The next day, the quarter-finals of the World Martial Arts Tournament began.
The arena was already packed to capacity. Excitement buzzed through the stands.
In the front row sat Master Roshi, Bulma, Launch, Oolong, and Puar.
Bulma gazed at the stage with a sigh.
"Time really flies. The last time we were here was three years ago."
"Yes, yes! Young Master Yamcha's strength is far greater now!" Puar said confidently, fully believing in his master.
Roshi stayed quiet, stroking his beard, his eyes fixed on the ring. After three years of brutal training, they would soon see the results.
Inside the lounge, the eight quarter-finalists gathered.
Krillin elbowed Goku and whispered, "Hey, what's with that girl? She keeps staring at you like she wants to kill you."
"Yeah, Goku. Did you piss her off somehow?" Yamcha added suspiciously.
Goku chuckled. "You guys worry too much. Save your energy for the matches. Your opponents aren't weak, so don't get eliminated."
"Don't underestimate me," Krillin said proudly, thumping his chest.
"Me neither," Yamcha added with a confident grin.
Goku only smiled knowingly. He already understood why Chi-Chi's eyes were locked on him with such intensity.
In the original timeline, today was the day Goku and Chi-Chi would get to meet in the ring.
"Come on," Goku said, waving. "Tien's fight is starting. Let's go watch."
Both Krillin and Yamcha nodded.
In the ring, Tien Shinhan and Mercenary Tao faced each other.
Though Tao had once been his teacher, Tien spoke firmly, "I won't pursue what you did to Chiaotzu. Just admit defeat, Tao. I don't want to fight you."
Tao sneered, pointing at him.
"You've gotten cocky, Tien! Today, you'll share Chiaotzu's fate!"
From the stands, Master Shen clenched his teeth.
"Damn Tien Shinhan, siding with that turtle hermit!"
The announcer raised his hand.
"Match, begin!"
Tao lunged immediately, attacking viciously. But no matter what tricks he used, he couldn't even touch Tien. Blow after blow missed.
Finally, with one decisive strike, Tien sent Tao flying out of the ring and into unconsciousness.
Roshi nodded with approval.
"Tien's strength has grown far beyond three years ago. Even Tao had no chance."
Master Shen rushed over, dragging Tao's limp body away.
He spat venomously, "You'll pay for this, Tien Shinhan! All of you will!" Then he stormed out of the arena.
The announcer's voice rang out:
"The winner of the first quarter-final match—last year's champion, Tien Shinhan!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"The second match: Son Goku versus Chi-Chi!" the announcer declared.
Krillin grinned. "It's your turn, Goku."
"Mm," Goku said with a nod before leaping onto the stage.
Chi-Chi stormed up opposite him, anger blazing in her eyes.
"Match, begin!" the announcer called.
Chi-Chi charged forward furiously.
"Damn you, Goku! Go to hell!"
"Wait, Chi-Chi!" Goku raised his hand, halting her attack.
She froze mid-charge. Hearing him say her name, Chi-Chi's expression shifted from rage to surprise, then joy.
"Goku… you still remember me? Then why didn't you say anything when you saw me?"
"Haha! I wanted to surprise you. Isn't it more fun this way?" Goku teased with a grin.
Chi-Chi flushed red, suddenly shy.
"Goku, you're so mean. Don't tease me like that!"
The announcer blinked, utterly dumbfounded.
"What… what's happening?"
The audience was just as confused.
In the stands, Bulma frowned, her arms crossed. For some reason, watching Goku laugh and flirt made her chest tighten with jealousy. He seemed so different from before—more mature, less naive.
Krillin groaned. "Yamcha, I think Goku's changed. He's gotten good at charming girls. Did he even train these past three years?"
Yamcha nodded grimly. "You might be right."
Comparisons really did sting.
Chi-Chi clasped her hands together. "Goku, you promised me when I grew up, you'd marry me. Well, I'm grown up now. Will you keep your word?"
She stepped forward to hug him, but Goku quickly gestured.
"Hold on, Chi-Chi. Let's talk about that after the fight. We're still in the ring."
Obediently, Chi-Chi nodded, smiling sweetly.
Goku turned to the announcer.
"Go ahead, announce the result."
The announcer snapped back to his senses.
"Uh—right! The winner of the second quarter-final match, Son Goku!"
"The third match will begin shortly!"
From the stands, Tien sighed. "It's a shame. I still haven't gotten to see Goku's strength."
High above, Piccolo muttered darkly, "I can already feel his aura pressing against mine. Son Goku…"
Meanwhile, Yamcha clenched his fists.
"Finally, it's my turn. I'll prove myself—and make Bulma look at me with new eyes!"