Part 1, Chapter 4.

PART ONE: A VERY STRANGE TOURNAMENT!

Chapter 4

Translated by MikeysBoner(certified god), Kakarotto Ka Power Level Kya Hai?, and npberryhill

The memory of what had transpired in the Room of Spirit and Time brought a grin to Vegeta's face.

"There's only one way to find out if you've remained the strongest of us, Gohan!" he chuckled.

"Sorry, Vegeta, but no way," replied Goku's eldest son, pushing up his glasses with a finger. "I'm not like my father, so there's really no chance of you goading me into a fight with words. I'm fine being a spectator."

"I really hope I'll be up to Goku-sensei's expectations," Uub said quietly. "And I definitely hope to I'm able to impress Gohan and Vegeta-san."

Probably out of apprehension, Goku put a reassuring hand on the shoulder of his pupil. "Don't worry, Uub. I'm sure you'll pull through just fine."

Uub felt blood rush to his cheeks. "I will do my best."

"And Grandpa Satan?" asked Pan. "He didn't come, so..."

"Well, you could always go see him yourself and ask," Goku suggested.

Pan stood up enthusiastically. "Okay! Are you coming with me!?"

"Sorry, Pan, not this time," Goku answered. "You'll have to go alone I'm afraid. I need to go see someone before we leave for the tournament."

"Okay, well, I'll see ya!"

"Pan wait!" Videl cried, already too late. Her daughter had developed a bad habit of rushing off without permission, always hurrying to and fro (to avoid being scolded). She blasted off at full speed toward Satan City, a trail of light dancing through the sky behind her. Normally, Pan might have been bothered that her grandfather didn't want to accompany her, but since she'd get to see her other grandfather too, she was plenty happy.

Gohan wrapped his arms around Videl's shoulders with a warm and reassuring gesture. "Don't worry, she’ll be back in a few hours. Besides, at that speed I doubt anything would be able to catch her! She's fine..."

Videl smiled. "I know, but she should still ask for a permission... She's just a little girl, after all."

"I'll see you all in the morning," Goku waved, announcing his departure. "Don't leave without me!"

Goku then disappeared so fast that even Uub didn't have time to react. "Oh! Goku-sen... sei..."

It was obvious to everyone where Pan had picked up her bad habits. Her grandfather had taken off hurriedly, without even bothering to tell them where he was going. How often had Chichi seen him disappear from the house for days or weeks at a time? Or even years? Over a lifetime of marriage however, Chichi had grown tired of ranting about it. After all, he always returned...eventually; even from the dead.

Bulma suddenly broke the silence that Goku imposed by his abrupt departure. "Well, I don't think I'm going to go with you guys, but I can at least do something useful. I'm guessing that this tournament won't be a cakewalk... so, I'll make you all some special armor that absorbs minor damage..."

"Do you mean the same ones you did back before the Cell Games?" asked Vegeta.

"Of course," replied Bulma. "It'll probably take me all night, but I'd feel better knowing that you guys are well equipped."

Chichi frowned. "I don't need you taking care of my husband! He has everything he needs at home... Gohan! Be a good son and go get your father some fresh clothes."

"Sure. I’ll grab them on my way, mom," replied Gohan.

"Wait, I'll come, too," said Videl.

"Goten," said Trunks. "We should find a cool deserted place to stay the night! What do you think?"

"Good idea!" his best friend replied with a nod.

With that, Gohan, Videl, Trunks, and Goten all flew off in different directions, leaving only Vegeta.

"And just like that we're alone," said Piccolo.

Vegeta looked him in the eye. "So what? I could care less, I just can't wait to flatten everyone in this tournament."

Bulma hung herself on Vegeta’s shoulders. "Will you fly me back home, dear?"

"If you insist..." sighed Vegeta. "And you, Bra?"

"I'm going to take a capsule and fly to Satan City," his daughter replied.

"As you wish," Vegeta growled.

After leaving a capsule plane for her daughter, Bulma was carried away in the arms of her husband. "You know..." Bulma grinned slyly, tightening her grip and snuggling closer to Vegeta. "I intend to enjoy our last night together before you leave..."

"Idiot!" Replied Vegeta, blushing. "Say it in front of everyone, why don't you...!"

Kame House. For many, including Bra, it was nothing but an isolated island devoid of anything interesting. For others, however, it had long served as a warm paradise and convenient meeting spot. For a lucky few, of course, it was also the house that they call home.

Living on the small island for the last century or two, Muten Roshi usually spent his time fishing on the back of his turtle, Umigame, or (most frequently) watching scantily-clad women do aerobics on TV; that is, when he wasn't face-first in one of his dirty, suggestive magazines. His behavior hadn't changed at all since he'd first met Goku and Kulilin, not even when the latter had settled in permanently with his wife, #18, twenty-five years ago.

When Goku had arrived on the island via teleportation, he immediately heard Kulilin and Roshi vying about the same recurring theme they had for decades.

"No, it is not!" Goku's best friend said.

"You have no right to give me orders, you rascal!" the old Turtle Hermit replied. "I am your master and you owe me some respect!"

"Oh give me a break, I surpassed you years ago."

"It doesn't matter! I remain by far the oldest and just for that you owe me respect."

The old man sat up suddenly when he saw the Saiyan warrior. "Oh! Goku!"

Kulilin turned, surprised. "Goku?"

The Saiyan passed through the doorway of Kame House, wearing a wide smile as usual.

"Hey, guys!" Goku said with a wave of his hand.

Muten Roshi had sensed his arrival, as a matter of habit. Kulilin, on the other hand, had felt him immediately. Since his marriage, and especially the birth of his daughter, he had maintained a constant attitude of vigilance. He hoped to obtain a better understanding of his environment in order to detect possible dangers.

Muten Roshi was glad at the sudden arrival though, and didn't hesitate to tease his former pupil. "So, Goku, what brings you here? Stopping by to see if I'm still alive?"

A broad smile lit up Goku's face. "I've got big news! In a nutshell, I'm going to be participating in a tournament between different universes. Since it reminded me of the old days, I came to see if you're interested, Kulilin."

His old friend looked at him with interest. "Hmm, sounds mondo cool. I'd like to hear more details first. What is this tournament exactly?"

"I wanna know, too," said Roshi.

Not having much choice, Goku explained as best he could what little he knew about the adventure to come.

Kulilin crossed his arms and thought for a moment.

"This tournament idea is quite intriguing!" said Muten Roshi. "However, with only the strongest fighters from each universe being selected, the level of fights there could be, heh...well, beyond my level to say the least."

Kulilin became more serious. "Yeah, I feel the same to be honest. This all sounds way out of my league! It's been a long time since I've trained... But I could still come and support you!"

A female voice came out of nowhere. "Out of the question."

Marron had just arrived with her mother. Both looked beautiful, dressed to the latest in fashion, though maybe a little too rebellious in #18's case. Her age never seemed to betray her beauty. Being a cyborg had its advantages.

"Dad," said Marron. "You promised we would go shopping. You can't leave now!"

"Ah, I completely forgot."

Kulilin seemed sorry watching Goku. "I wish I could come... But..."

Goku laid a compassionate hand on the shoulder of his disappointed friend. "Don't worry, Kulilin. I'll tell you all about it when I get back."

"I'm sure it'll be at least as intense as the Cell games, don't you think?"

"There's a good chance!" replied Goku with a smile. "I'm really looking forward to it."

Goku looked at his hand and made a balled fist gesture of strength before looking Kulilin in the eye. "It reminds me of our very first tournament. Remember?"

Kulilin's face lit up. "Of course... How could I forget that? Good times..."

For hours the two friends happily reflected on their past. Eventually, Goku was invited to eat dinner, and then to sleep over at Kame House. Muten Roshi came to join in on the nostalgic conversation that lasted late into the night...

Miles away from Kame House: Satan City

Satan City was quite a contrast to the small island where Kame House was located, with numerous skyscrapers overlooking the typical hustle and bustle of city life. Satan City was named twenty-seven years ago after Earth's greatest hero's pseudo victory against the evil Cell. Obviously, only a privileged few knew the real truth, a handful of people that included Buu.

But now the hero of Earth was retired. He was indeed getting older. In fact, he often complained about back pains. Today was no exception. When Pan arrived at his villa in the heart of the city, he asked to Buu to use one of his tricks to help him.

The little girl threw her arms around her grandfather's neck. She couldn't stop talking. She hurriedly explained to him all of the tournament details, raving about participating in such an event. Satan didn't completely understand the story, and it seemed pretty farfetched. But after all, the stories about the Saiyans seemed equally farfetched, so who was he to judge? Nevertheless, the smile of Pan, as she spoke, was indicative of his feelings. Her beautiful enthusiasm was refreshing to see and hung a big smile under the champion's mustache... A smile that died quickly when she arrived at the true purpose of her visit. A silence settled for a few seconds before her grandfather came to respond. "Aaaarggghh, my back! It's my back again! It's getting worse! Aaaahh... It's impossible... I don't think I can go... What a shame!"

Pan was taken aback. "But grandpa..."

Buu put out a hand toward the old man, holding in the other a huge lollipop. "It's okay... I'll take care of you..."

"You're not gonna come either?" asked Pan.

Another pause. Buu imagined himself as the winner of the tournament. If he were to win he could have an entire galaxy of candy all to himself. A huge smile filled his face before a voice ended his daydream. "Your delivery has arrived, sir."

A servant, dressed in all white, entered the room and bowed slightly. "My candy?" asked Buu.

"Yes sir," confirmed the servant. "Three truckloads of candy."

Buu's face lit up. "YAY! Yahoo hooo!"

It seemed evident to Pan that Buu would not enter the tournament. While Buu was going to begin devouring his candy, Pan asked her grandfather if they had not been visited by a small robot.

"Hmm," Satan reflected. "So that's what that was. We thought it was a new type of camera or spies who wanted to film us. Buu turned it into chocolate and ate it..."

Certainly Buu has not ceased to amaze the young girl...

The next morning, Goku was ready to leave. He was thoughtfully staring into the vastness of the ocean when Kulilin, along with #18, joined him to offer one last bit of encouragement before he took off.

"So there's a reward?" asked #18.

"Yeah. I think it's a wish through the Namekian Dragon Balls..." replied the Saiyan.

Kulilin threw a surprised look to his wife. "Would you be interested?"

Smiling, she turned away closing her eyes. "I have everything I need, right here."

She gently dropped a kiss on the cheek of her husband before returning home, leaving behind a small man whose modesty had scarlet red cheeks ablaze.

With a big smile, Goku placed two fingers on his forehead, looking at his friend. "See ya..."

Kulilin smiled, raising a thumbs-up to his friend. "I trust you... You'll win!"

The image of Goku's wide smile of confidence warmed the heart of Kulilin as his friend disappeared in an instant.

It was about ten o'clock in the morning when the serenity of the sanctuary of Dende, Kami-sama of the Earth, was broken. Gohan and Videl had arrived a few minutes earlier, flying slowly. The scientist half-Saiyan was carrying a suitcase containing clothes for him, his brother Goten, and their father.

Dende welcomed them and they talked quietly, walking a bit while they waited.

The arrival of Vegeta and Bulma together was surprising... The Prince of Saiyans had been driven by his wife to the Lookout, and the Prince almost never traveled by airplane.

Vegeta was the first to exit the aircraft, his arms crossed idly. Bulma appeared immediately after, cursing him... A small silver suitcase in hand.

"Vegeta! Need I remind you that YOU have to take it? I will not be your luggage-carrier!"

"I don't need it!" growled the Prince of Saiyans.

"Vegeta!" barked the blue-haired woman.

Vegeta grunted and proudly displayed his most annoyed facial expression. "Fine, give me that!"

The dispute had publicly embarrassed him, and he knew Bulma was stubborn... He grabbed the suitcase containing the capsules that Bulma had prepared with a sudden gesture that startled Bulma. Vegeta moved at a brisk pace toward the son of his greatest rival.

"Gohan," said Vegeta. "I have a mission for you."

"Uh, okay." Gohan was a little surprised. "What is it?"

"Here, you're in charge of this," ordered Vegeta, handing the suitcase over to Gohan.

"Vegeta!" yelled Bulma from further behind. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Kakarott's brat isn't even participating," replied Vegeta turning to his wife, calmer than before. "He might as well make himself useful."

"VE - GE - TA!"

Gohan ran his hand through the handle of the suitcase to take it. "It's okay, Bulma. I don't mind..."

Bulma was annoyed. "But Gohan..."

"You always were too nice for your own good," Piccolo said from behind his former pupil.

Gohan replied simply with a smile and a raised eyebrow in acceptance. Desiring to change the subject, Vegeta muttered aloud. "And as usual, Trunks has no interest in being punctual!"

Piccolo answered almost ironically with a deep voice. "Actually he and Goten arrived quite a while ago! They went to take a shower..."

"Oh?" Said Bulma surprised. "For once he's up before his father?"

"Well he certainly wasn't up half the night having—"

Vegeta suddenly stopped himself, realizing that the explanation for his late awakening was likely to be embarrassing... He quickly concluded after a light groan. "Nevermind."

"The Vargas are here..." informed Piccolo, raising eyes as his short antennae quivered.

All of the warriors heads rose together to watch as the ship of Vargas and Namekians came in for a landing...