13. Teach Satan a Lesson

"Are you two ready? Then, the match begins."

Seeing that the two had finished their conversation, the blonde referee asked them a quick question before immediately announcing the start of the match.

The referee's words ignited a fresh wave of cheers from the enthusiastic audience.

"That little kid might be something else, but Mr. Satan is even stronger."

"Of course. Even someone as powerful as Cell was defeated by Mr. Satan."

Those in the audience who believed that Cell had been taken down by Satan whispered among themselves.

Thump, thump.

I... what should I do? Satan's heart felt like it was about to leap out of his throat. Cold sweat streamed down his forehead as he looked at Son Goten's unfriendly gaze. Satan felt that this time, he might end up being carried out of here. What was the number for the crematorium again? Could you make reservations?

"Waaaah."

"Thinking quickly" in a moment of desperation, Satan immediately resorted to his usual trick: faking an illness.

"Oh dear, what's wrong, Mr. Satan?" the referee called for a timeout and asked with concern, "Are you alright, Mr. Satan?"

"Ooooh."

Satan clutched his knee tightly, acting as if he were in "unbearable pain," and said with a "wretched" expression, "I injured my knee while fighting Cell, and now it's suddenly acting up... waaaah."

(Cell: What the hell? When did I ever injure your knee? I just threw you aside, for crying out loud.)

Cell, from the depths of Hell, insisted that he wasn't taking the blame for this, and his coffin lid was already rattling in protest.

Son Goten watched Satan's performance with a look of deep emotion. If you have such great acting skills, why bother with martial arts? Wouldn't you be better off as an actor? An Oscar would be yours for the taking.

"Um, did you injure your knee while fighting Cell?" the referee asked, puzzled.

"Uh... I kept it a secret, but yes, that is the case!"

"I wanted to put on an exhibition match, but my knee... it's such a pity," Satan said, still clutching his knee in "unbearable pain."

Don't worry about it. You've already won this performance, Son Goten thought, conceding defeat in that regard.

"There's a doctor here; I'll go get them for you immediately," the referee said anxiously, moving to head backstage.

"Uh!"

Satan was stunned. Damn it, I'm faking it! Can't you read the room?

"Haha, no need for the trouble," Satan scrambled up from the ground, wiping the sweat from his head in embarrassment. "I can push through it! As the world champion, a little injury like this is nothing!"

"Are you really sure?"

"Since Mr. Satan is fine, the match continues."

It must be said that Satan's performance was a success. The foolish audience members actually believed that Satan was so badass he could continue the match even with a knee injury, with many shouting things like, "That's amazing!"

It's... it's starting. What do I do? What should I do? If I get beaten by this brat, my lifelong reputation will be ruined.

Satan gulped, looking at Son Goten, who was now radiating a golden aura, while his mind raced to cook up another scheme.

That's it! As long as I make everyone think I let this brat win on purpose, it'll be fine. Hahaha... perfect. That's what I'll do.

Having come up with what he considered a brilliant plan, Satan immediately called for a timeout and trotted over to Son Goten, whispering in his ear, "I forgot to tell you, there's a specific way to greet each other in this match."

"Greet each other?" Although he knew Satan was up to something, Son Goten still asked with feigned innocence.

"Yes. Once the match starts, you have to tap my face with the lightest touch. It's a rule of the match..." Satan lightly tapped Son Goten's face to demonstrate, emphasizing that it was a rule.

"Just like this. You must never use any force when greeting, understand?"

"Alright, I will," Son Goten smiled slightly, though a flash of malice flickered in the depths of his eyes.

"Good, let's begin," Satan said, oblivious to the malice in Son Goten's eyes, still acting as if his life weren't in danger. "You little brat, you can ask me for an autograph later."

"I see," the referee shouted into the microphone. "It looks like this is going to be a very interesting match! Now, the match between the Junior Division champion, Son Goten, and Mr. Satan begins!"

"Alright—come on—!"

Satan yelled with a provocative grin, thrusting his face right in front of Son Goten.

"Oh my, Mr. Satan is leaning his face toward his opponent, signaling him to strike. He looks very relaxed," the referee commentated.

"Go for it, kid!"

"Hahaha! Good!"

The spectators watching from the stands cheered loudly, seemingly thinking a child's punch couldn't be that powerful, though they had clearly forgotten the battle between Son Goten and Trunks just moments ago.

A trace of mockery flashed in Son Goten's eyes. I've never seen an idiot who sticks his face out just to let me hit him.

Son Goten threw a sudden punch. With a "bang," it landed squarely on Satan's sleazy face, and the flesh on Satan's cheeks deformed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"Boom."

Satan's body was sent flying out of bounds by the terrifying force of Son Goten's punch, slamming into the wall before collapsing limply to the ground, his eyes spinning in circles.

"Out... out of bounds! Mr. Satan has been knocked out of the ring by contestant Son Goten, so the winner is contestant Son Goten!"

Seeing Satan knocked out of the ring, the referee quickly shouted.

Unlike the original, Trunks hadn't used much force when he knocked Satan out of the ring, allowing Satan to stand up and keep up his act. But this punch from Son Goten was enough to ensure Satan wouldn't die, but he certainly wouldn't be waking up anytime soon.

That idiot Goten, he used way too much force, Son Gohan thought to himself, barely holding back a string of curses.

"Mr. Satan is putting on quite a performance."

"Heh, indeed. He's really gone to great lengths to look after the little guy."

Hearing these voices, the audience instinctively assumed that Satan had let Son Goten win on purpose.

"The little guy is truly amazing."

"Even Mr. Satan couldn't beat you; that's incredible."

Son Goten was stunned at first. Damn it, a normal person would think Satan actually lost. Goten narrowed his eyes and spotted the two people who had spoken first. They were wearing hidden Satan insignias, and he immediately understood—they were just Satan's lackeys, trying to save face for their boss.

Whatever. After the Broly incident, he knew that his own strength was what mattered most. There was no point in paying any mind to these ignorant masses. Besides, that guy Satan had already been taught a lesson, and he was his brother's father-in-law, after all.