Piccolo Jr saga part 1
3 years had passed since Akio's true test for her power and skills against King Piccolo and since no other humans, save for a select few that knew the Saiyan princess, the world, without even knowing it, had been saved by the most unlikely of anti-heros and had been at an extended peace since then.
And what's more, true to what they said 3 years before, Akio and the reincarnated Piccolo had hit major growth spurts during that time, while also training extensively together under Kami, very reluctantly on Piccolo's part due to his natural hatred for him. During the 1st year, they trained to improve their senses even further, with outstanding results before training physically. And during the 2nd year, they began training through meditation, with Piccolo explaining that it could be a very useful form of training, as the gap between their enemies power and theirs wouldn't have to be so great in the traditional sense. However, they could work on saving all their energy for specific instances of attack, allowing them to put out greater offensive power, while also saving their full strength. Akio was very surprised by that, as it was actually quite clever. And so, they focused on that training for the whole 2nd year and on the 1st day of the final year, they trained in a special room in the Lookout that they could barely last a month in, but Akio wanted to stay in for at another month so they could combine their training methods and master them before they finally came out, wearing similar colored clothing but with their own personal style. And during the next 364 days of the final year, they continued training together to the limit before taking the final 2 days before the tournament to rest.
And when the 2 days were up, Piccolo, wearing a black gi with a red sash, a white cape and turban with red on the top, went to Akio's room and when he opened the door, he saw that she was gone, making him worried before he found Kami and Popo outside, getting in front of them and demanding. "Where is Akio, old man?!" Only for Kami not to answer before he grabbed him by the throat and asked again. "WHERE DID SHE GO?!"
"To…the tournament island." Kami answered.
"What?!" Piccolo asked before letting go of him. "Are you saying that Akio went ahead without me?!"
"Of course. She wanted to surprise the humans who know her with her return and felt that it would take suspicion off both of you if she showed up without you, especially since Tien Shinhan, his friend Chiaotzu and master Roshi have seen your father and knows what he looked like and will be there." Popo explained.
"GRRERRAAHH! I DON'T CARE!" Piccolo shouted.
"Piccolo, just calm down." Popo tried to say but was swapped aside.
"Get out of my way! She should know better than to go anywhere near those fools without me!" Piccolo growled as he ran to the edge of the Lookout and jumped down.
"PICCOLO!" Popo called out.
But Kami stopped his friend and assistant. "Let him go, Mr. Popo, there's nothing we can do to stop him. But, if all goes according to my contingency plan, he'll no longer be a problem for the Earth." He said before going inside the palace. "Prepare the transportation device. I have a tournament to compete in."
"Of course." Popo said before going to do just that.
Meanwhile, with Piccolo
The reborn demon prince was flying with haste to get to Akio, believing she may be in danger because of seeing Tien Shinhan master the Evil Containment Wave and because she hadn't learned what he did to counter it. And of course, there was the matter of Roshi. "If any of those bleeding heart weaklings even think about sealing away Akio, they will all pay the ultimate price! No 1 kills her but me! Do you all hear me?! SHE'S MINE!"
Meanwhile, at the tournament island
After 3 long years, it was time for the next world martial arts tournament, with fighters from around the globe gathering to compete in the big event for the grand prize of 500,000 zeni, with many signing in already.
And standing on the sidewalk waiting for the others to arrive, were Master Roshi and Launch, who was fortunately in her blue haired state in a red dress. "They're late, all of them."
"Let's hope it didn't slip their minds. I didn't get a chance to remind them. It has been 3 years and that's a long time." Roshi said with worry.
"Too long." Lunch said.
But that was when Puar showed up in a cap. "Hi, guys."
"Puar. Hello." Roshi happily greeted.
"It's been a long time." Puar said with a smile. "It's so good to see you again."
That was when Bulma, now grown up into a fine young woman, wearing a dark blue dress and white boots, stepped out of another cap and greeted everyone. "Hey, guys. Has it really been 3 years?" She asked happily.
"Bulma." Launch said with a smile, happy to see her.
"Have the boys arrived yet?" Bulma asked.
"Um, no not yet." Launch answered.
Then Bulma turned a bit cold. "What about…her?"
"Fortunately, not yet." Roshi answered. "By the way, do you know what happened with Yamcha? I thought he was coming with you."
"Well, he did go back to West City for a while, but then he left again to train all by himself." Puar answered for Bulma.
"And that's exactly what caused him and me to break up, for good." Bulma said with anger. "Well, that and going out with other women!"
"So did Krillin. He never came back afterwards." Roshi informed them. "It seems they all grew up and strangely followed Akio's example and went to train on their own."
"They must be very strong now. I can't wait to see them." Puar said with excitement. "But what about…Akio?"
"Well, I haven't heard 1 word from that batshit insane Saiyan princess since she told me she defeated King Piccolo 3 years ago." Bulma said with a bit of relief. "But regardless of that, there are other things that cause me stress, which is why I'm still smoking."
"I thought you'd eventually quit?" Launch asked. "Especially since Akio's hasn't been seen or heard from in 3 years."
"Eventually, yeah, but right now, my cigarettes are a good stress relief and, I admit, I enjoy them a bit too much." Bulma answered. But fortunately, I smoked in the cab, with the window down, so I won't need another cigarette for a while at least."
But as a little girl was trying to get her balloon, which flew into a tree, Bulma tried to get it for her when someone boosted her up and the others were shocked that it was none other than Mai, who was wearing a green dress similar to Bulma's with purple boots. "There you go, Bulma." She said with a smile.
Bulma, while surprised at 1st, smiled back and got the balloon before giving it back to the little girl, who thanked them before leaving. "Thanks, Mai."
"My pleasure." Mai said.
Roshi and Puar were shocked and asked. "B-Bulma, what's…she doing here?"
Bulma then explained how and why Mai was here. "Well, a year after Akio informed me about her killing King Piccolo, she came to West City without Pilaf and Shu and told me that after Piccolo double crossed them, she was finally done with Pilaf and, after some convincing from her, I agreed that she could stay in West City and work for my dad's company, excuse me, Akio's company, which my father and I still run, and although she wasn't too thrilled about being an employee under Akio, I explained to her how Akio lets the employees at Capsule Corp still have their normal freedom and lives, professional and personal and she told me she could live with it, as she would rather have Akio with her than against her, especially when seeing multiple times what shecwss capable of and I told her all she had to do was just stay on whatever good side Akio had, which wasn't much, but it was better than the abuse Pilaf was putting her through. And so, she's been living and working at Capsule Corp ever since and her knowledge and skills have been very beneficial to the company and as I got to know her, I saw that she wasn't all that bad and, as a reward for all her hard work, I invited her to watch the tournament and here she is now."
After listening carefully, Roshi, Launch and Puar accepted that explanation. "So, she's with us now. That's wonderful." Launch said with a smile.
"Yes. Wonderful. Welcome to the group, Mai." Roshi said while eyeing her breasts like the pervert he was, getting very close to touching them.
Mai got angry and punched him on the head. FUCKING PERVERTED ASSHOLE!"
"Hahahahaha. Nice to see some things don't change, huh?" The voice of Yamcha said from the signing up desk, making them all turn around to see him, Krillin, Yamcha and Tien and Chiaotzu, all in different outfits smiling at them.
"Yamcha!" Puar said happily before flying up to him and they had a reunion hug.
"Hey, Puar." Yamcha said with equal happiness.
"Wow. You'd think we'd been gone a long time or something." Krillin said as Tien and Chiaotzu took off their hats and bowed their heads to Roshi.
"It has been a long time, master." Tien said with a smile.
Krillin walked up to his master and said. "I know you can't believe it, master, but I've gotten a lot taller since you last saw me."
"Indeed." Roshi admitted.
"Say, have you guys seen…Akio around yet?" Chiaotzu asked.
"No. And, to be honest, even though it's highly unlikely, there's a part of me that really hopes she doesn't show up." Bulma said honestly.
"Relax, Bulma." Krillin said."
"Yeah. With everything we've learned over the past 3 years, we should be able to take her down a notch or 2." Yamcha said with a smirk.
But that was when a familiar, yet older voice spoke from behind them. "Oh really, is that right, human? Because I believe otherwise." Making them all turn around before they saw none other than the Saiyan princess herself, shocking them as she'd grown up quite a lot, rating in at a height of 5'9. They also noticed that her Saiyan armor had been changed, as the bodysuit was now black and the once yellow spot on her armor was now dark red, along with the yellow spots on her boots, but the big parts of them were still white and the just as before, the old leg armor she had wasn't on her, as they knew she didn't really see the point of having it. But the main thing they noticed was that she was wearing a black as night trench coat that was the same material as her bodysuit but had a bit of leather added to it, which had pockets and went down to the top of her ankles and the bottom was split so that her tail, which was waving around, could move if she wanted it to. But the most surprising thing was that she didn't have her scouter on her face anymore.
"A-Akio?!" Mai asked with fear at seeing the Saiyan princess again.
"Hello, Mai." Akio said with a smirk and a raised eyebrow after signing into the tournament. "So, I've heard that you've entered Bulma's employ now. Or should I say…my employ?"
"Y-yes, I have."
Akio smirked. "So, you've finally set yourself free of that pathetic insect of a wannabe emperor. Humh, about time you put your talents to far better use." She said before looking at the others. "And as for the 4 of you: though you may provide some entertainment for me, for your sakes, I hope it at least gives me a good warm up."
Tien growled at that. "Grrrrahh! I'll show you just how much I've improved, Akio! Just you wait until we face each other in the ring!"
"Hahahaha. Oh I don't doubt we'll face each other again, 3 eyes, but I do doubt it'll be just like it was 3 years ago and will end the same way. Keep that in mind." Akio said with a prideful grin that would make her father and mother proud. "But, the training you've done with your friends under that fleabag feline and the combined training all 4 of you have done should provide me with some…amusement."
"You'll eat those words when I'm through with you, Akio!" Yamcha told her.
"Humh. I highly doubt that, Yamcha." Akio said.
"After all these years you're still so arrogant. You'd think that whatever training you did for the past 3 years would've humbled you, but apparently not!" Krillin said with frustration. "I just hope it humbled your insane, sadistic, bloodthirstiness!"
"If that's what you think, you're dead wrong, Krillin." Akio grinned with insanity.
"Everyone, just calm down. Save your energy for the tournament. I've made hotel reservations for all of us, so why don't you all get comfortable and you all can fight out your anger for each other in the matches tomorrow." Roshi told them.
"Great. Thanks, master Roshi." The earthling fighters said at the same time.
"Humh, fine, old man." Akio said.
And as she began walking to the hotel, with the humans close behind, Bulma and Mai were talking amongst themselves. "Man, as much as I still don't like her, Akio's sure grown up into a model of beauty. Gotta give her that."
"Fucking right. It's crazy." Mai said in agreement.
Tien whispered to Roshi. "Master, aren't you going to participate in the tournament this time?"
"No. I think I'll stand down and give you boys a fighting chance, especially if 1 of you fights Akio." Roshi answered.
A bit later
As it began raining again and after everyone got to their rooms to sleep and do whatever they had to do to prepare, in Bulma's room, she'd stripped completely naked, as she very much enjoyed sleeping in nothing but her skin. Then, she opened the window, got out her pack of cigarettes and her lighter from her belt purse and was about to light up before a knock was heard, making her raise an eyebrow before she put her smoke back and covered herself before she went to the door and opened it, seeing Akio.
"Hello, Bulma." The Saiyan princess greeted Bulma with her usual tone that the heiress knew all too well.
"What the fuck do you want, Akio?" Bulma asked with a glare before gently being pushed in before Akio closed the door and locked it.
The Saiyan princess went to the window and closed it and the curtains before answering. "I believe that the time's come for me to collect that favor now, Bulma."
"What favor?! I was just about to smoke and get some sleep for tomorrow!" Bulma told her.
Akio sighed with a bit of disappointment. "Still doing that disgusting earth habit? And I thought that after 3 years without me would make you quit." She said before taking her coat off.
"Well shit, Akio. What do you think was the cause that made me start smoking cigarettes in the 1st place?! I'll tell you what it was: YOU AND YOUR BATSHIT INSANE AND BLOODTHIRSTY PERSONALITY!" Bulma countered. "And the reason why I haven't quit smoking is because what would be the point of it if you were going to come back and cause everyone more fucking stress. And the fact that I've actually come to enjoy cigarettes despite them not being healthy."
"Well, fortunately I didn't come here to criticize you on your disgusting habit." Akio said before took off her gloves and boots and then her armor and bodysuit, leaving herself completely naked with C-cup breasts and a nice hairless pussy. "I've come for my own form of stress relief…and to finally take you up on that offer you made the day we met."
Bulma blushed deep red as she actually admired the Saiyan princess' sexy body. And upon seeing it in its full glory, she felt her pussy getting hot and wet already. "Ffuuuck, Akio, you certainly have grown into a very strong and sexy Saiyan princess." She said, getting sexually aroused as she let her sheet fall, showing off her body as well, with the same sized breasts and hairless pussy.
Aiko walked up to Bulma and, to the heiress' surprise, gently embraced her and wrapped her tail around her. "Hahaha. You're not so bad yourself, Bulma, I'll admit. I've been waiting for this for years. But don't get ahead of yourself, this is strictly for stress relief for us both, and not for a romantic relationship or love." She told her while reaching down and touching her sexy and firm ass.
Bulma actually smiled and embraced Akio back before reaching down to her ass as well. "Wouldn't have it any other way, Akio. But, this may serve another purpose for me, especially since I broke up with that asshole Yamcha since 2 and a half years ago: it may just turn me from bisexual to a full-on lesbian, which I think I just found out that you obviously are."
"Fuckin' A right, Bulma." Akio said before running her fingers through her hair and drawing her in for a lustful tongue kiss. "Ahhh. Mmmm. Mmmm."
"Mmmm. Mmmmm. Aaahh. Mmmmmmmmm." Bulma moaned lustfully as her hormones kicked in and she jumped up and wrapped her legs around Akio's waist while being careful to avoid her tail as the Saiyan princess held her up by her ass.
Meanwhile, in Yamcha's room
Puar was tending to Yamcha's stuff and said to him. "I wish you the best of luck, Yamcha."
Yamcha smiled. "Thanks, Puar. You know, for the past 3 years, I've thought of nothing but this tournament. I'll finally show them all what I'm made of."
At the same time, in Tien and Chiaotzu's room
As Tien was off the floor in a meditation stance, with his aura glowing, Chiaotzu asked his best friend. "Tien Shinhan, are you okay?"
Tien opened his eyes and answered. "I'm all right. At last, the time has come for me to settle the matter with Akio and put her in her place once and for all. Still, I wonder what training she did while she was away?" He wondered before smiling with confidence. "Doesn't matter, though, I'll still beat her."
An 1 later, outside
As ordinary citizens were going about their business, a mother and her son saw the lights and music on the clock, making the little boy run close to her to take a look as his mother followed. But when he got close enough to see, a lightning bolt struck the clock and some pieces of it were about to fall on him as his mother ran up and covered him for protection while some other people watched in horror.
But before it could hit them, a blast hit the debris and destroyed it, saving them both before the mother smiled and said to their rescuer. "I'm eternally grateful, sir."
But when lighting showed her their rescuer, she was afraid of his appearance, as it was the now adolescent Piccolo, who was looking at the hotel before walking up to it as the big hand on the clock fell and nearly hit the mother and son, making them scream, though he paid no mind to it and kept walking as other people ran away from him. He then saw the window he sensed Akio was in and flew up to it before seeing her asleep, completely naked after her lustful sex with Bulma without anything to cover her body with. But of course, he didn't mind that either, as he'd seen her doing it enough times to be used to it by now. He eyed her face with eagerness to fight her for real and to the death, but held himself back. 'Soon, Akio, very soon.' He thought before flying up to the roof and sitting down with his legs crossed and his eyes closed in anticipation for tomorrow, as it would decide his fate, Akio's, and the fate of the entire Earth.
The next day
As fireworks were set up by officials to get the crowd excited for the upcoming matches and other employees were setting up everything, 1 of them called out through a megaphone. "The preliminary rounds are about to begin! Will all fighting contestants please report to the fighting arena at this time?"
Tien, Krillin and the others stood next to Roshi. "Hey, master Roshi, did you bring my uniform?" Krillin asked.
"No, young man. Your old uniform no longer suits you, both in size and stature. You've all surpassed my lessons. What you wear now is your own." Roshi answered humbly. "It's up to you now."
"Thanks." They all said together.
A bit later, in the fighting arena
Krillin and Yamcha prepared by suiting up in their own Turtle Hermit uniform, complete with the symbol, as a sign of respect for the master who'd taught them both everything they knew about how to fight. "Eat your heart out. Isn't it great? I knew master Roshi wouldn't let us have our old uniforms back, so I had this 1 altered. What do you think?" Krillin asked Yamcha.
Yamcha let a blue rag fall, showing his own uniform as he answered. "Looks like we know the same taller."
Krillin crossed his arms in a bit of jealousy before they saw Akio, leaning against a nearby wall, fully dressed. "I gotta admit, though, Akio sure does have a great taste of personal style when it comes to choosing what she wears for battle."
"It's not all that great, but I wonder why she changed her bodysuit and armor colors? I'd say, it reflects her soul on the outside, don't you think? Though I do admit that trench coat really does look good on her. It makes her look even cooler, I gotta admit." Yamcha said with a bit of jealousy for Akio's cool clothing style.
But Akio didn't pay them any mind, as her attention was brought to a certain rival, who just showed up, making her smirk a bit evilly before she turned and saw Piccolo standing there, with an eager smile on his face. 'It's about time you arrived, Piccolo. Although I wouldn't be surprised if you got here last night and waited to be back at my side again.'
Tien and Chiaotzu looked like the green fighter and immediately recognized his looks despite the different clothing style. "No, he looks like… I thought Akio said she killed him? But…he looks…younger. A lot younger." Tien said with a bit of fear showing.
As Akio and Piccolo were staring at each other with eagerness to fight each other, they spoke telepathically, having learned to while training together. "I see you've changed your clothing image to mine, Piccolo, but with the cape and turban as your own personal touch. Very stylish."
But Piccolo, while flattered, only asked. "Why did you leave without me?"
"Assuming that weak old man told you what I told him to tell you, you know why." Akio answered. "Did you come rushing here only to lecture me?"
"I rushed here because I thought these earthlings would have found a way to get rid of you for good before I get the chance to!"
"Don't worry, Piccolo. With what we've both learned, that little magic trick of theirs won't be a problem for either of us anymore. Now, I recommend we stay separated until the time is right."
"Humh. Fine." Piccolo said before walking away.
Tien then walked up to Akio and demanded. "Akio. You told Bulma that you killed Piccolo, and I do believe that. But answer me this: did 1 of his henchmen survive?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes." Akio answered before telling him darkly. "But I'd advise you not to tell any of your friends. You don't want to cause panic and ruin the tournament, which will really…piss me off."
Tien was then spoken to by Chiaotzu. "Tien. That looked like King Piccolo."
"Don't tell the others, Chiaotzu. It would just cause massive panic." Tien advised his best friend. 'I will do what Akio says, for now.'
And as Akio was eyeing Piccolo, who was waiting patiently for the matches to begin, she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned her head to see a now 18 year old Chi-Chi. "Well, well, Chi-Chi, almost all grown up, I see."
"Yeah. And I see you haven't changed a bit, Akio." Chi-Chi said before her face turned cute. "But, during or after the tournament, agree to marry me, give up fighting for a real job and change your personality, and I'll overlook your arrogant pride."
Akio, being who she was, wanted to know the reason for wanting her to marry the fiery princess. "And why do you want to marry me, Chi-Chi? What are your long term plans for it?"
"Well, so I can become a housewife and you be the breadwinner, and for our future children to be great schoolers. And the best part is…you'll never have to fight again." Chi-Chi answered, revealing her plans for her and her future 'wife'.
Akio, secretly disgusted by this answer, but deciding to play along, simply said. "I'll only agree to your little… fantasy future…if you defeat me."
"Oh, silly Akio. You can't negotiate, you promised me when we met, remember? And I've held you to that promise for years." Chi-Chi said with nativity.
But Akio smirked and told her as she looked her in the eye. "I promised you…nothing."
But that only caused Chi-Chi to gasp before she growled with anger and yelled out. "Grrrrrrrrr! YOU LYYYYING BIIIIIIICH!" Before she walked away.
"Akio, who is she?" Krillin asked with a bit of fear of the beautiful girl.
"Humh. Just an ambitionless child who thought she could change who I am. But she could change nothing." Aiko cryptically answered while walking away.
"Ignore her, Krillin, that's princess Chi-Chi. She's the daughter of the Ox-King. When they were kids, Akio brought her back to her dad in order to get a dragon ball during her 1st hunt for them." Yamcha explained.
"Oh. So that explains how she knows Akio." Krillin said.
That was when the employee with the megaphone called out to the fighters. "Attention, fighters, sorry to have kept you waiting. We will now begin the preliminary round. Please gather at the center of the room."
And after every fighter did just that, with Akio standing separate from the earthlings but far enough away from Piccolo so that they wouldn't get suspicious of them, an old employee began to speak to all of the warriors. "I'd like to thank you all for your support for the Martial Arts Society. As you know, the World Martial Arts Tournament is held once every 3 years. But this year, the number of fighters is 72, much lower than the record numbers enjoyed last time. Unfortunately, recent events have thinned our rouster. I'm also aware that the difficult and dangerous reputation held by this event may have scared would-be fighters away. Therefore, it is safe to say that the 72 warriors who stand before me today are of the highest caliber."
Tien looked at Piccolo and thought to himself. 'It doesn't make sense. Why would Piccolo's underling show up at the tournament? Why now?"
Meanwhile, outside
As Bulma and the others were waiting in the long crowd, the Tournament Announcer spoke out. "It is time for the lottery! The fighters will be paired according to the numbers drawn!"
"I sure hope the boys won't have to fight each other in the preliminary rounds." Blue Launch said.
"Well, there's nothing we can do about that." Bulma said.
But Mai said to Puar. "Hey, Puar, I don't suppose you could change into a bird and see who'll be fighting who?"
"Of course. Birds can go anywhere." Puar answered before changing into a bird and flying into the arena.
Back inside the arena
As the fighters began to draw their numbers, Tien telepathically spoke to Chiaotzu. "Chiaotzu, rig the numbers so none of us have to fight each other. Place Piccolo's lackey in a different block. I wanna see how he fights 1st.'
'Okay.' Chiaotzu said in agreement.
And as the fighters began to draw the numbers, Chiaotzu used his telekinesis power to rig the lottery only for his friends, Akio and, unknown to anyone else, Piccolo as Puar flew in. And when Akio looked at her number, she was satisfied enough. "The 1st match of block 1. Good enough. But, I know that that little imp Chiaotzu had to have rigged the numbers. I guess these earthlings have some uses despite being insects compared to me and Piccolo in nearly every way.'
"Looks like Akio's the very 1st to fight. Good for her." Krillin said sarcastically before seeing his number. "I'll be in the last half of block 1."
"Looks like I'm in block 2." Yamcha said.
"And I'm at the last half of block 2." Tien said.
"And Chiaotzu isn't gonna fight until the last half of block 3. This is great! None of us have to fight each other, especially not Akio." Krillin said with a relieved tone of voice.
But Yamcha then looked at Piccolo with Tien. "I wonder which block he's in?"
"I wonder what block Chi-Chi's in?" Krillin asked while looking at Chi-Chi.
But Akio paid them no mind as she looked at Piccolo and smiled wickedly at him, making him do the same as Puar asked Yamcha. "So, where'd you guys end up?"
"We don't have to fight each other. At least not until the finals." Yamcha answered.
"That's great. Better than you could have hoped for." Puar said happily.
That was when the Tournament Announcer spoke out. "The preliminary rounds are about to begin! Out of the 72 competitors, only 8 will advance to the next round!"
Then another employee spoke to the fighters. "1st up will be the matches in block 1. Remember the rules of conduct: if you fall off the stage, pass out of surrender, you lose. Killing is absolutely forbidden in this event and violators will be expelled. No exceptions. Be careful and fight well." He stated the rules before calling the 1st contestants. "At this time, number 2 and 3 please come to the stage."
Akio walked up to the stage and stepped up as Piccolo, the earthling warriors and Chi-Chi watched in anticipation. Then, her opponent, revealed to be the resurrected King Chappa stepped on the stage, making the Saiyan princess grin with insanity. "Chappa. And hear I thought you'd been murdered."
"I have fought the 1 called Tamborine and survived." Chappa said before telling her. "Akio, I have waited a long time to get back in the ring with you. You and I have unfinished business. Long before your lucky victory during our last encounter, I was champion of this tournament. Now I will have my revenge."
But Akio thought differently about that. 'Fool. You think you can defeat me? You couldn't do it before, and you damn sure can't now…or ever."
Chappa bowed respectfully before telling Akio. "I will reclaim the title. You don't stand a chance, Akio."
"Ready? You may now begin." The referee said to the fighters.
Chappa then prepared himself. "I have developed a few new moves, Saiyan princess, just for this occasion." He said, only for Akio to put her hands in her pockets and wave her tail left and right, making him think that she was already starting to give up because she was weak. "That's your defense? You fool. Are you so weak that you won't even try to fight and just wave your tail around like that?!"
"It's Chappa who doesn't realize he's weak against a crazy bloodthirsty creature like her." Yamcha said with contempt for Akio.
"Got that right. But fortunately for him, Akio won't kill her and risk getting disqualified. She's way too smart for that despite being insane and bloodthirsty." Tien said.
Chappa had enough of Akio looking at him so arrogantly like that and yelled as he charged in and tried to land a kick, only for her to use her far superior speed to, in his eyes, disappear. "Where has she gone?" He asked as he looked around for her, only for Akio to be right behind him and using her speed to keep herself there as he shouted out. "Stop hiding! DO YOU HEAR ME, YOU COWARD!"
Akio leaned in and whispered darkly. "You should have never stepped foot on here, fool. Especially not with me." Before flicking him off the stage with her tail, winning the match that was over before it began.
"Uh…number 2 has been knocked out. Number 3 is the winner." The referee said with a bit of shock.
While the other fighters cheered, Puar said to Yamcha and the others. "I'd better go tell everyone else." Before flying off.
"Well, she restrained herself at least." Krillin said.
"For now." Tien said with a glare at the Saiyan princess, who got off the stage and went to an isolated wall to lean on it.
But Piccolo, who knew Akio better than even the Turtle Hermit students and former Crane School students, thought to himself with a smirk. 'How right you are, Shinhan. But just wait until she and I fight in the final match. You'll all see just how far you and your friends are out of her league…and mine.'
Meanwhile, outside
When Puar told everyone the results of the 1st match, they weren't surprised in the slightest. "So, Akio easily beat King Chappa, huh? Not surprising." Bulma said before taking a drag from her cigarette and blowing out the smoke.
"Damn right. But at least she's smart enough not to kill anybody during these tournaments." Mai said.
"Even so, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu should be able to give her a decent challenge, or catch her off guard for a defeating blow." Roshi said with faith in his students.
Back with the fighters
The matches continued as Chi-Chi, Krillin, Yamcha and Tien easily advanced through their opponents without even breaking a sweat. But when it came time for Chiaotzu's 1st match, he thought it was just going to be a walk in the park…until he became afraid when he was exactly who his opponent was. But in his fear, he quickly got easily beaten!
Tien, who heard the gasps, looked and saw what happened to his best friend. "Chiaotzu!" He said with concern while running up to him and seeing that his eyes were pupil less. "How could this have happened? Chiaotzu!" He said, picking his best friend up.
But Chiaotzu's opponent only chuckled. "Hahahaha. I didn't kill him, though he should've died. However, I didn't want to be expelled."
Tien growled with anger at the man who did this to his best and lifelong friend. "You'll pay for this!" He vowed before looking up and showing the same shocked look as Chiaotzu did once he saw who it was.
"We meet again, Tien Shinhan."
"No! You're dead!"
"Not quite." He said before seeing Akio. "And that must be Akio. All grown up, I see."
Akio, though not concerned about Chiaotzu, walked up to them and raised an eyebrow when she the man who'd beaten the little, in her eyes, imp, was: Mercenary Tao, only now he'd been rebuilt as a cyborg, making her frown in annoyance. "And here I thought I'd killed you with your own grenade…Tao."
"In a way, you did, Akio. Like my new look?" He asked the once child who was responsible for his cyborg body.
"But…Mercenary Tao died. How is this possible?" A still shocked Tien asked.
"With good imagination and a lot of zeni, there is life after death, though it's not cheap." Tao answered. "It took a while for me to get my parts in order, but here I am: the world's 1st fully functioning cyborg assassin."
The referee of block 3 stepped up and said. "Excuse me. I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave the stage. The next match is about to commence."
But Tao looked at him with his round and blood red cyborg eyes. "You seem to enjoy your life. It would be a shame if I had to take it away."
That threat caused the ref fear as he backed away. "Ahh! Stay."
"Hey, Akio, a little background would help." Krillin said to the Saiyan princess.
"Humh. Figure it out for yourself, little man." Akio said coldly before walking away.
"Well, since that monkey-tailed scum won't tell you, I think I will." Tao said before explaining to Krillin and Yamcha about who he was. "My name is Mercenary Tao, and I'm a killer. I'm also the younger brother of the Crane Hermit. And, if Akio did tell you this, which I highly doubt, that makes me Tien and Chiaotzu's superior. I was hired to kill little Akio, but that insane girl caused a big explosion. And after that, you could say my entire life fell to pieces."
"What now?!" Tien asked furiously.
"That's up to Akio. I'm here to fight, but it's not the title I'm after, I'm after revenge." Tao answered. "I can end her life now, or crush her in the ring. After that, I will deal with you, Tien Shinhan: once my brother's star pupil, now a, what's the word?" Then his grin faded. "A traitor."
But Tien thought differently. "I did not betray Master Shen. I was loyal to his house…until I realized that I did not share his ideals."
That only caused Tao to chuckle. "Your fate has been sealed."
"Then…so be it. I will fight you…for Chiaotzu." Tien vowed.
"HAHAHAHA! You haven't changed, you've still got a big mouth. I'll gladly shut it." Tao told his former pupil.
A bit later, outside
As 2 employees were blocking the crowd from coming into the fighting arena, another came up to them and held out his arms left and right. "Make way for the injured! Everyone, please get back!" He said before they did just that, clearing a path for the injured fighters to be carried out on stretchers.
"The tournament has just started. Not a good sign." Roshi said as he saw some of the fighters before seeing Chiaotzu also being carried, making him and the others gasp before they followed him.
"Chiaotzu." Puar said with concern.
"Hang in there, little guy." Mai said with sympathy for the 1 that King Piccolo had killed 3 years ago.
"I'm going." Bulma said while getting into the ambulance with Chiaotzu.
"Me too." Launch said, joining Bulma before the ambulance drove away to get Chiaotzu to medical attention.
Roshi was worried now. "Whoever did this is very strong. But who could it be? Not Akio. She's ruthless, but I don't think she would hurt Chiaotzu since, to her, he's not even worth her time."
"I doubt that, Roshi. You clearly haven't seen Akio when she snaps." Mai said with doubt, having seen 1st hand what the crazy and ruthless Saiyan princess was capable of.
Meanwhile, back in the arena
Tao had beaten another opponent easily and after that, Piccolo did the same, almost knocking his opponent out, who grabbed his left ankle. "Fool. You're lucky I'm showing restraint. Otherwise I'd kill you for laying your inferior hand on me!" He said before kicking him off the stage into a wall.
He then looked at Akio and they smiled at each other while Akio thought to herself. 'That's right. Good, Piccolo. You've grown so much in the time we've spent and trained together, and you're far superior to even your father.'
And in a matter of minutes, all the far from normal fighters, and even Chi-Chi had advanced to the Semi-Finals, and even a middle aged man who called himself 'Hero' through seemingly very dumb luck. And after that, the Tournament Announcer called them out. "Hello and congratulations to all of the Semi-Finalists. Please come forward at this time." Before they all did just that and he answered a few questions before another official gave him the lottery box. "Now, if there are no further questions, you may all draw lots."
And after a short shock of seeing Krillin alive and getting over it, the fighters drew the numbers before the Tournament Announcer wrote the names of the fighters on the board, with Krillin asking him. "Uh, who's Junior?"
The Tournament Announcer pointed at Piccolo and answered. "He would be Junior."
Akio then thought to herself. 'Ah, hiding your real name because of 3 eyes and that pervert of an old man. Good thinking, Piccolo. Though, when this tournament is over, you'll have no need to hide who you are anymore. If you live through the fight, that is.'
And when the Tournament Announcer was done writing the names, he spoke out. "The 1st match will be Mercenary Tao vs. Tien Shinhan. The 2nd match will be Akio vs. Anonymous. The 3rd match will be Junior vs. Krillin and the 4th match will be Hero vs. Yamcha."
A bit later
While Akio was with Piccolo, talking amongst themselves and Tien was meditating with Tao standing close by, Bulma and Launch were back with Roshi and Mai. "How's Chiaotzu doing?"
"He's okay. His body's a little bruised up, but there are no broken bones." Bulma answered.
"Finally, some good news." Roshi said with relief.
Mai then saw Yamcha and Krillin coming. "Here they come!"
And when Krillin and Yamcha joined them, Roshi congratulated them. "It's a shame that Chiaotzu couldn't join you, but you've done well."
"My only concern is that strange guy who beat up Chiaotzu." Yamcha said. "Akio told us to figure out who he was ourselves, like she knows how he is. But as usual, she's so caught up with herself to tell us any details."
"But you might know him, master. He's the Crane Hermit's younger brother, Mercenary Tao." Krillin informed his master.
Roshi was shocked at hearing that name. "But I thought Akio destroyed him."
"In a way, she did. But he survived and turned himself into a cyborg." Krillin explained.
"And he said that the only reason he joined the tournament was to kill Akio, not that he can, and Tien. And now Tien has to fight Tao in the 1st match." Yamcha added.
"That is a problem." Roshi said with worry. Tao is from the same house as Tien and therefore, knows all of his fighting techniques. I'm afraid Tien is at a disadvantage."
That was when a voice said to them. "Got that right."
The others all looked and saw that it was Shen, the Crane Hermit standing near them. "It's the Crane Hermit!" Krillin said.
"Hahahaha. I can't wait to see your disappointment when my brother wins." Shen said with overconfidence.
"Now where did you come from?" Roshi demanded.
But Shen ignored his old friend's question and said to him. "Let me give you a piece of advice, Roshi: gather up your boys and your monkey-tailed psychopath and get out of town before it's too late. You will lose."
"Now just a minute! These boys wear my colors out of respect, not duty. They have surpassed their training with the turtle house. My boys have all grown up and are now independent fighters. And that monkey-tailed psychopath, as you call her, isn't a member of my school, and never will be!" Roshi countered.
"Oh please, Roshi, you know as well as I do that that insane psychopath is just as dangerous and unstable as that monster King Piccolo was. Why do you even bother risking the lives of the ones you claim to care about by keeping her around?" Shen demanded. "Even I would never train someone like that. And you mean to tell me that they wear these lame rags by choice?"
"As much as I believe you about that, Bulma's told me that, despite Akio's personality, she is not completely heartless. And besides that, you and I of all people know the risks of the Evil Containment Wave. If there was even the slightest chance I missed it, what would have been the point? And there is also the heavy price of using it at all, and you know that." Roshi said, explaining his reason for never using the Evil Containment Wave on Akio. "And as for my boys: they chose to honor the Turtle house, but they do not serve it."
"That's right! Even though it may be hard for someone like you to understand, we respect our master." Krillin said proudly.
"Hahahaha. That only proves that you're all fools and dumb enough to follow a weak and inferior leader." Shen said arrogantly before walking away, boasting about his brother. "My brother's cybernetic implants not only gave him a body, but increased strength beyond human potential. That monkey-tailed psychopath, nor Tien Shinhan, nor any of you fools can stand a chance against him. The fight was over before it began."
"Some things never change. That guy's still a jerk." Bulma said with contempt.
But that was when they heard an announcement. "The matches will begin shortly. At this time, all fighters are to gather at the main stadium."
"Finally, it's time." Yamcha said with eagerness.
"I can't wait to see how much you've both improved, along with Tien. Good luck to all of you." Roshi said with a smile. "But don't push yourselves too hard. You must know when to cut back."
"Okay." Krillin and Yamcha said at the same time before walking away.
"Good luck, you guys!" Puar called out.
"There go the finest pupils a master could ever have." Roshi said with proudness, making Bulma, Launch and Mai smile.
But when they got to the stadium themselves, their view was blocked by an already huge crowd. "Great. There's so many people here, you can't even see the damn stage." Mai said with annoyance.
But Bulma looked at Launch and got an idea. "I'll take care of that problem." She said before rubbing Launch's nose with a plant, causing her to sneeze into her blonde state before she got out 2 capsules. "Now what could you do with those?"
"Crowd control." Blonde Launch answered before throwing them into the air as they uncapsuled into a machine gun and a pistol, which she caught and began to shoot in the air to get out of the way for them to go through to the front row.
Meanwhile, with Krillin and Yamcha
"Well, looks like this is it. Our chance to finally show everybody what we're made of. Especially Akio." Krillin said.
"Yeah. I'd really love to put her in her place once and for all. When I'm done with her, she'll be apologizing and kissing our feet for 6 whole years." Yamcha said with a cackle as he imagined the Saiyan princess kissing his feet.
"Who knows, maybe if she loses the tournament, we'll all make her our servant for those 6 years." Krillin added. "Hahahahahahaha. Oh, I can see it right now: Akio, the so-called Saiyan princess in a maid's uniform, doing all our chores for the next 6 years of her life."
"Then that's gonna be our goal for this tournament: beating Akio so we can make her our servant and maid for the next 6 years. Maybe we'll even make her wear a monkey suit, save for the tail cause she already has a tail. Maybe we'll even tell her that for the next 6 years, she's only allowed to make monkey sounds and not talk." Yamcha said as he imagined it in his head.
"Then it's settled." Krillin said while they shook hands to seal the deal for their ultimate goal if they won the tournament. "Let's even tell Tien. He might enjoy being the master of a monkey-suited Akio for 6 years."
"Yeah." Yamcha said, liking the sound of that. "With all the training we did under Korin, and when we went our separate ways, plus the training we all did together for the past year, there's no way we can lose to that monkey-tailed psychopath thug now."
A bit later, at the stadium
The Tournament Announcer spoke out to the excited crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience! The wait is over! We will now begin the World Martial Arts Tournament!" He said, making the crowd cheer in excitement. "Your cheers validant the excitement surrounding us today! Yet this is only a part of the journey these warriors have taken to compete in this tournament. The preliminary round began with 72 skilled warriors, which were reduced down to 8. And those that remain are truly the greatest group of warriors in the world, and they are here to entertain you: the loyal fans! Who will become our new champion? The 1st match will be Mercenary Tao vs. Tien Shinhan, who may now enter the ring!"
Krillin gave his 3 eyed friend support. "Go smash that creep's circuits, Tien."
"Sure thing." Tien said with a smile before Yamcha grabbed his hand, as if giving him a silent reminder to be better than he was 3 years ago, which Tien nodded before he and Tao began to enter the ring.
Akio landed on the right side of the waiting room's roof and grinned with wickedness as she waved her tail around and her coat blew right with the wind like a cape. "Go ahead, 3 eyes, just try to impress me. Not that I don't already know how this fight will end."
As they walked up to the ring to enter it, Tao, assured his former pupil. "Relax. Enjoy yourself, Tien Shinhan. I won't kill you in this match, only wound you. I'll take care of both you and Akio after I've won the championship. For now, enjoy the crowd's adulation."
And as they entered the ring and took their sides, Launch yelled out to Tien. "Get him, Tien! No mercy! You have to win the championship again!"
Bulma smiled and got out…Akio's scouter before putting it on and tuning it to Tien and Tao's power levels. "Now we can see who's the strongest fighter in the tournament."
Mai noticed it and asked her. "Bulma, is that…?"
"Yep. It's Akio's scouter. Or should I say…my scouter now. She gave it to me last night as…payment for…'relieving her stress' if you know what I mean. After that was over, she gave it to me to do with whatever I want, and I have a big plan for this little device. But she also was, her way of 'nice' enough to warn me about these things shortening out and exploding if a power level is far above its reading. Fortunately, being the genius that I am, I think I can work around that little issue and make it safe so it won't explode if a power level does get that way." Bulma explained with a smile.
"Really?" Mai asked with a smile. "Well, Akio may be sadistic, bloodthirsty and batshit insane, but I'll admit, she does have her nice moments. Very rarely, but I'll admit she does have them. And that's better than her being completely heartless, I guess."
"Okay! Ready? Let the match begin!" The Tournament Announcer said before another employee rang the starting gong.
"Hahahaha. Just like old times, huh?" Tao asked Tien with a chuckle.
But Tien remained serious and just answered. "Yes." Before they took their fighting stances.
"You look nervous." Tao noticed. "Don't be. Pain should come easy for you."
Everyone else watched with anticipation as the Crane Hermit thought to himself with an evil grin on his face. 'Traitor. Now it's time for you to pay the price.
"Focus." Roshi whispered to Tien with worry and concern.
There you go, my dear friends, the 1st half of the Piccolo Jr saga is complete. Sorry for making the part between Bulma and Akio short, but I wanted to save a lemon for the next chapter, which will involve Bulma and the other fiery princess, after an entire chapter of a whole tournament of action, especially during the final match. And trust me, it'll be completely unexpected, as I've never done what I have in mind for that lemon before. But I won't spoil anything, just to make you all excited and eager for what's to come. Rate and review and I'll see you all next time, my dear friends.