"Is Majin Buu really that powerful?"
Son Goku's eyes sparkled with excitement at the mention of a formidable opponent.
"Goku," Supreme Kai Shin began seriously, "Majin Buu has no rationality. He exists only to destroy and kill. In just a few short years, he wiped out countless planets and galaxies."
Vegeta crossed his arms and snorted, "It's nothing special. Any one of us could do that."
Clearly, he didn't believe Majin Buu was stronger than the evil dragons from the Dragon God Realm.
"Vegeta," Shin said, "back then there were five Supreme Kais. Each of them could have defeated Frieza with just one finger. But even so, four of them were still killed by Majin Buu."
Vegeta curled his lip but chose to remain silent.
Scratching his head, Goku turned to the Supreme Kai. "Have you found Majin Buu yet?"
Shin shook his head. "Babidi vanished after arriving on Earth, but he left two of his henchmen behind to participate in the Tenkaichi Budokai. I suspect he plans to gather energy from the fighters to break the seal on Majin Buu."
"During the competition, please follow my instructions closely," Shin added, clasping his hands and bowing slightly in plea.
Goku glanced at Rayden, who was calmly enjoying a dessert nearby. "Rayden, what do you think?"
Rayden responded without looking up. "Doesn't matter. Once we find Majin Buu, I'll take you somewhere interesting."
---
Son Gohan checked the time and called out, "Dad, Uncle Rayden, it's almost half past one. We should head to the preliminary venue to draw lots!"
"Goku, I'll be cheering for you from the stands!" Krillin shouted as he waved.
Goku grinned and waved back.
Everyone split off from the hotel and made their way to the competition grounds.
Soon, the host stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand. "Welcome, contestants! We'll now begin drawing lots to determine matchups."
Two staff members approached, each carrying a large box filled with numbered plates.
"There are 21 numbers in total," the host explained. "The one who draws number 1 will face number 11, and so on. Whoever draws number 21 advances automatically to the next round without a fight. Now, contestants will be called up one by one to draw."
Yamcha clasped his hands together and whispered anxiously, "Please, don't let me face Rayden or anyone like him in the first round…"
Rayden glanced at Jebit and smirked. "Don't worry, Yamcha. You'll draw number 21."
Jebit looked uncertain. "Supreme Kai, what do we do?"
"Let Yamcha draw number 21," Shin said decisively. "Ignore the rest."
"Yes, Lord Supreme Kai!" Jebit nodded in understanding.
Moments later—
"Great!" Yamcha jumped with joy as he drew number 21.
The host cleared his throat. "Contestant Son Goku!"
"Here it comes!" Goku exclaimed as he bounded up to the stage.
He drew a number and handed it over.
"Son Goku is number 7!" the host announced.
Nearby staff quickly wrote Goku's name and number on a giant matchup plaque.
"Next, contestant Tien Shinhan."
Tien Shinhan drew number 19.
Yamcha got number 21.
Chiaotzu (Jiaozi) drew number 1.
---
Soon, all the contestants had drawn their lots.
The host faced the audience again. "Everyone can now view their matchups on the plaque. We'll proceed with the matches in this order."
"Due to the large number of participants, each match will be limited to 20 minutes. If no winner is decided by then, the referee will declare one based on performance."
"The tournament will begin shortly. Contestants, please follow me to the lounge to rest."
As they walked, Yamcha muttered to himself, "It won't take 20 minutes. If I end up facing Rayden or someone like that, I'll be lucky to last two seconds."
---
The World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament – Main Arena
The host appeared again, standing in the center of the stage.
"Dear audience, thank you for your patience!"
"The world's number one martial arts tournament is about to begin! From the preliminaries, 21 contestants have emerged, and they'll be competing in the following order."
The staff brought out the matchup plaque and placed it next to the ring for everyone to see.
"For those in the back who can't see clearly, I'll read them aloud."
"The first match: Chiaotzu versus Defei! The second match: Shin versus Son Gohan! The third match: Broly versus Vegeta…"
Goku chuckled. "Vegeta, you're up against Broly? Can you handle him?"
Vegeta replied coolly, "Kakarot, you're facing Cell."
He knew very well that Goku wasn't likely to win.
Piccolo shook his head, watching the two.
The host wrapped up, "Who will be crowned champion? Let's find out together!"
"We'll now begin with the first match: Chiaotzu versus Defei!"
Both fighters exited the lounge and headed toward the ring.
The moment both were in position, the host raised his hand. "Let the match begin!"
Defei charged toward Chiaotzu, who floated calmly in the air.
Rayden raised an eyebrow. "This Defei is impressive. He's much stronger than your average human."
Yamcha nodded. "Rayden, he's actually the head coach of our martial arts school. Among Earthlings, he's quite powerful."
Rayden smirked. "Ah, that explains it."
Defei launched a fierce combo, but Chiaotzu didn't flinch. He simply extended his palm and pushed slightly.
Defei was instantly blasted out of the ring.
The host raised the mic and shouted, "Defei is out of bounds! Chiaotzu wins!"
As both fighters left the ring, the host announced, "Now, the second match: Shin versus Son Gohan!"
"It's worth noting," he added, "that Son Gohan is the golden warrior who defeated Cell years ago!"
The crowd exploded in cheers and excitement.
"Son Gohan～!"
"Son Gohan～!"
Back in the lounge, Goku asked, "Supreme Kai, how exactly is Gohan supposed to help you during this?"
Shin replied, "Once Gohan transforms into a Super Saiyan, he'll just stand still. Babidi's two minions will sneak in and steal his energy."
Rayden stepped in as Gohan was about to leave. "Gohan, just go Super Saiyan 1. They don't need much energy."
Gohan stopped and nodded. "Got it, Uncle Rayden."
Anything Uncle Rayden said had to be right.
He and Shin walked to the ring together and took their positions.
The host declared, "Both contestants are in place. Let the match begin!"
"Gohan, transform!" Shin urged anxiously.
"Drink!" Gohan shouted.
The arena began to tremble. Cracks webbed across the ring floor as a golden aura exploded around him.
His black hair turned golden and stood on end. Flames of power danced across his body.
A shockwave surged across the arena, washing over Supreme Kai Shin.
Gohan had fully transformed into Super Saiyan 1.
"So powerful…" Shin whispered, his body trembling uncontrollably.
He wasn't sure if it was excitement over the possibility of defeating Majin Buu—or fear of Gohan's raw power.
From the shadows, Spopovich and Yamu watched in awe.
Yamu raised his energy detector. "Incredible… That power level is insane!"
"Perfect," Spopovich grinned. "I'll hold him down. You extract the energy."
"Roger that."
The two quickly took flight and stealthily moved in behind Gohan.
Øóffer going on for diamond tier
pàtreøn (Gk31)