Chapter Twenty Two: Yamcha Vs Launch, Nam Vs Kakarot

The enthusiasm had yet to die down as cheers echoed throughout the ring sidelines without end. Hats were thrown into the air, as others jumped in joy. The result was that it took more than a few minutes for Mr. Announcer to get more than a word in edgewise. Even when he finally did you could still hear the cheering.

'I don't know about you guys,' said Mr. Announcer 'but I loved that fight! I think both those kids are going places!'

Krillen and Chi Chi watched the crowds in satisfaction. There were thirty minute intervals between fights, during which combatants could get their breath, and wash off. Both fighters meant to use the time the had to the best of their ability, however, for now, they were basking in the glory of the crowd.

'I'll bet Master Roshi would be so proud of us.' said Chi Chi.

'Hey,' said Krillen 'where is he anyway? And where is Kakarot, I haven't seen him anywhere.'

'Right here,' said Kakarot as he appeared next to Bulma on the sidelines. 'I figured I'd try watching from another perspective. And to answer your question, Master Roshi is a finalist in the tournament.'

'Really?' asked Bulma 'I didn't know that. We just thought we'd lost track of him in the crowd.'

'This again?' asked Krillen. 'Will you knock it off.'

'Stop being so silly Kakarot,' said Chi Chi 'I'd think we'd have noticed if Master Roshi was really part of the tournament.'

'So is Master Roshi in the tournament or not?' asked Bulma.

'Yes!' said Kakarot.

'No.' said Chi Chi.

Krillen sighed. 'I guess he didn't watch my fight after all.'

Kakarot tore at his hair in frustration. 'Yes! Yes, he did! I can smell him right now! He's backstage!'

'You're delusional,' said Krillen.

Meanwhile, Jackie Chun watched as Launch checked her guns ammo cartridges and applies them. Her expression was highly focused, like that of a surgeon working upon a dying patient. For his part, Jackie Chun was more preoccupied admiring her figure. Finally, he approached, looking quite dignified. 'May I ask what the gun is for, sweetie?'

'To put a bullet in the brain of the next schmuck stupid enough to call me sweetie once the tournaments done.' said Launch, bringing the machine gun up. 'Though I could do it now if you don't back off, buster?'

Jackie Chun stepped back fearfully. 'Erm… I was going to ask if you and I could have some coffee.'

'In you dreams, joker.' said Launch.

'You really should put that gun away,' said Yamcha in a serious 'you start shooting at people and you're liable to get disqualified before our match. And I'll have to get involved early.'

'Whatever,' said Launch, placing the gun down. 'just don't disappoint me when the time comes.'

Jackie Chun made his way over to another competitor. 'Geez, these young people have no manners, wouldn't you say Nam?' Nam did not answer, for he was far more focused upon the stakes for his next match.

'Brothers and sisters,' he thought to himself. 'keep your strength. I have not forgotten you.'

Perhaps a month after Yamcha and Bulma had left, the drought grew still worse. The people of his village became desperate. He recalled the wilted carrots, the parched face of his breath, the silent desperation in his mothers eyes. The empty well. The thought of all the people in his village in need, and counting on him to win this tournament filled him with determination.

Nam practiced several strikes, seeking to test his strength. It would be enough.

Jackie Chun narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, having read his mind. 'This man has spirit.'

Mr. Announcer stepped forward as the thirty minutes were up. 'Now everybody get ready, its time for the next great match!' He then became aware of Chi Chi and Krillen looking around for Master Roshi on either side of him.

'Master?' called Chi Chi.

'Hello?' said Krillen.

'Come on kids, I'm in the middle of my speech here.' said Mr Announcer. Krillen and Chi Chi went back stage. 'I've got to admit, I've been waiting for this one, folks, its women against man, bandit against train robber! Yamcha Vs Launch!'

Backstage Yamcha went terribly still and looked to Launch. 'You told them about our histories?' asked Yamcha 'Are you trying to get us thrown in prison?!'

'Its no problem,' said Launch as they walked forward. 'when the cops show up, we'll just destroy them.'

Yamcha walked forward. 'Excuse me, can I borrow the mike.' The Announcer gave it to him. 'Hi everyone, I'd just like to take this moment to say that I'm a professional martial artist and a law abiding citizen. I'm sorry if there was some kind of miscommunication.' He then handed the announcer back the mike.

'Who is this girl?' asked Bulma, annoyed, her fist clenched. 'Friend of yours Kakarot?'

'Fellow student, actually,' said Kakarot 'why do you care?' Then he paused, as he realized Bulma was jealous. 'Oh I get it, you must feel insecure because Launch is so much prettier than you.'

'What did you just say?' asked Bulma, voice low.

'Oh nothing,' said Kakarot 'I'm just remarking on the fact that Yamcha might find her a lot more attractive than you, seeing as their both fighters and all.'

'Don't listen to him, Bulma.' said Puar 'Yamcha would never do a thing like that.'

'That… that…' Bulma was shaking with rage now. 'YOU PIG!'

There was a long silence as Yamcha glanced to see Bulma on the sidelines, and he was shocked by the outburst. He looked into the crowd and found Bulma among them. 'Uh… is there something I've done to upset you Bulma?'

'Oh, nothing!' she snarled 'I was just out here waiting to watch you fight, and you've already started hanging out with another girl!'

Gasp emanated from the crowd. 'You scoundrel!' someone yelled.

'Heartbreaker!' cried another.

Somehow this was Kakarot's fault. Yamcha knew it in his gut. Oh yes, he didn't have any evidence for the fact, but he could tell. This had Kakarot written all over it.

'Uh…' said the Announcer 'not that this isn't fascinating, but weren't we about to have a fight?'

'Look, just hang on a sec okay.' said Yamcha before looking back to Bulma, who seemed on the verge of tears. 'Bulma, it's not like I'm taking her out on a date. I'm just fighting her in the finals is all.'

'Oh yeah, and I'm sure you didn't go out of your way to get placed with her!' said Bulma in bitter sarcasm, tears welling up.

'Actually,' said Mr. Announcer 'it's completely random who fights who. They picked numbers out of a hat, and Launch and Yamcha got paired up. In a strictly nonromantic sense, obviously.'

'Oh,' said Bulma 'well… I guess I can forgive you just this once.'

'Forgive?' asked Yamcha 'What is there to forgive? Why am I the bad guy here?'

'Welcome to love, Mr… uh…' Mr. Announcer paused.

'I don't have a last name.' said Yamcha.

'Oh,' said Mr. Announcer 'okay.' He turned back to the audience. 'Now, let's get this fight rolling shall we! In the red outfit is Launch, while in the green and orange outfit with the dark hair is Yamcha! Now, let the match begin!'

The gong sounded, and both took stances. Yamcha considered his opponent. 'I saw her fighting before. It's obvious she's more of a brawler than a martial artist. Still, she trained with Kakarot so I have to be on my toes-'

Then Launch surged towards him far faster than anyone he had ever fought and brought round a vicious right hook. Yamcha ducked under the punch and returned with one of his own, which Launch knocked aside before throwing a flurry of jabs which Yamcha struggled to hold back. Every punch of hers way like trying to halt a freight train and Yamcha was soon forced to give ground. Meanwhile, his own strikes were blocked with ease.

'Wow,' said Mr. Announcer 'what an onslaught! Launch has already driven Yamcha back to the edge of the ring, and the fight has only just begun!'

'Whats the matter Yamcha?!' said Launch, jumping from foot to foot. 'I thought you were a martial artist!' She swung a left hook that sent him flying back to land hard near the edge of the ring. Yamcha got to his feet, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip as he did so. 'If that's all you got, then it's over, do your wolf fang fist so we can stop wasting time.'

Yamcha was tempted to use it, but that was his trump card. He would wait till later. 'She's a lot stronger than I am.' he realized 'But I think I'm faster, and I'm sure I'm more skilled. I just need to adjust my strategy.' He surged forward in a charge that Launch sought to meet with a fist, yet as she swung he fell back and slid on one knee towards her, striking her legs out from under her with one leg.

Launch caught herself on one arm, as Yamcha rose to unleash a flurry of strikes at her as she tried to defend herself one handed. He hit her multiple times before she managed to roll away, and they rushed each other again. Yet just as they came within punching range, Yamcha dodged her strike and vaulted over her shoulders before coming around with a roundhouse kick that caught her in the face.

Launch was flung head over heels to smash straight into the far pillar, which cracked at the impact. Yamcha breathed as she landed, very still. 'Alright, I've got this.'

'Simply incredible!' said the Announcer 'Yamcha has kicked Launch against the pillar hard enough to crack stone! Don't worry folks, we've got trained medical workers ready to-' Launch got up, rubbing a bruise on her forehead, and looking madder than ever. 'I don't… this is amazing, even after a hit like that Launch is still ready to fight! What an astounding match!'

'Your gonna pay for that, bandit.' said Launch.

Yamcha was impressed. He wasn't sure he would have gotten up after an impact like that, not as easily anyway. This girl was tough. 'I'll believe that when I see it.' he said 'I may be less strong than you, but there is more to a fight than brute strength. I don't think you've ever trained at a dojo in your life. I'm faster than you, and far more skilled.'

'Yamcha has just all but proclaimed himself the winner!' said the Announcer. 'But will he be able to back up his boasting?!

'Skill this!' roared Launch before charging him.

However even as she rushed him, Yamcha stepped to one side and her punch hit nothing but air. She brought around an elbow to strike at his face, but he yielded ground with fluid movements. Launch's strikes grew faster and faster yet Yamcha redirected her momentum, and parried and dodged her strikes with ease.

'Would you look at that! Launch seems to be throwing everything she has at Yamcha,' said the Announcer 'but it's not having any effect!'

'Go Yamcha!' cried Puar.

'Show that floozy who is boss!' called Bulma, pumping her fist.

'What did you call me?!' snapped Launch as she looked away from the fight. In that instant Yamcha threw a fist which halted mere inches from her face. Launch turned back and flinched, eyes wide open.

'Are you trying to get machine gunned?' asked Kakarot of Bulma.

'Well, it would disqualify Launch.' noted Puar.

'You left yourself wide open.' said Yamcha 'That is a pretty amateur mistake.'

Launch stepped back a few paces, trying to get some distance between them, while Yamcha remained cool and took a stance. He raised one hand and beckoned for her to come after him in silent challenge. Launch charged forward, and then at the last minute leaped high into the air, kicking off the pillar at the front of the ring and rebounding towards Yamcha's back.

But Yamcha leaped into the air as she descended, and she missed him, skidding to a halt inches from the stage. Quickly pressing his advantage, Yamcha unleashed a flurry of kicks which nearly sent her careening off. At the last minute, Launch threw herself to the floor and rolled away, before quickly rising as Yamcha half turned and just looked at her.

An errant breeze flew through the ring, ruffling their hair as Launch gritted her teeth in fury. Suddenly Launch sniffed. 'Ah, ah, ah, achoo!'

And just like that Blue Launch took the stage, looking very confused. 'Oh my, um… am I in the middle of a match now? This is incredibly awkward.'

'Uh… how very strange,' said Mr. Announcer 'it appears as though Launch has changed hair colors and personalities. I'm not really sure how to react to this.'

'So are we fighting right now?' asked Launch.

'Uh… yeah,' said Yamcha 'is that a problem?'

'Well, it's just usually my other self does most of the fighting.' she explained 'I can't stand it personally. Um… could someone do something to make me sneeze please?'

Kakarot leaped over the wall and rushed up to him, tugging on his sleeve and whispering something into his ear. It occurred to Yamcha that he could take advantage of the situation and knock Launch out of the ring. Even so, that seemed a little underhanded on his part, so he decided against it.

'Ah,' said the Announcer 'it appears that Launch changes personalities every time she sneezes. As a result, she is requesting that someone make her sneeze so that the match can continue. I… don't think I was ready for today.'

Then a bee flew by Launch's nose. 'Ah, ah, achoo!'

This was absurd! Launch had gone through hell and back to get where she was, and yet now that he was fighting seriously she couldn't even hit him. Right now she should have been the one with the advantage! Yamcha was inches away from the ring, and yet her hands were shaking as she stood across from him.

The smug bastard, he knew, she knew, that even if she attacked him like this, it was more likely for it to end with her getting ringed out than him.

'Our combatants appear to have stopped the fight in favor of a stare off. Is this a contest of wills, or is one of both of them simply unwilling to unleash their full power?' Mr. Announcer stated.

'You think I'm done yet?' asked Launch 'LIKE HELL I AM!' And she took a stance, cupping her hands together. 'Kaaa…' Power coursed through her veins as she summoned it to her. 'meee…' A blue glow began to surround her body. 'haaa…' A ball of blue glowing light appeared within her hands. 'meee…'

'Launch appears to be calling up some kind of energy attack!' said Mr. Announcer. 'Could this be… I don't believe it. Is it possible that Launch is using the legendary kamehameha wave?'

Suddenly Yamcha seemed to panic as if remembering something, and he surged forward with enormous speed. 'WOLF FANG FIST!' And then he was upon her, a terrible look of fury on his face.

It was like getting hit by several thousand freight trains at once. And that was just the first punch. Launch was pummeled mercilessly backward until she was being thrashed against the side of the pillar. The stone broke, and it fell forward as she was cast beyond the ring to land with a crash on the grounds beyond.

Yamcha stepped aside from the falling pillar, breathing heavily. When he had seen her summoning an energy attack, his mind had gone back to that match with Tien Shinhan. He remembered how innocent people had nearly died, Bulma and Puar had nearly died, because of energy beams going beyond the ring. In that moment nothing had seemed more important to him than stopping Launch from launching it.

Now Launch wasn't moving, and medical crews were rushing to her side. Was she dead?

'Incredible!' said Mr. Announcer 'In a display of unprecedented pragmatism, Yamcha has unleashed his own special move before Launch could use hers!'

Cheers broke out amongst the crowd, as Yamcha looked around. Bulma and Puar were both cheering because he was in. He was one step closer to being the world champion. He waved half heartedly, before making his way over to the medical crews. 'Is… is she going to be okay?'

'Hard to say,' said the man 'she looks fine, but after a shock like that-'

'Get off me!' snapped Launch 'I don't need no stinking doctor!' She forced herself up and pointed at Yamcha. 'You, why couldn't I hit you!'

Yamcha blinked. 'Because you don't know martial arts.'

'Like HFIL!' she snapped 'I trained with Master Roshi for almost a year!'

'Well I don't know what he taught you,' said Yamcha 'but it clearly wasn't actual combat technique. You are almost as fast as I am, and much stronger, and have a lot more endurance. If you knew how to fight, I probably would have lost.'

'And just what is that supposed to mean?'

'It means your weakness is in your technique.' said Jackie Chun sagely 'There is more to martial arts than who is faster and who is stronger. The Turtle Hermit training is designed to help a martial artist exceed their physical and mental limitations. However, it does not teach you the proper way of throwing a punch, or kick.'

'And how do you know so much about the Turtle Hermit training?' asked Launch.

'Me?' asked Jackie Chun 'Well I uh… I've had a long association with Master Roshi. We go way back.'

'Huh,' said Yamcha 'funny, I've never heard of you.'

'I'm not a big fan of the limelight.' said Jackie Chun.

'Whatever,' said Launch 'it's clear that I need to learn these techniques if I'm going to win the next one.' She looked to Yamcha. 'If I teach you the Kamehameha wave, will you teach me your techniques.'

'Well… I…' Yamcha got the feeling this might very well lead to a great many awkward misunderstandings with Bulma. 'against my better judgment yes. But I'm not teaching you the wolf fang fist, it's my signature move.'

'Launch,' said Krillen 'how exactly do you know the kamehameha wave anyhow?'

'Kakarot taught me to do it.' said Launch 'I woke up one night and found him shooting the beams at the ocean over and over. Asked him to show me, how, we trained together for a month or two, and now I can use it.

That was pretty dirty striking me before I could finish it.'

'The last time I ran into an energy attack being shot in the ring,' said Yamcha 'it nearly killed my girlfriend.'

'Attention Nam, and Kakarot,' called Mr. Announcer. 'would both of you please report to the ring for your fight?'

Nam made his way forward, and as he walked Yamcha took him by the shoulder.

'Yes?' asked Nam.

'Take Kakarot seriously,' said Yamcha 'he may not look like much but he's dangerous. Give it everything you've got on your first try because he might not give you another chance.'

'I'll keep it in mind.' said Nam 'I have far too much at stake to lose this match.'

'Ladies and gentlemen, the third match is about to begin!' cried Mr. Announcer. 'On this side, we have a man who has come from a small village and defied all the odds, Nam!' He motioned to Nam, who stood still as a statue in silent meditation. 'And over here we have the amazingly young Kakarot!'

Kakarot had seen his familiarity with Yamcha, and became aware that the two had fought. Evidently, they had been near each others level at the time. Which meant he couldn't afford to take this lightly.

'Kakarot,' called Bulma 'you can do it you little wild man.'

He smiled to himself at the encouragement and leaped into the ring. Winning this would bring him one step closer to making Bulma his. He looked to see her waving and waved back.

Nam, for his part, focused on all those that were counting on him. He would not forsake his family. He would win and return with enough money to buy all they needed. He had promised.

'Alright, here we go, let the match begin!' said Mr. Announcer.

The gong sounded, and they both took a stance. Nam examined Kakarot's defensive posture, noting that it was very balanced. Then suddenly Kakarot surged towards him, fists ready. Nam leaped into the sky and descended with a downwards kick, but Kakarot ducked away with incredible speed, before going in for another assault. Yet Nam opened up a rapid series of kicks which rapidly forced Kakarot to the defensive. Kakarot returned with flurries of punches, before taking a strike to the face.

Falling to support his weight on one arm, Kakarot kicked one of Nam's legs out from under him, sending him falling to the ground. As Nam caught himself, Kakarot dealt him a fist that sent him flying towards the ring walls.

Nam landed feet first and kicked off the building to strike Kakarot across the neck.

Kakarot rolled away, clutching his neck, and near the edge. Here was Nam's chance to end the battle right now! Rushing towards Kakarot, he made for a finishing move.

Then something gripped his leg and pulled him off his feet to land with a crash.

Kakarot arose, a brown monkey tail now coming from his back. 'Finally, I have my tail back. Now I can fight at full strength at last!'

'I did not… expect that.' said Nam as he arose. What was going on here? What manner of child had a tail?

The awed crowd stared. 'Whats this?' said the Announcer 'Kakarot has saved himself from defeat by using a… tail. This is truly proving to be a tournament for the record books!'

As Nam and Kakarot faced each other, Kakarot smiled and it was not a pleasant look. He looked more like a feral beast in that moment than a boy. 'Now, lets serious shall we?' asked Kakarot.

Then he threw himself forward with his tail, roaring as he did it and unleashed a flurry of punches, driving Nam across the ring. Nam felt several blows to his gut, and chest, and shrugged off the pain, only to be struck again. 'The boy is attacking too fast, I have no way to counter. I can't even stand toe to toe with him!'

Farther and farther back Nam was driven until he stood at the very edge of the ring. 'Oh no,' he said, and then he raised his hand and caught Kakarot's fist.

Kakarot stared as both his hands were caught. One moment he had been on the verge of a finishing blow, and enjoying himself. The next he found himself unable to shake the iron grip of Nam. 'I am sorry,' said Nam 'but there are too many people counting on me to lose here.' Then he unleashed a flurry of kicks.

The attacks rocked Kakarot back and forth as he was beaten repeatedly. Each one was comparable to the strength Yamcha had shown with his wolf fang fist. A lesser being would have been crushed right there. Finally, Nam let got and round house kicked him into the center of the arena. The pain was terrible, and Kakarot groaned in agony as Nam walked near him.

'I must end this battle,' thought Nam 'yet that tail is more dangerous than a cobra. There is only one way. The aerial attack.' Then he launched himself into the air, remembering Yamcha's words. He might not get another chance at this.

'Look at him go!' called the Announcer 'Nam is way up there! What a jump, I'd say he's at least ten stories high, no wait, he's even higher!'

'I will strike like a lightning bolt from the sky.' said Nam, before diving downwards, his arms crossed before him. As he descended he closed his eyes. 'Young warrior, I have no desire to harm you. I do this only because it is my duty to help my people.'

This was bad. If Kakarot didn't dodge the incoming assault, he would be done for. Even now Nam was descending at an enormous rate. Worse still, he might be seriously hurt. 'Kakarot!' called Bulma desperately. 'Get up!'

Kakarot's eyes opened as he arose.

'It's too late!' proclaimed Nam 'I must fulfill my destiny!'

Down came Nam, and Kakarot rolled aside just in time! The impact shattered several tiles of the ring, as Nam stood up and Kakarot stepped backward on the defensive.

'Yeah, Kakarot!' said Bulma 'Show him who's boss!'

'That was close,' Kakarot said 'if you'd connected with that it might have lost me this match. But I promise you there won't be a second chance.'

'Good heavens, what a blow! One can only wonder what might have happened had it connected!' said Mr. Announcer.

'Shut up,' said Kakarot 'now let's get back to our fight.'

'It is against my way to harm any creature,' said Nam 'however I must succeed in my mission.'

'Yeah, well I've got a mission too.' said Kakarot, eyes narrowed. 'And I have to win this tournament to fulfill it. Someone in a high place has chosen me for it.'

For a moment their eyes met, and Bulma suddenly got the sense that the two warriors had some kind of understanding pass between them. It was scarcely perceptible, but it was there.

'Then let us see whose resolve is the stronger.' said Nam.

They surged forward and engaged in a flurry of blows, back and forth and around across the ring. Both of them took hits, and both refused to go down. Nam kicked Kakarot across the face and got a fist to his gut for his trouble. Kakarot tripped Nam up with his tail again, only to be punched upside the chin as the villager arose again.

So it went on, and the seconds passed into minutes. Minutes passed into hours, and still, the combat waged between the man and the monkey boy. Sweat dripped from their forms, as the two fought on, long after any normal person would have been crushed.

'This is simply incredible!' said Mr. Announcer 'As of this moment, Kakarot and Nam have been fighting for over three hours! And neither one of them shows any sign of throwing in the towel!'

Bulma was resting her head on the wall as she watched. The combat had long ago turned into a blur of punches and kicks for her. Nam and Kakarot now had let a momentary pause in the melee developed as they faced each other down. She perked her head up. 'Hey, is it just me, or does Kakarot look a lot less tired than Nam does?'

Nam was breathing heavily, his whole form pulsing from exertion. Meanwhile, Kakarot looked only a little tired, and more than able to keep going forever.

'Your right,' said Puar. 'he's winning.'

'I'll give you this…' said Kakarot, wiping sweat from his eyes. 'you are really good. In other circumstances, I'd use my trump card. But I've been trained specifically to endure enormous strain for long periods of time. All I have to do is drag this out, and you'll collapse from exhaustion sooner or later.'

'He's right,' realized Nam 'my strength is waning faster than his. For the sake of my people, I must end this now! I must use the aerial attack, and this time I must not fail!' Gathering all his strength he leaped high into the air, higher than the buildings, higher than the skyscrapers, higher than the clouds! He leaped higher than he ever had before, beyond the voice of the announcer, for he knew that this final attack must finish it.

'Airs pretty thin up here, don't you think?' asked Kakarot behind him.

Nam turned around and saw Kakarot falling directly across from him, smiling with crossed arms. Reeling, Nam could scarcely react as Kakarot swam through the air and attacked him. Their fists went back and forth and around as they grappled and battled within midair.

Far below the audience saw two tiny figures growing larger, battling back and forth as they rapidly approached the ground below. Mr. Announcer looked up. 'Kakarot and Nam have jumped higher than the clouds, and are even now doing battle while falling to earth! This is a first in the history of the tournament!'

As the figures grew larger, their approach became more rapid, until at last Nam and Kakarot could be seen dueling in mortal combat. Finally, Kakarot vaulted over Nam and got on his back, forcing him down as Nam struggled.

Then they hit the ring. A crater was blasted in the tiles as a huge cloud of dust was kicked up. When the dust settled, Kakarot stumbled up out of the crater, covered in dust. He sneezed as a vast cheer broke out from the crowds. Kakarot looked more than a little lost.

'Simply incredible! After a collision of that size and force, Kakarot is still standing!' said Mr. Announcer 'What an incredible boy!'

'Hey,' said Bulma 'start the count will ya!' She had nothing against Nam, but she was on Kakarot's side here.

'Oh right,' said the Announcer. 'one, two, three, four,' No sign could be seen of Nam moving. 'five, six, seven, eight, nine, te-'

'I will not fail my people.' said Nam as he stumbled up from the crater. 'I cannot allow myself to lose…' He was bleeding in several places, and walking with a limp, yet his eyes were unbroken.

'Amazing! Despite all that, Nam is still getting up!' said Mr. Announcer. 'Does he have some new technique?'

'No he doesn't,' snapped Kakarot 'if he had one he would have used it before. Look, you are very strong. But you were already losing before I turned your own technique against you.' He dodged a series of blows, before catching Nam's fist and kicking him back a few paces. 'Face your defeat with some dignity, already.'

'Nam!' called Yamcha from the sidelines. 'You've already done more than anyone could expect! You have to forfeit!'

'There is no shame in admitting defeat!' cried Jackie Chun.

'This is bad,' said Puar 'if Nam keeps attacking Kakarot like that, Kakarot may get angry and really hurt him.'

'I will never give up!' roared Nam as he unleashed a flurry of punches. 'I swore that I would save my people with the money from this tournament, and I will!' One of his punches connected and Kakarot was sent sailing across the ring to land at the far end. Yet Kakarot arose only a moment later, wiping the blood from his lip.

'I admire your bravery and commitment,' said Kakarot 'however I'm not going to give up just because you won't. It looks like I'll just have to beat you senseless instead.'

'I can't watch!' said Puar as she covered her eyes.

Bulma cringed but kept her eyes open. Kakarot surged forward with inhuman speed. Nam tried to meet him with a punch, but Kakarot leaped over him and dealt a karate chop to the back of his neck. Although there must have been a massively powerful blow, it looked insignificant compared to some of the others. Nam stood still for a moment, shuddering, before falling to the ground unconscious.

Kakarot landed and caught everyone's stares. 'What?'

'Well it's just…' Mr. Announcer paused. 'it was a bit anticlimactic is all.'

'Would you start the count already?' asked Kakarot. 'I don't want to have to beat him down again.'

'Right,' said Mr. Announcer 'one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten! Nam is out of the fight, and Kakarot is the winner!'

Cheers broke out throughout the crowds, while medical personnel came forward to pick up Nam. Bulma and Puar breathed a sigh of relief, as Kakarot looked around. Then Bulma looked up. 'Hey Kakarot,'

'Yes?' he asked.

'Good job, kid.'

'It was the quickest and most efficient method of ending the match.' he said with a shrug as he made his way back. 'See you next fight, I guess.'

'Yeah, okay.' said Bulma with a slight smile.

Jackie Chun was looking at Kakarot with slightly narrowed eyes as he entered the hall. Kakarot looked up in silent challenge. 'What?'

'You could have ended that match much sooner, couldn't you?' asked Jackie Chun simply.

'Yeah,' admitted Kakarot 'but I'd hate to finish a fight without knowing my opponent had a chance to give it his all. It makes it all the more satisfying when I win.' He paused. 'I believe you are up next, Master Roshi.'

'How many times do I have to tell you I'm Jackie Chun before you start believing it!'

'Quite a few more, I expect.' said Kakarot.

Authors Note:

Well, here we have the completed fight between Launch and Yamcha and the fight between Kakarot and Nam. Originally I was going to fit the fights into two separate episodes, but both chapters turned out two short so I combined them into one of moderate length.

It's funny, I originally planned to have Yamcha and Launch fight evenly, before Launch unleashed a kamehameha, missed, and then was knocked out by a wolf fang fist. Then it occurred to me that Launch really doesn't have much training beyond brawling experience. She has physical might, but none of the techniques. So I realized that Yamcha, realistically, would hold the advantage once he got used to her strength. The whole thing with Yamcha having flashbacks to his fight with Tien came right out of nowhere.

I know right? Who would have thought that knowing martial arts would help win the world martial arts tournament?

As for Nam Vs Kakarot, I tried to change things up from canon to suit Kakarot's character. The original fight, of course, involved Goku jumping higher than Nam and then knocking him out of the ring once they hit the ground. However, Kakarot is much more of a blood knight and prefers fisticuffs to showy moves.