Tien Shinhan, hearing Goku's assessment of his technique, asked in confusion.
"Goku, you said my technique has a fatal weakness? Well, we'll only know after the fight!"
The four Tien Shinhans surrounded Goku, launching continuous attacks from all sides. Yet the result was the same as before—every strike was dodged with ease.
"This…" Tien Shinhan's eyes widened in disbelief. "Goku, is the gap between us really that huge?"
"No, Tien Shinhan. You're already very strong," Goku replied calmly. "But unfortunately for you, your opponent is me. You were destined not to win."
With that, Goku launched his counterattack. He punched away each of the four clones one by one. When the bodies collided together, they reverted back into a single Tien Shinhan.
Goku smiled. "See? Your ultimate technique is useless against me."
Master Roshi stroked his beard in admiration.
"Incredible… Goku hasn't even used his full strength, yet he's already suppressing Tien Shinhan so easily. Just how much stronger has he become over these three years?"
Bulma leaned forward in her seat, her heart pounding.
"Not only has Goku grown taller and more handsome, but his strength is unbelievable… He's completely transformed into someone else."
Up on the rooftop, Piccolo frowned.
"That Goku's strength is terrifying. He might even rival me."
Back on the ring, Tien Shinhan smiled bitterly. "Goku, I've lost. Even if I tried my Trybeam Canon, it would be useless."
The host immediately announced, "The first semifinal match's winner—Son Goku!"
The audience erupted in thunderous cheers.
Realizing the immense difference between them, Tien Shinhan had no choice but to concede.
The host was about to announce the next match, but Kami—disguised as a human—walked over and whispered, "For this match, I choose to concede."
The host froze. He hadn't expected such a strong-looking old man to withdraw voluntarily. But since it was the contestant's choice, he respected it.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the host declared. "The second semifinal ends with contestant Piccolo advancing due to the old gentleman's concession! Tomorrow, the finals will proceed as scheduled. I guarantee it will be an extraordinary battle!"
At noon, Goku and his friends gathered at a large restaurant.
During the meal, Tien Shinhan sighed, "Thinking back to this morning… I can't help but admire you, Goku. Your strength is overwhelming."
"That's right," Krillin nodded. "You've left us in the dust."
Goku stuffed grilled meat into his mouth, speaking between bites. "As long as you all train hard, you'll catch up to me one day."
Yamcha shook his head with a helpless smile. "Don't joke, Goku. We know our own limits."
"Enough talk," Bulma cut in. "Eat while the food's hot."
Everyone chuckled and dug in.
Chi-Chi excused herself early, saying she needed to prepare for her wedding with Goku. Goku didn't refuse and let her go.
After lunch, as the group strolled back, Master Roshi leaned closer to Goku.
"Tell me, do you really have the confidence to defeat Piccolo?"
"What do you think, Master?" Goku replied with a confident grin.
Seeing that expression, Master Roshi smiled in relief.
"Good. Then I can rest easy."
Later that afternoon, Yamcha approached Bulma.
"Hey, I've got some free time. Want to go shopping together?"
"This…" Bulma hesitated.
Before, she would've gladly agreed, but now things were different.
She wasn't blind. Even if Goku hadn't openly shown it, Bulma could feel his feelings for her. And truthfully, she liked him too. The old Goku had been too innocent, too dense. But now… he'd matured.
Taking a deep breath, Bulma gathered her courage. "Sorry, Yamcha. I don't think we're suitable. A carefree, unrestrained life suits you—but not me. You should rest early. I need some time to myself."
Yamcha froze in disbelief. "You… rejected me?"
He never imagined Bulma would turn him down. Three years apart—had her feelings changed that much?
Yes, he was a flirt. But he had truly liked Bulma.
As Bulma walked away, Yamcha clenched his fists, wanting to call her name. But in the end, he stayed silent. He couldn't destroy even the last shred of their friendship.
Watching her figure disappear into the distance, Yamcha sighed heavily and returned alone to his lodging.
Bulma also exhaled a breath of relief after walking a while. If Yamcha had called out, she wouldn't have known how to face him. This way, at least their friendship could remain intact.
Looking up at the sky, she murmured enviously, "I really envy Chi-Chi… She can bravely express her love."
Then her expression hardened.
"No. If Chi-Chi can be brave, so can I. Goku isn't the clueless boy he once was. He's grown… and when it comes to feelings, he's no blockhead anymore. Why should I keep holding back?"
Her eyes lit up with determination.