It was already quite late at night, the former bandit known as Yamcha was currently laying on his bed in distraught. When he heard about the Tournament of Power he figured he'd be an easy shoe in to aid and help his friends in saving their universe. But then he realized that he wasn't even considered as a reserve member. He wasn't even asked by Goku or anyone. Passed over by his retired master Roshi and even Frieza, that evil tyrant! Puar takes notice of the look of sadness that his long-time friend, pity fills his being. She too wanted to see Yamcha get back into action and show off his slumbered fighting prowess. But that hope looked to be as dead as the motivations of her lord and friend who sighs to himself.
Yamcha: Once again...passed over...just like trash. Why does this always happen?
Puar: Yamcha...
Yamcha: Master Roshi I can at least understand with all his experience, but he's been over the hill, I too have experience in the long run. And now they were that desperate to get Frieza!?
Were they really that desperate to have powerful allies they would even bring back one of the worst the universe had to offer. Yamcha ponders about that before he washes his hands over his face.
Yamcha: I know I can step up when I'm needed and more but why is it they don't see it? What I am missing?
Puar: Well, you have been retired for a good while now Yamcha, sure you keep in shape still but... it's too light if compared to how you use to train (It a bit unfair but he knows that)
Yamcha: But I do train! I have been doing nothing else but training! Time after time I look to prove myself and...
Something happens and the former bandit stops talking, almost as if he is trying to deny something he knows is the truth, was there anyone to blame for how he was feeling?
Yamcha: Just what is it I'm doing wrong? What's wrong with me? I'm literally one of the strongest human fighters out of every single human on this planet alone. And I'm still compared and ranked beneath the others. What is it that I need to do...?
Puar floats over to Yamcha and lands on his chest in an effort to comfort her friend as Yamcha scratches her head. The baseball player has always known that he had a lot to prove even though he felt he was a great martial artist in his own right. But things haven't been much of the same for him since the Saiyans came around and pretty much almost rendered the humans as not being warriors. He hated the idea of not being needed or not being in the fight.
He wanted to be part of it as he's always been, but not in terms of participation. He needed to be in the fight, not avoiding it. He couldn't let the fact that he was only human to stop him and yet everyone always tells him to try harder in making an effort, but then turn around the next and say don't overdo it or sit it out. It was as if everyone was trying to tell Yamcha what to do at every turn and he couldn't have his own say or decision and that didn't sit well with him one bit.
Sighing in defeat one more time, both he and Puar don't even realize, that a strange portal opening had just formed on their home, and two white tips of what appear to be fingers slowly seep out.
Yamcha: Just...what am I suppose to do.
"That young warrior...is the right question"
Yamcha and Puar both immediately look up to see the portal and from that same portal, a giant gloved hand!? Yamcha and Puar, naturally did the most sensical thing to do, they both freak out with Puar holding on to her friend's face!
Yamcha: HOLY SH-
Puar: AHHH!
"Do not be frightened. I am here to aid you, Yamcha"
Yamcha: H-Help me? A giant...talking hand is talking and is gonna help me?
Puar: Who...or what are you?
"I am Master Hand. I am a being from another world different from this one. And I have come here to enlist you."
Yamcha: Enlist? For what?
"An event like no other, fit for warriors such as yourself. And a chance to exercise your skillset that has been dormant for too long "
The situation was quite weird even for his standards from all the weird things Yamcha saw in his life, like aliens and gods but a talking hand that came from a portal? Yet he was curious.
Yamcha: Such as?
"I've set up a tournament from my world. In fact, I am the creator of it. And you, Yamcha, have been chosen to compete...in the event I have called...Smash Bros"
The being known as Master Hand then snaps its fingers and an envelope materializes in Yamcha's hands. The envelope was stamped in red wax with a symbol of a big rectangle and a thin line crossing inches below it. Yamcha grabs it, looking at it with interest before quickly opening the letter as he and Puar both read the written text.
Yamcha, this invitation has invited you like many others to the Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament. I, Master Hand, have gathered warriors from many worlds to come and take part in this event to showcase your skills to the world and more. Some warriors were brought to this by their own volition. Others such as yourself were brought here by chance. The chance to prove yourself among very capable and caliber individuals. And you are among the very few elites that have been selected to be given such an opportunity to make a name for yourself in this tournament. I've studied your world as I have studied many others and the warriors that reside within them. And like you, many of them have their own reasons and burdens as to why they fight. Some for personal glory, some for purpose, validation, greed, acceptance, for whatever the reason, those reasons alone are what drives all to fight. The question is...what drives you to fight? And are you willing to join the ultimate fight to evolve upright?
- Sincerely, Master Hand
Yamcha and Puar have both finished reading the letter and frankly? They were in motivating awe. He had been, all this time being watched by some great power from another world? And the being saw potential in him. Looking at the master's hand he starts talking.
Yamcha: I can't believe this. A tournament I've been invited to! And it's in another world! Uh, not that I'm not flattered or anything but why me?
"As mentioned before, like many others from their worlds, I've been watching you. Not just your own little achievements, but your struggles. Your hardships. Your obstacles. I've seen it all. And thus it has left you with many regrets. Growing insecurities. The burden you hold on to that holds you back from unleashing your full potential. You have yet to embrace your shortcomings and use them as motivation to fuel you"
Yamcha looked down and knew Master Hand was right. Yamcha hadn't had much good luck at times. Since the Saiyans came to Earth, the embarrassing death at the hands of a Saibaman, getting a hole drilled in his chest by Doctor Gero, most of his fights ended in him losing. Although Yamcha does have more victories than losses, in these times now it's more of "What Have You Done For Me Lately" and the foes he's defeated don't measure up to those that Goku and Vegeta have defeated. Not even close. But the biggest loss at least to him in his mind was none other than Bulma Briefs.
His first girlfriend, when both he and the Capsule Corp heiress were sixteen years of age. Bulma was always the childish temperament and jealous type which may have been why their relationship failed besides just the arguments they've had. Bulma would usually accuse Yamcha of cheating which he has never done behind her back. He was always loyal. But Bulma wanting more out of life decided to hook up with Vegeta of all men and had the nerve to have a kid with him, sure he was a good guy today but at the time? The memories of him being a mad Saiyan were fresh! Yamcha has never felt more alone than in that time.
Yamcha: But...I just can't. The idea of failing. It makes me feel like shit...
"Self-loathing and self-pity have always been a crippling part of your make-up. As well as your personal ego, Yamcha. The Smash Bros Tournament will bring ahead a brighter and worthy path for you. You have all the power in the world to be better. The other question...how will you use it?"
Yamcha remained silent after hearing his words, and on that reflected even more. He did possess the power that he trained for. The power he earned along with Goku, Krillin, and Roshi. But after the Androids, Cell, and Majin Buu he had somewhat retired from fighting, but he still trains to his own extent and remains in great shape. But in the back of his mind, he wondered if there would be any rust in his fighting style which was another worry. He wondered if he lost his touch and couldn't keep at the pace anymore. Worries he wanted to put to rest.
Puar: Yamcha?
Yamcha looks at Puar and scratches her head to reassure her that he's okay. He then gazes back to Master Hand before then standing up in determination.
Yamcha: If this tournament is a way for me to better myself, then I'm in! Life's too short to be the background character!
"Splendid. If you're truly up for the challenge, step forth"
Yamcha and Puar look at each other and to the portal. Master Hand dwells back into the portal with the being still showing its index finger, motioning them both to enter. Yamcha takes a big sigh with Puar on his right shoulder. Both not knowing what to expect but welcome whatever lies ahead of them as they both step through the portal to the world where Master Hand has created the Smash Tournament.
/
After some time inside of the portal, Yamcha steps outside with Puar still on his shoulder. The two of them suddenly jerk their heads up and look around to see and hear thousands upon thousands of people cheering and riling themselves up. From the looks of this place, they were inside some stadium which looked to be the very place which Master Hand spoke about. There was a logo in the middle of the field with the letters KOF, and a giant screen above the stadium with the header above that reads "King Of Fighters"
Yamcha: Whoa! Puar are you seeing this!?
Puar: I see it! But wow is this hard to believe! Unbelievable!
The crowd cheering even loudly got their attention when they both look on the field to see another young man walking out on the field and in the direction to where Yamcha and Puar were standing. The people were cheering this man as well. Yamcha took a good look at the man approaching. He has long blonde hair in a ponytail and wears a red and white cap. He is dressed in a sleeveless white shirt and a red vest with a white star on the back and blue jeans with black fingerless gloves and his feet have red and white sneakers. There were words on the front white part of his cap that reads "Fatal Fury"
Puar: Who's that?
Yamcha: Looks like there won't be time to warm up buddy, he's my first fight.
As the man gets on the platform, he stares at Yamcha and gives him a cocky but friendly grin, and tips his cap to him. The Wolf Fang user salutes him back.
?: Say there! Looks as if we're going one on one, huh?
Yamcha: Sure looks that way. Looking forward to it!
And then a booming voice sounds off.
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! People of all ages! Welcome to the Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament!
The crowd cheered loudly letting their voices be heard.
Announcer: We are all gathered here to bring you the best action, fighting and brawling extravaganza! And bring together the many and unique competitors from across their own worlds to have their abilities and strengths displayed for the entire world to bear witness! As of now each fighter that has been invited is across the many different locations of the tournament and is ready to do battle! Are you all ready to be entertained!?
The crowd sounds in a cheering unison! Yamcha and Puar loved it as did the other young man who was nodding and grinning from all this excitement!
Announcer: Then let us introduce today's fighters here on this grand stage! The fighter to the right is a newcomer from his world! He comes to us ladies and gentlemen from the world known as Dragon Ball! Please welcome...Yamcha!
The crowd gives Yamcha a well warm receiving welcome from the crowd and he's bashful by it as is Puar but they also give a salute and some waves to the crowd. Hell, Yamcha even gives them a grin and his teeth gave a twinkling shine. Half of the female audience was swooning over the former bandit. The long blonde-haired fighter shakes his head smirking as he guessed that Yamcha was some type of ladies' man.
Announcer: And...to the fighter to my left!
That's when the crowd really got loud as their eyes and voice-directed to him and the man was grinning at the crowd's affection. Yamcha and Puar never knew a crowd could be this loud.
Announcer: He is a resident hometown hero of this grand stadium! He comes to us once again to entertain you lovely fans in attendance! He is the South Town Hero of Fatal Fury! The Legendary Hungry Wolf himself! I give you...TERRY BOGARD!
The crowd all in one big unison shout and chant "Terry! Terry! Terry!" in admiration for their hometown resident fighter. The man known as Terry takes his cap off, spreading his arms open wide and letting the holler of the people sink in as he winks to the crowd. He then turns his attention back to Yamcha.
Yamcha: Terry Bogard, huh? That's some pretty badass name. But did I hear right? Legendary Hungry Wolf?
Terry: Oh yeah. If you're not too careful against me, you'll be in a mauled heap.
Yamcha smirks at this. He admires this kid's confidence. It reminded him of his old young days where he let his confidence shine. He chuckles to himself.
Yamcha: (I wonder how old he is) Well, as one fellow man of culture to another, I'm pretty much a veteran when it comes to the style of the wolf. So just to give you fair warning, if you're gonna run, now's your chance.
Terry: Run!? Me? From a fight!? HAHAHAHA! Are you kidding me?
Yamcha: Yeah, I thought so. I figured it's only sporting I give you an option. But then again I wouldn't wanna rob myself a chance at a good fight.
Terry: Now you're talking! So, enough jaw-jacking and let's give these people a fight!
Yamcha smirks and grabs the fabric of his white Gi, and as he yanks it off, in an instant he is now in his traditional orange Turtle Hermit attire. The crowd cheers. And then Terry puts his cap back on firmly. Both fighters get into their fighting stances and the fans cheer for the fight to begin.
Terry: Okay! Get ready!
Yamcha: Prepare yourself for this!
Announcer: Ready? GO!
As fast as the crowd cheered, Yamcha and Terry both charged at one another ready to give the people a show and test each other's limits.
Yamcha and Terry: IAHHHHHH!
To Be Continued...