Chapter 14: Rivals Gather – The Road to the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament
Three years had passed since Goku and Aera first embarked on their journey for the Dragon Balls. Now, the Tenkaichi Budokai—the World Martial Arts Tournament—loomed on the horizon once more.
The sun bathed the Earth in golden light as our heroes stood on the deck of a ferry bound for Papaya Island. The scent of sea salt hung in the air, mingled with excitement and tension.
Goku stretched, his gi fluttering in the wind. "I can't wait to see everyone again."
Aera leaned over the rail, watching the waves. "Will there be strong people? And rice balls?"
"Lots of both, probably."
Android 8, standing tall and stoic, offered her a snack. "I brought some. Just in case."
"Yay! You're the best!"
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The Island of Warriors
Papaya Island bustled with fighters from around the world. Merchants, martial artists, tourists, and monks all swarmed the streets, preparing for the greatest martial arts spectacle on Earth.
Goku and Aera stepped off the ferry and were immediately met with a familiar voice.
"Goku! Aera!"
It was Krillin, wearing a clean orange gi and grinning ear to ear.
"Krillin!" Goku laughed, embracing his old friend.
Aera hugged him too—lifting him right off the ground.
"Eep! Still super strong, I see," Krillin wheezed.
"Did you grow taller?" Aera asked sincerely.
"...No."
They were soon joined by Bulma, Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong.
"Wow, look at you two!" Bulma said. "You've totally changed!"
Aera blinked. "Did I grow a second tail?"
"No! I mean you both look more mature!"
Yamcha crossed his arms. "I've been training too. I'm not going to lose again."
His eyes briefly flicked to Aera, and he blushed.
"She's even more gorgeous than I remember," he muttered.
Aera smiled, oblivious. "Hi Yamcha! Wanna spar later?"
He nodded rapidly. "Y-yeah! Totally!"
---
The Preliminary Matches
Soon, it was time. Inside the massive domed arena, hundreds of hopefuls faced off in the prelims. Only eight would advance.
Aera stood in line next to Goku, bouncing on her toes.
"I hope my first opponent is strong and friendly!"
Her wish came half true.
Her first opponent, a hulking sumo fighter, charged her with all his might.
Aera blinked. "Hi! I like your belt!"
He swung.
She sidestepped, tapped his back gently—and accidentally launched him across the arena.
KO.
Every round was the same. Whether she faced burly men, wiry monks, or armed warriors, Aera defeated them all with gentle, well-meaning power.
Goku, Krillin, Yamcha, and even the mysterious new contestant Tien Shinhan also carved their way through the competition.
---
The Final Eight
After the preliminaries, the official lineup was revealed:
1. Goku
2. Krillin
3. Aera
4. Yamcha
5. Tien Shinhan
6. Chiaotzu
7. Nam
8. Pan-Fan
The crowd roared.
Backstage, the eight contestants prepared for the first round. Tien approached Goku and Aera.
"So you're the infamous pair."
Goku grinned. "Yup! I'm Goku. This is Aera."
Aera waved cheerfully. "Hi! Your hair is very pointy."
Tien blinked. "...Thanks?"
He turned to leave, but paused. "I've trained under Master Shen. I'm here to prove that the Crane School is superior. Don't get in my way."
Aera tilted her head. "Crane School? Do they teach you how to fly?"
"...In a sense."
"That's amazing! Can you teach me later?"
Tien narrowed his eyes, confused by her sincerity. "You're… strange."
Aera beamed. "Thank you!"
---
Let the Tournament Begin!
The announcer stepped forward, voice booming across the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai! Eight elite warriors have emerged from hundreds of contenders. Now, let the matches begin!"
Crowds roared. Cameras flashed.
Aera looked around in awe. "So many people came to see us play tag!"
Goku grinned. "Let's show them what we've got."
The first match was set:
Goku vs. Pan-Fan
As the match began, Aera leaned forward on the bench, eyes wide. "Go, Goku! Use the thing with the spinny kick!"
Android 8 and Krillin sat beside her, smiling. The tournament had begun—and the world was about to witness just how far Aera and Goku had come.
But more than that… something big was coming.
Something that would test even the purest heart.
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End of Chapter 14