(A/N: New Patreon: Ducku! Thanks for the support, and welcome to the Legends! Bonus chapter as thanks!)
This is so boring, Karnel thought to himself as he watched the proceedings unfold.
The final eight matches had been moved to the big outdoor arena, and the remaining competitors were exactly what he'd expected from the original timeline, everyone except poor Yamcha, who'd had the misfortune of running into him early.
"You're incredibly strong," Goku said, approaching with his characteristic excitement. "I'm really looking forward to our fight!"
Strong? Karnel almost scoffed. When he thought about the Super Saiyan Blue transformations and universal-level threats that awaited in the future, his current abilities seemed almost quaint. "I've just had more years to practice than you, Goku," he said modestly. "Give it time, I have a feeling you'll surpass me eventually."
They chatted casually as they made their way to the outer arena, where thousands of spectators packed every available seat. The sea of faces stretching in all directions was quite a sight to behold.
The group managed to secure a good spot near the ring, though their contestant status earned them some envious glares from displaced spectators who didn't dare voice their complaints.
"Don't lose heart, Yamcha," Krillin said, attempting to console his friend. "Anyone who faced Karnel would have..." He trailed off, realizing his words weren't exactly comforting.
"Thanks for the pep talk," Yamcha replied with good humor. Despite being eliminated, he maintained his fighting spirit. "Just focus on your match against Piccolo, Krillin. Show him what our training's been worth these past few years."
"Brother Karnel," Bulma whispered, leaning close, "you're fighting that strange man in white next, aren't you?"
That strange guy is just the Guardian of Earth in a mortal disguise, Karnel thought dismissively. Whatever divine status he holds, I'll send him off the stage soon enough.
"That's no ordinary person," Karnel murmured back to Bulma. "Goku's been training with him for years. He's much more powerful than he appears."
Bulma's eyes widened with interest. If someone as strong as Goku had sought this mysterious fighter out for training, he must be truly extraordinary.
The referee's call brought the first semifinal match: Tao Pai Pai versus Tien Shinhan.
Karnel watched with mild amusement as the cyborg assassin strutted around with his usual arrogance. Still playing the part of the invincible sword master, I see.
Despite drawing his blade and demonstrating his mechanical enhancements, Tao Pai Pai was thoroughly outclassed. Tien dispatched him with just two devastating punches, sending him flying out of the ring. The Crane Hermit quickly retrieved his defeated brother and fled the scene.
Soon it was Karnel's turn to face the mysterious man in white, Kami in his mortal disguise.
The Guardian's eyes widened in recognition and barely concealed panic as Karnel approached. "You... you disappeared for more than ten years. I thought you had left Earth for good."
"There are people here worth coming back to," Karnel replied with a casual wave. "As for you, I know why you're here. But Piccolo will have someone to handle him, you don't need to risk yourself."
"No, you don't understand," Kami insisted urgently. "Piccolo Jr. isn't like his father. After all these years of training, his strength has definitely surpassed the original Piccolo—"
Karnel had heard enough. Growing impatient with the Guardian's concerns, he instantly appeared behind Kami and delivered a swift kick that sent him tumbling out of bounds, then casually hopped down from the ring himself.
"Incredible..." Goku muttered from the sidelines. "He moved so fast I couldn't even see it, and he just kicked that guy right off the stage!"
Karnel walked back to Bulma with a helpless expression. "See? I told you I didn't want to participate in this tournament, but you insisted I enter."
"Oh!" Bulma stuck out her tongue playfully and turned back to watch the ring. "Fine, then don't take it seriously for the rest either. Your fights aren't exactly thrilling to watch anyway."
Karnel wasn't offended. He simply found himself a comfortable chair and settled in to observe the remaining matches with calm detachment.
The next semifinal saw Krillin face off against Piccolo. Despite putting up a valiant effort and showcasing years of training under Master Roshi, Krillin was simply outmatched by the young Namekian's raw power and natural fighting instincts. He eventually had to concede defeat.
Goku's opponent turned out to be a lovely young woman in a traditional cheongsam, his fiancée Chi-Chi.
When Yamcha and the others learned that the cute girl on stage was Goku's promised bride, they were stunned. Krillin immediately began voicing jealous complaints like a sour grape.
"Goku, is that really your wife? How come we never knew you'd met such a lovely girl?"
At this point in time, Chi-Chi still radiated sweet innocence and charm, not yet transformed into the worry-worn housewife she would become after marriage.
With Goku's carefree personality, it's no wonder Chi-Chi's life will be so difficult after they marry, Karnel thought to himself, shaking his head with sympathy.
"Karnel, look at Goku's fiancée! Isn't she beautiful?" Bulma said excitedly.
Watching the playful interaction between Goku and Chi-Chi, Karnel could only respond, "Yes, Goku is very lucky to marry such a sweet girl like Chi-Chi."
The semifinals set up the final matchups: Piccolo versus Tien Shinhan, and Karnel versus Goku.
Although Tien was incredibly strong and had won the tournament championship for two consecutive years, he was no match for Piccolo, the Namekian fighting genius. Even when he unleashed his signature Four Witches Technique, he couldn't overcome Piccolo's superior power and was quickly defeated.
"Next match: Son Goku versus the newcomer Karnel!"
The contrast between the two fighters was striking. Goku practically vibrated with excitement and battle-ready energy, while Karnel appeared completely calm, showing no excitement whatsoever.
"Karnel! I can finally fight you, I can barely contain myself!" Goku exclaimed, his excitement reaching fever pitch as he faced a truly strong opponent.
Goku removed his weighted training clothes and launched into his attack with a battle cry.
Since Goku held him in such high regard, Karnel decided he owed him at least a show of respect and wouldn't completely embarrass him.
What followed was a spectacular battle that had the crowd on their feet. The two fighters moved with incredible speed and precision, their techniques creating a dazzling display of martial arts prowess. Karnel deliberately matched Goku's level, making the fight appear evenly contested.
After several intense minutes, Karnel deliberately exposed a flaw in his defense, allowed Goku to land a solid hit, and used the momentum to carry himself out of the ring in apparent defeat.
"You weren't serious at all," Goku said as he approached afterward, clearly frustrated. "I could tell you weren't using your full strength the entire time."
"Focus on your real challenge, Goku," Karnel deflected, nodding toward Piccolo. "That unpredictable opponent is the one who deserves your complete attention."
As he spoke, Karnel glanced over at Bulma, who was watching him with an amused smile. She clearly understood exactly what he'd done.
It's all because this girl insisted I enter the tournament, he thought with mock exasperation. I'll have to think of a suitable way to deal with her when we get back home.Tien ShinGOAT