"Kamehameha!" Krillin shouted as he launched his Kamehameha Wave at the rock formation in front of him. The mountain exploded, sending chunks of rock flying straight towards him. He managed to punch some of the rocks coming towards him and dodge others, but he underestimated the amount of shrapnel and was hit by a few. Krillin took a few deep breaths and focused on controlling his pulse. "I've got to get faster," he thought to himself as he returned to practicing his routine. A few hundred feet away, Yamcha was undergoing his own training.
Yamcha planted his feet firmly into the ground and focused on feeling every attack. He raised his left arm forward and shifted his weight back near his right foot. First, a right jab with a right step forward, then left open palm strike as he switched from a vertical facing pose to a horizontal. From there, it was five back-to-back open palm strikes, ending on a right strike before bringing both arms in and shoving forward. He continued this cycle, speeding up every few seconds. Bulma smiled and waved at him from afar, causing him to miss a step and trip, his face hitting the ground. "I've got to focus!" He thought to himself as he chuckled from embarrassment.
"I wonder how Chi-Chi is doing with her training," Bulma whispered to herself as she looked from Krillin to Yamcha.
"Don't worry about her, she'll be fine." Master Roshi said from behind. He shuffled forward, pulling on the leather straps of his shell.
"How about you old-timer? How's your training been going?" Bulma asked, recalling that she had caught him training.
"Pipe down!" He said, raising a finger to his lips. He looked over to see if Krillin or Yamcha heard her, but they did not. He then gave Bulma a thumbs up.
"I don't understand you sometimes, I swear," Bulma said, rolling her eyes. "Did you get the plane tickets to Papaya Island?" She asked, changing the subject. Roshi nodded. "How many did you get?"
Roshi began to count with his fingers, "Four. The boys over there, myself and Launch."
"OK good, I was going to get my own ticket this time." She pictured herself enjoying the amenities of the first-class trip. "Chi Chi's dad already booked his tickets right?" Bulma asked as she imagined her first class trip turning into a nightmare as she pictured the Ox-King trying to sit in a plane. She shuddered at the thought of the turbulence the plane would experience. I feel bad for whoever has to sit next to the big guy, she thought to herself. Her mind started to wander. She was especially excited for the Tournament this time because Pamput was rumored to be entering before his next action blockbuster. She pictured him asking her to dance in the center of the ring as he whispered that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. She smiled. "I am?" she said whispered out loud.
"You are what?" Roshi asked, scratching his head.
In Bulma's daydream, Pamput's face turned into Master Roshi's. "Grr...Aghh! None of your business!" She said as she tried to slap him. Roshi dodged, causing her to spin around 360 degrees.
"Woah, you really are training huh?" she said as she shook her head and blinked. Roshi smirked and gave her the peace sign. "Wait a minute…" she said, the gears in her brain turning with a crazy idea. "...are you going to enter the tournament?!" Bulma yelled out in shock.
"Gahh…" Roshi responded, fainting. "Oh goodness no, I've long retired!" He stammered out, sweating profusely.
Krillin and Yamcha flew over immediately.
"Woah did we hear that right Master Roshi? You're going to enter the Tournament?" Yamcha asked with awe and admiration.
"Really Master? Are you sure?" Krillin asked, his tone wavering with excitement and worry.
Roshi coughed. "No, sorry to disappoint boys. I want you guys to have a fighting chance, it'd be no fair if I joined!" He cackled with laughter. "Although another trophy and belt would look good for all the ladies!" He said, smiling to himself.
"I don't about that, don't count us out!" Yamcha said, clenching his fist with excitement.
"Yeah master, we're getting stronger, are sure you want the world to see you lose to one of your students?" Krillin said, standing tall and posing, imagining himself beating Master Roshi.
"What did you say you? You little…fine! You're both going to wear the heaviest shells I have! Then you're going to have cinder blocks tied to your feet, and 10 single gallon milk glasses on each arm! You'll then have to get to the top of that mountain, without spilling a drop!" His arm shook as he pointed to the top of the mountain. "Now go on and get your shells on and bring me some cinder blocks!" He hollered as he hid his arms under his sleeves. I've been pushing myself too hard, he thought to himself.
"Yes, master!" Krillin said, bowing and running into Kame House.
"Way to go, dude," Yamcha whispered to Krillin as they retrieved their shells.
Bulma shook her head and said goodbye. "I'm going to go see how Chi-Chi is doing." She said as she hopped onto her motorcycle.
Elsewhere, Chi-Chi was training with Tien and Chiatzou in a clearing.
"Your moves are decent for a girl, I'll give you that, but I'm not happy about training you. You're a really stubborn little girl you know that?" Tien said, cracking his neck. "Now faster!"
Although he hated to admit it, the girl was good. Tien sighed as the girl began to speed up her attacks. She was starting to edge past Chiatzou, which would have been fine if she didn't constantly talk about her plan to find a husband, Tien thought to himself.
"Enough!" Tien shouted. "That's good enough for today. We have some serious training of our own to do." He said sternly as he packed up their stuff. "Come on Chiaztzou, let's go."
"Wait! We've been 'training' for weeks now, and you haven't shown me any of your techniques, or even how to do that freezy thing that Chiatzou does. We haven't even sparred!" She stamped her foot into the ground. "You will spar with me!" She said, crossing her arms and pouting.
Tien blushed for an instant, then snapped. "Listen here brat, that routine may work with daddy, but if you're going to train with us, I make the rules. You won't be able to keep up with us anyway," Tien said coldly. He turned away from her and started to walk back to Shen's Academy.
Chizatzou stuck his tongue out and blew a raspberry. "Nananana," He jeered, waving his hands by his face and crossing his eyes. Chitazou started to chuckle to himself when suddenly, he felt the air escape his lungs. He was now bent over, staring at Chi Chi's leg, as she had just kicked him hard in the gut. Before he could react, she had spun around and kicked his face with her other foot. Tien gasped.
Chi Chi then springboarded into the air, jumping at Tien, but he was ready. He whipped around in a chopping motion, his hand cracking through the air around him like a whip. However, Chi Chi was determined. She used her momentum to shift her center mass and side-wheel over his hand. As Tien's hand came crashing into a nearby tree, Chi Chi continued her momentum and spun 360 degrees, kicking Tien's chest four times as she did so. She landed firmly on the ground and stepped forward, pushing an open palm strike into Tien's abdomen. He slid back a few feet, snarled, and repositioned himself. Chi Chi tried to rush at him again but felt her body stiffen, followed by a prickling pain. She looked down to see that she was suspended in mid-air. None of her muscles responded to her commands, and she felt herself turning over.
"Chiatzou, let her go!" Tien barked. Chi Chi dropped to the ground face first. "Now stand up, you got what you wanted. Don't be upset when I show you no mercy." Tien got into his fighting stance and launched an assault of punches and kicks. Chi Chi dodged as many as she could, but Tien was faster than she anticipated. She bobbed and weaved her way back to a safe location, but Tien pounced again, his hands like daggers zipping by Chi Chi. She tried focusing on her training with Korin and tried anticipating Tien's moves. "Right dagger, step, left dagger, step, Right dagger, step, left dagger, step, slice right, slice left, two hand attack." She thought to herself, as she correctly dodged each attack.
"No wonder you didn't want to spar with me baldie….you know you can't hit me!" She said, sticking her tongue out at him. He growled in anger and started his assault again, speeding up even more. "Right dagger, Step, left dagger step, his midsection is unguarded, so if I duck under a slice…" She thought to herself as she dodged attacks. Tien went for a slice, and she crouched down as low to the ground as she could, then jumped headfirst into Tien's abdomen. He staggered back a few feet as Chi Chi landed on her back. She snapped back up to her feet and was surprised to see that Tien was now bowing.
"Smart move kid. You let me play into my own anger. Seems I gave you less credit than you deserve." He smiled as he puffed out his chest. "You've earned the right to see one of my techniques." He said as he took off his shirt. He screamed as loud as he could, and two arms tore their way out of his back.
"This is the four witches technique." He said, smiling as Chi Chi gasped in horror. She tried to dodge his attacks, but his speed and power seemed to multiply. Before long, she was winded, on the ground, struggling to get back up.
"If you want to learn this or any other moves Chiatzou and I know, you must pledge yourself to the Crane school. If I am to aid your training, you will renounce the turtle school and bear the mark of the Crane school at the Tournament, understand?" He said this with a fierceness in his voice. Chi Chi stood up, ready to attack.
"Wolf Fang Fist!" She screamed out as she tried her best to imitate Yamcha's move. However, she was too tired, and Tien dodged her attack with ease. He punched her back a few feet then retracted his extra limbs. "If you can stand to lose again, be at the temple in three days." With that, he turned and walked away.
As Chi Chi struggled to get up, a figure emerged from the brush in the forest. A young girl in a red dress emerged carrying a bowl of water and herbs. She set the bowl down in front of Chi Chi and stared at her. Chi Chi tensed up, ready to strike. It was the girl she took down when she first arrived at the Crane School. Chi Chi made a motion to attack, but the young girl bowed.
"I want to be strong too," she said sobbing, looking up at Chi Chi. The sudden change caught Chi Chi off guard. The girl crawled over to Chi Chi and grabbed her hand. "Please, help me be strong like you!"
"Is this some kind of trick?" Chi Chi said, snatching her hand back and pushing the girl away." Stop crying!" Chi Chi said, motioning for her to get up. "What's your name?"
The little girl bowed her head and wiped away her face. She reached both hands into her sleeve and kept her head lowered. "My name is Yurin…" She slipped a bladed fan out of her sleeve. "...and you will…" but before Yurin could finish her sentence or attack, Chi Chi smacked her with an open palm strike to the nose. Yurin fell back and started crying, as she wiped the blood from her nose.
Chi Chi sat down, exhausted from her fight with Tien. "Will you stop pretending already…: she wheezed. Her shoulders sagged, but Yurin cried even harder. Chi Chi started to quiet her, but the sound of a motorcycle approaching drowned out her voice. "Now what?" she started to say as she yawned.
Bulma parked her motorcycle and looked from Chi Chi to Yurin with confusion. "Why'd you beat this little girl up?" She asked Chi Chi, crossing her arms.
"She attacked me!" Chi Chi said, laying out on the ground. Bulma noticed the bladed fan near Yurin and leaned over her.
"You shouldn't be playing with knives little girl, and you definitely shouldn't be attacking people!" Bulma said, wagging her finger. Yurin stood up and began to walk away, but Bulma stopped her. "Hey wait a minute, you're that little girl Chi Chi punched back at that martial arts school, huh?" Yurin clenched her fist in anger. "What's your name?"
"Yurin, what's it to you?!" She said defiantly. Bulma laughed. Yurin growled in frustration. "Don't laugh at me! I'll fight you!" She said, getting into a fighting stance. Bulma laughed even more.
"She reminds me of you Chi Chi," Bulma said smiling. "Listen, Yurin, I think it's awesome you want to get strong too, but be careful at that school." Yurin's expression softened, but she didn't lower her guard. "Those guys seem like some real big meanie's and I'm sure they're not nice to you because you're a girl." Yurin turned her head to the side and averted her eyes, not wanting to look at Bulma. Bulma looked over at Chi Chi, who was now rolling her eyes. "If anything, you should make friends with Chi Chi, you two could show those boys what girls are really made of!" She smiled and winked at Yurin. Yurin got out of her fighting stance, turned, and walked back towards the Crane school.
"So is that a yes? Maybe?" Bulma asked, but the young girl kept walking. "Alright then, little brat, nice talking." Bulma walked over to Chi Chi and helped her up onto her motorcycle. "You have got to be more careful with training."
"Fought the bald guy." Chi Chi gasped out as she held on to Bulma.
"Next time I see that punk I'll give him a piece of my mind! Leaving you out here like that." Bulma muttered angrily to herself. She sighed and turned her head to the trees beside her when she noticed a rustling. She squinted to look closer because she swore she saw a man standing there. "Hey, is that you, you bald jerk?" She yelled out as she stepped forward. The sun reflected off something shiny, temporarily blinding her, then she heard rustling leaves as if someone was running away.
"Who was that?" Chi Chi asked, struggling to stand on her own.
"You saw that creep too then?" Bulma said both relieved she didn't see things and even more nervous that her suspicions were confirmed. "I don't know I didn't get a good look at him."
"Well, it wasn't Tien or anyone from the Crane school. I caught a slight glimpse of him." Chi Chi held her sides in pain as she spoke. "I only caught a quick peek, but he looked like some old dude...I didn't recognize him at all."
Bulma sighed and loaded Chi Chi into her sidecar. "Well, whoever that creep was, glad he's gone." Her skin tingled, and the hairs on her skin all stood on end. She didn't know why, but she had this unsettling feeling about that old man.
Bulma took Chi Chi home, then made her way back to Capsule Corp, but couldn't shake the feeling that she was missing something. She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice that her parents were entertaining guests.
"Bulma honey, have a seat!" Her mother's voice rang out, breaking her train of thought. "These nice young men here are from the World Tech of Robots Agency….."
"The World's Agency for Technology, Energy, and Robotics, dear, W.A.T.E.R., hehe, a technology company naming itself water, that's funny." Her father interjected.
"Oh silly me!" Bulma's mom chuckled, "Well I made some snacks, dear, have a seat they're curious about your father's work!"
The two men that her mom mentioned were now standing, facing her. Bulma gasped a bit at the sight of one of the men. He was the tallest of the two, with messy orange hair arranged in a mohawk and light blue eyes, but he towered over everyone. Physically he was extremely intimidating, but when he smiled, and his eyes seemed to twinkle. Bulma blushed a bit when he bowed.
"I'm special agent Alonzo Black, and this is my partner Fred Gold..stein, Fred Goldstein, and as your parents said we're with W.A.T.E.R." The other man spoke, extending his hand out for her to shake. He was much shorter than his partner. He smiled, rubbed his beard, turned to Dr. Briefs, and continued, "We would love a tour of your workshop. I hope not to be too assuming Dr. Briefs, but you are one of the top 3 scientist in the world…."
"Well I don't like to toot my own horn, but I suppose I am currently one of the leading scientists in the world." Dr. Briefs smiled, soaking this in for a moment. "But I am afraid, that I have never heard of your organization, and without proper clearance and credentials, well... I'm afraid the best I can do is an interview. I hope that should suffice gentlemen?" Dr. Briefs smiled and motioned for them to enter the conference room.
Agent Black seemed to be irritated and was about to say something when Goldstein interfered. "Oh, my apologies, just a moment….." He smiled and rubbed his ear, playing with his loop earring, before producing a badge. He then tapped his partner's shoulder, and Agent Black produced a badge of his own.
"Well gentlemen, the thing is, that a man's workspace is sacred. Unless you're friends or family, I can't let you in unsupervised. Now I'm very honored to have some recognition from the community, and I don't want to waste your time out, but if you'd like to see my lab, might I suggest a second visit?" Dr. Briefs smiled and pulled out a cigarette to light.
"No worries, I totally understand." Agent Goldstein stated, placing a hand on Agent Black's shoulder. "Mind if we get a quick peek? From outside at least? You know a tease for what's to come?" He smiled and bowed, trying to be polite as possible. Bulma watched this entire interaction unfold and silently wondered why her dad wouldn't let them in the shop.
That's strange; dad usually has no problem letting people in the shop. He must suspect something. She thought as she started to sneak away to her room.
"Dear, I'd like you to join the interview as well, so don't stray too far!" her dad said as she tried to make her escape. She turned a corner and was surprised to see Andre Eight pressed against the wall.
"Geez! Andre, you scared me." she said as he put a hand to his face, telling her to quiet down.
"Those men. I think one of them used to visit Muscle Tower." He said, trying to hide. It took a few moments, but then Bulma caught on to what he was saying.
"You mean!" She shouted as she then covered her own mouth in surprise. Andre Eight nodded.
"The man calling himself Agent Goldstein. He was always nice to me. But he worked for the Red Ribbon army. Gold. He said he was friends with the doctors that made me."
"Wait you spoke with him?" Bulma said, cracking her knuckles.
"Before. Yes. When I was locked in the tower." Andre Eight's shoulders sagged as he said this.
"Oh. Uh, hey buddy, it's OK. You aren't trapped anymore." Andre wiped at his eyes.
"Thank you, friend." He said, smiling weakly at her.
"I'll get rid of them." She said, patting Andre's arm. She proceeded downstairs, ready to confront the men.
"Honey, Yamcha's on the phone. He says he wants to talk to you." Her mom said from the kitchen.
"Tell him, I'll call him back mom, I have to help dad with the….where is dad?" She said, realizing that the living room was empty. She searched the surrounding rooms and didn't see him.
"Honey, Yamcha's on the phone." Her mom said, walking into the room, her hand over the receiver.
"Where's dad?" Bulma asked.
"Oh your father took those nice young men out back to share some of his cigars." She said, trying to hand Bulma the phone.
"I'll call him back." Bulma said, rushing out to the backyard. "They're from the Red Ribbon Army dad!" She yelled out as she burst out the back door.
"They were just telling me that dear." Dr. Briefs said, smoking his cigarette, his cigar box in hand. "Go ahead, Agent Gold...or do you prefer Goldstein?"
"Either is fine, thank you." He said, playing with his earring again. "So as I was saying, I used to be a member of the Red Ribbon Army. Agent Black was as well. However, even before that old man and your daughter destroyed their base, I was starting to worry about how things were going. Commanders were leaving, and it seemed like we were doing more harm than good. My family was all in the army, but it never felt right to me. I asked the Universe for a sign, and well it gave it to me. When I heard that Muscle Tower fell, I left. I decided to start a new life, and then, Agent Black found me. He was affected by the Red Ribbon army too. A tool in their grand evil design, and he made it out. He and WATER recruited me to do good. It's funny. I left one giant organization, only to join another. Do you believe in redemption, Dr. Briefs?" Gold asked, wiping away tears.
Dr. Briefs took a long drag on his cigarette and thought for a moment. He looked from Bulma to Agent Black and back to Agent Gold. He opened the box he was holding and handed both men a cigar. He set the box down, pet his cat, and spoke. "I'd say yes. I was once young and foolish. Before I dedicated my life to science, I used to lie and tell people I was the best cook in the world. I'd keep food from different restaurants in my fridge, and reheat them when I had guests. I'd add some salt or garlic for a bit of extra flavor and pass it off as my own. It's cooking, I'd say. You can't plagiarize a meal! Oh I was foolish then. Then I met my wife. She really is an amazing cook, and oh so beautiful! I couldn't lie to a face that beautiful. I was so ashamed when I came clean to her, but by God, that woman accepted me anyway." Dr. Briefs took another puff of his cigar and wiped away his tears with the sleeve of his coat. Bulma stifled her laughter because she could tell her dad was being serious. She coughed, taking a few steps back, trying not to breathe in any of the smoke.
She looked over to see Agent Gold had been wiping away tears as well. Oh, brother, she thought.
"Thank you for sharing that with me." Agent Gold said, wiping away more tears. "That makes me feel a lot better. Also, I don't smoke, but I appreciate the gesture." Agent Gold said, tapping his breast pocket. The cigar sat nestled between two pens. "I shall keep it as a sign of new friendships." He smiled and wiped more tears away. "I really hope I can make a positive change in this world someday." He stood still for a moment, soaking in the sun, and then bowed. "Thank you for having us, we'll be in touch about follow-up visits." He said, handing Dr. Briefs his card. "It's a shame I never thought of coming to work here." He said with a longing expression.
"We can't lose one of our best men!" Agent Black said, laughing nervously. His eyes darted across the room as if scanning every corner. He took a puff of the cigar he had and crossed his arms. He looked as if he wanted to say something else but stopped himself. He looked over at Agent Gold, and his face contorted for a moment. Bulma swore that for a brief second, his eyes softened, and his shoulders sagged; his mouth seemed to twitch into a frown as if he was feeling guilt and shame, but it was instantly followed by disgust. She shook her head; she must have imagined it because it all seemed to happen in under a second. If she blinked, she would have missed it.
The two men left, leaving Bulma to ponder whether she believed them or not.
"Dad, do you believe them?" She asked, feeling a pit forming in her stomach.
"I believe that Agent Gold believes what he says. I've never heard of W.A.T.E.R, but I believe that he believes it is nothing like the Red Ribbon Army."
"So you believe him?" she asked, confused why her dad didn't just say yes or no. "You don't think they're up to some nefarious plan?"
"I think Gold really wants to make a positive change like he said he does. Are you sure, your teacher eliminated all members of the Red Ribbon Army?" He asked, stroking his mustache. "Aside from these two that is," he added.
"I think so," Bulma said, thinking about Gohan.
"Well there's been not a peep from those bastards since you guys took them down, so I'm sure you did. They're not the type to stay quiet." He said, gnawing at the end of his cigar.
Bulma nodded but remained silent, quietly wondering what the future would bring. She sighed. Hopefully, this was just her nerves from earlier getting the best of her. The man in the woods. Ex-Red ribbon men coming to her door. The Tournament a few weeks away. It had to be her nerves.
A few weeks passed, and it was finally the first day of the World Tournament. Nothing had come of the Red Ribbon's visit to Capsule Corp, aside from additional visits from Agent Gold, who met with Dr. Briefs to help with his landscaping. Krillin and Yamcha had finished their training for the Tournament with Bora, as Roshi had told them that he needed to help the Ox-King find an ancient herb. In actuality, Roshi wanted alone time so that he could train in peace. This lead to Andre Eight staying and defending the Sacred Land of Korin so that Bora and Upa could attend the Tournament and cheer on Krillin and Yamcha.
Meanwhile, Chi Chi had continued her training with the Crane School. She decided to stay at the school and live there for the remaining weeks, just like the other student. She had a hard time staying silent, and Master Shen threatened to kick her out three times, but each time he rescinded, holding onto the potential look of betrayal on Roshi's face when he saw that he poached his student. Chi Chi roomed with Yurin, and the two began to develop a mutual understanding. Yurin started to see Chi Chi as an older sister, while Chi Chi saw her as a good acquaintance. Roshi, Krillin, Yamcha, Bulma, and the others were gathered at the front entrance waiting for Chi Chi's arrival.
"Do you guys really think she is going to show?" Krillin asked, scanning the area for Chi Chi, "I mean we haven't seen her in weeks!"
"Where has she been all that time?" Yamcha asked Bulma as he too scanned the area for his friend. "I know you know where she's been." Yamcha asked, trepidation clinging to the edge of his voice.
"Oh, my Chi Chi will be here!" The Ox-King chimed in as he walked up to the group. "She said she had to make some last-minute changes to her Gi and that she'd meet us inside." He bellowed as the wind caused the flag he had strapped to his back to flutter. It read, Proud Father of Princess Chi Chi, future Champion!"
"Hey, that reminds me, did you guys ever find that herb you and Master Roshi were looking for?" Yamcha asked him as they made their way towards the registration table. Just then, Roshi came zooming in, pulling the Ox-King away before he could respond.
"Only fighters are allowed at the registration table!" He said as he motioned for Bulma and the others to follow him. "Now go you two and register, tell me if you see that Jackie Chun guy, I want his autograph!" He yelled at Yamcha and Krillin, shooing them away. Roshi sighed and dusted off his suit. "Hey, uh, Ox? Can you go and get me and the ladies some refreshments? Looking at these hotties, has me all parched!" He said as a group of women holding Pamput signs walked by.
"Uh OK Master, but what was Yamcha tal-"
"Oh dear, so hot….getting weak.." Roshi said, pretending to faint. The Ox-King gasped and ran to the nearest concession stand to get Roshi water.
"OK, so I'm going to need some help. I need you all to cover for me while I go change into costume." Roshi said, looking around quickly. "The wig's here in my bag.." He gasped out, desperately looking for an area to change.
"What do you need to change for you old kook?" Oolong said, confused as he looked to Launch or Bulma for an answer. He took one look at the wig, and it all came together. "You're Jackie…!" but before he could scream out the rest, Roshi pounced on him.
"Hush your mouth porker, don't blow my cover!" He whispered in his ear as he slowly stepped back from him.
"But I can't lie to Yamcha!" Puar squeaked nervously from behind Launch.
Master Roshi dusted himself off and sighed. "Fine. I'll come clean after this Tournament, but only after!"
"Uh I got water, slushies, popcorn, and food!" the ox-King said as he rushed back to the group. He pushed Roshi's head back and emptied a bottle of water into Roshi's mouth, causing the old hermit to cough and splutter.
"I see the old codger needs a sippy cup to drink his water!" Master Shen's voice rang out from behind the group. "Did you all remember to back his diapers and bib? Can't believe they let old fossils like you out of the retirement home without competent supervision." Shen howled with laughter at his own jokes.
"Who you calling a fossil you dinosaur?" Roshi quipped back.
"Hey Chi Chi, you didn't tell me you were training with the Crane school!" the Ox-King bellowed as he ran over and lifted his daughter into the air to hug her. As Ox set Chi Chi down, Roshi noticed her gi was green with gold trim around the neck and arms. Her undershirt was orange, and her belt was striped red and blue. However, the first thing Roshi noticed before all this was the logo emblazoned across the front with crane school marking. Chi Chi turned her head, trying to avoid his gaze.
Master Shen snickered, "Looks like even your students can't stand you. At least this child knows real strength. We had to rebuild her from the ground up since she learned nothing but crap under your tutelage." Shen turned and led his students, Chi Chi included, to the registration table.
Roshi remained silent as the crane school walked away. The Ox-king began to chuckle nervously. "I'm sure my Chi Chi is just playing some kind of joke, she'll be back soon." He sighed as he watched his daughter continue walking with Tien and the others. "She loves training with you Master, I'm sure she was just curious, you know kids….please don't turn her away from your dojo master….master?" The ox-King asked, but Roshi was lost in thought.
Roshi watched as Chi Chi walked off with Tien and Chiatzou and thought back to his days' training alongside Shen. He felt a pang of sadness that Chi Chi wanted to train with them, but he was mainly concerned. Since Gohan passed, she seemed singularly focused on getting stronger. There were glimpses of herself there, but he hoped that the Crane school didn't negatively affect her.
Yamcha and Krillin passed by them, and he felt a sense of recognition and pride in their growth. From what Roshi could tell, gauging by their current output, it appeared that Tieshinhan was the strongest, followed closely by Yamcha, Chi Chi, then Krillin. The new generation was getting strong, and he was proud to be able to have a hand in that. He sighed and ran off to hide and change before Yamcha and Krillin could spot him.
"Hey, where'd Master Roshi go, I saw him standing with you guys a second ago?" Krillin asked as he walked up to Bulma and the others.
"We were going to tell him that we saw Chi chi with another school! Is that why she wasn't training with us as much?" Yamcha asked, sounding a little hurt.
Bulma sighed, filled them in on Chi Chi's personal training, and assured them that she was OK. Just then, a tall man with a red mohawk walked up to the group.
"Hello there Ms. Briefs, I thought that it was you." Agent Gold said, smiling, holding a stick of cotton candy.
"What are you doing here Agent Gold?" Bulma said, surprised by his appearance. Yamcha hovered near Bulma, looking the man up and down.
"Yeah pal, what business do you have with my girlfriend?" Yamcha asked, crossing his arms and puffing his chest out.
"You must be Yamcha; Mrs. Briefs mentioned you were quite handsome. Nice to meet you Yamcha, my name is Gebo Gold, I'm from the World's Agency for Technology, Energy, and Robotics." Agent Gold stuck his hand out for Yamcha to shake. "I'm here at the request of my father." He said, looking a little nervous. He insisted I accompany Agent Black, although it appears I have lost sight of my comrade. It was nice to meet you all; I must go. Bulma, tell your parents, thank you for the hospitality." With that, Agent Gold walked off in search of Agent Black.
"That was weird," Krillin said as the man walked away.
"Hey so who was that guy Bulma?" Yamcha asked, trying his best not to sound jealous.
Attention fighters, the registration table is now closed; please begin to make your way to the tents. We will begin the preliminaries in 15 minutes.
"Oh he was just some government agent who wanted to talk to my dad about his work. He and his friend are Ex-Red Ribbon. He's nice. His partner...not so much. I don't think there's anything to worry about with him." she said dreamily, as Pamput walked by, followed by a pack of girls clamoring for his autograph.
"Red Ribbon!" Krillin proclaimed. "We better keep an eye on them." He said, nodding at Yamcha.
"Keep an eye on who?" A voice proclaimed from behind them.
"Nam!" they all exclaimed with excitement, happy to see their old friend.
"It's good to see you all too! Look who I found, it's Master Ro...A..Jackie, it is Master Jackie Chun." he said nervously.
"Hey Jackie!" they proclaimed with excitement.
"Hey boys. Good to see you both again. Sorry I had to beat ya both and take the Gold, hope you youngin's improved!"
"Hey, you bet we did!" Yamcha exclaimed with pride. "You'll see that we're not the same fighters as last time!"
Jackie Chun smiled in approval as the two young fighters beamed with pride.
Fighter's, please make your way to the fighting tents; the preliminary rounds will be starting in 10 minutes.
"Well I look forward to that!" he proclaimed.
"Good Luck everyone!" Bulma shouted as they left
"We'll be cheering for all of you!" Launch echoed.
The fighters made their way to the tents. The rest of the group decided to walk around and shop while they waited for finals.
Once in the designated area, Krillin and Yamcha felt their excitement rise. They did a quick scan of the room to see all the competitors.
"Looks like quite a few strong turnouts this year!" Yamcha said, clenching his fist in excitement. "I'm pumped!"
"Yeah, me too!" Krillin echoed as he tightened his belt.
"There you guys are!" Chi Chi's voice rang out as she ran towards them. Krillin turned his head away from her.
"What do you want?" He asked, crossing his arms, in an attempt to appear aloof.
"I just wanted to say good luck! I look forward to training with you guys again when this is all done." As she said this, she felt her face get red, and her eyes begin to tear up. She began to rub her eyes and look away.
"Huh? What's wrong Chi Chi?" Yamcha gasped out.
"You guys hate me now, because I trained with the Crane School. Master Roshi will never forgive me for training with his enemy." Chi Chi began to sob,
"H-hey, don't cry now Chi Chi, w-we, don't hate you…." Yamcha said nervously, laughing. "P-please don't cry."
Krillin still refused to look at Chi Chi.
"Hey, little girl.." Jackie Chun started. "I can't speak for Master Roshi, but I can speak as an experienced fighter. Sometimes in our quest for strength, other things don't seem as important. As long as you never forget your training, and stay true to the core teachings, you will never forsake your mentors." Yamcha and Krillin grew quiet. Chi Chi stopped sobbing and looked up at Jackie. "Did you move and learn well? Are you trying to live your life to be the best you can be?"
Chi Chi wiped her eyes and began to straighten up. "I'm trying.."
"Remember, as long as you follow those tenants, you will always be with the Turtle school."
I knew it! Yamcha thought. That IS Master Roshi! That explains how Jackie won the Tournament last time and how Master Roshi suddenly had all that money.
Chi Chi softened up and sighed. "Maybe you're right."
Krillin turned to her and softened a bit as well. "Well… we don't hate you…" His tone changed, and he started barking in anger, "but you didn't have to wear their marking!" He said, pointing at the kanji on her gi.
"I was curious too, why you chose to wear their symbol?" Yamcha asked, stroking his chin. "We missed you at training ya know, so…" He looked over at Master Roshi. "I guess we're just a little shocked to see you like this is all."
Chi Chi wiped her eyes and crossed her arms. "Well, it's not like I wanted to! But if I was going to train with that Baldie…" as she emphasized this, her eyes darted to Krillin. "I had to promise I would."
As if on command, Tien and Chiatzou walked up. "Don't let these buffoons get under your skin," Tien said, smirking. He stood with his chest out, and his head leaned up and back. "These losers aren't worth your time or breath, don't waste either on them."
"Who are you calling a loser?" Yamcha said, shoving his finger under Tien's face.
"They're not too bright either it seems," Tien said without flinching.
"Ha. You guys are idiots." Chiatzou said. His face remained expressionless.
"We'll make you eat those words, you smug bastard!" Yamcha said, cracking his knuckles and neck." He and Krillin got into their fighting stance.
"Save it for the ring!" Jackie Chun said, raising his hand to intervene. "No sense in scuffling now, and getting yourselves disqualified!"
"The old man's right," Tien said, smiling. "I won't be able to win the tournament if I let an idiot like you get me disqualified." He turned and walked away, fading into the crowd, as Yamcha was left growling in anger. Chi Chi wiped away the rest of her tears and puffed out her chest, putting on her brave face.
"I'll show that guy not to talk down to me!" Yamcha said, taking a deep breath and crossing his arms in anger. "I hope I see him in the ring soon and show him who's boss!"
As this was happening, the attendants had gathered to determine the schedule for the preliminary matches. In total, there were 208 registered fighters for the Tournament that would be split into eight groups. The winner of each group would secure their position in the World Martial Arts Tournament. The attendants determined that five of the groups would hold 32 fighters while the other three groups would have 16 fighters. Each individual match would consist of one-minute bouts, with a maximum of three bouts per round. As there were only four rings, the attendants struggled to decide how to schedule each match.
"Hey, Krillin, what group were you assigned to bud?" Yamcha asked, hoping he wasn't in the same group as his friend.
"Um... I'm in group 6 I think, the first 16 man….but it seems more confusing than last time right?" Krillin said, scratching his head at the bracketing.
Jackie Chun walked over to them and chuckled. "I think it's pretty simple youngster. Win out and get in. Let's just hope we don't have to eliminate each other before the big one!" He laughed as he showed his group two assignment. Krillin and Yamcha sighed a breath of relief.
"Well, where did you get assigned Yamcha?" Krillin asked.
"Group one…. You guys see Chi Chi or Nam?" Yamcha asked, but the other two shook their head. "I guess we'll have to wait and see." he said calmly.
"Attention fighters the schedule has been determined. Fighter's from group one please follow Ping to your assigned ring!" A portly attendant waved a flag, motioning for them to follow. Yamcha bid his farewell to his friends and scanned the other 31 fighters to see if he recognized a face.
"OK. fighters from group two, please follow Za to your assigned ring!" A tall, lanky attendant walked over, motioning the group-two fighter's to follow. Roshi followed the group up to the ring but did not recognize any of his opponents.
"Oh Krillin! There you are my friend. I was looking for you and the others. I saw Chi Chi, she said she was assigned to group five, and that her new friends were in groups three and eight. I'm in group seven. How about yourself?" Nam said proudly, showing his group assignment. Krillin showed off his number, and the two smiled, relieved they did not have to face off in the same preliminary group.
"So let's see… Yamcha is in group one, Jackie is in two….Chi Chi is in five, I'm in six and you're in seven...Alright! That means we all have a chance to see each other in the main event!" Krillin felt a surge of excitement go through him.
"Attention Fighters! To be clear, the preliminaries will continue as follows: The first round for groups one thru four will begin shortly. Immediately afterward, group five will have all the arenas for their first round. Once that is over we will begin the second round of matches for groups one thru four, followed by the second round for group five, as well as the first round for groups six thru eight. Then we'll have the third round for groups one thru four, and immediately afterward the third round for five and the second round for groups six thru eight. Then it will continue in that fashion until we have our winners!" The attendant was visibly sweating and stammered throughout his entire announcement.
Yamcha and Jackie knocked out their respective opponents in under 30 seconds. Tien, who had been fighting in arena three, had managed to knock his opponent unconscious. The first round for groups one thru four ended within a matter of 20 minutes, and it was group five's turn to start.
Chi Chi kicked her opponent into the ceiling during her match, where he remained until the end of the round. Once the attendants found the ladder and pulled him down, it was time for round two for groups one thru four.
Once again, Yamcha, Tien, and Roshi made short work of their opponents, while a mysterious masked fighter punched his opponent so hard that the fighter flew thru a wall. Round Two concluded, and it was time for groups five thru eight to take the stage.
Chi Chi once again kicked her opponent straight into the ceiling, causing the attendants to scold her and tell her that she had to get her opponent down herself if she wanted to advance. Meanwhile, Krillin was so excited to finally get into the ring that the first punch he threw broke his opponent's nose, causing the man to run out of the tent crying. Nam won his first match, and the group was ecstatic that things were going so well.
Yamcha's next match proved to be a challenge. Something about his opponent looked familiar, and he couldn't quite place what it was. While lost in thought, he missed an attack and lost the first bout. He pushed back, getting enough points to win the second bout when suddenly it struck him.
"King Chappa!" He shouted in disbelief, momentarily letting his guard down. King Chappa struck like a viper, landing two quick punches and a kick. Yamcha staggered back and had only seconds to react as King Chappa was about to land a spinning kick. Yamcha felt a deep growl emanate from within him as he used his left arm to block Chappa, then shot his right arm out with deafening ferocity. Chappa flew straight into the audience, taking out a few fighters along the way. Yamcha sighed, thankful that his momentary distraction wasn't his end.
As Yamcha made his way out of the ring, a loud pop and crack rang throughout the tent, followed immediately by a loud scream. All eyes darted to arena four, where the sound originated from. The masked man stood in the center of the ring, arm raised, while his opponent writhed on the ground, holding his crushed hand.
"Woah! What the hell happened?" a voice rang out.
"Looks like he punched the masked guy, and shattered his hand!" another voice replied.
Yamcha looked over to ring two to see Jackie staring on with a severe expression while his opponent vomited and exited the ring. Yamcha looked over to see what the fighters in the third ring were doing, and he caught a quick glimpse of Tien standing there with his eyes wide with disbelief. Yamcha felt a pit building in his stomach.
"I think I'm going to be sick!" A few voices rang out.
"How'd he break his arm?" another voice yelled out.
"Goes to show what improper form will do to ya!" A voice responded ignorantly. A few collective gasps followed.
"Whichever idiot said that doesn't deserve to be in this room." A voice rang out, cutting thru the noise. Yamcha looked over at Roshi and was confused when he stiffened and clenched his fists. He turned to find who was speaking. He spotted Chi Chi angrily pushing her way thru the crowd towards the voice.
"Seriously. Whoever said that needs to leave. Anyone with eyes could see that there was nothing wrong with that pathetic wimp's form." The voice said again. By this point, the masked man had crossed his arms and sauntered off, his pants glimmering in the light like a disco dancer. "His hand shattered because he was too weak to stop it from happening. Count yourselves lucky there are rules prohibiting killing. Especially those stupid enough to enter the ring with me!" At this point, Chi Chi had located the source of the voice and was ready to strike. Yamcha and Roshi pounced, pulling her back as she tried clawing at Mercenary Tao.
"Let me go! He killed Gohan!" Chi Chi said, biting back tears. Yamcha let her go for a moment the moment she said this.
"Chiatzou!" Tien shouted.
Chi Chi flew into the air like a rabid animal. Her fist was inches from Tao's face before she was frozen in mid-air, mere inches from punching Tao in the nose.
"Put your pet on a leash, Tienshinhan, or I'll have to put it down." Tao spat at Tien, who immediately averted his gaze. "Well, what could you expect from a mongrel trained by this weakling." He said, pointing toward Master Roshi. He sighed and walked away, barking at the attendants to continue. Chiatzou let Chi Chi down.
They tried to continue the match, but everyone from group four, minus the masked man, left.
"Um...well...it looks like we have our first finalist, folks. The Blue Devil advances…." the attendants said, still in shock by what happened.
"I'll kill him!" Chi Chi yelled, trying to push her way past the fighters. Yamcha and Roshi got in her way, reminding her that she had a match coming up. She pushed past them and strolled into the ring. Her opponent lumbered in with a cocky smile and patted her lightly on the head. The minute the match started, she spun around kicked him square in the jaw with the full force of her attack. Teeth clattered to the ground as he bounced out of the tent. The entire time, she stared at Tao with malicious intent in her eyes.