A/N: This collection of thoughts is regarding Trunks and Goten at the tournament in the beginning of the Buu Saga.

Chapter 2

Trunks by My Side

Sometimes I wonder why Trunks always is near me when we walk anywhere in groups. When we went to the tournament he was by my side almost the entire time until we signed up to fight. I hardly acknowledge his presence, though I don't necessarily ignore it either. I answer when he asks questions of me. Still I don't quite see why the boy so often walks next to me.

Does he really look up to me as Bulma says? I feel pride at that thought. Why shouldn't he look up to me? I'm abundantly strong and proud. I'm dignified, intelligent…not so bad looking either. Trunks should look up to me. It's only natural, after all, for a son to look up to his father and all the more so in the case of me.

I feel like smirking. I will never say it, but I want Trunks to look up to me. There are things about me I hope he'll never have to know, but in general he can learn plenty from me.

Chibi Trunks Fights at The Tournament

It's absurd how weak these young fighters are. I'm not at all surprised, but it's incredibly boring to watch. I'm only watching when Trunks is in the ring. He handles them with much dignity, just as I want him to. I'm proud of that. One swift kick or punch and they're all out.

I'm was most amused by the spider-legged kid that was nothing but limbs. Such long limbs, in fact, he walked right over the top of my son, spouting ridiculous threats not even worthy of remembering. Trunks never flinched either. He just waited until the perfect time to give him a nice disqualifying kick to the stomach. Then the spider kid had the nerve to fall right on top of him, that louse! It's not that I was ever worried, of course. Trunks would never be hurt by such a trivial thing, but to be contaminated with such inferior contact… It was rather amusing to watch Trunks nonchalantly pull himself out from under the kid.

Now I must wait some more while other annoying pests fight each other. The only thing I'm much interested in seeing is the final round. It will be Trunks and Goten and Trunks must win! I know he'll win, but I also know Kakarot. I should always be stronger than Kakarot and yet I continually come up short!

In the back of my mind I have the fear that Goten could do the same to Trunks. It's unthinkable. I shouldn't even admit to having such a thought, but it's nagging me continually. What if Goten takes after his father and out of the blue just suddenly emerges with strength nobody could have predicted? I've trained Trunks hard in the time leading up to this event. I've taught him blasts and how to control them, how to predict his opponent's moves and thoughts, and plenty of defense strategies.

Goten will have trained hard recently too, but my training mustbe enough to beat him. It has to be enough! Trunks is my son! The son of a prince and he should reflect the strength of his father! Whether Trunks wins or loses will reflect on me. It'll be yet another glory for Kakarot if Goten wins!

I wont think of such a thing anymore. Trunks will win, I know he'll win!

The Tournament: Trunks vs Goten

I can feel my insides tighten as my son and Goten walk into the ring for the final match and the title of Junior World Champion in the tournament. Kakarot and Krillin are excited, but I just feel determination. It will be a good fight, something to watch. I know that much. Goten is a Sayain. I can't help but feel some kinship for that fact, in addition to the fact that he's hung around the house at times. Trunks loves the company. Still the knots inside of me are tightening. Trunks HAS to win this, he just had to!

They're getting into stance now. I can see the excitement on both their faces. They are excited to fight each other. I can't blame them. It's the only challenge they've had all day.

"Relax and have fun, you guys, you're both looking great down there!" Kakarot happily calls.

That buffoon! How dare he distract my son with such nonsense?! Now is the time to concentrate and win, not the time to 'have fun'!

They're building up to it…and there they go. So far so good. They're feeling each other out. Warming up, you might say. I'm fine with that. It's good for Trunks to get a feel for Goten before he pulverizes him.

Yes! Trunks is the one to break the initial standoff and go on the offensive. Goten is blocking everything, which is to be expected, but it's a great start. Just keep up the good work, Trunks. Keep it up.

Gohan is finally just making it to the rest of us and they're distracted by his sudden appearance with that girlfriend of his, but not me. I'm intent on this fight, watching every move. Trunks is doing well, but I can see room for improvement. He's still only eight, after all. Goten isn't any better so it's ok.

Alright he's landed a punch! No, Goten landed one too! Trunks keep your guard up how many times must I tell you?! It's not bad considering. He's still doing very well so far. They're both using instantaneous movements. I hate that Goten has learned it too. I was hoping that would be one of Trunks advantages over him. Oh well. You can't keep any sayain down, I guess. Goten was bound to learn it sometime.

Great move! Trunks has punched him in the face and used instantaneous movement to avoid being punched back! Yes! He has the advantage! Another great move! He's come at Goten and moved just before contact. Now Goten is faultering toward the edge of the ring. It's a perfect opportunity… Trunks has come at him. Although Goten is dodging, Trunks is using what I've taught him. He's anticipating… great kick! Goten is flying out of the ring! Yes!

Shoot, Goten has caught himself in time to stop his movement. Trunks, pay attention, he's mad! Trunks! That brat is overconfident and now he's been put on the defensive of Goten's attacks! No, don't jump in the air…Trunks that was so obvious how could you get caught that way?! I know I've taught him about that, why is he so surprised? Break the hold!

That's the way, son! Good, knock him back to the ground! What…what is this ridiculous spiral diving you're doing? This isn't a circus!

There they go again with the even attacks, nobody stronger than the other. I hate this! Trunks can win this, why doesn't he just do it?! …blasts, both of them? Why are they exploding energy up there? They're knocking each other back to the ground and look at their faces. They're ecstatic. At least I can feel proud of that. They're true sayains. They're loving the fight. But this is no time for their friendship to shine through! It's time for Trunks to take him out!

What are they waiting for? They're standing there, staring at each other with those smirks and I'm stuck listening to these ninnies up here. Get a move on, would you!

What? Trunks, you're not… not here, what are you doing?! This is no time to be showing off the blasts I taught you! These idiots up here are underestimating him. All except Kakarot. Only Kakarot understands Trunks has complete control of the blast. Control is not the problem. This is a waste of time! Oh and that stupid smile! I didn't teach you that so you could show it off like a toy, son!

For heaven's sake, not Goten too! That kid's a dunce… look at that, he doesn't have control at all. Ha! Trunks is far more advanced in this area.

Finally, he's getting back into fighting stance! It's about time! Now finish this! Trunks has something on his mind… oh good, he's throwing him… yes, the strangle hold! Good move! Goten doesn't have a chance in this position. Trunks will just have to wait him out. I know he wont hurt him unless he absolutely has to. That's one way we differ. I'd just finish it now, but Trunks will hold him there and try to make him give up. Yes, that's what he's doing alright. I have to hand it to Goten for trying to hold out, but Trunks has him beat. I can't help smirking.

"Man, this does not look good," Kakarot comments.

"Sure it does," I can't hold my tongue, "if you're rooting for Trunks, that is." I can't help showing pride in my son right now.

Goten's still holding out… what… That cheat! I said no going super, we all agreed to it! How could he?! My blood is beginning to boil! Trunks had this match fair and square! My fists are clenching. Kakarot's son! That brat! I can't contain myself, "Kakarot, that's not fair!" That bafoon doesn't even realize we'd made these rules. He didn't even know his son had the capability of going super!

"Well, hey, don't look at me… he did it," Kakarot replies in his idiotic tone.

That moron has no idea his son is a rule-defying cheater! I'm so angry! Trunks is angry too; look at that, he's lecturing him. Oh that brat, he's forgiving him, look at that smile. What's he planning down there? He's said something that's got Goten confused… he's not using his left arm. Is he… trying to embarrass him? Marvelous! Great idea, Trunks! Take that clown's dignity!

Trunks is holding up well with just one arm! What a great idea. Oh no, he's letting his guard down again… no, it was just apunch, don't faulter! Trunks! It obviously hurt, but Goten's missing his opportunity. Good. Trunks is mad… I'll have to teach him to control that temper a little better. Firing blasts out of anger wont get him anywhere.

(I must silence the voice deep down telling me I've done the same and actually far worse… I must immediately banish these memories of my blasts toward cell when Trunks… no I can't think of that now, I must return my attention to the situation at hand.)

Goten is mad. Serves him right! What's he planning up there? Trunks is concentrating. Good, he'll figure out Goten's plan before it hits… He better… It's down to the wire, I can feel it… the intensity. Trunks, you better win! My face is tightening, I can feel it. I'm clenching my fists. He has to win, he has to!

He's dodged Goten, but what's this? Goten's chating again?! Oh! Good job Trunks! He's transporting and using Goten's own momentum to blast him out of the ring with a super sayain powered blast! Alright! It's only fair if Goten turned super once, Trunks has the option.

Goten's slowing… he's… he's out of the ring! Yes, he's touched the stands, he's out! Trunks wins, Trunks wins! I'm ecstatic! My son is the champion! He's done very well, what a way to win it! I'm overflowing with pride! He used his head and his strength together!

The others are disappointed, I love it! I can't help but laugh a little. My son is the champion and Kakarot's son lost! If nothing else goes right today, I will still have this victory over him! That nincompoop Kakarot didn't even know Trunks was a super sayain. He should have known when he saw his son become one that mine could too.

I find the urge to gloat overwhelming. I put a hand on Kakarot's shoulder. "Chear up Kakarot, there's always next year. Your son put up a good fight, but there can only be one champion." And it's my son. MY son, not yours, haha!!

I can't shake this intense feeling of pride as the speaker continues his praise of my child and the announcement that he'll get to fight Hercule now.

The others are smiling at the thought. It wont be much of a fight, we all know it.

I can only smile further and laugh some more. "Trunks is going to pulverize this noisy fool. World champion. I've known stronger house plants."

Now Gohan is making a fool of himself, trying to call me a joker so his girlfriend wont know I'm serious. That idiot. He's such a teenager. I'll be sure my son never acts like that.

That moron is too scared to even come out. I'm getting impatient. How long must we wait to see Trunks give him a good beating? This is taking way too long.

"Man. He's just too pitiful to watch. Does anyone else want ot get something to eat?" Krillin suggests.

My stomach is rumbling and there's absolutely no guessing necessary as to the outcome of this match. I'm up for it.

"Sure, that sounds good to me. Let's do it," Kakarot replies.

He's not even finished speaking before we're heading off. All except Gohan trying to save face with his pathetic girlfriend again.

I can still hear every word of the announcer as we walk to the restaurant and I'm listening. I'm keeping a straight face through it all too. Even as he says Mr. Satan's out cold. That was only to be expected. They says he's getting up…and that he's lost on purpose. How ridiculous.

We're being stopped at the gate. They don't think we're qualified fighters and we all have to give our names. Piccolo has called himself Majunior as an alias. How absurd! Finally he's going to let us go inside. Aparently they're finally going to let us in and give us a bunch of amenities.

The others are thanking him.

"Well I'd say it's about time we got some special treatment," I add. After all, we're the best fighters in the world by a long shot.

I'm glad this place is a buffet because I'm starving. These earthlings just just understand how much food it takes to power our bodies. They're all finished eating long before we are. Gohan is finally coming in with his girlfriend and Kakarot is asking him how the fight went. I don't want to let it on, but I'm curious myself for the details.

"It was pretty interesting. Trunks beat Mr. Satan with one punch," Gohan answers.

My mouth is full of food, but I just have to smile anyway. Hopefully nobody notices my pride. One punch. That weak loud mouth. Some world champion!