Goku glanced back and forth as he entered the village, looking for someone he could speak to. It had to be close to that time now…

He spotted a friendly looking farmer and ran over to him.

"Excuse me, but can you tell me what day it is?"

"I sure can!" smiled the kind, old farmer, "Why, it's the first of May, my boy."

Goku jumped up in alarm. The first of May? That meant the Tournament would be held soon!

"Do you know what direction Papaya Island is?!"

"Papaya Island?" The old man scratched his beard. "Isn't that where the Tenkaichi Tournament is held every few years?"

Goku nodded eagerly. "Uh huh. Do you know how to get there?"

"Well that's on the other side of the world! But it'll probably only take a little over a day by plane."

The other side of the world?! He'd traveled that far? Shoot! He'd better get going now then!

"Thanks a lot mister!" Goku waved, already nearly out of sight. "Hey Nimbus!"

The fluffy cloud shot down to his side, keeping pace alongside him, making Goku smile.

"Hey there buddy! Mind guiding me to the Tournament grounds?"

The cloud didn't react but Goku could sense if Nimbus had had a face, it would be pouting.

"Aw, don't be like that. I had to train! I promise to ride ya again as soon as the Tournament is over."

The fluffy cloud did like that, and did a little loop de loop to show it.

Goku grinned, agreeing with the feeling. He'd missed riding the little cloud too. In fact, after this it would be good to catch up with all his old friends. Krillin and Yamcha, Bulma and Master Roshi. They were sure to all be at the Tournament. And then, after he'd hung out with them for a bit, he would go find Chi-Chi.

It had been two years since he'd last saw her and even longer since he'd actually gotten to speak to her! He couldn't wait. Just the thought of being near her again warmed his heart and put a smile on his face. It had been a long few years but it would be worth it just to surprise Chi-Chi with how strong he'd become.

But first he needed to make it to the Tournament!

…

"Always a bridesmaid and never the bride," Krillin lamented, patting Goku on the back, before moving to change back into his suit.

Goku's brows knitted together. Bride? Wasn't that what Chi-Chi was gonna be? But he wasn't a girl? "What are you talking about Krillin?"

"Don't worry Goku," Yamcha grinned, hobbling over. "You'll win it next time. They say the third time's the charm."

"Huh? Oh." They were talking about him losing. But the third time was supposed to be lucky? "Really? But then wouldn't that mean you and Krillin would win too? There can't be three winners can there?"

"Well no…" Yamcha sulked, but he'd long accepted any Tournament with Goku meant no first place for him. Still, he'd like to at least win one match instead of being made to look so uncool!

Krillin returned and handed over his gi to Goku. "Here, change into these. They're a little dirty but better than the rags you've got on."

"Thanks!" Goku grinned, yanking off the remains of his tattered gi before pulling on Krillin's.

"Hm…maybe we should see about getting you a spare set of clothes," Yamcha muttered. His friend was wild but he was still a kid. It was the grownups who should take care of such things. Not that he could help much. Bulma was pretty much the only reason he'd had a consistent meal these days.

When Goku was dressed they headed outside to join the others who were lingering by the gates along with that Tienshinhan and Chiaotzu. Yamcha was grumbling the entire time but the others were happy to call a truce and even talked about getting dinner which made Goku happy. It had been a while since he'd had a good cooked meal and he was looking forward to it but he had the strangest feeling he was missing something.

"Oh wait! I forgot Grampa's dragon ball and my power pole!"

"I'll get it," Krillin offered, already turning to head inside. "You're probably exhausted."

"Thanks!"

Goku smiled, grateful to have such a kind friend. He let his mind wander to the yummy foods he would eat before his thoughts drifted off to Chi-Chi. He couldn't wait to see her!

"GYAAAAAAAH!"

"That was Krillin's voice!" Goku cried in shock. His friend was in trouble!

o0o

"The young man appears to be—This is an announcement of the National Broadcast System issuing a Red Alert. Please be on the lookout for any person with green skin and pointed ears, associating themselves with the Demon King Piccolo. They are unarmed but dangerous nonetheless. We advise citizens to remain indoors until notified otherwise.

This is an anno…"

Chi-Chi turned away from the radio in disgust. This was awful! The reports kept cutting out, no doubt from the chaos of the battle, but it left them with little knowledge of what was going on! How could she know how to act when she didn't know what was happening?!

"Alright everybody, inside. Plenty of room for all."

Chi-Chi looked up to see her father ushering the last of their people into the safe room, his right arm bandaged up tight.

Those brutes! How dare they lay a hand on her Papa! How could they attack innocent people like this?!

"We advise citizens to—Greetings Earth Citizens. We apologize for the interruption and bring you an update on the battlefront. A young boy has now appeared on the field, coming to the rescue of the young man from earlier and—"

Young boy?! That had to be Goku!

Chi-Chi jumped to her feet and ran to the door only to be blocked by her father.

"Chi-Chi! Where do you think you're going?" The Ox King yelled. "It's dangerous out there!"

"But Papa! Goku's out there! I have to help him!"

"You can help him by staying here!"

"How could you say that?!" Chi-Chi demanded, tearing up. "After everything he's done for us? He needs my help!"

The Ox King sighed and ran a heavy hand over his face. "Chi-Chi, I understand how you feel but you'll only be getting in the way. Sometimes the only way you can help is by staying strong on the sidelines."

But…but she didn't want that! She didn't want that at all!

"Please Chi-Chi, what about me? I need you here."

Chi-Chi couldn't stop the tears that escaped but nodded wearily as she returned to her seat by the radio. What her father was asking of her…this was pure torture. But she knew there was some wisdom in his words.

"Oh Goku," Chi-Chi whispered, linking her hands together to pray. "Please stay safe."

o0o

Goku felt his chest bubble with excitement. This was great! His friends were gonna be revived!

Thank goodness.

"Can I go see them?" he asked, already turning to go. He needed to see for himself. Once he was sure they were alive and well he would return. Maybe he'd even have time to make a quick stop at Mt. Fr…

Kami derailed that train of thought as quickly as it occurred.

"You can't go. You promised to train here."

"That's true…" Goku admitted, but…

"You need to stay here for three years and train. You can see your friends at the next Tournament but you have to be ready."

Goku blinked, confused.

"Huh? Ready for what?"

"Piccolo will be there and…"

"WHAT?! Piccolo?! What are you talking about? I killed him!"

Kami shook his head slowly. "Unfortunately he's alive. He spat out a double before he exploded. Now he's training to kill you and take over the world."

"Bu…But…"

He was alive?! After everything he'd done, that bastard was still alive?! Goku wanted to punch something but Kami was still speaking.

"You're safe here. You'll train for three years before you beat him once and for all. Mr. Popo and I have our reasons not to fight. Only you can kill him and instill peace again. Do you understand?"

"I get it!" Goku muttered. If Piccolo was still alive that meant his friends were still in danger! "I'll start training right away!"

But first…

Goku grabbed his weiner, suddenly aware of his bodily needs.

"Uh…but first I gotta pee!"

He hurried to the bathroom, his thoughts in a whirlwind. It sucked that he wouldn't get to see his friends again for another three years but he couldn't risk their lives. Especially not hers…

"Sorry Chi-Chi. Looks like I'll have to wait a little longer to see ya again…"