With In The Spectators Area
Whis and Beerus were watching intently, somewhat pleased by universe 7's progress despite the loss of one of their team members. Shin and Elder Kai were silent to until they felt a sudden shift of movement behind them. The two Kais turned to see that Hudo was waking up before he fully opened his eyes. The Astackian looked around, wondering where he was before remembering that they are in the middle of a tournament. He straightened himself up, holding his head, "Uhhh, how long was I out?".
"Long enough to miss some of the action. Your teammates seem to be doing rather well down there," Elder Kai answered.
Hudo looked down to see that numerous of fights were still going on, "I see...sorry guys, I know I could of stay in longer.".
"Don't sweat it, you manage to help take down one of universe 4's strongest fighters and now they are in a desperate situation because of you. Rest easy for now and trust in your comrades," Beerus assured, blatant with his statement to the very end. Hudo nodded and continued to watch. Whis couldn't help but eye his lord, intrigued by how much he has change since encountering these earthlings. Especially after his conversation with Kuzuku after the Goku Black ordeal. The angel's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden flashes of his staff. He examined it closely, poking the orb that hovered slightly above the tip. The orb projected an image of Bulma who seemed a tad bit distress.
"Oh Bulma? What a lovely time for you to call! What do you need?" Whis asked, gleefulness in her voice.
"Well Whis, I've gathered everyone to tell them the news about this whole tournament of power thing and now they all want to sit and watch. I tried to tell them that you guys already left but they didn't listen to me so now I need you to help me with that," Bulma said, revealing the numerous friends and family behind her. It consisted of Master Roshi, Krillin, 18, Videl, Hercule, Chi Chi, Ace, Ryusika, Vincent, Liz, Kize, and Riley. Goten and Trunks were playing around in the background with Marron and Pan.
Whis cupped his chin, he could tell by the looks of their faces that they were anxious to watch, "Hmmmm, I see that you weren't kidding. I can easily create a projection that will display the fights at hand. I bet that will satisfy your desires if my Lord allows it.".
"Go right ahead. At this point, we have no time to worry of such things," Beerus muttered. Whis chuckled to himself, a smiling forming on his face.
"Very well, things might get bright so I suggest you all cover your eyes!" Whis warned, commanding his staff to activate. Bulma on the other side of the call, shielded her eyes from the bright light coming from the object in her hand that she used to call Whis. Everyone did the same thing until the light faded, revealing several large rectangular screen in the middle of their backyard. They could see the fights clearly now. Riley looked around, before noticing something that made her smile.
"Hey look! Kuzuku and Zugo are still in the tournament!" Riley noted. Everyone turned to see the Saiyan looking around while on the other screen while Zugo had just knocked off Ganos, eliminating him from the tournament. Videl looked to see that Gohan was still in the middle of an intense match between Saonel and Pirina while Piccolo wasn't fairing much better against his opponent.
Now In The Arena
Piccolo dodged a chop aimed at his neck and kicked Troc away several feet. The universe 7 Namekian brought both hands to his waist, generating two Ki orbs before firing both right at him. Troc crossed his arms, hoping to shield against the blast, however, he didn't expect them to pass right behind him. The two energy waves came back around and rammed themselves right into his back, exploding upon contact. Troc gagged as before he could land on his feet and recover, Piccolo gut punched him hard in the stomach, rocketing him into a nearby rock.
"Nice one Piccolo!" Hudo cheered. Piccolo jumped back, getting into a stance and waited for him to come out of the rubble. He breathed heavily, feeling the obvious blood trickle down his chin. An abnormal amount of time passed and his opponent has yet to show himself. He was beginning to wonder if he knocked him out with that blow until suddenly, a arm came right below him and grabbed him the throat. Piccolo gagged as he was lifted into the air. The ground shattered as soon as Troc revealed himself by shooting up from below, charging at him by retracting his arm. In no time, Troc's knee connected with his stomach, stunning him just enough for him to follow up with a sledgehammer punch that sent him crashing into a pile of debris. Piccolo laid there as he watched him land on his feet. He got up, brushing off some debris and glared at the Namekian.
"He got me there. I'm not going to lie, that attack winded me a little." Piccolo muttered. Troc didn't waste time, rushing right towards the universe 7 warrior. Piccolo was ready to defend but Troc fainted his initial attack and jumped behind him only to dive in for a kick at his spine. Piccolo noticed this and quickly turned around with a energy ball in hand. Troc's eyes widened at the sight, unable to prevent himself from being caught in a explosive energy wave that sent him crashing in a pillar. The universe 7 Namekian began gasping for air, waiting once more for him to re-emerge. As anticipated this time, Troc moved a large piece of rubble. He displayed fatigue as well but he still was able to continue fighting.
"This fight is going nowhere, you know that right? We'll eventually tire each other out to the point where we won't be able to continue fighting," Troc warned.
"Is that so, lucky for me my team has someone who can heal our injuries and stamina as part of their natural ability. I can't say the same about you," Piccolo noted.
Troc was taken back a bit by the new information but regained composer, "Is that so? Then I better finish you off and take care of that healer of yours now. I didn't think I needed to use this technique but I have no choice now, do I?". Piccolo became curious and stayed on guard on whatever he was about to do. Troc extended his hand out and started to generate an energy ball that consisted of the same color of his Ki but it was constantly erratic, almost unstable. Piccolo was confused but he could definitely sense the energy build-up before he fired.
"Now, tear him to shreds, Rendering Flash!" Troc murmured, unleashing a large erratic yet static energy wave that went straight towards his adversary. Piccolo's had no time to dodge nor counter so he crossed his arms and placed most of his energy into a energy barrier. He was confident on blocking the blast but he was quickly convinced that this attack was unique in it's own way. As soon as the wave made contact, it completely shattered Piccolo's defenses and collided right into, pushing him through several boulders before crashing it one that was ginormous in size. As soon as the wave detonated, that boulder was obliterated into nothing, erupting a large amount of static electricity across the arena.
"Piccolo!" Hudo panicked. The spectators from Earth sweated from what they just saw. There was a large mushroom cloud in the arena and Piccolo's status was currently unknown. Eventually the group finally gain a visual on the Namekian who was revealed to be covered in bruises with half his Gi blown off.
"So that's it...," Beerus muttered.
"What is it?" Shin asked.
Whis decided to step in and speak for Beerus as he was too busy watching the spectacle, "That energy wave was more than just a massive build up of Ki. Just remember the form it took. It seemed to be static, almost wild to the point where it couldn't take a perfect form. Some may say that is a sign of imperfect Ki control, however, that attack had generated an absurd amount of power from being the complete opposite from others expectation. Even the tip of the wave contained a spiral that made it impossible to defend, even if you were to create a powerful defense.".
"But, that attack looked like it should of been a one hit move. Just look," Beerus added. Everyone on Earth and in the stands turn to see what Beerus was talking about. Troc was currently wobbling, struggling to even muster up the strength to stand. He looked up and mumbled curses under his breath at the fact that Piccolo was still standing. Master Roshi took off his sunglasses and quickly caught on.
"It seems that attack was a double-edge sword on his part," Roshi noted.
Krillin looked over to his master, curious of what his wisdom has come across. Roshi began to scratch his beard, "It's true that the Ki wave he used seemed to contain destructive force that is beyond imagination, however, to wield such uncontrollable power and to generate enough energy to create an attack of that magnitude, he must of sacrificed a lot of his Ki in hopes of ending the fight right then and there. I will give him credit, the Kamehameha wave most certainly doesn't come close to that sort of destructive force but yet it is more stable and versatile in use.". Everyone marveled at the old man's explanation and took his words to heart. They all turned back to the projection, seeing that Piccolo had finally mustered up some strength to fight. Piccolo looked towards his opponent who seemed to be breathing heavily as well and narrowed his eyes.
"That attack took a lot out of you, from the looks of it," Piccolo commented.
Troc slowed his breathing as sweat trickled down his face, "That attack was passed down from generation to generation. It was created when our planet was destined to be destroyed by a cataclysmic comet and since that day, only the strongest warrior of our race could wield it. You are probably the first to have take a direct hit and still be conscious.". Piccolo chuckled at the compliment, smiling a bit from the honor.
"I guess that makes me feel a little bit better, despite the numbness I am feeling. I can't help but feel that this is one fight that I can't lose," Piccolo said as he watched Troc get ready to charge.
"That's some resolve you got there. Let me relieve you of that pressure by knocking you right off the stage!" Troc roared, dashing at speeds that ruptured the ground beneath him. Piccolo predicted a punch from his right but instead he left himself wide opened for Troc to deliver a devastating chop to his neck. Piccolo staggered a bit, regaining his balance quickly and threw a kick at his head. Troc blocked the kick with his arm and punched Piccolo clean in the face, sending him flying. He chased him down as he watched the universe 7 Namekian flip himself onto his feet. The two clashed fist for fist but Piccolo was beginning to feel the effects of the attack earlier. He felt a sharp punch collide with his ribs before he was kicked away in the face. Piccolo flipped a few times, placing his finger on his forehead before firing as soon as his feet touched the ground.
"Special Beam Cannon!" Piccolo shouted, unleashing his signature and favorite attack. Troc turned around and saw the piercing beam coming straight towards him. Catching Piccolo by surprise, he slapped the beam to the side, leaving it to crash into the timer before rushing towards him. Piccolo stumbled back a bit, hoping to get away but failed as he tripped on his foot. He cursed mentally, allowing himself to be socked hard in the jaw with an elbow that sent him crashing through several rocks. With absurd speeds, the universe 6 Namekian appeared behind him and kneed him into the air before jumping above him in order to kick him in the jaw. Piccolo gagged as he was sent hurling to the ground near the edge of the ring like a meteorite, bouncing off it and creating a small crater. His eyes seemed to be faded a little, as if he was about to lose consciousness.
"Get up!" Beerus demanded, worry plaguing his voice.
"Way to go Troc! Now finish him off so that will be one less fighter we have to deal with!" Champa cheered. Gohan noticed the situation was getting drastic after he had just got done kick both Saonel and Pirina away.
"Piccolo!" Gohan called out with worry, attempting to rush towards his master's side. But it didn't take long for his opponents to come back and kick him right in the gut. Gohan's feet skidded across the ground, clutching his gut and glaring at the two Namekian warriors.
Saonel and Pirina stood side by side, cracking their knuckles, "Sorry but you gonna have to deal with us first!". Gohan growled at Saonel's words and took a glance over towards Piccolo who seemed to be getting up. Gohan could tell that he didn't have much left in him. The Namek's eyes were tired and he was looking like he was about to pass out at any moment. His body shaking from trying to stand and audible heavy breathing was apparent. Gohan kept his eyes on his opponent, knowing that he shouldn't let his guard down. He couldn't help but remember the moments shared between him and Piccolo. The memories that they made during their time training together. That's why...
"Piccolo!" Gohan yelled, gaining the Namek's attention, though he didn't turns towards his student, he was listening.
"Don't give up! I know you can win! I believe in you!" Gohan shouted.
Piccolo didn't know where he was getting at. Sure it was some encouraging words but something seemed different in his voice. Almost as if it had a sense of trust and compassion hinted in it. Gohan inhaled before continuing, "You remember the days we shared?! The days where we'd train for a whole year when I was little?! The days we will spend nights under the stars around a fire and have small talks while eating meals?!". Pirina and Saonel rushed towards Gohan, forcing him to block the onslaught of punches and kicks. Gohan grabbed Saonel's hand and flipped him over his shoulder and kicked Pirina in the gut, pushing him away. Saonel rolled onto his feet and landed a swift punch, stunning Gohan a bit until he felt a Ki blast push him towards a boulder. Saonel looked back and hissed before erupting his Ki to destroy the blast, stopping himself from crashing. Pirina dashed right at Gohan and headbutted him in the face. The Saiyan skidded across the ground but straightened himself, ready to fight some more. Piccolo was in the middle of processing what he said. The memories of those times reoccurred in his mind like rekindled flames.
"Those times...I will never forget. They were some of the most memorable parts in my life. As I grew older from there...As I continued to grow stronger...As I continued to mature...I learned to not be a coward, a weakling. The person that supported me in that regard was my father and one more person...," Gohan paused, adding emphasis to his words. He smiled looking up as his opponent came rushing towards him.
"It was you...," The Saiyan admitted, powering up his ultimate form even further, pushing the two Namekians back with his immense Ki. Saonel and Pirina backed away, somewhat scared of approaching any further.
"You were that second role model in that aspect of life, the person that pushed me into the fighter that I am today and even then, after I became an adult, you continued to teach me lessons that I was ignorant of. Lessons that no textbook could teach me about. I eventually took your teachings and implanted them into Kuzuku's life as well. I made sure that he not only learned the way of the turtle or demon, but also to forge his own path that he must follow. I believe in your teachings and I most certainly still believe in you. So fight! Fight with the same way I admired years ago!" Gohan roared, rushing into battle once more. Pirina and Saonel were shocked by his speed before the three broke out into a three way clash.
As they exchanged blows, shockwaves were generated each time they moved to a different location, destroying pillars of rock. Piccolo's mouth was left open, trying to formulate words to say to Gohan before he went straight back into battle. He smirked at a funny thought that came to mind, "No use in telling him. I am bad at expressing such type of things.". He looked up, his eyes glowing with a new light. Troc wondered for a moment, inferring that the universe 7 warrior has some sort of trick up his sleeve but by the looks of it, that wasn't the case. Piccolo was tired, exhausted beyond repair. Even if he's gotten to 21, she wouldn't be able to restore him back to full strength so why was he smiling? He should be worrying shouldn't he?
"It's ironic how things come full circle. I used to loathe the kid for being Goku's child but yet, over the years he was the reason I changed so much and became a Z-fighter," Piccolo rambled, confusing Troc in the process. Piccolo let out a an amused sound before shrugging his shoulders.
"But now, seeing that he's grown up, I can proudly admit that he's become what I could say, the greatest friend I could ever have," Piccolo admitted, getting into a familiar stance. The same one where he was at his peak at one point. He smirked as this attack was one of the strongest he's produced at one point. He brought his hands together in front of him and roared with all his might, his remaining energy erupting along with his orange bio-electricity raging around his body. Troc looked at him with surprise at what he was doing. Their surroundings were becoming levitated due to the amount of power being focused.
"What is Piccolo doing? This mass concentration of Ki...it's enormous!" Hudo wondered. Beerus was actually impress by the Namekians power but continued to watch with silent. Kuzuku from afar could sense the mass energy build up coming from where Piccolo was.
"So Piccolo going all out. You go get him...," Kuzuku muttered. Gohan flipped himself onto his feet after being knocked straight to the ground. He watched as Saonel and Pirina combine their respective Ki blasts, ready to fire with the intent to finish him off. Gohan brought his hands together and motioned them to his waist.
"Kaaaaaaaaaa...meeeeeee...haaaaaaa...meeeeeee...!" Gohan chanted, his blue energy sphere forming in his hand while creating rays of light. Piccolo's sphere formed as well, creating a static yet concentrated ord of energy that was orange in color with a red tint. Troc leaped backwards and extended out his hand in a claw-like fashion, preparing his Rendering Flash. All of the participants could notice that things were about to reach a conclusion. As soon as a pebble hit the ground, the five warriors decided to unleash their attacks.
Piccolo's eyes widened, feeling that the time was now, "Primal Light Grenade!". A large high-power sphere with orange lighting spewing out, shot right towards Troc. The universe 6 Namekian finished charging his attack in time and commanded with power.
"Rendering Flash!" Troc countered, unleashing his wild energy wave. Meanwhile Saonel and Troc decided to unleash their attacks as well.
"Aggrandize Explosive Wave!" They shouted in union, firing a large solid energy wave at the Saiyan.
At the sight of that, Gohan let out a power roar, "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!". All four attacks clashed with immense force, causing unparalleled shockwaves to shake the arena. Piccolo could feel his feet begin to slide closer off the edge in silhouette to Gohan losing ground. Troc, Saonel, and Pirina shouted louder in union, putting more energy into the blast. Gohan gritted his teeth from seeing that their wave was gaining more ground over his while Piccolo was struggling to hold on himself.
"Grahhhhhhh!" Gohan screamed, adding more power into his wave and pushed back against Saonel's and Pirina's. Piccolo noticed Gohan giving it his all. He could feel his arms start to give way with purple blood spewing out of his veins from over exertion.
"It's over! Give it up!" Troc shouted, pushing even further. Piccolo groaned in pain from the extra force being so overwhelming. He looked ahead into the light with one eye open, noticing a particular image of a tailed boy who used to where a hat with the four star dragon ball on it. His eyes glowed, shocking Troc a bit. With perfect union, Both Piccolo and Gohan screamed, making one last push for victory, "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!". Their auras erupted into two fiery pillars, Gohan's showcasing a hint of the same light purple in his Ki before their attacks both broke through the universe 6's Namekians. Saonel, Pirina, and Troc let out sounds of panic before they were all consumed by the blasts. Troc couldn't help but be stunned, shock that they have been defeated. In the midst of being engulfed, he couldn't help feel the other feeling that comes with defeat.
"Well done, universe 7...," Troc thought before the three were blown complete off the stage. The attacks faded, leaving Saonel and Pirina to fall on one side of the arena and Troc to fall off on the opposing side. They were teleported back to where Champa and Vados sat. The three Namekian looked disappointed but they plunged that feeling down as they were content with defeat.
"Forgive us, lord Champa...," Troc apologized. Champa crossed his arms and huffed, trying to hide signs of compassion.
"No matter, you three fought well. If we win this, just remember that you owe me some sort of compensation," Champa said, looking back onto the stage. The three nodded, accepting that kind of punishment gratefully as Vados chuckled in the background. Meanwhile, the inhabitants who were watching on Earth were cheering for their victory.
"Alright! Gohan and Piccolo did it!" Krillin cheered.
Roshi's sunglasses glistened as he noticed something was off, "I wouldn't speak so soon yet. It seems that pushing that hard has come with a consequence.".
"Huh?" Everyone muttered, wondering what he was talking about. Back at the tournament arena, Piccolo stood at the edge of the ring still. His arms were limp and he could barely move a muscle. He looked up to see Gohan land in front of him, his pupil's face stern. He couldn't help but chuckle, aware that Gohan could tell what was wrong just by looking at him.
"Heheheh, Looks like I am unable to continue. Forgive me, Gohan," Piccolo chuckled, knowing that the amount of damage he received was too great to heal to where he could be much use. 21 would exhaust all her stamina trying thus bringing the team down in the process.
"There's no need for you to apologize, Piccolo. Your fight inspired me to push further. Thank you, Piccolo," Gohan replied.
The Namek was frozen for a moment before a smirk slowly creep on his face. His aura was fading away as he deformed back into his normal state. He looked up and smiled, somewhat happy of this outcome. As he felt the ground below begin to break, he gave Gohan one of his rare, comforting smirks, "I'm glad that I still push you to be better...". At the end of his sentence, the ground broke, sending Piccolo plummeting into the void before he was teleported back into the stands. Gohan stood emotionless before turning back towards the battlefield. He couldn't help but think to himself about the last words he said.
"Yeah...more than anyone..."