The next wave of battles was ready to begin, the brackets displayed in blazing golden letters across the sky-like dome above the waiting warriors.
Match 15: Vegeta (T1) vs Nappa (T5)
The announcement froze the air.
Nappa let out a booming laugh, veins bulging in his neck. "HAH! Finally! I get to crush you, Prince! Not *my* prince, though. The weakling version."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed, his lip curling. "Don't delude yourself, you oaf. I've killed you once, and I'll do it again." His aura shimmered faintly, golden sparks licking around his body as if he were already halfway to transforming.
Raditz from T5 barked out a laugh, elbowing Kakarot (T5). "This'll be fun to watch. Our Nappa'll crush him."
But Goku (T1) glanced at Vegeta, his grin fading into focus. He knew this wasn't just another fight for his rival. It was Vegeta's pride, tested against the reflection of his past.
---
Match 16: Present Gohan (T1) vs Majin Buu (T11)
The chamber shifted with tension the moment those names were read.
Majin Buu clapped his hands together like a child at a festival. "YAY! Buu gets to play! Buu smash boy with tasty hair!"
Gohan swallowed, his fists tightening. His present self looked nothing like Future Gohan — no battle-worn scars, no missing eye. But behind his youthful nervousness, there was a flicker of the hidden rage within him.
Piccolo (T1) stepped closer, voice low. "Gohan. Don't hesitate. That creature is more dangerous than he looks."
Future Gohan's one eye fixed on his younger counterpart, silently willing him to rise to the occasion.
Babidi's name was whispered in corners. The gods leaned closer. Everyone knew this wasn't a simple match. This was a test of whether Gohan still carried the fire he had shown years ago.
---
Match 17: Uub (T2) vs King Cold (T8)
A ripple of surprise spread across the chamber.
King Cold's booming laughter filled the air, his massive tail swaying lazily. "What is this? They pit a child against *me*? How insulting… but amusing."
Uub (T2) clenched his fists, sweat trickling down his temple. His eyes darted to Goku (T1), who offered a nod of encouragement.
"Don't underestimate him," Goku muttered, more to himself than to anyone else.
Frieza hissed, golden eyes glinting with malice. "Father, do not waste time. Tear him apart."
But Gast from T7 leaned toward Piccolo. "That boy… if his spirit is anything like his master's, he may surprise us all."
---
Match 18: Piccolo (T2) vs Slug (T7)
Gasps filled the room. Two Namekians.
Piccolo (T2) folded his arms, his gaze cold and sharp. "So. It's you."
Slug's grin split wide, teeth jagged. "Heh. Another pretender. I'll crush your body and drink your essence, boy."
Gast's frown deepened. "Disgraceful."
Kami and Dende both shifted uncomfortably. Nail clenched his fists. This wasn't just a fight; it was a battle for the soul of their people.
Even Gohan (T1) muttered, "Piccolo… don't hold back."
---
Match 19: Tien (T2) vs Yamcha (T9)
A collective murmur — half laughter, half pity.
Yamcha puffed his chest out, smirking nervously. "Heh. Guess they want me to prove myself against my old pal."
Tien (T2) remained silent, his aura sharp as a blade, his third eye unblinking. His seriousness made Yamcha's grin falter.
Krillin (T9) whispered, "Oh man… this isn't gonna end well."
But Roshi stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Don't count Yamcha out yet. Sometimes desperation makes a man resourceful."
Tien (T9) glanced between them, fists tightening. He knew the weight of that matchup — old bonds, now tested on a stage of gods.
---
Match 20: Krillin (T2) vs Zarbon (T8)
The chamber erupted in mixed reactions.
Zarbon smirked, flipping his green hair back. "How quaint. I'll try not to stain my boots with your blood."
Krillin (T2) smirked back. "Hey, I've taken down worse than you."
Vegeta (T1) chuckled darkly. "You? Against Zarbon? Hmph. Zarbon is dead."
But Goku's smile was encouraging, as always. "Don't sell him short. Krillin's tougher than he looks."
Zarbon's eyes narrowed, faint anger burning at the thought of Vegeta's smirk.
---
Match 21: Android 13 (T3) vs Ruthless Vegeta (T5)
The air bristled.
13 cracked his massive fists, grinning wide. "Heh. Bout time I stretch my knuckles on a Saiyan skull."
Ruthless Vegeta stepped forward, his smirk cruel, aura flaring like wildfire. "Another machine thinking it can measure up to a Saiyan elite? I'll rip the wires from your chest."
21 tilted her head, watching carefully. Her lips curved faintly. "Let's see how you handle *that,* Saiyan."
Vegeta (T1) scowled at his other self, anger simmering. He hated every second of watching this twisted mirror.
---
Match 22: Android 14 (T3) vs Ruthless Kakarot (T5)
Goku (T1) stiffened as soon as he heard the name. His darker counterpart's grin widened.
"Finally," Ruthless Kakarot said, cracking his neck. "Another toy to smash."
Android 14 stood in silence, face expressionless, his bulk radiating menace.
Trunks (T1) whispered to Future Gohan, "That's… Dad's face. But not."
Future Gohan's jaw tightened. "That's not your father. That's a monster wearing his skin."
Vegito (T2) smirked faintly, muttering under his breath, "That Version of Goku is interesting."
---
Match 23: Android 15 (T3) vs King Vegeta (T5)
The chamber grew heavy.
15 adjusted his cap, smirk curling. "Guess I get the old man."
King Vegeta chuckled low, pride burning in his eyes. "Old man? Insolent trash. I am King Vegeta, ruler of Saiyans. You'll kneel before me or die screaming."
Rosan cackled behind him. "Crush the doll, Father! Crush it!"
Vegeta (T1)'s face twisted with disgust. His pride burned, but hearing *that* man use his name only enraged him further.
---
Match 24: Android 16 (T3) vs Chiaotzu (T9)
Silence.
16 blinked once, gaze tilting down at the tiny fighter. "...Unfortunate."
Chiaotzu floated forward, pale but determined. "I'll… I'll give it my best."
Tien (T9) grabbed his shoulder. "You don't have to—"
But Chiaotzu shook his head. "No. I do." His eyes burned faintly. "For all of us."
18 looked away, jaw tightening. Even she didn't want to see what was about to happen.
---
Match 25: Android 19 (T3) vs Ginyu (T8)
The chamber groaned as Ginyu immediately struck a ridiculous pose. "Ginyu Force…!"
"Ugh," Vegeta muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.
19's blank expression didn't change. He simply raised his mechanical hand, eyes glowing faintly.
Dodoria laughed. "Rip that clown apart, Captain!"
But Frieza sneered. "If he loses to a doll, I'll disown the entire Force."
---
Match 26: Android 20 (T3) vs Bido (T10)
20's mechanical gaze turned toward his opponent with cold calculation. "You will be dismantled."
Bido cracked his neck, his bulk towering even over many Saiyans. "You think so, little doll? I'll crush you flat."
Turles smirked darkly from behind him. "Don't waste time. Kill him."
But 21 tilted her head. "Interesting match."
---
Match 27: Dodoria (T8) vs Yajirobe (T9)
The entire chamber erupted in laughter.
Yajirobe froze, bone still hanging from his mouth. "Wait. What? *Me?!* Against *him?!*"
Dodoria roared, flexing his massive pink arms. "I'll squash you like a bug!"
Launch burst out laughing. "Oh, this'll be *good!*"
Krillin (T9) facepalmed. "Oh man, this is gonna be ugly."
But Roshi simply smiled faintly. "Never underestimate Yajirobe. Sometimes the laziest man hides the sharpest blade."
---
Match 28: Kogu (T10) vs Kami (T7)
Kami inhaled sharply. "So… it comes to me."
Kogu smirked, spinning his blade in his hand. "Another old fool. Easy kill."
Slug licked his lips. "Hah. This will be amusing."
Gast's crimson eyes narrowed. "Do not underestimate Kami. He carries more wisdom than most here."
Piccolo (T1) frowned faintly, eyes following his other half.
---
Match 29: Adult Dende (T7) vs Krillin (T9)
The announcement drew murmurs of confusion.
Dende clenched his fists, armored body tense. "So I must fight… one of Earth's heroes."
Krillin (T9) chuckled nervously. "Guess it's me, huh? Don't go easy, okay?"
Gast gave Dende a firm nod. "Remember why you fight."
Future Gohan folded his arms, eyes narrowing. He didn't like this matchup at all.
---
Match 30: Tapion (T12) vs Bujin (T10)
A hush fell.
Tapion stepped forward silently, hand on the hilt of his blade. His eyes were shadowed, but his aura was calm, steady — like a mountain before a storm.
Bujin smirked, aura flickering like threads. "Another swordsman. I'll shred your mind before you draw steel."
Turles chuckled darkly. "Bujin, break him slowly."
But Tapion didn't reply. He only closed his eyes, tightening his grip. His silence was louder than any threat.
---
Timeline 1 – The Main Z Fighters
Future Gohan (T1) leaned against a stone column, one arm crossed over his chest, the other brushing the scar across his ruined eye. He muttered under his breath as he studied the bracket: "Vegeta versus Nappa… Gohan versus Buu. Damn. This round isn't just fights — it's tests." His gaze lingered on Present Gohan, silently wishing he'd unleash that buried power before it was too late.
Piccolo (T1) stood with arms crossed, antennae twitching. "Slug against Piccolo from T2… that'll be a war of ideals. Tien against Yamcha, though? Hmph. That's tragedy, not sport." He turned to Goku. "Do you realize how many versions of us are being tested right now?"
Goku (T1) grinned despite it all, eyes shining. "Heh. Yeah. Guess it's fate, huh? I just hope everyone remembers — this is about getting stronger, not just killing." His optimism was almost jarring compared to the tension in the air.
Chi-Chi, clutching Goten's shoulders, leaned forward in the family alcove. "This isn't a game, Goku! Look at these matchups! Our son against *that* monster Buu—" Her voice cracked, and she pulled Goten close. Goten tried to look brave but glanced nervously at his older brother.
Bulma tapped her nails against the railing, eyes darting toward the Androids' side. "The machines are getting too confident. Look at them — smirking like they've already won this round. If even half their fighters advance, it could shift the whole balance of the bracket."
---
Timeline 2 – Vegito's Line
Vegito (T2) lounged with arms behind his head, smirking at the tension. "Vegeta versus Nappa, huh? Heh. Bet he'll finally enjoy breaking that idiot's spine again. Still… Buu versus Gohan? That's a little unfair." His smile dipped, eyes narrowing. "I should be in there instead."
Krillin (T2) shook his head nervously. "Man, why'd I even make it this far? Watching these brackets, I feel like I already lost. Zarbon against *me* in another life? I'd be crushed like a bug."
Tien (T2) spoke quietly but firmly. "Then fight harder. That's the point of this place — to see if you can rise against what should kill you." His third eye locked on Yamcha across the room, a flicker of regret flashing in its depths.
Trunks (T2) whispered to Goten, his voice thick with frustration. "We should still be fighting. That Taizo guy… we could've taken him if we fused longer."
Goten (T2) pouted, fists clenched. "Next time, we're not holding back."
---
Timeline 3 – The Androids
Android 21 sat elegantly, legs crossed, eyes burning with frustration. "Pathetic. They pair us against Saiyans like cattle to slaughter. Thirteen versus Ruthless Vegeta. Fourteen against that animal Kakarot. Fifteen against the so-called King. Hmph. Let's see who eats who." Her lips twitched into a hungry grin.
Android 16 stood beside her silently, but his eyes softened when he saw Chiaotzu's name against his own. "A small fighter. Brave. But he will die." His voice carried no malice, only inevitability.
Android 18 leaned forward, arms crossed tightly. "Do they even realize what they're up against? This whole tournament… they're playing checkers while we're building machines of war." Her eyes cut to Krillin (T1) in the stands. Something unreadable flashed in her gaze before she looked away.
Android 20 (Gero) chuckled, his voice metallic. "This is perfect. Every loss is still data. Every corpse, another step toward perfection."
Android 13 cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Heh. Can't wait to crush me a Saiyan."
---
Timeline 4 – Broly Alone
Broly didn't sit. He stood like a silent statue, arms at his sides, green aura faintly humming. He didn't even look at the brackets. His lips pressed tight, his chest rising and falling like a caged beast. The other fighters instinctively kept distance, none daring to interrupt.
Still… his eyes flicked once to Vegito. The hunger to fight burned there, silent but undeniable.
---
Timeline 5 – The Saiyan Empire
Ruthless Kakarot (T5) grinned, teeth sharp. "Heh. Finally! Me against that android trash. I'll crush him, then burn his scraps." His aura flared just enough to make weaker fighters shiver.
King Vegeta (T5) smiled with regal arrogance. "So they pit me against a toy? How insulting. Watch closely, my sons. I'll remind the galaxy why the Saiyan throne is eternal."
Raditz (T5) laughed harshly, pounding his fist against his palm. "Man, these fights are stacked! Our team's gonna paint the floor red!"
Rosan (T5) smirked wide, teeth bared. "Zangya was fun, but the real bloodshed starts now." His eyes flicked toward Baby Vegito Black. For the first time, his smirk faltered. "…And then there's *that.*"
Bardock (T5) stood silently, fists trembling faintly. His dark eyes flicked between the brackets and his own hands. He didn't speak — but his silence was heavier than anyone else's boasts.
---
Timeline 6 – Baby Vegito Black
He sat alone. No allies. No family. His crimson eyes half-lidded, lips curled faintly. Every new matchup, every warrior's name called, was weighed and discarded like meat on a butcher's slab.
When Vegeta's name was spoken, his smirk deepened. When Buu's came, his eyes glinted like knives. But when Broly's massive shadow stirred in the stands, his smirk faltered just slightly.
"Soon," he murmured, so softly only he could hear.
---
Timeline 7 – The Namekians
Gast (T7) sat like a mountain, hands resting on his knees. "Piccolo against Slug. A duel not just of strength, but of soul." His voice carried across the bench, steady as stone.
Slug cracked his massive green knuckles. "Heh. I hope the other Piccolo screams before I tear him apart."
Nail's fists clenched. "Tien may have beaten me, but Yamcha doesn't stand a chance against him. That fight's already decided."
Kami bowed his head. "And yet… every fight here is a gamble, Well most of them at least, Fate will twist even the strongest predictions."
Dende (adult) exhaled, his armored chest rising and falling. "If I must fight Krillin… then I will. Even if it hurts."
---
Timeline 8 – The Frieza Empire
Frieza hissed, his tail coiling like a whip. "Father versus the boy. Zarbon versus Krillin. And me? Still waiting. Hmph. This tournament dares humiliate the house of Frieza by delaying my true glory."
King Cold chuckled darkly. "Patience, my son. Even the finest wine is not poured all at once." His golden eyes gleamed toward Uub (T2). "That boy will make a fine appetizer."
Zarbon smirked as he adjusted his hair. "Let's see if Krillin screams as well as Vegeta once did."
Dodoria flexed his arms, laughing. "I'll smash that fat fool Yajirobe in one hit!"
Ginyu struck another absurd pose, shouting, "Ginyu Force! Represent!" Only for Vegeta (T1) to groan loudly, rubbing his temples.
---
Timeline 9 – Earth's Humans
Roshi (prime spirit) stood tall, staff steady. His voice carried the weight of history. "So it begins. The humans must hold their ground, no matter how impossible it looks."
Tien (T9)'s jaw clenched. "Yamcha… he's not ready for this. He'll die out there."
Krillin (T9) laughed nervously. "Well… at least it's not *me* against an android."
Yamcha (T9) smirked wide, forcing bravado. "Relax, guys. I've got this. It's just Tien. It's not like he's a god."
Chiaotzu floated silently, eyes downcast. His fight against 16 loomed, but he said nothing. His silence said everything.
Launch twirled her coin with a smirk. "Hah. Humans versus monsters. This'll be good."
Yajirobe groaned loudly from the back. "Why the hell am I even here?!"
---
Timeline 10 – Turles' Crew
Turles spat to the side. "This bracket's a joke. I should've been paired with one of the Saiyan leaders. Instead they waste me on scraps." His aura pulsed faintly.
Taizo crossed his arms, pride burning. "Doesn't matter. I'll prove myself again."
Bojack sneered, arms folded. "Pfft. More weaklings to kill."
Bujin, Bido, and Kogu whispered among themselves, plotting like vultures. Their eyes burned at Tapion, Kami, and the Namekians.
---
Timeline 11 – Cell's Dominion
Majin Buu bounced happily, clapping his stubby hands. "YAY! Buu gets to play with boy with hair! HAHAHA!" His giggles were like knives in the ears of every human in the stands.
---
Timeline 12 – The Forgotten
Tapion sat alone, eyes closed, hand on his sword. He didn't react to the brackets. His silence was his answer.
The crowd whispered about him. A lone warrior with no empire, no army, no family — just a sword and a heavy burden.