Chapter 87: World Martial Arts Tournament
In a secret chamber within an underground laboratory, two figures sat cross-legged facing each other. Both their faces were pale and bloodless.
The door to the chamber opened, and Ryōko Yumen entered with a worried expression. The two immediately stopped circulating their energy techniques.
"Has Franklin already left?"
"He has. Lin, Brother Su, isn't this too big of a price to pay?"
"Big? Not really. It's just a serious injury. As long as he's alive, that's already a blessing. He's our precious son after all. And everything we did was worth it.
"This tribulation will be a warning he'll remember for the rest of his life. He won't act so carelessly again without absolute certainty.
"There's a saying: when people teach you, you might not remember—but when life teaches you, once is enough. This secret must stay buried in your heart. Tell him only after everything has happened. By then, he'll remember it even more clearly."
Franklin had thought his mental fortitude was strong enough, but as he walked through the streets with one arm, the strange looks people gave him—so different from usual—stabbed at him in a way he wasn't used to.
The fake ID that came with his plane ticket allowed Franklin to board smoothly and head to the venue of the World Martial Arts Tournament.
The stares along the way didn't make him falter. In fact, he gradually adapted to them and even managed to smile at the people around him.
When the tournament venue came into view, Franklin explained his purpose to the staff and was allowed to enter without issue.
"And now, the moment everyone's been waiting for—the final match! On one side, we have the successor of the Turtle School, Son Goku, who has ended every fight in under three seconds!
"On the other, the successor of the Crane School, Tien Shinhan—the most powerful and outstanding disciple of the Crane School!
"Who will emerge victorious in this battle? Everyone, hold your breath and watch closely! Fighters, get ready—begin!"
After politely excusing himself to people around him, Franklin used his tall, powerfully built body to push closer toward the front of the viewing area, the spot nearest to the ring.
Right now, he was genuinely curious—just how strong was this Tien Shinhan to be able to face a fully grown Goku?
He had just reached the front when the announcer's voice rang out again.
"And it's over in a single move once more! It looks like the champion of this tournament is about to be decided. We're starting the final ten-second countdown… Ten… nine… eight…"
Franklin stared at Tien Shinhan lying flat on the ground, speechless. It was over already? So the timeline had changed just like that?
On the ring, Goku was looking around curiously. Franklin couldn't help but wonder what he was doing. After glancing around and finding nothing unusual, he turned back—only to see Goku staring straight at him in shock and joy.
But the moment Goku saw his condition clearly, his face twisted in distress.
"Brother Franklin! Brother Franklin! Your arm! Your arm!"
Before Franklin could say anything, before the crowd even registered what was happening, with three seconds still left on the countdown, Goku jumped down from the ring and rushed toward him.
"Brother Franklin, your arm is gone—why is your arm gone?"
The entire tournament arena exploded in noise.
"Rigged match…"
"Refund!"
"My bet money…"
Amidst the uproar, the mustached announcer still made the official call.
"The champion of this year's World Martial Arts Tournament has been decided. Because Son Goku voluntarily left the ring, the champion is the Crane School's Tien Shinhan!"
Goku, however, didn't care about any of that. His face was full of panic, his eyes glistening with tears.
"Gone… it's gone… your energy is weak… Brother Franklin, are you going to leave me like Grandpa did?"
Seeing the genuine panic and worry on Goku's face, Franklin reached out and rubbed his head.
"I'm not dying. I'm hard to kill, you know. It's just a serious injury. I'll recover after some time."
Because of Goku's intense reaction, Master Roshi, Krillin, Bulma, Oolong, and Puar all spotted Franklin.
Master Roshi and Krillin, who could sense ki, both had grim expressions. In their perception, Franklin's life force was being gnawed at by a terrifying power of destruction.
He was holding on every moment, but anyone with eyes could see that he didn't have long.
"Franklin! Franklin, you're back!"
Seeing Bulma running toward him, Franklin smiled and waved. But as she got closer, she saw his terrible state.
"Y-You… Franklin, where's your arm? Don't you still have that miracle healing serum? You can save people even on the brink of death!"
Sensing Bulma's turbulent emotions, Franklin smiled and spread his remaining hand.
"I do have it. But this wound was caused by the heavens themselves. He doesn't want me to recover, so I can't do anything about it for now. I guess I'll just have to be a one-armed hero for a while."
His upbeat tone lifted Bulma, Oolong, and Puar's spirits, but those who could sense energy still looked grim.
Franklin noticed their worried gazes and gave them a playful wink.
Lovers reunited after a long time tend to be clingy, and Franklin and Bulma were no exception. But Goku trailing right behind them made Franklin a little helpless.
Seeing Goku staring at his empty back, Franklin reminded him, "Your Power Pole—and your grandfather's keepsake, the Four-Star Ball—you didn't bring them. Why are you following us?"
Goku's face was serious. "I know. I asked Krillin to grab them for me. Right now, I just want to keep my eyes on you.
"Last time, you disappeared on me just like Grandpa did. This time, we just met again, and you're already about to die. I'm not letting you out of my sight again."
Feeling Goku's resolve, Franklin suddenly remembered something important.
"Krillin—Krillin's going to die. We have to go back, Goku! If we're late, it'll all be over!"
But Goku's expression said, 'You can't fool me. My only goal right now is you.' Franklin gave Bulma an apologetic smile.
"There's something more urgent. I wanted to spend more time with you, but I guess that'll have to wait. I hope you understand."
"Goku, I order you—carry me and get to Krillin as fast as possible. If we're late, everything will be lost."
Seeing the seriousness in Franklin's eyes, Goku finally believed him. With his small body, he stretched out his arm. Franklin stepped onto his hand with his single leg, and Goku lifted him up before summoning the Nimbus Cloud. They shot off toward the tournament grounds at full speed.
As they arrived, Franklin and Goku saw a green demon with wings on its back flying into the distance.
(Support me and read ahead on Patreøn: patreøn.com/craxxtranslations.
3 new chapters are released daily—thank you for your support!
Powerstone Event: For every 50 powerstones, 1 chapter will be unlocked.)