Tien Shinhan

Seeing this, Ziye gave a wry smile and shook his head, then hurried after Bulma. He stayed by her side, apologizing over and over. After more than an hour of explanations, Bulma finally forgave him.

The group returned to the entrance of the World Martial Arts Tournament registration office. Goku still hadn't arrived, so Ziye and the others had no choice but to register without him. Master Roshi wasn't competing this time.

"Honestly, what's wrong with Goku? Registration's almost over. Why hasn't he shown up?" Krillin said anxiously.

"He... He didn't forget, did he?" Master Roshi said, frowning.

"There are only five minutes left. Where on earth did Goku run off to?" Bulma said, glancing at her watch and pursing her lips.

"Well, well. If it isn't Master Roshi?"

A voice tinged with mockery rang out, drawing everyone's attention.

Three odd-looking men approached. They wore matching dark green outfits. The man in the middle was a thin old man dressed to resemble a crane. The two beside him looked even stranger. On his right was a tall young man with striking features—and three eyes. The other was a short child with a deathly pale face and two red marks beside his mouth.

"So it's you, Crane Hermit. I didn't think you'd still be alive," Master Roshi said, looking at the old man before him with an expression of disgust.

"I'll outlive you! I heard your disciples stole the show at the last World Martial Arts Tournament," Crane Hermit said with a cold laugh.

"So what?" Master Roshi asked, frowning slightly.

"It means the World Martial Arts Tournament has fallen into decline. That's why I've brought my disciples here—to show everyone who the real strongest fighters are!" Crane Hermit said with open disdain.

"Tell me, what kind of disciples could a half-dead old man like you possibly teach?"

"Still better than you, you bald old turtle!"

Tien Shinhan shook his head at the two of them bickering. He cut in, his tone just as mocking as Crane Hermit's.

"Forget it, Master. Don't waste your time on these idiots. I'll show them what's what when the tournament starts!"

"Haha, you have a point."

Crane Hermit nodded in agreement, then replied with a laugh.

Watching the three leave, Bulma looked disgusted. "Who was that annoying guy?"

"His name is Crane Hermit. He might be a formidable opponent in this tournament," Master Roshi replied gravely.

Ziye looked unconvinced. "A formidable opponent? They don't deserve that title! Don't worry, Master. One move is all I'll need to deal with them!"

"Ziye, don't underestimate them."

Master Roshi turned to him and cautioned him.

"Don't worry, Master. I understand!"

Ziye nodded calmly.

"Hey, everyone!"

Goku's voice suddenly rang out. The group turned around and saw him running toward them, wearing the pelt of a saber-toothed tiger.

"Goku, you finally made it!"

At the sight of him, everyone broke into relieved smiles and hurried over to greet him.

"Looks like you've grown quite a bit," Ziye said with a smile, patting Goku on the head.

"Have I?" Goku replied unconcernedly.

"Darn it, you're still taller than me."

Krillin stood beside Goku. The difference in their heights was clear, and he pursed his lips, looking a little miffed.

"All right, Goku. Hurry up and register!"

Once Goku had registered, the group finally relaxed. They headed to a fancy restaurant and ate their fill. With the Red Ribbon Army's fortune behind them—and the daughter of the richest man in the world sitting right there—there was no need to worry about Goku's enormous appetite.

After they'd eaten their fill, night gradually fell. The group returned to the hotel they'd rented ahead of time, laughing and chatting along the way. After spending some time together, they all drifted off to sleep.

The next day, while the sky was still dim, they put on the outfits Master Roshi had specially made for them and headed to the World Martial Arts Tournament arena. After Krillin and the others talked him into it, Yamcha had finally left his comfortable life behind and joined Master Roshi's school.

The tournament grounds were already packed with people, and the atmosphere was lively. When the previous tournament's competitors saw Ziye and the others arrive, many of them looked uneasy.

"Welcome back to the grounds of the World Martial Arts Tournament! Please line up now to draw lots and determine your opponents!"

The group lined up and each drew a number. Fortunately, they were assigned to different sections and wouldn't have to face one another in the preliminary rounds.

"Contestant number 178, please report to ring four."

When the announcement came over the loudspeaker, Ziye said goodbye to Goku and stepped into his ring.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Amid a series of heavy thuds, an enormous sumo wrestler lumbered into the ring opposite Ziye. The moment he saw Ziye, he recognized him as the champion of the previous World Martial Arts Tournament.

"Ziye, I watched you compete. I'll put everything I've got into knocking you down with my first move. I won't give you a chance to fight back!"

Hearing the man roar, Ziye didn't look the least bit concerned. He gave a cold laugh and replied, "Don't worry. I'll go easy on you."

"Damn you! You're looking down on me!"

The man flew into a rage and charged at Ziye with all his strength. But the moment he got close, an invisible wall of ki stopped him in his tracks!

Whoosh!

Ziye gave a light puff, and the man was blown away. He crashed into the wall behind him and passed out on the spot!

"Contestant number 178 wins!"

"No wonder he was the champion last time."

The referee swallowed, his face full of shock.

"H-He's incredible. No wonder it's Ziye!"

"Thank goodness we didn't run into him so early!"

Krillin and Yamcha were so stunned that they couldn't speak. To them, this was beyond the realm of martial arts. They exchanged a glance and shook their heads with wry smiles.

"Ziye, you're amazing! I really hope I get to have a proper match with you!" Goku said excitedly, clenching his eager fists.

"Tien Shinhan, look!"

Nearby, Chiaotzu tugged at Tien Shinhan's clothes and pointed toward Ziye.

"This man's certainly not to be underestimated. I think he must be the strongest member of the Turtle School. But in the end, he'll still lose to me!"