The arena buzzed with anticipation, spectators packed tightly around its perimeter. Bulma, Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong had secured prime spots in the front row.
The first match pitted Jackie Chun against Bacterian.
Jackie Chun pinched his nose, his face contorted in disgust. "Big guy, when was the last time you washed? You reek!"
Bacterian's only response was a guttural laugh, his yellowed teeth visible even to the audience. A cloud of flies hovered around him, testament to his pungent aroma.
"I bet that old man doesn't stand a chance," Bulma declared confidently. "The guy he's up against might smell, but he's massive!"
Yamcha shook his head, recalling Jackie Chun's performance in the preliminaries. "I wouldn't be so sure. I saw some of his fights - he easily defeated those other guys."
Bulma ignored Yamcha's input, leaving him feeling awkward and unheard.
However, her surprise was evident when Jackie Chun swiftly dispatched Bacterian, proving Yamcha's assessment correct.
As the second fight was announced - Arthur Pendragon versus Nam - an unexpected voice rang out from the crowd.
"Arthur! Do your best!"
Arthur flinched, turning to see Bulma cheering enthusiastically for him.
Yamcha's indignation was immediate. "Hey! Why are you cheering for the guy who defeated me?"
Bulma snorted dismissively. "Sure, you're my boyfriend. But who says I can't look for an upgrade? In this case, I found a better prospect!"
Yamcha's jaw dropped in shock, while Puar patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Poor Yamcha," the shape-shifting cat murmured.
In the ring, Arthur sighed, his focus returning to Nam. He knew the stakes for his opponent - Nam was fighting to save his village.
Nam pressed his palms together, bowing respectfully. "I am sorry, but I must win this tournament."
Arthur's smile was tinged with determination. "I also intend to claim victory."
Nam's demeanor shifted to one of intense focus as he lunged towards Arthur.
Arthur quickly realized Nam was a cut above Yamcha. He employed his "Swift Step," but Nam's speed was unexpected, closing the distance in an instant.
The two fighters began exchanging rapid-fire blows, their movements a blur to the awestruck audience. Arthur's evasions were met with Nam's relentless attacks, each fighter giving as good as they got.
As the match intensified, it became clear that this wouldn't be an easy victory for either combatant. The crowd held its collective breath, sensing the gravity of the battle unfolding before them.
Arthur found himself struggling without the crutch of magic.
Despite his intimate knowledge of the Dragon Ball world from his writing, the reality before him presented subtle yet significant differences.
Nam's power, abilities, and techniques diverged slightly from the plot Arthur or Toriyama had penned.
This realization forced Arthur to reassess not just his opponents, but his own capabilities as well.
It was a peculiar feeling - to be so well-versed in the strengths of others, yet uncertain of his own limits.
Pushing himself to 70 percent of his power, Arthur was surprised to find Nam keeping pace. As they separated, both fighters gasping for breath, Nam admitted, "You are tougher than expected."
Arthur's smile was tinged with exhilaration. The thrill of a genuine challenge coursed through him.
From the sidelines, Goku's excitement was palpable. "They are indeed strong!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with admiration.
Roshi stroked his beard, his gaze fixed on Arthur. 'That young man has power in his strikes and impressive speed, but he lacks balance and seems unaccustomed to his body's true strength. An interesting person indeed.'
The old master saw untapped potential in Arthur, a diamond in the rough.
Having tested the waters, Arthur decided to unleash more of his power.
He began to increase his muscle mass, subtly tapping into his {Primal Morningstar} bloodline ability without fully activating it.
The audience gasped as Arthur's physique noticeably bulked up. His eyes took on a scarlet hue, adding to his intimidating transformation.
"Let's play!" Arthur grinned, a hint of mischief in his voice.
Nam swallowed hard, reassessing his opponent. 'This guy is stronger than I thought...'
"Hey, that guy seems to be using the same technique as Master Roshi!" Goku's observation cut through the tension, leaving Krillin puzzled.
Master Roshi, overhearing Goku's observation, visibly flinched. The memory of his own transformation flashed through his mind - the surge of power as his muscles swelled, the raw energy of the Kamehameha wave obliterating the Ox King's castle.
Nam, sensing the shift in Arthur's power, attempted to evade. With a shout, he summoned his full strength, launching himself skyward in a surprising maneuver. The rightful source is NoveI-Fire.ɴet
"Woah! Nam just rocketed into the sky!" The announcer's voice cracked with excitement.
A collective gasp rippled through the audience.
Arthur's grin widened. Unsure if he could match Nam's impressive leap, he channeled power into his legs, amplified by the {Primal Morningstar}. To everyone's amazement, Arthur not only matched Nam's height but surpassed it, streaking past his opponent like a crimson comet.
Nam's eyes widened in shock as Arthur appeared above him.
With a savage grin, Arthur unleashed his "Infernal Kick," targeting the now-falling Nam. The impact was devastating, sending Nam plummeting towards the arena floor at breakneck speed.
The sound of Nam's body striking the arena floor echoed through the stadium. He lay motionless, unconscious from the powerful attack.
Arthur landed gracefully on the stage, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. He knew Nam's enhanced physiology - typical of this world's inhabitants - could withstand such an assault.
The thrill of the fight coursed through Arthur's veins. This tournament was proving to be an invaluable experience, allowing him to push his limits and truly understand his abilities.
He felt his control over the {Primal Morningstar} growing with each moment.
"Winner, Arthur Pendragon!" The announcer's voice boomed across the arena.
The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable.
Goku's eyes sparkled with unbridled enthusiasm. "I want to fight him!" he declared, grinning from ear to ear.
Beside him, Krillin gulped nervously, hoping he wouldn't have to face Arthur anytime soon. In his estimation, Arthur seemed to be on par with Goku, or perhaps just a hair below in terms of raw power.
The tournament progressed swiftly after Arthur's victory over Nam. Next up was the anticipated match between Krillin and Ranfan.
Ranfan, true to her strategy, attempted to charm Krillin by stripping down to her underwear. The male spectators and Roshi watched with undisguised excitement.
Roshi's nose erupted in a spray of blood. "Wow, hehe, she really did it..."
Krillin's face flushed crimson, teetering on the edge of succumbing to Ranfan's allure. However, he managed to break free from her spell at the last moment, swiftly knocking her out.
Instead of cheers, a collective groan of disappointment rippled through the male audience.
The tournament pressed on, with Goku emerging victorious against Giran. Finally, the semi-finals arrived, pitting Arthur against Jackie Chun.
Bulma's voice cut through the crowd's murmur, "Go Arthur! You can do it!"
Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong exchanged bemused glances at her enthusiasm.
Jackie Chun eyed Arthur appraisingly. "I've been looking forward to this match, young man. You seem quite skilled."
Arthur's smile held a hint of mischief as he decided to test his opponent. He pointed behind Roshi, exclaiming, "Look, is that a woman's underwear?"
Roshi's breath hitched, his head whipping around. "Where?"
Seizing the opportunity, Arthur launched his attack, mentally invoking 'Infernal Fist!'
"Oops!" Roshi suddenly hunched over, hand on his lower back. "Ah, my back's been acting up lately. I'm getting too old for this, sigh."
His apparent frailty was a ruse; Arthur's fist met nothing but air.
Roshi's eyes glinted dangerously. "Boy, do you accept a kick for deceiving your elder?"
Before Arthur could retreat, Roshi's foot connected with his stomach, sending him flying towards the edge of the arena. The audience gasped, certain Arthur would be eliminated - until, to everyone's astonishment, wings erupted from Arthur's back, allowing him to hover just above the ground.
Roshi scratched his head, feigning annoyance. "Hey, hey, that's not fair."
"He can fly!" Krillin exclaimed, eyes wide with amazement.
Goku nodded, equally impressed. "Yeah, that was amazing..."
The unexpected turn of events left the crowd buzzing with excitement, eager to see how this aerial advantage would play out in the match between the wily veteran and the powerful young man.