The day of the World Martial Arts Tournament finals had finally arrived.
The arena was filled to the brim, every seat packed. In the front row, Bulma, Master Roshi, and the others were already settled, watching nervously.
Bulma cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "Go, Goku, go! You guys shout too!"
Startled, Oolong and Puar quickly echoed her cheer—more out of fear of Bulma's wrath than genuine excitement.
Backstage, Yamcha muttered, his palms damp with sweat.
"It's finally about to begin… the decisive battle between Goku and Piccolo the Great Demon King."
"Goku will definitely win," Krillin declared with absolute conviction, fists clenched tight.
Having fought Goku himself, Tien Shinhan was calmer.
"Even if Piccolo is incredibly strong, I don't believe Goku will lose."
The announcer strode into the center of the arena, microphone in hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the finals of the World Martial Arts Tournament! Please welcome our two contestants—Son Goku and Piccolo the Great Demon King.!"
Piccolo descended from above, landing with a heavy thud, his expression cold and confident. Goku walked out casually, calm as ever.
The two men faced one another. Piccolo smirked; Goku's eyes narrowed, his aura steady and unmoving.
Seeing that both contestants were ready, the announcer raised his hand and shouted, "The finals begin!"
At that moment, Piccolo threw off his cape and hat, revealing his true appearance.
The crowd gasped. Someone screamed, "That's Piccolo the Great Demon King from three years ago! Run!"
Panic spread like wildfire. Spectators leapt from their seats, scrambling for the exits.
"Hahahaha!" Piccolo laughed cruelly. "Run all you like, foolish humans. Once I kill Son Goku, the rest of you will be slaughtered at my leisure!"
"Confident words," Goku replied with a faint smile, arms crossed. "But are you sure you can kill me, Piccolo?"
Piccolo froze for a moment, then snarled. "You really don't understand the terror you're about to face."
"Then show me," Goku said calmly.
Piccolo's aura flared violently as he lunged.
Bang!
Their fists collided with explosive force, and the battle erupted.
The two fighters exchanged blow after blow. Piccolo's speed was terrifying, his strikes like thunder, but Goku met every attack with equal ferocity.
"Tch…" Piccolo gritted his teeth as he blocked one of Goku's counters. "Damn it. His strength… it's not below mine. It's even slightly stronger!"
"What's wrong, Piccolo?" Goku grinned as he pressed forward. "Is that all you've got?"
The fight exhilarated him—it was far more intense than his battle with Tien Shinhan. For the first time in years, Goku was fighting at full heart.
In the stands, Yamcha's jaw dropped. "Unbelievable! Their power… it's on another level compared to me."
Krillin clenched his fists, eyes shining.
"So this is Goku's true strength. We were worried for nothing—he can do this!"
Tien Shinhan's gaze was sharp, analyzing every exchange.
"Goku's stronger than Piccolo. Unless Piccolo is hiding some deeper power, he won't win."
"Really?!" Krillin cried. "You mean Goku's actually stronger than Piccolo?!"
"Yes." Tien Shinhan nodded. "That's exactly what I mean."
On stage, the two fighters landed simultaneous punches to each other's faces before leaping apart.
Goku smirked. "This fight is incredible. You're good, Piccolo. Thanks to you, I'm enjoying myself to the fullest."
"You arrogant brat!" Piccolo roared. His aura flared as he began gathering a sphere of blazing energy in his palm.
Below the stage, Master Roshi exhaled deeply. "Look at him. After all this, Goku's not even out of breath. His training must be truly profound. Meanwhile, Piccolo is already showing signs of fatigue."
Bulma jumped up, clapping her hands. "Go, Goku! Defeat that monster!"
"Shut your mouth, woman!" Piccolo snarled. With a twist of his arm, he hurled the charged energy blast directly at Bulma and the others.
"Bulma!" Krillin screamed.
Boom!
But in that instant, Goku launched his own energy wave, intercepting the attack mid-air. The two blasts collided and exploded harmlessly above the audience.
The crowd gasped in relief. Bulma's heart pounded as she stared at Goku's back, her eyes soft.
Piccolo growled, his rage boiling. "You'll regret stopping me, Son Goku!"
But Goku simply straightened, his expression deadly calm.
"As long as I'm here, I won't let you harm my friends."
The true battle was just beginning.