The Crane School students found themselves in the Preliminary building away from the audiences, taking notice of the Turtle school students changing into their uniforms. Tien turning to Chiaotzu as the Temple priest explained the rules of the preliminaries. "Chiaotzu, make sure the three of us are in different blocks… try to see if you can make sure the Turtle school losers are broken up as well."

"There is no need for that. If they lose to someone else, then fine. We don't need to split them up. It may even be better for them to fight each other." Tarble spoke up, not liking the idea of fixing the fights already. He knew the Crane school normally took advantage if they needed to, but both he and Tien developed an enjoyment of fighting someone one on one. It allowed them to prove their skills, even if the opponent was weaker than them.

"I much rather fight and defeat them in front of their friends. Don't worry. We will be able to defeat them without issue. We are easily the strongest here." Tien said to reassure Tarble, not getting his intention to not fix the fights. Chiaotzu using his telekinesis to make sure the Crane school students and Turtle School students were all in separate blocks. A happy accident to allow for Jackie Chun to be placed in a separate block as well.

The calling of Preliminary matches begins, Yamcha called to show off his training with Master Roshi. Following up with a mock by Tien and his showing off of simple skills. Tarble called up for his own match up. Standing before him was a young woman, a finalist from last year known as Ranfan. She saw the other competitors from the last tournament and was seeming to have lost confidence. She stood before the young man, shaking her head to get into the game with a smile.

"Hey there cutie… Hope you play nice with me." Ranfan said attempting to be flirty with Tarble. Winking at him getting into a fighting stance. Tarble could see through her weak points in the stance and waited for the call to start.

Once it was done, she charged toward him and attempted to side kick him. Tarble lifting his arm to allow for the kick to make contact to his side and closing his arm around her leg and locking her in. "You shouldn't treat battle as a playtime." Tarble said, twisting his body and throwing her easily out of the ring and into a few of the fighters watching in hopes she would resort to her strip tease. Instead the first battle for Tarble was a simple ring out. "Sorry, but if this is the best you all can muster on me… You might as well give up now."

Krillin, Yamcha, and Goku remarking that the battle ended to soon, and with a weaker opponent it was not much of a show. They were worried only because he was purposely hiding his strength, Krillin and Yamcha more worried then Goku actually. Goku was excited to see if someone could bring out more of his skill to judge his strength better.

A series of new fights continues, with Tarble's greatest opponent in the preliminaries making himself known near the end. A young boxer named Panpoot takes the stage with Tarble. The young human smiling as his previous fights did not make much of a challenge. It was obvious that his past wins were starting to make him more and more confident. Standing before Tarble and smirking as he thought this opponent would be just as easy.

"Sorry if I take you out to quickly. I will try to make a show of it." Panpoot mocked as he struck out quickly to show off his speed. Entering a battle stance suddenly and waiting for the call.

Tarble's eyes turning to Goku who was watching the fight once more, hoping to get an idea of how strong he was. His gaze turning to Panpoot once more as the ring was called. Panpoot rushing the young saiyan, striking at him with fast blows. Instead of making contact though, Tarble placed his hand in front of each strike to block.

"You show is boring…" Tarble said as his hand closed on Panpoot's fist, holding him as the human attempted to pull away. Tarble's other arm vanishing with such speed, Panpoot's eyes suddenly rolling back. Tarble then taking hold of Panpoot and laying him onto the ring softly. "Please announce his knock out." He said to the ref, checking Panpoot and declaring his victory. Looking at Goku who only seemed more excited finally seeing a intended attack.

As the Preliminaries close, the ending eight show as Yamcha, Krillin, Goku, Tien, Chiaotzu, Tarble, Jackie Chun, and Man-wolf. The eight lined up to be reminded the rules as well as to draw lots. Tien once more having Chiaotzu fix the fights, Tien wanting to teach Yamcha a lesson and see what Jackie Chun could do.

~Tarble, is there someone you wish to fight? If you're afraid to fight this Goku, I can take him on instead.~ Chiaotzu asked as Yamcha was called to pick his lot.

~Do not touch mine or any other fighter's lots other then the ones Tien asked for. I don't like fixing fights to our favor. It means we are not being challenged.~ Tarble responded looking toward Goku. ~Part of me wants to fight him, to see what kind of person he really is. I want to find out if he is what I expect him to be like.~

Lots being drawn, and the match ups end up the same as the show, with the exception of match four being Goku VS Tarble. How will this fight end? Let's find out in the next chapter!

Next chapter: What kind of man are you?

Power levels (for those who care)

Tarble – 210 (shown level of power 150)
Goku- 180
Tien-190
Chiaotzu- 130
Roshi (Jackie Chun) -139
Yamcha – 140
Krillin – 160
Man wolf – 50
Master Shen – 120