Dragon Ball Next Generation
The Grey Saga
Part 2: The Sacrifice
Chapter 5
I felt ridiculous. I walked up to the registration booth, trying to keep out of sight. Of course, that was impossible with my outfit. The monk at registration looked up at me, not in the least bit surprised.
"Name please?" He asked sarcastically.
"I... um... am the uh..." I lowered my voice to a whisper, "The Great Sayiaman." The monk at registration just sighed, and put TGS III on the paper. Well, at least I wasn't the only one wearing this idiot costume. The monk looked up at, expecting something.
"Well, aren't you going to do any poses?" He asked, his voice hinting that he wanted it to be over with.
"Oh! Right! Um..." Realizing that I was completely unprepared to do anything like this, I panicked. I did a messy flip, ending with one bent over my head, the other stuck strait out, and one leg bent in the air, while shouting:
"The Great Sayiaman!" I couldn't believe my ancestor had actually done this stuff on purpose.
"Not very impressive. Maybe you should ask the other Sayiamen for help." The monk said, then signaled for the next person. I hung my head in shame and embarrassment as I walked away.
I had spent the last week at Master Roshi's island, while he prepared me for what I would have to do at the tournament. We also had to devise a plan to get me into the Adult Division. Only those sixteen and above were allowed participate, the younger ones had to fight in a Junior Division. Luckily, I was tall for my age, and my physique was definitely not that of a fourteen-year-old, so with a disguise, no one would question my age. We (by "we", I mean Roshi) decided to use the Great Sayiaman costume because there were always a couple in the Budoukais, so no one would think it strange.
I made my way to the preliminaries. Basically, out of all the participants, only sixteen are chosen to fight. A punching machine eliminates the others. You punch it, and it tells you how powerful your punch is. The sixteen with the highest score go on to the finals. It's a pretty bad way to determine the world's strongest fighters, if you ask me.
As the line progressed, I caught sight of the two other Great Sayiamen in front of me. One was short and a little fat, and the other was scrawny. The suit barely fit around him. They seemed to be having an argument over whose pose was the best. Neither of them were very strong though, and only scored an eight and five on the punching machine. I sighed in relief as I realized I wouldn't have to put up with them.
By watching the others hit the machine, and what scores they got, I was able to determine how hard I should punch the machine and be assured of a spot in the finals, while not causing to much of an uproar. Master Roshi had advised me not to show my true strength, so that I would be underestimated if I was recruited into the cult. Surprise would be helpful, incase I found that I needed to fight.
When my turn came, I took an overly dramatic stance at the machine. I yelled and swung. I stopped my fist a millimeter away from the machine. The force of my blow was enough. Digital numbers appeared above, flashing a "98". I smiled. The majority of the group had gotten lower then fifty, and only two had gotten over a hundred, so I was almost guaranteed a spot in the finals. When all the entries had had their turn at the machine, the finals' spots were determined. Out of sixteen, I had the sixth highest score.
We then drew numbers for places in the bracket. I drew ten. My first opponent was a big guy, a professional wrestler who was looking to prove himself. He signed up as "The Crusher", his stage name. We turned toward each other, and he gave me a confident smile. He thought he had and easy win.
The Junior Division was first, so we had to wait to fight. We could either watch the Junior Division or rest the waiting area. I really wasn't interested in watching kids fight, so I headed to the waiting area.
When I entered, there were signs directing me toward the showers/bathrooms, bedrooms, and a cafeteria. It had been a little over an hour since I had eaten last, so I headed toward the latter. I found a buffet, and stuffed a plate full of food. I sat down and dove in.
When I was on my third plate, some of the other finalists entered. One of them was The Crusher. They marveled at the mountain of food in front of me, and at the way I demolished it. My opponent shook his head.
"What an amateur. Everyone knows you shouldn't eat right before a fight." My mouth was stuffed with rice and egg rolls, so I didn't bother to reply. Really, I didn't know what they were talking about; I was always able to fight better on a full stomach. They stayed for a few moments, then one mentioned that he was going to be sick, and they left.
I dropped my chopsticks, turned, and caught an apple that had been thrown at my head. I looked at my attacker. It was Ubuu Rykuu, the defending champion of the last Budoukai (Author's Note: Ubuu is a family name, like Son, not Ubuu himself). The dark-skinned warrior smiled. I realized that the apple had been a test.
"The last Budoukai was a joke. I really had no competition. Hopefully, this year will be different." He said. I understood what he meant. Six years ago, he had come in third place, after being defeated by Angelina. Then, their strength had been almost on par with each other. Obviously, he was looking for a challenge like that again. He was a true warrior.
"Though, I don't see what you need to wear a disguise for, Sayiaman. What are you trying to hide?" I remained silent. Rykuu studied me, sizing me up.
"You don't look it, but I can tell you're strong. I'll see you in the final round." He said, and then walked away. I just turned and resumed eating.
***
I watched as a man was carried out on a stretcher, groaning in pain. Another limped off the arena. My match was up. The Announcer, a beautiful, red-hired woman, leapt on the arena, announcing us as we entered the ring.
The Crusher grinned as he waved to the crowd. I groaned. He thought it was all just another wrestling match. As he stopped to pose for pictures, I walked up to the arena. I stood there, waiting for him to get up so we could start. I made no attempt to hide my annoyance. The Crusher finally entered with a confident grin on his face.
"You should be grateful. Don't you want to enjoy the last pain-free moments you have!?" He yelled, more to the crowd then to me. I assumed an attack position.
"After all, you only scored a ninety-eight on the punching machine, and I got a hundred and fifteen." He said.
"Strength isn't everything." I said.
"That's what you think. I bet your wearing that disguise 'cause you've got so many scars from entering fights you couldn't win; just like this one." He said. Then a monk hit a gong, and the match began.
Before the sound had even faded in my ears, I was on him. Holding back almost all my strength, I kicked him in the gut. A surprised and painful look crossed his face as he fell to the ground. Deeply satisfied, I turned away and walked toward the edge, knowing he wouldn't get up. The Announcer began the countdown, and I stepped off when she hit ten. I hoped there weren't anymore fighters like him at this Budoukai.
***
My next opponent was... huge. There is no other way to describe him. In his first match, he used his size to push his opponent out of the ring. He just took up so much space, it seemed impossible to avoid him.
He climbed up to the arena, holding a huge chicken leg that he was finishing when his fight was called. He stuck it in his mouth, and drew it out, nothing left but bone. Disgusted, I watched him as he casually threw it into the audience, which scattered as the bone landed. And I thought my eating habits were bad.
The gong sounded, and I assumed a defensive stance, expecting him to use the same strategy he used in his previous match. He charged at me, just as I expected him to do.
I jumped backwards, landing inches away from the edge of the arena. The huge man saw an easy victory, thinking that I had made a careless mistake. He increased his speed, screaming as he advanced on me.
When he was only half a foot away from me, I ducked and jumped to the side. I stuck my leg out, and hit his shin. With a yelp of surprise, his momentum carried him out of the arena, and he landed hard on the ground.
"By knocking his opponent out of the ring, the Great Saiyaman has won!" The Announcer yelled into the microphone. "He will advance to the semi-finals!"
I walked off the arena. I wished one of the others had joined. At least then I'd get a real fight.
***
Now, the real work began. I had just finished my third match. I had let the guy hit me a couple times, so no one would get the idea of how strong I was, but he was too weak to hurt me. I would be facing Ubuu Rykuu in the Final. But first, I had to test my acting skills.
We had identified the representative from Turmeric's cult. A guy named Charles Grimes. He was one of the main sponsors of the Budoukia, and was granted access to the combatants because of it. Very handy if you wanted to recruit someone.
I spotted Grimes looking out from the entrance of the arena. I also spotted Xander, disguised as one of the monks. I hoped it would work like we planned.
As I walked past Grimes, Xander crossed between us. Grimes, as expected, recognized him as the one who attacked their Champion a week earlier. Both were fixed on each other, so much that Xander didn't notice me as he walked past.
As we bumped, Xander flung his arms up, as if expecting an attack. His hand successfully removed my sunglasses, knocking them to the floor. Xander quickly apologized, and ran off.
I quickly scrambled on the floor, desperately trying to get my sunglasses back on my face. An instant before I replaced them, I looked back at Xander, who gave a quick wink, exposing my face to Grimes.
I stood up, and walked off, acting as nothing had happened. Then, I felt Grimes' breath on my neck as he leaned in close to talk to me.
"If you wish to remain in this division, boy, please, come see me if you win this next match." He hissed, and then walked off.
I smiled. It had worked. Grimes now knew that I was too young to be in this division, which we hoped he would use as blackmail to recruit me. And it looked like he was doing just that. Now, all I had to do was win my last match.
***
"And now, the final round!" I heard the Announcer yell into the mike. "We will see who is truly the strongest!" She swung her had to Rykuu. "First, we have the returning Champion, Ubuu Rykuu!" The crowd was on its feet, their voices almost deafening. "His challenger is The Great Saiyaman!" I am positive there were some crickets chirping for me, somewhere.
"Both competitors won their previous matches easily, so I expect and exciting match! Ready!" Rykuu stared at me, his eyes burning with intensity and focus. Even though I knew that I out powered him, I began to feel excited. Finally, a real warrior!
"Begin!" The gong sounded.
In an instant, Rykuu was on me, attacking furiously with his fists. His attack caught me by surprise, and he landed several hits. Coming to my senses, I blocked his last attack, and leapt away.
With a yell, Rykuu followed me, swinging his leg at my head. I pushed his leg away, and followed up with a punch to his torso, which he blocked and attacked again.
Even though I wasn't using a fourth of my strength, the intensity at which Rykuu fought excited me, and I made sure to stay on par with him, for my own enjoyment as much as my mission.
I ducked a kick and flipped backwards, landing lightly a foot from the edge. Rykuu glared at me, upset about something.
"You're holding back." He stated. I started to protest, but he cut me off. "You were much more skillful in your last fights. I told you, I want a real fight in this Budoukai."
"But, what if my power is too great, and you loose?" I asked.
"The stronger my opponent is, the stronger I become. A true warrior will rise up to the challenge." He said. Even though he had no real idea of what he was up against, I still respected him for it. And I would show my respect, by giving him a real challenge.
Careful not to show my ki, I raised my power to one fourth. I leapt forward, and kneed Rykuu in the gut. He responded by shoving my knee way and slugging my in the face.
I jerked backwards. His speed and strength surprised me. For the amount of ki he I felt, he shouldn't have been able to do that.
Acting on my surprise, he leapt at me with a barrage of attacks. Determined not to raise my ki, I attempted to block most of his attacks, but some got through. He leapt back, and hit me with a kick in the side.
Pain shot though me and I sunk to my knees. It was indescribable. How had his kick hurt me so much? I realized that he had kicked my tail, which was wrapped around my waist, concealed by my shirt.
Gasping, I stood up. The pain was receding fast. I attacked Rykuu, coming in close making him back up as I attacked. I was trying to push him over the edge. He realized what I was doing, and leapt over my head. I made a grab for him, but missed.
As soon as he landed, his foot shot out, and hit me in the waist. I gasped as pain flooded my body. He had found a weakness, and was going to exploit it as often as he could. I would have to guard my tail better, or else, I might loose to someone almost one-fourth my strength.
As the pain receded, I leapt up, and saw Rykuu standing on the opposite side of the arena. His hand griped his other wrist, and he began to yell. Immediately, a small ball of ki appeared in his hand. Clearly, I had underestimated my opponent.
Surprisingly, he didn't throw it. Instead, he ran at me, his hand extended. I realized that while he could manipulate his ki, he hadn't gained enough mastery over it yet to throw the ball.
I extended my hand, and a ball of ki appeared at my palm. Holding it like Rykuu, I ran at him. We met in the center of the arena, and our ki balls collided. Sweating, Rykuu screamed as he pushed, trying to overcome me. He was so focused on me, that his own ball of ki was growing unstable. I realized that if he continued like this, his own hand might be blow off by his own attack.
The ki disappeared in my hand, and I moved to avoid his own ball of ki. I struck with my knee, finding his gut. This was more to prevent him from falling on his own attack then to hurt him, but I had to make it look like I was trying to fight him. As he coughed up blood, his ki flew wildly from his hand, and exploded on the arena floor. A crater, deep enough to see the dirt below the arena, was formed.
I lowered my knee, and Rykuu dropped to the floor, gasping for breath. With his strength, using his ki must have been very difficult, and it had almost completely exhausted him. But, he still got up.
Spitting out the blood from his mouth, he glared at me. His eyes were past determination, or the will to fight. He looked as if he was possessed. I knew I had to end it soon, or else he might kill himself trying to beat me. I began to wonder if he had Saiya-jin blood in him.
"YAAAAA!" He screamed as he leapt at me. His punches, although lacking power, were still precise and accurate. Even though he was tired, I still found it difficult to block all his attacks at my waist without using more power.
Finally, he spun with a backhand at my head. I blocked it, not realizing his true intent. He had simultaneously attacked with his hand and foot, which had found its mark. I was on the ground once again. But this time, he did not wait for me to recover. He began to kick my waist again, over and over. I screamed in agony after each blow. The pain became so great that my sight began to blur, and then turn dark. And then, his attack stopped. I looked up, and saw him bending over me, blood still dripping from his mouth, gasping for air. He had completely used the last of his energy in his burst of attacks. He had been a worth opponent, and I would not let his defeat look foolish.
I struggled to get to my feet, no longer acting. I leapt back, and jumped at him, my foot aimed for his stomach. It hit, and with a grunt, the dark- skinned warrior flew into the air, landing just outside of the arena.
The audience erupted. I was shocked to find them still there. I had completely forgotten about the great mass of spectators during my battle, and I would have had it no other way. Slowly, I saw Rykuu get to his feet. He looked at me, not as a defeated man, but as a true warrior who had accepted his defeat, and would strive to learn and grow stronger.
I pitied him. He was an incredible fighter, and had great skill, but I had realized by fighting him that he had almost reached his limit. He would never to become much stronger, and that saddened me. But, Rykuu didn't seem to realize it, and I knew he would still try to grow stronger. I sincerely hoped he would find a way to break past his barriers. Maybe we could have another fight if he did.
"The Champion of the 136th Tenkiachi Budouakai: The Great Sayiaman!" The Announcer yelled, lifting up my arm. It hit me then: I had just been deemed the strongest person in the world!
The Grey Saga
Part 2: The Sacrifice
Chapter 5
I felt ridiculous. I walked up to the registration booth, trying to keep out of sight. Of course, that was impossible with my outfit. The monk at registration looked up at me, not in the least bit surprised.
"Name please?" He asked sarcastically.
"I... um... am the uh..." I lowered my voice to a whisper, "The Great Sayiaman." The monk at registration just sighed, and put TGS III on the paper. Well, at least I wasn't the only one wearing this idiot costume. The monk looked up at, expecting something.
"Well, aren't you going to do any poses?" He asked, his voice hinting that he wanted it to be over with.
"Oh! Right! Um..." Realizing that I was completely unprepared to do anything like this, I panicked. I did a messy flip, ending with one bent over my head, the other stuck strait out, and one leg bent in the air, while shouting:
"The Great Sayiaman!" I couldn't believe my ancestor had actually done this stuff on purpose.
"Not very impressive. Maybe you should ask the other Sayiamen for help." The monk said, then signaled for the next person. I hung my head in shame and embarrassment as I walked away.
I had spent the last week at Master Roshi's island, while he prepared me for what I would have to do at the tournament. We also had to devise a plan to get me into the Adult Division. Only those sixteen and above were allowed participate, the younger ones had to fight in a Junior Division. Luckily, I was tall for my age, and my physique was definitely not that of a fourteen-year-old, so with a disguise, no one would question my age. We (by "we", I mean Roshi) decided to use the Great Sayiaman costume because there were always a couple in the Budoukais, so no one would think it strange.
I made my way to the preliminaries. Basically, out of all the participants, only sixteen are chosen to fight. A punching machine eliminates the others. You punch it, and it tells you how powerful your punch is. The sixteen with the highest score go on to the finals. It's a pretty bad way to determine the world's strongest fighters, if you ask me.
As the line progressed, I caught sight of the two other Great Sayiamen in front of me. One was short and a little fat, and the other was scrawny. The suit barely fit around him. They seemed to be having an argument over whose pose was the best. Neither of them were very strong though, and only scored an eight and five on the punching machine. I sighed in relief as I realized I wouldn't have to put up with them.
By watching the others hit the machine, and what scores they got, I was able to determine how hard I should punch the machine and be assured of a spot in the finals, while not causing to much of an uproar. Master Roshi had advised me not to show my true strength, so that I would be underestimated if I was recruited into the cult. Surprise would be helpful, incase I found that I needed to fight.
When my turn came, I took an overly dramatic stance at the machine. I yelled and swung. I stopped my fist a millimeter away from the machine. The force of my blow was enough. Digital numbers appeared above, flashing a "98". I smiled. The majority of the group had gotten lower then fifty, and only two had gotten over a hundred, so I was almost guaranteed a spot in the finals. When all the entries had had their turn at the machine, the finals' spots were determined. Out of sixteen, I had the sixth highest score.
We then drew numbers for places in the bracket. I drew ten. My first opponent was a big guy, a professional wrestler who was looking to prove himself. He signed up as "The Crusher", his stage name. We turned toward each other, and he gave me a confident smile. He thought he had and easy win.
The Junior Division was first, so we had to wait to fight. We could either watch the Junior Division or rest the waiting area. I really wasn't interested in watching kids fight, so I headed to the waiting area.
When I entered, there were signs directing me toward the showers/bathrooms, bedrooms, and a cafeteria. It had been a little over an hour since I had eaten last, so I headed toward the latter. I found a buffet, and stuffed a plate full of food. I sat down and dove in.
When I was on my third plate, some of the other finalists entered. One of them was The Crusher. They marveled at the mountain of food in front of me, and at the way I demolished it. My opponent shook his head.
"What an amateur. Everyone knows you shouldn't eat right before a fight." My mouth was stuffed with rice and egg rolls, so I didn't bother to reply. Really, I didn't know what they were talking about; I was always able to fight better on a full stomach. They stayed for a few moments, then one mentioned that he was going to be sick, and they left.
I dropped my chopsticks, turned, and caught an apple that had been thrown at my head. I looked at my attacker. It was Ubuu Rykuu, the defending champion of the last Budoukai (Author's Note: Ubuu is a family name, like Son, not Ubuu himself). The dark-skinned warrior smiled. I realized that the apple had been a test.
"The last Budoukai was a joke. I really had no competition. Hopefully, this year will be different." He said. I understood what he meant. Six years ago, he had come in third place, after being defeated by Angelina. Then, their strength had been almost on par with each other. Obviously, he was looking for a challenge like that again. He was a true warrior.
"Though, I don't see what you need to wear a disguise for, Sayiaman. What are you trying to hide?" I remained silent. Rykuu studied me, sizing me up.
"You don't look it, but I can tell you're strong. I'll see you in the final round." He said, and then walked away. I just turned and resumed eating.
***
I watched as a man was carried out on a stretcher, groaning in pain. Another limped off the arena. My match was up. The Announcer, a beautiful, red-hired woman, leapt on the arena, announcing us as we entered the ring.
The Crusher grinned as he waved to the crowd. I groaned. He thought it was all just another wrestling match. As he stopped to pose for pictures, I walked up to the arena. I stood there, waiting for him to get up so we could start. I made no attempt to hide my annoyance. The Crusher finally entered with a confident grin on his face.
"You should be grateful. Don't you want to enjoy the last pain-free moments you have!?" He yelled, more to the crowd then to me. I assumed an attack position.
"After all, you only scored a ninety-eight on the punching machine, and I got a hundred and fifteen." He said.
"Strength isn't everything." I said.
"That's what you think. I bet your wearing that disguise 'cause you've got so many scars from entering fights you couldn't win; just like this one." He said. Then a monk hit a gong, and the match began.
Before the sound had even faded in my ears, I was on him. Holding back almost all my strength, I kicked him in the gut. A surprised and painful look crossed his face as he fell to the ground. Deeply satisfied, I turned away and walked toward the edge, knowing he wouldn't get up. The Announcer began the countdown, and I stepped off when she hit ten. I hoped there weren't anymore fighters like him at this Budoukai.
***
My next opponent was... huge. There is no other way to describe him. In his first match, he used his size to push his opponent out of the ring. He just took up so much space, it seemed impossible to avoid him.
He climbed up to the arena, holding a huge chicken leg that he was finishing when his fight was called. He stuck it in his mouth, and drew it out, nothing left but bone. Disgusted, I watched him as he casually threw it into the audience, which scattered as the bone landed. And I thought my eating habits were bad.
The gong sounded, and I assumed a defensive stance, expecting him to use the same strategy he used in his previous match. He charged at me, just as I expected him to do.
I jumped backwards, landing inches away from the edge of the arena. The huge man saw an easy victory, thinking that I had made a careless mistake. He increased his speed, screaming as he advanced on me.
When he was only half a foot away from me, I ducked and jumped to the side. I stuck my leg out, and hit his shin. With a yelp of surprise, his momentum carried him out of the arena, and he landed hard on the ground.
"By knocking his opponent out of the ring, the Great Saiyaman has won!" The Announcer yelled into the microphone. "He will advance to the semi-finals!"
I walked off the arena. I wished one of the others had joined. At least then I'd get a real fight.
***
Now, the real work began. I had just finished my third match. I had let the guy hit me a couple times, so no one would get the idea of how strong I was, but he was too weak to hurt me. I would be facing Ubuu Rykuu in the Final. But first, I had to test my acting skills.
We had identified the representative from Turmeric's cult. A guy named Charles Grimes. He was one of the main sponsors of the Budoukia, and was granted access to the combatants because of it. Very handy if you wanted to recruit someone.
I spotted Grimes looking out from the entrance of the arena. I also spotted Xander, disguised as one of the monks. I hoped it would work like we planned.
As I walked past Grimes, Xander crossed between us. Grimes, as expected, recognized him as the one who attacked their Champion a week earlier. Both were fixed on each other, so much that Xander didn't notice me as he walked past.
As we bumped, Xander flung his arms up, as if expecting an attack. His hand successfully removed my sunglasses, knocking them to the floor. Xander quickly apologized, and ran off.
I quickly scrambled on the floor, desperately trying to get my sunglasses back on my face. An instant before I replaced them, I looked back at Xander, who gave a quick wink, exposing my face to Grimes.
I stood up, and walked off, acting as nothing had happened. Then, I felt Grimes' breath on my neck as he leaned in close to talk to me.
"If you wish to remain in this division, boy, please, come see me if you win this next match." He hissed, and then walked off.
I smiled. It had worked. Grimes now knew that I was too young to be in this division, which we hoped he would use as blackmail to recruit me. And it looked like he was doing just that. Now, all I had to do was win my last match.
***
"And now, the final round!" I heard the Announcer yell into the mike. "We will see who is truly the strongest!" She swung her had to Rykuu. "First, we have the returning Champion, Ubuu Rykuu!" The crowd was on its feet, their voices almost deafening. "His challenger is The Great Saiyaman!" I am positive there were some crickets chirping for me, somewhere.
"Both competitors won their previous matches easily, so I expect and exciting match! Ready!" Rykuu stared at me, his eyes burning with intensity and focus. Even though I knew that I out powered him, I began to feel excited. Finally, a real warrior!
"Begin!" The gong sounded.
In an instant, Rykuu was on me, attacking furiously with his fists. His attack caught me by surprise, and he landed several hits. Coming to my senses, I blocked his last attack, and leapt away.
With a yell, Rykuu followed me, swinging his leg at my head. I pushed his leg away, and followed up with a punch to his torso, which he blocked and attacked again.
Even though I wasn't using a fourth of my strength, the intensity at which Rykuu fought excited me, and I made sure to stay on par with him, for my own enjoyment as much as my mission.
I ducked a kick and flipped backwards, landing lightly a foot from the edge. Rykuu glared at me, upset about something.
"You're holding back." He stated. I started to protest, but he cut me off. "You were much more skillful in your last fights. I told you, I want a real fight in this Budoukai."
"But, what if my power is too great, and you loose?" I asked.
"The stronger my opponent is, the stronger I become. A true warrior will rise up to the challenge." He said. Even though he had no real idea of what he was up against, I still respected him for it. And I would show my respect, by giving him a real challenge.
Careful not to show my ki, I raised my power to one fourth. I leapt forward, and kneed Rykuu in the gut. He responded by shoving my knee way and slugging my in the face.
I jerked backwards. His speed and strength surprised me. For the amount of ki he I felt, he shouldn't have been able to do that.
Acting on my surprise, he leapt at me with a barrage of attacks. Determined not to raise my ki, I attempted to block most of his attacks, but some got through. He leapt back, and hit me with a kick in the side.
Pain shot though me and I sunk to my knees. It was indescribable. How had his kick hurt me so much? I realized that he had kicked my tail, which was wrapped around my waist, concealed by my shirt.
Gasping, I stood up. The pain was receding fast. I attacked Rykuu, coming in close making him back up as I attacked. I was trying to push him over the edge. He realized what I was doing, and leapt over my head. I made a grab for him, but missed.
As soon as he landed, his foot shot out, and hit me in the waist. I gasped as pain flooded my body. He had found a weakness, and was going to exploit it as often as he could. I would have to guard my tail better, or else, I might loose to someone almost one-fourth my strength.
As the pain receded, I leapt up, and saw Rykuu standing on the opposite side of the arena. His hand griped his other wrist, and he began to yell. Immediately, a small ball of ki appeared in his hand. Clearly, I had underestimated my opponent.
Surprisingly, he didn't throw it. Instead, he ran at me, his hand extended. I realized that while he could manipulate his ki, he hadn't gained enough mastery over it yet to throw the ball.
I extended my hand, and a ball of ki appeared at my palm. Holding it like Rykuu, I ran at him. We met in the center of the arena, and our ki balls collided. Sweating, Rykuu screamed as he pushed, trying to overcome me. He was so focused on me, that his own ball of ki was growing unstable. I realized that if he continued like this, his own hand might be blow off by his own attack.
The ki disappeared in my hand, and I moved to avoid his own ball of ki. I struck with my knee, finding his gut. This was more to prevent him from falling on his own attack then to hurt him, but I had to make it look like I was trying to fight him. As he coughed up blood, his ki flew wildly from his hand, and exploded on the arena floor. A crater, deep enough to see the dirt below the arena, was formed.
I lowered my knee, and Rykuu dropped to the floor, gasping for breath. With his strength, using his ki must have been very difficult, and it had almost completely exhausted him. But, he still got up.
Spitting out the blood from his mouth, he glared at me. His eyes were past determination, or the will to fight. He looked as if he was possessed. I knew I had to end it soon, or else he might kill himself trying to beat me. I began to wonder if he had Saiya-jin blood in him.
"YAAAAA!" He screamed as he leapt at me. His punches, although lacking power, were still precise and accurate. Even though he was tired, I still found it difficult to block all his attacks at my waist without using more power.
Finally, he spun with a backhand at my head. I blocked it, not realizing his true intent. He had simultaneously attacked with his hand and foot, which had found its mark. I was on the ground once again. But this time, he did not wait for me to recover. He began to kick my waist again, over and over. I screamed in agony after each blow. The pain became so great that my sight began to blur, and then turn dark. And then, his attack stopped. I looked up, and saw him bending over me, blood still dripping from his mouth, gasping for air. He had completely used the last of his energy in his burst of attacks. He had been a worth opponent, and I would not let his defeat look foolish.
I struggled to get to my feet, no longer acting. I leapt back, and jumped at him, my foot aimed for his stomach. It hit, and with a grunt, the dark- skinned warrior flew into the air, landing just outside of the arena.
The audience erupted. I was shocked to find them still there. I had completely forgotten about the great mass of spectators during my battle, and I would have had it no other way. Slowly, I saw Rykuu get to his feet. He looked at me, not as a defeated man, but as a true warrior who had accepted his defeat, and would strive to learn and grow stronger.
I pitied him. He was an incredible fighter, and had great skill, but I had realized by fighting him that he had almost reached his limit. He would never to become much stronger, and that saddened me. But, Rykuu didn't seem to realize it, and I knew he would still try to grow stronger. I sincerely hoped he would find a way to break past his barriers. Maybe we could have another fight if he did.
"The Champion of the 136th Tenkiachi Budouakai: The Great Sayiaman!" The Announcer yelled, lifting up my arm. It hit me then: I had just been deemed the strongest person in the world!