Chapter 28: World Tournament Part 6

Chapter 26: World Tournament Part 6

As the dust settled from the earlier matches, Goku approached Chi-Chi with a broad smile. His expression was full of pride and encouragement. "Congratulations on your victory, Chi-Chi! You fought really well out there."

Chi-Chi, still catching her breath from the intense fight, looked up at Goku with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Goku. I couldn't have done it without your pointers and the help you gave me during training. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to defeat Krillin."

Goku chuckled, his eyes twinkling with appreciation. "You did all the hard work yourself. I'm just glad to see your training paying off."

With the preliminary matches concluded, the focus shifted to the semi-final lottery draw. The commentator's voice filled the arena with excitement. "And now, the time has come to determine the matchups for the semi-finals!"

The large screen displayed the results:

Master Roshi (Jackie Chun) advances directly to the finals

Goku vs. Chi-Chi

The audience erupted into applause and cheers as the matchups were announced. Goku and Chi-Chi exchanged determined looks, ready to face each other in what promised to be an exciting and closely contested battle.

As the semi-final bout began, both Goku and Chi-Chi took their positions in the arena. Goku, in a show of sportsmanship, reduced his combat power to match Chi-Chi's level, ensuring that the fight would be challenging but fair.

Goku couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation as he glanced at Master Roshi, who had disguised himself as Jackie Chun. The idea of facing his master in the finals filled him with excitement. It wasn't just about winning; it was about learning. He saw Master Roshi as a vast "experience bag" – a treasure trove of wisdom and skills that Goku couldn't wait to tap into. The thought of what he could learn from their fight made his heart race. But first, he had to get through this match with Chi-Chi.

Chi-Chi launched the first attack, her movements precise and powerful. She led with a high kick aimed at Goku's head, followed by a swift barrage of punches. Goku easily dodged the kick, weaving around her punches with graceful agility. He could feel the strength behind each of her attacks, a testament to her rigorous training.

Goku countered with a rapid series of jabs, testing Chi-Chi's reflexes. She blocked them deftly, her eyes narrowing in concentration. Goku couldn't help but smile; she was strong, and it was clear she had pushed herself hard to reach this point. However, Goku's movements were fluid and almost effortless, his vast experience and natural talent shining through as he parried her strikes and launched counterattacks with precision.

As they exchanged blows, the crowd watched in awe. Chi-Chi's attacks were relentless, each strike powered by determination and skill. She spun into a sweeping kick aimed at Goku's midsection, but Goku anticipated the move and leaped over her leg, landing lightly on the balls of his feet. With a playful grin, he launched a counterattack, a rapid sequence of punches that Chi-Chi barely managed to block.

Despite his playful demeanor, Goku was careful not to use his full strength, giving Chi-Chi the chance to showcase her abilities. He admired her resolve, knowing that this was more than just a match for her – it was a chance to prove herself, to show that she could stand on her own as a warrior.

As the match progressed, Chi-Chi unleashed a powerful energy blast, which Goku effortlessly deflected with a wave of his hand. Seizing the opportunity, Chi-Chi lunged forward, aiming to catch Goku off guard with a quick elbow strike to his ribs. But Goku sidestepped at the last moment, his movements so fluid it seemed as though he was predicting her every move.

With the match reaching its peak, Goku decided to take the fight to the next level. He maneuvered Chi-Chi toward the edge of the arena, his movements calculated yet restrained. He was careful to maintain the appearance of a balanced fight, not wanting to overwhelm her completely. The crowd watched with bated breath, captivated by the close and thrilling battle.

In a split-second decision, Goku extended his palm to push Chi-Chi away from the edge. Chi-Chi, anticipating the move, tried to dodge, but Goku's palm accidentally landed on her chest. Chi-Chi's face immediately flushed red with embarrassment and anger. Without hesitation, she retaliated with a powerful punch, putting all her strength into the blow. Goku was caught off guard and sent flying through the air. The crowd gasped as Goku was propelled toward the edge of the ring.

Just before he was about to land outside the arena, Goku quickly activated his Flying Technique, hovering in the air just inches from disqualification. He touched down lightly inside the ring, his expression one of surprise and mild embarrassment. Chi-Chi, her face still red from the incident, left the stage, clearly flustered by what had happened.

The commentator's voice echoed through the stadium, announcing the outcome. "Goku wins!"

Goku, feeling a pang of guilt, immediately followed Chi-Chi outside the stadium. He found her standing alone, her face still flushed with a mix of shame and frustration.

"Chi-Chi, I'm really sorry," Goku began, his voice sincere. "I've never fought a woman before, so I didn't realize... I didn't mean for that to happen."

Chi-Chi turned to face him, her expression softening slightly at his genuine apology. "You really don't know how to fight with girls, do you, Goku?"

Goku shook his head, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "No... I don't. I'll do anything for your forgiveness, Chi-Chi. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

Chi-Chi sighed, a small smile playing on her lips as she looked at Goku. "Well, if you really want to make it up to me... you have to take responsibility and marry me."

Goku was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise. He had thought that after everything that had happened differently from the anime, Chi-Chi and he would never end up together. But now, it seemed things were unfolding just like in the original story.

After a moment of contemplation, Goku smiled softly and nodded. "Alright, Chi-Chi. I'll marry you. Let's see what happens in the future."

Chi-Chi's expression brightened with happiness, and she nodded back, her earlier embarrassment forgotten. The two stood there for a moment, the future suddenly seeming full of new possibilities.

As they walked back toward the arena, Goku's thoughts returned to the upcoming final match. He couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. Facing Master Roshi – Jackie Chun – was an opportunity he had been waiting for. He knew that his master would push him to his limits, and he was eager to learn from the experience. The fight ahead wasn't just a challenge; it was a chance to gain invaluable knowledge and grow even stronger. The thought of facing Roshi, of diving into that vast "experience bag," made Goku's heart race with excitement.

He couldn't wait to see what the final match would bring.