Chapter 66: Single?

John looked at Goku for several seconds before suddenly laughing and saying, "Alright, as you wish! It's been two years since we last met, and I have to tell you that I've learned several new techniques. Once I unleash them, you won't stand a chance against me."

Goku replied, "Really? I thought I was the only one who had secretly learned a few new moves over these years."

"Is that so? Then let's see whose techniques are stronger."

With that, the two chatted casually as they walked to the registration area.

John and Goku registered, but Tien Shinhan, Yamcha, Krillin, and Chaoz had not yet arrived. Since the last tournament ended, Tien Shinhan and the others had been traveling around Earth and hadn't returned yet, agreeing to meet at the tournament site.

Time passed slowly, and the staff at the registration desk picked up a loudspeaker to announce: "There is one minute left until registration closes! Contestants who have not yet registered should hurry!"

As the deadline approached and Tien Shinhan and the others still hadn't arrived, Bulma immediately instructed Oolong and Puar to transform into their appearances to go register.

At that moment, John and Goku simultaneously exclaimed, "They're here!"

After John and Goku spoke those words, there was silence for a few seconds. Bulma then asked, "Where? Where? Did you two see them wrong?!"

Just as Bulma finished speaking, four figures swept in with a gust of wind and appeared at the martial arts tournament registration area.

Their ghostly figures startled the staff at the tournament.

Everyone focused their attention and saw that it was Tien Shinhan, Yamcha, Krillin, and Chaoz; they had finally arrived just before registration closed.

After John and Goku simultaneously said "They're here," they exchanged glances in disbelief. They were both surprised that they had sensed Tien Shinhan's energy at the same time.

John said to Goku, "I truly didn't expect you to improve so much over these years."

Goku replied cheerfully, "I didn't think so either! I thought my training would let me surpass you, but it seems like you haven't slacked off at all!"

John smiled and said, "With such a formidable opponent chasing after me all this time, how could I dare to slack off in my training?"

"Then let's settle it in the tournament!" both John and Goku declared simultaneously.

At this moment, Tien Shinhan and the others completed their registration and walked toward them.

John and Goku immediately greeted all four of them. While John had changed little aside from being taller, Goku's transformation was quite significant.

Especially Krillin, who looked at Goku—now over 1.7 meters tall—with envy and jealousy written all over his face. He exclaimed: "Goku! What have you been eating? How did you grow so tall? I thought I could outgrow you!"

John joked: "Krillin, if you really can't grow taller in the future, just wish to Shenron to add ten centimeters!"

Krillin immediately frowned in response: "I'm not going to stop growing! Don't worry; I'll keep growing until I'm as tall as you guys." Although he said this defiantly, he secretly noted John's suggestion about wishing to Shenron; he thought it wasn't a bad idea.

However, he knew he couldn't let everyone know about this; otherwise, they'd laugh at him for life!

After everyone registered successfully, night fell. After enjoying a hearty dinner together, they returned to their hotel to rest up for tomorrow's competition.

The weather was favorable; early the next morning it was clear skies. With a bustling crowd around them, Papaya Island was lively due to the World Martial Arts Tournament.

After bidding farewell to Master Roshi and the others, they entered the tournament venue in preparation for the preliminary matches.

While chatting as they waited for the preliminary draw results, a girl wearing a qipao with a single ponytail approached them and greeted Goku.

"Hi Goku! Long time no see!" The girl's sweet voice rang out.

Except for John, everyone was taken aback—especially Krillin—whose envy was palpable; he nearly overflowed with it.

However, everyone was shocked by Goku's reaction; he displayed no joy at being approached by her but instead asked: "Who are you? How do you know me?"

Goku's words instantly angered Chi-Chi; she yelled: "Goku! You jerk!" With that she turned angrily and walked away.

Seeing Goku hurt a girl's feelings made Krillin unable to contain his jealousy any longer. He grabbed Goku by his collar and shouted: "Goku! When did you get to know such a cute girl? And you treat her like this? Have you considered how we single guys feel?!"

Krillin's emotional outburst affected many; Yamcha immediately interjected: "Sorry! I have Bulma now; don't count me among the singles."

Krillin then turned to Tien Shinhan who replied: "Sorry! I only care about martial arts training—not girls—so I'm not single either."

Next Krillin looked at Chaoz who said: "I have Tien Shinhan." A strong sense of camaraderie emanated from him which dealt Krillin another blow.

Finally turning his gaze toward John with hopeful eyes he asked: "John! You should be single like me right?"

Seeing Krillin's expectant gaze made John feel slightly guilty; he hoped this wouldn't count as stealing his brother's girlfriend!

Well... it shouldn't count since he was technically the first one to meet Android 18. Yes! It doesn't count!

While reassuring himself like this internally John still felt guilty enough not to meet Krillin's gaze directly; instead he turned his head away and whistled.

Krillin assumed that John must also have a girlfriend now; his heart sank further as he released his grip on Goku's collar while lamenting: "No way! You guys... You guys... I never expected that in the end I'd be left as the only single guy!"

Seeing Krillin so heartbroken made Goku quickly comfort him: "It's okay Krillin! I'm single too! I really don't know that girl; she must have mistaken me for someone else."

Krillin replied somewhat pitifully: "She even knows your name! How could she be mistaken? Forget it... I'll just go cry in a corner for a while. It's fine; I'll be okay after crying for a bit."

With that Krillin ran off to a corner looking utterly dejected.

Goku wanted to follow him but was stopped by others; aside from naive Goku everyone understood that Krillin was just joking around.

Sure enough it wasn't long before Krillin returned with an air of mystery surrounding him. He announced to John, Tien Shinhan, Yamcha and others: "Do you know what that girl's name is?"

"You know?" Yamcha asked curiously.

"Of course! I just ran over to ask the staff; her name is Chi-Chi. Do you all know her?" Though Tien Shinhan and Yamcha hadn't met Chi-Chi before John did recognize her name.

Upon hearing Chi-Chi's name Yamcha instantly understood what was happening. He said mysteriously: "I know her! Looks like there will be an interesting show later."