The 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament was one that was filled with surprises in the original history of Dragon Ball. In this tournament, Chi-Chi threw herself into the ring in order to remind Goku of the promise to marry her, but most importantly, the fight with one Piccolo Junior, son of the nefarious King Piccolo, with whom Kami attempted to seal away. This became a historical event as Goku not only showed his prowess against this mightier foe, but also made an unlikely ally in this would-be evildoer. But with no Piccolo Junior to fight, how will history change?

Age 756, the year for the 23rd Tenka'ichi Budokai. After the last tournament's ending celebration leading to what seemed like the beginning of the end, it was a surprising miracle when the contestants who were reported deceased suddenly came back to life. As if nothing had happened. Of course, very few knew the true story of a few warriors who saved the world; this included the King of Earth, King Furry, who gave a vague half truth, telling the citizens that who he witnessed were not one, but a group of heroes who vanished into the night after defeating King Piccolo. And so, this year's tournament was not just the usual casual affair for the audience. It was a celebration and tribute to the heroes of that day, whose faces remain unknown to the public to this very day. But to Goku, Ayote, and their friends, this was just another day to showcase their power.

Ayote: "Boy… There's a lot more confetti than usual."

Tien: "Yeah, you're right. What exactly did we miss while we were away?"

The Dragon Team arrive to the tournament together this time, everyone but Ayote and Goku wearing their gear from the last tournament. In Goku's case, he was wearing his trademark orange gi, but now refitted to match his new height, which he had grown considerably taller in the last three years, now a full foot taller than Ayote. As for the now smaller Saiyan, her Chinese dress was mostly the same aside from having a one loose sleeve covering her left arm and being given the properties of her Saiyan armor - a suggestion she asked Kami for just in case - as well as new clothes under her outfit; a black shirt that cuts off just above the midriff, with sleeves extending past the hands up to her middle fingers, and a pair of tighter pants that went down just above her feet, with black socks and her gi shoes fitting the rest. One major different is that on the back of each student's outfit was the symbol for "Kami" in addition to their school's symbol - either Crane for Tien and Chiaotzu or Turtle for the rest - on the front. As they stood outside of the tournament, Bulma and Roshi greets them with a very warm smile, along with Oolong and Puar.

Bulma: "Goku! Ayote! …Oh my gosh, Goku. You got… tall! And… Where's your tail?"

Goku: "Oh, yep. Ayote says it's because of my Saiyan biology. Even she was shocked."

Ayote: "Expected him to grow, but I didn't think he'd grow."

Chi-Chi: "If you fall for him, don't worry; I did the same thing. …But he's pretty clueless when it comes to social cues."

Krillin: "Well, Ayote did say Saiyans weren't good with romance and stuff."

Chi-Chi shrugged before everyone started to laugh.

Goku: "As for my tail, I had it removed by Kami. Ayote was pretty against it, but I figured I could get strong without it."

Ayote: "I'm still against it, but I did learn to get over it… As for me, I got my tail reinforced. Basically, my tail can't be chopped off or pulled off easily."

Ayote demonstrates by pulling on her tail hard; it hurt pulling it, but the reinforcement did work at least. Bulma was surprised, though understood why Ayote's want to keep her tail.

Ayote: "So Master Roshi. What with the extra amount of cheering and the festivities. Tournament is one thing, but this seems like a lot."

Roshi: "I suppose you all have been out of the loop for a while. This tournament is a special occasion since it's the three year anniversary of the defeat of King Piccolo. This is to celebrate the heroes who had defeated them."

Ayote, Tien, Chi-Chi, and Chiaotzu looked at each other before chuckling.

Ayote: "Well gee. I wonder if those heroes are watching right now."

Tien: "Heh. Jokes aside, it's one thing to feel cheerful about defeating King Piccolo. Though this is a bit excessive."

Roshi: "Ah let them enjoy it. Peace time is among us."

Puar: "Yeah! Oh, but you all look extra strong! Even you, Master Yamcha!"

Yamcha: "Oh yeah! All that training from Kami paid off! We're just here to see how we measure up for real."

Krillin: "Actually, this might sound like cheating, but Chiaotzu. Mind making it so that we don't face each other until the quarter-finals? With seven of us, we're bound to meet there."

Chiaotzu: "Sure thing, Krillin!"

Goku: "Alright, everyone! Let's do this!"

Goku led the march into the tournament, each member ready for the fights ahead, with Roshi and the non-fighter friends watching with an approving nod.

The tournament went off with a bang, with each Dragon Team member flying through the preliminaries without much trouble. During a match between Chiaotzu and a revived Mercenary Tao, the smaller of the Crane Students was barely able to defeat the mercenary; though Tao was much stronger physically, Chiaotzu was just durable enough to hold out until he saw the perfect opportunity to hold Tao down and time him out. Tao attempted to take Chiaotzu's life, but Chi-Chi, at the risk of becoming disqualified for interfering, knocks out Tao and breaks his cybernetic arm with the blade. She gets a pass for saving his life since the fight was technically over anyway. By the end of the preliminaries, the eight finalists were chosen - Chiaotzu VS Tien, Goku VS Chi-Chi, Ayote VS Yamcha, and Krillin VS Mark. Mark was the outlier in this tournament, but when Roshi got a good look at the lad, he recognized the gi - Mark was from the Satan Castle, a dojo which taught less about martial arts and more about weaseling out of a fight. He didn't quite like that kind of dojo due to being a showboaty lot, but with his students and the Crane School in the bracket, it'd be a surprise if this guy got further than the quarter-finals, let alone the semi-finals.

The first match was set as Tien and Chiaotzu enter the ring. During the lead up, Tien observes the ring and scans it for any signs of Master Shen; there was none. His presence had vanished after Mercenary Tao had been bested by his smaller friend.

Tien: "Hmph. Good riddance…"

As the two met, they didn't exchange words, but they were smiling at each other. Tien got ready to begin, as did Chiaotzu. At the sound of the gong, Tien lunges at Chiaotzu, going with speedy strikes which Chiaotzu were able to dodge. During one missed strike, Chiaotzu jumped over Tien's arm and slammed a kick on his friend's face. It wasn't enough to draw blood - Chiaotzu, despite all of his training, is the weakest of the Dragon Team physically - it was enough to surprise the tri-clops.

Tien: "Heh. That was a nice kick, Chiaotzu. Can't say I was expecting it."

Chiaotzu: "Thanks. I had to toughen up a little bit because I can't rely on my telekinesis for everything!"

Chiaotzu flexed his arms to showcase his point. After this brief exchange, Chiaotzu fires off a ki blast from his palms which Tien deflects before rushing at his friend. But this proved to be a trick as Chiaotzu manages to catch Tien in his telekinesis.

Chiaotzu: "Gotcha, Tien!"

Chiaotzu tried to use his force to push Tien out of the ring, but the tri-clops tried to resist. Tien slowly moved his arms to the sides of his head, closing his eyes.

Tien: "S-Solar Flare!"

Chiaotzu was met by a bright light as he is blinded, freeing Tien from the telekinesis. With a sorrowful look, Tien knees Chiaotzu out of the ring with the little guy seeing the room spinning.

Tien: "Sorry, Chiaotzu. You have gotten stronger."

Chiaotzu: "But you're the tougher of us, I know. I still had to try. And… Hey, rookie mistake for me to forget the Solar Flare."

The two share a laugh as Chiaotzu relaxing on Tien's arm, being carried to the stands. The crowd loved this brotherly affection as they bursted out into cheers over the duo's fight. Roshi from the stands nods approvingly of Tien's growth as a person, seeing Ayote's influence on him being an especially good one.

The next match was between Goku and Chi-Chi, both stepping onto the ring with a knowing smile to each other.

Chi-Chi: "Hey, Goku. Just figured I'd ask anyway. Have you considered taking my hand in marriage? After the tournament, I mean?"

Goku: "Oh. That? I did give it some thought for the longest time. So here are my honest feelings. Chi-Chi, you'd make an awesome queen. And an awesome wife. Maybe in some other lifetime, we'd be happily married too with a family and everything. But as a Saiyan, I just don't feel that kind of affection. You'll make whoever you marry happy; of that, I'm very certain."

Chi-Chi was rightfully and understandably hurt by the rejection, but hearing Goku's honest thoughts on the matter, and with some surprising tact to boot, made her feel good. In fact, she was fired up.

Chi-Chi: "Thanks, Goku. You didn't hold back on your reply. I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt. But… I don't want you to ever hold back. Even if I don't win your heart, I aim to win this fight and the tournament for myself."

Chi-Chi gets into a fighting stance, eager to get things started. Goku smiles and nods, gets into his own battle stance. At the sound of the gong, the two lunged at each other, clashing their first attacks. When the split, Chi-Chi immediately went on the offensive, launching a flurry of kicks at Goku; the Saiyan weaves around the flurry before catching Chi-Chi's leg and tosses her clear to the edge of the arena. Taking a page from Roshi and Ayote, Chi-Chi charged up a Kamehameha and launches herself back into the arena, slamming her head onto Goku's side.

Goku: "Gh!?"

Chi-Chi: "...Ow my head… How do you like that, Goku? I decided to learn the Kamehameha for myself. Also studied up on the 21st World Tournament you two took part in."

Goku: "Whoa… That's amazing, Chi-Chi."

But Goku did notice Chi-Chi used it out of desperation and used up way too much ki in that Kamehameha. This didn't go unnoticed by the princess herself as she charged up her energy, unleashing her inner Enraged Bull.

Goku: "Oh boy… This is going to smart…"

Chi-Chi: "I hate having to resort to this so soon, but I did say no holding back!"

Chi-Chi lunged at Goku, slamming a fist at the Saiyan's guard, causing the force of impact to reverberate throughout Goku's body. The second impact wasn't much better as she then kicked Goku back, almost out of the ring. But Goku manages to stay in and avoid the next punch, which probably wouldn't sent him out of the ring regardless of his strength. He avoided the next few strikes from the Enraged Chi-Chi as she flung strike after strike at the Saiyan until eventually her body couldn't take it. Goku was panting, but was in much better shape than Chi-Chi as the girl collapsed.

Chi-Chi: "Damn… I gave it my best… But… I forfeit…"

Goku was announced the winner of the match and was allowed to continue to the semi-finals. He lifts up Chi-Chi and carries her to the stands.

Goku: "Whoa. I was warned about that form of yours and… yeah, it was the real deal. But I found it quickly that it's overly reliant on stamina. Once you run out, your body just can't take it anymore."

Chi-Chi: "Yeah… Working on that flaw… Maybe next time, I'll get a handle on it… But Goku…?"

Goku: "Yeah?"

Chi-Chi: "Thanks for a wonderful match…"

Chi-Chi pecks Goku on the cheek, making him blush a bit before smiling and helping her into the stands, where Bulma and Roshi took over so Goku could vacate the arena. Chi-Chi weakly waved to Goku as he walked away, a bit saddened, but happy to finally hear his answer to her long awaited question.

The third battle of the quarter-finals was between Ayote and Yamcha. The two enter the ring, bowing to each other before getting into a fighting stance. But before the battle starts properly, Yamcha speaks up.

Yamcha: "Hey, Ayote. Is this the first time we've fought?"

Ayote took a second to think and only realized that, indeed, this was their first time facing off against each other.

Ayote: "Huh. You're right. This is our first fight against each other. I've known you as the guy who fought Goku all that time ago, but never got a chance to see that skill for myself."

Yamcha: "Well, no time like the present, eh?"

The Saiyan smiles as she readies herself, Yamcha sharing in her enthusiasm as he grins as well. When the gong sounds, the duo vanish; Yamcha's impressive speed manages to catch Ayote by surprise as - for split seconds at a time - the crowd sees Yamcha land quite a few hard blows on Ayote, a punch to her face, a kick to her side, and an open palm to her chest. This last hit pushes her back quite a bit.

Yamcha: "How do ya like that?"

Ayote: "Hmm… Your moves are quick - damn near lightning quick… But you lack impact."

Yamcha was stunned by this observation, not thinking Ayote would notice that. He wasn't trying to pull his punches, Ayote knew that much, but his fighting style was more about swift combos over raw strength. Fast like a wolf one might say.

Yamcha: "Okay. You noticed that, huh? Alright. Time for a technique I've been working on."

Yamcha smiles as he grips his right wrist with his left hand, starting to charge ki into his hand into a ball.

Yamcha: "Spirit Ball!"

He then tosses the ball of ki, which Ayote dodges rather effortlessly. She was curious as to what the point of this technique was until she saw Yamcha move his fingers. Ayote was then hit by the attack from behind, knocking her to the floor before seeing the move come back for another hit, commanded by Yamcha's finger movements. The Saiyan starts dancing around the Spirit Ball, dodging the attack as the former bandit kept directing his attack toward her. Once she got tired of the dodge game, Ayote moved her hand to catch the Spirit Ball, crushing it with her strength.

Ayote: "Not a terribly bad technique, but…"

The Saiyan sensed Yamcha charge at her as he readied his Wolf Fang Fist, slashing at her while her guard was down before landing a final blow that nearly knocks her out of the arena. Seeing an opportunity, Yamcha jumps at Ayote to kick her off; however, the Saiyan quickly recovers and grabs Yamcha by the extended leg and throws him out of the ring, barely claiming victory.

Ayote: "...Whew… That was a bit too close…"

Yamcha: "Ah man! I worked hard too and I still lost…"

Ayote jumped off the arena and moved to help Yamcha up.

Ayote: "You did great, Yamcha. Like… seriously, I only got lucky at the end there. Between your Spirit Ball technique and your Wolf Fang Fist, you'd be a pretty fierce opponent for anyone to handle."

Yamcha: "...Aw. You don't have to say that… But thanks anyway. That was an awesome fight though."

The two shake hands, Ayote greatly respecting Yamcha's creative tenacity. Even Bulma was impressed by Yamcha, and though their relationship has been fairly on and off, she was considering the idea of a more long term relationship with him.

The final match was set as Krillin steps onto the ring, tightening his belt as he waited for his opponent.

Krillin: "I wonder what this Mark guy was like. He's got to be strong to make it this far, right?"

As the announcer calls for Mark's name, there was a pause. Then silence. As everyone waited in anticipation for the new guy, a series of flashy explosions went off as smoke covered the air. A fairly tall figure walked through the smoke, wearing something like a brown gi that was opened slightly to reveal a hairy chest, a white belt tied over it, and white pants. The man had something of a growing afro, though not quite fully grown. His chin was certainly chiseled though lacked any facial hair on his face aside from a growing stubble of a mustache. Once he was on the stage, he threw up two V-signs as he shouted loud and proud.

Mark: "Here I am! The one and only Mark of the Satan Castle Dojo! And soon to be the World Martial Arts champion! Let me hear your cheers, everyone!"

Whether by his charisma or by some unseen spell, the crowd - sans the Dragon Team and friends - cheered for Mark. The man smiled before placing his hands on his hips, then pointing at Krillin, which startled him a bit.

Mark: "You might as well give up now, shorty. This match is as good as mine. I have been training, day in and day out, building up my body until I was ready to face the best of the best! Now here I am! So unless you want to end up in the hospital, it might be a good idea to quit while you can! Because once the bell sounds, you'll be out of here pronto!"

Krillin: "...Huh. Well, you sure are loud… But nah. I came here to test myself against my friends so no way am I gonna just walk away."

Mark: "Alright, fine! Your funeral! Time for you to eat the dirt then!"

Krillin and Mark got ready, getting into their fighting poses before the gong sounded. Mark was immediately on the offensive as he lunged at Krillin.

Mark: "Time for my patented… Dynamite Kick!"

He jumps toward his foe and seemingly lands a hard, explosive kick that covers Krillin's side of the arena in smoke. Mark, thinking he's won, calls out to the announcer.

Mark: "Call time! There's no way that punk is getting up from that!"

Krillin: "Uh… Well, I am still up."

Mark freezes as he slowly turns to see Krillin, still standing, and not a scratch on him. The taller man could only process what he was seeing as he was stunned into silence. Then, as if flipping a switch, Mark shakily laughs with his bravado.

Mark: "H-Ha ha! S-So you're a little tough for a short fella! O-Or maybe I missed! Y-Yeah, I just slipped and my kick didn't connect!"

Krillin's Thoughts: "...Should I tell him that I just moved my hand to catch his attack?"

Mark: "Alright, enough warm up! Time to get serious! Last chance to bail out!"

Krillin: "Yeah, I'm not budging…"

Mark… visibly gulped before getting himself ready. He then lunges at Krillin and starts to throw a barrage of punches and kicks at Krillin. Which were effortlessly blocked. Even the Satan Punch was no match for the mighty Krill-Dog. The audience was… less than impressed by this display from Mark, some even saying that he may be all talk and no substance. Angered and tired, Mark finally snaps at the bald man.

Mark: "H-Hey! What kind of cheap trick are you tryin' to pull here!?"

Krillin: "Uh… I'm just… standing and blocking…?"

Mark: "Quit taunting me! Hmph… Fine, if you're so tough! Then come on! Punch me!"

Krillin: "...Are you sure?"

Mark: "Yeah, come on! I'll expose your stupid tricks by showing how weak your punch is! So come on!"

Krillin looked at the announcer, who was the only one around to actually confide with, before just shrugging. Krillin then reeled back the most effortless punch he could… and sent Mark flying out of the arena and into the wall. Krillin was just left standing there, his fist outstretched, sweating a bit as he hoped he didn't just kill Mark. To his relief, the tall man was at least tougher than that. But his pride sure wasn't.

Mark: "Ahh… M-My face… R-Ref! I'm calling foul! That guy has, like… Uh… That's a stunt double! Yeah! He clearly just called in a stunt double!"

Krillin: "...Do you listen to yourself when you talk? I have never heard something so ridiculous in my entire life."

Announcer: "He's right, Mark. You lost, fair and square. The winner of the last quarter-final match is… Krillin!"

Krillin throws his own double V-sign as the crowd cheers for him, drowning out Mark's sheepish complaints as the Satan Castle student could only sulk and walk out of the tournament ground in shame.

Outside, Mark sat on a bench, hands on his cheeks as he trying to comprehend how he lost. As he did, he heard the clatter of high heels as a soft voice called him.

Woman's Voice: "That was a great match, Mark… You really tried your best out there."

It was a woman with long, tied-up, black hair and wearing casual clothing; looking at an old poster next to her showed her to be a famous singer, usually in a white ball gown. The singer looked to be in a couple of months of pregnancy as she had a slightly bulging stomach.

Mark: "Ah, Miguel… I'm sorry for my embarrassing loss… I tried my hardest to win that prize money, but…"

The woman, Miguel, sat down next to Mark, holding his hand with her own.

Miguel: "It's okay, Mark… There's always next time… And besides… As long as I'm with you, I'll always be happy."

Mark: "...Aww… Miguel… You know just what to say…"

Mark smiles before placing a hand on Miguel's stomach.

Mark: "How's our little girl?"

Miguel: "Healthy as can be. And I think she'll be just as strong as her father."

Mark: "I hope so… I truly hope so…"

The two smile before leaning in for a kiss, leaving the tournament on a fairly brighter note as the competition continued inside…