Chapter 11
Vegeta's group arrived first and as agreed Chiaotzu and Tien had registered for the tournament.
Over the past 10 months the two had spent endless hours training with Tarble, Raditz and Vegeta, and they knew that they were far stronger then they would've ever believed possible before; with Tien possibly being the strongest human on the planet. So much so, that Vegeta didn't see the need for Tarble to enter the tournament.
Bulma had also spent the last 10 months rewiring and even recreating scouters, so that now she, Vegeta, Raditz and Tarble all had one. There was also extras made so Goku and Turles can have one if they wanted.
Tien couldn't believe the amount of times he was on the brink of death during the last 10 months. Training with Vegeta and Raditz couldn't compare to any form of training that he's ever done before. Training sessions didn't end until Vegeta or Raditz had been rendered unconscious, but Tien despite his improved strength was never conscious to see would win the daily bouts.
Because of this, and the fact that having unconscious bodies on her lawn scared the wits out of Bulma; within the first 4 months of training, Dr. Briefs and Bulma created healing tanks for the warriors based of the information Raditz had provided about the tanks.
The tanks were no where near as effective as the tanks used in Frieza's empire according to Raditz, but Tien was definitely grateful for the invention. He needed to use to tank everyday after training. So, If you ask him; The healing tanks were perfect.
Tien looked down to his best friend Chiaotzu. During training Chiaotzu couldn't really keep up and he was often the first one to be knocked unconscious and put into the healing tank. Tien was worried about his long time friend and even spoke to Vegeta and Raditz about Chiaotzu's involvement in the battle against Frieza.
He knew that the battle could potentially be fatal, and he didn't want Chiaotzu risking his life as well. Especially since he didn't seem to be progressing at the same rate that he was.
Tien thought back on his conversation with the two Saiyans on the topic
Flashback
After a rough morning of training and insistent complaining from Bulma to take a break, Vegeta finally agreed to let the group take the afternoon off.
Bulma, Vegeta and Raditz were in the kitchen talking about Saiyan history when Tien entered with bandages covering his wounds from the morning training session.
"Hey can I talk to you? Its important" He said addressing Bulma, the self proclaimed leader of the group.
"Sure! What's up Tien?" the bluenette asked with a smile
Tien looked at the two Saiyan warriors in the room and rubbed his arm nervously. He knew that they wouldn't like what he had to say, especially Vegeta, but he swallowed his fear before speaking what was on his mind.
"Umm I don't think Chiaotzu should be involved in our war against Frieza" Tien said hesitantly
Bulma nodded sympathetically and looked at the impassive faces of the Saiyans. Neither one would admit it but Tien's concerns were well warranted, over the past couple months Chiaotzu's power has barely grown. Even against the lower Frieza soldiers, he'd be outclassed. While his psychic abilities were impressive, they weren't nearly enough to make him useful in their crusade.
"You're right. When I did the monthly power level check with the scouters, Chiaotzu's power level was only at 100. He's not improving at a quick enough rate and his telekinetic powers aren't strong enough to damage tremendously stronger opponents. He'd just be a liability" Bulma said before getting court off by Vegeta
"Or a distraction for you. How many times during training have you let your guard down, or taken attacks meant for Chiaotzu? Your concern for your friend will only get you killed" The Prince said.
Tien put his head down acknowledging the truth behind Vegeta's statement. That was part of the reason that he didn't want Chiaotzu involved. A moment of silence passed over the group before Raditz spoke up
"In Frieza's army there is a weak soldier who has earned his way into the elite class of his army. His name is Guldo. He's a repulsive 4 eyed bug who's power level is less than Kakarot's was before he left. He has no fighting skills whatsoever and his energy attacks barely tickle, but I'd never fight him because of his prowess with his telekinesis" Raditz started making Tien look up at him in surprise.
"His powers are so strong that it's rumored that he can stop time if he wanted to. While I've personally never seen him do this, I believe he's capable of it. He'd never make the Ginyu Force otherwise. You are correct to assume that Chiaotzu will be outclassed power wise so I understand your concern, but if he could hone in on his telekinetic abilities to a level similar to that, he can be a very important ally to us" the long haired Saiyan finished.
Everyone was quiet as they thought over Raditz' words. Even if it wasn't for his fighting prowess; Chiaotzu could still help in the fight against Frieza without being a liability. Everyone looked up when Vegeta cleared his throat
"Okay I've decided, Chiaotzu won't train with us any longer" he said shocking everyone in the room.
Raditz looked like he was about to complain while Bulma and Tien looked grateful, but Vegeta wasn't done
"However Tien, I'm putting you in charge of his development. He needs to hone in on all of his psychic abilities. He doesn't need to be physically strong but his telekinesis must be unmatched. Can you do this for me?" Vegeta asked.
Tien thought it over and nodded. Thanking everyone in the room before leaving with a new found determination.
End Of Flashback
That same day Tien had sat down with Chiaotzu to explain his role in the upcoming conflict. He remembered how focused Chiaotzu was and from that day forth, he had spent all his time locked in intense meditation.
Tien himself focused on his Training with the Saiyans. He was extremely proud of his progress and at one point he managed to knock Tarble unconscious with a well placed Tri-beam.
He had no doubts that he was a lock for winning the tournament but he was curious to see how strong Yamcha had become with the help of the legendary Turtle Hermit, Master Roshi.
Vegeta looked at Tien. To be honest the prince was surprised at his determination and impressed that the three eyed man trained as vigorously as he did.
Despite the fact that he was human and didn't gain a zenkai boost after he was healed, he kept coming back everyday with the same focus and desire to get stronger.
Vegeta knew that Tien was probably going to be the best fighter in this tournament, but he was also interested in seeing what techniques Chiaotzu had developed during his mediation. He could definitely be very powerful if what Raditz said about that Guldo guy was true. Having a ally who could stop time would be invaluable.
Looking around at the tournament participants, Vegeta couldn't see anyone that impressed him right away. He clicked his scouter that Bulma made for him to check the power levels for these humans. It was a little underwhelming to say the least, but he didn't expect to find anyone impressive.
Boredom was starting to show on Bulma, Raditz, and Tarble's faces. Waiting for Goku's group was starting to get tiring.
Raditz started playing with his scouter, Tarble was walking back and forth and Bulma leaned into Vegeta, much to the embarrassment of the Saiyan Prince.
Then all 4 of their scouters went off at one time as a large group of people wearing suits arrived together.
Goku's group came walking in tuxedos and hats. Yamcha and some other little child signed up for the tournament before the whole group walked over to them.
"Wow look at all of you! Goku, Turles, you two are just the cutest little Saiyans I've ever seen. Your little tuxes are adorable" Bulma said causing the young Saiyans to sport twin blushes.
Vegeta and Raditz looked at each other before bursting out in laughter at the sight of Goku and Turles in a Tux. Both Saiyans looked very uncomfortable in suits and Bulma's words just added to the amusement of Raditz and Vegeta. But soon, the smile on Bulma's face was replaced with a frown
"Care to explain why it took you so long to arrive at tournament?" Bulma asked tapping her foot in annoyance.
Yamcha, Turles and Goku all took a few steps back,remembering Bulma's legendary tantrums. Wanting to avoid this, Yamcha spoke up
"Launch wouldn't let us carry her so we had to ride a airplane instead of flying" Yamcha explained trying to appease the woman
"Who's Launch?" Raditz asked thinking the name was funny; when suddenly a very attractive blond haired woman around his age got right up into his face.
"I'm Launch and I refused to get carried like some bimbo. Do you have a problem with that handsome?" Launch said blushing furiously but not backing away from the Long Haired Saiyan.
Now Raditz was in no way scared of this women but the proximity combined with the sinful smell she was admitting caused him to rapidly shake his head and back away from the blond woman with a light blush on his face.
He looked around to see the smirking faces of Vegeta, Goku ad Turles that promised much teasing. He frowned, there was nothing for them to be teasing him about, so he had a Double Sunday ready for whichever Saiyan tried to embarrass him.
Roshi cleared his throat as the bald boy stepped forward to introduce himself
"Hello everyone my name is Krillin. Goku and Turles told me about your mission and I'd be honored if you'd let me join your group. I know I'm not that strong right now in comparison to the others but I will train my best catch up" Krillin said as he bowed.
Vegeta looked at the boy unimpressed and pressed his scouter. His eyes widened as he registered a power over 400 and he was clearly suppressing his power. He decided then that Krillin could really be useful to them.
Vegeta smirked and nodded as he welcomed Krillin to the group, causing Goku and Turles to jump with excitement.
Over the past 10 months of training, the 3 boys have developed a great relationship and were nearly inseparable. Turles and Goku couldn't wait to get Krillin moved into Capsule Corp with them. Between them and Tarble, it would surely never be a dull moment.
"Okay now that everyone has registered for the tournament lets go get something to eat" Vegeta said and everyone agreed. Especially the Saiyans.
"We aren't walking there so someone has to carry Launch" Vegeta said looking back at Raditz and ignoring the semi impressive death glare the blonde woman gave him. Bulma winked at Raditz before Vegeta scooped her up and took off
Goku, Krillin and Turles all smirked at Raditz before taking off after the older prince. Tarble, Tien, Chiaotzu and Yamcha looked at Raditz with sympathy before they took off as well. Raditz sighed knowing what Vegeta was planning and accepted his fate; before looking back to see Roshi advancing towards Launch.
"Well Launch everyone left so it looks like I have to carry you" Roshi said smiling lecherously at the woman which angered Raditz for some unknown reason.
However, before Raditz could say or do anything, Launch materialized a gun and began firing at Roshi. Roshi frantically dodged the bullets and took of into the air to safety, much to the amusement and surprise of the Saiyan.
Launch smirked and saw Raditz nervously walking towards her. Raditz was rubbing the back of his head unsure of how to ask her to let him carry her. Sensing the awkwardness of the moment, Launch looked away with a blush on her face as she spoke up
"Just hurry up and grab me. I won't put up a fight" she said her face completely red.
The aggression that she spoke with shocked Raditz but he complied as he gently lifted her off the ground before flying off towards the direction everyone left in.
Raditz and Launch stayed quiet for most of the flight neither one wanted to break the silence between them. Launch's hair whipped violently as the wind blew and then she sneezed
Raditz looked down at the girl to say bless you, but what he saw almost made him drop her. Her hair had changed colors after she sneezed. Raditz soon discovered that her hair color wasn't the only thing that changed when she sneezed.
"Um who are you and where are we going?" The blue haired Launch asked in a much more feminine and innocent voice
Raditz looked at the girl in confusion before he responded
"I'm Raditz and We are meeting with the rest of our group at a food place. Now answer my question" he said slowing down his flying speed so they had more time to talk.
"Why do you change hair colors and personality when you sneeze?" He asked curiously.
"I don't know why that happens. I was just born with that ability, did my blond side say something to you?" Launch asked curiously
Raditz blushed and looked away shaking his head no causing Launch to giggle at the obviously flustered male. She wasn't going to press him though, besides it felt nice being carried through the air.
When the two arrived at the restaurant the group was already seated and everyone was eating. As soon as Raditz sat down he heard the teasing voice of Vegeta, who took a break from his food when he saw his friend.
"What took you so long Raditz? Were you busy with our friend here?" Vegeta said nodding at the girl who had sat down and begun talking to Bulma.
Raditz ignored him and began to eat. He was far too hungry to entertain the prince's attempts at teasing him.
Bulma looked at all the food the Saiyans were consuming and sweat dropped. If she wasn't the heiress of the richest company of the world, she could've never been able to afford the appetite of 1 of them let alone 5 of them.
When the Saiyans all finally finished feasting, Bulma cleared her throat and spoke up.
"Alright everyone we are staying in the hotel right next to the tournament grounds. I have booked us 5 rooms so who is rooming with who?" Bulma asked
Everyone looked at each other before claiming rooms.
Bulma had to room with Launch since they were the only females; Vegeta and Raditz roomed together; Goku, Turles, Tarble, and Krillin roomed together; Roshi roomed with Oolong and the last room was for Tien, Yamcha, Chiaotzu and Puar.
Although Bulma and Vegeta have been sharing a room for the past 10 months she knew that if she didn't room with Launch then Roshi would try to do it and she couldn't let the old perv do anything like that.
She also had a feeling that Raditz wouldn't have a problem rooming with the girl but that's something that Bulma will wait till after the tournament to explore. Especially if the Raditz' earlier blushing meant what Bulma thought it did.
When the crew arrived at the hotel, the younger members automatically went to explore the new place. With Goku leading the charge they visited the pool, weight room and even played games in the arcade. It was there that Krillin discovered he was actually better then the Saiyans at something, causing endless taunting a few destroyed machines that Bulma would have to pay for.
Meanwhile the older members of the group were gathered together in Bulma's room to talk about the upcoming tournament and what their plan would be.
They knew their main reason for being there was recruitment, but so far no one of any merit had shown up. It seems like all this tournament will accomplish is show who the strongest human is at the moment. Which is something that's Yamcha was excited about.
He couldn't wait to show how powerful he'd gotten after training for 10 months. He was almost certain that he was now superior to Tien and he had a few tricks up his sleeve if they did end up facing off, so he was feeling confident.
"Okay in order to avoid early confrontation in the preliminaries,I want Chiaotzu to fix the tournament so none of our members have to fight one another until the actual tournament. Can he do that?" Bulma asked and Tien nodded.
"Hold on, also make it so that the fighter known as 'Jackie Chun' also doesn't fight them in the preliminary round. That would be a shame" Roshi said
"Why is this Jackie Chun person important?" Raditz asked with a grunt. He thought that was one of the most ridiculous names that he'd ever heard.
"He's important because he's the strongest human on the planet right now" Roshi clarifies and continued
"You have to show that you can beat him as he is the ultimate master. If anyone of you accomplish this, then you can get the title of the strongest human" He finishes looking at Yamcha and Tien.
Vegeta pondered the information for a second before looking at Roshi. He could see a mysterious glint through his sunglasses. Vegeta nodded as he understood what the turtle hermit had planned. At least Vegeta had a vague idea.
"Do as he says. I actually have heard stories of this 'Jackie Chun' from my adoptive grandfather Gohan. I too want to see where you two are compared to him. Assuming that he kept up with his training of course" Vegeta said glaring at Roshi who just coughed in return.
Tien nodded and the preparations were made for the tournament.
When the younger members of the group all returned; everyone went to their respective rooms to go to bed. Well almost everyone.
Roshi had tried to sneak into the girls room. As he ran through the door he was greeted by two very agitated saiyan warriors. Vegeta and Raditz stood in the room with their arms crossed and almost identical sneers on their faces.
"What do you think you're doing old man?" Raditz asked with his eye tow twitching.
"Did you really think we didn't expect this from you Roshi?" Vegeta said feeling just as much irritation as Raditz.
Roshi nervously began to shake trying to come up with believable excuses for walking into the girls room. He had to be smart here, he was in a literal life or death situation.
"Uh I was doing a room check. You Saiyans wouldn't know this but there are a lot of dangerous people around here and I just wanted to be sure the girls were okay" Roshi said lamely though he was trying to sound genuine.
Of course he knew how dumb the excuse was because no one on this planet was even near the power of Vegeta, let alone the combined might of him and Raditz, but he had to try something.
Unfortunately his excuse was met with a weakened version of a Galick Gun that knocked him unconscious with his skin sizzling.
Raditz and Vegeta smirked at each other before throwing him in the hallway and closing the door to let the girls know the good news.
After that everyone went to sleep in preparation of the tournament the next day. It was sure to be an amazing show and no one could wait to see who the strongest human truly was.
Tien and Yamcha both with the same thought on their minds as they drifted off to sleep. 'It's going to be me'
TBC
All the power levels will be revealed next Chapter
I know how long its been. Man life comes fast and so many unexpected things have happened over the years. I have no excuses to make but know that I'll be back on here again. I have full intentions of finishing this and 'Trying Again' and Ive even began outlines for new stories. I hope y'all can forgive me for the hiatus and continue to support me. This story has a long way to go considering how Super's manga is progressing. Thank you for your support and I'll see you soon - Dishon 3