Tournament and unexpected friend

There's this feeling one gets when they have accomplished something to be proud of. A feeling of pride, yes, but also something else, something feeling akin to joy, but is far lighter. Perhaps I just feel far lighter with the training I have been put through. I'm not sure, but I feel amazing, better than ever, I feel stronger and I'm damn well faster if my untouched body is anything to go by. It's amazing really. When I had donned the blindfold after months of training under Roshi I had not expected my incredible skill. A few months back before this training I had attempted to combat without my sense of sight, the attempt was very successful but not one I had ever tried again and not one that would be as successful against stronger opponents. Today, after Roshi had given us permission to discard the heavy shells we wear all day long, the thought had entered my mind after so long, prompting me to challenge Kakarot in a fight while my sight is hindered. The boy has grown incredibly stronger over the past few months, shooting past me very quickly. It's amazing how fast he grows, however, I grow at an increased rate as well, and seeing him surpass me only encouraged me more in my training. He was not going to fly past me just like that, I was not about to give up the lead I had on the boy. We're somewhat equal in power when it comes to ki, but one key difference remains, which is speed. I am still far faster than him, dodging and sidestepping near all his attacks, blind, but not defenseless. I was ecstatic when I could feel and somewhat foresee what was to come, keeping track of him through his ki. I was near untouchable, something I know would not be the same for long when I'm fighting him. With new confidence, I try to fight back, curious to see if I can land good attacks.

Focusing all my senses on the battle comes so very easily to me that it is no trouble at all to strike him, landing a solid blow to the stomach before aiming another that is quickly stopped. He repaid me for the strike with a kick that connected to the side of the head, but no matter. I am still very happy.

Absently I hear Krillin comment something about me just being crazy and how he did not think I would actually end up fighting as if I can pretty much see. I didn't think so either, but here we are right?

"Alright, alright, quit the fighting you two" the voice of Master Roshi has us both freezing mid-attack, Kakarot letting out something akin to a groan and approaching when we're called. "Keep this up and you'll be battered and bruised before we even get to the tournament"

At the mention of the tournament, Kakarot is chipper once more, almost having forgotten that we will be off fighting martial artists from all over the world today. Master Roshi had told us about the tournament some random day, saying it would be beneficial for us to join if only to prove how much stronger we have gotten and that was taken to heart.

"Here, put this on" I'm handed a blue suit and hat, the boys as well while Chichi is handed a nice kimono.

It's been months and they still fail to realize.

I don't even know if I should be disappointed, confused, or proud of myself. Chichi must be thinking the same as she gives me this - it's unbelievable - look.

Though I must admit, the suit fits me very nicely and looks just as nice on me, so I have no actual complaints as of now.

Master Roshi nods in approval

"Good, good"

~~~~~~~~

The journey to the tournament is a somewhat long one with us driving to an airport and then suffering through a plane ride that has me wondering how far the thing actually is. When we arrive, the place is crowded, filled with an assortment of people, both fighters and the one here to spectate. There is this unbelievably huge man that stomps past me, shaking the ground with each heavy step. It's somewhat something to marvel at, all these fighters that have come from places I've likely never visited yet, all with different reasons for taking place in this thing.

"This is kind of intimidating" Chichi admits, having almost been pushed aside by this bulky-looking man who oozes confidence. "There are a lot of strong people here"

"You shouldn't be concerned," says Kakarot with his usual casualness, a smile on his face. "You're stronger than almost everyone here, Chichi, you've gotta realize that"

Kakarot has a point and the compliment has Chichi turning pink. She's muttering something none of us can hear, incredibly happy to have those words said to her by Kakarot. It's been as obvious as the sun in the sky that Chichi likes Kakarot by an incredible margin, what isn't as obvious is whether or not Kakarot returns the interest. He is a weird kid, after all, reading him can be a bit hard. And it's something even more questionable when you take into account the fact that Saiyans don't really focus on things like this by nature.

"Um...sir, are you sure you want to enter these kids into the tournament," a concerned monk asks Master Roshi, his hesitant gaze moving to us when Roshi nods as if expecting us to disagree with him. I suppose they never considered that children would want to take part in this kind of thing as well. There could be plenty of kids out there who enjoy martial arts and would like to compete and perhaps don't in fear of fighting adults. Maybe they should add a junior division.

Eh, that wouldn't be as fun for me.

Then again, I doubt I'll be junior division age by the time that happens, even if it's in the next three to five years. I'll be seventeen to nineteen by then, far more qualified to take part with the adults.

After a long back and forth between Master Roshi and the monk, we're finally allowed to enter the versus hall. Many eyes land on us, expected since we're a group of kids, though I'm not as short as Krillin and Kakarot, that's for sure. Even Chichi is taller than them. I'm convinced that Saiyans grow differently and that Krillin is just destined to be short forever. At fourteen I'm a bit taller than Master Roshi though not any taller than Bulma.

"We'll be parting ways here, but before we go I have one last thing for you guys" Roshi finally opens the briefcase he has been silently carrying around, revealing orange gi. Kakarot, Krillin, and Chichi are each handed one turtle school gi while he has a white one for me, one that looks exactly like my tiger school gi which has me confused because he doesn't need to get me a new gi, I brought my own.

"What's this?"

"Your gi" he states as if it wasn't obvious. He holds it out to me, displaying the back that now has a kanji as well, this one resembling the one on his own gi. "I understand your whole fiasco about remaining loyal to a single school, but you have already trained under me so I think that rule has been broken"

It's not really a rule, just a preference or unspoken rule I suppose.

"But I-"

"It's still the tiger school gi" he explains displaying the unchanged kanji on the left chest. "But it also shows that you have spent your time learning the turtle school ways as well"

Old man, I thought I made it very clear that I would only be representing the tiger school but here you are presenting me with a new - not new - gi. He has a point, I have studied under both schools and it would only be right

"It wouldn't be very honorable i-" Master Roshi begins only for me to shoot him a glare. Don't go using honor against me, you old bastard.

"Give me the cursed thing"

I ignore the big smile on his old face as I disappear to find somewhere to change. Terrible thing is when I try to enter the women's bathroom I'm stopped and called a pervert. This is getting old. Not wanting some big scene to occur I just find a dressing room and quickly change, not giving two cents if anyone were to see me or not. There would be nothing for them to see and it is Kakarot and Krillin that find the dressing room in the middle of me changing. Kakarot barely gives me any attention and Krillin is far too focused on getting the tie off from around his neck. How did he get it on in the first place?

Master Roshi was right when he said it would be the same gi so I'll give him his credit since it's due. Tightening the blue sash around my waist I wonder if there's a mirror nearby where I can get a good look at myself and how this looks. I doubt I'll find one so the thought is ignored soon after. Tugging on the wristbands matching the sash I make to leave with Kakarot and Krillin soon following. The latter finding the new clothes quite flashy.

"Durian's clothes are flashy" Kakarot corrects, pointing out that my gi is white which just draws more eyes.

We meet up with Chichi who had changed in the women's room. She likes the new gi almost as much as Krillin does, the only person not too enthusiastic about it is Kakarot. He's not displeased and admits that it's nice, incredibly light too, but he's gotten used to the blue gi as well as the armor he usually wears.

"My armor is stretchy and durable, amazing for combat," he says nodding.

"Of course it's amazing for combat, it's armor Kakarot" I sigh. "And what do you mean by stretchy?"

"One size fits all" he explains. "You're taller than me but you can wear it too. It's supposed to accommodate our great ape forms so you could only imagine"

That...is incredible, very handy, and efficient as well. That means the breastplate is incredibly stretchy as well as incredibly durable because I have hit it once, not even close to cracking it.

"Master Roshi is gone," Chichi says, having noticed his absence.

"He did say we would be parting ways"

Wonder what the old man's up to.

~~~~~~~~~~

"We will now begin the world martial arts tournament, which is held every five years, to determine the strongest masters of the martial arts"

This place is packed with too many people as if there isn't an entire space to occupy. Everyone has gathered around the ring the old monk stands on to announce the start as well as the rules of the martial arts tournament. Not a big fan of the heat I quickly slip away from the amazing crowd in favor of sitting against a wall and listening in. The man has a mic so it would not be a problem to hear, hence my lack of understanding why everyone saw the need to gather together in one spot. There are 137 people here for crying out loud, grouping together is a terrible idea.

"The battles will be one on one. If a fighter falls out of the ring, faints, gives up, cries, or otherwise, they lose"

The rules are very simple, no killing, no weapons, just fight until the other can't or won't anymore. As for the preliminary rounds, they will last just one minute and if no one is victorious within that time the judges have the right to choose the victor. Out of all the 137 participants, only eight will move on, so it's gonna be a hassle. We'll be divided into four blocks with the remaining two of each block moving on to the finals. Here's to hoping I don't face off against any of the others yet as I would like to fight them in the finals where we are not bound by the one-minute limit.

There are lots drawn to determine which group you'll belong to, Chichi ending up in the second block while I take the first. Kakarot and Krillin end up in the same block, but likely won't get to face each other. They are bound to be the last two of their block as their victory is already secured.

"Number 10" the simple piece of paper reads. This means I'm up against number nine, though I have no clue where they are. I'll be up pretty soon though.

While I wait I'm lucky enough to see Kakarot beat his massive opponent with a touch after having lost interest in the person. Krillin faces some monk that wears the same outfit he once wore, frightened at first but encouraged when he realized he is far superior in strength and everything else. I don't see much of Chichi's fight, only the poor man she kicks out of the ring, having underestimated her own strength. She is as surprised as the other participants with her show of strength. Maybe now she'll realize she has no reason to be intimidated.

"You made a big mistake coming here, kid"

My opponent taunts as we both step into the ring. He's a tall man with a strong build and this cocky smirk on his face. His muscles are big, really big, the man having focused more on strength than anything else it seems. That works just fine because it means his speed is not as impressive as the force behind his fists. His words are easily brushed off as I have no reason to entertain him right now. We have a minute and this is going to be over within seconds. He doesn't even deign to take on a fighting position as he stands tall and casual before me. Arrogance is the downfall of many many men and it will be the same for this man right here.

When the signal is given, I bow in respect as a good martial artist should, to which the man only laughs.

"How about I give you a freebie, eh?" He chuckles and I smile.

"Awe thanks"

That's the last thing he hears before he's on his back outside the ring. There's a loud silence as many likely try to understand what had just happened. I'm not a cocky person, so when I say things will end in seconds, I know I can back that up. I'm faster than him and while not as strong, his underestimating me is all that was needed for my victory. I was in front of him in the blink of an eye, my open palms meeting his stomach and effectively pushing him out

That's why he's on his back with the stupidest look on his face

I bow, smiling all the while.

"Thank you for the freebie"

I'm sure no one else will make such a mistake against me.

"Good job Durian!" I hear the familiar voice of Chichi, finding her at the edge of the ring with Krillin and Kakarot.

"Thanks" I join them, earning a high five from Krillin who seems far more confident in his abilities right now. "You guys did great as well"

~~~~~~~~~

"Yamcha?"

I knew I sensed something familiar before, I didn't think it would be Yamcha of all people. He's the second person in my group to move on to the finals and I find that out after I had been declared the winner. When he sees me he doesn't react as I had expected, instead grinning and waving at me as if I hadn't beaten him up and threatened to break his arms before. Did he forget that he tried to rob me before as well? Is he messed up in the head?

"When I heard a bunch of kids were dominating I had a suspicion" he laughs in good nature, moving to stand next to me without worry. He isn't afraid, not like he was before, he's not trying to run either. "I saw Kakarot over there in block three with this other kid, I think his name is Krillin"

"Huh, and what are you doing here?" That's the big question next to why he's acting so casual, as if we're friends or something.

"I've been training," he says proudly with a hand on his chest. "After what happened in the desert, the way both you and Kakarot easily beat me and the way I just always ran away I wanted to change"

Huh?

"I was a coward, okay? You have said that to my face. You also said I was wasted potential and you're right, so I decided it was enough of the dumb stuff. I went off to the city to start over, train, and hope to meet you guys again"

Huh?

"So you're telling me, you had an epiphany and decided to change for the better?" This sounds hard to believe so I'm skeptical here, but he doesn't seem to be lying or plotting anything.

"Yeah" he chuckles sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck with the slightest tint of pink to his cheeks. "I realize if it sounds stupid"

It sounds beyond unbelievable, but who am I to judge? It's all for the best in the end so it doesn't matter much. And what he does with his life shouldn't bother me in the slightest.

"Oh, and I saw the Ox King's daughter too. Looks like she trained under Master Roshi as well" he remembers. "Maybe I should train under him soon"

He also informs me that Bulma is here as well, which has me curious because how does he know that. He reveals that he has been staying at capsule corp since he entered the city, even though Bulma was a bit wary of him. She still hasn't entirely forgiven him for breaking into their trailer - and her room - so she's been a bit cold towards him, but she gave him a place to stay nonetheless.

"You broke into her room?"

"It's a long story"

"Is she here to support you?" I ask.

"Nah, I told her that you guys could be here and she wanted to see Kakarot and you again, so here we are. I told her I would tell you guys if I found ya"

Okay, it's still weird talking to him when he's so friendly, but it's not terrible.

"Durian!" Kakarot shout catches my attention. Swiveling I find him near the exit with the others waving for me. "We can leave now! Let's go see Bulma!"

I don't see why not, I did promise to come see her and never pulled through so the least I can do is greet her now.

I say goodbye to Yamcha who decides he's not coming along and follow after Kakarot and the rest. There's a problem as we go outside because the gathered crowd is huge, making it near impossible to see anyone.

"Excuse me" is all I get as Kakarot scales my body with ease, coming to stand on my head to get a look over the crowd. I'm going to ignore the fact that he just used me to get higher ground and pretend it never happened. "There they are"

When he gets off I'm left to fix the mess he made out of my hair. Next time he should give me more of a warning.

Crowded places are not my cup of tea, having been alone for the past few years. I like being around people because of my seclusion, yes, but crowds are different. It has everyone packed together, it's hot and irritable and overall just terrible, so walking through the bunch of people is not very pleasant. Even less so when I almost stumble to my face when we finally find Bulma.

Master Roshi is here too.

"You two really are here" Bulma beams when she sees us. "I guess that Yamcha was right about something after all"

I know, it's unbelievable.

"Imagine how surprised I was to hear that Yamcha stays with you," I say to which Bulma lets out a big sigh as if she does not want to be reminded of it.

"Yeah, he needed a place to say and it's just really painful watching him mope around so I gave him a room" she explains. "He hasn't done anything bad yet so I guess he really has changed"

"The strangest thing can happen in this world" I laugh.

"You said it"