Chapter 15: The Tournament Begins – Aera Takes the Stage

Chapter 15: The Tournament Begins – Aera Takes the Stage

The thunderous roar of the crowd echoed across Papaya Island as the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament officially began. Goku had just finished his match against Pan-Fan with a dramatic victory, using his agility and new techniques to overcome the strength and size of his opponent. With the crowd still buzzing, the announcer stepped onto the ring.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Up next—one of the most talked-about fighters of this tournament! The mysterious and powerful girl from the mountains—Aera!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps of anticipation. Her reputation had spread like wildfire. Whispers flew around the stadium.

"She destroyed an entire pirate base?"

"I heard she knocked out a dinosaur by hugging it too hard!"

"They say even the Red Ribbon Army couldn't stop her!"

Aera skipped onto the stage with her usual cheerful energy. Dressed in a modified training gi with a flowing sash, she waved at the crowd like they were old friends.

"Hi everyone! I'm Aera! Let's have lots of fun today!"

Even the announcer sweatdropped. "Uh… yes! And her opponent is the fierce martial artist Nam, returning for another chance at glory!"

Nam stepped onto the stage, calm and respectful. He placed his palms together and bowed.

"I look forward to a fair and honorable match."

Aera beamed and bowed back, almost toppling over. "Me too! But I get excited, so if I punch too hard, just tell me!"

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Match 2: Aera vs. Nam

The bell rang.

Nam darted in quickly, aiming for pressure points. Aera giggled as she spun around his strikes like a dancer.

"Wow, you're so fast!"

He jumped back, surprised by her fluid movements. She didn't have a guard, didn't use standard stances—but every instinctive movement dodged or parried his precise attacks.

Nam leapt high, descending with a diving axe kick.

Aera caught it with both palms, slid back a few feet, and smiled. "That tickled!"

With one gentle nudge, she sent Nam skidding backwards across the ring.

He stopped just short of the edge and took a breath. "She's not just strong… she's unreadable."

He charged again, faster this time. He struck with palms, elbows, knees—every angle.

Aera dodged, weaved, and then tapped his forehead lightly.

A shockwave pulsed out.

Nam froze—and then collapsed with a sigh, unconscious but unharmed.

The announcer stared. "A-Amazing! Aera wins by knockout! With a single touch!"

The crowd went wild.

Aera jogged over and helped Nam up. "You're really fun! We should spar again sometime!"

Nam blinked. "You… are a force of nature."

She tilted her head. "Is that a food?"

---

Backstage

Goku grinned as Aera returned.

"You're getting better every time."

"I think the crowd likes me! One guy threw flowers at me! I gave them back 'cause maybe he needed them."

Krillin laughed. "You're incredible, Aera. And terrifying. But in a cute way."

Yamcha scratched his head, blushing. "She's gonna mop the floor with all of us."

Tien and Chiaotzu stood nearby, watching.

"She's dangerous," Chiaotzu whispered. "She didn't even take it seriously."

Tien narrowed his eyes. "She's strong… but too innocent. That could be a weakness."

Master Shen, hidden in the shadows, sneered. "It'll be her downfall."

---

Match 3: Yamcha vs. Tien

The next match was intense. Yamcha, fast and confident, used his Wolf Fang Fist to its fullest. But Tien was faster. Stronger. Sharper.

Every blow was calculated. Every strike punished.

Within minutes, Yamcha was knocked out cold, despite his best efforts.

The crowd gasped.

Tien didn't even gloat. He simply turned and left the ring.

Backstage, Aera ran over to Yamcha as he was being carried on a stretcher.

"Are you okay? Want a rice ball? Or a hug?"

He groaned. "Both. Please."

---

Match 4: Krillin vs. Chiaotzu

The final first-round match saw Krillin battling Chiaotzu's psychic powers. The small, pale fighter floated with eerie calm, using telekinesis to throw Krillin around the ring.

But Krillin's cleverness shone through. He tricked Chiaotzu into overusing his power, closing in with a surprise rush and knocking him out.

Krillin collapsed, panting. "Take that, ghost kid…"

---

Semifinals Announced

The final four were set:

1. Goku vs. Krillin

2. Aera vs. Tien

The atmosphere grew heavier. The matches ahead wouldn't just be tests of strength—but heart, spirit, and willpower.

As the crowd cheered and the sun began to set over the island, Aera stood at the edge of the stage, gazing out at the ocean.

"Goku," she said softly. "This is so fun. I want it to last forever."

He walked up beside her, hands behind his head.

"Me too. But the fun part is gonna be tomorrow. When we fight each other."

She beamed. "Yay! I've been saving my best punches for you."

Back in the shadows, Tien watched them both, silently preparing.

The real battles had just begun.

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End of Chapter 15