A/N: Alright, second chapter. Let's get it on!
Disclaimer – I do not own Dragon Ball or Yu Yu Hakusho; Akira Toriyama & Togashi Yoshihiro, respectively, do.
Chapter 2 - Gathering The Team.
After having an enormous lunch, the current World Martial Arts Champion got on his magic cloud and flew to recruit his first teammate; coming up to his old mentor's island and seeing a short bald man in an orange like his own throwing energy attacks at the surrounding ocean. "Kaaaaa…meeee…haaaa…meeee…haaaa!" Krillin yelled as he released the turtle shockwave, creating a small tsunami that hit the island. "Darn it, that's not going to cut it! I need to do better!" the monk chastised himself.
"Looks like you could use a good fight," Goku made his presence known by jumping onto the island. "Yo, what's up Krillin?"
"Goku! Good to see you!" The monk greeted his friend. "Been a while since the wedding huh,"
"Yeah, thanks for attending by the way," Goku said. "So, where's Master Roshi?"
"Inside, doing his usual thing." the talking turtle replied as it crawled to the students. "Hi Goku."
"Mr. Seat Hurtle, how ya been?" Goku greeted,
"Er it's Sea Turtle, not Seat Hurtle." The turtle corrected him.
"Right, sorry." Goku apologized.
"What's going on out there?! Y'all are interrupting my show!" the invincible old master exclaimed as he came outside. "Well, if it isn't Goku. How've you been my boy? Having marriage problems yet? Need some advice from your master?"
"Hi Master Roshi. No, I don't think Chi-Chi and I are having any problems," Goku replied.
"Besides, you're the last person he should be going to for marriage advice," Krillin commented.
"Says the man who still doesn't have a girlfriend." Roshi retorted, making his pupil slump. "So, what brings you here my boy?"
"Oh yeah, there's something I need to talk to Krillin about." Goku says. He then proceeds to tell his former classmate about the Dark Tournament and about how he plans to enter it but needs a team to participate. "So, what do you say Krillin, you in?"
The monk rubbed the back of his head. "I don't know Goku, I haven't exactly done well when it comes to fighting against demons," his answer earned him a whack on the head from his old mentor.
"All the more reason for you to participate." Roshi chastised him. "How are you supposed to improve if you stick to the ordinary stuff? You guys are already above the average human, now you should see how you fare against the average demon."
"You mean like Junior?" Krillin asked.
"Trust me Krillin, Junior is anything but average. And the fact that you could put up a good fight against him means you'll be a great addition for the team." Goku said.
Krillin still seemed hesitant. "C'mon Krillin, are you really gonna let your friend face a horde of demons alone?" the old master inquired.
"Easy for you to say. Are you planning on joining this thing too?" Krillin asked.
"I don't think the old man would be much help in this tournament, he's not strong enough." Goku stated bluntly, earning his own bonk from the turtle hermit.
"Respect you master!" Roshi scolds him before answering. "Anyways, I'm too old for this kind of fight, you'd guys would be better off without me."
"He's trying to sound prideful but he's obviously relieved." Krillin whispered to Goku; he then sighs before giving his answer. "He does have a point though; I can't have my buddy enter this tournament alone. Okay Goku, I'm in. Just, don't let me die this time before I can get a lady."
"Alright! We've got two out of five!" Goku said. "Let's get the others."
"So, who else is gonna be on this team?" Krillin asked.
"I thought that was obvious Krillin. Tien, Chiaotzu and Yamcha." Goku answered.
"Obviously, but do you even know where to find them?" Krillin inquired.
Goku jumped back onto his somersaulting cloud. "Well, I'm not sure where to find Tien or Chiaotzu yet but I'm sure Yamcha is still living at Capsule Corp. with Bulma, so I'll head there next."
"Uh-huh. And what makes you think they'll want any part of this?" the monk asked.
"Why Krillin, you're not having second thoughts are you?" Roshi asked him.
"N-No. I'm just saying, the others might not be as willing to do this as I am." Krillin replied.
"I won't know until I try, right?" Goku simply said before suggesting. "Hey, wanna come with me Krillin?"
"I might as well, if I'm gonna be fighting with you I could at least help you gather our team." Krillin said.
"Cool. Grab onto me and let's go." Goku instructed.
"Not this time, friend. I can fly on my own, remember?" Krillin reminded him as he pulled out a capsule. "But this'll help me conserve energy." He pressed the button and threw it down, in a puff of smoke a hovercraft appeared before them. The monk got in and started up the vehicle. "Now this is how you get around."
"Here we go!" Goku exclaimed as his cloud took off and Krillin followed close behind in his ride. The Turtle Hermit and Sea Turtle watched the two students fly off into the horizon.
"Feels like it was just yesterday that those came to my island for training; they sure have grown into capable fighters ready for the next adventure." Roshi sighed.
"Meanwhile, you just lounge around like you've got nothing better to do with your sad life." the Turtle said, making the old master cringe.
The two Turtles students quickly arrived at West City and made their way to Bulma's home; Krillin parked his ride in front of Capsule Corp while Goku jumped from the sky to the ground. "Hey! Anyone home?" Goku called.
"Hello? Bulma, it's us!" Krillin yelled.
The two were soon greeted by a young blonde-haired woman wearing an orange shoulder-less shirt and blue jeans. "Well, if it isn't little Goku! How have you been? I didn't think I'd see you so soon after the wedding."
"Hi Mrs. Brief. Sorry, to drop in like this," Goku greets her.
"No need to be so formal dear, you can call me Panchy." Panchy insists. "So, what brings such a handsome young man here today?"
"We're here to see if Bulma and Yamcha, are they around?" Krillin asked.
"Oh, and who might this cute little guy be?" Panchy asked the monk.
"This is my friend, Krillin. He was at the wedding too." Goku explained.
"You probably remember seeing the dashing best man back then, that was me." Krillin said confidently.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I only remember seeing Goku; he looked so good in that tux I couldn't help but keep my eyes on him. Chi-Chi sure is a lucky lady." Panchy gushed at the memory.
"Of course, how could anyone notice me when I'm next to the handsome hero here?" Krillin mused while Goku just had a big grin on his face.
"Well, I'm afraid that Yamcha isn't here right now, but Bulma is." Panchy explained.
"I guess we'll go see Bulma first then get the others," Goku suggested. "Thanks Mrs. Brief!" The two Martial Artists went inside the Briefs' enormous home to find the lady genius; they wandered through the hall until they entered a lab where they found their blue haired friend seemingly working on something. "Hey, Bulma."
The Capsule heir stopped what she was doing and looked up to see her friends, greeting them with a smile. "Well, if it isn't the groom and his best man. What's up guys?"
"Just decided to drop in. Whatcha working on?" Krillin asked.
"A new micro-band. I gave my last one to Master Roshi." Bulma explained. "I don't really need it for anything, but life has gotten pretty dull since we've finished our search for the Dragon Balls. This boring lifestyle reminds me why I went on that adventure with Goku in the first place."
"Good times. Can't believe it's been so long since you shot me in the head," Goku jokes.
"After you threw my car, you monster." Bulma retorts.
"Talk about first impressions huh?" Krillin muttered.
"You have no idea, Baldy." Bulma says then asks. "So, what can I do for you boys?"
"We need to talk to you and Yamcha, do you know where he is right now?" Goku asked.
Bulma's expression suddenly turns a bit sour. "That jerk finally decided to do something with his life; he went to play for a baseball team. Said he's heading for the big leagues, so he doesn't have time for his beautiful girlfriend nowadays. Can you believe that?"
"Guess things haven't gotten better with them, "Krillin whispered to his friend.
"You'd better learn from Yamcha's mistakes, Goku." Bulma advised.
"Uh sure." the Monkey King said with uncertainty. "Listen Bulma, this is why we're here." The two explained their intention of entering the Dark Tournament and how they need the former Desert Bandit to join their team.
"You muscles-brains just finished your last tournament and you're already entering another one." Bulma said disapprovingly. "Well, guess you'll be going to find Yamcha now, huh?"
"Actually, we also need you for this too." Krillin said. "Apparently in this tournament, every team needs a sponsor to represent them among the community of rich humans who run the event."
"Oh, so you guys just want me there for my money huh? I always knew you'd bums come running to me for cash one of these days. Guess all that fighting just can't pay the bills, am I right?" Bulma said smugly.
"I'm sorry about this Bulma, but we don't know that many rich people. At least you'll get to bet on our fights and with each win you'll get more money, that's good right?" Goku stated.
"I was joking Goku. This is the kind of excitement I needed. Besides, I've got cash to spare." the heiress said. "That being said, you guys better win your fights, I'm not looking to lose any money, even if I'm rich."
"Don't worry Bulma, you're talking to two of the World Tournament finalists for three years in a row, so don't be surprised if you end up ten times richer after the tournament." Krillin said.
"Well then, you've got your sponsor." Bulma said.
"Great! Now we just have to get Yamcha, Tien and Chaoitzu." Goku said.
"Then we'd better get a move on!" Krillin said.
At Jingle Village, this small village that was surrounded by snow had been enjoying years of peace after surviving the tyranny of the Red Ribbon Army was now facing a new greater threat, one that would leave many bodies bloodied and broken on the ground. Some of the villagers' homes were on fire as two figures sped through the snow; Android 8 exited his home with a certain cyborg assassin chasing after him. "Is running away all you're programmed to do?" Tao asked. Eventually, the two made it outside the village and stood apart. "So, you just wanted to lead me away from the village huh? Such a strange sentimentality, especially for a machine. It's quite baffling."
"I may be a machine but I'm more human than you are!" Eighter yelled. "Why would you attack the innocent if I'm your target?! How could you be so heartless?!"
"What can I say? It's just who I am. As an assassin, I have the power to snuff out any life I want, not just cause it's my job but because I like it." Tao replied.
The Android glared at the mercenary. Tao just gave a simple smirk as he took a fighting stance; immediately, he charged at the mechanical man with his hidden blade drawn. Slashing at Eighter who managed to barely dodge the strikes. "Again with the fleeing? Despite your power, you're just a coward! I can't imagine why the good doctor wants me to bring you back?"
"What? Dr. Flappe sent you to hunt me?" Eighter inquired.
"Not him. Your true creator," Tao replied.
Eighter's face expressed great horror from that revelation. "No…not him…"
His fear didn't last long as Tao kicked him onto his back. "While I doubt you can feel much pain, I was ordered not to damage you too badly. So, it would be best if you concede now before I get serious."
"No! I'm never going back to the army!" Eighter declared as he got back up and pushed Tao back with his shoulder.
"Ah, so there is some fight in that programming; then there shouldn't be any harm in having a little fun." Tao said as his telescopic eyes began scanning Android 8. He then concealed his blade, opting to use his metallic fists. The two clashed with the assassin throwing multiple jabs while Eighter throws fewer strikes; the cyborg held the advantage in speed while the android had greater strength but was more hesitant. As the two clashed, a red-haired woman in thermal clothing drove by on a snowmobile; when she stopped, she pulled out a machine gun and attempted to take aim at the mercenary.
When they stopped moving for a moment, she took her shots, pelting the mercenary's back with numerous bullets that really did nothing except annoy him; Tao turned to face the young lady and shot lasers from his eyes, hitting her weapon, and making it combust. "Stay out of my way child, or else you'll be the next thing I set on fire." he warned her. This left him open for Eighter's attack as the Android struck Tao in the back with a strong punch that knocked him a few feet.
"I won't let you hurt Suno!" he exclaimed as he jumped to strike again. His fist struck the icy ground, cracking it as Tao rolled out the way. He then grabs Eighter's arm and uses a grappling move to pin him down while keeping one arm free.
"Now I've got you!" Tao declares as he pulls out a small remote, making Eighter's eyes widen. "Good night, Android." Before he could press the button, a grenade flew past the remote before exploding; when the smoke cleared the two mechanical men separated as Tao was still holding the remote, only for it to spark before breaking into many pieces. The now angry mercenary looks back to see Suno holding a grenade launcher and smirking; he brings out his cannon and shoots a huge blast at her. She jumps to evade, and the blast hits the ground, causing an explosion that blows Suno backwards, her body singed from the heatwave as she fell unconscious.
Eighter stared at his friend with wide eyes before his expression shifted to one of anger; he gritted his teeth and clenched his fist before rushing at the assassin in a blind fury. "I'm going to break you!" Faster than Tao could react, the mechanical man struck him with a punch that knocked him into an ice hill. Eighter then opened his jaws and fired a large energy beam at the iceberg, but Tao jumped out at the last second, evading the blast but not the blast wave; after landing hard on the icy floor, he stood up and grasped his damaged left arm while his left eye lens cracked.
"You're stronger than I thought, perhaps I should've listened to Dr. Gero's warnings. I doubt I could win now since your friend destroyed the remote." Tao acknowledged. "While I must abort the mission, I'm not leaving empty-handed."
"You're not leaving, period!" Eighter declared.
"I disagree. Nimbus!" In a few seconds, a black cloud flew by and stopped right above him; Tao quickly jumped on it and flew towards the unconscious redhead.
"Is that a magic cloud like Goku's? Why does he have that?" Eighter thought as he chased after the assassin. Tao grabbed Suno and held her by the neck while staying in the air, out of Eighter's reach. "Put her down!"
"Be careful what you wish for." Tao says as he loosens his grip on his hostage, which makes the Android uneasy. "Here's what's gonna happen, you're going to let me go or else I'll snap her neck like a twig."
"Stop! Leave her out of this! It's me you want!" Eighter cried.
"Indeed. But since I cannot capture you, there'll have to be a change in plans." Tao explained. The mechanical man really started to grit his teeth and shake his fist but made no attempt to attack the mercenary. "Even if he's complying now, the second I turn my back and flee he's come at me. He could probably make the jump and knock me off my cloud, so how do I make sure that he won't come after me?" As the stalemate continued, Suno's parents and the village chief came rushing towards the two, all three of them armed.
"Eighter, what's going on?" Suno's mother asked.
"You there! Release my daughter and leave our village!" Suno's father ordered as the three took aim at the mercenary.
"No, don't! All of you stay back!" Eighter ordered.
Tao smirked at his opportunity. "Perfect," he fired eye beams at the ground before the villagers, cracking it and making them fall through the ice and into the water.
"NO!" Eighter yelled as he jumped into the freezing cold water after the villagers; by the time he resurfaced with the two men on his shoulders and Suno's mother in his arms, the mercenary had disappeared and had taken Suno with him. "Suno…"
Back in West City, Goku, Bulma and Krillin made their way to a baseball stadium where a game was taking place; on the field, a team known as the Taitans were playing up against another team. After another batter took a hit from the opposing team and struck out, Yamcha went up to the plate to save his team; the Desert Bandit took his position and held his bat firmly. He deliberately let the ball go past him two times, getting two strikes. "Come on, Yamcha! You can do it!" Puar cheered.
"I got this!" Yamcha thought. The pitcher threw a fastball but for the fighter it might as well have been going slow. He swung and struck the ball, sending it sailing past the pitcher and high into the air; Yamcha casually walked from base to base, thinking he's home free when the crowd started gasping. He looked up to see the ball was now in the palm of his fellow turtle student. "Huh? Goku?!"
"Hey Yamcha, do you want this back?!" Goku asked as he dropped the ball back into the field. The players of the rival team rushed to grab it, with one of them doing it and getting up to tag the fighter only for him to already be at home base waving at him. "SAFE!"
"Alright!" Yamcha cheered before going over to greet his friend. "Hey, Goku! Been a while since your wedding. Did you come just to ruin my game?"
"Sorry about that, pal. But actually, we need your help with something," Goku said as he descended to the ground.
"We?" Yamcha questioned before Goku gestured to the others who were with him. Pretty soon the four friends and their talking cat had stepped outside the stadium to chat; needless to say, it was not the happiest get-together. "So, what do you need Goku? Relationship advice?"
"Ha! Like he needs that kind of advice from you! He's married while you can't hold onto a girlfriend!" Bulma called out.
"Aren't you his girlfriend, Bulma?" Goku questioned.
The unhappy couple glared at each other before answering. "It's an on & off relationship!" The Monkey King looked at his bald friend in confusion but just received a shrug.
"Take it from me Goku, as the man of the relationship, you're never the one in the wrong." Yamcha said.
"Look, this is all really fascinating but can we talk about something else? Particularly why we came here?" Krillin asked. The three proceeded to tell Yamcha and Puar about the Dark Tournament and how they need a team of five to participate. "What do you say, pal? You in?"
"So, you guys want me on your team for your thing? Wow, I'm honored." Yamcha admitted. He thinks a bit before he starts to smirk. "I mean I'd love to help you guys, but I'm pretty busy pursuing my career as a pro baseball player. I can't afford to split from it right now."
"But Yamcha…" Puar said.
"Please, your career isn't going anywhere, do yourself a favor and help us. You'll make some real nice cash." Bulma urged.
"It's okay Bulma. If Yamcha's too busy, we'll just have to find someone else. I bet Yajirobe is free." Goku said as he turned to leave with the other two following him. They walked a bit before suddenly hearing…
"W-Wait! I was just kidding! I'm not busy! I could always continue my career some other time! Please let me join your team!" the desert bandit pleaded. His friends smiled at him as he rushed to get his Gi. "I can't believe you were going to replace me with Yajirobe."
"Nah, I was just messing with you pal," Goku admitted.
"That's mean, Goku." Puar commented.
"It's not like it was a bad idea. I bet he'd be a better asset than you, jerk!" Bulma said.
"Come on! I'm a World Tournament finalist! I'd like to see that guy make it to the top eight, if he ever decides to fight in a tournament." Yamcha said defensively.
"Are you guys gonna be like this throughout the whole trip? Can't you deal with your relationship some other time?" Krillin asked.
"Well, we've got three now. Time to get the final two!" Goku declared before a thought occurred to him. "Uh, does anyone know where to find Tien and Chaoitzu?"
"Guess old three eyes never told us where he stays huh?" Yamcha said.
"Well then how are we supposed to find him?" Krillin inquired.
"Maybe I can track him by his energy signature," Goku suggested. "Just need a minute to concentrate. He then sat down, closed his eyes and started to meditate; his Ki sparked bit by bit as he searched for his friend's energy. After a moment, he opened his eyes and exclaimed "Got him! Nimbus!" His cloud appears and he jumps on, flying off with his friends following in their hovercraft.
In North City, the legendary mercenary carried his hostage to the mountains where he approached a pair of metal doors, punching in the entrance code and going inside a laboratory; there he met up with an elderly man with white hair, wearing dress clothes, currently working on some machines while also going over the data of the World Tournament. Tao placed Suno down, getting Gero's attention. "What is this? Where's my Android?" he inquired.
"Things got a little complicated, doctor. This was the best I could do." Tao replied.
"How did you lose Android 8?" Gero asked furiously.
"He was stronger than I expected. Your work is truly unique." Tao commended.
"Of course, it is. I was aiming to create a soldier who could conquer a nation." Gero stated before looking at the assassin with disappointment. "Look at you, you used to be a world renown assassin and an extraordinary fighter. And now, you're just a broken man with metal scars. Seems like anyone can defeat you these days." The doctor was then surprised when the mercenary pointed his metal finger at his forehead.
"Look here old timer, I agreed to aid you because you promised me my revenge on my enemies. And my power is not enough to crush that brat Goku and my ungrateful student, I can still put an end to your dreams of world domination, I care not for who rules this world as long as I get to kill those who live in it." Tao's finger starts to glow. "You'd be wise not to test my patience." Gero shows no concern for his life just before Tao lowers his hand.
"Did you at least gather any data from your fight with Number 8?" Gero inquired.
"Yes." Tao replied.
"I suppose I'll just have to use that. It'll help me to improve your cybernetics and build better Androids." Gero said. "In the meantime, I've sent Major Metallitron to retrieve the other target so that you may rest."
"I do not need rest. And why do you wish to take an ordinary human for your project rather than trained fighters?" Tao inquired.
"As a former martial artist your confusion is understandable. Humans have to work hard and train their bodies til they break in order to acquire the necessary strength; but with technology, that can be gained in a short amount of time. Fighting forms that are practiced to perfection can be downloaded and programmed into the mind. Commander Red tried to build an army of trained soldiers; I seek to surpass that with my own soldiers." Gero explained. "If they had let me do this more in the army rather than pursuing those ridiculous wish orbs, we'd have the world by now." A ringing noise suddenly interrupted the inventor from his thoughts; he picked up his phone and answered. "Ah, Lord Jaguar, so nice to hear from you. Don't worry I'm spending your money well; I hope we can count on you for the sponsor we'll need in the future. Oh, of course. I'll send you the modified DNA samples so that your scientists may create strong Bio-Warriors for you."
Gero puts down the phone and moves over to his supercomputer; after typing in a few commands, the computer arms pick up some veils of blood and placed them in a storage cell. "Sample, Namu. Sample, King Chappa. Sample, Pamput. Sample General Blue."
Tao raised an eyebrow at the mention of his past victim. "Those aren't exactly the strongest fighters known, I can't imagine their blood will produce powerful Bio-Warriors."
"They won't. But he won't know that. These fighters were strong in their right, but I have no desire to empower potential competition. First lesson in business venture, save the best resources and inventions for yourself." Gero replied.
"Does that include the cybernetics you gave me?" Tao inquired.
The Doctor smirked at his ally. "You get what you paid for. Now sit down, so that I may download the data and repair your damage."
Somewhere in a field near a waterfall, the Tri-clops was practicing his moves while his fellow student was using his psychic abilities to levitate big rocks. At the same time, something else was happening miles away from them; a blonde-haired woman wearing a pink tank top and black pants with white knee pads was engaged in battle with a giant red-haired man in a bulletproof vest, black gloves, sunglasses, cargo pants and combat boots. "Surrender yourself and you will not be harmed." Metallitron declared.
"Listen big guy, I don't ever surrender!" Launch declared. She then rushed to strike the giant, but he blocked her fist. She winced before stepping back and examined her hand. "Wow, that was hard! Yet he doesn't even look like he felt it." The former outlaw pulled out her sub machine gun and took aim. "Well let's see if he feels this!" She pulled the trigger and unloaded a volley of bullets on her adversary who just took every shot. When her gun ran out of ammo, Metallitron was unharmed as numerous bullets dropped from his body to the ground. "Still nothing? Then I guess it's time to bust out the big guns!" Launch pulled out a capsule and pressed it, unveiling a rocket launcher; she pointed it at the giant and looked through the eye scope. "Hasta La Vista, baby!" The rocket launcher fired its projectile right at the Terminator, it exploded the instant it made contact with the target. Despite this, the giant was still standing, having it hand out and smoking from stopping the missile.
"Surrender. Resistance is futile." the Android advised.
"I'm not done yet, big guy!" the rogue declares as she pulls out a large hammer and brings it down to smash Metallitron's head in, but the mechanical man catches it before hitting her with his rocket fist, knocking her to the ground. Launch wasn't given much time to dwell on the pain she was feeling as her attacker opened his mouth and hurled a missile at her. The explosion sends the bandit flying before she hits the ground hard, falling unconscious. Metallitron examines her condition and says, "Target acquired with minimum damage." He then slings her over his shoulder and starts to head back to his base.
Launch groaned as she barely managed to open her eyes and mutter "Tien," before passing out again.
The three eyed fighter was still practicing his moves when he suddenly stopped and looked out into the distance. "What's the matter, Tien?" Chiaotzu asked him.
"I don't know. I just got this feeling of uneasiness," Tien said, still staring out. "It's probably nothing."
The Crane Students then spot something in the distance coming towards them. "Hey! Tien! Chiaotzu!" The Monkey King riding his cloud called out to his friends and he approached them with his other friends following him in a flying vehicle.
"Look, it's Goku, Krillin, Bulma and Yamcha." Chiaotzu stated. "Maybe that's what you sensed Ten."
"Maybe," Tien muttered.
Back at Gero's base, the evil doctor had finished repairing the cyborg assassin. "There, that should do it. How do you feel?" he asked his partner.
Tao flexed his hand before throwing a few jabs. "Not much different to be honest. Am I to assume I've grown stronger?" he inquired.
"Don't worry, you'll get your chance to test your strength soon, then you'll have that answer." Gero replied. The chief scientist went over to his monitor that was showing Goku and his friends explaining the Dark Tournament to Tien and Chiaotzu. "Goku has almost finished gathering his team." Tao looked at the screen, glaring at both the adversary that nearly killed him and his former student who humiliated him. He then got up from the operating table and headed out the cave entrance. "Where are you going? I just fixed you."
The Assassin gave no response as he opened the door and called his flying cloud before flying off. The doctor just sighed and went back to observing his enemies.
"So, what do you say guys? You in?" Yamcha asked the Crane Students after telling them everything.
"We appreciate the offer guys, but we'll have to decline." Tien replied.
"Really Tien?" Chiaotzu asked.
"Come on guys, we really need you for this one." Krillin said.
"Yeah. Don't you guys love fighting and beating other fighters?" Bulma asked.
"There's more to being a Martial Artist than just fighting opponents." Tien reasoned. "Sometimes it's about refusing a challenge so that you may focus on honing your skills. And with Piccolo Jr out there preparing for world domination, it's vital to use every second to improve so that he can be stopped."
"You can improve at the Tournament. Another chance to see how you fare against demons." Goku suggested.
"True, but I have no interest in fighting in a tournament to the death in front of a crowd for their own amusement. Plus, the world is in no initial danger from the outcome of this Tournament, so it'd be better to spend my time preparing for that outcome rather than trying to prevent it." Tien explained. "I have nothing against you guys entering this thing, but the Crane School's going to sit this one out."
"Sorry guys." Chiaotzu apologized.
"I can't believe this! Since when do you guys refuse a fight?" Bulma questioned before Goku puts a hand on her shoulder to calm her down.
"I understand. If that's your decision, then we'll respect it." Goku said before turning to leave. "Come on guys, let's go to my place for a break."
"But Goku, where are we supposed to find two more fighters for the team?" Krillin asked.
"We'll figure something out. In the meantime, we should hone our skills a bit." Goku suggested. "Tien. Chiaotzu. If you guys change your mind, you know where to find us. Till then, good luck with your training." The four then left on their rides. The Crane Students watch as their friends fly off with uncertainty.
"Are you sure about this Tien? It feels like we're abandoning them," Chiaotzu said.
"I know Chiaotzu, but sometimes you have to look at the big picture here." Tien replied. "We can't keep rushing into every fight and just take that as improving. We need to put in the work every now and then." The Tri-clops put his hands together, forming a triangle as he focused Ki into his hands. "Tri-Beam!" He exclaimed as he fired his signature attack, blowing a hole in a mountain. He then lowered his hands and took a few breaths. "Training is just as essential as fighting,"
"Interesting proverb. Did old Roshi teach you that?" a voice asked from behind the Crane Students; they turned to see their fellow Crane fighter aiming his canon at them. "Super Dodon Wave!" In an instant, the Crane school superheated beam came right at them. Thinking fast, Chiaotzu used his telekinesis to push his friend out of danger but could do the same for himself. The blast sent the little fighter flying backwards and crashing on the ground.
"Chiaotzu!" Tien yelled.
"Eyes on your opponent boy!" Tao instructed, going on the offensive. He brought out his blade and started swinging at his former student. Tien dodged the strikes before back-flipping away to gain some distance.
Tien then points his finger at the assassin and shouts "Dodon Pa!" firing his own superheated beam. Tao turned his blade horizontally to reflect the attack before resuming his assault. Tien continues to evade until Tao manages to get the jump on him by jabbing his left arm with a few pressure point strikes, paralyzing it. Tao then goes in for the kill by bringing his sword down on the bald warrior; Tien reacts by using the four witches technique to grow two extra arms from his back to catch the blade and snapping it with his right elbow. "He's stronger than the last time we fought," he thought as Tao stepped back.
"Your guard is still as strong as ever. At least you've learned something from me." Tao commented.
"Oh, I've learned more than what you taught me Tao," Tien replies as he charges at the cyborg and unleashes the machine gun punch on him before finishing with a headbutt. Tao skids across the ground but soon recovers, hardly fazed by the attack.
"I hope that's not the best you can do," Tao said.
"What do you want, you madman? I warned you to never let me see you again!" Tien reminded him. Instead of answering, Tao just brought his cannon again, only to find that his body could no longer move.
"Don't worry Tien, I've got him." Chiaotzu called, showing that he was holding the assassin with his psychic powers despite being injured.
"Not bad Chiaotzu, you've improved." Tao commended him. "Too bad it's not enough," He then manages to point his cannon arm at the Tri-clops and shoots out a missile. Tien catches it and is pushed back a bit in trying to hold it. Using this moment, Tao aims at the smaller crane student and fires another Super Dodon Wave. It hits dead on, and the little psychic user is knocked out again.
"CHIAOTZU!" Tien roars before hurling the missile at his old mentor; it explodes on impact and Tien rushes to his friend. He placed his ear on his friend's chest before sighing in relief. "He's hurt, but still alive."
"What a shame. I had intended to kill him. My skills as an assassin must be getting rusty," Tao commented, showing that the missile only damaged his clothes. "Oh well, I suppose that's enough fun for now. Nimbus!" the dark cloud appeared right above the cyborg mercenary.
"I thought only Goku could ride a Nimbus," Tien puts down his friend and glares at the older fighter. "You really think I'm just gonna let you go?" he doesn't wait for an answer as he charges at Tao.
"Solar Flare!" Tao exclaimed, unleashing a familiar flash of light to blind the bald fighter. Tien immediately recoils and begins covering his eyes in pain. "Quite a useful technique you've developed, I'll have to incorporate it into my killing jobs."
"Why are you toying with us? Are you not here to kill us?" Tien questioned.
"Oh, I am going to kill you Tien, but not today. I just wanted to test my new strength before the Tournament comes around," Tao answered.
"What? But the World isn't going to start for another few yea…" Tien then realizes what his mentor was referring to. "You're entering the Dark Tournament?"
"Yes. And I hope to see you there, it would be a shame if you weren't there for me to kill." Tao replied.
"But why would you even want to enter? And how do you even know about the Dark Tournament?" Tien asked.
"I have my ways, and I wouldn't pass up the chance to openly humiliate the Turtle School and Crane traitors before I end them. Besides, I have a friend who hopes to benefit from this spectacle." Tao then jumps onto his dark cloud and hovers right over his student. "Enjoy your remaining time before the Dark Tournament, they'll be your last and whether or not you participate, I will kill you, Tien Shinhan!" The old assassin then flies off into the distance, leaving the three-eyed fighter to recover.
A/N: Alright, things are really getting underway. Next time we'll have both teams complete and in preparation for the Dark tournament. Until then, TTFN! AntiHero out!