refuse to stoop to repeat performances. Understood!?" Shen declared, clenching his fists.

"Yes, Master," Tien said.

'Even the greatest old men can still be a bit kooky. It's an easily forgivable vice,' Tien thought, as they hid behind the dumpster. A man wearing a hat and trench coat with glowing red eye stopped to look at the sight of the uniformed people in the hiding spot, and Tien sent him off with a glare. The man didn't flinch, he grinned as if they were beneath his notice.

'Note to self, break a few of that guy's limbs,' Tien thought stoically, ignoring the fact the monks of the temple apparently had a garlic dish recently.

X X X

"I'm winning, Lunch!" Goku declared as they raced down the sidewalk.

"Only because you can go under!" Lunch laughed back in mock anger. While she had to jump over or weave past pedestrians and other obstacles, Goku's small size let him duck under and between a few.

'Good thing we're going so fast, I'm pretty sure we've caused some collateral damage,' Lunch thought, sweating a little. It was not easy to get used to being around this many people again. They hadn't been in a city in years, or a big town even. The noise and smell were not pleasant to get reacquainted with, she found.

"There's the temple!" Goku cheered as the sidewalk cleared like curtains being raised. The gates, just like back then!

"Not so fast!" she said, pulling up neck and neck with Goku.

They heard someone call something, then ground to a halt just before the registration table, sending papers fluttering as the monks cried out in confusion.

"Tie!" Goku and Lunch cheered, raising their hands. Then the dust cloud caught up with them, making them cough.

"...Well, that entrance was, something," Roshi admitted nearby. The others grinned or chuckled, waiting for the arrivals to notice them, except for Chichi, whose smile was frozen on her face, clutching the homemade gi.

X X X

"There, you are registered," A monk said, stamping Goku's form.

"And there. Ironic, the reigning champion is the last to enter. We were wondering if you planned on defending your title," a mustachioed monk said, stamping Lunch's papers.

"Oh, it's Launch's title, not mine. She'd really be angry if she missed her chance at a rematch with Jackie Chun. Like, scary angry," Lunch said, dropping to stage whisper with the last sentence.

"Well, Mr. Chun has registered," one of the monks commented.

"Hurray!" The Son siblings cheered.

"...You have one hour until the preliminary hall opens. Please keep these paper passes with you for ease of entry," the monks said, giving them slips of paper as the last one took their photos for the record.

"Oh, hi everyone, when did you guys get here?" Goku asked, turning to see his friends waiting.

"We've been here since before you three blew in. Hope your fighting skills have gotten sharper than your observation skills," Krillin grinned as Goku ran up to bump a fist with him. Lunch followed after, Roshi and Upa taking in her tiger fur dress.

"What's with the Tarzan outfits, you two?" Yamcha asked.

"Forget that, why so late? It'd be a fine thing for you to train for three years only to miss the tournament by not being punctual," Roshi snapped, still staring at Lunch.

"Oh, we ran into a real big tiger that wanted to eat us. We didn't think he was that dumb, so he got the drop on us. Well, there went our last set of clothes, and Lunch said we were broke again, so we just had this guy make the fur into clothes, paying him with the rest," Goku said.

"...You ate a tiger?" Mai asked, stunned.

"You'd be surprised what a little foraged seasoning can do," Lunch nodded.

"And we took a while because we got a bit lost swimming," Goku said.

"Swimming? Didn't I teach you last minute training is of little value?" Roshi asked.

"It wasn't for training, we had to get to the island, after all," Lunch pointed out.

"...You swam to the island?" Chichi asked.

"Yeah, we'd swum in the ocean before, but this time we got a bit lost and missed the island, but some fishermen gave us good directions," Goku recalled.

"I tossed them a real big fish as a present," Lunch said, holding her hands apart to indicate how big the fish was.

"...Why didn't you take a plane or boat to this island?"

"Master, you told us not to use those things."

"Or our Nimbuses."

Everyone but Bora and Upa face-faulted at that.

"I suppose I did... uh, let's get refreshments? A little cool drink to calm the nerves before the tournament. Ox King should have saved us a table nearby," Roshi said.

"And Lunch, I made you a gi, please wear it instead of that. Goku, I'll take this in," Chichi sighed, looking from the smiling little boy to the large gi she was holding.

"Wait, are you Chichi!?" Goku shouted, pointing at her.

"No way!" Lunch said, also pointing.

"It's called puberty! Don't act like I grew a second head!" Chichi yelled back, red-faced.

X X X

Soon they were seated at a sidewalk table of a nearby cafe, trading some chitchat of their trips over drinks while Chichi's needle and scissors flew. After taking Goku's new measurements, and Lunch's making a few adjustments, she had been shredding and reworking her expectations in the form of cloth.

"Is Chichi okay?" Lunch asked Krillin, holding her teacup up to cover her mouth while she whispered.

"Uh, she just gets really intense when focused. You should see her hammering nails. She uses her fingers."

"How else was she supposed to use the hammer? Well, Goku sometimes uses his tail," Lunch conceded.

"No, she uses her fingers- What, when did he-?"

"Hush!" Roshi said, putting his teacup down hard enough to splash a single drop on the tabletop.

"Master?" Ox King asked. He was dressed more formally than last time, having opted for a white suit with a Kame School tie of orange with the crest on it. And of course, a horned helmet.

"I feel a presence, a presence I have not felt since..." Roshi muttered, slowly glancing around his students, clearly going on guard and Puar ducking under the table at Yamcha's signal.

"Where are you looking, you senile old turtle?" a voice called. They looked up, squinting, into the sun as something moved toward them from it.

"Where would a crane be found if not above you?" an old man clad in green and gold grinned, coming into sight.

The old man came into clear view, with a long face with sunken cheeks, a thin, pointed nose, a widely-parted cat mustache, eyes hidden behind shades and blue-gray hair swept upwards to resemble a bird's wings. He wore a green changpao coat with yellow sleeves and red lining, and a black skullcap with a model of a crane's head outstretched atop it.

The three-eyed man and pale boy accompanying him wore similar uniforms, save for their caps being topped by red puffballs. A girl with dark hair styled like a bow behind her head, who looked to be around twelve or so, was with them but wore a different style of clothing; namely, it was a knee-length dress of green with a stylized image of a crane in flight in red across the stomach, and the Crane School crest higher up on the chest but much smaller. It exposed the arms to the elbows, and beneath the skirt she was wearing black close-fitting pants.

And they were all flying, or rather descending down, seemingly on their own power.

"Wow, neat. Wait a second, you seem familiar," Goku said, frowning in thought.

"Forgot us already, boy?" the three-eyed man asked, setting foot on the ground after the old man, "I can safely say few have ever forgotten this face. And fewer still my fists."

"Now I remember! You're those bad guys from the mountains. You said you were going to come to the tournament," Goku said. Lunch gasped in recognition, recalling the story recounted to her.

"That symbol," Yamcha said, eyes narrowed.

"That bird..." Bora said, looking at the crane cap.

"The Tsuruu Senin! Master Shen, archrival of the Kame School and trainer of assassins, ninja, and other fighters without honor or humanity," Ox King growled, leaning forward. Shen grinned at him.

"Why, thank you for the introduction. Must feel nice for a has-been like you to be useful. Or perhaps that's too much; considering how deep in Son Gohan's shadow you are, you're more of a 'never was'," Shen said, his three students laughing at the barb.

The table cracked as a calloused hand smacked it. It wasn't the Ox King.

Teeth bared, Chichi stood up.

"Hey now, no one insults my dad in front of me like that and just laughs it off. He's a great man who has turned his life around to become a good king. Elder or not, you should show him respect."

"I'd sooner eat dirt. Though to an uneducated hick like you, I suppose that's 'dang good eatin'," Shen mocked.

Roshi raised his walking stick to stop Chichi from taking a step forward.

"Don't. Shen has no respect for anyone or anything. Let him get a rise out of you, and he'll exploit it. He may not have written the book on fighting dirty, but he certainly added more than his share of footnotes. Even so, glad to see you're still alive Shen. It's been a long time," Roshi said, getting up from his chair.

"Not long enough. I would be quite pleased to wait until you crawled into a shallow grave so I could dance on it, but I could not stand seeing your school win undeserved accolades. Even the praise of fools is too good for the likes of you, Roshi."

"So that's it? You just showed up out of petty jealousy?" Yamcha asked.

"Jealous!? Of this withered virgin squatting on speck islands?"

"Hey, I own that island. I mean... um... You're bald under that cap!" Roshi accused.

"And you're so bald there isn't a hat to make it look good," Shen sneered.

"Bah, you bring out the worst in me, you old coward. So, three students of yours against all of mine? Are the young people wising up to not buy your poisonous excuse for training?"

"I actually have brought four students. And as strong as these pupils are, it is this one that will plunge you and your followers into despair," Shen chuckled.

Tien sighed. Taking a few steps back, Chiaotzu following as Yurin took center stage in front of a table, which unlike the other tables in the cafe some noticed, had a white tablecloth draped over it.

"Ginkoms on esael!" Yurin declared, crossing her arms and her fingers before her.

The wind blew as the Turtle School and friends looked on.

"...Ginkoms on esael!" Yurin repeated, striking the pose again. After a cricket chirped nearby, she stomped her foot twice and seat dropped, still holding a serious expression.

"Esealp," Shen muttered.

"Master?" Tien asked next to the old man.

"It's esaelp! You idiot! Say the spell right!" Shen shook his fist.

"Oh! Ginkoms on esaelp!" Yurin said. With a loud snapping sound, grey smoke started to billow from the palms of Yurin's hands, and with a high-pitched cackle, she spun, creating a smoke screen.

Yurin leapt from the gathering smoke and, kneeling, snapped her fingers in sync, making two pillars of light ignite to either side, before rolling aside on the sidewalk. Then rose, petals rising at a gesture from Chiaotzu from a basket he was holding, and started blowing around the smoke while Tien pressed a hand to his face, all three eyes closed.

"Impressive, but why?" Bora asked.

"Shut up and appreciate the dramatic tension, savage!" Shen snapped.

"I'll say this, Shen always prioritized style over substance, but his flash can be quite visually stunning," Roshi admitted grudgingly.

Then laughter emerged from the smoke and rose petals. Growing louder as a silhouette took shape. Then the silhouette hunched a bit, coughing.

"Power through it! Easy access to oxygen is for wimps!" Shen commanded. The figure seemed to take the words to heart and struck a pose, with hands on her hips, spiky hair now visible.

"I think you all forgot someone," the figure called. Yamcha started, standing up halfway from his chair. Goku tilted his head, then smiled. The figure assumed a stance and threw a palm strike, which blew the smoke and petals away.

Revealing a woman with spiky blue hair, red lipstick, blue eyes, and an adult version of Yurin's uniform that showed off her left shoulder and collarbone.

"Bulma's back!" she declared.

"Bulma!?" Roshi sputtered, glasses sliding down his nose.

"B-Bulma?!" Yamcha stammered.

"Bulma?!" the others were surprised. Save Bora, who was just a tad confused, while Upa was staring at the exposed collar bone.

"Bulma!" Goku cheered, running forward to leap into a hug with his friend, who caught him as Shen cackled, eyes locked on Roshi.

"Indeed, Roshi, I have corrupted a close friend of your students into being a follower of the Crane way," Shen declared.

"You bastard! Don't you ever tire of leading young ones astray?" Roshi demanded, getting in Shen's face.

"No. No, it never gets old," Shen grinned.

"Bulma, have you gotten strong?" Goku asked as Bulma put him down.

"Ha, did you think I'd just twiddle my thumbs all this time?" she asked.

"Maybe? You can be pretty lazy," Goku said.

"...Well, it's lucky you're an adorable monkey boy," Bulma huffed, but smiled.

"You're with these guys?" Lunch asked, concerned.

"Bulma, are you evil now?" Yamcha asked, as Shen laughed maniacally in the background while Roshi cursed his corrupting self. Bulma tapped her chin.

"Hmm, I'd say I'm less evil than when I was dating Yamcha, but about as evil as when I shot Goku in the face," she decided.

"Yeah, Bulma's never really been a good guy, just ask Nimbus," Goku laughed.

"Ha! Well, your Nimbus can chew on this, Goku!" Bulma said, putting her hands together. Kicking up a small wind around her feet, she lifted off the ground to hover in the air above the height of the tabletops.

"I can fly now! Ha! No moralizing clouds needed," Bulma laughed, while Goku watched in awe.

"I wonder if that technique requires being evil?" Krillin wondered, side-whispering to Goku.

"I heard that, cueball! Not impressed? Well, watch this!" Bulma said, launching herself backward and laughing in triumph as she turned to soar through the air, then squawk in alarm as she crashed through the window wall of a nearby office building.

"So, she's a villain now, that's a thing?" Mai asked.

"The impression I get is that Bulma's basically a supervillain, but she's friends with the heroes and already rich, so she doesn't ever actually do anything evil," Krillin assessed. Mai nodded to this.

"Yeah, she's always been evil," Puar nodded as well.

"I told you, just call that number and bill my father!" Bulma yelled, flying back out the window she'd crashed through.

"Don't be too impressed, that girl is far from the best the Crane School has to offer," Tien said, entering the conversation while the old men kept insulting each other in the background.

"So, I'm guessing you're the top student?" Yamcha asked.

"Well, you're smarter than you look, pretty boy," Tien grinned.

"So, are you evil then?" Mai asked, scratching her head.

"Yes," Tien said flatly, giving her a sinister grin. Mai flinched, taking a step back, while Chichi next to her frowned and pounded her fist into her palm.

"So, Bulma, can you do that beam thing?" Goku asked.

"Oh, no, no, no, Son Goku. That's all the sneak preview you get. You'll have to wait for the tournament for the feature presentation," Bulma snickered, wagging a finger at Goku.

"Say, it's getting about time for the tournament," Krillin noted, checking his watch.

"...Birdbrain!" Roshi yelled.

"...Half-shell loser!" Shen yelled back.

"Goku, everyone, I'm afraid you've all gotten caught up in my old business. You'll have to face the dark side of martial arts, it seems," Roshi said, adjusting is shades with one finger.

"Step up, you lot! Time to show these turtles how useless their shells are against the beak and claws of the crane," Shen commanded.

Both old masters turned from their personal shouting match to see everyone but Puar and Ox King were gone. Ox King awkwardly drank the last of his martini, making a sucking sound.

"Where'd everyone go?!" the old men asked in sync, before glaring at each other.

"They noticed the time and went to the preliminary hall," Ox King said, pointing to a nearby clocktower.

"...We'll finish this another time, then," Shen said, turning and walking off, menacingly.

"Wait, you're entering?" Roshi asked.

"Of course; unlike you, I have no empty claim of humility to bar me from thrashing the younger generations. While I love the idea of my students dominating yours, breaking them personally has a nice feel to it," the evil old man said, walking off.

"...Gyu Mao, I need to go to the bathroom. Don't wait up," Roshi said, before dashing off.

"He's going to go peep on someone again," Puar sighed.

"We don't know that for sure. Seniors can have serious bowel issues. He may also want to spy on the preliminary rounds," Ox King defended his master, while holding up a finger for another drink as the waitress went by.

Chapter Text

Last time:

The Budokai is at hand. Master Roshi and his current students arrived to the temple for the Great Tournament, reflecting on the past and looking to the future. But there was little time for deep thoughts, as friends arrived one after the other! Bora, who had fought alongside students of the Kame School against both the Red Ribbon and the Champions of Baba showed up with his son Upa. Then Ox King arrived, and with him came Krillin and Chichi, eager to put their three years of training and adventure to the test.

And cutting things close, the Son siblings raced in at the last moment to register. All was happy...
Until the dreaded Crane Hernit revealed himself! Irked by the well-deserved laurels gained by the Turtle School last time, Master Roshi's friend-turned-evil rival has come with a cadre of his students to bring the dark side of martial arts front and center this time. And horror of unspeakable horrors, folks, none other than Bulma has joined him!
What perils and heart-pounding action await our heroes now as the preliminary rounds begin?!

Find out now! On Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter Two

A Taste of Power

The Fruits of Three Years

"...And so Yurin here became my minion," Bulma finished, pointing down at the bow-haired girl walking next to her as they entered the hall.

"So, wait, it actually says minion on the contract?" Krillin asked, eyes narrowed.

"That can happen. I would think," Mai said, before glancing away.

"And we had a fight, of course," Yamcha said.

"Well, I couldn't possibly comment," Mai said.

"And we were rivals in training. Goku, have you ever befriended anyone that wasn't antagonistic toward you first?" Krillin lamented.

"Me! I liked him from the start," Chichi stated.

"It's just... what does antagonistic mean?" Goku asked Krillin. Everyone in the little group face-faulted. Nearby, Tien and Chiaotzu watched as the group gathered themselves and Bulma berated Goku on his stubborn ignorance.

"Tien, this isn't really going like Master said," the pale boy commented.

"No, it's not. Apparently, that boy is so thick it almost crosses over into zen levels of emotional stability. And it might be catching. No matter, we'll break their spirits the old-fashioned way, alongside bones," Tien grinned.

"Sounds good. You're better at putting the fear of the Crane into anyone than some plot," Chiaotzu smiled."Right. But from here on, don't count Bulma as our ally, regardless of what it says on paper. Even if she seriously fights to win against the Turtle School, I don't see her being as ruthless as Master wants."

"What about Yurin?"

"What about that brat?"

"Okay, so just you, me and Master against the Turtle students and whoever else comes along."

"That's right, my friend. And don't underestimate the rest. I heard Jackie Chun is here, and he's proof that unknowns can pop up to be contenders. We owe it to Master Shen to not just squeak by but dominate and bring indisputable glory to our school," Tien declared, clenching his raised fist and all three eyes.

Conversation died down as the stage was occupied by a mustachioed monk, who both welcomed them and declared the tournament had attracted record number of entrants. The new rules were also outlined. As the tournament proper would begin tomorrow, the preliminaries matches would no longer have a one-minute time limit. However, in addition to the typical rules of elimination, the monks watching could still declare a match over and decide it on a points system if they felt the combatants were needlessly endangering lives. This would not carry over to the main tournament.

Sixteen rather than eight slots were available this time, and it was expected the whole first day would be occupied by the first round. The second and third rounds would take one or two days depending on length of the matches and weather. And the championship, to avoid controversy, would be the sole event of the final day, taking place at noon.

And so, they were free to mingle as the monks set up the tables for a raffle to determine the brackets.

"Son Goku! I will never forget that shade of orange, it is good to see you," Nam said, emerging from the crowd to greet the Turtle School students.

"Nam, how's it been?" Goku waved, smiling to see his opponent from the last tournament.

"Well. The drought has ended, and while the land requires much work to thrive on, my people thrive even as we make ready for any hard times that lie ahead. That Giran fellow has dropped by a number of times; the children are quite fond of him. But he decided not to come this year; apparently, he's got a role in something called an insurance commercial. But he wanted to give you all good wishes and tell Miss Lunch his offer still stands."

"Oh, that's sweet, that show business thing?" Lunch blushed, waving the thought off.

"Showbiz? Wait, that wrestling thing?" Bulma wondered, trying to put together what had happened with the tiny kaiju back then.

"Son Goku, Miss Lunch, grand to see you again," Master Chin called, stepping up with Princess Misa and other children and teens in the Chin Star school uniform.

"Hey, Master Chin! You feeling better this time?" Goku asked, shaking the middle-aged master's hand. Chin smiled.

"I am. I don't know that I measure up to my past self, but I hope if we meet in the tournament, I can at least give you a good fight this time," Chin said"Hey, don't go acting like I'm gonna win before we even fight," Goku frowned a bit.

Princess Misa didn't stand still for the intro, her introduction to Chichi once more was put on hold as she found herself facing the warrior woman's backside.

'She's even better from behind,' Misa thought but didn't say. But Upa spoke up next to her.

"Yes, and she's pretty great up front." Misa turned her head, glaring at him.

"Hey, don't stare, that's very rude."

"You were doing it."

"I'm an innocent maiden, it doesn't count. Besides, she's a princess, you probably can't even write your own name," the children glowered, getting in each other's faces. Chin and Bora poked both of their heads with one finger extended. Bora looked down to meet Chin's eyes.

"You also have this problem?"

"Thankfully, she only seems overly interested in the Frypan princess. It's a crush, it will pass," Chin said.

"And this is only a rough phase for him," Bora declared.

The "I hope" was left unsaid, but already the two warriors were bonding in a manner neither expected at an event like this.

Chichi didn't notice anything, but Krillin did, and grumbled about dang kids.

"Master Chin, the defending champion and Jackie Chun, my, this tournament really is living up to its reputation," Tenron said, stepping up.

"Tenron, it's been a while," Chin said, extending his hand, Tenron took the arm in a clasp, the two men giving a shake. Tenron ignored Goku and company to look over the Chin Star students with a critical eye.

"It seems highly unlikely any of them will make it past this day," Tenron declared bluntly. That made some of them bristle, while others wilted.

"True. But we both know defeat can be a great teacher under the right circumstances," Chin remarked.

"Is Shoken here?" Tenron asked.

"Yes, in the audience with Ino and some others. He's doing quite well in his studies; we had a significant talk sometime back," Chin admitted. Now Tenron smiled.

"That's good."

"What of your brother? He left town only a few months after you did. He failed as master of the Panther Fang School so badly his own students drove him out," Chin asked.

"...I had heard that. But I have no idea where he is or what's become of him," Tenron admitted.

"Such drama," Lunch sighed. Giggling attracted her attention to Bulma, practically flinching at the bluenette practically glowing with glee.

"Drama's right. Jot all this down Yurin, we might get some juicy gossip and tales to catch up on," Bulma ordered as Yurin flipped another page in her notepad, writing away briskly with a pencil.

"Regrets?" Mai asked Yamcha behind Bulma and Yurin.

"No, not really," Yamcha told her.

"Son Goku," a cold voice cut through the scene, as the people who knew Goku but not each other started to greet.

He was a well-built man in a trench coat with a wide-brimmed fedora pressed down on his head, with orange-red hair spreading out, reminiscent of a bird's wings. And behind his shades they could all see a red eye glowing.

"Glad you made the tournament. Enjoy it. For you and your friends, it will be the last," he promised, then walked off."...Does that sort of thing happen to you often?" Tenron asked, seeing Goku didn't look very worrie"Nah, usually I start the fight these days. But he seems strong," Goku said. The festive mood soured, they dispersed to the lines to get their raffles. Tien watched next to Master Shen.

"Well, looks like we have some competition for the Kame School, Master," Tien remarked.

"Hardly surprising, moral busybodies collect enemies like a stray dog collects fleas. It's just the way things are. Chiaotzu, set it up so neither he nor any of us have to face them before the real tournament. I want Roshi to feel the shame of his students and allies broken before the world, not this prep event," Shen ordered.

"That will be a bit tricky, but I can do it. Any requests on other fighters?" Chiaotzu asked, raising his fingers as they moved toward the lines. Shen spotted an afro that jogged his memory, only for it be confirmed seeing the face.

"Yesss. I want to test something..." Shen smirked.

X X X

"Howdy!" Jackie Chun said sternly.

"Jackie, you made it!" Goku cheered. Rushing over to the man from getting his number, the two bumped fists cordially.

"Of course. I said I would show up, didn't I? But my goodness, I'm feeling my age; it's a whole new tournament, and so many. Good thing I've been pushing myself, or I'd probably not stand a chance," Jackie remarked, looking around the room.

"Great to see you, Mr. Chun," Lunch said, joining Goku.

"Ah, a pretty lady being happy to see me, now that makes me feel young," he smiled, shaking her hand. She smiled back, eyes closed.

"Oh yes, Launch would be very upset if she didn't get a chance to beat you up fair and square," she said with a giggle.

"Er, right. Anyway, her victory seems to have opened the gates for the ladies to turn out," Jackie remarked. He pointed in particular to a woman with light brown skin and short very curly purple hair waiting in line. But looking around, they noticed other women they didn't know also around the hall. Even including what looked to be a towering woman sumo.

"Huh, guess I didn't notice how few women there were last time," Goku thought.

"Well, they're here now?" Lunch shrugged.

"Hey Jackie," Krillin said, joining them with Chichi.

"Ah, young Krillin, been training hard?" Jackie asked.

"You bet. I don't intend to get knocked out in the first round again. Not even by you," Krillin said, puffing himself up.

"As for me, I'm going to get into the main tournament this time. I've been working hard," Chichi declared, flexing her right arm to display a bicep before giving a blur of a jab with her left fist.

"Heh, you young 'uns are even more impressive this time. But it will be the arena that decides, as ever," Jackie said.

"Ah, the runner-up, it's an honor," Master Chin said, arriving with Tenron and his cadre.

"Oho! Tai Chin, back again, are you?" Jackie asked, a glint in his eye.

"You know me?"

"Certainly, you were runner-up yourself, and for a generation or more have stood at the top of a kingdom that prides itself on martial arts."

"You make it sound more impressive than it is," Chin said, bowing while Tenron rolled his eyes.

"If you're looking for contrition from me, don't hold your breath. I have pushed myself and returned to basics for the goal of taking the title," Tenron said. Stern words, but there was a ghost of a smile as he said it, and while Chin sighed, everyone else seemed pleased enough.

"That's right, we came here to do our best. I want to fight you again, I can see you've gotten stronger," Goku said.

"Nice line, Goku. So, are any of us fighting in the same block?" Bulma asked, waving her ticket as the rest of the impromptu group joined them. Checking the board, they were surprised only Upa and Misa were set to fight in the same blocks as someone else.

"Must be fate. Most of us will fight in the main event or not at all," Yamcha remarked.

"Must be," Jackie muttered, finding Shen in the crowd, looking satisfied.

"I wouldn't have minded a rematch with you," Chichi said to Nam.

"You may have won last time, without the time limit," Nam said, over the shock that the pretty teen was the little girl who had given him such a fight last time.

"Looks like I'm up first," Krillin said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Well, guess you get to set the tone for the tournament. No pressure," Tenron said.

'I just met this guy and I already don't like him,' Krillin thought, waving off the words from his friends as he made his way to the arena. Then he saw his opponent waiting for him in the ring.

"Well, where is my opponent?" the waiting fighter demanded calmly.

He was a tall man with dark skin and an afro that paired well with a close-trimmed goatee. He wore a knee-length robe of orange that bared his right shoulder and had a black belt tied at his waist. The outfit showed off a trim athletic build. Krillin could tell that despite not being nearly as big as many other contestants, if those men had boulders for muscles, this man had steel wires and springs. Power without any bulk to hinder movement or slow down.

"You're, King Chappa," Krillin said, stopping at the ring's edge. The man's dark eyes met his, and he gave a small yet threatening grin.

"I am. I take it you are my opponent, boy?" the former champion asked.

"Oh my, King Chappa! Krillin and I read about him and some others like Master Chin during times Krillin stayed in Frypan. It was studying and training," Chichi said.

"Is he famous?/Is he strong?" Lunch and Goku asked her. Chichi looked a bit annoyed at the synced questions, but Yamcha was the one to answer.

"The man is a living legend. Not in the league of Master Roshi, but still regarded by many as nearly godlike. His Hasshuken is supposedly unbeatable, striking so quickly it makes him seem to have eight arms, and the impact force of each blow can crack stone for good measure. And he is not just offense, either, his speed and agility are such that when he won the title Strongest under the Heavens eight years ago, no one was even able to land a single blow on him the whole tournament. That, along with taking a triple crown of the other two major tournaments, earned him the moniker 'king' as a king of martial arts."

"Wow! Why didn't he compete last time?" Goku asked. Jackie hummed to that.

"Most champions don't defend their title these days. Aside from five years being a fairly long time for most, why bother, many would ask, to climb the mountain again? Give someone else the chance and move on to new goals. Launch mainly wants another shot because she didn't feel her title was earned. As for King Chappa, I heard he was leading a large school in the south these days. Maybe he just wanted to test himself against the new generation?" Jackie pondered.

"Do you think Krillin there has a chance?" Bora asked.

"Looks to me like King Chappa hasn't lost any edge in nearly a decade, I don't like the boy's chances," Tenron remarked.

"This will be a good fight. Go get him, Krillin!" Goku cheered.

Gulping, Krillin got into the ring.

"Be careful, Krillin!" Mai called from the ringside. King Chappa glanced to her.

"Don't worry, young lady, I will not kill your friend. But if he has entered this ring unprepared, I can't promise he won't be broken," Chappa said, before turning to face Krillin and bowing with his hands in the proper seal. Krillin returned the gesture, a bit pale.

"I appreciate that," Krillin said.

"Krillin, so you're not the Son Goku who gave Jackie Chun such a hard fight he lost the title to a woman who got lucky," Chappa remarked, assuming a stance after the referee called the match to begin.

"No, but I did make it to the main tournament," Krillin defended.

"Such a shame to finish lower than your first effort. But do not despair, defeat is also part of training," Chappa said.

"Are you two going to talk all day? Fight already, or do I need to get in there and break up your tea party!?" Bulma yelled, hands around her mouth. Except for Yurin and Goku, the others scooted a bit away from the heckling blunette.

"...I see standards of manners have also declined since my day. Alright then, in the interest of fair play, you get the first move free, boy. I will only evade or defend. Try anything you like," Chappa invited.

"Really?" Krillin said. If anything, that made him paler. He wondered how amazing King Chappa must really be to be so confident.

Krillin made his move silently, unable to conjure the spirit for a war cry. His eyes widened as his fist connected with King Chappa's cheek.

The master staggered, and Krilln retreated in surprise to his starting position.

"Fast!" a sumo in the audience commented.

"He landed a blow on the king?" a kickboxer gasped.

"Don't be silly, you heard King Chappa, he's only going easy on the boy because the gap is so absurd," a woman dressed like a ninja snapped.

"They never learn," Jackie Chun grumbled, rolling his eyes.

'Still, Krillin's speed has improved remarkably. Three years ago, I'd have been hard pressed to block that if I'd been caught flatfooted like Chappa. But this is not over.'

Indeed, King Chappa wiped his cheek with the back of his fist and glared at Krillin.

"Well now, I believe you and those others may have trained with the Kame Semin after all. Prepare yourself, student of the Kame," Chappa stated, charging. His kick lashed out, and Krillin ducked under it. Springing from that spot, he tried to strike Chappa as he was recovering from that missed blow, but the man evaded it. And countered with a jab into Krillin's side.

Krillin cried out with pain and rolled to his feet, only to be driven back by a flurry of kicks and jabs. Practically feeling the edge of the arena, Krillin skid under a jab and between Chappa's legs, coming up behind him. If he hoped to strike from behind, it was futile, as he got to his feet to find Chappa facing him with a half-smile.

"A decent move, only someone as small as you could do it. Don't think it will work twice," Chappa declared, wagging a finger at Krillin.

'This is unfair! Why do I have to get a champion in the preliminaries, and the first round? Three years of training only to look like a chump in front of Chichi, Goku, Lunch, and all the rest!'

"Quit messing around, Krillin! He's had his day, take yours!" Chichi yelled.

"Chichi?" Krillin questioned, seeing her at the ringside with Mai and the others.

"He's only hit you once, and that didn't do anything. So, stop running and fight!" Chichi called.

"Heh, your girlfriend believes in you. But it's clear despite the uniform, she doesn't understand martial arts. Time for her and you to learn a lesson. Hasshuken!" King Chappa called, closing the distance between them. His arms flew so quick it was like he had grown six more. The legendary technique, part of the legend.

"Beautiful," Master Chin said, nodding.

"Dizzy," Misa said next to him, her eyes swirling trying to follow it.

"HA!" Chappa said, striking out with a jab.

Krillin observed it and focused. The jabs weren't actually coming all at once, he could see. Very fast, but not really simultaneous. He dodged the first, the second, the third... it was only with the seventh he fumbled and realized he couldn't dodge the eighth.

The blow smacked hard, and Krillin flinched. Chappa grinned, then frowned. The blow meant for Krillin's noseless face caught on the teen's palm, pressed back, nearly touching his face but caught nonetheless.

"Impressive, boy. But how many bones just broke?" Chappa demanded.

"None!" Krillin shouted, grabbing the hand and pulling Chappa forward, off balance. The man grit his teeth, but couldn't catch himself before Krillin landed a kick on his open stomach, knocking the air out of him and, bending, was left open to an uppercut as Krillin leapt off the floor.

Plenty of spectators flinched at the sound of the blow.

"Gah!" Chappa stumbled back, trying to blink the lights from his eyes. Shaking his head, he assumed a stance and his vision cleared to see Krillin's foot just before it slammed into his face.

POW

King Chappa fell to the arena floor. Twitching eyes rolled up in his head. To stunned silence, the referee counted down and announced Krillin's victory, KO.

"Woohoo! Way to go, Krillin!" Chichi cheered.

"Told you guys he was good," Goku smiled.

"Chappa made a fatal error, assuming he could stop and talk instead of pulling his hand back, but even then, I think Krillin would have won the battle of endurance," Jackie stated.

"The Muten Roshi's students really are something else," Chin admitted.

"I am not intimidated," Tenron declared.

"I don't think you saw all that young man is capable of yet," Bora commented.

"Father, let's go watch that woman fight," Upa said, pointing to the afro woman climbing into one of the other arenas.

And so it went, the many hopefuls were whittled down, sometimes drawn-out battles, other times by quick knockouts.

X X X

"I admit, I have little experience facing the art of sumo," Yamcha said, facing the sumo woman. She had sky blue eyes, a healthy tan, and hair that was blonde enough to almost be white pulled into a bun held together by gold hairpins and wore only a shirt that was little more than a plus size sports bra and the sumo shorts whose name he could never remember.

"What, nothing to say about facing a woman? Seems I came to the wrong place and ended up at the jackass convention," She sneered.

"I lost to the champion Launch last time. Man, woman, whatever, I came here to prove my training has been worthwhile," he said with a small smile, assuming his stance.

"Heh, well, a gentleman at last. But don't think I won't still crush you; I have plenty to prove too, you know," she answered.

"Fight!" the referee commanded.

Yamcha struck first, landing three mighty blows across her chest and face. She hardly budged. Rubbing a chubby cheek, she grinned.

"I've been taking hits and keeping on going my whole life, pretty boy. You'll have to do better than that!" she declared. Yamcha dodged her palm thrust, which made the hair of the spectators behind him ruffle in the wind. Yamcha twisted around the blow and grabbed her arm.

"Huuh!?" she said as Yamcha assumed a grappling position and she was flung up into the air and hit the arena floor hard. Gasping, she struggled to get up as Yamcha launched another attack.

"Wolf Fang Fist!" he yelled. His signature flurry of a combo landed on the downed woman; he couldn't tell if she was hurt by the blows, but they did move her. With a grunt, she rolled out of the arena.

"Ring out! Winner, Yamcha!"

"Dang it! Good win, but you haven't seen the last of me, pretty boy! Name's Ino, and I will be champion of this tournament!" she huffed, before storming off, red in the face.

X X X

"That's Panput, he won the other two major martial arts tournaments and has been dominating the martial arts movie scene. He's clearly trying to follow King Chappa's footsteps and take the triple crown with victory here," Roshi said of the lithe afro-wearing man with his arms wrapped in tape bouncing around the arena in warmup.

Misa climbed in to face him, and his expression fell.

"Ref, you can't be serious. A little girl? Don't we have a women's division already? Or a junior division, for that matter?" the martial artist turned star asked. Misa scowled.

"I was going to ask for an autograph since I saw all your movies, but now..."

"I assure you sir, as her teacher, I would not have brought her here if I didn't think she was fit to take part," Master Chin said, stepping up to the ringside. Panput frowned, scratching at his scalp.

"You do realize how bad it could look for me? Beating up a kid, especially a girl, is so against my cool image," he complained. The refereeing monk looked to him and spoke.

"She is your lawful opponent. You can refuse to fight her, but that would be a forfeit."

"Fine then. The only thing worse than having to fight a little girl would be losing to one. Just remember I am doing this under protest," Panput said.

Three Minutes Later:

"Owie!" Misa groaned as she was carried away on a stretcher.

"She'll be fine, just watch the matches," Tenron said to Chin without turning, as the master made to follow.

Panput wiped some sweat from his brow and gave a V for victory sign before getting out of the arena. Stepping up to Chin, he pulled something out of his shorts, along with a pen. With a quick scribble, he then gave Chin an autographed photo of himself.

"For the little lady. She did say she was a fan. And if she's not anymore, she can sell this for cash money. Hmm, you have those middle-aged good looks down pretty good, old man. I need a wise kung-fu sensei to die thirty minutes in on my next film. Interested? The old masters get the best dialogue, and you'll get in at least one fight before you die. It would come with an invite to at least five big industry parties, best shrimp cocktail you'll ever have."

"No thank you. I have committed myself to teaching," Chin said.

"What about me!?" Jackie Chun asked.

"...What about you?" Panput asked, looking Jackie up and down with a frown, before walking off.

"Zollywood jerk," Jackie grumbled.

X X X

Mai craned her head up to stare into the face of her opponent. The giant loomed over her with red hair styled up like flames, and wore only boots and short-shorts.

"What's this, all I get is a little doll to play with?" the giant grumbled.

"I know this guy, he's called Anton. Anton the Great," Yamcha said, frowning.

"What's so great about him?" Krillin asked.

"Noting, really, it's his old pro-wrestling name. But he's been banned from every respectable fighter organization or wrestling association for his brutality always ending up beyond what's allowed. Last I'd heard, he was either banned or some underground gladiator for the mob."

"Eugh! Put some clothes on, have you no decency?!" Mai demanded, getting a bit green in the face as the man's stout torso bounced with his laughter.

"Decency? I traded that years ago for a sandwich! But since I can't play with a little doll like you properly without losing out on that money, let's just wrap this up!" Anton guffawed. Raising a hand nearly as long as Mai was tall, Anton slammed it down like he was swatting a fly. His grin slipped and he looked to see Mai running up his arm.

"Why you!" He shook his arm out, but Mai leapt off, landing on his shoulder.

"Bit-!" Mai jabbed him between the eyes, just above the nose.

"Ugh?" Anton murmured, wobbling on his feet. Mai leapt clear as he fell backward, head hitting out of bounds.

"I did it?" she gasped, looking at the fallen giant.

"You sure did!" Yamcha said, waving from the ringside, the other Turtle students cheering her on and congratulating her. Like a room lighting up as a curtain was raised, Mai's stunned expression gave way to a wide smile and let herself giggle into a hand, walking over to join her friends.

X X X

'An opening! He's mine!' Upa thought. His punch didn't land home, though, as Nam somehow twirled around it and ended up behind him.

Nam landed a chopping blow on Upa's neck. Upa staggered but didn't fall, turning to face his opponent. Nam went low and swept his feet out from under the youth. Before Upa could get off his back, Nam had his opened hand on his throat.

"The match is over, I can now either choke you out, or you can forfeit."

"I concede," Upa sighed.

X X X

"You have bad luck facing me, mister," the wolfman wearing a gi and black belt snarled, pointing a clawed finger at the red-haired man with a hat and coat on.

"You might think I'm a mere wolfman, but I am a manwolf! That means I'm a man with the power nature gave a wolf, but have all the advantages of being a man! It's wild raw power combined with my black belt skills! You might think you're cool with how you dress, but this is a fight, not fashion-"

The red-eyed man's gloved fist connected with his snout. The manwolf went flying, and the challenger left the arena as he was declared the winner.

X X X

"Bad luck facing me, big man, this is the tournament where Fujimoto takes the gold!" A fighter wearing a crocodile skin gi yelled, unleashing a flurry of jabs and kicks across his foe's torso. Taking a breath after his combo, Fujimoto took a step back to look into Bora's impassive face.

"Nothing?" he asked.

"No," Bora said, and backhanded the martial artist out of the ring.

"Just not enough," Bora said, plainly as Upa cheered from the ringside.

X X X

"You cannot hide from my impenetrable hide!" the boar man wearing a leather jacket and shades said as he charged Chin. The middle-aged master took a centering breath and tossed the charging challenger out of the ring.

"An impenetrable defense is of little worth if you can easily be thrown out of bounds," Chin said, offering the confused fighter a hand up as he was declared the winner.

X X X

"That's the dumbest haircut I've ever seen. What a joke!" the mohawk-wearing biker with a bear tattoo on his cheek chortled, pointing at Tenron's dark purple bowl cut.

BAM. CRACK. CRUMBLE.

"Out of bounds, and the building," the referee declared, as Tenron took another victory.

X X X

"I give, I give, uncle!" Chichi's opponent said, holding his bleeding nose as he scooted away on the tile.

"Phooey, this hasn't been much of a tournament so far," Chichi said as the forfeit was verified. She joined Nam at the ringside, who was stretching a bit as the next match for that ring began.

"Actually, it's that you have gotten stronger. I'd say the average fighter in this tournament is as strong as ever," Nam said, getting into the ring. He faced an athletic woman with dark tan skin and short curly purple hair.

"Hey Nam, remember me?" she asked with a grin.

"...I can't say that I do," he apologized before bowing.

"Phoeey, I hate not leaving an impression," she complained, but still returned the gesture.

"Fight!" the referee commanded.

Nam blocked the punch aimed at his face, but his eyes widened at the speed and power behind it.

"This time you won't forget," she said with a fierce smile. Nam disengaged and jabbed her in the stomach; she took the blow but hardly moved, kicking out and striking him in the shin.

"Gah!" he grunted at the blow.

"Hey guys, who's Nam fighting?" Goku asked.

"Oh, is your fight over already?" Chichi asked, as Lunch and Goku joined her.

"Yeah, it was some guy calling himself Satan, he wasn't very strong though. He vowed to return and become champion, though," Goku said.

"Seems to be a lot of that going around this year," Lunch observed, while the girl in the arena pried her way out of Nam's hold and kicked him in the face.

"Yeah, it's been pretty boring this year. I wish they'd just let me fight strong guys like you all already," Goku pouted.

"Now Goku, it's like eating our veggies before getting the meat," Lunch chastised, but patted him on the head.

"Isn't it usually dessert that is used in that?" Chichi asked, raising an eyebrow while Nam took an uppercut that lifted him off his feet.

"I like meat better than sweet stuff," Goku said.

"Woohoo! I have gotten stronger!" the grapenette whooped as she was declared the winner and Nam groaned on the ring floor.

"Oh, she might be fun," Goku said, pointing to the bouncing girl.

"Goku, I thought about you every day while we were apart," Chichi said, as Nam was assisted from the ring.

"Great fight, Nam! Huh, oh, you did?" Goku asked. Lunch sweated a little, feeling the situation becoming awkward.

"What about you?" the princess asked.

"What about me?" Goku asked. Chichi sighed.

"Goku, did you think about me?" she pressed.

"Of course!" Goku said, surprised. Chichi smiled as the tension faded.

"And Krillin and Yamcha, and Bulma left, saying she was going to train, so I was excited to see if she really would. And Bora said he'd come to the tournament. And I wondered if Master Roshi used anything new training Mai and Yamcha..." Goku went on ticking off his various friends and acquaintances, even after running out of fingers.

Chichi left for her next match as the oblivious monkey boy went on.

"Oh dear," Lunch said.

"And we ate a lot of deer too," Goku recalled.

X X X

"So boy, you made it far last time, One-Two Sakamoto has pushed himself to the limits of his training in preparation for this day! You have no idea of the horrors I have endured, the part-time jobs I had to fulfill! All to bring myself to the peak of my potential!" the veteran fighter said to Goku.

"Neat, I haven't had a fun match yet," Goku grinned.

"Well, unless you're a masochist, this won't be fun," Sakamoto ground his teeth.

"Begin!"

Sakamoto charged and lashed out at Goku with a kick, which the boy jumped over. With a laugh of glee, Sakamoto punched the boy in the air before him, only for Goku to parry it and land on his feet. Goku bounced and landed a punch on Sakamoto's stomach that sent him staggering back.

"Whyyyyy?" Sakamoto demanded of nothing in particular, before tilting to the left and falling over.

"Darn, guess I'm not a maso whatever," Goku said.

X X X

"Alright then, the final match of the preliminary rounds," The referee announced.

Panput flipped three times in the air before landing on his feet in a crouch in the arena. If he was expecting cheers, he didn't get any.

"He's tougher than I'd expect for a movie star," Chichi remarked.

"He doesn't seem impressive to me," Krillin grumbled.

"Oh, he's impressive alright, by the standards of humanity, but this year it seems the tournament will exclusively host those who have broken through the barrier of humanity," Jackie Chun said.

"Jackie, you made it?" Goku asked.

"Yes, and so did you, to the surprise of none. But in the future, refrain from complaining about boring matches. A true martial artist doesn't cast shade on the earnest efforts of others," Chun said.

"You sound like Master Chin," Tenron said, joining them.

"A flattering comparison," Chin himself said, standing off to the side.

"Perhaps Upa will break that barrier if he focuses on more worthy goals, " Bora said; Upa was watching the purple-haired woman, who had cleared the way to the finals.

"Drat," Yurin said, head wrapped up from her fight with Chichi earlier.

"Don't worry about it, it was elegance being overcome by brute force. Even a sexy witch can get run over by a stampeding ox," Bulma assured the younger girl, patting her shoulder.

"'Ey now," Chichi protested.

"What, you are the Ox Princess, ain't ya?" Bulma said, imitating Chichi's accent badly.

"Well, let's get this over with, entertainer," Tien said, getting into the ring.

"What, jealous?" Panput asked.

"Does a tiger feel envy for the strutting peacock acting like it owns the jungle the tiger rules?" Tien asked.

"Tienshenhan, I've heard of you. Just a heel who stands out for dominating rough and grey market tournaments by crippling opponents. Trash," Panput declared haughtily, while the referee stood awkwardly.

"Trash, am I? Well, that will make this all the more embarrassing. Weakling," Tien smirked, rolling his shoulders.

"Weakling?! I am a double crowner! You're just a thug that'll be a footnote in my path to glory and a pallet cleanser from having to fight kids and earnest weaklings. Come on! Give it your best shot!"

"You wouldn't survive my best shot. But I'll give you a taste of true power," Tien said.

"Fight!" the ref declared.

Tien vanished from sight with a step forward.

"Huh? Magic tricks? How pathe- UGH!" Panput was knocked back off his feet, then forward. The audience mostly watched in puzzlement, while the rest watched with grins or growing concern. Panput soon fell to the ground, his face and torso a mess of forming bruises.

Tien snapped back into sight.

"Don't bother with the count, he won't be waking up today," Tien said. The monk checked Panput's vitals and nodded to the ref.

"We have our sixteen!" the ref declared.

"Hey, that wasn't necessary!" Goku yelled at Tien as he got out of the ring.

"Oh, have a problem?" Tien asked.

"Yeah, you could have beaten that guy with just one of those hits, you just wanted to hurt him after you'd won. That's real mean," Goku declared.

"He was a prancing fool. He should be grateful I didn't cripple him for life; at most, he'll be less pretty for my efforts. But with any luck, he'll have learned to stay out of the ring and stay on the movie sets where he belongs."

"You Crane guys really are jerks."

"Oh, picking up on the masters' feud, finally?"

"No, I wanna beat you guys because of what you do, not who your master is," Goku said.

"Huh, that almost sounds intelligent. Let's go, Chiaotzu, I'm not interested in any speeches. Have a good night, Turtles, tomorrow you will start to drop like flies," Shen said, walking off with Tien and Chiaotzu; Yurin tried to join the walk, only to get snagged by Bulma by the collar.

"I got lodgings reserved for everyone. Well, except the guys I didn't know were coming. Sorry, Mr. Bora," Bulma bowed slightly.

"It's fine, camping in the park suits me fine," Bora waved off.

"Cool. Alright girls, we're having a night on Bulma in the princess suite at the Grand Papaya!" Bulma declared.

"Will there be food?" Goku asked.

"You're not invited, squirt, your job is to make sure Roshi doesn't leave your guys room. There's a cow's worth of roast beef in it for ya if you pull it off," Bulma said, dropping her grandiose tone for a business-like one.

"Typical," Jackie muttered, slipping out the exit.

A few minutes later, a janitor monk with visible stealth backed out of the room with a mop bucket and an oddly plain face, monologuing to himself.

X X X

Despite the preliminaries being closed to the public, a crowd had still gathered outside the temple to wait for the postings. Printed posters placed on the temple main gate with the official tournament registry photos of the 16, along with the names given. As a monk pasted up each poster one by one, ripples went through the crowd, into the city and over the phone lines into the wider world of martial arts.

Panput failing to make the main tournament was the first big wave. The aspiring martial artist-turned-movie sensation had been considered by many a shoo-in for further greatness. Others dismissed him as having overreached, a neophyte that had left the path of power for the road of fame, and now paid the price when set against dedicated warriors.

King Chappa's fall and the rumor he had gone down early was less pronounced. Eight years was a long time and most, even his fans, sadly took it as sign the great fighter had simply passed his prime and been bested by a fighter in theirs.

The return of Jackie Chun and the reigning Strongest under the Heavens Launch, photographed in her cranky blonde glory, was to much anticipation. Fans of both hoped for a rematch to settle the controversy of the previous championship.

The wider Turtle School had its fans, and others cheered at the legendary Crane School making an appearance after being so long absent from the scene. The prospect of school rivalry drama playing out on this great stage excited and exasperated many.

And others, like this Bora and Mr. Vendetta, were unknowns, a present waiting to be unwrapped.

The fact it was a record number of women taking part in the main tournament was lost on few, though what if anything it meant was open to wide debate.

For the fighters, the first day was done, and what mattered was dinner followed by rest for the big day to come.

Chapter Text

Last time:

The battles three years in the making began at last with the preliminaries having drawn a record number of contestants. And this Budokai would be new a breed, with sixteen slots for the taking and the tournament extends over a course of days.

Some newcomers like Upa and Princess Misa would discover how far they had yet to go, to contend on this level of competition. But experience would not always be enough, with Nam being knocked out of the competition; and even legends like King Chappa not making the cut.

At last the Preliminaries reached their conclusion with sixteen warriors having earned the right to compete for the title Strongest under the Heavens. But before the tournament proper can kick off comes night; to rest, reflect, and prepare for the battles to come.

What shall occur between sunset and sunrise for these warriors?

Find out now, on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter Three

Revels and Plots

Bulma's Sleepover of Doom Part I

The halls and public spaces of the Grand Papaya Hotel were well-adorned with a classic flavor, but not overly done. An elegance that made it both appealing to the upper crust customers while still accessible to middle class tourists. A serene elegance, currently experiencing a disturbance before a somewhat fancy set of double doors.

"What do you mean I'm not on the list?" Roshi demanded, while standing outside the hotel's private dining room with the other men of the Turtle School.

"Just that," the uniformed server said, waving their clipboard casually, "For the duration of the tournament, there's a dinner plan for the guests on this list, and you're not on it, sir. Please leave or I'll have to call the bouncer."

"Roshi, you're invited to the post-tournament feast, be grateful," Bulma called through the open double doors.

"Bah, typical Crane School, raza frazin'..." Roshi steamed, stomping off and kicking a bit at the green and gold carpet.

"Does this mean we can eat now?" Goku asked Krillin, while Yamcha looked off awkwardly.

"Yes, but also we should try and not get on a rich friend's bad side," the former monk told him.

"Goku, get in here! Or I'll eat your share!" Bulma called.

"Oh no you don't!" Goku yelled, running in.

X X X

Atop an abandoned apartment building, a lean-to stood illuminated partially by the city lights and the waning moon above. A figure sat before it on a mat, lifting the lid off a pot with one hand and holding chop sticks at the ready with the other.

Tenron took a piece of tofu from the small pot on the hot plate, and tested it with his tongue. Nodding, he opened a pack of spices and sprinkled them into the broth.

He didn't blink as a plastic-wrapped sandwich was tossed next to him.

"If you were hoping for a reaction, I heard you arrive. The flying was a bit surprising, I'll grant," Tenron said, turning his head. Master Shen smiled, stepping forward.

"Trust me boy, if I really wanted to get the drop on you, I would have."

"...I believe you. What business does the legendary Crane Hermit have with me?"

"Guess," Shen smirked.

X X X

"I hope you don't feel bad about your loss," Bora said to Upa as he chewed on dried meat. They had set up a temporary shelter in the park, not all the comforts of home, but a respectable place for the duration of their stay.

Bora had been informed by a police officer that bonfires were not permitted in the park presently due to dryness. And apparently you needed a permit, and Bora was not sure how you got one. But a responsible adult was never without ready-to-eat rations.

"No, but I wish I could have looked more impressive for the girls," the young teen sighed.

"Well, there are worse motivations," Bora admitted.

"Father, you said that out loud."

"I intended to. Eat well and rest well Upa, there is still much you can learn from this journey" Bora stated.

X X X

"So, Tien, what do you think?" Chiaotzu asked. The two sat across from one another at a table in their suite, under a fancy crystal chandelier. Tien selected a bite with his chopsticks and chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

"The Kame School is our main target. But that Vendetta seems to be strong as well. Along with the barbarian," Tien mused.

"You think master will succeed in recruiting that Tenron?" Chiaotzu asked.

"Hard to say; Master Shen is very persuasive, but that Tenron ran his own school for a while. When a warrior goes without a master, it can be difficult to get him to see the benefits of letting his knees fall so he can rise better than he was before," Tien mused.

"You should have been the one to approach him. You're the living embodiment of the glory of our school, Tien," Chiaotzu said, pointing with his chopsticks.

"Don't be absurd, Chiaotzu; that can only describe Master Shen," Tien said, putting his bowl down harder than needed.

"Well said," Master Shen said, latching the window behind him.

"Master-" Tien said, getting to his feet.

"I will settle with that upstart from Ottpott tomorrow. Tien, you will beat down the wolf-turned-turtle. We will grant the rich girl's wish to face monkey boy. Chiaotzu, fight someone other than the Kame School to avoid suspicion. But not that Vendetta, I want to observe him further before we cross paths with him. Now, order me a meal of my own," Shen ordered, before crossing the room and leaving them again.

X X X

"Go fish!" Krillin grinned. Goku frowned and drew a card.

"Heh, good to see you're not a winner at everything you do, Goku," Yamcha said.

"Buck up lad, failing in some aspects of life lets us keep perspective and appreciate the things we are good at," Roshi said.

They were in a large hotel room. Not the suite Bulma had invited the girls to, but with futons laid out, quite enough for them and more luxury frankly than some of them were used to. Currently, they sat on the floor playing cards with drinks and bottles arrayed around them.

"It's not that... it's just..." Goku muttered.

"So, even you get tournament nerves, huh?" Krillin said, a bit surprised.

'I was starting to think he wasn't capable of being nervous about a fight,' Krillin thought.

'Goku might be odd and extraordinary, but he's still human. Well, I think?" Yamcha thought, eyes moving to the boy's tail.

'Blasted Bulma! She should show me more respect. I may not be her teacher. And may have only given her a Dragon Ball in a trade. And honestly haven't done much for her directly... Okay, maybe there isn't much reason personally to respect me, but as a venerable elder... no, wait, I kind of ditched the venerable elder image when we first met for a panty shot? Well, anyway, there must be some reason she should treat me as well as the others with her super rich daddy's money,' Roshi thought.

"It's just, saying fish so much is making me hungry again," Goku admitted.
Krillin and Yamcha fell back onto the floor.

"Huh, what's that? Is it my turn?" Roshi asked.

"I think breathing makes you hungry, Goku. You're the only one I know who can eat more than Chichi, and she's much bigger than you," Krillin groused.

"Yeah, never thought I'd see a girl eat like that. Mai may eat a lot from training, but she's still very neat. Chichi's sloppier than Launch," Yamcha chuckled. Krillin glared at him.

"Hey now, she's usually a lot neater. She's excited to have made the real tournament this time. Better watch out, Goku, she might be the one to beat this year," Krillin said to them.

"Heheh! I can't wait," Goku grinned in excitement.

X X X

'Don't panic Bulma, you have guests. Chichi, Mai, Lunch, maybe Launch later, and Yurin. You have a fully stocked suite. There is no reason to not have the best slumber party ever!' Bulma told herself, pacing her overly plush bedroom in the suite, having already changed into a personalized set of pajamas.

"So, board games to start?" Yurin asked, standing by the door in her own personalized pjs, holding up a copy of the Game of Death, showing cute little people flailing amidst fire as King Enma laughed, looming in the background.

"Too obvious, this needs to be memorable. I knew I should have hired a party planner," Bulma cursed.

"There are party planners for sleepovers?"

"For enough money, there are party planners for everything, kid," Bulma waved.

Meanwhile, in the Other Room:

"Wow Chichi, you really have grown up. Just look at the size," Lunch said.

"Oh, come on, it's not that impressive," Chichi waved off.

"Good heft too. Not that I'm an expert or anything," Lunch said.

"I'd think you and Launch would have some experience," Mai said, sipping her tea.

"Well, I can't be sure with her, but I've never been into it. But I can still appreciate something so nice. You're very lucky, Chichi. I mean, so smooth, almost silky to the touch."

"Well, it's not like I can take credit," Chichi said, blushing and rubbing the back of her neck.

"What about you, Mai?" Lunch asked. Mai spat a little out of her cup.

"W-what? Don't be silly, I'm not that kind of girl."

"She really isn't. I tried to get her to take a feel and she always wimps out," Chichi audibly whispered to Lunch, who giggled.

"Maybe she's worried she'll like it?"

"Okay, ladies-!" Bulma burst in, Yurin popping a cracker, sending confetti flying. The blunette stopped, taking in the scene of the three sitting on the floor in pajamas, with Lunch holding a white and gray war hammer.

"Hi Bulma, want to feel Chichi's hammer? It's very nice," Lunch said.

"Hey now, I decide who gets to hold my hammer," Chichi griped.

"Why do you have that?" Bulma asked, tilting her head, frowning a bit.

"What? Is there a reason I can't have nice things?" Chichi asked, taking the hammer back protectively.

"Well, they don't allow weapons in the tournament," Bulma pointed out, taking a seat in an open spot in their little circle as Yurin scurried off to do her bidding.

"It's not for the tournament, it's for fighting evil. I've been training hard with her," Chichi huffed, pointing at Bulma with the hammer. She held it with one hand steadily, but with this crowd that was not a stand out fact.

"What, you and Krillin moonlighting as superheroes?" Bulma laughed.

"More like adventurers. We even rescued a princess," Chichi said.

"Wait, that was true? I thought you were just trying to impress Goku," Bulma blinked.

"Hey, I'm an honest gal!" Chichi snapped, accent in full force.

"I wasn't there for the princess part, but I did help on the quest to get the hammer forged. It was very... strange," Mai recalled.

"Mai, we agreed never to talk about that," Chichi reminded the other Turtle student.

"Ohhh, I smell something spicy," Bulma grinned. Then Yurin returned, dumping the supplies into the center of the circle, burying the pile of empty chip bags.

"Ah! Yes, let's get this slumber party started. Step one, we braid each other's hair. Then nails, and then-"

The phone rang on the nearby fancy table, and Bulma felt a chill go up her spine. It couldn't be.

"I'll get it," Chichi said, swiftly reaching the communication device.

"Wait! Don't-" But it was too late. Chichi answered, nodded, and put it on speaker.

"Hi girls! It's Bulma's mom!" a perky voice crossed the lands and sea to intrude on her party.

"Hi, Bulma's Mom," Yurin and Mai said together. They glanced at each other, then shrugged.
"Oh, this is so exciting, my baby gets her first slumber party. And she didn't even have to buy guests. Mommy hasn't been this proud of you since you tased your first pervert," the woman's wiggling was audible, Bulma swore it.

"Aren't you excited about her getting into the tournament?" Chichi asked.

"Oh, she got in? Why didn't you call and tell us, Bulma? I knew we should have come; your father even made a giant holographic banner. It switches between waving your name and a highlight reel from the family album showing how far you've come. The potty training graduation one never fails to bring a smile to my eyes. Who knew children setting things on fire could be so adorable?"

"What?" Mai asked. Lunch blinked, Chichi tilted her head, and Yurin just nodded, unsurprised.

"Goodbye, mother! Dodon Ray Mini!" Bulma shouted and fired off a ki blast that struck the phone mounting, blowing it up and leaving Chichi holding the receiver, the cord dangling to the floor.

And part of the lights went out in the suite, likely something to do with the new hole in the wall.

"Okay, moving on, Chichi, may I see your hair?" Bulma asked, eyes practically aglow as her hands reached out.

"I call Lunch!" Mai said.

"I get you!" Yurin said.

"I'll just watch," Lunch said, sweatdropping, blue eyes closed to a smile.

"Time to unbun, missy," Bulma said, rising up behind Chichi eyes aglow. Bulma tugged at the hair band and frowned.

"Hey, did you glue this thing on? I can crush rocks in my grip," Bulma growled, fiddling with the tight band.

"Maybe I should get it, it's a little-"

BWOMPF

The band came clear and Bulma was knocked on her back as Chichi's hair burst forth.

"Wow," Lunch said in awe. Unleashed from its bun, not only was Chichi's hair still curling spikes, but it was a mane that reached down to her ankles, somehow making her forehead more prominent.

"Yeah, my hair is a bit hard to cut, so Krillin suggested I grow it out. I asked him to tell me when it was too long, and, well, guess he likes long hair. But I had straight hair when I met Goku, so I straightened it out for the tournament, and well, it took some extreme measures."

"Woman, you almost gave me a black eye with your hair! After Crane training! What conditioner do you use!?"

"...a bar of soap and cold water? I use store-brand conditioner when not training in the field. A princess should set a good example with frugal spending on beauty products," Chichi said self-consciously, her tail wrapping around her left leg.

"Ya know what, never mind," Bulma said, her own tail bristling as she rolled up her sleeves, "Gimme that hair! It's time for girly fun time!"

X X X

"Pigtails, huh?" Lunch asked, feeling the braids her hair was in.

"It fits your purity," Mai said, her own hair done up in a mimicry of Yurin's bow style.

Yurin herself, somewhat against the spirit of the event, had her hair styled into an updue that left her bangs framing her forehead.

Bulma's hair remained in the same limp spiky style it had been in. And Chichi's, unconquered.

"I warned you, Bulma, this hair of mine has been hard to handle since that castle fell on me. And I guess it's gotten tougher," Chichi said, still sitting as Bulma tried to jam handfuls of the spiky hair into a braid of any kind.

"You guess?" Bulma grit her teeth.

"Well, if it got harder, it happened bit by bit for me. Like your shell getting heavier bit by bit instead of Master Roshi doubling the weight," the princess mused.

"...Well, forget it then! Next, we paint our nails! Or does someone have unpaintable claws?"

No one did; so they did.

Later:

"Okay, we painted toenails, had a snack, then painted finger nails, so now we have just enough time left... IT'S ONLY BEEN 48 MINUTES?!" Bulma yelled, checking her watch.

"Sorry Bulma, I think we all have such good hand-eye coordination we paint nails pretty quick?" Lunch said.

"Or she just has a poor sense of time," Chichi deadpanned.

"...Well, it doesn't matter, it's time for boardgames, I have seven here, so there's sure to be one we can agree on," Bulma said, holding up a box of The Game of Death.

16 Minutes Later, With Pieces Missing From Every Box:

"Mai, stop it, we're on the eighth floor! You might not survive!" Chichi insisted, pulling on Mai's legs as the other woman tried to flee out the window.

"Better that than spin the bottle because Bulma's bored!" Mai cried out.

"I'm pretty sure Bulma was just joking," Lunch said, standing nearby making calming gestures with her hand.

"Uh, right," Bulma said, tossing the coke bottle she was holding over her shoulder. After the glass shattered, she suggested something else, "Truth or dare?"

Mai's distressed cries increased.

"Oh dear, I think we need someone else to take charge," Lunch sighed. Reaching into the shirt pocket of her pjs, she pulled out a pepper pack.

"Achoo! Sleepover, is it?" Launch asked. Stepping over next to Chichi and the struggling Mai, she chopped Mai in the neck, making her go limp, letting Chichi haul her back in.

"Okay, clearly you girls have no idea what to do, so let's get drunk."

X X X

"This is more wholesome than booze?" Launch asked as they climbed down the side of the hotel.

"I refuse to live up to parents' expectations. Besides, what says young and free girls like peeping on the boys? Check those bindings Chichi, we can't have Mai wimping out on us," Bulma ordered.

"I've peeped on boys in the hot springs back at school. It was weird," Yurin commented.

"Well sure, with ol' three eyes. Who knows what he's got in the hanger. Besides, none of them are going to be prancing about in the nude, it's the thrill of watching them in their boxers without them knowing."

Mai mumbled angrily through her gag, red in the face.

"Trust me Mai, this will be good for you. You're as repressed as my parents think I am," Bulma said.

"I'm starting to wonder if my dad had this in mind when he said I should follow your lead as the party host," Chichi wondered.

"Ahaha," Bulma said, ceasing her descent while the others rappelled on ropes next to her.

"Stealth mode now ladies, according to my floor plan this is the room," she said, pulling out the paper and checking it again.

"Did you pick the room for this?" Launch asked.

"Yes, I kind of miss underdressed Yamcha," Bulma admitted.

"What if they closed the blinds?"

"Men never close the blinds, it's a guy thing," Bulma waved off.

They were greeted by the sight of a dark room, a number of shapes laid out on the bed and futons.

"Why are they already in bed?" Bulma demanded of no one.

"The tournament?" Chichi suggested.

"That doesn't start until noon. Where's the guy talk, the poker, the fishing stories that aren't about fishing?" Bulma demanded.

"Can we go to a bar now?" Launch asked.

"No way. Behold, a light from under yon door. And I selected a suite which has a non-frosted window for the bathroom."

"Oh my!" Chichi said.

"Don't wimp out on me now, ladies, we've come too far and sacrificed too much. There must be a prize at the end of this vertical road, even if we have to put it there ourselves," Bulma declared.

As Bulma hovered over to the next window, everyone else, including the gagged Mai, exchanged looks.

"Has Bulma gone nuts?" Launch asked.

"Well, Puar said she's always been evil, so maybe we just didn't notice."

"She gets like this when things don't go her way. She'll either win somehow or lose and then act like nothing happened after pouting a bit. You can try and run, but it's quite hard to escape her current," Yurin sighed.

"Eh, we'd better follow-"

"Shower! Someone's in the shower!" Bulma loudly whispered at them.

"For the guys' safety, at least."

They joined her looking into a fairly nice bathroom, the curtains drawn on the shower and the window barely big enough for all of them to look in.

"What if it's Goku? Bulma, it wouldn't be proper for you to see him naked at your age," Chichi pointed out.

"Oh, there's nothing wrong with an older woman seeing... wait a minute, I'm not old by any description, shut up," Bulma snapped.

Mai mumbled something.

"Fair point, but I'm kind of just train wreck fascinated at this point," Launch answered.

"You can understand her?"

"I've gagged a lot of hostages in my time," Launch said.

"Cool," Yurin grinned.

"The shower's off. Come on, Yamcha. Show me the goods, Yamcha! I earned this with that crazy training and Tien being a jerk."

"What if it's Krillin? Hey, none of you look if it's Krillin, he's easily embarrassed," Chichi said.

"Well, I've seen Goku plenty kid, doesn't really-" Launch said, before the curtain was pulled aside and Master Roshi stepped forth in all his steamed wrinkly glory.

He was still wearing sunglasses for some reason, but no one noticed.

"Huh, wuzzat?" Roshi said, looking to the window; the moon looked down, and he felt an odd sensation.

"Maybe the lady in the moon is peeping on me? ...Nah!" he waved it off, and grabbed a towel. Meanwhile, all the ladies reached the ground while still screaming.

At a Nearby Bar That Doesn't Card:

"Ladies, you really shouldn't have a kid here," the mermaid behind the bar said, making a small splash in the tank behind the bar with her tail fin.

"She's just drinking chocolate milk, ain't she? She needs a drink, we all do," Bulma groused, before refilling her wineglass and then taking a swig from the bottle.

"I can't believe I saw that! And to think, I was questioning if Goku was a good choice as husband. And here I am, sullied by seeing an old man naked. He's too good for me," Chichi lamented, before draining another pint of ale.

"Well, that was bad, but gotta hand it to Roshi. He packs more than you'd think downstairs," a frazzled Launch said, sipping a finger of whiskey. Bulma leaned over on her barstool, grabbed Launch's whiskey bottle and shoved it into the blonde's mouth, making her chug the liquid.

"No memories, we drink it away into oblivion!"

"Well, I'm not getting drunk. So how am I supposed to forget?" Chichi whined, as Launch punched Bulma off her stool.

"Gahgh, hey bartender, a jug of the stuff you're not supposed to have," Launch said, snapping her fingers.

"Sure, why not? I'm getting shut down tomorrow, anyway. Mom was right, I never should have left the ocean," the barmaid muttered, ducking down into her tank.

"There's a story there," Yurin stated, standing up to try and look into the water tank on the other side of the bar.

"Well, we're not hearing it, our own story's got too many moving parts anyway. And this wine ain't good enough; bring me the kind of sake you can peel paint with, mix it with kusmiss, then put in some zucchini juice," Bulma demanded, red in the face.

"What the heck is that called?" Launch asked.

"No idea, but it'll make me forget the last hour. Maybe," Bulma said.

"I'm a dirty girl!" Mai wept, sipping her Irish coffee, red in the face.

Later:

"Hic-achoo!" Lunch went.

"Huh?" the bluenette looked around at the trashed bar, with water leaking from behind the bar and everyone snoring around the carnage.

"What happened here?" she asked Yurin. The girl, whose updo was quite ruined, was kneeling beside a muttering Bulma, who was seated in what had once been a booth.

"You guys should never go drinking," Yurin said.

"Oh," Lunch said.

"And the worst part is, I'm not even drunk," Bulma declared, before punching herself in the face and slumping down on the rubble.

"...I think it's bedtime," Launch said, standing up and rolling up her sleeves.

End of the first night!

Chapter Text

LAST TIME:

Night had fallen on Papaya Island, granting the contestants, tournament staff, paying customers, and shameless opportunists out to make quick zeni a reprieve before the start of the Tournament.

For some old men, it meant not being invited to dinner. For other old men, it meant trying to hatch plots only for the egg to crack rotten. For some, it was rather uneventful and tedious. And for some young ladies, they learned an important lesson about the perils of peeping.

But the night of shenanigans draws to a close as the sun rises on a new day, bright with the promise of brand-new thrilling carnage!

Are you ready?! Well, ready or not, the first match drops right now on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter Four

Rematch Under The Heavens

Rocket vs Turtle 2: The Pummeling

"Krillin, remind me to do a lecture on sobriety to the school children in Frypan," Chichi said, holding an icepack to her head as she ate her breakfast with chopsticks in her other hand.

"Night on the town, huh?" Krillin said with attempted levity. Chichi just flinched and gave him a look.

"This oddly reminds me of the hammer quest," Mai groaned, having barely touched her food in favor of draping herself over the table.

The guys had joined them upstairs in their suite for breakfast. Only Lunch shared the fresh disposition of the guys.

"So, you went out to have fun last night?" Goku asked.

"We failed, Goku, we failed so badly," Bulma moaned, setting aside another empty plate.

"I can't believe you were just acting drunk," Lunch commented.

"Well, dropping the act was better than getting hauled around like a bag of rocks by Yurin," Bulma muttered, "Of all things to fail at."

She flinched again when Roshi emerged from the suite's kitchenette with a steaming teapot of something.

"Not to worry, ladies! You're hardly the first to celebrate too much before a tournament. This is Master Mutaito's ancient hangover cure and reinvigoration potion. It may smell and taste like a stinky foot stomping you in the face, but it will set you right," the old man cackled merrily.

Bulma shuddered, unable to look at him. Chichi held up her cup, letting him pour the stuff into it while Mai just laid there, letting him pour it. Chichi pinched her nose, took a gulp, and spat it back out.

"What is this?" she blanched.

"Let's see, boiled grass, chopped up curdled cheese, smashed wasabi, fresh unripe corn mashed into paste, and goat saliva. With a little secret ingredient. You have to prove yourselves as mighty drinkers before I can teach you the secret," Roshi winked.

Chichi shuddered and forced it down, while Yamcha propped up Mai, letting Goku pour the drink down her throat while she gagged. Bulma propped a foot on her chair and planted her fists on her hips.

"...Social experiments are like any experiment; you can't expect success the first time. We'll do better with tonight's slumber party."

"...Would you guys mind switching with us to bunk with Bulma?" Chichi asked the guys, making the heiress facefault.

Tournament Temple:

"Quite a turnout," Lunch said as she got out of the cab with Goku. The monkey boy jumped onto her shoulders to survey the crowed, not even making her break stride.

"Was it this crowded last time?" Chichi asked, following them out with Krillin.

"Nope, this year has a lot of hype, as the young people say. Last tournament's upset and the new format, it's really piqued interest," Roshi said, as he and the rest got out of the next cab. The crowds were out in force; Goku called their attention to a corridor the monks were keeping with a rope. They saw Tenron walking down it, a few people snapping photos without him batting an eye.

"Guess that's our entrance," Bulma said, puffing out her chest, "I won't be fighting the crowds this time, as I'm getting on stage."

"Indeed, you should be proud of that achievement," Bora said. Bulma flinched.

"Hey big guy, how'd you sneak up on me? I've had what is basically ninja training, and you're huge," Bulma demanded with admiration.

"I am a hunter as well as a warrior. I was wondering if Upa could watch the tournament with your spectators," Bora asked.

"Father, I don't need to be babysat, I'm strong enough for anyone in this crowd," Upa objected.

"I'm more worried you'll neglect this chance to learn for the girls," Bora stated. Upa pouted at that.

"I wouldn't do that while you're fighting, Father."

"I want you to watch every fight, not just mine. There is much to be learned here if you observe carefully."

"I'll watch the boy. Why, he can even get commentary from Master- oh no, never mind, he's gone already."

"He's pretty ninja too," Mai remarked.

"Well, wherever he is, we know he'll be watching us," Yamcha said.

"Unless he's watching some girls," Bulma muttered.

"Watch for me in the crowd, Chichi, I made a banner for you," Ox King said, patting Chichi on the head. She smiled, while checking to make sure her hair was back in its prim and proper bun.

"I know, Dad, you had me pick my favorite, remember?" she told him.

"So I did! Sorry, it's just, seeing my little girl growing up so much!" Ox King cried as Chichi patted his hand.

"This is getting a bit awkward, let's just go in," Yamcha suggested to Krillin and Goku.

The three reached the path and were immediately admitted by a monk unclipping a barrier rope, and had a few pictures taken. And a few questions from reporters.

"Son Goku, do you have any opinion on the proposal for a children's division?"

"What are they dividing?" Goku asked.

"Yamcha! Is it true you were evicted from the Briefs household due to a one-night stand with contestant Ranfan and subsequently murdered the Briefs' heiress?"

"Huh?!" Yamcha went.

"Krillin! The public demands to know if it's true you are in fact bald! Are you in fact the love child of the Muten Roshi and a grey alien with a love of ice cream? Is it true you have three million zeni in unpaid parking tickets!?"

"I don't even have a vehicle!" Krillin objected.

"So, you admit it!?"

"Yamcha isn't that lucky, and I'm not dead!" Bulma shouted, pushing herself between Yamcha and the reporters while giving them the bird.

"Miss Briefs, is it true you died and your corpse is being possessed by the ghost of the Sleeping Princess of the Devil's Castle?"

"...No comment, run for it, boys!" Bulma said, rushing the men inside. They entered just as someone asked Lunch if she had any comments for Women's Sports Today.

"Whew, been awhile since I did a press run," Bulma slumped after they turned a corner inside. The hall had signs placed directing contestants.

"That happen to you often?" Krillin asked.

"That was weird," Goku said.

"It's the press, Goku, they thrive on weird; so long as people buy what they sell, they'll sell anything," Bulma said.

"Yo," the tan woman said as they entered the waiting area, doing some stretches.

"Greetings," Master Chin said, standing by the doorway, doing some stoic stretches himself. Tenron simply nodded acknowledgement, currently standing on his hands. The man called Vendetta just stood in a corner, menacingly.

"Hey, great to see more girls here. Can't call this a sausage fest anymore," the stretching woman said as Chichi, Krillin, and Mai entered. She stopped as Launch entered, looking peeved.

"Miss Launch," she was in the reigning champion's face in a moment. Launch reflexively deflected an extended hand. The woman stepped back, raising her hands.

"I just wanted to offer a shake."

"Sorry, those reporters were pissing me off. I ain't no bandit anymore. Besides, I'm not in Brown County, so they can't arrest me," she huffed.

"Is that how it works?" Yamcha asked. As a former bandit, he perhaps had a stake in that information.

"I'm pretty sure she can still go to jail," Krillin said.

"Nah, I won't let her see the inside of a cell," Bulma waved it off.

"Anyway, I wanted to thank you for the training guide you gave me. I had to adapt it, but it's been unreal these years. I never thought I could get so strong. Heck, I never thought I could go so long without so many daily perks," she said, clasping Launch's hand.

"...You're the stripping fighter?" Launch realized. Ranfan facefaulted.

"Yes, but I would rather that not be my only label."

"You look different," Launch said.

"Yeah, your hair was bigger," Goku noted.

"Well, I had to make some cuts. Ha, cuts," she laughed at her own pun. No one else did.

"If you mean the tan, I do brown up nicely. Tan look wasn't in where I was staying, so I avoided the sun, but there was no doing that training in the wilderness, so I just went whole hog. In my downtime, I insured I have very little in the way of tan lines. Wanna find out how few?" she said, winking at Yamcha.

"That was a strange experience," Bora said, entering the room. Ranfan took a look at him, and slid over to Yamcha.

"Hey, you know him? I saw you talking the other day. Is he married or gay?" she asked.

"Uh, widower, and he did have a wife, I guess?"

"Good enough. Sorry, but I retract my flirting; that is a well-sculpted man mountain, and after all that training, I owe it to myself to try climbing. Sorry!" And she was gone from his side.

"What just happened?" Yamcha wondered.

"Hey there, big guy. It's not every man who can pull off feathers as a look. It takes a man, actually, not a boy trying to be cool but a man who knows what he is and isn't interested in proving it to anyone," Ranfan said to Bora. He blinked.

"I thank you for the compliment. So, do we just wait for the match-ups to be determined?"

"Guess so, but it's a whole new ball game, so who can say?" She wondered innocently. He nodded and walked off.

"He's got a kid, you know, preteen I think?" Launch said.

"Even better, single fathers are well-seasoned. I dated plenty of boys, men are better. How about you, hook up with anyone in the last three years?"

"I've been training," Launch said.

"Ha, guess we're in the same boat. But hey, all training and no play makes dull girls. Ever cut loose?"

"...I'd rather not talk about it," Launch said, shuddering at recent events.

X X X

Idle chatting made its round, with a sprinkling of well wishes for the tournament and expectations of new levels of strength and skill to be witnessed. Though not everyone was interested in partaking.

"Look at them, what a disgrace," Master Shen said, peeking around the doorway with Chiaotzu and Tien next to him. He grit his teeth before continuing, "This is the Budokai, not some afternoon sparring session. Where's the bloodthirsty ambition to crush all who oppose you? The bitter rivalry where you consider throwing away the title to end lives and careers? The martial arts have truly fallen far if this happy friendly tea time is what passes for Budokai activity these days. How fortunate we are here to remind them what it is all about."

"Not to worry, Master, I get the feeling we're not the only ones who aren't here just to have 'a good contest'. Though if he steps in our way, we won't hesitate to trample him with the rest," Tien grinned.

"Well said, Tienshenhan, let's join the rabble now."

As they entered, Jackie Chun stepped into sight around a corner and shook his head.

"How can someone master so much and still understand so little?" the old master wondered, before entering himself.

X X X

As eleven o'clock approached, the blonde announcer entered the waiting area with an attendant monk.

"Welcome, first time fighters, and a hearty welcome back to returning fighters. Thank you for arriving on time. Since all sixteen of you are present, we will immediately move onto the next step, drawing lots to determine the match-ups."

"What, haven't jazzed that up too?" Shen asked, looking to the simple box with the hole on it.

"No, sir. Now, would anyone like to go first?" The announcer asked as the monk shook the box while covering the hole with his palm.

'Ready, Chiaotzu?' Shen communicated telepathically to the small pale boy.

'Yes, Master. I will abstain from fighting a Kame student in the first round to avoid suspicion. And you will get the other match-ups you want.'

'Good,' Shen smiled, not noticing Jackie Chun watching him with suspicion.

'He's up to something shifty. But perhaps I should let it play out for now. My students are not naive, but this is a manner of darkness they have not had much experience with yet.'

Shortly:

"And with that, we have our starting eight matches," the announcer said, writing Shen's name on the final slot on the tournament tree.

"Our first match, which will begin at exactly noon, will be a rematch between Jackie Chun and the reigning champion Launch, sorry, Son Launch of the Kame School. Second match will be Mai of the Turtle School versus the mysterious Mr. Vendetta. Third match will be Bulma Briefs of the Crane School versus Son Goku of the Kame School. Fourth match will be Chichi of the House of the Ox and Turtle School vs Master Tai Chin of the Chin Star School. Fifth match will be Tienshenhan of the Crane School versus Yamcha of the Kame School. Sixth match will be Ranfan versus Chiaotzu of the Crane School. The seventh match will be Krillin of the Kame School vs Bora of the Land of Korin. And the final match will be Tenron vs Master Shen of the Crane School. Thank you all. We ask you remain on the inner temple grounds or in this room for the next hour until the tournament starts after the various speeches and ceremonies. And yes, if you wish, we do offer a free lunch," he preempted Goku.

"Oh, okay. But why do we have to wait an hour?" Goku asked.

"They want to give the bookies time to take bets after the brackets are posted," Launch told him. The announcer sweatdropped a bit at that.

"That is not false, but I would like to say I do not favor that," the announcer admitted.

"Well, no lunch for me, a bit of tea would be nice," Jackie Chun said. Which set off a round of orders from Turtle students, which the put-upon announcer had pen and notepad ready for this time.

Soon, nearby:

Sometimes, public could be the best kind of private, and a noisy diner a better meeting place than a secluded quiet room. Hence no one paid any attention to the odd couple in the back corner booth of this particular diner as they went over the brackets.

The man was blonde, with short-cut hair and sunglasses covering his eyes, and wore a Hawaiian shirt and tight khaki shorts that showed off his buff figure. Somewhat detracted from with the red fanny pack he wore, as the pants were too tight for the pockets to be more than decorative. The woman was a darker shade of blonde, pulled into a prim proper bun, and wore large round glasses that along with her light purple business suit, complete with knee-length skirt made a stark contrast to her companion.

"Couldn't you disguise yourself with some dignity?" Colonel Violet demanded, adjusting her fake glasses.

"What? It's a tourist economy, especially right now, so what better disguise for the wolf than a sheep," General Blue shrugged, before picking up his martini and sipping it through an overly complex straw.

"Well, your agent brought us the videos of the preliminaries. After a night to sleep on it, have you calmed down for some assessments?" she asked.

"Hey, I did assess. It's a sporting event, getting into it is only natural. And blood sport is the best sport," Blue said, licking his lips.

"I worry you aren't taking this seriously."

"And you are worrying too much. We have gathered the data Gero wanted already, and gathering more will be even easier. Besides, our man makes a sweep, we kill at least one threat, with more to follow. And if he fails, we lose nothing that we can't afford. Try relaxing and enjoying the carnage. You'll stand out too much, dear Colonel, if you go to enjoy yourself and act like you're about to fire Dagwood. HOHOHOHO!" General Blue laughed as his grilled chicken sandwich arrived alongside her chocolate sundae.

"We will see," she said, taking a spoonful of ice cream.

"Well, if you want to give advice, maybe cut back on the sweets. Between stress and bad eating, your waistline will surpass your ambition," Blue mocked.

"Tough talk from a man who can't keep track of his agents. It was your operative that took the video, not mine."

"What? No, his operating number isn't on my list."

"Well, it isn't on mine."

"Then which of us is he working for?" they realized with some genuine alarm.

X X X

"Attention, everyone! The first match is to start in five minutes, will the contestants please move to ready position by the external door. Everyone else, you can either stay back here, or spectate from the contestant spectating area," The announcer called, ducking into the room.

"Oh, time already?" Chichi said, looking up from the game of Uno she was playing with Yamcha, Mai and Krillin.

"Finally," Launch said, getting up from where she had been chatting with Bora and Goku.

"This old man is ready to go," Jackie said, stepping up.

"There's a contestant viewing area now?" Ranfan asked.

"Well, in past tournaments, the contestants either peeked over the wall or climbed so often, and last time the wall kept getting broken. So, we just decided to repair one of the holes as a viewing area to spare you all some trouble," the monk with the announcer said.

"Good luck Launch, good luck Jackie," Goku waved.

"Moron, you can't root for both sides in a fight," Shen snapped.

"How come?" Goku asked the old man.

"...I hope I get to beat your face in, boy," Shen muttered, walking away in disgust.

"Well, this will be interesting," Tien said, "We'll see how she fares when her opponent isn't fatigued, but old man Chun there won't have any excuses this time if he comes up short. What do you think?" he asked Vendetta, who had barely moved from his spot in the corner. All he'd requested was a cup of water, which now lay crumpled by his feet. Clearly, he wasn't above littering.

"I'm a bit conflicted," the man answered.

"Oh?" Tien went.

"I'd love to see that woman beaten down, but I'd much rather do it myself. And yet to do it myself she'd have to win, and I'd rather not see her gain more glory even if it's destined to turn to ash. Ah, the dilemmas of a vendetta," the red-haired man chuckled.

"Well, good thing you don't decide then, the match will determine who goes on," Tien remarked, boldly walking past those wishing Launch good luck to head out to the viewing area, following Master Shen with Chiaotzu behind him and Bulma bringing up the rear, giving a thumbs up to Launch as she passed.

X X X

"Wow, a lot has happened, but it feels like it was just yesterday I was here," Launch said, hand shielding her eyes as she stood in the arena.

"Likewise. Time flies at my age, you know. Not a great thing, considering what you're rushing toward."

"Well, thanks for not dying or something. I want to have an indisputable outcome here," Launch said.

"Oh, an 'outcome', not an indisputable win?" he smiled.

"You know what I'm about. My biggest worry after seeing you were here and haven't missed a step was that one of us would get eliminated before we could settle things."

"We could just have a friendly spar after if that had happened," Jackie pointed out.

"Yeah, but it's cooler this way. Well, except for them," Launch said, hooking a thumb toward the crowd. Most were just the usual fans, and Ox King who was waving a turtle banner now, apparently saving the Chichi one for later. But there were also fans with banners for her and Jackie Chun. And their cheering was, well...

"Hit him like a girl, Miss Launch!"

"Send that bimbo back to the kitchen, Jackie!"

"Knock that codger clear back to the retirement home!"

"Put a real man back in the seat for Strongest under the Heavens, Mr. Chun!"

"You go girl, put his other foot in the grave!"

"I LOVE YOU MARSHA!"

"I LOVE YOU TOO DAVE! BUT I SAID YES TO RICK, YOU'RE TOO POOR!"

"Hot dogs, get yer hot dogs!"

"I'll take this many," Goku said, handing some zeni to the hot dog vendor.

"Will contestant Son Goku please return to the contestant viewing area?" the announcer asked.

"But my hot dogs!"

"You just ate lunch, front and center, monkey boy!" Bulma snapped, pointing to the spot between the Crane students and the Kame School. Goku leapt back to take his place sitting on the divider.

"Right then, we have been over the rules and everyone knows who they are. Without further ado, let the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai, begin. Match one, begin!" the announcer said, stepping back.

Launch grinned, Jackie smiled, and a wind blew through, ruffling their hair as the crowd quieted.

In a blink, Launch struck, closing the distance and lashing out with a punch that Jackie stepped back out of the way of. His kick was blocked by her raised shin.

"Making the first move, so impatient," he tsked.

"And here you are, talking about time going quick, only to let the grass grow around yer feet."

"We've both gotten stronger, young lady. Let's see who made it further down the path to power."

"Let's."

Leaping back from the lock, they both landed easily and assumed stances. Then charged at one another with battle cries.

On the sidelines, the other contestants watched the exchange of blows.

"They're starting small," Tenron remarked.

"Of course, even with the tournament broken up, you don't go all out from the start," Tien sneered.

"I would say it works against Mr. Chun. He is strong and quick, but age takes its toll on stamina and resilience. A drawn-out fight will favor Miss Launch."

"Nah, Jackie may be old, but he's too tough to worry about that too much. Right now, he wants to see how strong Launch has gotten, and Launch is curious if he really has gotten that much stronger. This is just them warming up together while catching up. The real fight hasn't started yet," Goku said.

"That's very nice, Goku," Chichi said.

"Did you actually get smarter while we were separated?" Krillin asked.

"Huh? Sorry, I was thinking about fighting," Goku said, paying more attention to the others now.

"Goku, you have a narrow field, don't you?" Mai asked.

"No, I have a mountain, but I guess you've never been there."

'Hope I don't lose to that again,' Tenron thought.

'I pegged that one for an idiot savant. But it's not like I'm facing him in a quiz show,' Tien thought.

X X X

Jackie Chun and Launch broke apart, and started to circle each other.

"Well, you have improved immensely. If you were this good three years ago, you would have beaten me even had we fought in the first round," Jackie said stoically.

"Who cares about that? You've been training hard, like you said. If you'd been this good in our last fight, you'd have made me look like a chump. But this ain't three years ago," she said.

"Judging by that grin, I take it you want to get serious now?" he asked.

She just widened her grin and charged at him. He evaded her jab and struck at the opening, only for his fist to pass through her.

Launch appeared, her kick already connecting. And passing through the illusion. She twisted on the spot, and Jackie's heel slammed into her palm.

"Ha!" the blonde said, twisting his foot, only for the old man to spin with it and land on his feet. Her fist connected with his face and set him staggering, only to deflect her two follow-up jabs and duck under a kick, bending backward. Falling deliberately to the ground, Chun spun, sweeping at her feet.

Launch leapt over the sweep, only for Jackie's uppercut to take her on the chin. Followed by a punch to the gut sending her flying back to roll on the tiles. She rolled right into a crouching position, and as Chun flickered into sight, she crossed her arms to block the kick before practically shoving him back.

Launch spat some blood to the side as she got to her feet.

"Great! Now, how about I show you something I've been working on. Goku picked up the Kamehameha from the old turtle, but I got my own idea from some jerk named Tao," Launch said, holding up her right hand and forming a finger pistol.

'Tao?!' Master Shen and his three senior students present thought with surprise.

"That's it Launch, show him what you got!" Bulma cheered, waving a fist.

"I wonder how old Jackie will handle this?" Goku wondered.

"You know what she's planning?" Yamcha asked.

"Sure, she trained with me to use it," Goku said, looking at the former bandit like it was a dumb question.

"Ki Pistol!" Launch called, a ball of yellow energy forming at her fingertip. The spiraling energy surged across the arena, and Jackie had to cross his arms. They took it head on, and the wind blew away the smoke to show his sleeves falling away and some scorch marks on his thin arms, but not a great injury.

"That was a Dodon Ray," Jackie Chun said, lowering his arms.

"A bastardized version, the form is off," Shen hissed.

"You see, Master, they must know something about Lord Tao's whereabouts," Tien said.

"Could that fool have shared our school's secrets? He was too proud to properly teach," Shen mused furiously. Bora watched them, frowning.

"Ohh, backstory," Ranfan remarked, smiling. Then Jackie drew attention back to the fight by clapping his hands loudly and charging Launch. She blocked the blow easily, only to cry out as she was shocked by visible electricity.

"What the-?" she sputtered, before he landed another such blow to her gut, her response just a bit too slow.

"Thunderclap Tempo takes time to charge to its full fight-ending might. But if you don't mind reduced power, the technique can be used quickly by those who master it to create the Thunder Fist. If you're not trained to withstand that kind of energy, it can wreak havoc with your reaction time," Jackie explained, clenching a fist, lightning visibly sparking over it.

"Heh, just like my Ki Pistol-"

"Bastard Dodon Ray!" Shen shouted.

"-may not have quite the punch of the Kamehameha Wave, but it doesn't need to charge up so much," Launch noted.

"There's no such thing as a perfect technique. You have speed and focus, but don't think I won't dodge next time. But if I keep tasing you with this, you'll eventually be reduced to a punching bag even if you keep blocking," Jackie said.

"Well, that means you'll have to connect. Come at me, old man!"

"Now what red-blooded man turns down a lady's invitation!?" Jackie asked, charging her with both fists coated with lightning.

"Ki Pistol!" Launch said, firing at Chun. The old master slid feet first under the spiraling energy and rolled to his feet inside Launch's space. Only to see her other hand with a charged blast pointed at his face.

"-Dual Wielding!" she grinned, shooting him in the face. That sent him rolling back; he came up angry, with his hairdo a bit messed up, then went wide-eyed, barely deflecting her right hook. Her knee took him in the gut and he bent over, letting her hit him over the head with both fists clasped. Jackie Chun slammed face first into the ground. Launch stepped back as a bit of dust was kicked up, and the old master slumped flat on the tiles.

"Incredible! After each contestant unveiled new techniques, Launch shows she can fire with both barrels, giving her an opening to send Jackie to the ground. Time to see if he can get up. One, two, three-"

Jackie groaned and got to his feet, wiping blood from his nose and mouth.

"Heh, it's been so long since I faced that technique, it slipped my mind it can be used like a gunslinger if mastered. Apologies, seems I underestimated you despite my better judgement. And while I'd like to test my Kamehameha against that pistol of yours," he said as Shen again shouted out his own school's name for it, "-You still haven't used it at speed, and fight techniques from last time. I'm guessing you could dodge that if I didn't go all out, but that would be irresponsible with so many spectators," Jackie said, ripping off his damaged shirt.

It was not a pretty sight, his old man physique prompting many protests from the crowd but at least a few appreciative calls and whistles that may or may not have been ironic.

"So, I'll show a little trick of us old masters. The Nostalgia Special: Physique Restoration Force!" he called, visibly tensing. Then, the old man burst in growth. His arms and torso inflated, even his neck growing thick, and everyone could swear he grew at least a foot and a half to be slightly taller than his opponent now. Even with his loose pants, it seemed his legs had gotten thicker too.

"Dang! He got hot?" Bulma asked. Then looked at his still old man face, "No, false alarm. It's just creepy-looking."

"I've seen that before," Launch realized.

"Yes, the Muten Roshi knows it, though he rarely uses it. It reduces speed even if you do the shell training, and for a tournament it would be useless because it burns through stamina like a pricy car guzzles gas. But that's not a worry with the tournament broken up like this."

"...Ha! I call bluff. The only time the other old man used that was to intimidate me. But now I'd say you're just trying to psyche me out by inflating like a balloon. Eat this! Rocket Launch!" Launch declared, streaking across the arena and landing a punch on Chun's face and then a flurry of blows across his torso and thighs.

She hopped back a bit, looking at him as he turned his back to face her.

"Nothing?" she asked. Chun backhanded her and sent her flying.

"How's that for a balloon?" he asked, cracking his knuckles.

"So, it costs ya stamina and speed, but ya get strength and a heck of a staying power, huh?" she said as he charged her. He seemed pretty quick to the audience, but to the contestants it was no surprise when Launch dodged his punch and went around it to strike him hard in the gut. His elbow crashed down on her, sending her to the tiles. She gasped and barely rolled away before his foot came down, punching a hole in the floor.

She got to her feet and saw he wasn't stuck, pulling his foot clear with ease.

"I get it, you may not be able to hit me on yer own, so in that form you let me attack and counterattack by trying to predict what I'm about to do."

"What a match, folks. Jackie Chun has elevated his stature, it seems literally and metaphorically. He seems ready to tank as many hits as he needs to in order to catch her in vicious counterattacks. I daresay he is invested more in this match than winning the tournament," the announcer said.

"Amazing, I never imagined the stories about such techniques were true," Chin said.

"Don't get ideas," Shen said, "I can practically smell your weakness; you lack the foundation to build toward that technique. Besides, it's only useful for fools willing to take hits to give hits. The Crane School prizes elegance over such grimy utilitarianism."

"What do you think Goku, who's going to win it?" Mai asked Goku.

"Don't know. It's great," he grinned.

"Heh," Jackie smiled, "There's an old saying about how good hunters know how to track and chase down prey. The best hunters learn to read the trajectory and deduce where the prey is going. And so get there first to lay their ambush."

"Not bad for a saying. But deer don't shoot back. And I'm not going to fall into that trap when I can just hammer you into the ground until you run out of go juice!" She said, charging up two Ki Pistols.

"Ki Pistols!" she yelled and fired. Jackie cupped his hands.

"Kamehameha!" he said so quickly it took a moment for anyone to realize what he had said.

A blast of ki erupted from his fingers and struck the Ki Pistol shots. They tore through the blast, but were much diminished, striking him but barely seeming to do any damage.

"That quick?" Launch said, stunned. Jackie flexed an arm, manifesting sparks of ki.

"This form is based on sending a large amount of ki through your body, enhancing it to restore past power and resilience. That circulation of ki cuts down the charge time on ki attacks significantly. Still, I'm disappointed it wasn't enough to cancel out your Ki Pistols-"

"Dodon Ray!" Shen shouted.

"-entirely. But that's just me being old, I suppose," Jackie said, stroking his beard.

"...Alright then. Let's go then," Launch said, turning her finger pistols into fists.

"Oh? What's this?" he asked

"If this were some high stakes, lives at stake fight, the obvious thing to do would be to bumblebee you till you ran out of steam. But we're not here for a battle, this is a martial arts match. So, you and me, let's go, martial art against martial art, no Rocket Launch for me and no fist of the taser or whatever for you."

"Heh, I like it. My technique mimicking the power of youth against your genuine article. Let's see who falls first," Jackie grinned.

Without another word, they charged toward the center of the arena.

Jackie's opening jab was dodged, and Launch deflected the follow-up to punch him in the throat. He seemed to stagger, but lashed out with a kick that clipped her shin, making her stumble. His overextended smash missed her head as she evaded, but struck her shoulder, making her cry out. Stepping into his defense, still screaming, she head-butted him right on the nose. Both reeled back, Jackie grabbing his bleeding nose and Launch shaking her head.

She blocked a punch as it aimed for her face, but winced. As he pulled his hand back, she grabbed it and leveraged herself around to his side, striking him hard under the ribs with a jab. She turned, trying to swing his fist into her and she grabbed the arm, hauling herself up.

"What?" he wondered, as she slipped onto his shoulders then gasped as her well-muscled legs snaked around his neck and tightened around it.

"Urk!" he said, grabbing her legs. Launch grinned and started raining punches down on his head, making his grip loosen.

"The bigger they are, Jackie, the harder they fall!" Launch crowed. The crowd roared, some cheering her on, more just cheering, and a few imploring Jackie to rally.

What no one expected was Jackie to deflate all of a sudden. Launch gave out a startled cry at the sudden drop and loss of the broad shoulders in favor of a narrower seat. Jackie grabbed her by the wrists and slammed her into the tiles.

"Shapeshifting is so often under-utilized by fighters who lack imagination," Jackie grinned, breathing hard. He raised his leg high over the stunned fighter, and brought the heel down. It smacked loudly against skin, echoing through the arena. The crowd was silent as Jackie winced, his heel caught in Launch's palm, her eyes snapped open.

She pulled his foot down a bit, then she pushed back hard in the same motion, by which she sprang to her feet. Jackie stumbled, blocked the first punch and the second, but the kick to his shin connected, and the right hook caught him on the jaw. With a growl, he thrust his palm toward her chest, and she grabbed the wrist as his eyes widened.

Launch blurred out of sight for a second, and the tiles cracked, only for Jackie to flicker into sight at the center of the splintering cracks, with Launch letting his wrist go. With a gasp, he was still, only his rising and falling chest in motion.

"Count," Launch ordered.

"Right! One! Two! Three!" the announcer went, as Jackie spread his arms and pressed against the ruined tiles, trying to push himself up.

"Ten! Out!" The announcer declared.

"Gah!" Jackie grunted, leveraging himself up to his feet, breathing hard.

"Jackie's up, but about two seconds too late! Launch is the winner!" the announcer said. Yes, there were a few boos, but they drowned out by thunderous applause, including a hearty helping from the other fighters, even Bora clapping his hands and smiling.

"...Hahaha. What can I say, but well done," Jackie gasped, a smile forming on his bloodied face. He made the seal of reconciliation, which Launch returned.

"You still had some fight in ya," Launch said, stretching up and offering a handshake.

"Ah, fight yes, but I'm not sure about win. You have become a most excellent martial artist. The Muten Roshi has nothing to worry about; the old masters' long day is finally done. We can entrust the future to this new generation without regret or worry. How wonderful," he declared, putting his other hand over hers. Launch's face warmed a bit at those words, but she made an irreverent sound to try and cover up.

"Well, in that case, maybe I should fight the old man next. Goku's not much of a teacher, and it might be sick to try and turn the Kamehameha into a ki bazooka or something with him training me on that."

"Uh, maybe focus on the tournament and some R first?" Jackie suggested as they left the arena.

"...that sudden shrinking was a good move, you caught me completely flatfooted with that one," she said as they went to the aid station to get a bit cleaned up while the arena sweeper monks started cleaning and repairing the arena.

"Well, I'm stunned by that leg chokehold you pulled. You couldn't have practiced that with Goku."

"No, I practiced it on trees. Timber!" she grinned.

Chapter Text

LAST TIME:

The Budokai got started with a match fighters and fans had long hoped for, a rematch between Jackie Chun and Launch. In addition to being fresh this time, both fighters had clearly been training hard and stronger than before.

Launch's increased strength clashed with strange and tricky techniques from Jackie that left the crowd wowed.

In the end though, the power of youth overcame the trickery of old age. Accepting defeat gracefully, Jackie Chun declared his intent to retire from the ring for good, certain the new generations of fighters were more than ready to take the lead.

With that question settled, the Budokai is now poised to move forward, hoping for even greater clashes. Who will emerge victorious? Find out now, on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter Five

Enter the Cyborg

Bionics and Bird Battles

"We should have shown up earlier, all the way back here it's hard to see anything," the old man said, standing on tip toes to look over the crowd.

"Father, you stayed up too late, you need sleep to stay healthy," the tall broad man said next to him.

"Do you think Launch even saw my banner?" a red-haired girl said, seated on the big man's shoulder.

"I hope so, now here, you'll need this one now," the big man said, taking the Launch banner and handing her one that she unfolded, revealing Son Goku's name.

"Hold on now you two, there's another match before Goku fights," the old man reminded them.

X X X

"That was a great match," Goku grinned.

"Yeah, think Launch will be okay to fight again tomorrow?" Krillin asked.

"Sure. Besides, whoever she ends up fighting will have to fight today too," Goku said.

"Still, I can't say I'm happy," Bulma muttered. Yamcha looked at her in surprise.

"Oh, you mean how Jackie Chun clearly pushed himself to the limit but came up short. I guess it is something to think on – as good as we might get, if we live long enough, the younger generations will inevitably surpass us," Yamcha mused. Bulma looked at him, eyes lidded.

"No, you dunce, I'm trying to get that very weird image of a hot man body with an old codger's head on it out of my head. Roshi was shocking and brief enough to just pass like a storm, but I'm going to need some brain bleach for that," Bulma declared.

"Er, well, I guess it's all in priorities?" Yamcha said. Then he noticed Mai was approaching Vendetta and held out her hand.

"So, we'll be up soon. Um, let's have a nice sporting match?" she asked.

Vendetta tilted his hat up with one finger, letting her eyes meet his shades. The redhead gave a vicious grin.

"I will break you," he said, before lowering the hat slightly with two fingers.

"Eep," Mai flinched back, then squawked as Chichi slapped her on the back.

"Don't let him intimidate you. I read 'cool' guys like this are actually insecure and usually lacking in actual moxy and have something called 'poor performance' they try and compensate for by showing bad attitudes. Real men are like Goku and Krillin, they wear their genuine quirkiness on their sleeves and act cool by accident because it's real. So, this guy shouldn't be a problem for you."

"Yeah Mai, just get out there and do your best," Yamcha said.

"What, feeling nervous, young lady?" Jackie Chun asked, coming back into the arena with various bandages on his face and having gotten a jogging suit's top from somewhere to replace his ruined shirt, "Want a kiss for good luck?"

"Eek, no, this is a tournament, show some decency," Mai protested, blushing furiously.

"Master, shouldn't we press them about Lord Tao?" Tien asked Shen, standing off to the side with the old master.

"...can't even bother to get the name right for the technique she stole," Shen grumbled.

"Master?" Tien pressed.

"What? Oh yes, Tao. No, we wait until we have thinned the herd of turtles, then strike for answers," Shen ordered.

"Two-minute warning for contestants Mai and Vendetta!" the announcer called.

"Heheh, I won," Launch declared, a few bandages on her face and parts of her arms wrapped up in white cloth. As she walked into the viewing area, she swung by Goku's perch, smacking a high five with him and turning to get another from Chichi then a down low for Krillin.

"Heh, first class representing, eh?" Yamcha remarked good-naturedly.

"Before I met one, I always assumed the Turtle Hermit's students would be more dignified," Tenron remarked.

"Well, perhaps the great master is too enlightened to feel the need to act enlightened," Chin remarked. The look Tenron gave him made it clear he wasn't sure if his own old master was joking or not. And the smile Chin now made indicated he acknowledged and enjoyed that confusion.

"I admit, I didn't come here for you, miss. But, as a stepping stone, you will be quite adequate," Vendetta said, walking past Mai to enter the arena, the crowd cheering for him. He and Mai were both unknowns, but the last tournament had reminded how stars could flare up anywhere in this world of fighters. So, cheer they did.

"Oh, by Kami, sweet guardian of the Earth. It's my turn really, isn't it? Right now," Mai sputtered.

"Hey, you got this," Yamcha said, putting one hand on her shoulder, facing her and giving her a thumbs up with the other. The raven-haired woman gulped but returned the thumbs up before brushing the hand off gently and stepping into the arena.

"And here we have another first timer, Mai! But while she's new, she comes with a hearty endorsement, being a recognized student of the Invincible One himself!" the announcer introduced her.

"Hmm, an outdated title now," Jackie Chun whispered under his breath before chuckling.

"That first match has got this tournament off to a great start by settling a question we've all been asking about two seasoned fighters. Now, we keep the ball rolling with two first-timers set to make their mark. Let the second match, begin!" the announcer shouted.

"Ladies first," Vendetta said, assuming a boxing stance. Mai narrowed her eyes, fell into a stance, and let out a long breath.

"I've never seen her fight, how is she, Yamcha?" Bulma asked.

"You'll see soon enough," Yamcha grinned.

Mai sprang into action, closing the distance between her and the coat-wearing man. He swung out at her with a strong right hook; she ducked under it and landed not a punch but a flurry of blows across his torso, before backpedaling nearly as quick as her charge.

"A strong opening, folks, Mai has the kind of speed we've come to expect from the Kame School on her feet, but that flurry of blows I could barely follow. And I don't think I've seen anyone run backwards like that before!"

Vendetta grinned and dusted off his jacket before walking toward Mai, raising his fist again.

"But what's this, Vendetta gets an underrated bit of amazing, he took all those high-speed blows but it doesn't seem to have done anything."

Mai lowered her head and charged again, blurring out of sight. She appeared to the enemy's right, kicking him in the shin then in front of him, landing a kick on his chin, making him stagger, then behind, knocking him forward with a kick to the butt.

It went on, with her blinking in and out of sight, sending him stumbling around.

"She's not giving him any time to react," Chin noted.

"A bit like forcing an enemy into the corner in a fighting game and just sweep-kicking them to death," Tenron mused. That got some attention on him, "What? Nothing about my beliefs says I can't go to an arcade every once in a while."

Mai flickered back into sight far from Vendetta, breathing hard now, and wiped her brow with her fist. Vendetta's hat was knocked off, revealing a metal plate of dull steel color bolted on top of his skull. Getting up, he dusted himself off and stopped, considering his coat's now ragged state and tore it off, tossing the pieces out of the arena. The crowd gasped, and Mai gaped. His left arm was entirely robotic, his right had a metal plate on the outer forearm. The center of his chest had a gleaming steel plate embedded in it, and scars crisscrossed across his torso. Taking off his shades, he crushed them in his metal fist, revealing a glowing red eye tucked into a socket.

"Let's see how your ancient martial arts fare against this technology," he sneered.

"...Hey ref, is that allowed? Aren't cybernetics like steroids or something!?" Bulma demanded.

"Uh, no, actually. The rules foresaw this coming up. In the past we've allowed people missing limbs to use prosthetics like stone or metal fists or even hooks. Cybernetics are deemed just a next step in that line of thinking, so long as they fulfill the function of a previously existing limb or such. So as long as it isn't an extra limb or a weapon integrated deliberately into the body beyond replacement of natural abilities, it's fair," the announcer said, adjusting his own shades.

"Quite right, I checked the rules before entering," Vendetta said.

"Boo! Keep your sci-fi junk out of our martial arts tournament, freak boy!" a fan booed from the crowd. Vendetta ignored them and charged at Mai, legs moving freakily quick. Mai snapped out of her gaping and vanished before his swing connected. She appeared behind him and launched a kick into his back, making him stagger. He pivoted, but again only hit air.

Yamcha smiled in the viewing area.

"Nothing motivated Mai in training like avoiding things trying to hurt her. Whether dinosaurs while delivering milk, or sharks while swimming, and especially the bees of the tree she was tied to. Rather than overcome it, we channeled that desire to escape into a fighting style. Mai's speed and agility not only lets her avoid enemy attacks, it also lets her strike fast and hard at weak points before an enemy can guard them. Her power might not match mine in raw strength and durability, but she's beaten me plenty of times over these last months after bringing her style to maturity," Yamcha bragged about his training partner as Vendetta was forced into a defensive crouch.

Then he lashed out suddenly with a jab forward, striking Mai across the face as she flickered into sight, a kick chambered.

The raven-haired fighter was sent flying onto her back. Vendetta leapt toward her, raising his knees, and he descended legs together. Mai sprang back as he landed, kicking the tiles, sending shards flying up with dust on the spot where she was.

"That guy's really strong," Goku said.

"Yeah, that might have ended the fight if it connected," Launch said.

"Don't be so sure, she may rely on agility and speed, but it's not all she has," Yamcha said as Mai wiped blood from her mouth. Then, looking troubled, she reached into her mouth and pulled out a tooth and shrieked.

"I lost a tooth!?"

"Granted, she isn't that hard to frazzle from the right angle," Yamcha admitted, as she barely dodged another punch from Vendetta, leaving the tooth behind to ping to the ground. Vendetta stomped on the tooth, grinning.

"Vanity, thy name is woman," he taunted as she came back into sight nearby, glaring at him.

"Fine, you're tough, but I think you're mean, too. So, I'm going to send you flying. Wolf Fang Kick!" Mai yelled, charging him. Her image blurred and split into four Mais, which all dashed toward Vendetta; it seemed like the image of a wolf overlaid all four.

As a blur of Mais swarmed around Vendetta, launching a flurry of kicks, blood flew from his mouth, his metal arms dented under the impact, and even as he lowered into a defensive position, the hail of blows kept falling.

"You taught her your move? Are you sure you're not dating?" Chichi asked.

"No, we're just friends," Yamcha said, giving a bright smile and thumbs up.

"That bothers you, doesn't it?" Bulma taunted.

"...A little," Yamcha muttered.

"Oh no!" Krillin yelled. Their attention went back to the fight, where Vendetta was holding Mai by the ankle on her raised and extended leg, grinning.

"My turn," he declared, blood from the mouth making his grin more menacing. He swung her up and into the ground, again and again and again, only tossing her aside after the sixth impact. She landed near the edge of the arena.

"A brutal smackdown, but he came up short of the ring out!" the announcer declared.

"Shut up! I didn't want to throw her out," Vendetta snapped as Mai groaned and got to her feet, trembling.

"How?" she wondered, wiping blood from a cut on her forehead.

"I read your pattern. That speed is annoying, but you're a mere buzzing bug that can never bring down this tiger."

She blurred out of sight; with a grin, Vendetta raised his metal arm and caught her kick on it and shoved her back. She blurred away again, and he ducked the kick whizzing over his head.

"I don't have to match your speed if I know what you are going to do before you do it."

Then he caught her wrist before the jab could connect with his face.

"And then you panic and switch tactics," he squeezed his metal grip on her and pulled her forward off her feet. His arm closed over her extended arm, the other securing the lock, then tightened and twisted. The snap seemed to echo through the arena.

Mai screamed as he released her, stumbling back. He hit her hard in the face, her nose audibly breaking under the impact. She fell flat onto her back.

"Mai!" Yamcha shouted, while Chichi gasped, Bulma glared, and Launch growled. Goku watched, stunned. Chin averted his eyes, grimacing. Shen cackled at the sight, while his students kept their calm.

Vendetta threw back his head and laughed, walking up to her, only for the announcer to get between them, holding up a hand toward him.

"One! Two! Three! Four! Five!"

Mai groaned and rolled up to her feet, wobbling.

"Owww," she stammered.

"Fight's still on!" Vendetta said, shoving the announcer aside. Mai's eyes widened, and she retreated back to the edge of the arena.

"Mai, forfeit!" Jackie Chun yelled.

Vendetta charged her and struck out with a vicious uppercut. She faded from sight with it and appeared behind him, leaping into the air and hitting him in the back with a flying kick. He staggered forward, almost over the edge, then stomped a foot into the floor, embedding it and stopping his fall. And his torso rotated on his waist, letting him face her, to the shock and disgust of the crowd.

The cyborg faced Mai, who gaped and blocked his left hook with her good arm, only for it to snap under the impact.

As she fell, he grabbed her hair with the other hand and hauled her up, pulled back his metal fist and struck her across the mouth, sending her flying. She struck the arena tiles hard, and the announcer ran over, the stunned crowd watching him check her vitals, while Vendetta rotated his body back into alignment and pulled his foot free.

"-nine, ten. Vendetta is the victor," the announcer declared.

Vendetta sneered and walked back to the competitor area. No applause rose from the audience, and the Turtle School followed by Jackie Chun ran onto the arena as the monks came out with a stretcher.

"Yurin!" Bulma yelled, and the Crane student leapt from the audience to crouch next to her.

"Use that healing hands technique," Bulma commanded, crouching by Mai. Yurin frowned, laying her hand on Mai's head.

"I'm not good enough for something like this. It takes more ki than I have and skill to put someone this broken back together."

"Please, do what you can," Yamcha pleaded on the other side of Mai.

"...Do you have the skill to take ki from others?" Jackie Chun asked, surprising the circle of Turtle School members with his presence.

"Uh, can we get the stretcher in?" one of the aid monks asked.

"Hold on, we're busy!" Chichi snapped.

"It's a bit of unconventional first aid," Krillin assured the monks.

"Wait, so you'll volunteer some ki?" Yurin asked Chun.

"I'm out of the tournament and I have some to spare. Never was able to figure out healing hands myself, but I've donated before."

"Thank you, sir!" Yamcha said. Clapping his hands over his bowed head, Jackie took a deep breath and held out a palm. Yurin rubbed her hands together, chanting under her breath, and then slowly grabbed his hand from above and below with her smaller hands. She let out a breath, and her eyes briefly glowed gold.

Taking another breath, she released Chun's hand and cradled Mai's head in her hands. As they watched, her nose righted itself on her face and her eyes fluttered open. With a gasp, she took a deep breath before cringing.

"Wheew, her head's okay; not great, but okay. So are the nose and her neck and ribs. But I stayed away from the arms and the rest."

"Dang, lil' witch is a senzu bean," Launch whistled.

"What are thoooo...?" Yurin asked, wavering and collapsing into Bulma's arms.

"Whew, okay, now take her to the hospital," Chichi said, standing up and stepping aside from the monks. The announcer followed them and looked at Mai, giving a sigh of relief.

"Relax folks, it seems it looked worse than it was," he said to the crowd.

"That guy was insane! He could have killed her, right Goku?" Krillin said, balling his fists. Goku wasn't next to him.

"Hey," Goku said sternly. Vendetta looked down at him, pulling out a new pair of shades from his pocket.

"Well, if it isn't the brat," Vendetta chuckled.

"Why did you do that? You could have thrown Mai out and won, and she was going to collapse after you broke her other arm, you could have hurt her for good with that last punch," Goku demanded.

"Winning the match was secondary to breaking her," Vendetta said, glancing around as he put the shades on. Chin and Bora glared at him, while Tenron frowned. Tien and Chiaotzu seemed to have nothing but idle curiosity, while Shen smirked.

"Why? What did Mai do to you?" Goku demanded.

"Not a single thing. But I don't need to tell you that. You and I have a score to settle," he grinned.

"Do I know you?" Goku asked, tilting his head, frowning. Vendetta flinched and his shades slipped, revealing his human and robot eyes glaring.

"Little fool! How dare you forget me when you ruined my life?! Well, no matter – I came here to get revenge not just on you and the other brat, but all your friends. That massacre just now? That's a sneak preview, the feature presentation has yet to come," Vendetta threatened, before storming into the temple.

"Son Goku, your enemy is my enemy," Bora said, stepping up.

"You really don't know who he is?" Master Chin asked.

"No. Me and my sisters have beaten up lots of bad guys. And me and Bulma, before that. Though she didn't really beat things up back then," Goku recalled.

"Well, that Bulma is so last season!" Bulma said, returning to the viewing area with the others, "I'm no one's damsel now. If that pterodactyl tried to make a happy meal of me now, I'd be eating my Commodore Crunch out of his skull the next day."

"Now come on, Goku, it's time for your match," Krillin said.

"Hey, Goku," Launch said.

"What?"

"Don't worry about Mai, I'm going to rip that cyborg so many new ones tomorrow he won't have any doctor that can put him back together again," Launch promised, pounding a fist into her palm.

X X X

Goku entered the arena as the monks finished a hasty clean and repair. Bulma was waiting, hands on her hips.

"Hey, bucko. That last fight left a bad taste in my mouth, what's say we wash it out?" she asked, assuming a stance.

"I know you can fly, but are you really strong now, Bulma?" Goku asked, not as enthused as usual.

"Why don't you come over here and find out, monkey boy?" she smirked.

"Uh, you need to wait for the match to actually start," the announcer told them, as the monks continued to hustle.

"Well, hurry up! I've been waiting for this!" Bulma snapped.

"Listen, Goku, I am not about to be left behind, or just be your all's personal ATM. But I'm not going to just whine about not mattering anymore in all this. I've been training because I was unhappy where I was. So, I want a good fight from you, I want to see how far I've come against the best fighter I know," the bluenette told him.

Shen laughed on the sidelines.

"Ah yes, what better way to grind in the humiliation of the Turtle Fool's disciples than this? Friends turned enemies, allies become rivals? If Bulma wins, that's another turtle cooked in its shell, and if that boy prevails, he endures the heartbreak of beating down one he once called friend. HAHAHAHA!" Shen cackled.

"Begin!" the announcer declared.

"I'll start, Goku, here I come!" Bulma declared, charging the smiling monkey boy.

Goku easily dodged both the punch and the kick.

"Huh? Is that as fast you can go, Bulma?" Goku asked. Then was punted into the air as her leg blurred to connect.

"Nope," she said.

"Huh," Goku said, turning over in the air and spinning his tail. Bulma cracked her knuckles as he tail-choppered back over the arena.

"Good power, but you only hit me cause you tricked me," Goku said, dropping back down.

"Sure, tell yourself that. Come at me," Bulma said, beckoning him with both hands. Goku smiled and charged.

"He's going easy on her," Krillin said, watching Bulma block each of Goku's strikes.

"Well, he's turning it up," Yamcha said.

"...Pretty serious now," Chichi observed.

"Interesting," Bora remarked, eyes firmly on Bulma.

Goku disengaged, falling back a few paces. Bulma smiled and shook her arms a bit before planting her hands on her hips.

"Good defense," Goku complimented.

"Of course. When you look as good as I do, your first training priority is to protect your face and every other beautiful part of your body."

"So, I just need to hit the ugly parts?"

"Nothing about me is ugly!" Bulma snapped, "Time for a spanking, monkey boy!"

Bulma pressed her hands together, and a wind surged out from around her as she rose into the air.

"You saw it here today folks! Contestant Bulma is using the legendary Sky Dance technique of the Crane School and taken to the air like a comic book super hero. The Crane Flock clearly came to show that the Turtle Herd isn't the only legend to live to the hype!"

"You couldn't hit me on the ground, you have even less chance when you have to leap about or use that oh-so-inefficient tailcopter. But now you're in my shooting gallery. Dodon Double Barrel!" Bulma proclaimed, charging up energy on her fingertips.

"Heh, nice!" Goku grinned, going into a stance. He rolled to the side, dodging one blast, then skidded from the next. Her next volley didn't do much better, and the third she fired at about the same time but Goku didn't even go near the second.

"Not bad, if you wanted to knock out the ring, Bulma!" Goku stuck out his tongue at her.

"Grr, it's like swatting a fly with a hammer," she fumed, as he continued to dodge.

"Huh, I thought that attack was impressive," Tenron mused, clearly unimpressed.

"It is, but she's picking her shots like a marksman," Tien chastised, "Against the untested she might do well, but unlike that Launch, she is not used to using projectile attacks in a real fight; so, against a true warrior she gives her shot away a split second before firing. Briefs may be a bit of a prodigy, but she's far from a warrior still."

"Fine, I'm not impressing with this," Bulma said, dropping her technique to land firmly on the ground. Charging Goku, she blurred out of sight as he counterattacked.

"Volley Ball Play!" Bulma yelled, kicking again only for her kick to go through him.

"Gotcha," Goku said, kicking her in the knee as he flickered into view.

"Oh, that's going to smart," Chichi said, as Goku pulled a combo on Bulma.

"He doesn't hold back against women, I see," Master Chin remarked.

"Of course not," Launch huffed.

Bulma shot into the air, bleeding from the nose and a bit worse for wear.

"Heh! Good on you, Goku, but it will take more than-"

Her arms crossed to block Goku's punch as he leapt up at her. She knocked him back, swinging her arms out.

"Hey! Respect the monologues!" she snapped, "Let's see how you chew on this."

Pressing two fingers to her brows, she began to chant rapidly under her breath, while an aura started to form around her.

"This won't end well," Chiaotzu said.

"I wonder if she can handle that now?" Tien wondered.

"Maybe she could if you'd sparred with her more," Yurin said. Tien picked the girl up by her shirt.

"This box is for contestants, rookie," he said, tossing her back into the crowd.

"CURSE YOU, BALDY!" she yelled before crashing.

"Did she forget she could fly?" Chiaotzu asked.

"AGHHHHH!" Bulma screamed, her uniform top shredding in energy to reveal... a similar top underneath, save for what some noted for it to have two large holes on her upper back.

"Egad folks, just what kind of technique are we about to witness?!" the announcer wondered.

"She looks like she needs to poop bad," Puar said on Ox King's shoulder in the audience, as veins bulged on Bulma's neck and arms.

"Gah!" Bulma cried out as spouts of flesh erupted from her back through the holes.

"Wow," Goku said, as most of the crowd screamed. With another flex, Bulma grinned and the flesh solidified into two new arms that she held over her head.

"Heh, I might not be able to land a hit on you with conventional fighting, Goku, but I'm willing to bet you never faced four arms before," Bulma said, landing. She pointed with one of her old arms, while adjusting her ponytail and wiping her brow with the new arms.

"Neat, did you regrow your tail, too?"

"Not this time... Dang it, again?!" Bulma shrieked, one on her new arms reaching into her pants and pulling out a monkey-like brown-furred tail.

"Oh man, looks like we'll need a talk with Bulma later," Yamcha gulped.

"Egads folks, contestant Bulma has sprouted additional appendages, though it seems not all of them were planned. Perhaps this dramatic technique is one she has not fully mastered?"

"Well, even the masses can spot a half-baked technique; are they getting smarter or it is just that obvious?" Tien wondered.

"Even half-baked should be more than enough to put that boy in his place. Briefs! Pound that turtle into soup!" Shen ordered. Bulma charged, blurring but not vanishing, and Goku met her head on.

One of the new limbs blocked his jab, and he evaded the other one's grab only for two quick jabs from her old arms to nail him in the face. Goku recovered and went low for a kick. Bulma practically leapt onto her back, all four arms catching her as she lifted her legs over the kick and then slammed both her feet into his chest.

"Hahaha! Who's laughing now, Goku?" Bulma cackled. She put her old arms on her hips and punched her own ears with the new ones. Goku laughed as she stumbled under the blow.

"Guess you don't have those arms all figured out, huh? You should have taken the time to train your tail, it might have been good practice."

"Grr, I told you then and I'll say it again. I don't need a stupid tail!"

"Why's the tail a big deal when you got extra arms?" Goku asked.

"Uh, well. They do make me look like a sexy goddess," Bulma said, flushing a bit. Then grimaced, realizing the extra arms were feeling her chest quite clearly in public.

"Uh, contestant Bulma, please try and keep non-violent acts family friendly?" the announcer asked.

"Stupid arms! I didn't grow you for this nonsense, let's beat Goku," she said, charging.

"Okay," Goku said, dodging the rapid-fire jabs. He blurred out of sight and kicked Bulma in the back of the head.

"Your reaction has dropped, you concentrating to keep those arms or just tired from pooping them out?" Goku asked.

"It's not pooping! Shut up!" she said, whirling on him.

"Yes, let the hatred grow and fester!" Shen cackled.

Bulma tried to grab him with all four hands. Goku landed on her head, planting his feet on her shoulders.

"You should try the Turtle way, slow and steady; mastering each step. You're trying to jump ahead," Goku pointed out. Bulma brought her extra fists down on him. Or tried to; Goku nonchalantly fell backward off her, letting her pound down on her own head. With a creaking groaning sound, Bulma fell onto her back. With a wet flushing sound, the arms retracted.

The announcer approached as Goku knelt next to her and started counting.

"Come on Bulma, don't you have some more? This is fun!" Goku urged as she blinked and tried to rise during the count, she got to one knee and smiled as the announcer yelled ten.

"And that's the match folks; Son Goku once again advances to the second round!"

"Dang, I knew beating you was a long shot. But I didn't even give you a good workout, did I?" Bulma sighed.

"Nah, that was fun. Last time you couldn't fight at all. Give it another three years to master what you've learned and it'll be great," Goku said, offering her a hand. With him being so much shorter, the hand up seemed a bit absurd, but Bulma just smiled warmly as she took it.

"At least I learned more new moves in the last three years than you," she remarked haughtily, returning on her feet.

"That's not fair, you didn't know any to begin with," Goku pointed out.

"Watch it, monkey boy. If you'd tried the Kamehameha on me, I'd have given you a very nasty surprise," she bit back playfully as they went toward the stands.

"Maybe, if you didn't blow yourself up with whatever it is," Goku giggled around a grin. Bulma playfully smacked him on the head.

"Isn't that great folks, real sportsmanship, not just between competitors but even rival schools. How about a big hand for both of them for that bizarre match!" the announcer called, and the crowd obliged.

"...This is a total disgrace. That woman utterly fails at my teachings as a dark and vengeful warrior," Shen seethed.

"Oh, so you're done with that now, master?" Tien asked.

"Bulma, you're fired!" Shen yelled, as Goku and Bulma returned to the box.

"Huh? I don't work for you," Bulma remarked.

"Expelled, banished, exiled, excommunicated, banned for life; pick a word, you're it!" Shen barked in her face. Bulma frowned.

"Fine, I know plenty already. I just need to figure out how to do it better than you cranky guys anyway. I've had enough of roughing it for a bit. I'll have Dad add a martial arts training area to the compound. Yurin will need a room too..." Bulma said.

"Are you blind to the shame of being expelled from the Crane School?!" Shen bellowed.

"...Yeah, never really liked you guys. Other than Yurin, won't miss you at all, and I guess there wouldn't have been much point going back anyway. Later," Bulma said, waving him off. Jackie Chun stopped suppressing his chuckles to laugh out loud.

"Ha! Corrupt her? That girl was corrupt to begin with! You got scammed, you cranky bird," Chun laughed and pointed at Shen.

"Master, the school will be improved by the absence of such an annoying and irreverent disciple," Tien assured his teacher.

"This means Yurin is leaving, too?" Chiaotzu asked.

"Yes, she failed in her part to corrupt that rich brat," Shen said, then took a deep breath and assumed a calm posture.

"This matter, if there is more to do with it, is for later. We must turn our attention to the near before the far. The Crane School will not suffer further disgrace this day. Fair warning, young Tenron; I already disliked you, but now I need to vent and you are a supremely excellent target," Shen warned, turning slightly to face the young martial artist.

"Hmm, I look forward to facing a legendary master fighting seriously. But mind that temper, I'd hate to win only for people to say it was only because you weren't fighting at your best," Tenron said.

Shen huffed and went to the other side of the box. Meanwhile, Chichi was showing Bulma an arrangement of brightly colored bows she used to beautify her own tail.

"The next match will be Chichi vs Chin!"

Chapter Text

LAST TIME:

The Budokai continued, with Mai facing off against mysterious and menacing Vendetta. Who turned out to be a cyborg!

Mai gave a good showing for the Kame School with her speed and adaptation of Yamcha's Wolf Fang technique, but Vendetta's augmentations proved a tough nut to crack. Getting the upper hand, Vendetta proceeded to deliver devastating damage to Mai. While the young lady was determined, it proved not enough, as her brutal defeat stunned fighters and the audience alike. Not only was Vendetta remorseless, but he made it very clear he'd come seeking revenge on Launch and Goku; who is this mysterious and vengeful villain?!

Next was the first clash between the Crane and Kame School, with none other than friends turned enemies Bulma add Goku facing each other in an epic battle that shattered their bond!

Except not really. Bulma, after demonstrating her ability to trade blows with Goku, proceeded to show off the techniques she had learned, and in doing so revealed her mastery was wide but not very deep with her ability to effectively use some of the dubious. So at last, the match ended in Goku's victory, which Bulma accepted gracefully, the two happily integrating martial arts rivalry into their friendship. After a one-sided spat with an incredulous Master Shen, the stage was set for the Budokai to continue.

Witness more carnage in the ring today, on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey.

Chapter Six

Ox vs Star

Turtle vs Crane II

"Shall we, Your Highness?" Chin asked, stepping up near Chichi.

"Hmm? Oh, no need to bother with that here. We're all fighters, Master Chin, titles like those don't carry weight here," she waved off the niceties.

"Ah, glad to hear it. My student Misa idolizes you, and while she isn't the type to throw her title around, it's good a peer she respects has that attitude, just in case the teen years bring something out," Chin remarked amiably.

"I gather you were quite the star in the Budokai back in the day. It's an honor," Chichi said, as they exited the box onto the arena.

"Oh, hardly. I'm a trivia question at most outside my little corner of the world. To think I would get to test myself against not one but two disciples of the venerable..." Chin went on.

Shen glared at them.

"What a disgrace, no pride of the old master against the upstart, and no cocky ambition from the upstart. You'd think they were stepping out for tea," the old man griped.

"Man, and I thought Master Roshi's quirks were annoying. That crane guy's a jackass even for a bad guy," Krillin remarked.

"My people believe in giving respect to elders. Respect is not the same as obedience," Bora remarked, which got a chuckle out of Krillin.

"You're alright, Mr. Bora," Krillin said.

Tenron watched stoically as Launch leaned next to him on the railing.

"So, you going to support your old master?" she asked, "I'm backing Chichi, we have history."

"...Do you think he has a chance?" Tenron asked.

"...That's it, if you're going to be angsty with that tone-"

"What tone?" Tenron objected.

"-I ain't sticking around for it. Yamcha's still glum about his gal pal being carted off, I'll be keeping him from sulking in the dumps," Launch said, and rushed over to pluck Goku from chatting excitably with Bulma to plant him on the railing next to Tenron.

"Goku, you're going to have to delay putting the moves on Bulma, you're talking to bowl cut during the match so I don't have to," she ordered Goku.
Then she was next to Yamcha, leaning against the wall next to him. Goku and Tenron looked at each other a moment.

"So, you are rooting for your intended, I suppose?" Tenron asked.

"Is that Chichi? Oh, because we intend to have a wedding, right? Sure, but I wouldn't mind Master Chin winning either. I like both of them," Goku smiled.

"Master..." Tien said to his fuming teacher, who was presently staring at the wall.

"That's right, old timer, keep on fuming. I've eaten crane, but a self-baking bird is too weird not to take a taste of," Launch cackled, elbowing Yamcha in the side.

"I feel a bit overshadowed with these school rivalries and quirky characters," Ranfan pouted, leaning on the wall opposite Launch.

"Not to worry, young lady. Jackie never overlooks a lady in need of attention," Jackie Chun, face still bandaged, assured her, eyebrows wiggling quite dramatically.

"...Oh, Mr. Bora! I hear you live in the wilderness, I've taken a bit of a shine to the roaming lifestyle, maybe you could offer some tips later?" she called out to Bora, leaving a dejected but unsurprised Jackie behind.

"The fourth match will now begin! Master Tai Chin of the Chin Star School vs Chichi of the Kame School! Begin!" the announcer declared. Chin bowed to Chichi, who after a moment's surprise, returned it. Chin and she both assumed their stances.

'Here I am again. For the last time, it's for certain. I'll certainly not turn into the likes of Jackie Chun and the Hermits. Even if Misa exaggerated, this woman has fought the warriors of Demon World and prevailed. I'm not sure if any of the monsters I fought in my day measure up to that. The fact the battle ended in a retreat means little. Still, she is mortal, like Son Goku even. Yes, impressive as they are, I must not concede the battle of the mind to the Kame School. It's merely a match with a worthy opponent, and no need to hold back.'

"Miss Chichi, out of respect to your school and reputation, I will go all out from the start," the middle-aged man said.

"Come on then," Chichi said, manners now colored by eagerness. He saw it in her stance and the shape of her mouth, the weight of her stare. She yearned for battle.

Excellent, eagerness could be as cumbersome as hesitation.

His charge was heralded by the announcer.

"Sorry guys, but Chichi's more than a match for some old man. This won't be much of a fight," Krillin said.

Chin stopped short on his charge, Chichi lashing out with a kick, eyes widening as she connected with nothing and Chin used the opening to land a powerful jab to her ribs. Thrown off balance, Chichi quickly recovered and took a swing at Chin.

"Phantom Star!" he yelled, and her fist passed through nothing.

'Afterimage with a better name, just like they said. But people using that always attack, behind!'

Her fist connected with absolutely nothing as she pivoted and Chin reappeared in his starting position, swooping and landing a kick square on her back. The Turtle School warrior staggered but turned to face her foe, who retreated a bit rather than press the attack.

'She kept to her feet. Hitting her reminds me of training against tractor tires; I have faced few people who could take a kick like that and not at least be knocked off their feet. Is this my weakness? No, this is a warrior trained by the Muten Roshi and who has had years to build upon the foundation he instilled in her. I only have three options – to try for a ring out, go for the head seeking the knockout, or try and wear her down.'

Chichi wasn't about to let him wait, closing the distance quick enough to surprise the old master. He deflected the blows, and it answered his question, as good a parry as he could hope for yet the pain surged up his arm.

"CHICHI! CHICHI! CHICHI!" Ox King chanted, waving his banner, Princess Misa perched on his shoulder, pumping her fist and chanting along while Shoken and the other Chin Star students spared her a glare before turning back to the fight.

Chin ducked a kick and struck like a cobra, knocking her off balance again. This time, he didn't let up the barrage of punches and jabs. She counterattacked, and he saw it coming just enough to evade and use the opening to chop her in the neck.

Chichi let out a city of pain from the blow and struck him in the chest with a flat palm. Chin was knocked off his feet; air forced out, he barely made a clean roll.

"Dang, you really hit hard," Chichi said, rubbing her neck as Chin got to his feet. She smiled, bouncing a bit on her feet.

'This is different from sparring with Krillin. Is it because it's the tournament and I made it to the real competition? This feeling, it's fantastic, like every bit of me is a flower and now it's blooming,' Chichi thought. She charged with silence, a smile splitting her face.

She lured him into a position where he had to block two blows aimed for his neck. Which left him open for a headbutt. Her hair style wasn't just displaying her forehead to look cute; her skull had knocked Krillin for a loop plenty of times.

Chin recoiled from the blow, and Chichi followed with an uppercut. Chin leapt back, evading it, and found himself on the edge of the arena.

Chin wiped blood from his nose, taking a moment to feel it. Not broken. And his vision was correcting. The young warrior was advancing on him. He took a breath, centering himself.

'No choice, I have to go all out and go for the headshots. Attrition won't work, as even a few more lucky shots will take me down. And I can't control the fight as it is to lure her in for a ring out, much less throw her out. Head blows to either knock her out, or leave her vulnerable so I can grapple her out of the arena," Chin decided.

"Phantom Star!" he called. He charged her, and she turned to the left, seeming to sense his intention. But it was only a thought; he landed the punch to her brow the old-fashioned way.

Growling in pain, she struck back, but now he faded from sight.

"Phantom Fist!" Chin yelled. He kicked out in a blur of blows, striking Chichi across the thigh and ribs. She faltered, and he turned, putting his weight behind a punch that struck her ear.

Staggering, Chichi turned into his combo, shielding her face with one arm and lashing out with her right hook. Chin blurred into sight, the blow just nicking him in the side.

And the point of contact exploded, sending the middle-aged master flying, smoke billowing up.

The audience cried out in awe or confusion, save for Ox King and Krillin simply cheering louder. Chin grimaced in the air and turned his face to see Chichi closing in as he descended. He punched once, and then her foot connected, sending him out of the ring, colliding with the low wall separating the audience from the green around the ring.

"Chin is out! Chichi wins the match!" the announcer declared.

Chichi grinned and raised a fist to applause. Then her smile slipped away, watching two monks assist Chin to his feet, his shirt blown away where her punch has connected, with angry red burns forming on his skin and a limp in his step.

"I knew you could do it, Chichi," Krillin congratulated her. She started a bit, realizing she had returned to the contestant area.

"Is Master Chin okay?" she asked. Goku was the one who answered.

"Ah, he's a bit banged up and burned, but he's tough. Shame he'll miss the next match."

"Hmm, okay then," Chichi mused.

"Tien what was that?" Chiaotzu asked his fellow Crane.

"I have a theory," Tien uttered, eyes narrowed and tracking Chichi as mingled with her friends.

"Hmph, well, one more turtle for us to stomp," Master Shen remarked adjusting his glasses.

X X X

"Alright folks, as we have reached the halfway point of the first round, we will now break for a ninety-minute recess. Audience, please keep your ticket stubs for ease of reentry if you leave tournament grounds; trading stubs is strictly prohibited. Contestants, please remember that you are expected to enter the arena promptly when called. Barring the five-minute grace period, failure to appear on time will result in disqualification, no exceptions!" the announcer declared.

"Huh? But I wanna watch more fights," Goku complained.

"Well, we could get-" Chichi softly said, roused from her introspection.

"Let's grab a light lunch, Goku. Hey everyone, it's on me," Bulma interrupted more boisterously.

"I'll pass, I'm up against Tien next. But I'll go check on Mai at the hospital," Yamcha said.

"Eh, I'll go with Scar here. I wouldn't put it past those Crane jerks to try and kneecap him before his fight," Launch said.

Tien scoffed as he, Chiaotzu and Shen exited into the temple.

"As if I need to resort to such tactics. I'll crack that turtle's shell without breaking a sweat, and it will be an indisputable victory. You might want to take that lunch offer; between eating out of a straw and a mountain of medical bills, you won't be enjoying food for a good long time."

"Talk's cheap, cueball! Yamcha here's gonna give you three black eyes and a view of the moon," Launch objected, getting into Tien's face and pointing at Yamcha.

"Oh really? You know, I'm told I could blow up the moon if I wanted to," Tien said with disinterest.

"Heh, typical small man, talking big on boasts he can't demonstrate. And by small, I don't mean lack of being tall," she sneered.

"And I suppose he's a real lancer," Tien rolled his eyes.

"Heh, guys who got it don't need to prance around like some horny bird doing its dance," Launch snickered.

"Uh, I appreciate it, but provoking him isn't really necessary," Yamcha sweatdropped. Launch turned to face him.

"I don't like guys like this. They think they're the hottest thing around, and they- hey, where'd he go? Ha, look at the little birdie, flying away," She laughed fists on her hips.

"He didn't fly though, he walked away," Goku pointed out. His friends gave a collective sigh, Chichi in particular putting two fingers to her brow before speaking.

"Hmm, I think I'll go check on Master Chin then, maybe get a bite with my father and the Chin Star School," Chichi decided.

"Well, I'll go with you, if that's alright," Krillin said.

"Hmm, don't you want to catch up with Goku?" she asked.

"Chichi, you do remember how Goku eats, right? It won't exactly be conversation time," he said. Leaving unsaid hers was basically a more refined form of mass consumption, the two went to one of the monks to ask after Master Chin.

"Well, I'm not turning down a free meal," Tenron said flatly.

"I can't tell if you're one of the heroes or a villain," Bulma said, eyes narrowed a bit at Tenron.

"I feel the same about you," he answered simply.

"...Ha! I like you, grape bowl. Let's eat; you coming, Bora?" Bulma asked, hopping over the divider to start walking across the arena, Goku following her.

"Yes, though it might be better for Upa to eat with the Chin Star students, more kids his own age," Bora said.

"Guess parenthood is tough," Bulma observed, as the three navigated the crowd, expertly avoiding getting mobbed, though Bulma did rapid-fire sign some autographs.

"Yes, but I feel it more rewarding than climbing higher than the clouds," Bora said with a small smile.

"...Hey, where did old Jackie go?"

X X X

"It looks worse than it is, I hear?" Mai said. Her arms were wrapped in bandages and in slings, the left one also in a plaster cast. Her head was wrapped in bandages that covered most of her face with her braid sticking out the back.

Yamcha and Launch both flinched when she smiled, displaying the fact she had lost several teeth.

"So, they got you on the good drugs?" Launch asked.

"Well, when they asked on that stuff, I turned down. Don't want to get addicted. Sorry I'll miss your match, Yamcha, but they found the tournament on the radio."

"Well, you'll be hearing some breaking bones when this guy takes down that three-eyed bastard," Launch said, hooking a finger at Yamcha.

"Are you sure you don't want to fight him?" Yamcha wondered.

"Nah, nothing would hurt an ego like that more than losing in the first round. And he seems the type who was born a winner. Prodigy, talked up his whole life, thinking he's got the world in his hand if he reaches for it. It's even worse if he's got actual powder in that cannon. Anyway, we gotcha a melon on the way over," Launch said.

"Oh, thanks," Mai said, sweatdropping as Launch held the watermelon out to her without a hand to take it. Yamcha intervened, taking the melon and setting it on the visitor chair next to the hospital bed.

"And don't worry about that Vendetta, I'll rip those cybernetics right out of him and shove 'em up his tight butt tomorrow."

"Maybe you will, maybe you won't," Master Roshi said. The three turned to the door, where the Turtle Hermit stood with a vase of fresh-cut flowers.

"Master Roshi, I lost. Sorry," Mai apologized, bowing her head slightly.

"Nothing to be sorry for, defeat is part of life, it's only a bad thing if you can't gain something through it from learning," Roshi said. Yamcha moved out of his way to let the old man put the flowers on the bedside table next to Launch.

"What's she supposed to learn from that? Don't fight cyborgs?" Launch demanded.

"Perhaps? I only wish you'd thrown in the towel sooner, Mai – the call to press on is admirable, but there's no need to break yourself on a mere tournament, far more to life than a mere title and cash prize," Roshi said, patting the woman's thigh through the bed cover.

"So, you're not disappointed?" Mai asked, tilting her head.

"Of what? You performed grandly, I am proud to have you and Yamcha as my final students. This generation of fine young turtles lets me hang up my teaching credentials for the last time without any regrets or second thoughts," Roshi beamed. Mai smiled at that, along with Yamcha. To Roshi's credit, he didn't flinch at the broken smile.

"So what? You retire to full time pervy behavior?" Launch asked with a sly grin.

"Dang it, woman, can't you give me a moment to be cool and dignified?" Roshi griped.

"Nah, I've seen too much of your true colors. You may be an epic teacher and legit hero, but you're also a dirty old man who's even more funny and pathetic for being a virgin. Can't let anyone forget that," Launch grinned.

"Laugh it up, but I know your weakness, too," Roshi muttered. Picking a flower from the vase, he gave it a mighty blow, sending pollen into Launch's face.

"Why you, you-ou ACHOO! Oh my, is this a hospital? Oh no, Mai! What happened!? Who did this, I'll fix them good!" Launch wailed, seeing her friend in the hospital bed and semi-tackling her into a hug, making Mai grimace, eyes bugging.

"Huh, even the nice one wants vengeance," Yamcha noted.

"Of course, both of them love friends and family dearly, two sides of the same coin are still part of the same coin," Roshi said to Yamcha. And raised an eyebrow, following Yamcha's gaze to the twins' rump; not the best Roshi had ever seen, but plenty fine, and the martial artist lifestyle had done it favor enough that even in gi pants, it was of recognizable quality.

But he knew the girl too well to seriously perv over her, student-teacher ethics and all. Bulma wasn't his student, and so was fair game.

"So, Yamcha, enjoying the tournament sights?" he asked, grinning. Yamcha sputtered, realizing he'd been caught. Roshi gave him a grin meant to assure he wasn't going to call the lad out. Why would he? A man of culture should not be a hypocrite, and besides, Yamcha if anything was too much a gentleman in Roshi's mind.

And if he was still interested, knowing it was a two for one deal, well...

"Ah, youth. Even taking a backseat going forward, I think it's going to be a show well worth watching," he murmured to himself, while Yamcha made an exit to get Mai and Lunch food from the nurse station, and Mai caught Lunch up on the tournament up to her fight.

X X X

Licking an ice cream cone, a pale woman wearing large round sunglasses, a white top and white bell bottoms secured with a golden chain belt and green afro entered a phone booth and dialed a number.

"Donald, it's Candi," she said, putting her glasses up onto her forehead, revealing her blue eyes and reddish-brown eyebrows.

"Yes, I still feel coming in person was worthwhile. …Really, that attitude is why I think you could have used some time out of the lab. It's so festive here, so many people eager to see people pound each other into the pavement, it makes me all tingly," Candi said, wiggling in the phone booth, making a mother passing by usher her children on faster. The disguised scientist straightened up, getting serious as she listened.

"Yes, he won, but I'm not sure how much that is worth. ...Well, I'm saying that martial artists also strive to build on past success. Even if she's as strong as Son Goku was when he and his sister took the Red Ribbon Army down so many pegs, those two might be stronger now. Anyway, I also planted a bug in Blue's room, like you asked. Anything interesting? ...Well, that's not unexpected. I planted one with Puma guy, but one of his daughters found it. She did what with it? Ugh, I hope you didn't have the volume high. Well, at least it won't be traced to us if they turn it over to the leadership. Wish you were here, dear! I would have loved to see you wearing that Disco Dan disguise I bought you. Hello? Hellooo? Donald? Hmph, that man just seems to get crankier," Candi pouted, hanging up and resuming licking her ice cream cone as he exited the booth.

X X X

"So, we can never go back to eat there?" Goku asked Bulma as they reentered the contestant viewing area. Bulma dug some soot out of her ear before answering.

"Yes Goku, that's what a lifetime ban means," she told him.

"Huh, that's a shame," Goku said, not seeming very put out by it.

"That was... an interesting meal," Bora remarked safely. He would have to carefully consider inviting them to a tribal banquet if that was what happened when you put them together with a large amount of food and open flames. Though at least there were no such ovens in his homeland, so that wouldn't be a concern.

"Hey guys, good news. As long as she stays in a wheelchair, Mai should be able to come watch in person tomorrow," Yamcha said.

"That's a relief, oh hi, Lunch," Bulma said.

"Hello! Mai's holding it together well, but she's not taking hugs right now, just so you know," Lunch said.

"I won my fight, Lunch," Goku declared, getting up on the divider.

"Which means I lost," Bulma sighed, "Proof the sexiest will not always be triumphant, I suppose."

"I heard, wish I could have seen it. Think they'll ever start showing this on video?" Lunch pondered.

"The better question is why they haven't started, they could make out like gangsters," Bulma said.

"Some value the dignity of martial arts over media money," Tenron said, entering with Master Chin. The middle-aged master had a limp and grimaced a bit with each step, but seemed otherwise fine, wearing a fresh uniform. Chichi and Krillin followed after.

"Indeed, but it likely is only a matter of time, with even the great tournament bending so much for modern audiences," Chin commented.

"Oh, Master Chin, sorry your comeback didn't go as planned, and Chichi, congratulations... Oh dear, it's hard to know what to say when I like so many different sides. Maybe I should just tag Launch back in? Bye Yamcha, bye Goku, everyone, see you tonight," Lunch said, pulling out a pepper pack.

"Ah, they serve excellent ice cream here, I'll need to remember that shop for future use," the Crane Hermit said as he entered along with Tien and Chiaotzu. Tien looked at Yamcha with a cruel smirk.

"Still here? You're either brave or quite stupid. No wait, it's both, isn't it?"
Chichi huffed, hands on her hips.

"Seems a bit soon to be cocky, dontcha think? Between Crane and Turtle, the score's one nothing in our favor so far," Chichi said, holding up one finger.

"Master Shen and Tienshenhan don't consider Bulma one of us, even less so as she's friendly with you, that is," Chiaotzu stated plainly.

"Yeah, yeah, me and Yurin are done with you guys too," Bulma said, raising a different single finger, to Chichi's alarm.

"Hmph, a profitable venture, but it is now done. But we're not back early to talk about that," Shen stated.

"That's right-"

"Achoo! ...Alright, back in business. Time for the fight?"

"Not quite yet, they want to talk," Goku told Launch.

"When we first met, you mentioned Taopaipai. We are quite interested in that," Tien said.

"Why is that?" Bora asked.

"Because Tao is a member of the Crane School. And Shen's younger brother," Jackie Chun said, entering the viewing area.

"Brother?!" several said, surprised. Shen just gave a half-smile.

"Our brotherly love was forsaken long ago, Tao's pride made it untenable. But even if only by blood we are kin, and he has long been second only to me in the Crane School, and assisted in the instruction of many of our best fighters and assassins," Shen stated.

"I had the great honor of receiving personal instruction from the King of Assassins, even earning his acknowledgment as a great warrior," Tien said. His smile wasn't quite nasty now; some noted it had a genuine tinge to it, a truly fond recollection that was separate from the three-eyed man's demeanor so far.

"Don't deny it, you Turtles know something about why he hasn't checked in for years," Shen declared.

"Oh, that guy. I hear he died," Launch said. Even Chiaotzu was stunned at those words.

"Absurd!" Tien sputtered, eyes flashing in anger.

"No, he was really strong but also a dirty fighter. After me and Launch had him beaten, he tried to blow us up, but I kicked the bomb away and he blew himself up instead," Goku answered.

"A double-team? I thought you Turtles were above fighting smart, especially idiots like you two," Shen ground out.

"He accepted it as one on two. He wasn't a very fun fight though, such a jerk," Goku grumbled.

"Tien, could they really...?" Chiaotzu gulped, looking to the three-eyed warrior. Tien's expression made him take a step back – the face was calm and the shoulders still, but a dark aura practically radiated off the Crane warrior.

"Individually, I would not believe it, barring treachery. But together? That is... possible. And they admit it was Lord Tao's own attack that killed him," Tien said coldly.

"Attack? Throwing a bomb ain't no proper martial arts duel, even to the death," Jackie Chun objected calmly.

"Wow, it's a kung-fu soap opera! Quite entertaining, eh big guy?" Ranfan said, leaning a bit on Bora. Bora gently pushed her off to step forward.

"You are all wrong, Taopaipai did not die in that fight," Bora stated. Shen glared at him, Tien keeping his eyes on Launch and Goku.

"So, you're involved?" the Crane Hermit asked.

"I am. That explosion left him blind and maimed, but alive. I found him, put him down like a rabid animal and returned his body to the soil of my homeland. I do not regret this, and if you seek vengeance, Cranes, seek me first."

Tien's three-eyed gaze shifted to him. Goku frowned, and Launch grit her teeth.

"Dang it, Bora, you didn't have to do that for us," Launch cursed.

"So, you killed a great man while he was down and helpless? So much for the 'noble' savage," Tien said with deadly calm.

"There was nothing great about that assassin. I could see that in a short time; that you could not after studying under him tells me you are quite blind, even with three eyes," Bora answered, meeting that gaze stoically.

"Hey, in case you've forgotten, Tien, I'm your opponent. It's time," Yamcha broke in, pointing to the arena, with the crowd's cheering seeming to finally intrude.

Tien took a breath and gave an empty smile.

"You are right. No matter, vengeance is a dish best served cold, after all. You'll be my warm up. Big man, you'd better make it far enough in this tournament to face me, otherwise you will face me without any rules holding my fury back. Consider this a taste of what's to come," Tien promised, exiting onto the arena.

Yamcha gave them a smile and thumbs up.

"Don't worry, Bora. His role in the tournament ends here today. Trash-talkers always have glass jaws to go with the big mouth."

"Be careful, my friend. I fear that young man far surpasses the assassin he admires," Bora said.

"I agree," Jackie Chun spoke up, "He won't kill you, as the rules would work against him and he wants to win it all to humiliate the Kame School, but he will do the worst he can now. Don't treat this as just another tournament match."

"Shh, don't worry him. Kick him so hard he'll be pooping teeth for weeks, Yamcha," Launch cheered as Yamcha raised a hand in farewell and took to the arena.

"Wow, this tournament is way more intense than last time," Krillin admitted, "I'm kinda glad I'm fighting Bora, at least we don't have any bad blood."

"I want to smash that cyborg. But if these Cranes turn out to be trouble, I can squeeze them in. Oh my! I sound like a thug! Next thing you know, I'll wake up with blonde hair, too much eyeliner, and a kitty tattoo!" Chichi gasped in horror, sinking to her knees.

"Uh, is she alright?" Ranfan asked Launch, who was standing by Chichi as Krillin assured her that she was not in fact a closet hoodlum.

"If you mean is this odd for her, not so much from when I was with her. But if you mean in the not normal question, frankly Krillin may be the only normal one in the Turtle School," Launch said.

"...I'm not sure if you just complimented me or insulted me," Krillin stated.

"Guys, the match is starting! Go Yamcha! He's strong, but so are you!" Goku cheered.

"The fifth match, Tienshenhan of the Crane School vs Yamcha of the Kame School, begin!"

"You can make the first move. It's only fair, as I will be making the last," Tien said.

"I look forward to deflating that ego. I was practically born to fight, and after training under the Muten Roshi, I'm ready to challenge the best fighters that I know. I made it to the second round last time; this time I plan to go all the way," Yamcha said, assuming a stance. Tien just grinned.

Yamcha sprang into action. Tien did not react until the Turtle warrior was upon him, face set in determination as he blocked or deflected the flurry of jabs aimed at his face and chest, retreating across the arena.

"Yamcha is pressing the attack. Tienshenhan is keeping up with every blow, but he seems helpless to do anything but retreat before this explosion of blows!" the announcer declared.

"Heh, if Tien's the best the Cranes have, then it looks like this will be anticlimactic," Krillin said.

"Hmm," Chichi hummed, glancing to Chiaotzu, who was watching the action stoically.

"Tien's not on the ropes. I hardly ever sparred with him, but I've seen him practice, he's not even sweating," Bulma said, frowning.

"Yer right," Launch frowned, eyes narrowing.

"This will be interesting," Goku said seriously.

"So, right about now?" Ranfan asked no one in particular as they reached the edge of the arena.

Tien flashed a grin to Yamcha then, deflecting a blow hard enough to break Yamcha's rhythm and unleashed his own flurry of blows, pressing Yamcha back.

"What's this? The tide has turned!" the announcer declared.

"Yamcha, don't hold back! You'll be playing into his hands!" Launch yelled.

Yamcha disengaged and nodded as Tien smiled at him. Yamcha assumed a stance several present recognized as the start of the Wolf Fang Fist, but it shifted into something else. Jackie Chun nodded.

'He's heeding their advice, but how will Tien respond?'

"Hmph," Tien said, assuming a stance of his own.

"Wolf Fang Flurry!" Yamcha yelled, leaping into the air.

"What?! But he's a sitting duck in the air!" Krillin cried out.

"He must have a plan," Master Chin stated.

"He could just be making a mistake," Tenron pointed out.

Tien, perhaps sensing a trap, made no move to take advantage of his opponent being airborne. And sure enough, Yamcha seemed to kick off the air, changing his direction and increasing his speed. Hands pulled back, one could almost swear his arms became snarling wolves when he pounced on Tien.

Rather than try and pierce his defense, the savage attack had Yamcha seizing Tien by the wrists before he could react, clamping down with a stunning grip. Throwing his opponent clear off his feet, Yamcha leapt again and hammered Tien up into the air with two punches, then leapt to bring an axe kick down in the three-eyed warrior's stomach, hammering him into the ground.

It happened so quick the audience and announcer were stunned before fully registering Tien lying on the ground, unmoving. Then cheers erupted from the crowd and several contestants. But Goku and Bulma remained passive, watching Tien.

"Hey little guy, looks like your pal and Mai might be sharing a wing," Launch mocked Chiaotzu. Then noticed his stoic expression was gone, replaced by a small smile. His wide blank eyes slid ever so slightly to look at her, and he gave a small, horribly innocent giggle.

Tien stood and brushed himself off, stretching like he'd just taken a nap.

"Hmm," Tien said to a stunned Yamcha, rubbing his stomach as he rolled his shoulder joints.

"Seems I underestimated you; those blows actually hurt. I was planning on pantomiming some injuries, but perhaps you deserve a little more respect than that," Tien chuckled.

"No way, you're bluffing, you couldn't just shrug off those blows, I created that technique to fight the likes of Launch and Goku," Yamcha said, shocked.

"Oh? Either you misread the gap, or this tournament is going to be more boring than I thought."

Yamcha set his face and retreated a few steps, assuming his stance once more.

"I see, you do think I'm bluffing and think one more combo attack will crack my facade. Well, it's true, one shouldn't idly believe an enemy is telling the truth, but I'm not going to just let you try again," Tien said. Clenching his fist, Tien grimaced and his body seemed to shimmer. Then veins bulged across his torso, neck and head. Practically growling, Tien's skin reddened.

"What, he's getting sunburned?" Goku wondered.

"I was thinking that, very disturbing," Krillin remarked.

"Well, I guess the sun can beat even him?"

"No, I've seen this once before," Bulma muttered.

"Indeed, Yamcha has already lost; if Tien has mastered his ki enough to perform this Burning Shield technique, it's unlikely Yamcha can injure him enough to beat him," Chun sighed.

'That's not talent, this young man truly has the right stuff. He's in agony right now, just to prove a point; more than Shen was ever willing to pony up, given a choice,' Roshi thought.

"Wolf Fang Flurry!" Yamcha launched the attack again.

"Here we go again, folks. Tien doesn't seem to be dodging or blocking! Is his sudden sunburn perhaps more than it seems?"

Yamcha forewent the throw this time, landing blurring jabs to the neck and side of the head. Then came two kicks to the ribs and to the knee. And it went on for several more blows until Yamcha backpedaled away.

Away from Tien, who let out a breath as his skin returned to normal, the veins receding. Tien cracked his neck and rubbed his side. He had not moved at all from where he had been when the barrage began.

"Not bad, but not good either. If you want to be real serious with a combo attack, each move from beginning to end should be done with the desire to be the finishing blow. Like this!" Tien said.

He burst forward, seeming to less run than fly. Yamcha's eyes widened, and he swung with a left hook, taking Tien in the cheek only for the image to disappear as it plowed into him.

"Afterimage!" Yamcha cursed. Then was knocked off his feet as Tien slid kicked him from behind.

"Volley Ball Play!" Tien yelled. And as Yamcha fell toward him back first, he struck his opponent's back with two open palm strikes, sending him up high into the air and knocking the air out of him.

"Yessir!" Tien called out in a mocking high-toned voice.

"Once!" Tien yelled, uppercutting Yamcha in the belly, sending him up into the air again. Running, Tien intercepted Yamcha again and struck his back with laced fists.

"Twice!"

Tien leapt into the air, raising his hand.

"And SPIKE!"

Yamcha blocked the blow from hitting his face, but was still hammered down into the tiles, cracking them and sending shards up into the air.

"So, learn anything?" Tien asked, landing calmly. His breathing was regular, but most could see he was sweating.

"Heheh, Tien has this won. Even if he gets back up, that turtle's shell is practically cracked open," Shen chuckled.

Yamcha got to his feet, wobbly for a moment, then steadied.

"Oh, want some more? Fair warning, if you don't do the smart thing and forfeit, I have every intention of sending you to join your girlfriend at the hospital," Tien sneered, crossing his arms.

"Jerk! Mai doesn't even want a boyfriend. Let's see how cocky you are with this," Yamcha said, eyes focusing as he shifted into a new stance, hands cupped.

"Isn't that?" Chichi asked.

"Ka..."

"Oh, heck yeah," Launch smiled.

"...me..."

"Can it be folks, are we about to witness a new practitioner of the Kamehameha? At this rate, it won't be considered a legendary technique for long!" the announcer said.

"...ha..."

"What's he going to do if he counters with a Dodon Ray?" Bulma demanded.

"Something?" Goku remarked. Bulma planted a foot on his head, frowning.

"...me..."

'I fear it's futile, my boy, but just performing that shows how far you have come,' Roshi thought.

"HA!"

The blue energy gathered in his palms erupted forth. Yamcha let out a relieved smile as the ki left him; the angle was right to avoid the audience but hit his foe, and Tien seemed set to take it head on rather than dodge, like Launch had against Jackie Chun in the last tournament.

'I can't make another one that strong here, but even he can't just shrug that off.'

Yamcha couldn't see Tien bring his hands together, index fingers pressed together as he stared unflinching into the blue radiance rushing toward him.

"YAAAA!" Tien yelled, an aura erupting from him. It collided with the Kamehameha, and the legendary attack rebounded.

"Nice technique, enjoy it," Tien grinned.

"No, impossible!" The attack had lost hardly any power, he could tell, by losing some speed. He could dodge, he almost leapt, until he realized the angle was off.

'The audience!'

Yamcha thrust out his hands, calling on as much ki as he could, and caught the oncoming attack on his arms. It was over in only seconds, but the time dragged on for the young warrior. The burning, the pressure, the seeming eternity to exert his own force against what he had unleashed. His footing disappeared, and he scrambled to land, the attack almost breaching his defenses as he rallied with a scream.

With a final cry of painful triumph, Yamcha sent the Kamehameha up and over him, arcing into the sky. Yamcha slumped down onto one knee and felt the grass from his steaming palm.

"Yamcha is out of bounds, Tienshenhan is the victor!"

"Was there ever any doubt?" Tien laughed, turning to leave the arena. Yamcha glared and forced himself to limp back into the arena.

"Were you really willing to endanger the crowd to win a match?" Yamcha demanded. Tien stopped to half-turn and look at him.

"An odd question; you Turtles have been flinging that dangerous technique around, assuming things would just work out in the middle of a city. Don't come crying to me that it finally backfired on you to be so reckless and so 'ethical' at the same time. Now clear the arena so the monks can patch it up. My friend is up next, and I won't tolerate any delays," Tien said.

"What was that? The both of them practically played tennis with the geezer's signature technique," Launch demanded.

"Yeah, Tien might be amazing, but Yamcha might be crazy," Krillin said. Launch bonked him over the head.

"Show some school solidarity, cueball."

"Hey, stop that, Krillin needs to fight, remember that before going on about the school," Chichi snapped, stepping between her training partner and the reigning champion.

"...Great fight," Goku grinned, while the two strong women stared each other down for the moment.

"It was, but I really did hope Tien would get knocked down a peg," Bulma sighed next to Goku.

"Guess I'm next. Uh, let's have a good match... kid?" Ranfan said, leaving Bora's side to hold out a hand to Chiaotzu.

"..." Chiaotzu said nothing, only sliding inexplicably away a few paces, without seeming to move a muscle.

"...Fine! Be that way! I didn't spend the last three years working my butt off, working it back on again, and learning how you dig a latrine, just to be dismissed as space filler in your school's rivalry thing!" the young woman said, storming off the stand by the arena entrance as Yamcha entered.

"Sorry guys, I let ya down. Guess the peak is even higher than I realized," Yamcha lamented.

"You've gotten a lot stronger; three years ago, he would have beaten you no sweat," Goku remarked.

"Besides, he was boasting how it would be easy to win?" Krillin spoke up, "Well, he definitely had to work for that."

"Ah, I'm no good at sappy stuff. Dust yerself off and either quit or go get stronger, I guess?" Launch said, not quite meeting Yamcha's eyes as she shrugged.

"Could be worse. You're not in the hospital like Mai. You're real tough, not being bothered by those burns," Chichi said, pointing to Yamcha's hands and arms.

"Oh, right. Aghhhh!" Yamcha screamed, clearly pained as he held his arms out.

"Yeah, yeah, let's get you in the shade, that might help a bit. Hey monks, how about some salve for this guy?" Launch demanded.

"Hmm, as I recall, the Muten Roshi often has a salve that's good for ki burns and other ailments, I'll go track him down," Jackie said, stroking his beard before exiting as a monk wearing a red cross hat jogged over with a first aid kit.

"Well done, Tienshenhan. And you did it without even having to break out your best techniques," Shen said to Tien.

"Yeah, but still, he was stronger than expected. It will take a lot more to face the best the Kame School has to offer," Tien said.

"Goku's the one to beat," Bulma leaned in.

"Get out of here! Should demand that uniform back and have you parade in shame in your underwear for your treachery," Shen shook his fist at the heiress. Bulma pulled down an eyelid and stuck out her tongue, while giving him the finger with her free hand.

"Tough, I bought this myself, remember? Your uniforms sucked. Incidentally, I got this design trademarked, so your school can't use it without paying me," Bulma mocked.

"Bah! This is why one should never take rich people as students," Shen grumbled.

"Oh, prefer them desperate and ignorant so they just unthinkingly follow your bad advice, ya old bird?" Roshi asked, entering the viewing area.

"Lord Muten Roshi! Sir, I'm afraid this is restricted seating for the tournament," the medical monk said, in the process of spreading medicine on Yamcha's burns.

"Ah, I'll be gone before the next match starts. That handsome Jackie guy just told me Yamcha could use some Turtle Oil. Not made from real turtles, of course," Roshi said, taking out a small green bottle.

"Hey, where is Jackie?" Goku asked.

"Oh, something about constipation. You'll understand when you're older," Roshi waved it off while he gently scooted the monk aside and uncorked his bottle. Everyone, even Bora, flinched at the smell.

"What? Strong medicine tastes terrible, so even stronger medicine naturally smells bad too," Roshi defended, as everyone but Yamcha retreated from him.

"More like that crap you make stinks as much as you do. Cranes, fly high above that toxic cloud," Shen commanded, nose held shut. He and his students ascended into the air.

"No fair, I fight next, don't poison me first," Ranfan proclaimed, having pulled her shirt up over her face in addition to holding her nose. Which showed how well-toned her stomach was.

"Come on Goku, up, up, and away, from that smell," Bulma said, grabbing Goku and flying up after the other Crane students.

"Well, at least the cleanup is on schedule," the announcer said, voice muffled by his gas mask.

"Ugh, dying here, and I didn't even get to fight," Krillin moaned, falling onto his back.

"But Krillin, you don't have a nose," Chichi said, leaning over him.

"Oh, right," Krillin said, sitting up perfectly fine.

"There, done! Happy now!?" Roshi barked, stoppering the bottle.

"That actually does feel better already," Yamcha admitted, taking deep breaths as the stench dispersed.

"Of course," Roshi huffed, grabbing the first aid kit dropped by the knocked-out monk to start wrapping Yamcha's injuries.

"Thank you, sir," Chichi said. Roshi gave her a look, as if uncertain she meant the treatment or stoppering the bottle. He tossed the bottle to her.

"Here, if you need that stuff for anyone else, don't go blaming me for the smell. Darn kids these days..." Roshi griped, storming off.

Chapter Text

LAST TIME:

The Budokai continued with Chichi having made it to the tournament proper for the first time versus returning veteran master Chin. While Chin displayed great skill and impressive power for his age Chichi brought her great strength and the skills of a Kame School student to the fray. The battle was decided with a final explosive blow from the Ox Princess.

And with that came, lunch-break! Some checked on Mai, recovering in the hospital. Meanwhile Goku earned yet another lifetime banning; maybe Bulma really can't take him anywhere?

And when pressed by the Crane School, Goku and Bora gave them the truth of Tao's death at Korin Tower. With the Crane's vowing revenge the tournament continued with Yamcha versus Tienshenhan.

The proud warriors of proud schools did not disappoint; breaking out powerful techniques and displays of speed, power, and skill. Yamcha revealed his mastery of the Kamehameha wave, but Tien stunned the contestants and audience by showing he could deflect the legendary technique back to its sender! To protect the crowd, Yamcha had no choice but to injure himself facing his own attack. Which left him vulnerable to the ring out.

What displays of might and carnage yet lie in store?

Find out today, on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter 7

Triple Threat

The First Round Comes to a Close!

The crowd was not cheering at the moment, the calls of vendors clearly being heard. But the prevailing muttering was pleased and excited. The last two matches had done well to wash away the poor taste of Vendetta's needlessly brutal victory. And for those who loved rivalries, the battle between Yamcha and Tien had lived up to their expectations, while also displaying high-level martial arts. The event seemed primed for still more greatness as the crowd awaited the next match to start.

In the contestant area, Master Shen took a step closer to his shortest student.

"Chiaotzu," Master Shen said.

"Master?" the pale boy asked.

"From what I gather, that woman you're fighting has been training hard, but without a master. That offends me. I have no doubt you could end this quickly, but while a swift victory has its merits, one can too easily explain it away or forget it. Make her suffer, give her false hope of victory, then burn her piece by piece until she gives in. Let her be a cautionary tale to all these young upstarts that the penalty of challenging their betters is much higher than a mere loss."

"Yes master," Chiaotzu nodded. Tien frowned.

"But don't underestimate her. Remember, fools can surprise even geniuses with their incompetence."

"Hmm," Jackie Chun went, an ear turned toward the three as he reentered. He made his way over to Ranfan.

"Yo," he greeted her. She turned, eyes wide, baring teeth and growling a bit.

"Dang!" Jackie said, taking a step back.

"Oh! Sorry. I'm trying to get into a focused fighter mentality. But I seem to keep getting more in touch with my anger instead," she apologized, rubbing her sleek neck.

"Well, in case you haven't guessed, the Cranes are planning to make their fight with you quite nasty."

"Why? I'm not one of the Turtles, or involved like Mr. Bora," Ranfan asked.

"You're in their way, and they feel like making an example because bullies always fear the day people stop being scared of them. That's the way of the dark paths, it devolves into evil for little more than the sake of evil. If not you, it would have been someone else. Friendship and camaraderie are foreign concepts to Shen now; people are either tools, obstacles, or something like furniture to him," Jackie mused.

"You sure do seem to know a lot about the Crane Hermit," Ranfan pointed out.

"Er. Well, you learn these things when you've been in the martial arts world as long as I have. My point is, if you are just looking to put your new skills to the test, it might be better to withdraw if things get too hot. There will be other tournaments, but if they have their way, this might be your last."

"...Thanks, but I'm not going to just be swept aside. Well, maybe I am, but I won't go without giving it my all. I found something, training in the wilderness. Away from most of the luxuries and distractions of life, just camping and training with the occasional supply run to town. I want to go as far as I can, and see what I can do. I really want to be able to catch up with those fancy schools; even if it's impossible, I don't want to just stop the first time it gets dangerous. Thanks for the warning, but well, I'm going ahead anyway," Ranfan said, clenching a fist.

"I see. Very well, then," Jackie Chun nodded.

"Will contestants Ranfan and Chia-kimous, er, Chitoo,-"

"It's Chiaotzu!" Tien yelled the correction.

"Right, please report to the arena."

"Well, no time to brood over it," Ranfan said, stepping out into the arena, the crowd cheering for her.

"For our next match we have the fierce and lovely Ranfan. This is her second time making it into the tournament, and last time she left quite the impression with her unorthodox tactics. Will she be able to advance to the second round this time?!" the announcer asked.

"Go for it ya stripper, show us what ya got!" Launch cheered.

"It's worth it to cheer against those nasty Cranes. Go, Ranfan!" Chichi cheered.

"Yeah, go get 'em!" Krillin joined in.

"Woohoo!" Goku went, caught up in the spirit.

"And now the kid with the difficult to say name. As a student of the Crane School, he may prove as hard to overcome as his name is to say. He's young and a first-timer, but we've seen in this very arena young dark horses rise high in the ranks! Let's hear it for Chiaotzhou" the announcer said as Chiaotzu floated into the arena. He was barely off the ground, the sharp-eyed contestants noted; to most it would look like he was somehow sliding instead.

"Why isn't he just walking?" Goku asked, sitting on the divider.

"Trying to psyche her out with spooky ki techniques," Launch guessed.

"Quite," Jackie agreed, "Before the first fist flies comes the battle of the mind. Taunts, feats of strength, unexpected techniques, all valid ways to throw someone off balance before the fight even starts. But it seems our plum-haired fighter there isn't impressed."

"Brave," Bora nodded.

"We shall see. I don't doubt her courage, but last time she faced Yamcha, who despite his great skills by normal standards, had not reached the standards of the old schools. And Yamcha frankly is not a vicious character. Perhaps you noticed the pitiful state Chiaotzu left several of his opponents. When Shen ordered him to make her suffer, it wasn't hot air. Courage is fine before the battle, but it's tested when things get real," the venerable old master noted.

Ranfan assumed a stance, and Chiaotzu stood still, not even blinking, round eyes wide.

"The sixth match, BEGIN!" the announcer declared, chopping down with his free hand.

Neither moved as the seconds went by.

"Didn't they hear?" Goku wondered.

"What happens if there's a match but no one fights?" Chichi asked no one in particular, hand going to her mouth in thought.

Ranfan moved first.

'Fast,' several spectators thought.

The kick she chambered hit empty air as Chiaotzu slid back. But the force still knocked his hat off.

"My hat," Chiaotzu remarked, turning to look toward where it fell. Ranfan's fist came down on his head.

"Woo! First blood!" Launch cheered, Bulma yelling along, pumping a fist.

Chiaotzu leapt up into her guard and landed a kick on her chest, knocking Ranfan away. She landed on her rear, but sprang back up to see Chiaotzu putting his hat back on.

"I told you Chiaotzu, stay sharp!" Tien snapped, standing alone by the divider. Shen stood back, watching menacingly.

"Right. You won't hit me again, amateur," the boy said plainly.

"We'll see," she said, running a thumb across her forehead. She charged again, and this time Chiaotzu retreated to the left. She followed, forcing him after three more blows to retreat backwards rather than leading her in a circle.

"Ranfan has yet to land a second blow, and while her young foe doesn't seem to be exerting himself, it's a fact he's getting close to the edge of the ring! If he's got more tricks, now's the time!"

"Bye," Chiaotzu said, rising quickly into the air with a small smile. Only to grimace as Ranfan leapt up, passing him, and came down hammering on his head with both fists.

"I saw you guys fly earlier, idiot!" she snapped, landing a second after him, and kicking him hard in the side, sending him flying.

"Maybe we over-promoted some techniques," Shen grumbled, while Tien watched with concern.

"Chiaotzu is falling out of bounds! Ranfan anticipated his aerial escape and delivered a three-hit combo!"

The crowd drew back instinctively, but before the little fighter could collide with any of them, he thrust his arms out to the side and stopped still in the air. With a steady slowness, he righted himself and turned back to face the arena. "Master said to make you suffer, now I want to do it for myself," he said, still in that same tone. Ranfan backed up, fists raised as her foe rose up and flew forward to take position high over the ring's center.

"Ranfan has led the match in hits so far, and Chiaotzu seems rattled enough to not bother retrieving his hat. But he's taken a deadly high ground – even if Ranfan can leap that distance, it would make her a sitting duck to this flying technique. And it seems he won't be lowering his guard anytime soon. But what's his next move!?" the announcer wondered.

"Heh, Dodonpa. Burn," the boy smiled, raising a finger and igniting the orange ball of ki on the tip.

"This could be bad," Yamcha remarked.

"Ah, Bulma tried that shooting gallery tactic earlier on Goku, it didn't work out so well," Krillin reminded them.

Tien made a single mocking laugh.

"Don't compare Chiaotzu to rich girl there. His appearance may seem frail, but I assure you, he has not only broken the physical barrier of humanity, but has trained long and hard to compensate his physical limitations by mastering ki techniques. His Dodonpa mastery to hers is like comparing a five-star sous-chef to a fry cook. And it looks like dinner is about to be served," the three-eyed warrior mocked, before gesturing to the ring.

"Dodonpa! Dodonpa! Dodonpa! Dodonpa!" Chiaotzu called the attack, one after another, laying burning ki down on the arena. Ranfan cried out in alarm, sprinting, leaping, and rolling to avoid the explosions.

"And Dodonpa," Chiaotzu said with a small smile, snapping his fingers to disperse the smoke from the final blast. Ranfan stood on a charred and cracked arena, a bit singed, her hair a bit messed up, but otherwise uninjured.

"That... all you got?" she demanded, panting a bit.

"No. Dodonpa!"

"He missed?" Chichi wondered.

"No, it's stronger," Goku realized, as the attack hit seemingly wide, only to explode far larger, catching Ranfan in the blast.

Ranfan emerged from the cloud, teeth gritted, her left arm steaming, burns forming on the forearm and elbow.

"That's going to be your whole body when I'm done. You'll be as bald as baldie over there, too," the boy promised.

"Is he pointing at me? Hey! I'm not bald you jerk, I shave my head, there's a difference!" Krillin shouted.

"Yeah, he'd look super weird with hair!" Chichi said, shaking her own fist.

"I just want to shake my fist!" Launch yelled, joining in.

"...You do have strange comrades, Son Goku," Master Chin commented with a smile.

"Oh, they're not so bad once you get to know them. Oh, she's trying something," Goku said.

"I might not have any energy attacks, but I wasn't just breaking trees and rocks while learning to dodge hornets!" Ranfan said, standing on her hands.

"Hmm," Chiaotzu watched, extending his finger.

"Let her try it, Chiaotzu! The Crane School need not fear anything from the Turtle School, much less these nobodies carried in the Turtles' wake."

"Master..." Tien whispered, third eye glancing to the side while the others remained on the fight.

In a display of flexibility, Ranfan lowered her legs forward and backward, almost parallel to the ground, and started to spin herself using her hands.

"What's this?! A classic human equivalent of Son Goku's tailcopter? No, wait, she's not trying to get airborne!"

"Ranfan Fan!" the lady fighter yelled, as she generated a whirlwind, kicking up dust and ashes across the arena.

"See what I mean, Tien, it's sound and fury to no end; even if Chiaotzu was caught in that thing, his sky dancing is too strong to be blown away," Shen said, casually laying a finger on his hat to hold it in place while the crowd started to panic and the announcer retreated.

Chiaotzu squinted and rubbed his eyes, trying to get rid of the crud getting into them. And Ranfan sprang up from the swirling thick air and grabbed him, taking him down toward the ground in a tackle.

"Chiaotzu!" Tien cried out.

"Grr, that little fool can't even execute an amateur properly. She can't even form that inferior Kamehameha," Shen cursed.

"Are you sure she needs it?" Tien snapped, before turning back to the arena, squinting through the dispersing harsh winds and wincing.

"Dodonpa!" Chiaotzu yelled.

The largest ray yet whipped through the cloud, clearing the air in one gust.
Ranfan fell backward, upper body singed and tank-top sizzling, one of the straps snapping.

"There," Chiaotzu said, rubbing his face as a black eye formed amongst the scruffs on it and his uniform having clearly taken some hits.

"Oh well, looks like our young participant needed only one skilled blow to end it. One, two, three, four, five," the announcer said, getting back in the ring.

"Ranfan Ran!" Ranfan yelled, springing to her feet. She dashed forward, vanishing from sight.

"Afterimage? Then, Dodonpa!" Chiaotzu said, pivoting to fire behind him.

"No! She's coming from the front!" Tien yelled.

"Which front?!" Chiaotzu yelled, back turning halfway back. Ranfan rammed her knee into his head. Falling, he righted himself, arms spread wide, and jabbed his finger toward her head.

"Dodonpa!" he yelled. The ray was smaller than the last ones, but enough to engulf her head. Afro smoldering, she fell onto her back.

"Idiot, you weren't supposed to kill her!" Shen yelled.

"Oh, right. Sorry," Chiaotzu said to his master while Tien facepalmed.

"How horrid!" Master Chin lamented, eyes clenched shut, face turned away.

"Save your tears, old man," Tenron said. Bora also gave a small smile as the singed warrior sprang to her feet and blurred out of sight again.

"Huh?" Chiaotzu said, looking to the small pile of burning hair where Ranfan had been.

"Left!" Tien snapped.

"Oh! Which is-" Chiaotzu asked before Ranfan's sneakered heel crashed down atop his head.

"And stay down!" she shrieked, grabbing his shirt, lifting him over her head, and slamming him down belly first over her knee. The crowd winced at that.
Chiaotzu groaned and slid off her knee to lie on the broken tiles.

"Little jerk, my poor hair," Ranfan muttered, brushing the char off her face and scalp, revealing her hair and eyebrows to be gone but her tan skin to be only minor burns.

"Uh, Miss Ranfan, apologies but how are you alive when it seems the Crane Hermit saw that as a killing blow?" the announcer asked cautiously stepping up.

"Oh, well, dodging is really hard, so as I got tired of hornets' stinging me and crocodiles almost biting me, I decided I needed to toughen my skin in the meantime. So, I started oiling my body with some oil I got from some pervy guy with long white hair and sunbathing while meditating on my skin being like stone with it, so- Hold on! Start counting!" she snapped.

"Oh, right. One-" the announcer began, only for Chiaotzu to struggle to his feet. One eye was swollen shut, and his expression didn't try and hide his pain, or his anger.

"Enough," he said. The announcer retreated hastily, and Ranfan assumed her stance. Chiaotzu thrust both palms toward her, and Ranfan seized up.

"Now I've got you. This technique locks up the body by manipulating someone else's ki. Even Tien can't do it," the pale boy chuckled.

"You just prefer tricks don't you, to actually fighting?" Ranfan ground out as Chiaotzu advanced on her, hands raised.

"It's legal, so it's fair fighting," Chiaotzu said, kicking her ankle, knocking the frozen woman to the ground.

"Now, should I kick you until you surrender, or just kick you bit by bit out of the arena until your bones are all cracked?"

"Why not barbecue me like you promised the old bird?" she demanded.

"Ranfan! Just say you give up! You've done well, letting him use you as a football won't do anyone any good," Jackie called.

"Why the concern, she's no student of yours," Tenron asked.

"Old man Jackie just likes girls," Goku remarked.

"Well, you're not wrong. Ranfan there seems to have stumbled on a way to channel ki to armor her body quite well, but it won't be enough if she's helpless like this before someone so well versed in ki," Jackie explained.

"...I need two hands for this technique. But that's all I need when holding down someone who can't possibly break free," Chiaotzu said.

"No mercy, Chiaotzu! Break that pretty face in, but don't kill her! Redeem yourself with her agony!" Shen yelled, striking a dramatic pose.

"Or at least try," Ranfan smiled sadly, as Chiaotzu chambering a kick.

"..." he paused.

"But don't you feel stupid, fighting with an open fly?" she asked.

"Huh? When?" Chiaotzu lowered his legs, hands going to the front of his pants. Tien's eyes widened, but the words hadn't left his mouth when Ranfan struck like a cobra, punching Chiaotzu straight where his nose would have been, knocking him off his feet. If he had any intention of rising again, it was folly, as the woman warrior leapt and kicked him in the side, lifting him up into the air. With a startled pained cry, he smacked into the grass, outside the arena.

"Out of bounds! Ranfan is the winner!" the announcer said, as Ranfan collapsed to her knees. The crowd cheered even louder as she raised a fist and showed them a smile.

Tien leapt over the ring to land next to Chiaotzu. Kneeling beside the small fighter, he glared at the approaching medical monk and grabbed the first aid kit to begin tending to the groaning boy himself.

"Here," Yamcha said, handing a passing medical monk the bottle of Turtle Oil, "It may stink, but I can vouch for its rapid pain relief on ki burns."

"Grr, foolish boy," Shen growled.

"Perhaps you should have let him decide the course of his own fight," Bora commented. Shen glared at the towering warrior, who hardly acknowledged the gesture, "Or perhaps you simply never thought to teach him to think for himself? And never learn his left from his right."

"Don't be so smug, savage. I admit, I may have entered this tournament a tad overconfident. But the Crane plays to win when the chips are down. Tienshenhan and I will show you no mercy, and give you no chances."

"It's so tragic," Jackie Chun said, wiping a tear away. Master Chin nodded, putting a hand on the old man's shoulder.

"Yes, to think a famed teacher cares not only so little for his own student but can't learn the lessons right in front of him."

"What? Oh, sure that. But the thing is, I just can't get into the shaved woman look," Jackie mourned as Ranfan was helped back into the spectator area, toweled off from soot, a Budokai jacket on her shoulder and her left arm and face bandaged to aid against the burns.

Everyone, even Shen, sweatdropped at that.

"Are we sure he's not Master Roshi's twin brother with hair?" Krillin wondered.

"Nah, he's got a lot more ability than master," Chichi said.

"Yeah, better lines, too," Launch added.

"More charisma, definitely," Yamcha pointed out.

"Smells nicer, too," Goku grinned.

"...I'm going to the toilet," Chun said, stomping out.

"Consider eating less fiber! Eat like your age, or you'll regret it!" Bulma called advice after him as she offered Ranfan some hard candy from her pocket.

"Heh, I made it past the first round. I have gotten stronger," Ranfan smiled. Her teeth at least were intact, Bulma noted.

"So sorry about your hair."

"Not the first time my hair has been burned off. I had to steal a sandwich from a fire-breathing slug during my training."

"...What?" Bulma asked. The smile made her wonder if Ranfan was lying, but at this point in life, was it that hard to believe?

"Once we have the arena cleared, we will proceed with match seven!"

X  X  X

"Master," Tien said, entering the spectator area. Shen was standing in a corner, watching the others and barely acknowledging Tien's return.

"Chiaotzu should be perfectly fine. I told him to enter a healing trance to be sure. It hardly matters now if he views the rest of today's matches. But he should be fine for tomorrow. I blame myself; I was too easy on him in sparring. He was not properly prepared for an opponent that wouldn't be intimidated by displays of power or worn down properly by sadistic tactics."

"Good of you to admit it. I seem to have become complacent with my students of late. I will rectify that error once the tournament is done," Shen stated.

"Master, I promise you, I will avenge the honor of the Crane School by winning the title. Unless of course we face each other, in which case I will of course defer that honor to you," Tien bowed slightly at the waist.

"Bah, you will need to be most thorough. Briefs we could easily dismiss, but we made the mistake of holding Chiaotzu up as one of our best. Reputations easily crack, Tienshehan, and the Crane's aura of invincible mystery is in shambles. We will need to set it right, and briskly."

"Of course, Master."

"...just look at them, the Turtle women and that traitor Briefs take a stranger into their midst like a pack of dogs licking at a pack mate's wounds," Shen gestured with his chin to where Ranfan was sipping tea on the floor with Chichi, Launch and Bulma. Sure enough, Tien could practically feel an aura of warmth.

Two of them had fought and won past the first round, and rather than face forward to the possibility of fighting each other, they seemed to be focusing on their victories. Even Bulma, having lost, didn't seem be resenting the dark horse victor. In fact, Ranfan's tattered top had been replaced by a Turtle gi, seemingly having belonged to Launch, who had a short-sleeved black shirt on now instead. A blue bandanna with the Capsule Corps logo was tied over the woman's head, concealing her baldness, and someone had drawn eyebrows on her face.

"Disgusting. It shames our school that such soft fools could rival us, much less defeat us," Shen sneered.

"Do you ever get tired of being so bitter?" Tenron asked, getting their attention.

"Oh, you want to hold hands, singing around the campfire, too?" Shen mocked.

"Hardly. But there's nothing to be gained by mocking the singers, and repeating the same derision over and over only makes one look a fool. Truly, the old masters hardly live up to their reputation. Oh well, that just means my goal of becoming a legend in my own right is more obtainable than I thought."

"Fool. I will crush you and show the world how high the crane flies," Shen waved him off.

"Maybe, but we'll find out soon enough."

Tenron went to the opposite wall and lowered himself into a mediative position.

"Why provoke him?" Chin asked his former student.

"He annoys me. It was either say something or go chew on tree bark or something," Tenron answered, eyes closed.

"Ha! Good to see you recovering a sense of humor," Chin remarked. His eyes opened as the announcer's voice came over the PA.

"Alright, the ring is deemed ready for use. I daresay we may need to invest in more durable material in the future. Will contestants Bora and Krillin report to the arena?!"

"Well, Mr. Bora, let's have a friendly match?" Krillin said, offering his hand to the giant. Bora looked down at him and Krillin's eye twitched a bit. Next to this guy he felt even smaller than usual. Even without the mockery of his old bullies, the situation caused old ghosts to whisper at his ears. Bora took the hand, his own easily covering it.

"Indeed, we are not enemies, and are connected through friends. But know this, I have trained and traveled here not just to reunite with those whom I owe. I wish to test myself in preparation for those who may harm my people, my son, and my lands. As such, I will be fighting hard and to win. I will not seek your death or maiming, but you are a warrior and I will treat you as such in that ring," Bora told him.

Without another word, Bora released his hand and entered the ring. The crowd cheered at the sight of Bora, with a number of ladies shrieking.

"Heheh, what a man," Ranfan grinned, having watched him walk away.

"Yeah, I was kinda disappointed he wasn't thirsty when we met," Launch said, grinning.

"Really, Launch?" Krillin said flatly, pausing as he passed the girls who were collecting their tea set.

"What? I ain't no shrine maiden or nun."

"Still, it is uncouth to be so... forward with a man," Chichi said hesitantly.

"Hey now, turnabout's fair play. If a man can walk up and ask for what they want, a girl can too."

"Really? So, you wouldn't object if a fella..." Jackie asked, rising up in sight near the ladies.

"Don't get any ideas, old timer, you're not nearly cute enough to get away with that," Launch held up a hand to him.

"And you're cute?" Krillin asked, eyebrow raised.

"*bleep, I'm adorable," Launch smirked.

"...I'm going to go fight a guy ten times my size now."

"Go for it, Krillin, it wouldn't be the first time!" Chichi cheered him on.

"Goku, you're rooting for me, right?" Krillin asked as he entered the ring and Goku was perched on the divider.

"Of course. And Bora too," Goku said with a goofy smile.

"...You know, I really shouldn't be surprised. Maybe just keep names out of your cheering so I can pretend it's all for me?" Krillin asked.

"Okay, but how come?" Goku asked, tail forming like a question mark behind him.

"Never mind," Krillin said, entering the ring fully.

"And here he is! The shining shaved head of the Kame School that faced Jackie Chun in the first round last tournament. He's back to try for the title again, after three years of hard training! Give a big welcome to Krillin of the Kame School!"

"Uh, here we go," Krillin said, making the formal greeting bow to his opponent.

"Yes," Bora said. After a moment of seeming consideration, Bora returned the gesture.

"Alright, you've heard the rules, so there's no reason for delay. Let the seventh match of the first round of the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai, begin!" the announcer declared, chopping his hand through the air.

"Go father, show them all your might!" Upa cheered jumping up above the crowd in excitement.

Bora's eyes locked on Krillin, who almost flinched at the intensity but rallied matching the gaze. Bora took a step to his right, and Krillin followed suit as they circled. And so it went.

"The fighters are circling like tigers, folks. Each knows the other has proven themselves by getting this far, and have seen everything from brutal beatdowns to sporting matches in this ring. Now they try and size each other up, daring the other to make the first move. The tension is electrifying! Who will answer the call of the crowd and make a move!?" the Announcer wondered.

"Go Krillin! Take it from me, size isn't everything!" Ox King yelled. Though the banner he was waving still said Chichi.

"This is boring," Bulma declared, slumping forward on the barrier.

"Speak for yourself, just drink in that manly intensity," Ranfan said, leaning over the barrier, watching Bora.

"You'd think after a match like that, you'd be more concerned with the next fight, not looking for eye candy," Tenron remarked next to her. Ranfan gave him a casual gesture with one finger.

"Oh, you're so intense, and edgy. Bet you're really cool in the eyes of preteen girls that wear too much black," Ranfan said, not even looking at him.

"Why's Krillin holding back? He'd be better off making the first move," Goku frowned.

"I don't know, Goku," Chichi also frowned next to him.

Krillin watched Bora, hoping he wasn't sweating.

'Ah man, did I really think this was a good draw? This guy has been training longer than I've been alive. And unlike the guys from the elimination rounds, those aren't just numbers. Goku and Launch even all but said last night Bora said he'd been training with a master they studied under. Without the edge of my training by better teachers, what's that leave me compared to him but weaker and smaller? Dang it, Krillin! Goku would have made a move by now! Launch would have never been worried and just laughed at the idea of being intimidated. Don't show Chichi she wasted time by training with a loser!' he yelled internally.

Bora sprang into action. Krillin saw the kick coming as Bora came up on him, and dodged to the side. The kick was powerful; Krillin's eyes widened, realizing there was seemingly no way out. He faced a real warrior, it finally hit home, not a man accustomed to tournaments and testing the waters to raise the bar.

Next came a punch that grazed him, the close distance working against him. Krillin rolled with it and turned it into a retreat, putting distance between him and the big guy.

'Wait,' he thought, as Bora assumed his stance and didn't get much closer, 'He didn't really get in my face just then. That's right. His reach might be greater, but it can also make close quarters difficult. Like when Mai fought that Anton guy. He was huge, but once Mai got inside his defenses, he couldn't react before she landed a blow.'

"Gotta go fast!" Krillin shouted, before charging Bora.

"What's this, a frontal attack?" the announcer wondered.

"Ha! Father will crush him!" Upa shouted pumping a fist.

"Is he crazy? Bora will own him in a straight-up fight," Bulma asked. Chichi grinned.

"It's okay, Krillin's whole life has been about learning to take on people towering over him."

"Well, if he sparred with a tall woman, that would help," Chin remarked thoughtfully.

"I'm not that tall; I may be strong, but I'm still a pure delicate elegant maiden at heart," Chichi huffed. Bulma and Ranfan both glanced at her well-muscled arms and her height relative to them, and decided not to say anything.

Krillin sprang to the side, just out of Bora's reach. The anticipated blow never came; Bora held his position, watching Krillin zip behind him.

Krillin's kick struck the back of his knee, and Bora bent the knee but did not fall, instead turning in a swift motion, backhanding Krillin away as he tried to retreat. Krillin hit the ground rolling, and before Bora could reach him, started running again, zipping past Bora, then again.

Bora raised his arms, not turning his head even as Krillin dashed around him just out of reach. The first blow came in a lunging jab to his ribs, with Krillin planting a foot to spring away. Then his back. The thighs. Even a bold blow to his stomach.

"Egads folks, looks like Krillin might be Mai's match for speed. Looks like these turtles took notes from the hare! But even if Bora can't react to counterattack or block, he is not going down to this hail of blows!" the announcer proclaimed.

'He's right. I didn't think a human's body could be that tough. I need to go for a headshot.'

Speeding up, Krillin blurred, then vanished from sight.

"Yet again, a contestant vanishes!"

"Speed alone won't be enough for you to win!" Upa called out.

Eyes widening slightly, Bora lashed out with a left hook, and Krillin appeared, struck in the chest by the blow.

Krillin cried out as he was sent flying. Hitting the tiles hard, he rolled to a stop, and with a yell barely sprang away as a kick almost punted him off the ground. As it was, a fist struck him in the back, sending him on his way.

Krillin set his face and sped up again, recovering his posture from the parting blow. But rather than ribs, found himself hitting the block of Bora's forearm. Bora sidestepped a blow to the thigh, and a kick grazed Krillin as he tried to throw all his weight into kicking out the ankles.

"You were bluffing?" Krillin panted, coming to a stop.

"No. As has been said, I don't need to surpass your speed if I can read it. The greatest hunter doesn't run their prey down, they read the signs and land; and determine where the game is going. And then get there first."

"So cool!" Ranfan gushed as Upa shouted the same words.

"Well, yeah," Bulma said blushing a bit.

"Mmm, Krillin hasn't played his best card yet," Chichi told them smugly.

"Well, he'd better play it quick. Bora beat an invisible man by being able to tank and read patterns of attack. And his fight against the mummy was absolutely brutal," Yamcha said.

"Yes it was," Launch recalled grinning wistfully.

"It's still anyone's fight," Goku stated.

Krillin barely dodged a punch Bora had thrown, landing on the arm to spring and punch Bora in the face. Retreating by jumping off the shoulder, he saw Bora not even bother to touch where the blow had landed.

Bora watched him with narrowed eyes.

'It's not just speed, he has great power behind those blows. Before Master Korin's training, I would have fallen to this assault. I must press the offense harder.'

Rather than try to read the pattern again, Bora opted to try and get him off balance with a hail of blows, moving and pivoting erratically.

'His great weakness seems to be timidity. This is a warrior unlike Goku and Launch, he is closer to Lunch; he hesitates to believe in himself, and that flaw is deadly in battle.'

Sure enough, Krillin came to a stop and cursed, Bora's setting his feet having driven him into a corner.

"You planned that," Krillin stated.

"You made it simple," Bora didn't lie.

"Now Krillin, you have him where you want him!" Chichi cheered.

"You're delusional," Bulma snarked. Chichi planted her hand on top of Bulma's head and gave her a grin that ended the blunette's protests before they began.

"Watch," she ordered, twisting Bulma to look.

Krillin let out a breath and cupped his hands.

"Hate to use this on someone who's not an enemy in a fight. But like you said, Bora, we need to take this seriously. Kaaa..."

"Impossible!" Jackie Chun objected.

"So, he figured it out," Yamcha smiled, and Goku grinned, practically bouncing in his crouching position.

"Me..."

"Oh really, let's see it," Launch said, smirking.

"Go, Bora!" Ranfan yelled.

"Ha..."

"I won't wait for it," Bora declared, charging Krillin.

"A half-powered Kamehameha won't work on someone like Bora," Yamcha lamented. Bora reached Krillin, not slowing as he pulled back for the punch.

"ME!" Krillin leapt even from the awkward position, passing over Bora's fist and planting a foot on his head. The other hand reached for him, but he was gone already, falling headfirst behind Bora, attack charged and pointing at his back.

"HA!" Krillin fired the blue energy wave off. Bora was engulfed by the overflowing power that pressed on, streaking above the crowd's heads and into the sky.

"Gah!" Krillin cried, landing with an inelegant clonk of his head on the tiles. Falling to land on his front, he let out a sigh.

"That, was good improv," he told himself.

"Folks yet again we witness the legendary technique of the Muten Roshi, could even Bora withstand that direst hit?!"

The smoke from the blast burst outward as a charred giant burst forth with a pained war cry. Krillin's eyes popped wide, but the kick took him before he could even roll. He flew like a football, just barely above the tiles, and struck the far wall to fall to the grass.

Bora heaved a deep breath, his hair wild and undone, the feather burning away before their eyes, and one of the legs of his smoldering pants falling away. Eyes rolling up in his head, he fell to a knee and then collapsed to the ground.

"Both are down! But as Krillin went out before Bora fell, it is Bora's victory! Let's give applause for both, folks!"

"YES! My father is the greatest!" Upa cheered jumping again.

"That was only the first round, dummy" Misa said to him as he landed.

As the crowd applauded, Bora pulled himself up and walked across the arena, ignoring cheers and cat calls alike. He saw the cracked wall where Krillin had impacted, but glancing around saw that the young warrior was gone.

"Mr. Bora, would you like medical attention?" a monk asked him.

"No, they're mere flesh wounds," he dismissed, and with a troubled frown, made his way back to the viewing area.

"Well folks, contestant Krillin seems AWOL, but as he's good enough to sneak off, I guess he's okay. With no major damage to the ring, we can proceed directly to the final match of the day."

"I don't suppose you know where your friend went?" Bora asked, entering the contestant viewing area.

"Yeah, he went that way. That was a good fight," Goku said. Still, he frowned a bit. Chichi nodded next to him.

"I'm going to go check on him," she said, easily jumping onto the side wall of the viewing area, and then jumping over the crowd to some 'ohhs' and 'ahhs'.

"I'll go too," Goku said, only for Launch to grab his shoulder.

"Hold yer horses, kiddo. I think this might be a 'three's a crowd' case," she grinned, looking after Chichi.

"What? Really?" Bulma perked up, before fixing a look at their direction.

"Huh, why not?" Yamcha said with a small smile.

"I don't get it," Goku said, confused.

"Just watch the last fight," Launch said, patting him on the head, which annoyed him even more.

"Will the last two contestants please report to the arena?" The announcer called.

Shen grinned, moving to the gap in the divider.

"You'll soon regret showing disrespect to a legend, boy," the Crane Hermit sneered. He entered the arena to applause.

"You know him from many a tale of martial arts and magic, the ancient and mighty Crane Hermit, Master Shen!"

"Good luck," Master Chin said as Tenron walked to the exit.

"That's it, no sage advice?" Tenron asked, stopping.

"No need now," Chin said simply.

"Hmph," Tenron said with the hint of what might have been a smile.

"Here we have yet another rising newcomer. A former pupil of the Chin Star School and former master of the Panther Fang School that has struck out on his own. He's here to make his name, give a hearty welcome to Tenron!"

"Now then, you both know the rules. So, if there are no objections or questions...? Then let the last match of the first round begin!"

Tenron charged, blurring from sight. Shen smiled and kept his hands behind his back. Tenron ground to a halt out of Shen's reach, sending dust toward the old master. Springing to the left and forward, he lashed out with a kick, only to flinch as the dust cleared, showing Shen to have blocked it without moving from his starting spot.

The young fighter retreated as Shen dusted himself off.

"Now look at that, you've gotten my outfit all dirty. You'll be paying for my dry cleaning, and not in cash," Shen grinned. Kicking off the ground, Shen vanished from sight in a blur. Tenron glanced around, slowly lifting one hand before him while holding the other low.

Shen blinked into sight, punching him on the left side of the face. Tenron was knocked off his feet.

"That's how you sneak attack, boy," Shen said. Idly taking a step, he kicked Tenron in the side and clear off the ground. Jumping into the air with a casual ease, he stunned the audience as he kept ascending higher than the tallest part of the temple. Tenron hit the ground, groaning.

"Ground floor, broken braggarts and a quick wrap-up to the first round," Shen chuckled as gravity asserted itself and he descended with growing speed, one leg extended.

"Panther Fang Cyclone!" Tenron shouted. With a burst of motion, he righted himself, spinning like a top, arm extended as he turned into a whirlwind blur.

"Rising Wind Dragon!" he yelled, and shot into the air toward the descending Shen.

"What!?" Shen had time to say, before the whirlwind of blows was upon him. He gave out one startled cry of pain before being thrown out, his hat falling to the opposite end of the ring.

Shen growled, rubbing his ribs with one hand. Tenron's whirlwind returned to the floor, and Tenron went to one knee, grasping his head.

The Crane Hermit grinned, tucking his arms back behind him.

"Give up," he ordered.

"No, Phantom Star!" Tenron broke into a sprint and vanished from sight. Shen's lips twitched in a huff as images of Tenron began to appear around him. Three struck him, passing harmlessly through, then turning slightly he caught a descending blow with crossed forearms, then lashed out with a kick that struck his opponent in the shin, making him scream before leaping back.

"So, that is the strength of a master," Tenron said, standing unsteadily as Shen walked toward him. Then he looked at the mark on the Crane Hermit's cheek, recognizing a bruise beginning to form.

"If I cut you, you'd bleed," Tenron smiled. Shen raised an eyebrow.

"A purely academic fact for the likes of you. You'd never spill a drop of my blood."

"I'm not done yet," Tenron winced, then rushed forward, "Phantom Star!"

"Heh. Huh!" Shen gasped, barely deflecting as Tenron flickered, but still charged straight.

"A childish bluff!" Shen cursed.

"Yet you fell for it."

Shen answered with a palm strike to Tenron's chest, knocking the wind out of him and off balance. Shen stepped into the attack, hand shifting to a jab. Jackie Chun's eyes widened.

"Throw in the towel lad, he wants to cripple you!" Jackie yelled.

Shen hesitated at that, and was slapped repeatedly in the face as Tenron span.

"Enough!" Shen said, leaping back, finger extended.

"Dodonpa!"

"Phantom Tornado!"

The whirlwind vanished.

"Fool! There's no point in deceiving the eye when you're kicking up wind like that!" Shen mocked. Then looked around in puzzlement.

KATONK

Shen flinched as Tenron's head collided with the top of his own, rotating twice before whirling away to land on his feet. Shen's glasses fell off, revealing beady eyes as the bald top of his head reddened. Tenron stuck the landing cleanly, turning to face Shen, shifting into a stance. Expression pained, the Crane Hermit glared at the young man.

"…Very well," Shen seethed, taking flight, raising two glowing fingers.
Tenron smiled, and put his hands together, bowing.

"I concede, you took everything, my best shot and it wasn't even close to an ending blow."

"What?" Shen blinked.

"Huh?" Went several contestants and audience members. Though Master Chin smile widely.

"Tenron has conceded the match, the Crane Hermit has won and will advance to the next round!"

"What are you playing at, boy?!" Shen demanded still in the air.

"Nothing. I can't defeat you, but it's only a matter of time until you defeat me. It's been a long day, why draw it out for everyone when the outcome was certain?" Tenron said, raising his head and smiling. Without another word, Tenron turned and walked back toward the contestant area, while Shen extinguished the ki on his fingertips, closing his hands into trembling fists while grinding his teeth.

"Alright everyone, the tournament will resume at noon tomorrow. Have your tickets ready for reentry..." The Announcer said as the temple drummers closed out the day's festivities.

And so, the first round of the 22rd Budokai came to close with a thunderous cheer from the crowd.

Chapter Text

Last Time:

The Budokai kept on rolling as the first round drew to a close. The Crane School made a move, with Chiaotzu seeking to make an example of Ranfan. But Ranfan's superior cunning and Shen's dubious coaching saw the Crane School's techniques come up short. Having come a long way from the gimmick fighter of last tournament, Ranfan emerged charged and hairless as she was advanced to the next round.

A sporting match between Krillin and Bora saw both warriors push themselves, Krillin revealing his mastery of the Kamehameha Wave and Bora revealing his fortitude in taking such a mighty blow. But there could only be one victor, and Bora edged out Krillin to advance.

Finally, Tenron faced the Crane Hermit, Master Shen himself. While Tenron quickly showed he was not the easy meal Shen expected, his best shots came up short against the living legend. To the shock of Shen and the audience, Tenron, seeing victory was out of his reach, simply forfeited, denying Shen the chance to humiliate him in public.

And so, the first day of the tournament ends with eight fighters advancing in victory while eight taste defeat. What comes in the aftermath and the night for these warriors? Find out now, on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter 8

Intended Bout

Bulma's Sleepover of Doom Part 2: The Underwhelming Sequel!

Mr. Vodka knew he was a small ugly man. He'd never been handsome in his life, and middle age and weight gain had not helped. But it was only a problem in his mind if you let it be. His white suit and broad-brimmed fedora, even his premium sunglasses, proclaimed his wealth and taste to anyone who saw him. And the well-dressed bruisers flanking him made it clear he was a man of consequence.

As the three walked down the plush hallways leading to the hotel suite that was their destination, he was pleased to hear young ladies call his name.

"Mr. Vodka!"

"It's Mr. Vodka!"

"Please, Mr. Vodka, how is he?!" the fangirls tried to reach him, only to be gently held back by his security.

He gave his best charming smile, gesturing for calm.

"Ladies, Pamput appreciates your love and concern. There has been no change since the official press release. He'd love to see you and assure you in person, but the best sports doctor we could get has ordered him to take it easy. He plans on attending the tournament starting tomorrow, but he won't be signing autographs in the interest of his recovery. As for your lovely gifts, you can leave it with the front desk and my staff will ensure he gets it with all your love."

With that, he and his men cut through the crowd of teen and early twenties girls to the door to Pamput's suite. Two more of his men stood guard in front and silently moved to let him enter, one of them unlocking the door.

"Pamput! Get well soon!"

"We love you Pamput!"

"I love you more than them!"

"You don't!"

"I tattooed his image on my bu-"

Vodka closed the door and gave a sigh of getting out of the wind, as it were. Then smiled, turning to advance through the well-appointed suite. It was top zeni stuff; he'd checked the complimentary bottle of wine on the table even, not the stuff they'd give to just anyone. And the wine was untouched, he was pleased to note.

"Pamput, it's me. We need to talk," he called.

"In here," his answered from the bedroom.

Vodka opened the door and winced, seeing the bandaged-up Pamput doing one-armed push-ups, trembling visibly.

"Hey, hey! Doctor's orders, kid! You're supposed to be taking it easy. That three-eyed freak messed you up," Vodka pleaded.

"The doctor said I was clear for light training. Says so right on the paper. This is light for me."

"...Listen kid, I don't tell you how or who to fight, and you don't tell me about how to land you sweet gigs and get rich off it when most people are either working nine-to-five or still in college. Because we respect the expert in our fields. So please extend that same wisdom to the doc, okay?" Vodka said, forcing a charming smile on his face.

"...I'm done anyway."

Pamput stopped and moved to sit on the king-sized bed. If he was in peak form, he likely would have backflipped there to showoff; Vodka was both pleased and worried over that restraint.

"So, I take it you have some news?" Pamput asked. Vodka smiled.

"Good news! I've managed to unruffle the feathers at the studio over your defeat. We may need more makeup and shirts early in shooting, but by the time filming starts next month, you should be good. The endorsements took some finagling, and we had to accept a small cut, as you can't bring the undefeated title anymore, but we're still raking in the dough. Well, the studio did want a concession, but I agree with their reasoning, so that's no defeat. You still planning to stick around and watch the tournament?"

"Of course, losing did not take my pride in the martial arts. Greatness is on display in that ring."

"You ain't kidding! I checked out some of the matches between the phone calls. Those Turtle School kids, that Tien guy who beat you up; I've never seen such perfect forms. The speed, the power," Vodka remarked thoughtfully, taking out a cigar before putting it back at Pamput's glare.

"So, you going to sign one of them as the next big thing?"

"Thought about it, but nah. The champ has been ghosting, and doesn't seem the type. No one's going to buy t-shirts of that kid Goku. And that Tien guy may be peak as a fighter, but I know a prima donna when I see one. Listen, ya got two titles under your belt, no one can call ya a fake or a phony. It may be time to bow out of fighting and really commit to acting."

"Acting is for money, the ring is my passion."

"Well, hate to tell ya, but it's the dawn of the freaks out there, kid. Even your old hero King Chappa got made to look like a chump. Just think, if those kids get stronger when they hit their prime... Besides, how long could you hope to be on top in something as intense and risky as fighting? Your fans still love you after your loss-"

"Love me? Absurd. They love the characters in the movies, the media sensation. They know only trivia about me and don't care to know more. Once the next big sensation come along, my posters go in the wastebasket with teen idols and off-colored ponies," Pamput huffed.

"Maybe, but losing your undefeated record hasn't made them ditch ya. Besides, the money from your next movie will be more than all the prize money you've ever won, by a lot. Even with my cut, you're on track to being able to retire a very rich man if you turn out to be a fad. And I intend to make you an institution; I've lined up an acting coach for when we get back, increase your range, and we'll get that TV series once the movie contract is fulfilled. From there, you can become one of the big stars of the decade. And once your hype dies, we can still get steady work, and you can move into a producing or directing role. And then as middle-aged, you can be retro for a comeback to the screen. People will love and remember you long after the Tiens and Launches have been forgotten by anyone but martial arts fans. Lot more money, too. Listen, just follow my lead on your career like always, and Mr. Vodka will bring you into safe harbor, with the ship sagging from all the gold. Watch the tournament, be a good sport, sign some autographs on the final day, and then we quietly announce your retirement from the ring after the movie comes out. We good?"

"I'm Pamput. My best is the best. That's what I say, right? My line. But as a martial artist, it turns out my strength and skill were just jumping up and down on a foothill, never seeing the mountain looming behind me," Pamput said, staring at his hand as he clenched it into a fist.

"We'll get you a new line. Take it from your elders, kid. Dreams are great motivators, but when you reach it and find it's a star out of your reach, it's better to find new dreams to chase than trying to build a rocket ship to reach that star."

Pamput said nothing, and Vodka took his leave, advising him to take it easy.

X X X

"Well, it's been quite the day," Yamcha remarked in the contestant viewing area. Tien and Master Shen left quickly and quietly, no one displeased to see them go.

"Bora, it might be best for you to enjoy the hospitality of the Turtle School tonight," Jackie Chun remarked, making his own way toward the temple entrance.

"You think the Cranes will try retribution?" Bora asked.

"That Tienshenhan, I expect, would sooner try to face you in the arena. But Shen… call it even money if he prefers seeking vengeance in front of the world or in the dark. You're a mighty warrior, but he's a very tricky one. Not to mention you have your son with you," Jackie explained.

"If the Kame School is amenable, I will heed your advice then."

"What, no man's pride to do this yourself?" Launch asked with humor.

"Fool's pride is just that. If the Cranes seek vengeance honorably, I will meet it. If they want to act as assassins like the unlamented Tao, I will not repeat my mistakes, and accept the aid of friends if they offer."

"Well, I'd rather have a real match. Beating Tao wasn't much to be proud of, since Launch and I did it together," Goku admitted. Launch raised her fist to bop him on the head, only to blink as Bulma beat her to it.

"Don't be stupid, dummy. You're still alive to grow stronger while that jerk is dead, right? That's a good outcome."

"Heh, well, I suggest you go look in on your friend in the hospital. Be seeing ya around," Jackie said, raising a hand.

"Wait, are you leaving, old timer? What about the rest of the tournament?" Goku asked.

"Ah, these old bones need proper rest after that big fight. These events are too much excitement for me these days if I don't have motive to stick around. Just the thought of trying to keep pace with this generation here makes me tired. No, time to bow out with some class," Jackie chuckled.

"But I never got my fight with you," Goku complained.

"Well, maybe we'll meet someday on the flipside. Train hard and fight with honor youngsters," he said with a wave, walking off into the temple.

X X X

Roshi grunted in the bushes of the temple garden, tugging at his Jackie Chun wig.

"Gah! Stupid glue. I should have bought that bottle of solvent! There!" he said, finally pulling the wig off. That done, he quickly slipped out of what was left of his Jackie outfit and into his own suit.

"So, I was right," Tien said, making Roshi pause. He finished putting on his black fedora and turned to face the young warrior.

"Well, you actually got the drop on me. You really are something, Tienshenhan," Roshi remarked.

"I'm not here to fish for compliments."

"Oh? Want my autograph to hang next to Shen's?" Roshi asked, picking up his staff.

"Hardly. I want to know why you would compete in disguise. The obvious answer would be to insulate your reputation against potential defeat. But with how you act, it's clear you don't truly value your reputation."

"Eh, reputation is something others decide for ya. Sometimes true heroes are overlooked or vilified, while the vilest villains are exalted by the masses for generations. No point stressing over it; it will be what it will be. But you're still young, I didn't grasp that lesson at your age either," Roshi shrugged, before putting his glasses on.

"So, not going to answer me?"

"You didn't properly ask a question, but alright. The Jackie Chun bit is based on a trick my own master would pull in the old days. The trouble with having students training under the best is they start to think everyone who hasn't is somehow at a disadvantage. Even a low-key arrogance wrapped in humility can be deadly to the spirit. No better cure than having someone come out of nowhere to remind them tomorrow is a mystery and there's more to be seen than can ever be seen in this world. If the only competition worth remembering was from their peers, my students might have gotten the wrong message and started to slack in their training, never reaching their peak."

"Ah, but your plan failed last time because of the bad luck of having to fight your best students back-to-back. And of course, I know you had a hand in the tournament's reforms, where you could use the general discontent with the outcome to prevent such a thing repeating. The turtle travels slow, but that means a wise turtle chooses the path he takes very carefully. Well played. And you're not upset about being knocked out this time, because with the Crane School stepping up, your students have a rival institution to motivate them. Heh. Yes, this tournament can be the start of a glorious rivalry between Turtle and Crane passed down to a new generation that could dominate this tournament for years to come," Tien grinned, nodding.

"Egads, I hope not," Roshi shuddered.

"What?" Tien was dumbfounded.

"None of you young people need toxic rivalries. They don't promote growth, more like paranoia, ill will, and dirty tactics of a 'get 'em back' variety. No, for my students, I see the twins and Goku are going to keep growing for their own sakes at this point. Krillin and Chichi have each other, and whether that bond leads them to go further down the path to power or retire from it together, the lessons of the Turtle Way will help them live good lives. As for Yamcha and Mai, Yamcha has also reached the point of growing for his own sake, while Mai will not want to be left behind in her eyes by the friends she has made. They don't need the allure of an unknown fighter to inspire them, or a jerk rival to spur them on for negative reasons. I could say the same for you. There's no need for you to keep hanging around with Shen; if you haven't surpassed him already, you soon will."

"...What nonsense. There's no way you've taught those students all you could. And I'm loyal to Master Shen. He is the Tsuru Senin, the Mighty One. To be his strong right hand is the greatest honor he could bestow upon me."

"You're his lackey, young man. Shen has no loyalty to those who follow him, any more than he has any friends. He saw Bulma as only a vessel for revenge, not realizing, not even considering, for all that girl's flaws she has a good heart, loyal to those few who reach it. And your little friend might have won his fight if Shen had, for even a moment, seen him as a warrior fighting for himself and not just a tool. Hmm, but you're not like Shen. You saw things coming with Bulma, and you actually cared about your fellow Crane. Shen will try and snuff that light out of you. Those who surrender themselves to darkness come to either love or hate those in the light, because they either give them some kind of hope or because that light reminds them of how small they really are.

"Tao and Shen offered you power and you've taken it. But behind the flash and awe is just a tacky hollowness. Tao had a vast fortune he never spent and is already just a nightmare fading into the past. And Shen, he has nothing left but his grudges, a fragile pride, and the satisfaction of ruining others as he has ruined himself. Break free of the seductive path of shadows and tyranny. Spread your wings like a true crane and leave the swamp behind for the sunlit sky and the twinkling stars of freedom and responsibility. Take your friend with you, I can tell he'd choose you over the old man."

"...You talk too much. And don't act like you know me. I will avenge Lord Tao and in time take his place. Master Shen's legacy will crush your own," Tien vowed, before turning and walking away.

Roshi sighed and shook his head.

"The young rarely want to hear what goes against their own conviction, even if they know they're wrong deep down. Ah, Shen, why could you not find a student that would lift you up? Instead, you pass on your poisonous outlook like a plague. And I'm as helpless to cure that now as I was then."

Roshi walked off, suitcase in hand, thoughts back to the aftermath of that massacre. Helping his master to his feet, hand extended as he had called out for Shen to not leave. Mutaito had ordered him to go after Shen, but there had been so much blood, the breaths were so hard, he could not leave his master when a moment's delay to treating him could make the difference.

Even today, knowing what Shen became and his master's heroic last stand, Roshi was not sure he had made the right choice.

X X X

"Vendetta," Goku said harshly. Launch stopped next to Goku and the others hung back, seeing the cyborg in the temple gardens on the path just over from them.

"You slipped away at some point in the later fights. Scared?" Launch asked. The red-haired cyborg grinned, adjusting his reclaimed hat.

"Hardly. I just got bored. Enjoy the night, woman, I'm going to end your career tomorrow. Your weak little friend was just a warmup. But this, this next one is personal."

"Personal? So, we have met. Guessing you weren't stuffed full of Radio Hut rejects then; pretty sure I'd remember that," Launch said, frowning a bit.

"I'm pretty sure we never fought a guy like him."

The enemy ground his teeth, before visibly calming.

"I'm not surprised. You ruined my life and it wasn't even worth remembering for you. Well, that's fine. Cast down into the mud, I was made to endure ordeals that pushed my body and sanity to the limit. But it was worth it to stand here today, poised to take my revenge. Heh, so, as I said, cherish what little time you have left. I'll destroy you in the arena, and once the tournament is over, I'll settle with you for good. Unless of course I decide letting you live hooked up to machines in bed is more amusing!"

Laughing maniacally, he walked off, hand raised in mocking farewell.

"...Huh, so basically a nameless mook came back strong for revenge? That's a twist," Launch nodded thoughtfully.

"That's what you get from his death threats?" Yamcha asked.

"Well, he didn't quite say he was going to kill us. And a lot of people say they are. If the animals wanting to eat us could all talk, it'd be a lot more," Goku remarked.

"Hey, round's over, huh?" Chichi said, walking up the path with Krillin.

"Hey Krillin, you okay?" Goku asked, quickly approaching his friend.

"...Yeah Goku, I actually think I will be," Krillin smiled a bit.

"Let's go see Mai. Tenron, Master Chin, you coming?" Yamcha asked.

"I wouldn't want to intrude. Besides, this is no ordinary vacation for my students; I will be pressing them on what they were able to learn from these matches, in written form, even," Chin solemnly stated.

"I still owe you both another fight. I'm not going to renege. But I see no reason to pal around. I'll see you all tomorrow to watch the next round," Tenron said, before leaping backward to the border wall and hopping down into the city beyond.

"I'll go to the hospital with you after collecting Upa. But we'll wait in the lobby; I too should press Upa for the wisdom he has gained from these displays of might," Bora said.

X X X

"Wow, hearing it over the radio is one thing, but really. You guys are amazing," Mai said in awe. She was sitting on the edge of her hospital bed now, the Kame School students and Bulma around the room.

"Well, you were pretty great yourself, Mai. You just got a bad match," Yamcha said.

"Yeah, I lost my fight, but that's just lit a fire to come back better next time," Krillin stated as Chichi smiled.

"And don't bother having nightmares about the robot man. I'll fix him good," Launch grinned, grinding her fist in her palm.

"Uh, don't do anything to get kicked from the tournament," Mai asked, sweating a bit.

"Meh, I'm not that invested in winning the title after settling with Jackie," Launch shrugged.

"Now, now, while it's good not to be too fixated on the title, getting yourself eliminated needlessly would be a disservice to your fellow fighters," Roshi said. The old master entered, dressed smartly as usual for the tournament, and carrying a large vase of flowers and a paper bag.

"Well, Master Roshi, and here I thought we'd have to go bail you out of jail or something," Bulma commented.

"Nah, if that happened, I'd leave him in the pokey for a week. Build some character in him," Launch snickered.

"Master, you did see our fights, right?" Chichi asked.

"Of course, just because you don't see me doesn't mean I'm not there. And I'm only late here because I got these for Mai to brighten up this room. Here you go, some lovely flowers for a lovely young lady. And this stuffed bunny, as it reminded me of you," Roshi said, setting down the vase on the side table and pulling out a black plush, floppy bunny from the bag and putting it on Mai's lap.

"...Thank you," Mai said.

'Does he think she's a kid?' Bulma thought, frowning.

'Crap, I should have brought a get-well gift,' Yamcha thought.

'I would have brought her something to eat,' Goku thought.

'I wonder if Goku would think to bring me a stuffed animal while I was in the hospital,' Chichi thought with a sigh.

'Why didn't he spring for chocolate?' Krillin wondered.

'That bunny is freaking adorable! I need to subtly find out where he got it and get a blue one and lie about it being for Lunch,' Launch thought, nodding.

"Will you be joining us tonight for dinner?" Bulma asked Mai.

"No, honestly the doctors are reluctant to let me go for the tournament tomorrow. Apparently, my condition after the healing is very puzzling to them, but they don't have enough cause to prevent me so long as I use the wheelchair and don't exert myself," Mai answered.

"Well, guess we have room for one more tonight," Bulma said, glancing to Roshi, who smiled wide.

"Master Roshi, I was wondering if you and Goku would do something for me?" Chichi asked.

"Hmm?" Master and student went.

Soon, the Budokai arena:

"Why spar now? You two may yet fight a proper match," Roshi said at the ring's edge. Goku and Chichi stood facing each other, doing some final stretches.

'They used to match so well. But now she's about six feet and he hasn't even grown six inches from last time. People would look at them and see either a big sister/little brother or maybe even a mother and son,' Roshi thought.

"Just indulge me in this, please. I want to answer something for myself," Chichi stood up and bowed at her waist. Roshi looked to Goku, who just smiled and gave a thumbs up. Roshi sighed and adjusted his glasses.

"Well then, let's make sure you got the rules straight. As you both have matches tomorrow, we're keeping this to no more than five minutes. No extensions, no appeals, when my watch hits zero, we're done with whatever this is. The match ends by either timing out, ring out, or one of you landing a solid blow on the other. I'm your ref, so I call if it counts, no arguments. And no ki attacks or damaging the arena or temple. The monks were good enough to accommodate me, and those poor guys have been working real hard to keep this ring in decent shape with so many people breaking it. Any questions?" he asked. He got shaking heads in response.

"Then, fight!" Roshi said, pressing the start button on his stopwatch.

Roshi blinked as Goku rushed Chichi; even from the sidelines, it was hard to follow him. He struck out to punch Chichi in the face, leaping in the air. He barely blocked Chichi's own preemptive punch, pulling his arm back to cross it with his other.

And the punch sent him flying. Goku's tail started whirling his helicopter technique, then he struck the border wall and plopped to the grass.

"Huh. Winner, Chichi," Roshi declared, checking the watch.

'So much for needing a time limit.'

"Ah man, just like with Launch, you have longer arms," Goku said, dusting himself off, no worse for wear.

"You really weren't holding back when you came at me there, were you?" Chichi asked, stepping down from the ring.

"No, you said not to. Did you?" Goku asked.

"No, no I didn't. Huh. Say Goku, you mind having dinner with me and my dad tonight instead of the others?" Chichi asked reaching Goku.

"Will it be all you can eat?"

"Of course, you're not the only one who worked up an appetite," she reminded him.

"Hmm, well, this can mean only one thing..." Roshi said, watching Goku and Chichi walk off toward the temple gate.

"Bulma has no excuse to not let me have that free dinner tonight! Ha!" Roshi cheered, jumping into the air to click his heels. Humming a happy tune, Roshi walked off triumphantly spinning his walking stick. After he was out of sight, a large rock on the grass by the arena moved and Bulma flipped the portable hideout away.

"That's it?! No way Chichi beats Goku, even with a ring out. She must have cheated with ki!" Bulma protested.

"Shut up, Goku would have noticed. Besides, he wouldn't have lost if that wall wasn't there. He would have flown back in, and kicked her tail," Launch declared, popping out of the leaves of a nearby palm tree.

"Chichi won fair and square, clearly Goku underestimated her," Krillin said, standing up from behind one of the wall sculptures on the temple.

"Okay Yamcha, where are you?!" Bulma demanded.

Meanwhile, at the Grand Papaya Hotel Lobby:

"So, none of them have checked in?" Yamcha asked the haggard well-dressed receptionist.

"No sir, now kindly move along, I lost money betting on you to win," the receptionist told him, waving away.

"Huh? Were we supposed to meet up somewhere else?" Yamcha wondered moving along.

X X X

"What do you mean there's no room? Ox King, Chichi, and Goku are dining elsewhere, and Mai is in the hospital," Roshi demanded of an unimpressed-looking Bulma leaning out of the door to the private dining room. Bulma gave him a half-lidded look and held up her hand, raising one finger after another.

"Bora's here to keep the birds from messing with him. Upa's here to avoid any hostage shenanigans, and Ranfan is here because she deserves a nice night after a fight like that. Not to mention Eighter and Suno showed up along with the Jingle Mayor looking to see Goku and the twins, so I invited them in. So, no room for pervy turtles," Bulma said, before ducking back in and slamming the door.

"...Bah, that girl," Roshi grumbled.

X X X

"Oh boy, sushi," Goku said as they settled into the all-you-can-eat buffet. The elderly shopkeeper behind the counter eyed the Ox King warily, unaware he should fear the two tailed people instead of the giant.

The meal proceeded well, with the potential ruin of the restaurant. As the Ox King followed the meal with a drink and wondered what kind of tip would be needed to stop the old man from glaring as if a murder attempt was imminent, Chichi spoke up.

"Goku, we need to have a serious talk."

"Okay. Should we go get the twins? They usually have a better handle on that stuff than I do."

"No Goku, this is personal."

"Uh, should I go use the little king's room?" Ox King asked, stopping midway through sipping his warm sake.

"No Dad, this concerns you too. Well, Goku, I guess there's no beating around it. I think we need to end our engagement."

The Ox King made an awkward noise, the result of doing a spit take when he had already stopped drinking.

"What?! But sweetie, you've practically lived, eaten, and dreamed Goku these last three years!" Ox King sputtered.

"Yes, I know. But how much was Goku as he is, and how much the man that I wanted him to be? I built this reunion up in my mind, and frankly it hasn't even come close to measuring up," Chichi said, grimacing a bit as she looked to the side.

"I have grown a bit, Lunch checked," Goku commented, taking a sip from his drink.

"Sweetie, girls tend to develop early, Goku's growth spurt might just be around the corner," Ox King assured her.

"It's not just me being taller than him, Dad! Goku, I thought about you constantly. It's no exaggeration, I threw myself into my training in no small part because I wanted to impress you and show I could keep up with you. But you say upfront you have not thought about me anymore than any 'friend' of yours. I bet it never crossed your mind how that would make me feel."

"Uh, so, that was wrong?"

"Yes, no. Goku... Goku, I want for a husband someone who I know will put me first, and in time our children. It's not that I want to push everything out of your life, like being a fighter. That would be cruel and stupid. But when the chips are down, I would want to know without having to ask or wonder who and what is most important to you. And that's not what we have, even after training together and after years for absence to make the heart grow fonder."

Ox King cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses.

"He's still quite young-"

"Exactly, dad! And I was so young, when I leapt at the chance for an epic romance. Too young, I'm thinking. I mean, you and Mom had known each other years before you got married, but I was seeing myself as a bride before knowing Goku a week. And in the fight today, I didn't hesitate to take an opening on him. I didn't feel like I was fighting the love of my life. I mean, with my most powerful and brutal techniques, I can't bring myself to go full blast on Krillin, it should be worse with Goku. Like back in Roshi's training, it took psyching myself up and Launch and Roshi threatening to bop me to fight Goku all out."

"You never held back when it was over food," Goku recalled.

"That is true, but without food- Goku, this is serious," Chichi sighed.

"Okay, I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what exactly it is you want. You know more about this wedding stuff than I do."

"Yes, and that's why I'm not angry at you, Goku. You never asked me to put you on a pedestal; you are remarkably calm and collected about so many things, I kind of envy that. I seem to be growing into something of an aggressive worrywart. It was my father's idea, and I seized it, and you've just been caught up in it. And that's been unfair to you most of all, I'm starting to think. So, if we're both still single in a few years, maybe we can approach something as adults, but in the meantime, I release you, and myself. Let's just be friends," Chichi concluded.

"...We're already friends. But..." Goku looked down, frowning. Chichi smiled sadly.

'He really does care, even if he doesn't show it. Maybe when we're both more mature, this could be something that could work?' Chichi thought.

'Ah, so a bit of heartbreak to awaken those manly feelings for the first time. I remember when that lovely ogre rejected my first confession by knocking me into the Swamp of Kitskor. I almost died,' Ox King recalled fondly.

"Does this mean I don't get any cake?" Goku asked. The Ox King and Ox Princess both fell onto their backs, breaking their respective chairs.

'No, I dodged a bullet here. A real big bullet,' Chichi thought, gazing at the off-white ceiling.

"I promise you'll get the biggest slice of cake at my wedding when it happens, Goku," she said, raising her hand to give him a thumbs up.

"Okay then. Say, think there's time to get leftovers from Bulma's dinner?" Goku asked them as they picked themselves up.

X X X

A set of dark clothes, a cloth mask, and an array of tools were set out on the luxurious bed behind the Crane Hermit, but his focus was on his student bowing before him.

"You would dare try and forbid me from my task?" Shen demanded of Tien.

"No, Master, as ever I only seek to look after your best interests. As skilled as you are at stealth, this Bora has taken refuge alongside the Kame School. I worry we have not seen the full scope of their abilities, and we know now they are willing to gang up on a lone warrior."

"So, you doubt my skills and might?" Shen sneered.

"Never, but there is no need for a great man like you to stoop so low. Thanks to your intelligence-gathering, we know tomorrow's matches will be determined by another lottery. With your blessings, I will avenge Lord Tao by defeating Bora when Chiaotzu rigs the draw. For you to fight a barbarian with no proper training would give him too much credit. We can assassinate him together after the tournament, after humiliating him and the rest before the world."

"...Very well. But I shall fight this Launch, it will be a fine example to show the world the peril of fighting a true old master. And place the other turtle woman, the Ox King's brat, against that Vendetta. Either he will eliminate another turtle, or we will see what she is fully capable of before either of us have to fight her."

"So, that leaves Son Goku against Ranfan," Tien noted.

"I'm not worried about that monkey boy; whether he wins or that lucky amateur, one of us will dispose of them in the semifinals, then you will concede the championship to me, your master."

"An excellent plan, Master," Tien said, getting up from his bow.

Later:

In their suite, the Turtle School girls and Ranfan sat on the floor, with a perimeter of snacks and drinks around them. Hair undone and in their pajamas, they were giving a strong effort on a second go of slumber partying.

"You're sure you don't want me to order a wig delivered?" Bulma asked Ranfan, before blowing on the dice she was shaking.

"Nah, I'll shop around for one myself after the tournament. I mean, it would just come off or get destroyed tomorrow," Ranfan said, scratching at her scalp through the scarf covering the top of her head. Bulma rolled a snake eyes and cursed, moving her piece only two spaces.

"Still, this is exciting. It's the second round tomorrow, and three women are in it," Yurin noted, counting her fake paper money.

"I just wish Krillin had won his fight," Chichi sighed, "No offense to Bora. but Krillin could have used a confidence boost; he gets this idea of him being the back of the pack instead of seeing how many people he is ahead of."

"Ah, cueball just needs to toughen up," Launch waved off, fingering the hotel she had built on a space, "He beat King Chappa, didn't he? And he did the Kamehameha Wave today."

"Well, yes, but it's hard for him to see that when his eyes are on Goku's back," Chichi said.

"Maybe you should put something else in front of his eyes, then? What exactly did you two talk about to get his spirits up? Hmm?" Ranfan winked at Chichi, shaking the dice in her hand.

"Well, I'm sure that's none of your business," Chichi huffed, running her hand through her mane of spiky hair.

The Ox Princess blushed when those words incited fascinated 'ohhhs!' from all the girls.

"I will bankrupt you all," she threatened, as Ranfan passed her the dice.

X X X

"Wow, I never thought to see you guys here!" Goku said, shaking hands with Eighter in the lobby. Suno smiled, also looking down on Goku, having gotten noticeably taller than the boy, and a bit more slender in shape, with her Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts on. The Mayor was little better, wearing tourist ware, complete with a camera hung about his neck and a straw hat on his head. Eighter was wearing his usual dark clothes and coat.

The Mayor smirked, setting his hat on the coffee table in the lobby as he took a seat.

"Heh, well, when you never came back to Jingle Village, we thought it was better to go look for you. And where better than the Budokai? Can't say I'm that much of a fan of martial arts, but to support you it was well worth the trip," the Mayor said, looking around and taking in the beauty of the Grand Papaya.

"It's not just us, there are ten of us from Jingle Village. The Mayor said it would be the trip of a lifetime, and should be open to those who want to come," Suno said.

"I offered to just ride in the baggage compartment of the airplane to save money," Eighter said.

"Huh? But you're not baggage," Goku pointed out.

"Precisely!" the Mayor agreed, "Things are quite good in the valley these days, in no small part because of Eighter here, but he still puts himself last too often."

"Oh, I don't do that much. Just a bit of this and that," the hulking android waved his hands in denial.

"Hardly!" Suno objected, getting closer to Goku and pointing to Eighter, "He's the General Manager of Jingle Tower. We've turned the first floor into a restaurant, the second floor into an event center, the third floor is an indoor park with a playground, and the top floor's an arcade. And Eighter still keeps the army weapon stuff behind locked doors in case the Red Ribbon or someone else shows up."

"Yes, he would work himself seven days a week if we let him," the Mayor nodded.

"Well, it's just..." Eighter blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"At least Suno found him a hobby in woodcarving. A man needs something for himself, for fun, or he burns himself out. Even if he's an android," the Mayor said.

"Oh, right. Son Goku, this is for you," Eighter said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out an object wrapped in brown paper tied off with white string, and handed it to Goku. Goku accepted it and quickly unwrapped it, revealing a woodcarving of him standing at the ready with the power pole, a beaming smile on his face.

"Wow! You did this yourself?" Goku asked, holding the little him. Eighter smiled and nodded.

"I love woodcarving. It takes something dead and gives it a new purpose, adding beauty to the world. And each piece of wood is unique, so I couldn't make the exact same carving twice, even if I wanted to. It's quite relaxing."

"Yep, even with a trickle of tourists these days for the tower, I'm pleased to say Jingle Village and the valley have been quiet and relaxing," the Mayor said, "An exciting town like this is fun to visit, but I couldn't imagine living here."

"It was good to meet more of your friends and exchange stories with them," Eighter added.

"Sorry I missed you, but Chichi wanted to say we're not getting married anymore," Goku told them. Eighter and the Mayor gasped, and then hastily began comforting Goku. From Eighter admitting he wasn't programmed to want romance to saying he loved romance movies, to the Mayor offering what he apparently thought were wise words on the matter of recovering from a breakup. As for Suno, her shocked eyes returned to normal and she lowered her hands from her mouth, a smile starting to form.

"Available," she whispered, watching Goku trying and failing to take in what the menfolk were telling him.

X X X

Silver made a sound of contentment as he put up his feet on the ottoman in his motel room.

The meal had hardly been high quality, but the sheer freedom of ordering off a menu had not lost its appeal. His time under Gero's thumb had been worse than prison; it made him appreciate so many things he'd taken for granted. Such as having the overwhelming power to crush any who would do such a thing to him.

The doctor was high on that list, of course. He considered leaving Vomi around to upgrade him in the future. After properly breaking the irksome nerd woman in, of course. She didn't need hands if she could just give orders to flunkies, after all. And she might even thank him for showing what a man who wasn't already one foot in the grave could do in bed.

He smiled wide, wandering through dark fantasies as he took a slow pull from the beer bottle that he was holding. The drink for tonight he had treated himself on. His old favorite brand of brew. When he took over the world, he'd be sure to spare that company.

The phone rang on the bedside table, and he sighed. If he wasn't mistaken, it was two other names on his list calling to check in.

Carrying the bottle, he got up and walked over. Leaning down, he took up the phone from its cradle.

"Silver," he said.

"Splendidly done. Nothing quite like seeing a man beat a woman back into place to get my blood pumping," General Blue giggled over the phone. Violet cleared her throat, speaking up.

"You certainly made an impression. The odds for you to win are quite good. But people still rank Tienshenan and the reigning champ ahead of you."

"It doesn't matter what the bookies say. Between these years of training and the cybernetic enhancements, their mystical kung-fu mojo may as well be thoroughbred horses on a drag-racing track."

"Ohh, liking the confidence. I might almost get into you, Silver, but the metal bits are such a turnoff. I'm not that kind of guy," Blue said.

"Good to know, sir," Silver deadpanned.

"You're certain you can provide us with exact coordinates for Gero's lab?" Violet started.

"Absolutely. Though I want my reinstatement and promotion to General Ironclad Fist with troops and bases first."

"We don't have as much of those as we used to, you know. Our redoubts have recently pushed the dog's armies back with some tactical victories thanks to my brilliant command, but these are lean times," Blue told him. Silver rolled his eyes – he had some idea of their cashflow from Gero and Vomi talking where they thought he couldn't hear.

Violet he might need long-term to keep the cover companies and their money flowing, but Blue he would dispose of once he had a foot in the organization.

"To be clear, you are certain with Vomi and Gero's notes and lab, we can start modifying troops as cyborg soldiers immediately?" Blue pressed.

"Yes, Gero's been lying to you. He's committed to a doctrine of elite super androids and cyborgs rather than mass production of simple modified soldiers. The man is a control freak and perfectionist. He'd rather have an artificial god squad he can control personally than the mightiest army under his command."

"His loss then. With your help, we'll eliminate him, break Vomi, and then drown the Earth and its would-be defenders under a legion of iron warriors," Violet grinned.

'And I'll send you to the scrapheap before you get any ideas,' Blue thought, standing by Violet on the speakerphone.

'And you men will be blown to bits by my spies so my son can rule and I will rule my son,' Violet thought, still dressed like an office lady but with the wig off.

'Sooner or later you'll both die to me and I'll be the warrior ruler of the world while you're forgotten,' Silver thought.

"Glory to the Red Ribbon," Silver said with a smile.

"Glory to the Red Ribbon. Now, don't mess this up," Blue warned.

"Watch out for the Cranes in particular. Tao may not have been their strongest asset after all," Violet warned.

"I'll take care of it. Silver, over and out."

Another Hotel Room:

"-Silver, over and out," the former Colonel's voice came out of the device resting on the bed.

Candi frowned at the device, sitting cross-legged on the bed, with three partially-eaten slices of different kinds of cake on the platter she was holding, fork in hand.

"Well, I never," she huffed, before taking a forkful of yellow cake with white icing.

Chapter Text

Last Time:

With the first round's conclusion, the contestants dispersed for a night of recuperation. Some more interested in relaxing than others.

Tienshehan confirmed the stunning truth that Jackie Chun was in fact the Muten Roshi in disguise *GASP* Explaining his motives, Roshi went on to urge the young Crane warrior to cut loose from Master Shen and walk a nobler path. While Tien was uninterested, he was seemingly stunned by Roshi's sincere desire to not have the feud between the ancient masters passed down to their students.

Meanwhile, the villainous cyborg Vendetta made it clear he was far from done in seeking revenge on the Turtle School. Who in turn are keen to punish him for his brutality toward Mai. Who incidentally will be allowed to return to the viewing area for the subsequent matches.

Then Chichi surprised everyone by requesting special sparing with her fiancé. And everyone was even more surprised when she won by a ring out! And their surprises kept piling up as the once Goku-obsessed teenager decided over dinner to end the engagement, feeling the two had both rushed into getting engaged by not getting to know one another, and uncertainty on how compatible they were. Will the two tailed youths be able to soldier on in this tournament after such heartbreak!?

Yeah, probably.

Master Shen's plans for assassinating Bora over his brother's death were abandoned by Tien appealing to the master to let him first humiliate the warrior in the ring.

Goku reunited with his friends from Jingle Village, who had come to the tournament seeking out him and his sisters. Seems all is well in that snowy land, and that Suno has gotten some eyes for our dear monkey boy, who is now unspoken for.

And the evil Red Ribbon Army continues to plot. Against even itself, apparently.

But now a new day begins, and fresh carnage awaits. Eight fighters remain; who will stand, and who will fall? Find out, now! On Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter 9

Second Round Shenanigans

Crane vs Hunter

"Why?! Why?! All that beautiful money, slipping through my fingers!" Grape wept, face on the table and fist pounding on it as the kids ate breakfast at the overcrowded cafe.

"You haven't actually lost any money. It's just all bets are off as the brackets will be determined by lottery again," the Pink Puma reminded her. She lifted her face to glare at him. She was as pretty as ever when crying, even wearing too much spray-on tan and a bad haircut as a disguise against the local police force.

"The Pink Puma, sensing imminent danger, excuses himself to use the bathroom," he said, getting to his feet.

"Take a roll of toilet paper from them while you're at it. Little Diarrhea here burned through ours at the hotel!" Grape called after him.

"Mom, no!" the teenager shrieked, smacking her mom in the face. As battle broke out between the grown woman and the husky daughter, the other two siblings watched unimpressed by the battle, continuing their meal. The Pink Puma stealthily withdrew!

X X X

"Why do we have to draw again? Can't we just follow the brackets like last time?" Goku asked Launch as the remaining contestants stood in the front of the room, while the monk brought in the drawing box.

"It adds an element of exciting uncertainty, I suppose," Tien speculated.

"More likely it was a way to give a finger to the bookies by making it so they couldn't make good odds on each bracket in advance," Launch said.

It went over Goku's head, so instead he took in the room and the fighters. He was happiest to see Mai here; Yamcha had carried her in on the wheelchair after the reporters swarmed her and him. She seemed to have calmed down and claimed she could walk fine, but the doctors made her promise not to push herself. He thought the doctors were being silly, but he respected her keeping a promise.

Sadly, old Jackie was absent. Apparently, he'd been really serious about bowing out. Goku never had gotten to fight him.

As for the people to fight, he supposed Vendetta was his first pick. He'd gone out of his way to hurt Mai, a friend of Goku's. So, paying him back would be good. But he also trusted Launch or Chichi to fight him. Tien was another mean guy, and the old bird man was worse.

Bora would be a good fight; he'd trained under Korin. Launch he'd sparred with plenty, but a rematch in the tournament would be fun. Chichi, he wanted to have another go at, as she'd really improved since they'd last had proper spar, he realized.

"And Son Goku will fight Ranfan in the first match of the second round," the announcer said, after Vendetta had drawn his own slip.

"Huh?" Goku went.

"Zoned out there, kid?" Launch asked him.

"Man, fighting another super kid," Ranfan remarked, glancing to Goku.

"The tournament will resume in one hour. There will be no official lunch break, but we will be serving a meal if damage to the arena drags the length of the day out. You may request drinks and light snacks if you like," the announcer declared, before making his exit to post the brackets officially outside.

"Don't worry, I won't kill you, but you may not be much good to your son after I am done," Tien told Bora, who didn't say anything, just meeting the shorter man's gaze. Neither seemed inclined to break the staredown.

"Come, Tienshenhan, I think some ice cream is in order before our sweet victories," the Crane Hermit said, walking off.

"Don't count me out, old man," Launch threatened, glaring at the hermit's back.

Chichi glared at Vendetta, who turned to give her a grin, showing off teeth as his robot eye started to glow brighter red. Chichi pointed at her eyes with two fingers, turned the fingers to point at him, and then jerked her thumb across her throat. The cyborg blinked, then chuckled, moving to lean on the wall.

"Be careful, Chichi," Mai said, having rolled up next to her.

"Of course. I won't be getting disqualified to sour the sweetness of avenging you," Chichi told Mai and Yamcha.

"Uh, that's not what I..." Mai blinked.

"Miss Launch?" Ranfan asked the blonde. Launch turned to the currently bald woman wearing a purple scarf to cover her head, her burned arm still wrapped in bandages; she had opted to wrap up the other one with athletic tape.

Launch took a moment to appreciate how different the woman looked. Take it with the deep tan she'd gotten over the last three years, she wouldn't have recognized her at all. If that fact bothered the other woman, she didn't seem to be showing it.

"Do you think I have a chance against him?" she asked, pointing to Goku, who was talking to Krillin. Krillin seemed rather proud of something, making Launch curious and wanting to pop in to see if it was something she could rib him about or encourage him on. But Ranfan had gotten to her first.

"A stupid question. No fight's really settled in a contest like this. Chichi beat him with one counter last night, but only because out of bounds was a rule and he underestimated how much an edge her longer arms gave her. Your fight will be what it will be. Too late to train or anything now, or even plan much, I'd say. So, give it yer best shot," the blonde shrugged.

"So, don't think, just do?" Ranfan asked.

"Er, that's Goku's way, I think, but I would not feel comfortable recommending it. That kid is a special kind of weird. But I guess I wouldn't have him any other way," Launch admitted. She took that as an excuse to leave.

"It's so cool you know the Kamehameha, Krillin! I wish we could have fought and seen them clash," Goku said.

"Well, as impressive as learning it on my own was, I doubt it could measure up to you. You've been doing it for longer," Krillin admitted.

"Guess Chichi's been giving you a steady helping of humble pie, eh cueball?" Launch teased.

"What? I'd come a long way from the Orin Temple dropout last time we were here, remember?"

"Yeah, but if I don't deflate you, you're likely to start looking like a balloon, aren't ya?" Launch chuckled.

"Oh, leave him alone, Launch. Krillin is a very respectable character these days," Chichi huffed, joining them, with Yamcha accompanying Mai, who pushed herself in the wheelchair.

"Yeah, from what I gather, these two have been making some names as heroes in the region around Frypan, along with people being awed by their training feats," Yamcha told them.

"Well, it's no beating the Red Ribbon Army, I'd wager," Launch said, puffing her chest out.

"Oh, and have you done community service helping people in ways that don't involve hitting things?" Chichi asked with a wry smile, stepping up to Launch.

'It is so weird she's taller than me now,' Launch had to admit, looking up to meet her grinning face with her own.

"Not much, but we've been doing the whole walking the world thing instead of just bumming off Ox King's crib."

"Hey, Krillin is a recurring house guest, and he's always helping out with something, he's no moocher! And it's expected for a princess to be available for various duties, so gallivanting off like some ronin constantly isn't really an option."

"Uh girls, it's not a competition," Mai spoke up.

"Hush, Mai/Quiet, Mai," the two other Kame School women said.

Noon:

The opening ceremonies for the day had ended, the drums falling silent as the sound of the gong faded. The announcer took his place in the center of the ring, microphone in hand.

"Welcome everyone, to the second round of the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai! Once more, we have lovely weather for today, and thanks to the hard work of the temple monks, a pristine arena to see these battles play out on. Yesterday we saw sixteen high quality fighters duke it out in eight memorable battles. The eight we have today have proven themselves with strength, speed, cunning, and sheer determination. Yet before the day is done, half of them will see their journey towards the venerable title Strongest Under the Heavens come to an end! But there's no more reason to delay, let us begin the first match! One between two returning contestants from our last tournament!

"He's the pint-sized powerhouse of the Kame School with hair like a porcupine. Word is he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but his sunny attitude has won him as many fans as his shocking strength and skill. Let's hear it for Son Goku!"

"Yeah! I'm ready," Goku cheered, walking out, waving to the crowd.

Ranfan slipped up next to Bora in the viewing area and took a breath.

"How about a kiss for good luck, handsome?" she asked, batting her eyes at him. Bora looked down at her with a neutral expression.

"I-" he was cut off as she popped up to eye level and pecked him on the cheek. Landing easily, she licked her lips.

"Mmm, manly. Seasoned to perfection. Thanks," she said with a wink, before skipping out as she was introduced.

"Ohohoho!" Launch said, eyes alight as she slid next to Bora to rib him harshly with her elbow. Krillin chuckled, doing the same thing with Bora's thigh.

"Better watch out Bora, that single status may be on the poster this season," Krillin said.

"...I'm not sure what to say," Bora said, rubbing his cheek, looking stunned.

"...She just kissed him?! But they're not even married!" Mai exclaimed, almost falling back in her wheelchair. Yamcha caught the chair as Mai leapt out.

"Calm down, Mai! It's not a big deal," Yamcha assured her.

"But it's in public, even! Oh my, oh my," Mai said, slumping back into the wheelchair, red in the face.

"...And I thought you were a prude," Tenron said to Master Chin. Chin just cleared his throat.

"She's lively after the beating I gave her. Guess I don't need to hold back as much as I thought," Vendetta chuckled, revealing himself behind the two martial artists.

"Do you enjoy being so cliche?" Tenron demanded, rolling his eyes. Vendetta glared at him.

"It's not cliche, it's classically menacing!"

"Begin!" the announcer shouted, drawing everyone's attention to the ring.

Ranfan charged Goku first, lashing out with a kick that he evaded before springing toward her face. She blocked the blow with her forearm and he retreated.

"Man, you hit hard," she grunted, shaking her arm.

"Thanks," Goku said, coming at her again. This time, she faded to the side around the blow and backhanded him, pivoting on an ankle. Her fist passed through him. Eyes widening, Ranfan ducked as he appeared behind her and kicked through the air. Tucking in, she rolled forward, coming up in a defensive posture.

"We're off to a fast-paced start. Goku once again demonstrates the afterimage technique, but Ranfan was able to evade it," the announcer said.

"Here I come!" Ranfan said, chasing Goku, who grinned, already in a stance. Then as she reached him, Ranfan jumped into the air and leapt over him.

"Huh?" Goku went, as she spun head over heels in the air, coming toward the ground. She kicked the arena as she reached the ground, cracking the tiles and kicking up dust.

"Not again!" one of the monks bemoaned.

"We'll see how easily you can zip around if I kick up enough du- BUH!" Ranfan said, getting into a handstand, before Goku buried his fist in her stomach, knocking her off her hands. Goku leapt up himself, chambering a kick. Blinking, Ranfan looked up at him falling toward her and made a very undignified sound before pushing herself aside in a roll. The tile cracked again under the impact, and Goku looked up to see Ranfan's punch coming, and deflected it. A hail of blows was exchanged between the two, kicks, punches and jabs that were either evaded or deflected.

Finally, Goku slipped under her assault, kicking a foot out from under her.

"Ah!" Ranfan went, before Goku got in her face and landed a right hook across her cheek. The blow sent her rolling on the floor to a stop. She saw stars and blinked, looking into the tiles.

'Ouch. That's going to leave quite the mark. Getting prettier all the time. Ha,' she thought.

"Is that all?" she heard the kid, Goku, ask. Tilting her head, she saw him standing next to her. He was fine. She'd been a warmup at best?

The count had started, and she gritted her teeth.

She'd known her odds weren't good against the Turtle School, especially not those that had done so well last time. It was foolish to think she could catch up with them on her own. But she didn't want to lose without a single proper blow, or even hold. It was a small goal, and she wasn't going to give it up easily. Goku was looking to the announcer, and didn't notice until a second too late how Ranfan had tensed and shot forward in a spring. He reflexively tried to dodge, keeping her from tackling him, with her hand only closing tight around his tail.

Ranfan's fierce expression fell to utter confusion as Goku fell limply to the arena floor.

"Huh?" she said, crouching on one knee as Goku lay groaning.

"What is this!?" the announcer exclaimed.

"Oh no! How did she figure out Goku's tail is his weak spot?!" Chichi screamed.

"Thank you for that useful information, young lady," Master Shen said in the silence of the stunned other fighters, as Chichi stood red-faced, hands smacked over her mouth.

"It seems contestant Ranfan has somehow realized a weakness in Son Goku's defenses! As Goku is down, we now count."

"I, had no idea," Ranfan said, as the countdown started and Goku's friends started cheering him on.

"And ten! Ranfan is the winner!"

The applause was mixed, and Ranfan let the tail go and stood up, blinking.

"Aw man," Goku said, brushing himself off as he stood.

X X X

"Hey, you won fair and square," Goku said to Ranfan.

"It was just luck," the bald woman sighed, slumping down on the wall.

"So what? Goku left his tail hanging out. Chichi's gotten into the habit of wrapping hers like a belt," Krillin told her.

"Yeah, and Master Roshi and Jackie Chun both say luck is part of a fight. I'll need to find a way to fix this. I never want to lose like that again," Goku said, looking at his tail critically.

Nearby, Shen spoke with Tien.

"Well, fortune smiles on us. A humiliating defeat for the Turtles, and a lucky weakling that will pose no challenge in the next round."

"She beat Chiaotzu, Master, she's hardly weak," Tien reminded him.

"Bah, never mind that, focus on your match against the savage."

Bora loomed over Ranfan.

"You do not feel proud of your victory?" he asked.

"How could I? I didn't win because I was better, I won from luck. I trained hard to get better, to be better. This match didn't prove anything," she pouted. Bora nodded, sitting next to her.

"I know what it is to want to grow. I once thought my strength was enough, then I realized how much higher the summits of power in this world truly were. I had help. For you to grow as much as the others say compared to the last tournament without a teacher guiding you is very impressive. After the tournament, I know a master who may be willing to guide you further if you wish. But it would be long and hard training," he said, giving her a thoughtful look.

"...hmm, any chance you could train me some first? A bit more guiding before trying to impress your teacher?" she asked, scooting over to lean on him.

"Uh, perhaps you should focus on the tournament now, as someone here will be your next opponent?"

"What's this, you think you have time to flirt?" Tien said, stepping over to them. His glare turned into a nasty grin.

"Better curtail your fantasies, novice. I doubt you'll be interested in him after I'm done," he told Ranfan.

"Hmph, I can't stand cocky guys like you. Jerks covering up their insecurities by knocking people down verbally or literally. Best part of training in the wilderness was going so long not having to deal with people like that," Ranfan huffed.

"I'm ready to meet your reckoning, Crane warrior. There's nothing more to be said, our might will decide the matter," Bora said, getting to his feet, face cast in the shadow.

"Heh, fine with me."

Tien walked out first. Bora started after, then stopped, noticing Ranfan was standing next to him. She tapped her cheek.

"Not that you need it, but a kiss brought me good luck," she said, giving him a smile. The bruise forming on her left cheek gave it a bit of a lopsided look.

"I'm sorry, it is not my way to chastise others for their ways, but my people are not so intimate with those we only just met," Bora said politely.

"Hmm, is there a rule against me giving you another then for good luck?" she asked.

"I suppose-" she repeated her hop and peck.

"-not," Bora finished. Blinking, he turned and walked into the arena.

'I hope not too many noticed that,' Bora thought.

"Seems some romance is blooming amongst the carnage, folks! Ranfan seems to see Bora as a mountain well worth scaling, and he certainly seems in no hurry to cast her off those slopes," the announcer declared, the crowd giving various cheers to Bora as he awkwardly waved.

"That woman lacks tact," Princess Misa said, perched on Ox King's shoulders, the Chin Star School students gathered around the giant.

"She just knows my father for the great man he is," Upa said, standing next to Ox King.

"Oh, it's a beautiful thing! I only hope my Chichi can find someone special," Ox King said, before he started blubbering into his arm.

"Did these idiots come here for a soap opera or fights?" Tien griped, glaring at the audience.

"Well then, you both know the rules and I assume you have no questions and are ready to begin?" the announcer asked the two men, who had taken their marks.

"I am ready," Bora said.

"I've been ready," Tien stated.

"Very well then. Let the second match of the second round, BEGIN!"

Bora and Tien both assumed stances, and waited.

"Is this some kind of mental battle thing?" Ranfan whispered to Launch.

"How should I know? I'm not a badass wilderness warrior or a Crane School student," Launch whispered back.

"Uh, sirs? You can start n-" the announcer said over the mic, adjusting his glasses. He was interrupted when Tien sprang into action, charging at Bora. He feinted a frontal attack to dart to the side; Bora pivoted, meeting and blocking that blow, and the two after before counter-attacking. Tien leapt back from the mighty blow, and gracefully straightened as Boa harried him with hail of blows.

"Oh, right then. The fight is on, folks!" The announcer proclaimed.

Tien raised his arms and blocked two blows with swift movements, then thrust himself inside Bora's defense and, with a cry, struck him in the chest with two fingers.

"Guh!" Bora grunted, face screwing up with pain. The big man fell to his knees, gasping, and Tien stepped back.

"This match is over. Your strength and stamina may be far beyond that of Yamcha's, but you are too open to precision attacks. You can surrender now, or I can pummel you down into the dirt," Tien sneered.

Bora answered by swinging out with a vicious backhanded blow that sent Tien off his feet.

"What?!" Tien shouted, sitting up only to take a kick under his chin. Gritting his teeth, he rolled his head with the punch that took him in the face. Finding his feet in the stumbling, Tien lashed out with a spinning kick that Bora blocked with his arm, but the force pushed him back a bit, stopping his momentum and letting Tien retreat a few steps.

'How?! I landed the blow clean. Is he a freak of nature with a significantly different nervous and muscle system? His heart should be in chaos right now, struggling to breath and needing medical attention for at least two days. It can't just be grit. Determination might have let him pull off that one sucker-punch, but his breathing is calm, nothing in his stature says agony. Unless, the Burning Armor technique? But he'd have to have mastered it to the point his body shows no signs of it, no discoloration, no detectable heat. Even Master Shen can't use the technique that sublimely and strong enough to block a precision attack like that. But there's no other explanation...'

Bora and the audience were stunned as Tien started coughing. The young warrior quickly gathered himself and rubbed the spot he'd been hit in the face with the back of his hand, before regarding Bora with a smile.

"What can I say, Bora, but well done. You've mastered the art of fortifying your body with ki beyond what I have done. You may not belong to a school, but either your people's techniques are vastly under-appreciated or you are a true diamond among the mud. You have my thanks – I was getting worried after Chun'a defeat there would be only one foe here to truly push me," Tien said, assuming a stance.

"Tien's enjoying himself," Chiaotzu remarked.

"Well, he shouldn't forget why he's there. This Bora needs to receive the first payment of our vengeance," Shen scowled.

"So even that jerk admits Bora is impressive. His stock keeps rising, and Imma going to invest," Ranfan nodded, grinning. Bulma looked over at her.

"You realize if you move in with that guy, you're going to be living with no electricity, no TV, and no store-bought food. Not to mention no indoor plumbing," Bulma pointed out. Ranfan looked at Bora staring down Tien, who was clearly about to make a move.

"Fair trade," she said, singsong.

"Ohh, now that's sacrificing for love!" Chichi wiggled, distracted from the fight.

Tien blurred out of sight, and as Bora glanced around calmly, Tien appeared, kicking him in the back of the knee. Bora grunted, but barely moved. And on it went, the speeding Tien striking blow after blow as he flickered into sight, before appearing again at his starting position, frowning. Bora flexed and glared at him.

"Egad folks, Tien has unleashed a truly rapid-fire hail of blows that Bora couldn't even block, much less counter. But somehow, Bora seems unaffected by it all."

Tien put his hands together and rose up into the air. Tien sneered at the warrior awaiting on the ground.

"You're good at taking direct attacks. But your defense is not so impressive against pure ki attacks. You might have been able to take that puny turtle's Kamehameha well enough to counterattack, but it still forced you to your knee thereafter. And I understand that was an amateur version of the technique. By contrast, now there is only one person in the world whose Dodonpa surpasses my own," Tien said, extending a finger and igniting ki at its tip.

"Bora can take that," Ranfan insisted.

"I don't think so," Launch frowned, "Tien's right, Krillin's attack did hit Bora hard last time. Even if it doesn't end the fight on its own, if it leaves Bora open, Tien will not waste an opening. And after how strong Bora's proven, he won't be holding back."

"You think that one's been holding back?" Chin said with surprise. Launch nodded, Goku frowning next to her on the railing.

"Yeah, I'm not saying I can read that in him, but Tien's been trained as an assassin, a killer. But killing his opponent here is a defeat, as his goal is to humiliate everyone that he feels has crossed his school on his way to the title. So, he won't be going easy on anyone, but he's not going to risk losing the war just to win a battle quicker. But now he's seen what Bora can take, so..."

"Be careful, Bora!" Ranfan shouted.

"Ranfan could dodge it, but while Bora has speed, I'm not sure he can keep ahead of Tien like she did Chiaotzu," Krillin said with worry.

"Bora's not scared though, he must have something," Chichi said.

In the ring, Bora stared at the Dodonpa blast swelling with power at his opponent's fingertip, and remembered…

Master Korin held a ball of power in the palm of his paw.

"The Dodon Ray. Also called the Dodonpa, or even Dodon's Paw if you go way, way back. It's been adopted by the Crane School as their signature move, though like most things in life, it's not so much new as given a new role and fresh coat of paint."

Bora sat before the diminutive master on the training floor of the sanctuary, and nodded.

"You believe I should learn this, rather than the Invincible One's technique?"

"No, not at all."

"Oh."

"Don't get me wrong, it's not like it's a technique for evil or anything. Neither the Kamehameha or the Dodonpa is inherently superior to the other. Roshi's move sacrifices sheer stopping power for wide scope. Hence, he could blow an entire mountain away. Just try doing that even with the tiniest Dodonpa. And in battle, it is better to defeat an opponent without killing them. Shen's way, he sees as ideal for assassination. Quick, precise use of force to strike vital points. Also limits collateral damage and other complications. But it can also be used to end a fight non-lethally by targeting specific spots to avoid lethal damage. And avoid destroying the city you're trying to save, for instance.

"Anyway, moral pondering aside. You're not setup at all for slinging ki around, Bora. Your whole style is built around channeling ki within the body to increase and sharpen your skills and strengths. Not to mention you augment it with weapons, and I've made progress showing you how to infuse some ki into your tools so they can keep up with you. But sooner rather than later, you will have to face the vengeance of the Crane School. And if they pick their battle right, you'll not be able to counter those ranged attacks of theirs with your weapons. Could mean the end for ya, kid."

"What do you suggest?" Bora asked.

"If it's just a tournament fight? My first impulse would be to throw in the towel. Honor's not worth your life, kid. But you're the type to want to go the extra mile, and I'm just too honest to say there's no other way. Listen, you may not be able to throw your ki around, but there are ways to throw around other people's ki..." Korin had said.

Bora adjusted his feet and extended his right hand before pulling it back, palm facing his foe. Tien narrowed his eyes but pointed his finger at Bora. Blinking out of sight, he reappeared to the left and shouted his attack while firing. Bora turned to meet it...

"Understand, there's good reason those two rival schools don't use this technique. It's just as hard to learn as their signatures, and far riskier. The Karmic Palm has you taking in the ki trying to attack you, and channeling it through your body's own ki circulation. And then with your other hand, you fire it back. It has more power and control than mere deflection. Done right, you can pour your own ki into it and send it back, that much more powerful. Sounds nice, right?

"Well, think again! You're basically inviting that attack into your body. If your control is anything less than sufficient, it will burn you up inside as it goes. If your control fails, it will be like a bomb going off inside you. Forget broken bones or charred skin, your organs could rupture, your heart explode. I can teach you the concept with little piddly ki attacks, but any real test would require risking your life in more training with each attempt. You have things to live for, Bora. There's no shame in looking at this path and saying it's not worth it."

Bora cleared his mind and his heart as the ki raced toward him.

'My son, my people, they look to me in this time. How can I urge them to not simply settle but reach higher if I choose the safe and easy path? It's because I have so much to lose that I can't let fear deter me from pursuing the power to defend what I cherish, and aid those I call friends!'

He barely heard the crowd's reaction as his palm strike seemed to their eyes to nullify the mighty attack. He let the Dondopa travel up his arm and then circulate through his torso. With his heart, he poured ki into it as much as he dared, while forcing it away from his neck and down into his left arm.

It was more painful than any practice, and he couldn't be sure he hadn't sealed his own fate already. That was key too in this moment, exist only in the moment. No past, no future, no thought on why he was fighting or who. Simply the perfect execution of this technique. Now with words.

"Karmic Palm!" Bora yelled, as purple ki erupted from his palm toward the sky.

Tien said nothing, three eyes wide as his pupils shrank, rapidly forming hand signs before the wave of energy swept over him.

"Tien!" Chiaotzu screamed.

"Baldy!?" Yurin gasped from the crowd.

"Absurd!" Shen sputtered, glasses sliding down his nose.

"Awesome!" Launch and Goku said, while most of the spectators were stunned.

"Oh my! Oh my!" Ranfan huffed, hearts in her eyes.

The moment passed, and Bora opened hie eyes, breathing hard. A hand went to his chest and he felt his heart beat; feeling the circulation of his ki, he detected no internal injury. He had danced with the sun and not missed a step. A wide smile formed on his face. Even as he raised his face.

"Tienshenhan is alive!" the announcer proclaimed, as the Crane warrior, clearly burned and battered, two eyes scrunched shut, lowered slowly to the arena floor.

"That, was a very good shot," Tien said, wiping blood from his lips, mouth settling into a line. He blurred out of sight and grabbed Bora's arm as he popped back in. Bora tried to pull against it, but with a cry of pain and fury, Tien left everyone stunned as he swung the bigger man into the air and slammed him onto the ground hard.

The impact sent cracks racing across the entire space of the ring. Bora coughed painfully, and stayed on his back.

"...I surrender," Bora said, raising a fist shakily.

"Bora has yielded! The match goes to Tien!" the announcer declared. The crowd roared in applause for the match.

"Ah, phooey," Ranfan pouted.

"That was a good fight," Goku smiled.

"Interesting technique from Bora," Chichi remarked thoughtfully.

"So much for losing to the champion," Krillin sighed.

"Heh, so a glass cannon was your trump card. Feel proud of yourself?" Tien asked, grinning down at his opponent. Bora smiled too, lifting his head slowly.

"Yes. When I faced Tao, I was like a squirrel futilely leaping from the tree trying to touch the moon. I could not pull you down, warrior of the Crane, but I reached you," Bora said, as a quartet of monks arrived with a stretcher to carry him away and Upa jumped onto the arena.

Tien frowned, making his way back to the arena.

"That was great, Tien, even with that surprise you won," Chiaotzu congratulated him.

"Don't be foolish, Chiaotzu, that was hardly the terror-instilling victory he was meant to bring us," Shen chastised Chiaotzu, flicking his hat. Tien ignored them both and the stares of the other spectators as he declared his intent to get a drink.

And in the audience, hidden amidst the crowd, the Kame Senin's face lit up with a smile.

Chapter Text

Last Time:

The second round of the Budokai kicked off, matching Goku up with Ranfan. After getting over some nerves, the recently-shaved woman gave Goku a spirited fight, but it seemed she still had a long way to go to catch up to Goku. However, a desperate grab as the fight seemed settled turned the tide, and Ranfan to her shock won, by a tail!

Next up was a grudge match between the vengeful Tien and the noble warrior Bora. Tien's pride took some hits as Bora proved far more capable than the three-eyed warrior expected. And Bora revealed a previously unknown technique to all the competitors, giving Tien's attack back with interest. But that still wasn't enough to bring Tien down, and the match ended with Bora's defeat.

The second round has not been good to Goku and his friends so far, what awaits as the carnage continues? Find out now, on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter 10

Kame School Counterattack

Just try to Keep Good Turtles Down!

"Alright, time for some community service, quality time with the elderly," Launch chuckled, punching her palm. Goku frowned, kicking his legs in the air from his perch on the dividing wall.

"Man! I wish I was still in it. So many strong guys left to go," he complained.

"Then work on that tail or something, kiddo," Launch said, ruffling his hair.

"Yeah Goku, Ranfan beat you fair and square; you said so yourself. Nothing to do now but cheer on our friends," Krillin said, arms crossed and nodding.

"Now Krillin, it's not easy to train a tail," Chichi reminded him.

"I'm trying to look cool here," Krillin grumbled.

"...seeing all of this, I'm wondering if it would be worth it for me to even try again," Mai wondered.

"What are you talking about, Mai? They've all grown so much from the last tournament, no reason you can't grow more too," Yamcha said.

"Glad you said it, Yam guy, I'm not very patient with quitter talk," Launch said, surprising Yamcha by being next to him and cuffing him on the shoulder.

"On the contrary, your wheel-bound friend I'd say is simply sensible," Shen declared, "If you cannot defeat opponents in a tournament like this where so many rules restrict your opponents' options, you have no future as warriors, outside the ring or in it."

"See? If the bad guy agrees with you, that's a sure sign you need to ditch that attitude," Launch said, pointing to Shen, who flinched at that.

"Ignoring my threats? Well, you won't be able to ignore me in the ring. You'll soon see what real champion material looks like," he grinned.

"If you think you can intimidate this woman by talking, you need better glasses and a hearing aid," Yamcha said.

Shen huffed and walked off. Yamcha watched him go stoically, then blushed furiously as Launch put a peck on his cheek.

"Aren't you being sweet today?" she said, "Ranfan managed an upset with some good luck, maybe I can send that codger to the retirement home with some of that."

"Will Master Shen and Son Launch please report to the ring!?" the Announcer called while Launch left Yamcha sputtering.

X X X

"Here we have them, folks! The blonde battler who came to this tournament on the Turtle School wave last tournament and went on to be the first woman to be declared Strongest Under the Heavens! She's dispelled any doubt on her merit by settling her feud with the mighty Jackie Chun, now she's here to see if she can pull a double-header as champion! Let's hear it for Son Launch!"

The crowd roared approval, quite a few banners even popping up to wave, to the fighter's surprise.

"But her challenger is nothing to sneeze at, folks! Forget old school, this man is a legendary school unto himself! We've seen his students, we've even seen him, but I think we all know he's got more tricks up those billowy sleeves. Here he is, the man, the legend, Master Shen the Tsuru Senin!"

Shen looked over the cheers for him, and turned to smile at Launch.

"I count more banners for me," he remarked.

"Ah, they don't know ya," Launch said, saluting him with one finger.

"Alright then, you know the rules; any questions?" the announcer asked.

"No," the two said in sync.

"Very well, then. Let the second round, third match, BEGIN!"

'These Cranes are all about bags of tricks. That Tien's an exception, being quite the bruiser too. And this guy doesn't strike me as the type to practice what he preaches. So, nail him quick before he can settle on a strategy!'

"Rocket Launch!" she yelled, bursting across the space between them. Shen's lips twitched, and he leapt up and to the side, twisting. His kick connected with the arm Launch raised to block it, and she was sent tumbling on the tiles.

"Tch," Shen's mustache twitched.

'He countered that by the numbers, and that kick... Crap, guess he really does have more than just tricks.'

"You know, few things are more annoying than seeing a rip-off, one of them is a bad rip-off," Shen said, extending a finger.

"Heh, let's see if your original recipe beats my spicy remix," Launch said, charging her Ki Pistol.

"Things have escalated quickly, folks! As Shen prepares to fire off his Dodon Ray, Launch prepares to counter with her own variation of that technique. Who will prevail in this clash? The aged veteran or the young contender!?"

"Dodonpa!/Ki Pistol!" they shouted together. The charged ki blasts struck each other between the two and exploded, the audience crying out and turning their faces away while the announcer struggled to stay on his feet.

"Perfect cover for a follow-up attack,' Shen thought, dashing through the crackling air, arms raised defensively, carving a path through the heat with air-dispersing jabs and billowing ki.

"Hmm?" he went, pausing as he reached the spot Launch had been standing and found no one there. As the smoke cleared, he turned and saw her standing where he had just been, spotting him.

"You tried to sneak attack me!" they said together, pointing accusingly.

"Looks like while Launch went high, leaping over the smoke, Shen went low. I guess great minds think alike?" the announcer observed.

"Rocket Launch!" Launch yelled, charging at Shen, then taking to the air with a burst of speed. Shen caught her fist in one hand and twisted. Launch moved with the twist, breaking free to spin in the air and chamber a kick toward his head. Shen deflected it, knocking her back. Launch landed on her feet, only to be forced back by a series of jabs as Shen advanced on her.

"Shen seems to have seized the momentum in this match," the announcer declared.

"Heh, I admit, coming here I had hoped to fight either the so-called champion or Jackie Chun, but it's a pleasure to see my master have a chance to properly display his skill," Tien said next to Chiaotzu.

"Not concerned?" Tenron asked.

"Hardly, that woman is certainly strong, but she's hardly capable of bringing down the great Tsuru Senin," Tien said.

"Don't be so sure," Goku said solemnly, getting everyone's attention.

Launch cried out as Shen swiftly changed from jabs to land a kick, striking her knee and sending her to her arms and knees.

"You were saying?" Tien chuckled.

Shen went to strike her in the head with a jab, and took her punch on the nose, stumbling back. Smirking, Launch popped to her feet, shaking out her struck leg.

"Yeah, that Crane guy may be strong, but he doesn't seem that tough. And Launch has been sparring with me for years."

"And Goku hits as hard as Chichi, at least," Krillin stated.

"What's the matter, old timer? Cracking already, can't take what you dish out? Your flunky said Bora was being a glass cannon earlier, but I'm thinking that applies to you, too. You're less of a great fighter and more of a squishy wizard who used to take martial arts classes," Launch laughed as Shen backed up, holding his nose while she slowly advanced. He pulled his hand away from the bloodied nose, which had stopped, and grit his teeth.

"You mock my mastery of martial arts? Frail, am I? I'll break you over my knee like the impudent child you are," he seethed. Putting his palms together, he stopped and veins started popping on his forehead.

"Hey, is that...?" Mai asked.

Shen's body expanded in a burst, the baggy clothing now strained by muscle and the additional height nearly bringing him face-to-face with Launch and exposing toned, unshaved calves. Launch grimaced, taking a step back, with Shen grinning, rolling back the sleeves on his uniform.

"I normally view such a hands-on approach as beneath me these days, but I'm willing to dust it off to shove those words back down your throat. Or are you so scared you want to just call it quits?"

"...That is creepy with that tiny old man head!" Launch shouted, grimacing.

"What?" Shen said, shades slipping a bit.

"Sweet Guardian of the Earth, can't you old masters do something about your heads and faces to make the contrast a bit less squicky? I mean, it's like a bad fake photo coming to life from an old guy submitting photos to a dating service or something. Just creepy."

"...I am going to enjoy this," Shen said, cracking his knuckles.

With a burst of speed, Shen closed the distance, Launch blocking his jab with her arm but flinching as the blow pushed her back. Grinning, Shen followed up and began a combo, forcing her back and barely deflecting the blows.

"You seem to be wearing down," Shen mocked. Launch kicked back, springing into the air, with her landing and rushing toward Shen. The Crane Hermit grabbed her knee in his palm before it hit his face. And her elbow came down on top of his head, making his crane hat look like it had been stepped on.

As Shen flinched, Launch kicked off his chest. Shen growled and took his hat off, barely glancing at it before throwing it aside, with Tien reaching up to catch it with ease as it zipped by him.

"You are a pest," Shen declared, charging a Dodonpa with each hand.

Launch didn't answer, blurring out of sight. Shen glanced around and pointed his right finger down, shooting the arena floor. As smoke covered the arena and debris rained, he rose up above the cloud, one attack still charged. His free hand blocked as Launch burst from the smoke and dust below, and he fired his attack into her face, only for her to blur out. Pivoting as if on a hinge, he struck out and struck Launch in the stomach with a jab that made her bend around the blow.

"Heh," Shen sneered. Then drew back as Launch grabbed his elbow with one hand and thrust her hand into his face, practically poking him in the forehead with a finger charged for a Ki Pistol.

"Sh-!"

BOOM

The smoke was blown away, Shen extending an arm to this side, having seemingly blown it away. His shades were cracked, and as everyone watched, they shattered and slowly fell to the ground with a tinkling sound. Plucking the frames from his face, Shen tossed them aside and glared at Launch.

He blurred out of sight, and Launch turned to face him as he popped back into sight, only to disappear again. Buff Shens appeared around her, posed to attack. Then a kick took her in the side, sending her into a punch and then a palm strike to the chest.

"Rocket L-" Launch jumped up, only for Shen to grab her ankle and slam her into the ground. The Crane Hermit leapt back, steam rising from his currently broad shoulders. He tore off his tattered shirt, showing a less buff physique than Chun, but still impressive as steam rose off him.

"Who's the glass cannon now?" he demanded. Launch got to her feet, spat blood to the side, and dusted herself off.

"Well, I guess it's a fight after all," Launch said, and threw back her head, laughing as she gathered a Dodon blast on both her index fingers, and then her thumbs, and all her fingers igniting, ki arcing across her like lightning.

"What the heck! Are you trying to blow yourself up?" Shen demanded.

"Ohh, guess you never had the moxy to master this!? Well, you can try it on for size!" Launch yelled over the wind circulating around her.

"It's impossible to direct that much ki with precision!" Shen protested. Launch grinned, showing off too many of her teeth, and clenched her fists, which became enveloped in a pulsing sphere of ki.

"Good thing I'm not going for accuracy. Meet the Ki Shotgun, try and dodge this!"

'It's a bluff! One of Roshi's little scouts would never endanger the crowd with such a wild technique,' Shen assured himself, glancing to her fellow Turtles in the stands. He expected to see calm from a well-rehearsed bluff. But they looked scandalized, except the boy.

"Launch can be mean when she's excited," he giggled. Those words struck Shen like a sheet of ice water. And realized she'd flickered out of sight, save for the trails of ki, like neon lines in the air. He turned as she appeared practically in his face.

"Ki Shotgun!" She yelled, firing it off in Shen's face.

The crowd yelled in excitement as the ki blasts raced overhead, Shen blinking in relief at barely dodging it. Then his foot hit the ground, and he realized Launch was still tailing him, her left fist still engulfed in light. She hadn't fired both barrels.

She punched him, with him barely deflecting the blow, so only half the blast took him in the face.

BOOM

The smoke cleared to Launch gasping for breath, clearly struggling to hold a stance, and other wisps were blown away to show a deflated Shen flat on his back.

"Incredible! Shen is down! Is today the day we see a legend fall?"

"Master..." Tien said, while even Tenron joined the others in applause. Which was cut off as Shen clapped his hands together over his chest and stood up with unnatural rigidity, like a rake that had been stepped on. Grinding his teeth and bleeding from one closed eye, with an array of bruises rising on his neck, Shen breathed hard and fast.

"Girl. You. Die!" Shen declared, putting his hands through a rapid set of seals as sparks shot from across his body. Then his hands came together in a triangle. Tien and Roshi both gasped at that.

"Shen! Don't! This isn't worth anyone's life, not even your own!" Roshi pleaded.

"Launch, forfeit! You'll die if that connects!" Yurin screamed from the crowd, as Shen kept powering up.

"I won't let him shoot then! Rocket Launch!" She burst into motion. And Shen vanished to appear above her, grinning like a devil, catching her in the center of the triangle he had formed.

"KI KO-" Shen yelled, only to stop.

The old man hung in the air, and Launch leapt clear. With a cough, he moved again, hands breaking the seal and the aura dispersing.

"What?" he gasped. Then Launch's kick took him in the side, sending him careening into the border wall to fall onto the grass.

"It's over! Shen is out. The Crane Hermit had her in his sights for some seemingly-dreaded move! But it seems he briefly blacked out before using it, giving just enough of an opening for Launch to seal her victory. What a match!"

"...How dare you?" Shen growled under his breath, pushing himself up from the grass. He looked past his opponent raising a fist to the crowd's applause, and past Roshi's other students. His glare was on Chiaotzu, who lowered his finger while Tien said something Shen couldn't catch to him. But his expression was relieved approval.

'How dare you steal my victory Tienshenhan?' Shen thought furiously. Getting to his feet, he backhanded away the two medical monks daring to approach him. In furious silence, he climbed over the wall, and the crowd parted for him.

'I need to calm down and heal. Yes, the crane awaits the right moment to strike, he does not chase the frog through the marsh,' he thought with forced calm as he walked out of the tournament grounds.

'You have good students Shen,' Roshi spoke to his mind.

"...Bah," Shen said, hailing a cab.

X X X

"Well, it's me up next," Chichi nodded to herself.

"Well, I hope you are more of a workout than the last turtle I stepped on," Vendetta said, walking past her. Chichi glared at his back.

"You got this, Chichi," Krillin told her. Mai rolled up next to her.

"I know you're stronger than me, but be careful. That guy's like those Cranes, he's going to go nasty first chance he gets," Mai warned.

"Yeah, but I get to avenge what he put you through, Mai. I'm not going to go easy on him either," Chichi said.

Vendetta paused next to Goku and Launch.

"Soon the time for subterfuge will be done. I look forward to making you both pay for everything," he glared at them. Goku tilted his head, while Launch raised an eyebrow.

"Did we beat this guy up, Launch?" Goku asked.

"Eh, maybe. The mooks kind of blur together. Did you used to wear a lot more leather or something?" Launch asked. Vendetta glared and stomped into the arena, throwing off his jacket and hat back into the spectator area.

"And here we have our first cyborg contestant. He's no meek trailblazer, who has shown he's ready and willing to go far to secure victory. Let's hear it for the vicious Vendetta!" the announcer proclaimed. There was a very mild scattering of applause.

Vendetta smirked, running a metal hand through his red hair.

"That's fine, only fools need the love of the ignorant feeble masses," he said, his voice projecting.

"You suck!" Someone yelled from the crowd.

"And here she is! Yet another student of the Muten Roshi, and daughter of the legendary Ox King, but she's not content to ride on fame by association. Here to carve her own story by the might of her fists, welcome Chichi of the House of the Ox!"

Chichi blinked at the thunderous applause; it was hard to make out her father's shouts, even as he waved his banner with Princess Misa on his shoulder.

"Heh, they love her, maybe in part because they hate him. But hey, our little Chichi's all grown up. You two ever going follow her lead?" Launch joked, lightly bopping Goku and Krillin on the heads as they watched to either side of her.

"I guess so," Goku said.

"Girls mature quicker than boys," Krillin said.

"Princess Misa tells me that girl fought demons and won, even trading blows with a prince of their world and surviving. It will be interesting to see if she is able to stand up to one enhanced by modern science," Chin said.

"Ancient power, new power. This is a contest for strengths, skills, and cunning; may the more worthy prevail," Bora said, entering from the temple with a slight limp, Ranfan supporting him with a smile under his right arm. It wasn't clear if he needed it, but Launch and Bulma grinned at the fact Bora was allowing it.

"I wondered where you had gone," Yamcha said to Ranfan with a smile.

"Are you alright, Mr. Bora?" Mai asked, the monk following behind setting down a stool large enough for Bora to sit on at the ringside.

"I'll be feeling that fight for quite a while, but nothing proper treatment and a bit of rest can't fix," Bora said. He caught Tien looking at him; the three-eyed man gave a dismissive huff, then moved to stand by the railing.

"Oh good, we're not too late. I wanna see if that robot man coughs blood or oil," Ranfan quipped.

Meanwhile, in the crowd:

Suno sat on Eighter's shoulders, waiting for the match to start.

"So, you think the Red Ribbon built that guy, Eighter?" she asked.

"You don't build a cyborg, Suno, you modify it," the Mayor corrected, standing next to them, standing tiptoe to try and get the best view of the fight.

"I hope not. I hear the Red Ribbon is still around, but only a fraction of what it once was. I'd hoped they lost their science division; I'd hate to think what people like them would do with even worse weapons than they had in the Tower," Eighter said.

X X X

"Begin!" the announcer yelled, chopping the air.

"So, going to come at me like another angry hummingbird?" Vendetta asked, arms crossed.

"I'm no bird with hollow bones ready to crack, ya jerk. I'm the daughter of the Ox!" Chichi said, charging him straight on.

"Futile," he smirked, getting into a boxing stance.

"That might not be the best idea," Bulma admitted.

"Heheheh," Krillin laughed, getting everyone but Goku's attention.

Silver swung out in a blur of a punch, hitting Chichi on the cheek. And got hit in his own face at the same time. Both fighters staggered back from the hit.

"Gah, not just freakishly tall, are you?" Vendetta said, rubbing his cheek. Chichi didn't bother rubbing hers, giving him a small smile.

"You call that a punch?" she asked, taking a stance again.

"Don't mock me!" Silver said, rushing at her, swinging a punch. Chichi caught it on her forearm, blocking it and deflecting him away. He almost stumbled, and her foot caught him in the chest, ringing loudly against the visible metal plating.

'Barefoot?' he realized, and she withdrew, leaving a footprint on his metal plating.

"Here I come!" she said.

"And here I go!" Vendetta said, as his torso spun around, stopping her short. Chichi blinked as he extended his arms and started blurring into motion while his legs remained firmly planted.

"Now that's just freaky," Chichi cringed. Vendetta bent his legs and leapt the distance, catching Chichi by surprise, landing multiple blows on her chest and face before a chop to the neck sent her staggering away. His upper body slowed, glowing red eye wide, leaving a trail before he audibly clicked back into place.

"Hahaha, I used to think tricks like that were ridiculous, but with the crap you martial artists pull, it's downright par for the course, isn't it?" he said as Chichi picked herself up. Legs blurring with speed, he kicked Chichi in the back of her head, sending her sprawling. As she landed, her bun came undone, letting a spiky mane spill out pooling around her.

"Ah, trying to cover a bad hair day with a bun, eh? Guess your hick kingdom doesn't have stylists?"

Chichi slammed a foot into the ground before standing up, bangs that nearly touched her collarbone framing her face, and hair reaching far past her waist.

"Don't insult ma kingdom. You already hurt ma friend. Na you're going to really pay," she said angrily. With a roar, she charged again as Vendetta grinned readily, raising an arm to block it despite her speed. And an explosion erupted from the impact.

Vendetta cried out in surprise and fear, staggering back. The metal arm was cracked and sparking, while smoke swirled around Chichi's fist.

"Ah never could get tha Kamehameha like Krillin. But I found this by accident in Demon World and mastered it," She said, clenching her fists.

"She's releasing ki energy she builds up from the point of impact, using the impact force as a catalyst! Why didn't I think of that?" Roshi said, shades slipping down his nose.

"Heheh, if that's all Vendetta has, he's scrap. If you fight Chichi in a slugfest and she isn't worried about hurting you like Master Chin, it's not going to end well," Krillin chuckled darkly.

"So, Master, all that effort, and she was just holding back her real arsenal?" Tenron said with a smile to Chin. Chin just sighed.

"Well, I already realized my time was done..." he said.

"Think she'll teach me that move?" Ranfan asked Krillin.

"Uh, do you want it? I mean, she's fighting shoeless because it blows up her shoes and other-"

BOOM BOOM BOOMBOOMBOOM

Chichi and Silver traded blows, with him blocking punches and kicks with his arms and knees, but the fiery explosive force sending him back.

"Curse you!" he screamed as she let up, his singed human arm lunging out toward her face. She grabbed the arm; no explosion followed, but she pulled him in close with a grim expression as his organic eye widened, and headbutted him in the face.

BOOM

Bleeding from the nose and his face charred black and bruised, Vendetta fell back to clack onto the ground, his body riddled with burned, bruised, and bleeding skin and sparking electronics surrounded with skin peeled back to reveal more.

"What a brutal display! If Vendetta thought he was going to steamroll his way through the tournament, his steamroller just went up against a tank! Let's see if it's over! One! Two! Three-!"

"NO!" Vendetta yelled, a burst of fire beneath him sending him to his feet as a thruster was revealed on his back.

"Hey, is that legal?!" Bulma yelled.

"Uh, good question. On the one hand, I'm pretty sure he wasn't born with thrusters, but he only used it to-" the announcer said, pulling a rulebook out of somewhere and starting to flip through it.

He was cut off as Vendetta screamed in fury. Pointing not at Chichi but Goku and Launch.

"You think you can just beat me down and brush me aside!? You don't remember me, you say!? Well, I could never forget you. My perfect life of villainy in the Red Ribbon Army was destroyed by you in mere minutes. I had power, wealth, the privilege to beat men into the dirt every day and execute my men at will! Do you have any idea how hard I worked to get that far!? How many I had to crush and suck up to!?"

"Don't know, don't care," Launch said, half-eyed.

"He must not have been very strong. Did you work in Muscle Tower?!" Goku called.

"No, I did not serve under White!"

"Was it that Blue guy? I think he had some guys with him before our big fight," Launch asked, hands to her mouth.

Vendetta practically spasmed in the face, teeth grinding.

"Is the fight still on?" Chichi asked the Announcer.

"Well, I'm still checking the rules. But if it's not explicitly forbidden, I'm inclined to give it a one-time exception."

"Fine by me. I can take him."

"...Take me? You insignificant little hilly jenny or whatever you are! I am Silver, Colonel Silver of the Red Ribbon Army! I let myself become a guinea pig to mad scientists all so I could survive and take my revenge on all who wronged me. And you, who weren't even on my list, think you can stop me!? DIE!" he said, firing the broken fist from his prosthetic wrist. Chichi barely deflected the surprise blow, and he was in her face, teeth still clenched, eye glowing and wide, a blade erupting from the stump. Chichi stepped back, but the slash still went through her gi, cutting across her stomach diagonally.

"Chichi!" several voices called from the contestants and crowd.

"FOUL! Vendetta, er, SILVER HAS BROKEN THE RULES! THIS MATCH IS OVER!" the Announcer said. Silver turned on him, and Chichi stepped between him and Silver, catching the punch from his remaining fist on her crossed arms.

"TO HFIL WITH THIS TOURNAMENT! I AM GOING TO KILL ALL OF YOU, STARTING WITH THIS MONKEY GIRL!" Silver roared. Chichi punched him in the face, the blow exploding.

"GUYS! DON"T INTERFERE! I've got this!" she called. Stopping other contestants on the ring's edge and her father, who was practically trampling audience members.

"Throw it, Krillin!" she called as she caught Silver's blade in a clap of her hands and snapped it off to drop to the ground.

"HYPERGUN SURPRISE!" Silver yelled, as ports opened across his torso and fired off. Chichi's palms blurred before her, explosions erupting before she planted her hands on her hips. And let the spent bullets clatter to the ground.

"Uh, no. It can't be, those..."

"Worked on people like me three years ago? You're outdated, metal man," Chichi sneered, taking care to drop her accent as she enunciated the sentence. A capsule flew through the air from Krillin, which she caught and pressed.

"This is no longer a match, it's a fight. And you've tried to kill me. I've been waiting for a worthy target to use this on in earnest," Chichi said, the smoke from the capsule dispersing to reveal a white and grey warhammer that she casually held in one hand.

"A hammer?" Silver asked.

"And it multiplies ki channeled through it!" Chichi said, charging him and swinging low. Silver's eyes widened; he turned to run, and Chichi missed his back to land her blow.

BOOOOM

"She got him!" Goku cheered.

"She's a bit scary," Mai gulped.

"Right!" Yamcha said.

"...I kind of like it," Tenron admitted.

"I thought you liked traditional business lady girls," Chin remarked.

"I do, but I'm starting to think it's powerful women in general," Tenron admitted, gulping slightly.

"Too much information!" Mai protested.

"It is not! Do go on, without the haircut, you might be datable," Bulma said, sliding next to Tenron, who sweatdropped.

The smoke cleared in the ring, showing Chichi with her hammer resting on her shoulder, and Silver face down on the ground, his legs gone and seeming to have been mostly metal, judging by more oil than blood spilling out.

"It's over. The police are probably going to arrest you for being part of the Red Ribbon, not to mention this. They might be willing to fix your legs if you cooperate," Chichi said, before sighing in weariness, her posture loosening.

No one expected the damaged cyborg to laugh. But laugh he did, and pushed himself over, dragging himself to face her.

"Over? Yes, I suppose it is. But if you think I'm going to just let you brush me aside like some bit villain in some comic book, you're wrong. It's 'over' for all of you!" he said, his red eye rapidly blinking.

"Drat! Time to jet!" Candi said in the audience. Pulling a cord on her backpack, it ripped apart, revealing a rocket pack, which she pulled a rod with a joy stick from in a smooth motion.

"Bye, sports people!" she yelled, before pressing a red button on the stick, igniting the rocket and shooting into the sky with a cry of "wahoo".

"Run, everyone! He's going to self-destruct!" Eighter yelled, waving his hands frantically and scooping the Mayor up his big arms.

"Hahaha! Don't bother! Most of this city is coming to HFIL with me!" Sliver cackled, eye flashing faster.

"I think not," Tien said, surprising everyone at his sudden position in front of the beaten cyborg. Reaching down, he grabbed the man by his mostly intact belt and easily lifted him off the ground one-handed.

"What are you doing!?" Silver yelled.

"Going up!" Tien smirked, kicking off the ground and rising rapidly. As he rose, he twisted in the air to swing Silver around, building force.

"This tournament belongs to the Crane School, fool. We were willing to let you thin the herd of rivals, but I won't allow you to destroy the stage we are destined to shine on. If you're so weak to rush toward death, have some class and do it alone!" Tien said, releasing his grip with a final spin.

Screaming in rage, Silver flew up and hurtled into the atmosphere, piercing a cloud and his scream lost to the wind. Tien smirked as the thunder of his explosion dispersed the clouds, turning the sky red and black.

"Sound and fury, signifying nothing. A fitting epitaph, if anyone cared to give you a headstone," Tien chuckled, floating back down toward the ground. He touched down to a silent arena.

Which then burst into applause, stunning Tien.

"What a match! What a round, what a twist! After presenting himself as a heel among heels, Tienshenhan has saved us all from the wrath of a confessed terrorist! To make it official, Chichi has won her match, which ends the second round. The stage is set for tomorrow at noon for the semifinals, with Ranfan, Tienshenhan, Son Launch, and Chichi! Is it wrong that I'm hoping tomorrow will be less exciting than today!?" the announcer called the cheering crowd.

And so, the second round of the 22nd Budokai came to a close.

Chapter Text

Last time:

The tournament kept rolling, with Launch once against facing an old master. This time she was up against none other than the infamous Crane Hermit, Master Roshi's own rival. Launch showed the strength and skill she'd honed over her training, along with a reckless streak that stunned even the Crane Hermit. Not to be outdone, Master Shen proved his mastery of many techniques, pushing the defending champ to her limits.

The match came to an end when Shen's effort to fire off a powerful attack was thwarted by a seeming failure of stamina. Or was it?

Then a true grudge match took the stage, as Chichi stepped up to face the vile Vendetta and avenge his brutal treatment of Mai. While the evil cyborg was ruthless and tricky, Chichi brought an overwhelming force to bear, revealing a new explosive martial art she has mastered.

Driven to raging fury, Vendetta broke the rules of the tournament, degenerating the match into a fight to the death. And revealing himself as Colonel Silver, an officer of the Red Ribbon once defeated by Lunch and Goku in a very forgettable skirmish. Dropping the hammer, Chichi proved more than able to handle the villain, but in suicidal spite, Siler opted to self-destruct to take not only his enemies but the city with him!

An unexpected hero stepped up, with Grade A heel Tien seizing the cyborg and, using flight and strength, hurling him high into the atmosphere, saving the city and tournament.
After that explosive wrap-up, audience and contestant alike are grateful for a night to gather themselves.

Chapter 11

Sleepover of Doom III

Stirrings of Madness

The temple grounds and adjacent street were abuzz as the tournament wrapped up for the day. Chatting excitedly, the crowd made its way out into the waiting arms of merchandise and food vendors eager to make a last push for overpriced sales. Of course, the talk of the crowd was the events of the day. And the final four...

"They need to have stricter rules on cyborgs, it's not fair to just get surgery to be strong."

"And shooting lasers and calling it martial arts is fair?"

"Hey, they train to be able to do that, and another..."

"It's gotta be Tien to win it all. Man's not been pushed to his limit yet."

"Nah, it'll be Launch for a double championship. Chun was her toughest fight last time, and she beat him squarely now. The Crane Hermit too; she's a legend in the making!"

"That Princess is the clear frontrunner. She can turn regular martial arts deadly with that explosion fist thing, and take punishment too."

"I say Ranfan!"

"Ranfan?"

"She's the dark horse and lucky. Besides, have you seen the odds on her?"

X X X

Chichi made her way back into the selection room behind the contestant viewing box, and slumped, letting her hammer swing down to rest on the ground and lean on her leg.

"WHEW! That was intense! I knew that guy was a jerk, but I didn't really think he would just try and kill me," the Ox Princess sighed.

"I can, those Red Ribbon jerks were always kill happy," Launch grunted.

"Chichi, you're hurt," Krillin pointed out the blood staining from the slash diagonal across her stomach.

"Eek, my outfit is ruined!" Chichi screamed, holding the damp edges of the cut on her gi. Everyone but Goku and Krillin sweatdropped. Krillin sighed, and took her hand.

"How about we go to the medical area?" he asked, pulling her.

"Okay, good thing I packed a spare..." Chichi said as Krillin led her out, the hammer back on her shoulder.

"I wonder what's stronger, my power pole or her hammer?" Goku wondered, looking to where his pack, including the pole, rested in a corner.

"An enemy from your past comes back to try and kill us all, and that's what's on your mind?" Ranfan wondered.

"It's Goku, that's enough explanation if you get to know him," Bulma chuckled. Then she clapped her hands, getting everyone's attention.

"Okay then, now Mai, the doctor's still keeping you at the hospital?" Bulma asked.

"Yeah, but I might be-"

"I'll have Yurin do more healing juju stuff before you head back. If that doesn't convince them to let you go tomorrow, we'll just abduct you for the evening. Ladies, tonight I'm thinking, movie night!" Bulma said, spreading her hands.

"I vote for gory stupid slasher. Nothing but Part 3 or higher," Launch declared.

"I want a romantic comedy," Ranfan objected.

"Well, I want spicy romance," Bulma said with a grin.

"I'm glad I won't be attending," Mai said, paling a bit as Yamcha took the handles of the wheelchair.

"So, any sight you'd like to see before going back?" he asked her.

"I'd like to go through the park and feed some birds with bread," Mai said.

"Meh, mind if I sneeze so Blue can join you? That sounds like her speed," Launch said, digging a pepper pack out of her gi.

"Chichi?!" Ox King yelled, bursting in, dragging a few monks holding onto him.

"She went to the nurse's office," Mai said, pointing to the interior door.
"Sir, please, this is restricted," the long-suffering announcer said, following behind. Roshi followed them in, markedly calmer.

"If she walked, then we've nothing to worry about. Ah, my students, well done! And it seems to me this is truly historic – three of the four semi-finalists are women in this Budokai. Even an old fart like me can appreciate the significance of that," Roshi said with a warm smile.

"Thinking of adding a contestant pinup calendar to your reforms on the tournament?" Launch asked, struggling to open the pepper packet.

"Yes- I mean no. Dang it, must you undermine me at every turn, Launch?" Roshi demanded, waving his staff at her.

"Yep. Ah! Achoo! Oh, did we win? Mr. Bora, you're a mess!" Lunch gasped, catching sight of the seated stoic warrior.

"Well Master, there are the fighters that have outshined us before the world," Tenron said, standing next to Master Chin. The older man smiled.

"Yes, quite the amicable and interesting bunch, aren't they? Train hard, and I don't doubt you might join that distinguished clique," Chin chuckled.

Tenron's expression was unreadable, as Goku recounted the fights to Lunch, Ox King wept over his little girl being all grown up, and Ranfan seemed to be trying to put a band-aid on Bora, which was comically small against the large man. Mai, for her part, uncapsuled a camera and started taking pictures, which seemed to confuse Yamcha.

"That would be an... interesting honor," Tenron conceded, before realizing Chin had made his exit, and with a roll of his eyes made his own.

"Hey, when did the Crane School leave?" Yamcha realized.

X X X

"Well, Gero, your cyborg gave Colonel Violet quite the fright," Commander Blue said. He was sitting in his hotel room, holding a half-eaten apple, a facial mask plastered on his face and towel preserving his modesty, phone in hand.

"Me? They probably heard you screaming on the shore," Violet snapped.

"Your ignorance is showing, never a good trait in an underworld lurker. I was simply using ancient breathing and vocal exercises to center myself to withstand the blast," Blue told them. He would not admit panic, much less fear, to these two. And it wasn't completely false.

He had not just been leading the Red Ribbon Army these last years. Red's death in his own fortress served as a reminder to Blue that in the clutch, the only power you can rely on is personal power. Wealth, armies, connections, even reputation; squared off against an unimpressed present enemy, it was a paper shield.

Witnessing Tao at work had been a revelation. The great General Blue might well have lost against that man in a one on one. Unacceptable, anything less than a total indisputable victory was a setback, even if he'd not admit that to anyone.

Knowing how much higher human potential could go, he had cut his leisure time down drastically to broaden and intensify his personal combat training, for both his body and psychic powers. Seeing the Cranes fly assured him his stuttering efforts at levitation could yield fruit, but other displays...

As great as he was, it seemed he might need to get some professional help to be all he could be.

Oh, and Violet was talking on and on. Gero's answer was far more interesting.

"This was just a test run, Colonel Violet; Silver was the first true field test capable cyborg of the new line. While him taking the title and eliminating some foes in the bargain would have been grand, it was not particularly expected and certainly unnecessary. We have gained both new data on the cybernetic performance in live combat, and new intel on enemy and potential enemy abilities. This was not a defeat, merely a stepping stone to greater power via improved cyborgs in the future," the scientist answered.

"So, I am guessing you will be entering a cyborg in the next Budokai? Actually, that will be your deadline. Yes, three years to make a cyborg capable of taking down a real Kame School student, not the Muten Roshi's bedwarmer," Blue laughed at his own razor-sharp wit.

"...Additionally, we might want to invest in an override to prevent unfortunate self-destruction. Lest key personnel be endangered again," Violet added.

"My wife was also present, Colonel. If unlike her, you entered a live fire zone without an exit strategy prepared, that can hardly be blamed on us," Gero continued.

Blue smiled at that, seeing a chance to put the wicked doctor in his place.

"Yes, one must always be careful in a live fire zone, mustn't they? After all, it was such an insignificant little skirmish where your son had the bright idea to take his helmet off, wasn't it?"

"…"

"Hello, Doctor? ...Oh dear, Colonel, it seems we've been disconnected."

"Indeed. But I think that was enough for now. Knowing Dr. Gero, he will not want to discuss the next cyborg warrior until he either has something presentable or has to beg for more funding. I'll be heading back now, either way," Violet told him.

"Oh Colonel, you're going to end up old and fat before your time with such a serious gloomy approach. I'm going to stick around and watch that three-eyed freak put those women in their place. Then I think I will treat myself to a little vacation."

"Not worried Brown will get used to sitting in your chair?"

"Not at all. Unlike you, I know my men fear me too much to try anything funny. Well, enjoy the desk-jockeying, giddy up!" Blue said, before hanging up. Then picked up the phone and dialed again.

"Room service, what are your options on red wine?" he asked.

X X X

Roshi entered the hotel room, grumbling about Bulma, and realized there was someone in there.

"Yamcha? Why are you hanging around the room? Shouldn't you be heading down to dinner with the rest?" Roshi asked. Yamcha was sitting by the window in a chair, holding a broad-brimmed hat.

"Just thinking."

"If Mai is settled, you should be angling for a just-for-two outing with Lunch," Roshi said.

"What? Lunch? Well, I..." Yamcha sputtered. Roshi sighed, shaking his head slightly as he walked across the room.

"Lad, I had hoped you were past this. Did Mai not being into anything roll you back that much?"

"It's not that. The twins are, well..."

"Beautiful? Sexy or cute, depending on what the pollen count is?"

"Better than me," Yamcha sighed.

"Oh, is this some manly 'not dating a woman stronger than me' thing? Cause I got no advice for that; except ditch it quick. Scary as a stronger woman might be at times, it's also pretty dang hot if ya ask me," Roshi giggled, cheeks reddening.

"...No. And what I was thinking about was Vendetta, Silver I suppose."

"Oh, that guy. What about him?"

"A man died today, and no one seems to care much. Even if he was a bad guy."

"Well, as you said, he was a villain. He made it very clear he was a very twisted and unrepentant one, too. And it's not like someone killed him. Fool chose death for the sake of pride and hate; Tienshenhan only made sure he didn't drag anyone with him on that last ego trip."

"Maybe it's because I used to be a pretty bad guy myself. I wasn't a casual murderer, Master, but I did kill people if they put up enough of a fight after refusing to hand over their goods, or rival bandits trying to take my territory. I didn't enjoy it, but my hands aren't clean, and it was my choice."

"Hmm, well, you never were exact about it, but I figured it was the case. Anyway, you're a reformed character now."

"Exactly. If Goku and Bulma hadn't been willing to give me a chance, if they got the upper hand, I'd be like that man. Nothing left of him now but a hat and jacket to prove he ever existed."

"Hmm, in the long run, one could argue we all leave little proof we lived, but that's not your issue, boy. You're feeling your mortality, and looking at your life and not liking what you see. Well, not to worry, boy! Your master has the solution," Roshi declared, nodding and punctuating his pronouncement by rapping his staff against the floor.

"Really, Master? What is it, ancient wisdom? A form of mediation?"

"Much better than any of that, and far more ancient than any koan, sutra, or whatever. Imma going to tell one of the twins you want to take them out on the town tomorrow night," Roshi grinned.

"Buh?" Yamcha went, then registered Roshi having run out of the room cackling.

"Wait! Master Roshi! That's too soon!" the red-faced fighter said, rushing off after the swift turtle.

X X X

"Tienshenhan, you have acted in rebellion against your sworn master. Do you deny this?" Master Shen said solemnly. He stood in the ornate living room of their suite, Tien already in prostration on the red carpet before the old man, while Chiaotzu stood off by the wall.

"Master, it was me who-" the pale child spoke.

"Silence. Do not insult my intelligence. The only reason you would act in such a manner is at the behest of your senior. I have long suspected you hold your duty to Tienshenhan higher than your duty to me. I consider you little more than a tool in his hand in this matter," the Crane Hermit stated.

"I am grateful Master, any penalty should fall on me alone," Tien said.

"Do not be so quick to presume mercy. That is not the way of our school. Perhaps I feel the best way to spite the hand that turned against me is to break its favored tool?"

Chiaotzu gulped.

"Master, if I rebelled against you, it was born of loyalty."

"A loyal rebellion? Are you a martial artist or a lawyer?" Shen sneered.

"Loyalty and obedience, while often in company, are not synonymous, Master. There are times the truly loyal must be disobedient to best serve their masters. I admire your drive to win. As with Lord Tao, your determination to surpass the boundaries of mere mortals in all things inspires me to emulate you in greatness. But you also taught me to be exacting in measuring my actions. One of my first lessons in conduct was never to put more effort in a job than it was worth unless I gained something of equal or greater value in my efforts for the doing. Had it been a match between you and the Muten Roshi to finally lay to rest your storied rivalry, I would never have interfered. But for you to risk shortening your life against a mere upstart... it was beneath your dignity. By taking part directly in the Budokai while the Kame Senin hides behind his students, you have proven your greater courage and confidence as the superior master. As a faithful student, it was my duty to save you from paying too steep a price for a momentary lapse of judgement in the heat of battle."

Shen's mustache twitched as he considered the words. Finally, he spoke.

"Kneel and raise your head," the Crane Hermit ordered. Tien rose to one knee and lifted his head, just enough to meet his master's eyes, concealed behind a new set of shades.

"I dislike your actions. Even if, as you say, they were born out of loyalty, disobedience is a most alluring drug. Better by far for a student to never indulge to begin with. However, the honor of the Crane School, due to your actions, now rests solely on your shoulders. So, it seems fate stays the hand of retribution against you, Tienshenhan. You will have no penalty here and now. But you are ordered to win this tournament. Tomorrow, Chiaotzu will set you against the woman Launch to avenge my defeat and restore our school's honor against her. Then you will surely face Gyu Mao's brat in the championship. We could, of course, pair the Turtles, but I will not have that. You must prove your worth and display our school's might by sweeping these women aside and seizing the Strongest Under the Heavens title in an indisputable victory. Do that, and your punishment will merely be a level of training I will ensure to push you through utter agony before arriving at greater strength. Fail, and you will suffer. Is my will clear?" Shen demanded coldly.

"Yes, Master, I am in awe and obedience to the wisdom of he who I study at the foot of," Tien said.

"Very well. I will be retiring to my chambers until we depart for the tournament tomorrow. When my meals arrive, knock at the door and leave the trays. I desire no company or conversation," Shen said. Without another word, he walked out, leaving Tien to sigh in relief, his posture sagging.

X X X

Bora stood in a hallway of the Grand Papaya, looking out a window at the glittering city, and more precisely the darkness beyond it. He knew it was the ocean, but it seemed a deeper sign to him.

"The Red Ribbon Army," he said. He had assumed with their leaders dead or surrendered and their fortress conquered, that evil band had passed to history. But it seemed to be common knowledge that they survived.

A price for isolation he supposed, to be unaware of such things. He had talked it over with Bulma during the dinner; the Red Ribbon had fallen far from its height of power, but they had not been wiped out, and in fact had over the last year begun expanding their territory once again.

The Son Family seemed to consider their "score" with the Red Ribbon settled. They weren't pleased with its survival, but saw no urgent need to carry out a killing blow. He recalled how they had urged him to spare that man, Black, so perhaps it was simply they were a merciful aspect of their ideals to not pursue it. The metal man's actions, they seemed to take as a personal grudge rather than a declaration of war. Though to be fair, he supposed Silver had never said he was acting on behalf of the Red Ribbon.

"Why so glum? You aren't the type to brood over a loss in something like this tournament," Ranfan said, coming up to him.

He had heard her approach; she was quiet, especially barefooted on these carpets, but his senses were sharp.

Bora looked at her. She was wearing what he gathered were somewhat more formal clothes for these people, and a purple scarf on her head.

She was quite lovely, and the hardheadedness reminded him of Osha. His late wife had lost most of her hair to childhood disease, and rather than try to make something of the rest, had shaved it clean the rest of her life.

No woman had tried to court Bora since he became a widower; it was odd to be chased by a woman he'd just met. And so assertively.

"The man who killed my son, he now leads the Red Ribbon Army," Bora answered, eyes going back to the darkness beyond.

She tried to raise a nonexistent eyebrow. Then snapped her fingers.

"Oh, right, magic Dragon Balls. I guess even with that, you'd still be angry."

"Yes, and I know he is a vile man from Bulma's recounting of him too. With a man like that leading them, the Red Ribbon will continue to be a source of suffering in the world. And if they possess more warriors like that Vendetta..." Bora scowled.

"So, you want to take them out? ...What? Chichi and Krillin don't share the other Turtles' attitude, she's fired up at the idea of toppling the Red Ribbon, and Krillin has her back. So, the four of us? I think we can finish what Goku and the twins started," Ranfan smiled.

"Four?" Bora asked, knowing the answer.

"What? Before we start lessons, I think you deserve to see more of what I can do," Ranfan winked at him.

"I'm grateful for any aid," he said sincerely.

"Mhm, well, I'll be looking forward to the gratitude, big guy. Night!" she said the last word like a song. He watched her go, and he was certain it was no accident her walk displayed what the tight pants revealed.

"...Well, between training her, there may be time for... other things," Bora admitted, when certain he was alone. After all, Upa would be training for quite some time at Korin Tower, and Ranfan would need time to prepare to ascend if she chose to...

"Life can take unexpected turns," Bora sighed, turning his back on the window and making for the shared sleeping quarters.

X X X

"A date with Yamcha!?" Bulma exclaimed. Launch nodded, seated on the ottoman in the suite as Yurin ran healing hands over the blonde's back.

"Yeah, it was a surprise," Launch admitted pensively.

"Master Roshi was the one who told us just before we got to the dining room," Chichi said, sitting on the floor polishing her hammer with a cloth and oil.

"Are you sure that old guy is on the level? That Yamguy seems pretty shy, cute as he is," Ranfan commented, pouring herself a drink at the minibar.

"Well, Yamcha showed up red in the face right after, and he didn't deny it when Launch asked him if it was true. Then he ran away and missed dinner. Probably wanted to start making reservations. Oh, just imagine, I hope he goes for a moonlight walk in the park tomorrow," Chichi swooned at the vision.

"Still, Roshi? Why would he ask him to be the go-between? Who even uses a go-between anymore?" Bulma grumbled.

"Well, Launch can be a bit scary, and if he's a bit shy..." Chichi remarked, smiling.

"He's not that shy! You should have seen him blushing at a girl practically hanging off him back in West City. You don't have to agree just because he asked, Launch. You're a champion, you don't have to settle," Bulma huffed.

"Are you saying I shouldn't go out with your ex, miss 'I lost my first match because I was doing an exhibition rather than a fight'?" Launch said, getting to her feet.

"Well, maybe I'm just giving you advice as someone with more Yamcha experience?"

"Well, maybe I don't want advice from someone who has even worse social skills than me?"

"Well, why don't you just go on a date then!?"

"Well, I am, and there's nothing you can do about it!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!" Launch said, storming out and slamming the door.

"Oh, drama," Ranfan grinned.

"Oh crap! I just drove away a friend over a guy I don't even like anymore!? What's wrong with me!?" Bulma yelled, tail rod-straight in distress.

Then the door burst back open.

"I've never been on a date, and other than Yamcha I don't have any guy pals who have. I'm sorry I yelled, help me not mess this up," the blonde said curtly.

"You're forgiven!"

"So are you!"

The blonde and bluenette in short order were around the coffee table, pencils in hand, strategizing what to do on the date like a war council, Chichi looking over their shoulders, beaming.

Ranfan sweatdropped.

"They skipped like a whole season of needless conflict because they're both so bad at relationships it cancels out. Am I going to be the straight woman in this group?" she wondered, scratching at her scalp through the scarf on her head.

"Silence, ladies!" Yurin commanded, holding up a VHS dramatically, "As per the night's champion of rock-paper-scissors, we will be watching a cowboy musical!"

"Quiet kid, we're busy with adult stuff!" Bulma said, drawing movement arrows round a target on a piece of paper, while Launch was comparing her stats to Yamcha's estimated ones in a chart she was making.

"But Miss Bulma, you said movie night was absolute, no backing out, no not paying attention!" Yurin whined, tugging on the sleeve of Bulma's pajamas.

"Someday, you'll understand that dates take priority over promises between friends."

"Ouch, you're a lousy role model," Launch said, looking up from her planning.

"I think the same thing about you every time I remember you're one of Goku's big sisters," Bulma said.

"You wanna go?" Launch said, thrusting her head across the table. Bulma copied the gesture, their brows lightly touching as they glared.

"Enough, time for dancing men in big hats!" Chichi declared, picking her friends up by the backs of their pajamas.

The Next Day:

She watched with the rest of the crowd, waiting for the gate to open to the tournament temple's grounds. The contestants had entered some time ago, and now the audience awaited both the announcement of the matches and being allowed onto the grounds.

The muttering died down to near silence as the gate opened, and a trio of orange-robed monks with black hats emerged, one carrying a stepladder, one a pair of large rolled up posters, and the final one a long-handled roller and bucket.

Hasky gave a small smile as the posters were put up, proclaiming the day's matches. Launch would be fighting Tien in the first match.

She'd already decided to leave well enough alone with her daughter. The girl had a family name now even, apparently being adopted into a family rather than marrying. Odd, but after her lifestyle, who was she to judge?

No, this was a vacation. She owned and managed a bar and grill in a small city, with investments as a partial owner in two other small businesses these days. Hasky had a new name and life, and the last thing called for was crashing into Launch's to try and fix what wasn't broken but rather nonexistent.

Yeah, she'd come here hoping her girl would be competing, and it was a thrill to see how powerful and confident she was. All without having had a mother in her life. If Launch ever wondered deep down, Hasky decided it was better a question left unanswered.

For now, she placed her trust in the champion by placing a bet with a bookie woman she was pretty sure wasn't legal, but it wasn't that big a sum anyway.

Now there was nothing left but to get onigiri and wait for the match to start.

Chapter Text

Last Time:

With another day of fighting done, the fighters took a well-deserved rest, some reflecting on defeat, while others looked ahead to battles yet to come. And in the shadows, the evil in the wider world stirred as the Red Ribbon Army plotted for the future after the defeat of their pawn, Silver.

Master Roshi, in a strange twist on mentorship, responded to Yamcha's melancholy by setting him up on a date with Launch. Who accepted, precipitating an extremely brief tiff with Bulma. Will romance bloom like the sakura tree in the midst of the Kame School?!

Master Shen, meanwhile, held Tien to account for his role in meddling in the tournament possibly costing Shen his match. Tien was adamant his actions we rooted in loyalty to his master and school. While displeased, the Crane Hermit accepted the situation for now, but warned Tien to not disappoint him further.

Bora, reminded of the Red Ribbon's survival, contemplated a vendetta unsettled. And showed he may not be as unsettled by Ranfan's flirting as previously seemed.

But now the night has passed, and the semifinals are upon us. Who will advance to the championship as the finale of the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai draws near? Find out, now, on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter 12

The Final Four

Falter not, Fighters!

The drums had gone silent, signaling the opening ceremonies for the third day of the Budokai were almost at a close. The crowd murmured in excitement as the announcer gave his commentary and reminders.

Another fine day for fights; with audience, competitors still in the running, and out, alike were eager to get started.

In the competitor viewing area, one young man in particular awaited the start impatiently.

"Tien," Chiaotzu said. It wasn't a question; Tien wasn't sure what it was from his small friend. He almost responded in kind, but he couldn't quite bring himself to. He stood by the wall of the waiting room, alone save for Chiaotzu. Master Shen had not come, preferring to watch from somewhere in the audience, and in truth hoping to find the Muten Roshi, Tien guessed.

Yes, his master's preference now would likely to be mock his hated rival while Tien won.

'I will win. My master's teachings reach fruition in me. More than a decade of training has refined my body, mind and spirit like a well-forged blade. My enemies may have some skill and power, but I stand above them all.'

Though if that was true, by beating Son Launch he would stand above his master. Which shouldn't matter. A student-teacher relationship did not depend on superior strength. A master had far more to offer a student than being an obstacle to overcome in a ring. And once he had taken the title, they would return to the school, and life would resume its well-planned tract of him becoming the greatest assassin and mercenary in the service of the great Crane School.

But if he truly believed that, Tien wondered, why did he feel like this? He could not properly describe it. But it was a lurking unwellness, a sense of unease perhaps. Like 'something' one glimpsed in the corner of the eyes. No matter how many times and how swiftly you turned your head, it was gone with no proper explanation.

"The sooner the match starts, the better," Tien said, glaring at his opponent, who stood among her allies and fellow students. He was annoyed to see Mai was up on her feet again and mostly damage-less, even eating a ham sandwich, with a very functional hand in an unslinged arm.

'Yurin. Have you no shame?" he thought of the treacherous junior student. Briefs hardly counted as part of their school to him, but that girl had practically been raised under the harsh tutelage of the Crane School, pushed to extremes to excel and punished with penalties and humiliation for daring to come up short. And now she jumped ship to follow a rich brat and be her servant and walking first aid kit.

Tien didn't consider revenge on Yurin though, she had craved his acknowledgment, so seeking her for revenge would be playing into her hands. So, ignoring her was the best option, even he thought some punishment.

The announcer summoning them for the match prompted an undignified sigh of relief from Tien. The fight would make the world sensible again. In the ring, where there was only victory and defeat in a gloriously simple duality.

Tien watched his opponent, tuning out the announcer's words. It was finally here, the fight with the reigning champion. That Son Goku had shown promise as a worthy opponent; after all, he'd given Jackie Chun a heck of a fight by all accounts in the last tournament. But Son Goku this time had ended up a cautionary tale to remind that even the greatest of fighters can be laid low by inattentiveness to your weaknesses. And Chun had lived up to his reputation too, as expected from the Muten Roshi. His form and style had been as close to perfection as Tien would expect from someone else. And Launch had beaten the Muten Roshi soundly, and if the old master had held back to spare the crowd and city, well so had his student.

There would be another fight after this one, but he did not rate the Ox Princess as being in the same class as this woman.

There would be no underestimating here. Ranfan should have lost to Goku but won, because the boy didn't take her seriously. And Bulma had lost so badly to Goku because she focused more on showing off than fighting well. This was a battle between warriors. He would treat her as his archrival until given a reason to think otherwise, he resolved, staring at her with wide-eyed intensity.

"...Begin!" he heard the announcer proclaim, not turning his head to the man. He had his stance, one deceptively simple, ready to react. She was primed for attack. Her style was based around attacking and relied heavily on offense being the best defense; she could defend and was willing to retreat, but aggression and battle joy were simply parts of her style as a fighter. It could make her hard to predict, but the tournament worked against her. He'd seen her fight two great masters; she had few tricks left, and with sufficient study, even the seemingly chaotic can become predictable.

But telling the future is useless if you don't have the means to change the outcome.

So, even when she made the first move, as he expected, he allowed himself no joy at being right. He simply deflected her first punch and countered with a jab of his own. A flurry of blows where he could tell he was trying to drive him back, but he refused to give ground. She was determined, throwing more blows than he did in the exchange, wherein she didn't hit him properly any more than he did her.

He anticipated the opening as she got frustrated. It was small and brief; had he not seen it coming, it would have been useless.

But he had seen it coming, so his hand closed about her wrist, and he twisted, nearly throwing her off balance. She kept her feet, but the opening was there for a kick to take her in the stomach. With a war cry, he followed up to bring his fist down on her head as she bent.

Only for her to lunge forward, tackling him.

He hit the ground hard, not getting the wind knocked out of him but barely raising his left arm to defend his face from the punch. Her third punch hit him hard on the chest. Forming a hand sign, he rocked back and up, sending her tumbling before he landed upright on his feet slowly.

"Good reactions. You sometimes act like a hooligan, but you are indeed the Muten Roshi's student, looking for that best path to victory," he remarked.

"Yeah, and you can take a punch, but we all knew that. Rocket Launch!" she yelled. He expected the burst of speed, then hesitated. She'd know he'd seen that move and be ready to react. So, what then to throw him off?

'Of course, applied right, a reduction of speed can be advantageous. She goes low, using the ground to guide her under my guard and go for the legs, perhaps force me to burn through ki by constantly levitating with a knee injury.'

He smoothly adjusted in that brief moment of insight to counter that cunning move. Only for the obvious attack to nail him in the face, sending him staggering.

"Oh my! Tien took one on the chin! Did he zone out, or try something that just didn't work?" the announcer's words were annoyingly clear as Tien struggled under the hail of blows, being forced to take several steps back to avoid being knocked off his feet. With a cry of anger, he stepped into a blow to his neck, letting the chop land so his palm strike could take her in the chest.

His grin was full of savage satisfaction as his opponent was knocked off her feet, audibly grunting in pain from the blow. He followed after, taking to the air, knee extended. She rolled away, but his ki control prevented any noteworthy pain as tiles burst under the impact of his knee.

From that angle, he caught the overhead blow in both hands and leveraged her, slamming her into the tiles. Standing, he stepped back swiftly as she fired off a Ki Pistol. He was sure the near-miss was more luck than skill, but nonetheless retreated a few steps, as she hopped to her feet. Launch got to her feet, grinning and eyes wide.

"Heheh, all that and you haven't even used the fancy stuff yet. Speaking of, maybe I should get Bulma to teach me that arm growing technique, could be quite neat for the hotel after my date," Launch grinned. Tien blushed as he scowled.

"These glorious techniques are not meant for kinks and giggles! I will teach you to respect the martial arts properly," Tien snapped, before blurring out of sight. Launch hunched a bit, raising her arms to protect her head, eyes darting around.

"Launch has disclosed some intentions that have infuriated Tien, but..." Tien tuned the man out as the world blurred and slowed in the afterimage speed.

'I could take that in stride from a neophyte like Ranfan, but this woman has held the title and studied under a great master. Her lack of respect for high level techniques is inexcusable!'

She reacted to his kick feint as he expected, but his elbow crashed into the back of her head. She went down to land face first on the ground.

Tien stopped watching her, barely registering the announcer counting.

'Was that enough?' he wondered. He could break stone with that high-speed blow, even accounting for it being less than perfect from the feint. But no, he didn't believe it, and soon she stirred, grumbling under her breath and launched from the ground with that rocket move of hers. He barely blocked it, but was knocked off balance as she went on, kicking him in the side of the knee. His shout of pain was short but piercing as he counterattacked with a punch she caught, retreating from his range.

Tien tested the leg, putting weight on it.

"...Good hit," he admitted.

"Good? Buddy, I've chopped trees down with that one," she grinned at him, pupils small and eyes wide.

'Bloodlust, but it's not making her stupid. She channeled it to focus. Not as good as a truly calm mind, but I can't just count on her going berserk. This injury... against most opponents it wouldn't matter, but she'll seize any advantage. Master Shen assumed he had the upper hand and lost. And Chun's magnificent fundamentals lost to her tenacity and unorthodox tactics. I need to change the game,' Tien decided. Making a hand sign, he rose up into the air until he was about a story up.

"Huh, you scared and taking to the air like a bird scared of a cat?" Launch taunted, arms wide.

"And here I thought you were a turtle," Tien smirked, and blurred from sight. Launch assumed a defensive stance and lashed out at him, counterattacking, and he raised her surprise as in flight he suddenly changed direction to kick her in the side on the head. She rolled with it, but he pressed the attack, floating toward her, his legs driving like pistons with a hail of blows she barely parried. He grinned at her grimaces, the power behind such a flurry of kicks with no worry about losing balance was no small thing, she was paying too for the defense. She leapt back and away and extended her fingers as Tien returned to holding height.

"Get ready for anti-air asshole fire! Ki Pistol!" she yelled and fired a Ki Pistol at him. With a small smile, he wove around it. And then another, with two at once, he allowed some fun with a loop-de-loop.

"My goodness, are you even aiming at me? I hear you used to carry an arsenal, was that because it took so many shots to hit your target?" he taunted.

"Grrr, you can't stay up there forever, that has to take lot of ki and concentration," Launch ground out, index fingers smoking.

"Indeed. But with my mastery, I say I will last far longer than you will, firing off so much ki achieving nothing. Why not come up here and try hitting me the old-fashioned way?" he taunted.

Her Rocket Launch may have befuddled the likes of Jackie Chun, who was earthbound, but the Crane School adapted to shed the constraints of gravity. She might be able to fight somewhat in midair with that, but he had mastered the fundamentals and the mental elasticity of fighting in the three-dimensional arena called the air. She'd have no choice even if she could fly.

Lightning circling over her, she clenched held-up hands with ki orbs at each fingertip.

"Ah yes," Tien remarked.

"Let's see ya dodge this!" she said. Tien released his hand sign, but remained in the air, silently spreading his fingers and igniting a ki sphere at each tip.

"What?!" Launch yelled as he built his attack, clenching his fist as lightning coursed over his body.

"Did you think you're the only one who could steal? I learned the Dodonpa from a true master, and spent years refining my control. After seeing your duplicate, I was able to put together how you did it and create a superior version. Though I admit it's my first time using it in practice, you make a sufficient practice target, Turtle student."

Launch growled, advancing in the middle of the arena until she was almost under Tien, and him staring down at her while the building sphere of ki around them pulsated faster.

"KI SHOTGUN!"

"DODON BURST!"

Several of the scattered blasts ran into each other, exploding in midair. Others flew past, tearing into the arena, streaking into the sky or striking home on the fighters even as they tried to dodge or block. Though Tien wasn't interesting in dodging; his arms crossed behind his head, he swung down, flying through the conflagration, willing greater speed, aided by gravity. Somehow, Launch was still able to sense him enough to block his first fist with her crossed arms, but he reached past, bending his right arm to grab her face with his left hand and slam her into the ground head first, as hard as he could.

The smoke cleared and the audience... he could imagine the sight, the arena was in ruins, hardly any tiles left undamaged, and from the spot where Tien had planted his opponent's head in the ground, a neat crater in the chaos.

She wasn't knocked out, but as she struggled weakly, his palm covering her eyes and fingers digging into her brow and scalp. She struggled to rise, grabbing his arm, and he squeezed her head, making the grip loosen. His free hand struck like a snake, the jab knocking the wind out of her, and the increase in pressure on her head finally making her go limp.

'It was a good fight,' Tien thought, eyes wide as the count ended and he was declared the winner. He got up, dusting smoke off and wiping some blood from his lips, not looking back as the other Kame students rushed out.

"One more to go," he said, entering the spectator box. Tien had expected Chiaotzu to greet him; instead, Master Shen stood ready, smiling as if there had been no tension last night.

'Of course, slipping from the audience to the box would be no challenge for him,' Tien thought.

"Well done, Tien. And you showed the weakness of her technique in the bargain. Finally, a student pleases me properly in this tournament," Master Shen said. Tien smacked a fist into one of the wounds left by her shotgun attack.

'How was that weak?' he wondered, with a passion that surprised him.

"Thank you master, it is a pleasure to bring honor to our school," was what he said, before stepping past the old master to greet Chiaotzu. His friend smiled and congratulated him, but Tien couldn't help but look back to the ring, where Launch was on her feet supported by Briefs under one arm and Son Goku seemingly steadying her leg or something.

He had won, that was all that mattered, Tien reminded himself.

X X X

"Your attention, everyone! In light of the damage done to the arena, we have spoken with contestants Ranfan and Chichi, and they wish to proceed with the match with the arena as is, rather than delay for the estimated repair time. The match will begin in ten minutes, do not miss it!" the announcer informed the audience, as the monks continued cleaning the wrecked ring to the best of their ability.

"So, think I have a chance?" Ranfan asked Bora in the spectating area, doing some stretches while Chichi did the same at the other end.

"To win? Unlikely. But your chances aren't nonexistent," Bora stated.

"Hmm, not going to lie to make a girl feel better?" she asked.

"I would think honesty would be more appreciated," he shrugged.

"Hmph, want to get dinner tonight?" she asked.

"I believe we both have an invitation for free dinner again," he stated.

Across the competitor viewing area, Bulma leaned against the wall while Chichi loosened up for the match.

"Well, guess it's you and Cueball in the final," Bulma remarked. Krillin perked up nearby.

"I thought I was Cueball," he remarked.

"You've been demoted to Little Cueball," Bulma said with a chuckle.

"The match hasn't even started yet," Chichi stated, giving Bulma a half-lidded look.

"What? You think Ranfan can beat you? She only won against Chiaotzu because he got sloppy. Props to her for being able to seize those openings, but it is what it is. And Goku, that was just blind luck. You pummeled a freaking war cyborg into scrap, and outfought an old master. I don't see any doubt here," Bulma ticked points off on her fingers.

"Chichi's right Bulma, no fight is truly decided until it's done," Yamcha said, joining them.

"Oh, trying to sound all cool and kung-fuy, Yamcha? Don't forget, I'm a martial artist now too, you can't bluff me with koans after seeing how the industry works in the back rooms," Bulma remarked, her tail swishing behind her.

"I'm just saying, Chichi has the right attitude. I mean, Goku's defeat was legitimate, and no one would have seen that coming," Yamcha defended his words.

"Speaking as an underdog here, I admit I'm supporting Ranfan," Tenron butted in calmly.

"I just wish she'd stop flirting with Bora. They're in public," Mai said, back firmly turned to where Ranfan was bending down almost in half in a display of flexibility that let her wiggle her upturned bum toward Bora. He remained stoic, but he was not looking away.

"Well, I'm glad for it, we need romantic drama. Launch and Yamcha are more likely to devolve into a romantic comedy. Fun to watch, but I'm hungry for some sappy classic kissing story," Bulma swooned, almost drooling at the edge of her mouth.

"Eh?" Launch raised her voice irritably where she was sitting next to Goku, their backs to the wall, bandaged up and eating through a tray of rice crackers with her brother with a cup of steaming tea in hand.

"Two-minute warning! Contestants, please make your way to the stage."

Ranfan straightened up and let out a deep breath, before slapping herself in the face twice and giving a strange almost birdlike exclamation that made Bora raise his eyebrows in surprise.

"Ready?" Chichi asked the other woman after smacking hands with Krillin and starting to walk.

"Of course. I don't have any intention of just being a speed bump for anyone," Ranfan said.

"Meh, wake me when it's over," Bulma shrugged, sliding down the wall to sit and recline against it. Yamcha noted with surprise she started snoring in seconds of closing her eyes.

"Is she just messing with us?" Mai asked, walking up next to the bluenette, whose serene sleeping posture then degenerated, with her head tilting, mouth opening slightly, and a leg sliding out.

"No, it's a simple Crane technique," Tien said, walking up. He had bandages applied to his wounds, but his posture showed no seeming hindrance from the injuries.

"It's a precursor to learning our rejuvenating mediation to restore stamina and heal injuries at an accelerated rate. But it can also be used like this to fall asleep on command. Quicker to dream than normal as well," He finished as the blunette started to giggle and twitch more. Rolling his eyes, Tien swiftly kicked one of her feet, making her awaken with a squawking sound.

"What, where? Did they take my money?" Bulma demanded, on her feet and in defensive stance.

"Respect the tournament, watch the match," Tien said, walking away from the confused woman.

X X X

"Here we are folks, the last fight of the semifinals! Whoever wins this one goes on to face Tienshenhan for the championship! Here we have Chichi of the House of the Ox, Princess of Frypan Kingdom! Daughter of the famed Ox King, who fought in this tournament three times back in his day, but never taking the championship, she seeks to one up her father's legacy and be the second woman to hold the venerable title of Strongest Under the Heavens!

"But she's not the only woman with ambition here! After being defeated in the first round in the last tournament, Ranfan of No School has spent the last three years rebuilding her fighting style from scratch, with intense and consuming training. And it has shown! Call it what you want folks, she has defeated two students of legendary masters to stand here today! I wouldn't count her out yet!

"And this historic fight is the first time in history a semifinal match is fought between two women! Yet as impressive as these fighters are, only one can go forward, and we will see who it is here and now! Are the contestants ready!?"

He was answered with nods, Ranfan grinning and staring as she assumed her stance, while Chichi frowned and assumed her own.

"Then let the match BEGIN!"

Chichi made the first move, charging Ranfan silently. Ranfan stepped back, evading the first punch, and the second.

"Chichi goes on the offensive, but Ranfan is evading her every blow. Ranfan was able to take a Dodonpa blast to the face, but clearly, she's not eager to deal with exploding punches!" the announcer narrated.

As Chichi chambered a kick, Ranfan ducked under and went to the ground, lashing out to hit Chichi's still planted foot. Chichi fell with a grunt but quickly sprang to her feet, for Ranfan's fist to hit her squarely in the chest. Caught unguarded, the taller woman stepped back, and Ranfan unleashed a series of jabs before Chichi raised her arms, blocking the blows. Ranfan retreated, bobbing slightly and bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"Ranfan gets the first blow in! But Chichi doesn't seem that bothered by it."

Chichi dusted off her gi and grinned at Ranfan, showing some teeth. Chichi blurred out of sight, and Ranfan stepped to the right, blurring away as well.

"It seems they're both using the afterimage technique!"

An explosion erupted to the left side of the arena, and Ranfan rolled into sight, coming up on her back, smacking her thigh. With a growl, she ripped off most of that leg of her pants, which were smoldering. Chichi walked out of the explosion, her hair out of her bun and blood dribbling from her mouth.

"Whoa, she's kind of scary, isn't she?" Upa remarked next to Ox King as the tall well-muscled woman with a spiky mane reaching down to her ankles danced out of the smoke.

"Ah, if only her mother could see her now," Ox King sniffed.

"...This is fine," Misa said, after clutching at her perch on Ox King's shoulder.

"You can take my blows, so I don't need to hold back because you're a friend?" Chichi said, tilting her head.

"I'd be offended if you went easy on me, Princess. And now I know, even if I deflect the blow, you can still use that impact to blow me up," Ranfan said, getting to her feet.

Chichi charged again, blurring but not disappearing, Ranfan doing the same, a blur of motion dancing around each other.

"Ranfan is faster?" Yamcha wondered. Bora shook his head.

"No, she's better at reading her opponent. Her agility is enough to stay ahead, but in raw speed I'd say Chichi surpasses her."

The announcer continued his commentary, meanwhile.

"Chichi is the favored to win and it shows, but Ranfan has been a charred Cinderella story, pulling off upset after upset. Might she ride that pumpkin all the way to the title?!"

Krillin winced as the blurs stopped, Chichi stumbling forward as Ranfan got behind her and kicked her square across the back. As Chichi took an involuntary step forward, Ranfan reached for the brown tail wrapped tight around Chichi's' waist – and dropped into a split as Chichi pivoted around, a fist extended and just missing the ducking woman. As it was, the force ripped the scarf off of Ranfan's head, showing off the stubble on her scalp. Ranfan rolled to the side from the short sharp kick Chichi sent at her, and kept rolling as Chichi quickly stomped after her like she was pursuing an errant football.

Finally, Ranfan sprang to land on her hands and flew forward, tucked in to fly over Chichi. And cried out as Chichi's hands reached up and grabbed her ankles to swing the smaller woman forward and slam her onto the ground.

Chichi leaned forward, fist raised, swung down to the stunned woman on the floor, and grunted as Ranfan's hands closed on her wrist before she could hit the face. Chichi instinctively tried to pull her fist back and hauled Ranfan halfway to her feet doing it.

"Thanks!" Ranfan said, turning her back to Chichi and pulling the captive arm over her shoulder.

"She's going for a throw," Tenron noted.

"Won't work!" Goku grinned.

"Oh," Ranfan sweatdropped, unable to budge her opponent, looking to see Chichi's bare feet planted partly into the ground.

"Too heavy?" She asked Chichi teasingly. Chichi's eye twitched.

"Are you calling me fat?!" Chichi demanded, trying to smack the smaller woman with her free hand. Ranfan loosened her grip and shoved Chichi's arm into the path of the slap.

Backing out of the explosion's smoke, Ranfan coughed a bit, then giggled.

"How do you like your own booms?"

"Dodge this," Chichi said, charging out of the smoke. Ranfan raised her arms, stepping back, but then Chichi jumped in front of her and struck the ground with both her feet in a powerful kick. And the arena floor exploded beneath them.

"GAAAHH!?" Ranfan yelled as she was sent careening in the air. Hitting the arena floor, she bounced and rolled, plopping into the grass.

"Ranfan is out! And we may need to move back the championship to the afternoon to get the ring repaired!" the announcer said cautiously, reentering the ring. Chichi stood triumphant, hands on her chest, gi in tatters, showing off her teeth in a full smile.

"WOOHOO! Victory!" Chichi said to the cheering crowd.

"That's my baby!" Ox King wept, waving his banner so hard he knocked Misa off his shoulders. The crowd joined in, chanting her name.

"Way to go!" Krillin cheered among the others.

"One more to go!" Chichi proclaimed, turning to face Krillin, giving a V for Victory sign which he returned. Just as her gi shirt gave up the ghost, disintegrating into scraps of cloth, falling away to reveal a battered conservative orange bra.

"Uhhh..." Chichi went, blushing brightly. With a final snap of doom echoing in the now silent arena, her support fell away, no one able to look away in the spectator box as all was revealed.

"...Dang, she really did grow up," Launch whistled.

"Cover your eyes, Goku!" Krillin demanded, slapping his hand on Goku's face but actually hitting the confused monkey boy in the nose.

Chichi shrieked, arms crossing over her chest and leapt onto the temple wall, then roof, then out of sight.

"...Well, that happened?" Tenron remarked, trying to shield his eyes.

"..." Mai said nothing, just twitching slightly in place.

"She'll need a new gi for tomorrow, I guess huh?" Goku remarked.

"Oh dear, I may have to kill them all," Ox King rumbled, light catching on his glasses and uncapsuling his trusty axe.

And nearby, the Lord Muten Roshi pounded the ground with his fist, kicking up the soil.

"If only I'd kept up the disguise, I would have been in prime spot! It wouldn't even violate student-teacher ethics, it would have been a gift of fate! Oh Kami, radiantly green in your lookout! What did I do to deserve such a cruel near miss!?"

The green god on high may have heard him, as Roshi's tantrum caused a ripe green coconut to fall and nail the dirty old man on the head.

Chapter Text

Last Time:

The semifinals arrived, and the final four clashed before an excited crowd for the right to advance to the finals.

Launch faced off against Tien, eyes on a doubleheader as champion, while Tien as the last Crane School member in the tournament sought to take home the glory for his school. The fierce battle pushed both fighters hard, but in the end it was Tien who emerged triumphant, yet troubled.

Ranfan and Chichi faced each other next; friends outside the ring, but opponents within. At first it seemed Chichi's greater power would bring a swift victory, but Ranfan was no stranger to facing foes at a disadvantage, and managed to not only weather the early fight with clever tactics, but get some good hits on Chichi. But in the end, Ranfan was sent flying, unable to overcome Chichi's overwhelming force.

With Roshi receiving a strange K.O. after Chichi's wardrobe malfunction, our heroes turn their attention to their plans for tonight.

What madness and chaos awaits before the Budokai reaches its finale? Find out now, on Dragon Ball: Intended Journey!

Chapter 13

Mission: Date Night

Spy and Meddle Because you Care!

"Well, I guess she can't win 'em all," Hasky remarked, tearing up her wager ticket and putting the paper in the ash tray on the counter. She sat in a Papaya diner, a beer next to her unopened and waiting for her meal. She had gotten here just before the post-tournament rush; she might be retired, but she could still outmaneuver some normals through city streets, she thought with a smile. Which slipped, recalling there was no one to brag to.

A downside of her peaceful life was that the lack of rush meant more time to contemplate being alone, with only employees and casual acquaintances in your life.

"Kind of envy that kid, the people she's found," the former master thief mused. She recalled that Goku kid and the magical girl tenderly helping Launch from the ring. No one was going to care that much if she was beaten down.

"What, study the martial arts in Ottpott?!" a man cried out. Hasky glanced over, and vaguely recognized the big guy with the weird head from the Budokai crowd. He was crammed in a booth with some old people and redheaded preteen.

"I need to get out there and see the world while I'm still young. And I want to be able to look after myself like Lunch can."

"And impress a certain boy?" an old man with glasses asked. The girl blushed and muttered denials, while the elders laughed.

"Romance, huh? Should I try dating? Do I have a type?" Hasky wondered, opening her beer as her steak, salad and rice arrived.

The words Red Ribbon made her look to the TV as she took her first bite. Sure enough, she recognized the mustached mug next to the anchorman with the bad toupee.

"...among the prisoners missing after the raid on the prisoner convoy. The Royal Ministry of Corrections has declined to comment at this time, but speculation runs rampant that this was a terrorist act by the Red Ribbon Army. As it is a matter of public record that Black exchanged insider intelligence to His Majesty's government for a lighter sentence, one can only assume they seek revenge on this traitor to their evil cause."

"And that's why when you opt out on the bad guys, you disappear all the way," Hasky remarked, before returning to her dinner. She decided to stick around for the championship, and place a bet on that tall explodey girl.

X X X

Krillin had expected his evening would be taken up by the drama around the date. He could blame that on the company he kept, but he was curious himself.

He had not expected the hotel desk to tell him King Chappa, of all people, wanted to see him. He had not even realized the triple crown holder was also staying at the Grand Papaya, though in a normal room, not a suite like Bulma and the girls.

He hesitated to knock. What was this about? He had not taken the time to tell anyone else about it. Was the former champion holding a grudge over his defeat?

"Just knock, Krillin," he told himself. Why did cowardice still rear up at times like this? He and Chichi had faced things far scarier than a fighter Krillin had already defeated once! He hated to think his courage was tied only to Chichi being around. After all, he had been alone when facing Orin Temple.

Perhaps it was the memory of overthrowing the temple that spurred him to finally reach out and knock on the varnished wood door.

There was no call in answer, and he wasn't sure if he heard anything or it was just his imagination. But the door swung in, and there was King Chappa, expression unreadable, dressed much the same as he had been for the Budokai preliminaries.

"I am glad you have come, young Krillin," he said, nodding and stepping aside. Krillin took the unspoken invitation to enter. The room was smaller than the one he'd been sharing with the other guys. Proper single's room, save for the tea set laid out; it struck him as a bit, lonely. The stay had been short, but the crammed nature of his quarters with luggage left out of drawer and closest by necessity gave it a feel of the people gathered. Save for that tea set, company was a foreign thing with no seeming tie to the well-kept big city respectability here.

'My view's probably just weird from the company I keep. It's just a hotel room,' Krillin remarked internally. Being the normal one of the Kame School was quite relative, after all.

"Sit, I will prepare tea," King Chappa said, picking up the pot and moving to the kitchenette.

"Thank you, but I can't stay too long. I have... school business I am expected for tonight," Krillin settled on describing the strange night to come.

"Time enough for one cup, I hope. But yes, in that case, we will begin while the tea is being prepared," Chappa said. Stepping away from the beginning of his work, he faced Krillin and gave the seal of reconciliation. Surprised, Krillin stood more by reflex than recognition and returned the gesture.

"A pair of apologies are owed. Firstly, I failed to congratulate you on your victory against me, even after I regained consciousness. Such courtesy may be in the minority among the younger generations of martial artists, but failing to live up to my own standards is inexcusable. A fine victory, well fought," Chappa said, bowing his head. Krillin returned the gesture. Roshi's teaching never demanded so much formality, but the basics were the same and the old master had been insistent about them.

"Well fought, King Chappa."

Now Chappa stood more naturally.

"Secondly, I was overly disrespectful of you during and before the fight. Your age and unimpressive appearance did not change the fact you had fought in the Budokai before. I was out of line. My apologies."

"Uh, no problem. Honestly, when it comes to disrespect, that wasn't even worth remembering," Krillin said with an awkward smile, rubbing the back of his head.

He took a seat as King Chappa resumed preparing the tea. He supposed this was an honor, but the guy's stern tone and manner made this hardly feel like a friendly chat.

'Maybe he's just naturally serious? Like Goku's a natural goof, and Launch can't help being a bit like a thug even when she's being nice?'

Chappa pouring the tea into Krillin's cup brought him back to reality. After Chappa sat and poured his own, they drank together.

"A good tea," Krillin said sincerely. Chappa nodded.

"I brought it with me. I have few true material attachments remaining, but an acceptable cup of tea is one of them."

His expression darkened, and Krillin guessed that was it for the small talk.

"When I awoke from my defeat, my first inclination was to simply leave for the south, and resolve to train harder to avenge my humiliation in three years' time. But I felt I'd wait for master Tai Chin, to witness his return to the tournament. He and I are of the same generation of fighters, after all. These last three days of matches have been a revelation to me, young Krillin. I see now it was not merely arrogance and luck that undid me. For all my laurels won, the height of power reaches higher than I ever imagined. Metaphors from legends become literal even as a legend falls to youth."

"Yeah, it's been quite the tournament, I guess?" Krillin tried to inject some humor in his toe. It dried up at the stern expression from Chappa, who sipped his tea.

"I am not ready to simply accept obsolescence. And I realize I must push myself harder than ever imagined to once again be hailed as the Strongest Under the Heavens. Once I have set my affairs in the temple in order, I will depart on a training journey of my own. It is my desire that the King Chappa that enters the next Budokai will be one worthy of the title King of Martial Arts."

"...Sounds good," Krillin said, giving him a thumbs up.

"It is also my desire that you will return in three years, a proper rematch being possible."

"Oh, that's nice," Krillin said, "Honestly though, at this point I'm not really thinking about the title; just getting past the first round would be nice."

Chappa's slap on the table made Krillin jump and the table crack.

"Absurd, disgraceful," the older martial artist said, glaring at Krillin.

"What?" Krilln asked defensively, holding his teacup protectively, the set on the table having toppled. Chappa set his down with a clack.

"Those who study martial arts pursue excellence of self. Has your revered master failed to teach you that?"

"NO! Master Roshi is an excellent teacher," Krillin snapped.

"Then you are a poor student beyond the trading of blows, it would seem. To pursue excellence is to seek to do your best. Not simply better, not good enough, certainly not merely sufficient. I was not born with great natural talent, and I had to take a part-time job to afford lessons. Greatness was not handed to me or easily obtained. Every spar and match, no matter how great my opponent, every tournament no matter how distinguished, I always fought to win. I never let myself believe victory was out of reach; if I did not believe in myself, why should anyone else? If you enter the tournament with no belief in your ability to win, why even bother?

"Reflect upon your desires, young Krillin. On who you are and wish to be as a fighter, as a martial artist, and as a man. I would not have it said I lost to someone who was willing to just coast through his career rather than push himself. Now, you said you had business to attend too."

Chappa rose and started gathering the tea set. Krillin stood and made his way to the door. Hand almost touching the knob, he stopped and frowned.

"Thank you for the tea. But remember, in three years I will be much stronger too," Krillin said, before leaving. He wasn't there to see a small but bright smile appear on Chappa's face.

X X X

"Can't I just wear what I have already?" Launch called from the changing room. They were in one of the posher stores in the city, armed with Bulma's credit cards. "They" being Bulma, Chichi, and Launch. Ranfan was resting, having deferred her healing to Launch for the date night, and Yurin had gone to the hotel room to pass out after Bulma had the healer get Launch in her own words "all nice and shiny" for the evening.

"No. It's your first date with someone. You can't just go standard issue," Bulma said firmly.

"Please, Miss Launch, we care about you, and we can't let you start what might be the epic romance of your life so casually," Chichi said pleadingly.

"Is that why you trapped me in here by taking my clothes?"

"Yes. Your taste in dressing is unacceptable for romance."

"I'm sorry Launch, but she's right. It's a date, not a Mad Marty movie."

"Not to worry, this is why you have friends, Launch. Just don't sneeze, the clock is ticking and Lunch would want an update even before the whole date bomb dropped," Bulma added. Then looked around, puzzled at Chichi's sudden absence. Then the tall woman stepped back into sight, holding up a dress on a hangar.

"We may have time for Lunch after all, girls, I have found the perfect dress for the date!" Chichi squeed, holding her prize up high.

Bulma stared flatly at the green and gold Chinese dress.

"It's pretty, Chichi, but she's going on a date, not to the ball."

"Well, she needs to make a good impression, show Yamcha there's more to her than hitting stuff, foul language, barely concealed body odor, and poor table manners."

"I can hear ya," Launch reminded them.

"I'm honest because I love you both like a sister," Chichi called through the door, holding the hanger up so Launch could grab it over the door.

Then Bulma returned and waggled her eyebrows, holding up her pick.

"No way!" Chichi shouted, getting a glare from a passing employee.

"What? There's no disguising her personality, and that could scare Yamcha off. Men will put up with a lot for sexy, and this will show off everything but keep him thirsty for the full disclosure," Bulma said waggling her eyebrows, holding up the outfit to herself.

"No man would respect a woman who dressed like that on the first date! Are you trying to sabotage her chances because you're still carrying a torch for Yamcha?!"

"What?! Where do you get the nerve, you giant hick?! I pay for everything, and you accuse me!?"

"Well, would you wear that on the first date!?"

"No, of course not, I'm so close to perfection I don't need this outfit's help, but Launch needs all the help she can get."

As the shouting match degenerated into fisticuffs, Launch peeked out the door and snuck past the battle in the green and gold Chinese dress. Stopping to cringe a bit at the outfit, she tiptoed out as the employees tried in vain to save the store before deciding they weren't paid enough and started looting under the cover of the unfolding calamity.

X X X

"Boy, you're making a mistake," Roshi declared, standing between Yamcha and the door. The young man was casually dressed in a white collared shirt, unbuttoned at the neck with short sleeves and khaki pants with brown shoes, "Lad, dating is like animals courting. The man has to impress the lady, or she losses interest and starts sniffing after the next likely lad. You can't impress her with strength, since she's better than you. Now, nothing impresses the ladies like a hovercraft, but I left mine at home and you don't have a car. So, looking good is your last refuge against the typhoon of women's judgement."

"Master, I'm just taking her out for udon."

"Another error. Go big, lad. BIG! You'll be sorry if you don't. A famous amazon like that doesn't have to settle, and she knows it. There's a whole class of men out there eager to get kicked around and tossed into bed by a woman like that. Don't get cocky. Just humor your master and put this suit on!" Roshi pleaded, holding up a three-piece pinstripe suit of orange and gold, with a matching hat and black shoes with gold buckles on the chair nearby.

"Uh, I'm a bit worried I'd get arrested dressed like that," Yamcha sweatdropped, eyes lingering on the shades Roshi said completed the look with glittering golden frames.

"What, you think looking good is a crime?"

"Master, I'm going."

"Well, at least wear the hat!"

X X X

"Uh, nice hat?" Launch said, eyes firmly on the top of Yamcha's head.

"Umm, you're welcome," Yamcha said, taking her in. Were the glittering stars and aura around her just in his head? Regardless, she was a vision. Like some princess from the kung-fu movies he used to watch, if said princess was quite capable of snapping her opponent's neck, he supposed. Even dolled up with her hair in an elegantly simple bun, she radiated power.

'Crap, she took the trouble to get dressed up so nice, I can't just take her to some sidewalk booth for short-order food. But where wouldn't be full already with the tournament!?' Yamcha thought frantically.

"I need to go, be back quick!" Yamcha said suddenly, startling Launch from contemplating the hat. He ran through a hedge, impressively leaving no hole in it.

"Huh, well, I respect a man who isn't shy about peeing in the shrubbery," she noted.

X X X

"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" Yamcha said, flipping through the phonebook in the phonebooth.

"Okay, there must be some place that doesn't need reservations during the biggest sporting event and tourist attraction of three years on this island... I'm doomed. I'm going to set a new record for losing the girl."

"Put your heart back in your chest, Lord Yamcha!" Puar said cheerfully, opening the booth door.

"Puar! Where have you been?" Yamcha asked his old friend.

"The audience, and being very ignored lately, it feels like," Puar huffed.

"Sorry. And what do you mean?" Yamcha apologized

"Once I heard you had a date, I knew this might happen. So, I got you seats for two at Sishka Bobby's Castle."

"Puar, you have saved my life!" Yamcha said, hugging the floating cat.

"Wow, Lord Yamcha, we had a pact to never get romantic. Besides, you have a pretty blonde waiting."

Neither noticed the palm trees stirring as two pairs of eyes watched them.

"He hasn't blown it yet," Krillin noted. Roshi snorted.

"Only because Puar bailed him out."

"Friends are a valid asset."

"Don't push it kid, we got 20,000 zeni riding on whether he succeeds or fails."

Meanwhile, stalking Launch:

"It's been a while, your overdressed idea scared him off," Bulma declared, peeking out of the mailbox. Above her, perched atop the streetlight dressed in all black, Chichi crouched and shook her head.

"No, he's swooning in private in awe of her beauty. Though now it occurs to me he may be too enamored. What if he proposes tonight?! I don't even have a video camera for that."

"Miss, I'm fairly sure you're not allowed up there," a passing policewoman said, scratching the gray hair under her cap.

"True love's jurisdiction trumps all," Chichi hushed them.

'What are those two doing?' Launch wondered, sweatdropping across the street while waiting for Yamcha, 'And where did Yamcha get that sweet hat?'

Meanwhile with Goku and Mai:

In they boys otherwise vacant room Mai and Goku set next to each other on the couch focused on the task at hand.

"Are you sure this is possible?" Goku frowned. He tugged on the thin metal, pulling the three rings tight. Mai nodded, doing the same with her own set.

"You saw Krillin, it can come apart without breaking. And to motivate us, we're not going down to dinner with the others until we get it done," Mai reminded the younger yet senior student.

At the private dining room:

"So, your people call it a date?" Bora asked Ox King at the mostly empty table with the big meal laid out.

"So, you want to date my father?" Upa asked Ranfan.

"No, I want to get hitched with him," Ranfan clarified.

Upa looked to his father, then leaned over and whispered in her ear.

"What? Really?

Upa nodded and gave her a thumbs up.

"Huh, guess it's fate. Anything else?"

"Oh yes," Upa grinned, leaning in to whisper some more.

X X X

"So, you like this island?" Yamcha asked. They were walking to the restaurant down the lively sidewalks of Papaya. Yamcha had not planned for big spending tonight, and it was too late to get any money from the bank. So, he literally could not afford a cab, but spun it as enjoying the walk.

It wasn't like either of them would be bothered by a walk, with all their training.

"It's different. Goku and I mostly stick to more backwoods or rural areas. Just seems better for our kind of extreme training. And you can find weird strong creatures out in the margins," Launch grinned.

"Well, me, I can go either way," Yamcha said.

"What, looking for a threesome?" Launch said, raising an eyebrow.

"I mean, country or city," Yamcha sputtered.

"Ya, I know. It's funny that strong guys like you can't take any teasing. There no training for that?"

"Kind of, I used to be worse," Yamcha admitted.

"Yeah, I heard about that. But not as pathetic as Bulma wanting to wish for a perfect boyfriend. That's just sad," Launch chuckled. The taxi slowly following them braked hard, and Launch smirked, to Yamcha's puzzlement.

Shortly, at Shishka Bobby's Castle:

"Now this is a good choice in restaurant, meat and veggies on a stick," Launch grinned, taking in the low-lit restaurant where waiters seemed to show an array of ingredients to the seated, writing down what they wanted on their kabobs and how much. All while a slow jazz band played on stage nearby.

"Ah yes, the party of two from the tournament. Right this way," the tiger server in a fancy uniform said, gesturing for them to follow.

"Wow, they even have guys with fake accents. Can you afford this? I'd have been fine with udon or something," Launch said.

X X X

"I told you disguising ourselves as staff to spy was a bad idea," Krillin said, standing on a stool and up to his elbows in suds while Roshi, wearing a black pompadour wig, came up with another stack of dirty dishes.

"Oh, pipe down, how was I supposed to know the supervisor was a retired ninja?" the old master grumbled.

"Talk on your own time, rookies!" an apron-wearing bearman with cool shades said, looming over them.

"Yessir!" they answered, overwhelmed by 'boss aura'.

"Hey Lurvy, some woman's trapped in the air vent. Apparently, she can break out but she doesn't want to damage it. Should we just grab her feet or call the fire department?"

"Again?! Well, at least we got a fresh shipment of canola oil. No way am I running begging to the fire department again. Okay, I'm going to need two guys who don't like girls."

X X X

"Heheh, the others have fallen, now only I remain to salvage the inevitable wreck of this evening," Bulma cackled, glancing over her menu at the two on the date, "That idiot, why didn't he pull out the chair for her!?"

"Miss, will you be having an appetizer?"

"Yes, go away," she said, waving the waiter away, "Never eat the breadsticks, Launch! They've probably been out for a week. Besides, the imagery will give him ideas. Dang, this date is sinking like a glass bottom boat at the opera. How can I get close without being seen?"

"Hi Bulma!" Goku said.

"Hi Goku, hi Mai. Maybe the crawlspace, I have a tool box capsule... Why are you two here?! Quick, hide under the table!"

"Oh my!" Mai said, as they followed the instructions.

"Huh," Launch said, watching the two take cover and then Bulma seemingly kick one of them under the table, "You know Yamcha, some people just would never cut it with the criminal life."

"Isn't that a good thing?" he asked.

"Think I can get a kebob that's just different kinds of beef?"

One Hour Later:

"This is your fault, Goku," Bulma groaned, scrubbing a dish while Goku stood next to her, waiting to use the next part of the three-component sink, with Mai after him.

"Huh? But you blew the thing up. I just wanted you to fix the pieces so Mai and I could do our training."

"I did not blow it up, Goku, normal plants are not pintos! This is entrapment!" Bulma yelled accusingly at the supervisor as he walked by.

"Well, I could ask you why you had a pistol in my restaurant. But I don't care. Working the last shift washing dishes is honestly getting off light."

"You wouldn't be so 'misery builds character' if I hadn't lost my credit card in the blast! You may have won this round, Shish Ka Bobby's! But I'll have the last laugh, Bulma will have her revenge! HAHAHAHA!" Bulma cackled while almost crying in anger, breaking yet another plate by scrubbing too hard.

"Sir, she is quite right, maybe you should be worried," Roshi said from where he was sweeping the floor.

"Oh please, I had a blonde guy from the Red Ribbon Army here four years ago vowing he'd return to destroy me, and I'm still here. The food service industry is not for the faint of heart, best stick with your martial arts, gramps," the supervisor said, carrying on his rounds.

X X X

"Launch, you really shouldn't have paid. I mean, I kind of asked you out?" Yamcha said as they walked back toward the hotel.

"Hey, nothing saying the girl can't buy the guy's dinner. Besides, it was on Bulma anyway," Launch grinned, flicking her wrist and producing the credit card from thin air.

"Huh? When did you-" Yamcha asked, stunned, as they cut through an alley, silently agreeing it was a shortcut.

"I didn't learn everything from Roshi. And it's not stealing, I'm going to give it back tomorrow. Besides, she owed me."

Yamcha decided not to ask about what exactly was owed. He'd worried that random gas explosion would ruin their night, but aside from skipping out on dessert, it had only amounted to Launch putting on the hat he got from Roshi and not giving it back yet; it didn't really go well with her dress.

"Well, aren't you two adorable," a scruffy man in a brown jacket said, stepping out from behind a dumpster.

"Would hate to spoil yer evening. So how about you leave all your money and valuables on the ground and just keep walking?" a scruffy platypusman wearing a felt hat said, stepping up behind them. Both drew stilettos, and the blades sprang into place with clicks.

"Yamcha, you can have this one," Launch said, stretching her arms over her head.

"Are you sure, I wouldn't want to presume. I mean, I know you know your stuff," Yamcha said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Hey! Are you two drunk? Hurry up and-"

"SHUT IT, CLICHE! WE'RE TALKING HERE! I'm guessing you fancied the idea of being the brave ronin saving the damsel from bandits since you were a kid. I don't mind letting ya have that. Besides, if I let you have your fantasy now, I may have mine later," she said with a wink.

"Er, I think that maybe that wine from dinner is going to your head, but I'll take care of this," Yamcha said, stepping up to the scruffy man.

"...Kids, you've been watching too many moGERK!" the thug went, as Yamcha punched him in the gut before he could blink, lifting him clear off his feet.

"Oh my, how dashing and daring. I'm positively giddy with fear and yet so very impressed," Launch giggled into her hand, eyes sparkling a bit.

"Hmph, HAVE NO FEAR, FAIR MAIDEN! THEY SHALL NOT LAY A HAND ON YOU OR YOUR RENT MONEY!"

"I'm no maiden, but go right ahead," she said, gesturing intently to the confused and worried other mugger.

"Uh, I surrender?"

"No, you don't," Launch said, shaking a fist at him. Seeing the look in her eyes, he sweatdropped then gulped, and brandished his knife.

"I shall not give up when clearly beaten, for I am the embodiment of expendable evil in minor characters in all forms of media throughout the ages!" he declared, tears in his eyes, before charging with a battle cry.

X X X

"Thanks for bailing me out of kitchen duty," Krillin said to Chichi. They sat in Bulma's currently empty suite on the floor, bowls of chocolate ice cream in hand.

"I wasn't going to leave you like that. Besides, with how my helping went wrong, it wouldn't be right to leave you hanging, eh?" Chichi remarked, flinching at the cold on her next bite.

"What about Master Roshi?"

"He's an adult, he can take responsibility. Same for Bulma. And Goku didn't seem bothered, while Mai said it was karma for past crimes," Chichi declared, spoon held up and eyes closed, nodding to her own points.

"I guess you're right. Though it's a funny thought, isn't it?"

"What, Master Roshi being held accountable?"

"No… well, odd yes, but I mean with Mai. Can you imagine her committing crimes?"

"She probably forgot to pay a parking ticket or something."

"Ha, or maybe she fell asleep in a no loitering zone!" They both laughed good naturedly at the most neurotic of their fellow Turtle students.

Shishka Bobby's Kitchen:

"Achoo!" Mai sneezed as she closed the cupboard.

"Kami bless you," Goku said, scrubbing a countertop.

"Getting a cold, eh? Well, your master has you covered with an ancient remedy. Tastes so terrible it's guaranteed to kill what ails you, or you'll die trying," Roshi said, filling up a mop bucket from a tiny hose.

"I don't care what foes they've faced in the past! I will have vengeance!" Bulma tearfully declared. She was squatting next to a large grey bucket as the boss watched her clean out the grease trap by hand with an extra-large cup.

Chapter Text

Last Time:

The days of battle have left only two.

The nights of repose and frivolity have left them rejuvenated.

No more delays, the day of the championship has arrived, now.

The 22nd Championship

What Lies beyond the Tournament?

Letting out a breath, Chichi finished the kata, lowering her fists. She was dressed in a fresh Turtle School gi, one she'd touched up in the hope of making it sturdier than its predecessor. She blushed at the memory of her exposure, and began the next exercise. The day was beautiful, and the city spread out from her perch atop a shed on the Grand Papaya's roof.

"Hiya," Goku said, perched on a tree nearby, reaching her level.

"Hey Goku," she said, smiling at him. She could take comfort at least knowing Goku wouldn't think any less of her for her little accident. Hangups on marrying him aside, he really was a great little guy.

"Master Roshi sent me to tell you it's time to head over. He says dramatically cutting it close is for the movies."

"He might have been directing that to you and your sisters; three years and almost missing the registration deadline," Chichi shot back playfully, casually hopping down from the shed roof.

"Wanna take Nimbus to the temple? Bulma says you'll get ambushed by the press if you go like a normal person."

"Goku, I'll have you and Bulma know I am a perfectly refined young maiden who just so happens to be a princess," Chichi huffed. But her expression fell a bit at the thought of the press after yesterday's incident, "But I will take you up on the offer of Nimbus. And I would point out that still being able to ride it is proof I remain pure despite unfortunate wardrobe follies."

X X X

Chiaotzu knew he didn't need to knock to enter Tien's room. It was a privilege extended only to him and Master Shen. Even so, the pale child hesitated for a moment; today was not just any day. And even he didn't assist Tien when the great warrior was preparing for a noteworthy fight.
He opened the door slowly and looked upon his friend and senior in the school.

Tienshehan sat in a meditative pose, hovering in the air before the bed. Stripped down to his green pants and sash belt, his perfected physique was on display, and Chiaotzu could practically see the aura radiating off of him. At once serene and overwhelming, he was like a temple mural come to life. A calm yet wrathful figure that others could only aspire to match.

To Chiaotzu, this was everything a martial artist should be.

"Tien, it's time to get ready," he finally said.

His jaw dropped, sweating as Tien opened his three eyes; they glowed white. With a blink though, the moment passed, and Chiaotzu saw only his friend putting his feet down and nodding acknowledgement.

Overwhelmed, he excused himself, closing the door before sagging against it. Then smiling.

"This is going to be great," he said, very much not envying the Ox Princess.

X X X

The anticipated day had arrived. Scalpers had been doing brisk business as people desperately bought tickets, and the monks had hired extra security, wisely anticipating a great many people trying to boldly or sneakily enter illegally.

The crowd was thick with anticipation. Chat over favorite fights so far, predictions for the championship, and of course discussion and debate over the fighters themselves.

"I hear the Ox Princess rode in on a golden cloud, like some kind of saint."

"That's nothing, that Son Goku had one last time. Now that Tienshenhan, he flew in like a superhero! Avoiding the press and looking like a badass."

"More like a supervillain, don't you think?"

"Who cares, it's still super!"

"So hot."

"Which one, eh?"

The sounding of the drums lowered but did not quiet the crowd, nor did the gong being sounded. It was only the announcer edging into the arena, hair perfect and suit impeccable, that silenced the crowd at last.

"It's been the longest tournament in the history of the Budokai. But now folks, we have reached the end. We have our finalists, the arena is repaired, and the hour has struck. One last match to determine who is the Strongest Under the Heavens. Are you ready?!"

The crowd roared. Fists were pumped, cameras flashed, and banners were waved for each finalist.

"Master Roshi, any comment on this moment in the rivalry between you and Master Shen?" A reporter asked, leaning through the press to where Roshi stood over the crowd atop his walking stick.

"Shen and I aren't in that ring. Teachers can only do so much. Tien and Chichi got themselves here. This is their time and their fight, not ours," Roshi stated.

Amidst the thunderous applause, the two emerged, walking to their spots without so much as glancing at the crowd.

"Alright, you two know the rules by now. This match is only different in that it determines the champion. Any questions, comments for the fans? ...no? Then BEGIN!"

"Are you truly the strongest of the Muten Roshi's students?" Tienshenhan asked.

"Don't know, we haven't had a tournament of our own to find out," Chichi answered with a smile, assuming her stance. Tien gave a grin.

"How sloppy, the Crane School is always having students sharpen each other. Though some like that fool Yurin aim too high, it never leaves any doubt who is on top," Tien said.

"Well, maybe after the tournament, we'll have a little turtles-only fight to settle things, but one competition at a time, right?" Chichi remarked.

"Right. Though you might have to wait awhile to be up for it."

"And you might not be in a position to knock around little girls for a while, big man."

"It seems courtesy has given way to trash talk. Who will make the first move in the actual fight?" the announcer remarked.

Tien pressed his palms together, and his eyes went wide. Chichi shot off as if at an unseen starter pistol, charging Tien. Tien leapt over the incoming warrior and landed smoothly, turning to face her as she whirled around. He backpedaled as she closed the distance and struck out with a vicious punch.

An explosion erupted in the arena.

"Chichi gets things off to the explosive start we have quickly come to expect from her. But as Tien hasn't gone flying out of the smoke, it seems things didn't go entirely her way!" the announcer said. The smoke dispersed to reveal a screaming and red-tinted Tien blocking Chichi's punch with his forearm. She frowned, and he smiled.

"You do pack quite the punch. But it seems my Flaming Armor is quite capable of taking the edge off."

"And how'd ya not go flying? Yer not weighting a ton from metal."

"Ah, ah, ahhhh. Why would I explain all my tricks?" Tien said. Without missing a beat, he shifted his weight and disengaged just enough to kick Chichi in the side, landing a solid blow. Rather than just taking the hit she moved, slipping around him, making him turn in surprise. Her jab slipped past his block, hitting him in the face.

Another explosion erupted.

"Chichi is undaunted by Tien's defensive technique, and now we get to see how much an edge taken off matters when it's right in the kisser, folks!"

A wind kicked up, blowing the smoke away, revealing the fighters squaring off with a blur of blows.

"I can't quite tell what's happening, folks, but they are getting intense!"
Goku nodded.

"Tien's diverting Chichi's blows instead of straight blocking them now."

"Can't take it, eh?" Krillin remarked happily.

"Stupid octopus," Chiaotzu said, hovering just high enough to have a clear view, "Tien already showed he can take her punches, but it's beneath him to be someone's punching bag after displaying his mastery."

"Still, it seems to favor Chichi right now," Bora remarked. Ranfan perked up next to him.

"Because he's on the defensive?"

"No, my own experience with the technique tells me that if he's wasting that much energy for his body to radiate heat like that it will drain his stamina by the second. Against other opponents, it would likely not be an issue, as he could finish the fight quickly or the consequences of fatigue would still place him at a higher level than almost anyone. But here, he can't afford to concede an edge. By contrast, Chichi's attack only uses up her ki in such a manner when it connects. And right now, she's not detonating the deflected blows to conserve energy. If he truly could take the blows so well, he'd likely be doing so; he must be getting hurt worse than it appears, or he is trying to avoid being worn down. Either way, he is acknowledging her skill."

"Heh, you've gotten good at this," Goku complimented the big man, who gave a small smile.

"You're good, but let's see you deal with this," Tien said, putting two fingers to his brow and retreating as Chichi tried to hit him.

"It's that four arm technique. With that, he could deflect Chichi's attacks with two arms to spare to counterattack," Yamcha realized.

Tenron hummed in interest.

"A valid strategy, but she's not letting up. Can he muster the concentration for a transformation like that while evading her?" the bowlcutted man pondered.

With a cry, Tien's upper back bulged, and the two spares erupted. Changing stance with stunning speed, Tien grabbed Chichi by the wrist and then her follow-up punch the same way. Putting his extra hands together, he raised them up for an overhead strike. He brought his fists crashing down on her head, just as she leapt up and tucked her legs in, kicking him in the stomach.

Both fighters flew out of the explosion, twisting in the air to make three-point landings, dragging across the tiles. Chichi rubbed her head, glaring at Tien through the clearing smoke while he stood up, one of his hands rubbing his abs.

"Good counterattack. I knew you weren't a brute; you just use direct methods because they work well enough you don't always need a strategy. But you'll have to make very good use of that brute power to beat me," Tien chuckled. Chichi smiled, tucking her hands behind her back and leaning forward a bit, beaming.

"Aren't you cute! You're acting like it's only an annoyance, but I can see you've dropped that heat shield thing. Is it that you can't do that and the four arms at once, or you're worried you'll run out of gas too quick if you do?" she asked.

Before Tien could reply, she blurred out of existence, and Tien leapt into the air as she punched the ground where he had been standing, making an explosion erupt from the tiles. Tien landed, and cried out as Chichi struck him from behind with an explosive kick. He didn't go flying out of the smoke.

"He must be using some ki technique to maintain traction," Master Chin speculated, "But that's risky; if it works like I suspect, it could cause him to take more damage than he would if he was sent flying."

"Bah, don't apply your merely human concerns to my student," Shen sneered, "He attained superhuman capabilities years ago, and has further refined them to stand head and shoulders above all but myself amongst those who have broken the barrier of humanity."

"But he's stronger than you," Goku said as the smoke cleared. It revealed Chichi, with her arms pulled behind her and Tien gripping them by the forearm. She'd been forced down to her knees, and Tien methodically was punching her head with his left upper arm while the other was wrapped around the back of her neck. With the next blow her bun came undone, the spiky mane erupting forth, with Tien giving it no heed.

"I can hammer this anvil you call a head until it breaks! This hold is nigh-unescapable, yield or I won't be responsible if you go into a coma," Tien threatened, letting up for a moment.

Chichi gritted her teeth, and her tail swung up to grab his free hand by the wrist.

"The tail!" Tien cursed, straining against it.

"Here's something ya haven't seen yet. Jet Thistle!" Chichi yelled, veins popping along her neck and head.

"Not the explosion?" Tien wondered. Then narrowed his eyes, looking at her hair.

"It seems Chichi has another trick she's hoping will break this stalemate!"

"Heheheh," Krillin chuckled.

"Whatever she's planning, it won't be enough, that tail can't possibly hold Tien's arm for long, he's too strong, and that limb is too thin," Chiaotzu spoke up

"It won't have to," Krillin said.

Chichi's hair stood up, some getting in Tien's face, who reflexively spat. Then they stiffened and snapped, giving off a near sheen.

"Gah!" Tien yelled, as hairs stabbed into his face, neck, and upper chest. Chichi kicked out, bursting from his grip.

Cursing, Tien put his hands together and lifted off the ground. Chichi's hair fell back down into its mane as Tien extended a finger that ignited in intense light.

"Good trick! But only flesh wounds! Heh, if you hadn't surprised me, I wouldn't have loosened my grip for these bug bites," Tien boasted, spots of blood on his face revealing unremarkable punctures.

"You know, it's hardly manly to put on airs. No one will think less of you for admitting this is wearing you down. I gotta say, you give me a more intense workout than Krillin," Chichi said, rolling her shoulders.

"Hmm, I won't say I'm an honest man, but I don't tell such flimsy lies. You are strong, worthy to be here, but I am stronger still. You can't even do ranged attacks, and if you think I can't take too many of those combustive blows, I don't think you can tank my Dodonpas even if you block it."

"...Bring it," Chichi smiled, showing blood coming from her mouth.

"Dodonpa!" Tien yelled, firing off his shot. Chichi sidestepped, but another was on its way, and she swung out with her fist, punching the blast. The explosion blew back, making Tien raise an arm as he floated, and the smoke cleared to reveal her intact, fist still extended. Shaking the fist out, she frowned.

"Ah man, I was hoping to smack it back to you like Krillin's Kamehameha. And, eck, still feels like pins and needles," She lamented.

"...Absurd," Shen said, shades sliding down his nose to reveal half of his widened eyes.

"Why?" Goku asked, "Tien deflected Yamcha's Kamehameha back at him while standing there, why wouldn't she be able to punch it back?"

Shen glared at the monkey boy, but pushing his glasses back into place with one finger, he answered.

"That fact you ask such a question shows how little you understand. The Dodonpa is far more concentrated and deadly by its very nature. Taking it is one thing, but to think she could just brute force it back like some tennis ball..." Shen growled.

"If it had been Tao she was facing, it would have worked I think," Bora stated. Shen glared at him; Bora ignored him, while Ranfan stuck out her tongue at the old master.

Tien looked down at Chichi intently.

'I assumed her failing to master ranged attacks meant her only trick was bolstering her abilities with ki and that weaponized misfire of hers. But it's not that at all. That Bora also had no ranged attacks of his own, but mastered his ki to the point he could throw my own attack back with interest. It seems she's been developing something similar. I may have only been saved grief just now by the fact she has practiced against the Kamehameha Wave and miscalculated for my Dodonpa. Still, she made a mistake telling me she was aiming for deflection; Bora did so much damage because I was caught flatfooted. Or is that the plan? Making me underestimate her? Her fist was shaking after canceling out my Dodonpa, even if the audience didn't notice. How much does she have left? But that's true for me as well. A war of attrition with her trying to dodge as well as being able to deflect might leave me too weak to finish her. I need to get her off-balance,' he thought, rising and moving through the air, putting the sun behind him.

"It looks like Tien is using a classic strategy, putting the sun to his back!" the announcer called out.

"Solar Flare!" Tien declared, bringing his hands together.

Chichi and the crowd save Roshi and Shen flinched back as light burst across the scene. With a war cry, Tien dived, Dodonpas charged at each fingertip.

The announcer watched Chichi lash out, even as she was illuminated by a blast.

Tien was sent hurtling upward head over feet, before righting himself, one eye screwed shut, burn marks across his chest. The smoke cleared to show Chichi with her gi burned away over her stomach, which was an angry red and bleeding. She pulled her left fist out of the trench it had carved in the tiles and stood up to walk away from the edge of the ring.

"Want to try that again!? This time I'll put my back into it!" she yelled, before grinning wide, blood seeping between her teeth.

"I'm feeling my age just looking at them. Where did they get that energy after such blows?" Master Chin asked.

"I can't speak for Tien, but Chichi when she gets into a battle joy like that, can push beyond her normal endurance. She may crash hard later, but she'll ruin Tien's day before that happens," Krillin said.

'Curses! Did she sense me, or are her ears just that good. If anything, her ears should be ringing from all the closeup explosions. She must be protecting her ears with her ki? Can she take another attack like that if I stay silent? No, she won't fall for the Solar Flare so completely again. Blast it! Even after dropping the four arms technique, I'm feeling strung out-'

With a flicker, Chichi appeared in front of him, having leapt in the afterimage speed.

Tien deflected the punch, and as she fell, before he could float away, she grabbed his leg above the ankle and yanked hard down with her bodyweight behind it. Tien cried out in pain, not even trying a kick as she let go.

Chichi landed on the ground, grinning, and hopped back three times to get him back in her sights, staring intently. Tien grimaced, resting a hand on his knee.

"You... no, I let my guard down for a moment and you saw it... Very well, I'm ending this now," Tien declared, forming a triangle with his hands and gathering ki, drawing deep within himself.

"No, oh no. It can't be," Roshi gasped atop his staff.

"That's not good, honey," a random spectator said to his wife, standing next to the old master. The sunglass-wearing lady shrugged and adjusted her purple sunglasses, continuing to drink her smoothie.

Chichi frowned at Tien, adjusting her feet as he powered up, all of his eyes open again, now focused on her.

"It looks like Tien's preparing a major move. I get the feeling this match, no this tournament, is about to be decided!" the announcer declared.

"Very good, Tienshenhan. At this point, the title hardly matters, claim victory over her ashes in the wind," Shen said, stunning the others.

"What?!" Krillin demanded.

"If he kills her-" Yamcha protested.

"What? I couldn't possibly know the boy's mind. Kids these days, right? But if any of you step in before that attack goes off, as far as the world will be concerned, she's disqualified. And that means something to you lot, doesn't it?" Shen chuckled.

"This is bad, even Tien could die if he uses that. Please ask her to surrender," Chiaotzu gulped, trembling a bit as he watched.

"Forget the title, Chichi! Forfeit, he's going to kill you!" Krillin yelled into the ring. Roshi nodded.

"He's right, Chichi! That's the Kikoho! It's an obscene technique that can kill even those who use it, much less those it's aimed at! Forfeit!" the old master pleaded.

"NO!" Chichi yelled, eyes locked on Tien, fist extended. Tien smiled at her and nodded.

"I like your spirit, Ox Princess! This has been a grand match, but this ends it! I want to fight you again in the next tournament! This attack is going to destroy the ring! When that happens, you will have nowhere to stand, and the moment you touch the ground, the fight will be over! Dodge this and ringout, or you'll die! It's your choice! KIKOHO!" Tien yelled, and blinding light erupted from his hands to smite the ground. The crowd was blown back on its feet, the dividing wall cracked as hot wind blew over the contestant area; Bora shielded Ranfan behind his back, while Launch shoved Tenron and Chin down behind the wall and Goku's tail grabbed Krillin, letting him brace himself before being blown off his perch. Roshi grit his teeth, holding his hat in place, standing atop his staff and overlooking the knocked over crowd. And the Crane Hermit laughed gleefully facing forward into the carnage.

"Chichi!" Ox King screamed, hand raised against the wind as the crowd fell around him like a river of people. Princess Misa was sent flying from his shoulder, crying in distress only to be caught by Eighter, who was standing as a shield before the Mayor and Suno.

Then it was over, the dust settling and the ringing in everyone's ears fading. Tien was beheld in the sky, breathing audibly hard. Where the ring had stood was a neat square hole so deep that as the announcer cautiously peeked over, he couldn't see the bottom.

Gulping, the blonde man adjusted his glasses and stood back, the groans of the audience and Tien's breathing the only thing breaking the prevailing silence.

"Folks, the arena is no more. I have never seen anything like it. Tienshenhan's attack has disintegrated it so thoroughly even the foundations and ground below have been wiped out, without even rubble in sight. But if he has killed contestant Chichi, per the rules he is disqualified. Miss Chichi! Please tell us you didn't take that horrifying blow head on!" the announcer said as the audience got up and joined him in looking around.

"Oh no," Mai gasped peeking over the wall, looking ill, hands over her mouth.

The Crane Hermit laughed, while Krillin slid down from the wall, falling to his knees. The others glared at Shen, and Goku watched the sky, face blank.

"My little girl! I should never have sent her with Goku! If she'd stuck with her dream of being a housewife, she'd be safe at home!" Ox King wailed, falling to his knees.

Tien bowed his head.

"Fool, I warned you. A great warrior must also respect what they can't do," he sighed. Then cocked his head; what was that sound?

Tien ducked back from the kick, dipping his whole body back as the crowd took note along with the announcer.

"She's alive!" the announcer declared, pointing up into the sky as the Ox King wept in relief, pulling four random bystanders into a dangerous hug.

Tien blinked at the sight. It was Chichi, using Goku's tailcopter technique, the appendage buzzing into a blur of brown, holding her shapely rear higher than the rest of her as she put up her dukes toward him. Tien blinked, then smiled and laughed, pointing.

"That is the dumbest thing I've ever seen!" he chortled. Chichi reddened.

"I know it doesn't look cool, but it's the only way I can fly!" she grumbled. Tien easily blocked the kick as she spun around, only for his eyes to widen as the blow exploded, again. Chichi yelled out, spinning erratically trying to stay aloft, and Tien emerged from the smoke, hand extended and face grim. He pulled himself up and over her wild punch and grabbed the blur, which came into sight as her tail. With a gagging sound, Chichi went limp, held up by her tail, long hair covering her head.

"As I thought, you and Goku are the same somehow. Same weaknesses. Now to just set you down on the ground and-" he was cut off as she pulled herself up and slammed two fists into his abs. The explosion blew her out of his grip, sending her falling.

Krillin grinned on the ground.

"Chichi got tired of losing our matches just because I could grab her tail, so we trained for months until it would only cause her to briefly weaken, and she hopes to get rid of even that. Guess Chichi's got you beat at that, Goku."

Launch grinned, looking up. Goku smiled along with her, his tail swinging happily.

"I'll say it again, our little princess has grown up," Launch said.

Chichi's tail spun and arrested her fall, close enough to the ground that spectators drew back and a ring of dust was kicked up.

"Did I get him?" Chichi wondered, trying to look up from the awkward position.

"No," Tien said, diving feet first onto her back between the shoulders. Chichi slammed down hard into the ground, cracking the pavement. Burned, bruised and battered, Tien stood on her for a moment, glaring at the announcer, who after a moment nodded as Tien floated barely off of her.

"Chichi struck out of bounds! The match is over! Tienshenhan of the Crane School is the Strongest Under the Heavens!"

Shen let out a cackle, drowned out by the roar of the crowd as Tien hovered next to Chichi and set down on wobbling legs.

With a groan, Chichi pushed herself up. Her eyes and Tien's met, a small nod lost on everyone else shared before he stepped back, the other Turtle students and their allies, along with Tenron, closing about her while Ox King cut through the crowd.

The announcer grabbed Tien's wrist and held up his fist toward the heavens.

"Your champion!" he declared. Tien let out a breath. He'd planned to fly away to awe the crowds after winning, but frankly he didn't trust he would not fall back to Earth in this state. His eyes widened as a huge bullman lifted him up by the waist and set him on his shoulders, letting Tien see the applauding crowd cheering his name.

"Weren't they supposed to be in terrified awe?" he wondered.

"Wave to them, Tien!" Chiaotzu called havering over the crowd. Weary, Tien couldn't think of a reason not to, waving as the big fan carried him through the crowd, while Chichi was carried off by the medical monks, sparing moments to wave them off.

"That was great," Son Goku said, appearing on the bullman's head, uncomfortably close to Tien.

"You seem too cheery for your side losing," Tien remarked.

"It's a fight, someone has to lose, and sometimes that's you. I'm glad; if Jackie isn't coming back, we need people to keep this fun. I don't think Chichi is happy about losing, and I want to beat you myself. So, train hard, I want a good fight from you in three years," Goku said, extending his hand. Neither of them noticing the announcer and the nearby crowd paying attention.

'I should blow him off. I'm pretty sure we're going to murder that Bora after tonight, and then it will be a blood feud.'

But this wasn't the next day, it was this day, and while he wasn't sure why, Tien took the awkwardly placed handshake, and the crowd went up a notch, even as Shen glared, a cheering Chiaotzu next to him.

"What sportsmanship! What a match! What a tournament! The 22nd Budokai is over, folks! And it has been historic! I'm glad we have three years to prepare, this will be hard to top!" the announcer proclaimed.

To thunderous applause, the 22nd Budokai came to an end.

X X X

"Can't we just give her a senzu bean and call it a day?" Launch demanded as the group sat outside the medical room of the temple.

Roshi harrumphed next to her on the bench, while the boys talked animatedly about the match. They had kept this party to just the Kame School, with the others waiting outside to join them all for going out to celebrate.

"The senzu bean is sacred and miraculous magic. You should only use it when the need is truly great, not just to speed along when there's perfectly good regular medical treatment at hand."

"I just hope my girl isn't feeling too much pain," Ox King said, pacing back and forth.

"At least this time her clothes stayed on," Mai reminded him, keeping pace and patting his large forearm.

"Oh, that's right. I forgot, I need to massacre-" Ox King said stormily, glasses going opaque. Then cut off as Roshi threw his staff against the giant's head and caught it on the rebound without leaving his seat.

"None of that nonsense," the old master declared.

"Sorry, maybe if you were a father you'd understand," Ox King apologized.

"Why aren't we just having Yurin heal her again?" Krillin demanded, looking to the side.

"She got dragged away by the bird guy, and Bulma went after him all angry."

"Are you sure Shen won't try anything, Master Roshi?" Yamcha asked the old master.

"Yes, actually. You heard Shen gloating, as if this was his victory. Not Tien's, not the Crane School's, but his own. He wraps himself up in vanity to cover the fact Tien and Chichi both surpassed him in that arena, and likely most of you. So, he's going to make Bulma haggle a bit for Yurin on some pretext. But he won't go as far as violence or provoking a fight because he knows it won't end well for him, and having to call on Tien to defend him would hurt his pride."

"Master? Are you alright?" Ox King asked, actually distracted from his worrying to look to the old man. Roshi hummed thoughtfully, head tilted down slightly.

"Yes, just disappointed, I suppose. Shen may just be a character in stories to the world, and now a wicked old man to you, but I knew him as a comrade once. We even once became like friends, raising an animal as our pet. Never the best of men, but he had virtues nonetheless, and such potential. This may have been our last meeting, and he won't change in the slightest even after all he witnessed and experienced here. I hope this feeling is something none of you have to live with."

"She's ready to go," a monk wearing a white hat with a red cross said, opening the door. Chichi followed him out.

"Hey everyone. Sorry to keep you waiting," she bowed. Her hair was not back in a bun, but somewhat restrained by bandages wrapped around her head, with bandages across her and wrapping across her arms visible.

"Not to worry, patience is a virtue, kid," a yellow-furred catman wearing a purple suit and porkpie hat said, stepping around the corner. He was followed by a pink-furred catwoman in a white turtleneck, carrying a clipboard with papers on it.

"Huh, who are you?" Ox King asked. The catman came up to the group and rapped his knuckles on the wall.

"As far as you're concerned, the name's opportunity, and I'm knocking. Now step aside please, I'm here to speak with the next big thing." He stepped past Ox King, and with subtle speed wove through the group to pop up in front of Chichi. The turtlenecked cat paused to hand Ox King a business card, before replicating the feat.

"Anyway, joking aside, name's Theodore Cat. You can call me TC if you like, people tend to. In fact, I insist, it snaps so very well off the tongue, don't you think?" he said to Chichi.

"Hey bub, what are you-" Launch said, stepping up to him only for him to turn, smiling and facing her, grabbing her fist to kiss the back of it.

"Ah, the champion emeritus! Beautiful and as deadly as a storm! Just as appealing in person. So sorry for your loss. Better luck next time. But for now, I'm afraid the ship has sailed. The torch has passed. The milk has spilled and the seventeen-year-old is pregnant, if you know what I mean," he went on, without taking a breath.

"...Huh?" Launch asked.

"Ah, smoother with the pummeling than the words, no need to be embarrassed, I've represented boxers before. Choo, put in laymen's terms for the pummeled brains, if you please?"

"TC thinks you missed your shot at the big time by not striking when the iron was hot and are now yesterday's news. He never reads a paper that's not today's."

"I'd read tomorrow's paper if I could, the future's where the money is. Even if the future is the past, and that boys and girls is nostalgia. And we've got a bit here. Oh my, yes, the whole feminist lady champion, lower case c on champion mind you, deal but also a bonafide princess and daughter of a last generation's legend. Granted, a B-list legend, no offense big guy. Not just look beautiful to turn heads, but having some amazon oomph in there to appeal to a new market of fans."

"The height's a bit unfortunate, TC."

"What's a matter with you, Choo? Just means more for the fans to love. Ever played basketball? Never mind, we can stage it 'til you can. And anyway, I say the first step is to leap boldly into teen idol category. Dancing won't be any trouble with that kung-fu footwork down. Can you sing?"

"No," Chichi confessed, looking to the others, who were confused as well.

"No problem, truth be told, most idols couldn't carry a tune in a bag, be it paper or plastic. We got people for that. Anyway, sign in with me, and we'll leave that Tien in the dust along with that old scoundrel; he may have the title, but you have the looks, the charisma, and soon enough the adoration of the masses. Why, you'll be the biggest thing since Muten Roshi, and by the time they're sick of you, you can retire on a mountain of cash."

"I'm already rich," Chichi managed to get in.

"Never ever say that kid. Money's like friends, no such thing as having too much. Whoever said there's such a thing as too much of a good thing was clearly a bloody stinking Red, right Choo?"

"Down with the proletariat, TC, victory for our side."

"Ah, that's why I like ya. Anyway, here's the initial contract, complete with contact information. Look it over, and sometime next week have your people call my people with your counteroffer. Give it another two weeks, and we'll do lunch in Orange Star and get this ball rolling. Oh, be sure and tell them to ask for Benny, then they'll know you made a good impression on me. Now come on Choo, time is money, and neither should be wasted," TC said, before practically swooping out while sill affecting a casual air, his lady cat companion handing the clipboard to Chichi before following after.

"Hey, why didn't anyone ever offer me any rich and famous deals?" Roshi realized, as Chichi looked at the contract like it might bite her.

"HAHA!" Bulma said, bursting through a nearby door, holding Yurin's hand in one of her own.

"Bulma, did you beat him?" Goku asked.

"Yes, Goku I surpassed him at the art of the deal. And since it's a while until my dinner reservations, I will honor my new official minion acquirement with a hot spring outing. Everyone's invited, booze included!"

Various sounds of appreciation were made, Yurin asked if she couldn't have a different job title, and Roshi grinned wide.

"Except of course for Roshi," Bulma clarified.

"Blast it, Bulma!" the old master cursed.

"Could you look at this for me?" Chichi asked, handing Bulma the clipboard. Bulma blinked, and as they started walking out, quickly flipped through the pages, eyes darting across the words, expression growing stormier.

"What the heck!?" she shouted as they left the temple. Goku tried to walk off, only for her to grab him with her free hand and put him down, back on course.

"They trying to cheat Chichi?" Yamcha asked.

"Not surprising," Krillin piped up next to his training partner.

"No! Who cares about that? How dare they make an offer to you without coming to 'me' first? I'm Bulma Briefs! I'm already a celebrity, and I'm so inspiring and charismatic I could stare at myself for hours if I had to. What does Chichi have that I don't?!"

"She's a better fighter," Goku answered.

"Certainly more respectful," Roshi grumbled.

"Uh, taller?" Mai said, holding a hand to be even with the top of Chichi's head, minus her spiky mane.

"Prettier," Krillin said, steeling himself.

"Oh Krillin," Chichi blushed.

"An actual princess, and I think a bit less emotionally unstable?" Launch chuckled.

"Do you all want a hot spring date or not?" Bulma pouted, while Goku laughed, taking her hand and patting it.

"That's okay Bulma, we're friends," Goku told her.

X X X

"Alright, nothing like a hot spring and something cold to drink to wind down after a trying day," Bulma sighed, towel wrapped around her head as she slid deeper into the water, a long-necked bottle in hand. Next to her, Lunch opened her eyes as she reclined against a wooden beam at the basin's edge.

"It's not really hot spring, it's more of a hot bath made to look like a hot spring," Lunch pointed out.

"Well, excuse me if a bathhouse doesn't sound as relaxing," Bulma deadpanned, taking a pull from her bottle.

"What did you need to relax for Bulma? You didn't do anything," Goku said, floating by her.

"Whattya mean? I supported the heck out of Chichi, and browbeat Yurin out of indentured ser... Goku, what are you doing here?!" Bulma demanded, grabbing him by the tail and lifting him out of the water.

"Gurgggg," Goku slurred as his tail was squeezed, Bulma's own standing on end, even as the fur dripped with water.

"Mai didn't want to have a communal bath, so she went to the sauna and gave Goku her ticket," Lunch said, cupping some steaming water in her hands to pour over her head.

"What the heck?! This isn't co-ed!"

"He's just a kid, and the attendant didn't mind once I told him I'm his big sister. Besides Bulma, we usually bathe together when traveling anyway. Nothing he hasn't seen before. Well, maybe not the girl tail?" Lunch speculated, tapping her chin. Bulma slumped, dunking the limp Goku in the steaming water.

"I thought you were the naive innocent girl. Shouldn't you be hating the idea of him looking at naked women?"

"Well, there was that little misadventure at the nude beach. But oh! Launch wrote a note that I should never speak of that. Sorry," Lunch said, putting a finger to her lips. Bulma's eyes twitched, before she took a pull of her Coke.

"Ranfan, back me up on this! This is just indecent. Ranfan?" Bulma looked around, and spotted the naked hairless woman standing on the narrow ledge between the basin's edge and the tall dividing fence.

"There's always a hole," she grumbled, inspecting the barrier.

"Oh, I give up," Bulma slumped. Then glanced down at a trail of bubbles disappearing, and pulled Goku's tail back to the surface.

"GAH! I drowned him!" Bulma screamed.

Over the fence, Bora sat with his back covering the only peephole in the fence, while Krillin listened to the chaos on the other side, sharing a drink with Yamcha.

"I'm glad Chichi went to the sauna with Mai, I don't think she'd be doing much unwinding there," Krillin noted.

"Yeah," Yamcha agreed.

"This is quite odd, but not unpleasant. My people use steam houses or small amounts of heated water and river sand to bath when it's too cold to use the rivers."

"Doesn't seem very hygienic."

"Always be mindful of the village when you bath. And the best places are by waterfalls, the land itself purifies the water there. There are springs in the mountains, but the water is cold not hot, and the most pristine are sacred places for the shamans and their students..."

In the Sauna:

"Ah," Chichi said, taking a sip of water, perched on a wooden bench, body and hair wrapped in a towel, with the old spike sticking out.

"Nice, huh?" Mai asked, also toweled up, pouring water on the heated stones in the small private sauna's center.

"Yes," Chichi agreed easing back.

In a Nearby Bar:

"Razing frazing young 'uns! Another beer!" Roshi demanded, smacking a fist on the bar.

"Lose money in the tournament today?" the barmaid wearing a mustache asked.

"Nah, the kids ditched me for the bathhouse."

"Too much of a perv?"

"That's hateful stereotyping ageism!" Roshi ranted

"Am I wrong?"

"No. But it was still a hurtful assumption," Roshi grumbled as his mug was refilled.

X X X

Night had fallen as they gathered in front of the bathhouse with an irritated Roshi waiting.

"Alright then, time to hook up with the others at Veggie Palace," Bulma declared, seeing everyone assembled.

"Will they run out of food again?" Goku asked.

"They'd better not, I made that reservation ages ago, and warned them who was coming and that there'd be more of us," Bulma huffed.

"Heh, they must be sweating like a war is about to start in that kitchen," Launch chuckled.

"I still can't believe you are both taking baths with Goku. Consider the damage you're doing to his social skills. He's already a naive hick, he doesn't need to be a deviant lacking boundaries. At this rate, I'll have shot him with a submachine gun all those times for nothing," Bulma pouted.

"Meh, he knows we're his sisters. And besides, he's about as perverted as a rock. It'll be a rare girl who can get him standing to attention," Launch waved off the worry.

"Oh no!" Goku yelled.

"Wait, what, what?!" Lunch said, assuming a stance and looking around, Yamcha right behind her.

"Goku, did your sexuality just awaken? Remain calm, it might actually be normal," Krillin told his friend. Bora rubbed his forehead with his fingertips, while Ranfan giggled. Chichi sighed and looked up at the stars, while Mai opened a bag of peanuts, only for them to explode everywhere.

As Mai caught every peanut before it hit the ground, Goku elaborated.

"I just realized I left my stuff back at the temple."

"...you only noticed now?" Bulma demanded.

"Goku, I told you to keep track of your stuff," Launch chastised.

"I was gonna get it, but then Bulma picked me up and said we were going here. Bulma usually doesn't like hearing no," Goku explained.

"Oh, so it's my fault?" Bulma huffed.

"Yes," Launch said flatly, hands on her hips. Bulma stuck out her tongue briefly.

"No problem, I'll just run and get it," Goku said, running off only to be lifted off his feet by his collar by Launch.

"Not so fast bucko, you're too easily distracted, and we've got a feast waiting. You lot head to the restaurant, I'll get in and get out with Goku's stuff in a jiffy."

"Is the temple still open?" Ranfan asked, before accepting a peanut offered by Mai.

"I kinda hope it isn't. Breaking and entering will feel a bit like old times," Launch smiled.

"Just be sure to only take what belongs to Goku," Roshi said.

"Oh right, forgot you were here, old man," Launch admitted.

"Well, I'm assuming I'm invited to the feast," Roshi grumbled.

"Oh, don't be such a stick in the mud, ya old turtle, you're invited to 'this' event," Bulma said, snickering behind her hand.

"Anyway, don't leave the others waiting. I might beat you slowpokes there," Launch said, before jumping onto the top of a streetlight and hopping to the next and thus going out of sight.

"Funny how quickly you stop being impressed by that," Yamcha said.

"If I ever do that, I'll need to remember to wear pants first," Chichi remarked.

"So, are we going or what?" Yurin demanded, puffing out her cheek next to Bulma.

There was some subdued laughter at the girl's impatience, and the group started off, though Goku lingered, looking after Launch before Bulma tapped his shoulder and he joined the group.

X X X

Waiting for the first round of food at the restaurant, conversation was lively.

"I'm going to train hard to beat Tien next time. Though I think I need more experience too. If Daddy's alright with it, I think I should try traveling like Krillin did. Maybe go south and take down the Red Ribbon Army?" Chichi speculated.

"Well, you've been working hard, so I suppose a long-term training trip is okay," Ox King conceded from his place at the table.

Nam spoke with Yamcha, "I honestly don't see myself being able to compete on this level. I pushed myself in my training these last years, and it seems my peak falls short."

"Oh, come on, no need to give up," Yamcha assured him.

"I don't see it as a defeat. Once my brother is old enough to support our mother and fully contribute to the village, I think I will rededicate myself to spiritual training fully. This may be the lifetime I achieve Nirvana, and letting go of any further ambition as a fighter will help with that," the warrior explained.

"Honestly Mai, I think while Yamcha should strike out, you could still benefit from more training under my supervision," Roshi told the dark-haired woman as she sipped her water.

"Trying to get alone with the pretty girl, Roshi?" Bulma asked.

"Hey, I'm being on the level. Mai has come far, but she had more ground to make up than the others. Another year under my instruction, and she can leave to take on the world. With how you kids today keep surprising me, I might actually get to teach her the Kamehameha the old-fashioned way."

"Krillin figured it out without you," Chichi pointed out.

"Yes, but he and Yamcha's version is still inferior to my own. Why, Jackie Chun was clearly holding back out of a desire to not damage the audience or kill his opponent. You youngin's could still benefit from an old man's pointers."

"Well, I do think I could use a teacher and sparring partner to get stronger, but Bora here has agreed to take me as a student," Ranfan said, seated next to Bora. Bora simply nodded, while Upa grinned on the other side of him.

"Father has decided he will not enter the next tournament. He's going to focus on training Ranfan and me so we can climb Korin Tower soon enough that we can benefit from the great master's training."

"I'd like to get some of that in the meantime too," Yamcha said. Krillin nodded.

"Honestly, I was shocked to hear Master Korin was real. Plenty of people doubt the Lord Muten Roshi, but even those usually admit there must be some truth to the stories. But the ancient god of martial arts? Even many old masters, it's said, don't believe he exists as more than some metaphor or combination of old legends."

"Well, I'm fine hanging around Kame House for another year. I really don't have anywhere else to go," Mai admitted. Chichi perked up.

"Well, if Krillin's going to train on top of the tower, I could use a sparring partner and fellow adventurer."

"What, not going to climb the tower yourself, Chichi? It wouldn't do to grow lax," Roshi pointed out.

"I'll wait until Krillin is done with the tower so he can protect Frypan while I'm up there."

"Chichi, I'm still strong you know," Ox King pointed out.

"I know Dad, I know," Chichi smiled, patting his large hand.

"Since I'm going to assist Yamcha and Krillin on the Kamehameha, you're free to come along and to try learn it as well, Chichi. You're certainly ready for it," Roshi pointed out.

"Actually, I was hoping to learn the Ki Guns from Launch. And Lunch mentioned she has a cool move she wouldn't mind passing on, as she's not interested in the tournament. I think with a little tweaking, I could adapt them into my Combustion Fist style, along with how she uses them."

"Ah, maybe we are seeing the birth of a new school? The Blazing Ox?" Roshi commented with a broad smile.

"Launch isn't here yet," Goku said, looking at the door to the private dining room they were in. Getting up from his chair, he opened the door to the bustling main dining room. Bulma joined him, checking her watch.

"Huh, maybe she ran into something fun? Short of the Crane School being sore losers, I can't imagine her being delayed by much else without her permission."

"I don't like this. I'm going," Goku said, nearly toppling the first in the line of servers bearing the feast toward the room.

"Goku?!" Bulma said, rushing after him and actually knocking over the unbalanced server, raising questions of alarm from the other guests.

X X X

Goku cut across the city quickly, using the streetlight hopping technique Launch had shown earlier. Cities were different from the wilderness, but he had kept track of everywhere he'd been here, this year and last time. He wouldn't get lost easily, and just now his vision was narrowed.

There was a bad feeling in the bottom of his stomach. Not hunger, that was more of an aching empty, sometimes itching or burning. This was chilly, a bit like that time he ate all that ice in a bet with Launch for the last dumpling while they were training in the snow mountains. But worse.

The temple was in front of him, and he leapt the wall with ease. No one was around; the feeling spread over his skin. This place was not right, and he wasn't sure why. He smelled Launch's recent scent, she entered the same way, lingered by the big hole Tien had turned the arena to. And...

The smell of blood and death was faint but near.

Bulma was calling someone else his mind didn't bother to identify. He followed the scent of death.

And he found it, next to a wounded man.

"...Launch?" he asked, kneeling by his sister. She laid on the floor, staring up toward the ceiling, face splattered with dirt and a dribble of blood from her lips. There was a round hole in her that he could have easily stuck his fist through, showing the cragged and cracked floor beneath her.

"...What?" Goku whispered, taking a step back, his mind empty. The announcer groaned, pulling himself to sit, wincing and his arm bent slightly the wrong way at the elbow as he tenderly picked up his shades and put them on.

"It was a monster. I've never seen anything like it... he was going to kill me. She saved me... I'm sorry. His breath..."

Goku scowled and ripped open Launch's belt pouch and shifted quickly through the contents as the others arrived and gasped at the sight. Goku spotted a pepper pack and ripped it open to pour on her face.

"Sneeze, Launch! You can heal if you sneeze! Lunch will be injured, but it's like with Tao, right?!" he demanded. She didn't move. Roshi knelt by him, and gently touched her hand.

"She's gone cold, Goku. And even then, a blow like this would kill even her quickly. I'm so sorry," Roshi said, reaching out to slide her eyes shut.

"The Cranes. This is the Crane Hermit's vengeance," Tenron declared, clenching a fist.

"Easy, boy," Chin said.

"Indeed, while I suspect them, it's no certainty yet. We must seek wisdom before action," Bora said.

"Well, who but Tien or the Crane Hermit being sneaky could... oh sweet Kami," Yamcha trailed off, looking at her again as Mai grabbed his shoulder with one hand, the other covering her mouth as she cried. Chichi was grinding her teeth, but knelt by Goku, grabbing his shoulders.

"Goku, we're here," she assured him. Goku's eyes lost their faraway look, and he turned a glare toward Bulma, who was kneeling in front of the announcer with Krillin.

"What the heck happened? Was it the Cranes?" she demanded.

"No, I've never seen him before. Not even his race," the announcer said, sweating.

"Was he an assassin?" Krillin asked.

"No, a thief. He wanted the tournament roster, and Son Goku's luggage. I was in my office, right there. I figured someone would be by later tonight; when the monks found the items and they said Son Goku on it, I volunteered to stay back and watch over it while catching up on some paperwork. He wanted the roster file for the last three tournaments. All our information on the contestants. I wasn't going to give it to him, but when he broke my arm... I'm sorry, I've never been through anything like that. He stole something from the pack. And he was going to kill me, he said it would send a message. Then she burst in. I owe her my life. I was barely conscious at that point, but she gave him quite a fight, gouged out one of his eyes. But then he used an attack, some ki blast from his mouth. It surprised her, and... he laughed. He thought it was funny how she looked when she fell over. It was horrible. He saw me, but just smiled, saying he decided I would be spared for now as a messenger. Then he flew off."

"Flew? Like the Crane School?" Bulma demanded. The announcer shook his head.

"He had wings. And he was green."

Roshi stood up and walked briskly over.

"What message?" he demanded coldly. The announcer pointed to a piece of paper they had overlooked on the floor. A square sheet, blank side up. Roshi retrieved it as Bulma and Krillin joined him. Roshi flipped it over and sucked in a breath, something about his posture's change making Krillin and Bulma step back.

"No. Oh sweet Kami. Please no..." Roshi whispered, hand shaking, crumpling the paper slightly. For the sake of everyone listening, Krillin and Chichi read the message.

"Ma, written in red kanji," Chichi said.

"Demon?" Krillin interpreted.

"Devil," Roshi whispered, dripping the paper and standing up straighter.

"You know," Yamcha said a bit husky, looking at his master's back.

"I could never forget. We must find Shen at once," Roshi stated.

"The Dragon Ball! It must be the Red Ribbon Army trying to gather them again," Chichi said.

"No, it's-"

"Bulma, give me the Dragon Radar," Goku said, stomping over to her.

"Huh?" she reacted, leaning back from the furious boy. Chichi stared at him, her hand still raised like she had been holding him.

"The bad guy stole Grandpa's four star. The radar will take me to him. Give it!" Goku snapped.

"Goku, I-" Bulma said, before Goku reached up and ripped her pouch off, tearing it open in one motion. Bulma couldn't even cry out in protest as Goku spotted the radar and grabbed it from the air. Turning, he began running toward the doorway.

"NO! STOP HIM!" Roshi shouted fearfully, hand extended. Yamcha rammed into Goku and slammed him into a wall, pressing him down by his arm.

"Yamcha, let go!"

"NO! We're all angry Goku, but-" Yamcha was cut off as Goku bit his arm. Yamcha cried out in pain, and Goku loosened enough to slip free, and knocked him aside with a kick to the side.

Someone else stood in his way, and he punched them too, only for Chichi to take the hit and grab him in bearhug, pressing him into her chest.

"Leggo!" Goku shouted, struggling at her grip. Chichi glared and pressed him, cutting off his shouts, muffled by her bosom.

"That's enough, Goku! Don't hurt your friends! And listen! If this guy took down Launch, you could get killed running off like a dumb punk! What good will you do her getting killed?! So help me Goku, I will hold you there until you pass out!"

"...That's a hot way to die," Upa said. Ranfan gave him a look.

"I know it's not the time, but still, it had to be said," the boy told her as Bora approached Roshi.

"Invincible One. Who did this?"

"I fear the worst has happened. King Piccolo has returned. We need Shen and his students. I will explain. Follow me, I learned where they were staying just in case they tried something shifty. I only hope we aren't too late," Roshi said, walking past everyone, still holding the paper.

"But, Launch..." Krillin said.

"I'll call the authorities. But sir, what do you mean?" the announcer said, getting to his feet.

"Exactly what I said. The Ultimate Evil may have returned. I only pray I'm wrong."

X X X

"It is because you showed weakness, Tienshenhan," Master Shen seethed in the main room of their suite. Tien had no answer, taking a centering breath while Chiaotzu visibly sweated nearby.

Naturally, they had paid the hotel staff to inform them of any suspicious happenings. And now the Kame School, their allies, and even the defectors were coming up to their suite. His master believed they were aiming to take the school down. Oddly, the old master seemed a bit pleased with the notion of his rival finally dispensing with the pretense of honor with such a sound strategy as overwhelming force.

'Still, why isn't Launch with them? A sneak attack? No, that makes no sense. Why send only her with so many? And such a large force forfeits any stealth.'

"Master, perhaps it's not an attack?" he asked cautiously.

"What else could it be? You think they're here to treat you to a banquet for your victory?" Shen snapped. There was a knock on the door.

"Roshi, the others are hanging back," Shen declared.

The knock came again, quicker.

"Anyone going to get that?" Chiaotzu asked.

"You get it!" Shen snapped. Tien held up a hand toward Chiaotzu and, bracing himself, went to the door and opened it.

The immediate attack he half-expected didn't come. The Muten Roshi took off his hat respectfully.

"Greetings. I don't believe I had the chance to congratulate you for taking the title. It was a splendid match."

"...You didn't need to bring reinforcements to congratulate me. What is your business here?" Tien demanded.

"Hmph, so much for starting on the right foot. Show this to your master," Master Roshi ordered, handing a paper to Tien. Tien looked at the character on it and frowned, then closed the door.

X X X

"Master, we have a lot of help here, if we need to go after who killed Launch. Do we really need the Crane School's help?" Krillin asked.

"Yes. We need everyone."

"It's okay, Goku, we'll get the four-star ball back and the others. We will wish them back," Bulma assured Goku, kneeling to put a hand on the quiet boy's shoulder.

"This time, I'll help too," Chichi added.

"Me too! I don't care if we have the Cranes' help or not, we won't let them get away with this," Krillin declared. Bora moved next to Master Roshi.

"This enemy. You fear it," the warrior asked.

"Bora, I'm terrified for the world," Roshi answered solemnly. He was unheard by the others, who'd turned their attention to Goku. Save Tenron, who perked up and paled, hearing the words as he stood to the side.

The door slammed open, and the Crane Hermit stood there, arms still spread, paper clenched in a fist.

"Is this some kind of joke?!" he seethed, glaring at Roshi through his shades.

"No. I didn't see him, but the assassin killed Launch and stole the roster. There was a survivor; I read his mind while he described the killer. Such power, those features, and that symbol... Demon King Piccolo has returned. And he is seeking the Dragon Balls and the greatest martial artists in the world. The next war has begun, Shen, and we all missed the opening shot."

"No... You said he could never be found," Shen accused, rallying slightly from his shock.

"I thought he was beyond the reach of everyone. I was wrong. May we come in?" Roshi asked. The Crane Hermit hesitated, then stepped aside and turned his back, walking into the suite.

Season 3 End