Chapter 10: Outclassed; Pride
"BEGIN!" The announcer declared as Sharpener and Gohan each fell into their respective stances. Despite Sharpener's request for him to go all out, Gohan had decided it would be best if he kept his power on Sharpener's level for a little bit.
Sharpener made the first move as he rushed Gohan and ducked to the right and sprung up, using momentum from his legs to launch a powerful punch to Gohan's body. Gohan easily blocked it and grabbed Sharpener's wrist and twisted it to get around the boy and quickly locked him up in a half-nelson.
"I'm impressed, your speed has definitely improved!" Gohan exclaimed as Sharpener used his free arm to aim a ki blast at Gohan's face. Instead of showing off to the blonde boy by taking the blast without damage, he instead opted to let go and dodge the blast.
Sharpener stood and dropped into his stance, he extended his senses to find Gohan's ki as he moved around the ring. Sharpener, despite not being very book-smart, was definitely capable when it came to fighting. He quickly figured out Gohan's path and launched a ki blast at just the right time to hit Gohan, only for the Demi-Saiyan to deflect the blast into the ground.
Sharpener used that as a distraction to quickly approach Gohan and land several hits center-mass. Gohan smirked as he quickly began dodging in response, trying to tire his opponent out. After what seemed a couple minutes straight of Sharpener's flurry of fists, Gohan noticed them slowing down. He used this as an opportunity to land a strong hit to the blonde's stomach, knocking him back a couple steps.
Back in the waiting room, Videl used her senses observe the fight from where she was seated, not wanting to take her scowl away from the Mercenary who allowed her opponent to die. The mercenary in question just smirked deviously at her and the rest of the fighters. Because he didn't technically kill the clumsy giant, he wasn't disqualified from the Tournament.
"What's the matter girl? He was your opponent. If it were a real fight, you would've had to kill him yourself!" Tao laughed as Videl's scowl deepened.
"That's no excuse! This wasn't a real fight! Not to mention, based on your profession and your fucking prosthetics, I'd say someone spared you in a 'real fight'!" Videl countered as Tao stopped laughing and glared at her.
"You're not wrong girl. I have been spared, one of many mistakes that fool has made. Especially with the number of people I've killed since he spared me!" Tao grinned deviously as Goku's face turned to one of disgust from the doorway with a view of the field, he turned towards Tao, an almost merciless intent in his eyes as he scowled at the Mercenary.
"It's not a mistake I intend to repeat anymore Tao. You've had your chance." Goku declared with venom uncharacteristically in his voice. Tao did his best to hide the chill that went up his spine at Goku's declaration.
Vegeta smirked at this, "We'll make a real Saiyan of you after all Kakarot." He chuckled as Celero listened, shocked to hear the Saiyan name of Goku.
Back on the ring, Sharpener and Gohan clashed, fist-for-fist as they slowly rose through the air, Sharpener grit his teeth as the full nature of Gohan's power slowly showed itself. He could tell that Gohan was still hiding a lot of his strength from him. He powered up with anger as he dropped a hammer-fist to the top of Gohan's head, sending the demi-Saiyan hurdling towards the ring. Gohan quickly flipped and landed easily feet first on the ring.
Sharpener landed a bit of distance away from him, "You lied to me! You swore you'd use your full power in this fight!" Sharpener accused as Gohan rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"I did say that, didn't I?" Gohan laughed out nervously as he saw Sharpener glaring at him. Gohan put his hands up defensively, "You have to understand, it would be a quick fight if I went all out and I wanted to see what you could do." Gohan argued in his defense as Sharpener's glare deepened.
"I don't care! How am I supposed to know how much I need to improve if you don't use your full power!?" Sharpener asked, vitriol lacing his voice.
Gohan sighed, "Very well. If you insist." Gohan said as lightning slowly began crackling around his body. Sharpener's senses began throwing warning signs, telling him to run. But he stayed planted in his spot with steely resolve as a Gohan's hair spiked up even more than normal. A golden aura raised around him as his hair turned a bright gold. When Gohan opened his eyes, Sharpener saw the same teal that was there when he pissed Gohan off in the library 2 months ago, but this time, the anger wasn't there. The emotion wasn't as strong, it seemed more like indifference.
"Tell me Sharpener," Gohan began calmly as Sharpener dropped into a shaky stance, feeling every ounce of Gohan's power bombard his senses, "in your training with Krillin, did he say anything about the Saiyans?" Gohan asked as Sharpener thought back to his 2 month tutelage under Krillin.
-2 Weeks Ago-
Sharpener was deep in meditation as he was slowly learning how to sense the ki that Krillin was masking below his surface. He had come to learn that Krillin wasn't completely forthcoming with just how strong her was, to the point that he was surprised when he could feel an immense power just below the surface.
"Have you found it yet?" Krillin asked from his position directly across from his student.
"I think I have. But what does this have to do with fighting? Why does it matter if they can hide their power? Shouldn't I just beat them before they can bring it out?" Sharpener asked as Krillin chuckled.
"If only it were that easy!" Krillin laughed out loud as he thought back to all the fights he could of won if that were the case. "This kind of advanced ki-sensing is good for figuring out whether or not to make a tactical retreat. If an enemy has more power below the surface, then they can use it to bolster their stamina. It might seem like you have them on the ropes, but they could just be trying to tire you out. In a fight like the tournaments, when you're not trying to kill your opponent, tiring your opponent out is a good way to win. But in a life-or-death battle like when we fought Cell, getting tired out is a good way to die. You're goal is to fight and beat Gohan, if I'm being honest, you won't win. He's one of the most powerful beings in the universe. Saiyan DNA does a person wonders I guess." Krillin explained as Sharpener furrowed his brow.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence Master." Sharpener said sarcastically as Krillin shrugged.
"What can I say? Saiyans have constantly proved to be the most powerful beings in the universe. I do take pride on human's being tenacious enough to win though. I'd suggest using that tenacity against Gohan, but he's become a master strategist in the past Seven years." Krillin said nonchalantly as Sharpener became curious.
"What do you mean by Saiyan? What is that?" Sharpener asked as Krillin looked at him quizzically.
"You mean Gohan or Videl really hasn't told you what a Saiyan is yet?" Krillin asked incredulously before shrugging. "Well then, about Twelve or Thirteen years ago, we learned of the existence of an alien race. One that was endangered because of how few there were left. One that had a resident on Earth for 25 years at that time." Krillin began
"The Saiyans? Who as living here for 25 years that was a Saiyan?" Sharpener asked, already having trouble believing this story.
"Son Goku, Gohan's father and the winner of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, and my best friend." Krillin said proudly as he began telling the story of the Saiyans, or at least the parts he could remember from Vegeta. Sharpener listened with interest.
Once it was all told Sharpener smirked, "I don't care if he is a Super Saiyan or whatever, I know I can beat him!" He declared as he began training with renewed vigor.
-Present-
"Yeah, he told me all about them. I guess this is Super Saiyan?" Sharpener said defiantly as Gohan smirked.
"You asked me to go all out. This is a step above Super Saiyan. Twice as powerful as a normal Super Saiyan. You want my full power, come and get it." Gohan taunted as he disappeared completely. Krillin slapped himself in the forehead at his student's actions as he watched from the entrance.
"I told him there was no way he could beat Gohan at his full power! What does he do? Asks for it anyway!" Krillin said annoyed by the fact that his student was now fighting an enemy who was too fast for his ki sensing to follow.
"Yeah, but you have to admit, you trained him well in a short time. Imagine what he could do with more training. He could be a powerful ally." Goku said optimistically to cheer his friend up.
Sharpener tried locating Gohan's ki around the ring, but he was moving so quickly it seemed like he was in every corner of the ring at the same time, being directly above him. He didn't even notice as Gohan left small bruises on his arms without even reappearing to the blonde boy's eyes, until it was too late and he collapsed to his hands and knees, breathing heavily. He looked up to see Gohan in his base form, frowning. "I admire your will Sharpener. It lead you to become strong in a short time, but you still have training to do if you want to get anywhere near my level. If you're willing, any member of our group will help you train to get stronger." Gohan said with a neutral expression as he held his hand out to help the blonde to his feet.
Sharpener smirked and accepted it. As soon as he was on his feet, he made his way to the edge and hopped off, "I'll take you up on that offer Gohan. I won't let you outclass me for long!" He exclaimed as he walked, with difficulty, back to the waiting area, where he collapsed onto a seat, his bruises pulsing, a little annoyed as he heard the announcer declared him the loser of the fight.
His eyes open as he felt Krillin stand in front of him, "You did good kid! I'm surprised you lasted that long against Gohan's full power." Krillin said proudly before gesturing to a large green man standing behind him, "This is Piccolo, Gohan's first teacher. He offered to train you more when you finish my training." Krillin explained as Sharpener's expression became confident despite the pain he was feeling in his body.
Sharpener did his best to stand on his feet. He bowed to Piccolo, "I thank you for the offer, and I accept." He said politely as Piccolo smirked.
"It won't be easy kid. I won't go easy on you just because you're a friend of Gohan. Once you finish his training, come to the Land of Korin, find Korin's tower, and fly straight up and past Korin's Landing. Eventually you'll see a floating palace in the sky. That is where I will train you." Piccolo explained as Sharpener collapsed back into his seat, and nodded affirmatively.
Gohan sat down next to Videl who was still scowling at Tao. Gohan frowned at this, he knew what Tao did was unacceptable, but he knew Tao's time was coming, and justice would be served, one way or another. Nothing could be done but scowl though, even if every fiber of his being wanted to burn the merciless mercenary to ash.
-Pride-
The announcer observed the ring for damage as he had seen some hard hits in the last fight. After determining there was no major damage, he decided to announce the fighters, "Would Trunks and Son Goten please make their way to the ring now!" he yelled through the microphone as the two young boys began walking towards the ring excitedly.
"Last tournament, we held a junior division so that kids would stand a chance at winning without fighting any adults. But this year we decided to get rid of it on the off chance we had fighters of the same caliber as Son Goku and Krillin. These two kids were the only kids to get a punching score of over 150! I'd say that qualifies them to fight with adults!" The announcer declared as the crowd cheered loudly for the two kids who stepped up onto the ring. "I'd also like to mention, that Son Goten is almost a carbon copy of his father, Son Goku, former World Martial Arts Champ! So good to see him here again!"
"YOU MAY BEGIN!"
The two Saiyan kids dropped into their stances before going completely still and closing their eyes. "What are those brats doing!?" Vegeta asked angrily as he felt their power shoot up with energy identical to a Super Saiyan.
"I taught Goten how to focus his energy with meditation. He must have found a way to half-transform into a Super Saiyan and he must have taught Trunks how he did it. I'd say it's half the strength of a normal Super Saiyan." Gohan explained as the two kids shot their eyes open, revealing the teal color but maintaining their normal hair color. "I'd say it's useful if we don't want our hair to change color and avoid recognition from the Cell Games."
The boys suddenly disappeared as shockwaves were felt by the crowd all over the sky. The only ones able to follow were fighters waiting for their turn in the ring. The fathers of the two boys took special interest in this fight, viewing it as a preview of what was to come for their fight.
Goku watched animatedly, throwing a punch or two as he watched his son do the same, while Vegeta watched stoically, expecting his son, his pride, to win this fight, no excuses.
"This is amazing! Isn't it Vegeta? I never expected Trunks would get so strong at such a young age! Even Gohan wasn't this strong at seven or eight years old!" Goku said excitedly as Vegeta scoffed.
"Of course it's amazing Kakarot. Symmetry is often amazing." Vegeta said, confusing Goku.
"What''s that supposed to mean Vegeta?" Goku asked as Vegeta smirked at him.
"Simple you clown, My son will beat your brat, then I will beat you! Symmetry." Vegeta declared with a laugh as Goku still looked at him confused. Vegeta noticed this and scowled, "You don't know what symmetry means, do you?" he asked as Goku laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his neck with a goofy grin.
"Nope! I guess not!" he exclaimed happily, causing everyone to laugh as Vegeta's signature scowl returned, scoffing at the man he called his rival.
"Excuse me, Goku?" the announcer walked up them while the two Saiyans argued.
"Hey! What's up?" Goku asked as the announcer smiled nervously.
"Well it's just that, it seems like you guys are the only ones who can see the fight. Could I get someone's help to announce what is happening?" he asked.
Krillin stepped forward, "I suppose I can help until it's time for my next fight." he offered as he and the announcer walked back out to see the fight.
Trunks had the upper hand in this fight. Currently had Goten by his leg as he spun around faster than the human eye could see before launching the boy into the ring.
Goten laid back in the ring, nit able to even move because of how dizzy he was, "C'mon Goten! You can do it buddy!" Goku cheered on his younger son as Trunks landed next to his friend with his arms crossed and a Vegeta-like smirk.
"C'mon Goten, your daddy thinks you can do it!" Trunks taunted as Goten shot a glare. "Personally, I didn't think you were this bad either. I guess we were both wrong." Trunks continued to taunt with a laugh as Goten struggled to his feet.
Wobbily, Goten stood with his eyes pointed at the ground, not understanding why his best friend was being so rude to him. Gohan watched with his own pride as he saw Goten's hair begin to spike upward and flash Gold.
"So he can go full super Saiyan after all." Vegeta said as Gohan nodded.
"I showed him the other form because he was having trouble maintaining his Super Saiyan form for more than a few minutes because of the strain on his body. I taught him so he could learn to control it easier." Gohan looked at Vegeta and smirked confidently, "But then Trunks had to go and be mean to him. All bets are off now."
Goten was throwing a flurry of punches at Trunks as Trunks struggled to block or dodge each hit. Finally Goten broke through Trunks's defense and sent him flying towards the edge of the ring.
Trunks managed to catch himself right at the edge as he turned full Super Saiyan as well. He scowled at Goten as he rushed him, Goten wasn't about to give his friend an inch.
As Goten began bombarding Trunks with attacks again, Trunks dodged much easier, having better control of his elevated state than Goten. Even with his training with Goten, he figured out that Goten was still struggling to control his ki, as well as his emotional state. So he knew he could win by tiring the younger Son boy out.
"Goten's energy is starting to fall. He's getting tired." Goku said worried as Gohan nodded in agreement. They watched as he was knocked away by Trunks.
"Goten!" Gohan yelled as his little brother looked at him from his position, laying down in the ring, his vision a little blurry. Goten watched as Gohan pulled his own earlobe and made a finger-gun before nodding.
Goten smiled deviously as he nodded. Trunks saw Goten stand on his feet. Without facing Trunks, Goten put his hand back to form the Kamehameha wave.
Trunks got a little worried that he didnt seem to be aiming it at him. As Goten through it, it curved around and began flying directly at Trunks as Trunks put his hands up, ready to catch it, before it flew by his ear and up into the air. As Trunks watched the wave fly by without hurting anyone, he felt a hard hit to his stomach.
He looked down to see Goten's knee embedded in his stomach and Goten's hand formed into a finger-gun with a ki focused in it.
"BANG!" Goten yelled as a blast went full force into Trunks, sending the boy back and out of the ring.
Trunks laid on his back, shocked that Goten got the upper hand on him. "What happened!?" Vegeta demanded an answer out of Gohan who smiled proudly.
"Goten has better ki control than Trunks knew. But because Trunks didn't know that, he kept an eye on Goten's Kamehameha to make sure it didnt hurt anyone. Because of that, he didnt feel Goten's approach." Gohan explained as Goten collapsed on the ring. They all watched as Trunks picked up his friend, both of them with big smiles on their faces, "Despite what you might think Vegeta, Trunks isn't as ruthless as you, and Goten isn't as innocent as Dad."
The two young Demi-Saiyan friends limped back to the waiting room, laughing with each other about their fight. Gohan picked up his brother and smiled at him. Trunks walked up to his dad with a frown, "Sorry dad." Trunks apologized, looking down and away from his father.
Vegeta's scowl had left his face, replaced by an almost unseen smile. He placed his hand on his son's shoulder, "You did well Trunks. But don't underestimate him next time." Vegeta praised his son, shocking many of the Z Fighters present, including Celero and Goku.
Trunks smiled widely as he ran over to Gohan and Goten. The three smiling and laughing as they played lightly. "I guess a lot has changed in the past seven years, huh Vegeta?" Goku asked with a smile as Vegeta's smirk returned.
"The boy's loss will be worth it as long as I finally take you down Kakarot. Believe me, you will go down." Vegeta declared as Goku laughed and rubbed the back of his neck.
"If you say so Vegeta. But I haven't been idle these seven years. I have a trick or two up my sleeve!" Goku said confidently as the two rivals locked eyes, lightning basically shooting between their determined looks. Their staring contest only broken when Goku felt a hand on his shoulder.
He turned to see the strange man who arrived with Vegeta and Bulma. "May I have a word with you?" Celero asked as Goku shrugged and the two began walking to a far corner.
As the two Saiyan walked they passed the next two fighters. A large, muscular black man going by the moniker, Killa; and Mercenary Tao. Goku stopped to lock eyes with his old enemy, an uncharacteristic scowl hardening his face.
"Be careful about your actions Tao. This is your very last warning." Goku said calmly as Tao stepped around the Saiyan with a smirk.
"Oh don't worry Goku. I won't break too many bones." Tao said, seemingly unfazed by Goku's threat, "Not before our fight at least."
Tao and Killa walked side-by-side to the ring as the Boxer glared at his opponent. "I ain't gon go out as easily as that Spopovitch. Hope you're ready for a challenge." Killa offered as Tao tossed his ponytail back.
"I'd recommend saving your breath. You'll need it with that punctured lung." Tao stated malevolently as Killa scowled.
Celero stopped and turned to face the Saiyan he now knows as Kakarot. "I have to ask, Vegeta, he calls you Kakarot. Is that your real Saiyan name?" Celero asked as words from seven years haunted him.
"Caro actually isnt here anymore. He was reincarnated about 30 years ago as a Saiyan with incredible potential. I keep an eye on his new life though, it isn't pleasant, but I'm sure the two of you will meet again one day."
Goku blinked in confusion, "Uh, yeah, I guess. At least that's what he calls me, and Raditz... and technically Nappa. Why do you ask?" Goku wondered as Celero took a deep breath.
"I was told seven years ago that the South Kai had my brother reincarnated as a Saiyan with incredible potential. His name was Caro, similar to how your name is Kakarot. It's a bit of a stretch, but not many Saiyans are still alive, so I wanted to ask, do I seem familiar to you? Even a little bit?" Celero asked as he held his breath.
Goku leaned in to observe the Saiyan intently, before laughing out loud, "Sorry, I don't think so. Who told you that though? It sounds wild!" Goku exclaimed as Celero became exasperated.
"I knew it was a long shot. The way she spoke of him implied he was alive. My brother's mate had told me from Otherworld. She said the South Kai allowed her to appear to me." Celero explained to Goku as his smile spread across his face.
"The south Kai?! Heck, I know him!" Goku exclaimed as Celero's eyes went wide.
"YOU DO!?" Celero asked as he grabbed Goku by the collar of his shirt, elated by this news.
"Sure! He had some strong fighters!" Goku declared before thinking back a little, "But now that you mention it, I did see someone with him during the Otherworld Tournament. She seemed like she was talking to someone in the living world. Hehe, I guess that was you! Small World huh?" Goku laughed as Celero's smile widened hearing that he might have a link to his past in Goku.
"If you don't mind me asking though, why do you seem to glare a hole into Vegeta's forehead every time you're in the room with him?" Goku asked seriously as Celero's face fell at the mention of the Prince's name. "I mean, I know it's a big target, but seems unnecessary." Goku laughed.
"I have my reasons. I think we should return to watch the fight, I am after Tao after all." Celero said shortly and concisely. Just as Celero said that, they heard the announcer declaring Tao the winner of the battle as well as a short period of rest to get a badly injured Killa off the ring as well as a few minutes to update the audience on Killa's condition.
Goku's face turned serious, "If you beat 18, Tao will be your opponent next. I've been lenient in the past, but I won't give him anymore chances to take advantage of my kindness. If you do face him, do everything short of killing him." Goku requested, to Celero's surprise.
Celero's surprise disappeared, "Why not just kill him?" Celero asked nonchalantly.
"Killing is against the rules of the tournament, it'll disqualify you automatically. If Vegeta does beat me, I will want to see you fight him." Goku said with a smirk as Celero returned it, taking a liking to Son Goku.
"Very well Kakarot. Consider it done." Celero said as he held his hand out for Goku to shake.
In the distance, away from the battle, hidden in the stands among the crowd, a man with white, Gravity defying hair, and a purple cat-man sat. "So he is back? I thought he was destroyed with the rest of Yasai." the tall man spoke with interest as the cat-man growled in annoyance. "Well Lord Beerus, what do you aim to do about him?"
Lord Beerus grumbled, and yawned, "Well that's simple Whis. First, I wish to seem him fight." Lord Beerus said as Whis smiled lightly.
"As you wish Beerus."
End Chapter
I was originally going to have Goten lose to Trunks, considering Trunks was older and had better control of his power. But then again, Gohan is very smart and very strategic, he would obviously help Goten come up with a strategy to beat Trunks if Goten was on the edge of losing.
Trunks does care for humanity a lot more than he or Vegeta really know or let on. So Goten could use that as well as Trunks's lack of knowledge about how skilled Goten actually is to his advantage.
I also originally meant to have Tao and Killa have a huge fight in the next chapter, but Tao wouldn't give any room for error and would probably end it fairly quickly, while torturing his opponent. It isn't as interesting, considering Tao also has a power boost from last time he was seen. It should make a fight between him and one of the Z Fighters more interesting.
As for Whis and Beerus, I have a plan for them involving Celero. It might seem weird, to have the inconspicuous in a crowd but they have "God Ki" which makes them invisible to normal ki sensing. So the Z Fighters won't notice them that way and they won't exactly be looking for a cat-man. I hope I made it sound ominous at the end there.
Next chapter will have Celero and 18 fighting and Mighty Mask and 16 fighting. Maybe half of Goku and Vegeta's fight, maybe I'll leave that to it's own chapter. Only one way to find out, so Stay Tuned!
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