As the fight dragged on, Krillin and Goku's clash grew even fiercer—more intense, more dazzling.
The spectators in the stands were already letting out reluctant groans. Their speed was simply too fast. Miss even a single moment, and you'd lose track of the action completely. And the battle was so incredible that no one dared to look away.
Yamcha watched the fight with a heavy expression, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"I never imagined they'd become this strong… this is insane.
Looks like I lost because I just didn't train hard enough…"
Puar tried to comfort him.
"Don't worry, Master. You've become really strong too.
If you keep pushing yourself, you'll definitely catch up to them someday…"
Yamcha kept staring at the ring and slowly shook his head.
They had grown too fast. Deep down, he knew it would be hard to ever catch up.
Master Roshi had already put on his sunglasses, appearing calm, but behind the dark lenses his eyes were filled with shock.
"These two kids… they've already surpassed me.
They've even surpassed me at my peak…"
"And Goku… he could've ended this fight much earlier, but he's deliberately giving Krillin chances, guiding him to bring out everything he has.
Such loyalty… such heart. Those two will never end up like me and Crane Hermit did."
Tien's three eyes were locked tightly on the ring, his expression grave as he evaluated both fighters.
"These two… they're clearly on a whole different level from Yamcha.
No, not just one level—several.
That bald guy's attacks are flashy and airtight, leaving no openings…
and yet Son Goku is taking all of it. His combat instincts are terrifying."
Off to the side, Crane Hermit stared darkly at them, full of displeasure.
"Hmph. Just flashy tricks.
Those two Turtle School brats are nothing special.
Whoever wins, Tien will crush them both."
The battle grew even more intense, until even the announcer couldn't hold back anymore.
"Ladies and gentlemen!
This fight is absolutely incredible!
Son Goku and Krillin are pushing beyond human limits—
even the cameras are struggling to keep up!"
After several more exchanges, the two finally pulled apart, taking a brief moment to catch their breath.
Krillin raised his stance.
"As expected of you, Goku.
You blocked every one of my attacks. Looks like you've gotten a lot stronger again…"
Goku mirrored his stance and smiled.
"And you've grown fast too, Krillin.
You dodged all my attacks as well. Honestly, your strength right now is way beyond what I expected…"
Krillin grinned.
"Of course. After seeing your strength three years ago, I stayed on Karin Tower training nonstop, trying to steal the Sacred Water and surpass you.
Even after I got it, I didn't stop.
I even trained with the turtle shell on.
For three years—rain or shine—I never slacked off."
Goku was genuinely surprised.
"You trained nonstop for three years? That's hardcore…"
He said admiringly,
"Honestly, I don't think I could stay stuck on that tower for three straight years like that."
Krillin chuckled mischievously.
"Heh, it wasn't boring for me.
You, on the other hand, had it pretty good, didn't you?"
Goku blinked.
"Huh?"
Krillin laughed.
"I saw you in Karin's water jar while I was training.
I saw you go to Fire Mountain, and I even saw your fiancée Chi-Chi—she's really pretty!"
Goku's eyes widened.
"You were spying on me through the water jar?!
You creep—did you see anything private?!"
Krillin waved his hands frantically.
"No way! Of course not!
Even if you don't trust me, you should trust Karin's treasure.
That jar only shows what you're thinking about. When I missed you, it showed me you.
But the moment I had any impure thoughts, it went blank."
"So the moment you think dirty thoughts, it stops working?" Goku asked.
Krillin nodded.
"Exactly. Only when your heart is pure can it show anything at all.
Even then, I only saw bits and pieces when I thought about you.
But knowing you were still training day after day—that's what kept me going for three years without giving up.
So don't think you're the only one who's grown!"
Goku finally relaxed.
"I see… that makes sense."
After all, if that jar could see everything, Roshi would've glued himself to it centuries ago to spy on girls bathing.
Just then, Krillin warned him:
"I'm getting serious now, Goku."
"Bring it on," Goku replied, settling into a stance.
Krillin launched another ferocious assault, and Goku met him head-on. Their bodies vanished almost simultaneously, leaving cracks spidering across the ground as their fists and kicks collided again and again. The audience could only catch fleeting afterimages whenever their strikes connected.
Suddenly, Krillin switched moves, sweeping low at Goku's legs—but Goku sensed it instantly, leaped lightly, and flipped behind Krillin, slamming a fist into his back.
Yet Krillin's body blurred—and vanished.
"Ha! My Afterimage Technique is pretty good, right?"
Goku nodded.
"It is. As long as you don't run into Demon King Piccolo, there probably isn't anyone on Earth who can kill you. That makes me really happy…"
At the mention of Demon King Piccolo, Krillin frowned.
"Goku, that guy's just some legend from hundreds of years ago. Why bring up something like that?"
"Not a legend," Goku replied. "I think he's been released.
You should be careful lately—and pray you don't run into him."
"Seriously?" Krillin looked doubtful.
"I think so."
Krillin shook his head.
"No way. If a monster like that came back, the world would already be ending…"
Goku raised his stance again.
"Forget that for now. Let's finish this match.
Time's running out—I'm getting serious."
Krillin's eyes widened.
"What?! You're getting serious now?"
"So you still weren't going all out?!"
Goku grinned.
"Heh, that was just warm-up for me."
A bead of sweat rolled down Krillin's forehead.
"I've basically been using everything I've got…
And you're still this relaxed.
Looks like the only way I can beat you is with my ultimate move!"
Goku tilted his head.
"Ultimate move?"
"That's right. Try not to die!" Krillin declared.
Goku smiled, raising his aura slightly, then curled his fingers toward Krillin.
"Come on, Krillin. Don't hold back. Give me everything you've got."
Sensing Goku's rising power, Roshi couldn't help but gasp.
"What an incredible aura…
So this is it. Goku's finally about to show his true strength.
Even I'm excited to see how far he's come…"
Just as the two were about to clash again—
Dark clouds suddenly rolled in, and the sky dimmed in an instant.
"What's going on?"
"Why did the sky suddenly turn so dark…?"
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