Tien Shinhan Repents

In a hospital room, Yamcha lay half-reclined on his bed, listening to the radio broadcast announcing that the martial arts tournament finals were about to begin.

Suddenly, he threw off the blanket covering his legs and stood up, dragging himself upright on legs that still ached.

Gritting his teeth, Yamcha hobbled to the balcony on crutches and leaped down. Despite not having recovered from his injuries, he still rushed toward the venue.

Meanwhile, in a hotel room, Tien Shinhan sat cross-legged in midair by himself, his eyes closed in meditation.

Yet his mind was anything but calm. The words Master Roshi had spoken in the arena kept echoing through his head, like a sharp blade stabbing at his faith in martial arts again and again.

"Fight under the sunlight?" Tien Shinhan muttered, his brow furrowing.

"My strength has already surpassed Master's. So why is there a trace of confusion in my heart?"

He opened his eyes and looked outside. It felt as though a heavy fog shrouded his heart, preventing him from seeing the road ahead.

He had entered this martial arts tournament to make a name for himself in a single battle and prove the might of the Crane Style.

Yet as the tournament progressed, the fighting spirit displayed by Goku, Jackie Chun, and those Kame Style disciples seemed to stir something deep within him.

Tien Shinhan took a deep breath and silently rose to his feet. He knew that the battle before him might not simply be about victory or defeat—it could also be a decision that would determine the state of his heart.

In the hotel, Bulma checked her watch, stood up, and called out to everyone busy with their own things, "Time's almost up! Get ready, everyone. It's time to go!"

Master Roshi, however, was still sitting on the sofa, staring fixedly at the television. A women's aerobics program was playing on the screen, and as he followed the rhythm of the music, his eyes shone with admiration. Every so often, he muttered, "So full of energy. Being young really is wonderful!"

Blonde Launch couldn't stand it anymore. She rushed over and slammed her fist down on Master Roshi's head. "You still have time to watch that? The match is about to start!"

Rubbing his aching head, Master Roshi laughed. "All right, all right, I get it. I was just taking in their enthusiasm a little longer."

Bulma couldn't help rolling her eyes. She patted Krillin and Goku on the shoulders. "Let's go! The tournament is about to begin."

Goku grinned and nodded. "Okay!"

The group set off together, leaving the hotel and heading toward the martial arts tournament venue.

When Goku entered the backstage area, he saw Krillin following him in. Turning to him with a smile, Goku said gently, "Krillin, go to the stands. Bulma and the others are there too."

Krillin couldn't help feeling a little puzzled, but he still nodded. "All right, then I'll go to the stands."

Goku smiled. "Don't worry. I'll win."

Before long, the announcer stood on the arena platform and signaled that the match was about to begin. His voice rang out, "Dear audience members, today is the highly anticipated final! Please welcome the contestants!"

As the announcer finished speaking, Tien Shinhan and Goku stepped onto the platform together.

Cheers rose and fell from the audience below, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

Looking at the two competitors, the announcer declared, "Begin!"

Tien Shinhan struck first. He gradually increased the strength of his attacks, intending to break through Goku's defense through sheer force.

However, Goku remained where he stood, his body light as the wind and utterly unmoved. He easily dodged every attack.

Tien Shinhan's fists and feet came within a fraction of an inch of Goku's body, yet he never so much as touched Goku's clothes.

Tien Shinhan grew even angrier. Gritting his teeth, he thought to himself, This can't go on. I need to think of something.

So he leaped into the air and unleashed his ultimate move without hesitation—Solar Flare! Blinding light instantly illuminated the entire platform, leaving no one able to look directly at it.

Goku slowly closed his eyes, refusing to look at the piercing light.

Seeing Goku close his eyes, Tien Shinhan believed he had finally found an opening. He immediately launched a fierce assault at Goku with all his speed.

His attacks were dense and savage, his fists and legs raining down on Goku like a violent storm.

Though Goku did not open his eyes, he could clearly sense the flow of Tien Shinhan's energy and swiftly judge the path of every attack.

No matter how Tien Shinhan changed his moves, Goku effortlessly evaded them all, as if he could see Tien Shinhan's every movement.

Tien Shinhan's movements gradually became sparse and disordered. Seeing every attack easily detected by Goku, he couldn't help gasping for breath.

The feeling of every punch and kick missing was as though an insurmountable gulf stood between him and Goku.

Just as Tien Shinhan prepared to launch another fierce offensive, Master Crane secretly made a gesture toward Chiaotzu.

Standing in the distance, Chiaotzu locked his eyes tightly onto Goku. With both hands aimed at him, he activated his psychic powers, intending to restrain Goku's body.

To guide Tien Shinhan into seeing his own heart clearly, Goku pretended to be under control and put on a vulnerable appearance. He deliberately allowed Tien Shinhan's attack to hit him, sending himself flying backward before crashing heavily onto the platform.

"Cough... cough..."

Goku climbed up from the ground, a pained expression on his face.

Tien Shinhan stood where he was, staring at him in confusion, seemingly unable to understand why he had hit Goku so easily just now.

Tien Shinhan stopped moving, his brow tightly furrowed. "You... what's wrong? Why didn't you dodge?"

Gasping for breath, Goku said softly, "Th-this was your doing, wasn't it, Tien Shinhan? You really are despicable."

Tien Shinhan's eyes widened, his heart filled with confusion. "What are you talking about? I didn't do anything!"

Goku continued, "My body suddenly couldn't move. Wasn't that your doing?"

Tien Shinhan's eyes suddenly lit up as he realized something.

He abruptly turned toward Chiaotzu in the stands and shouted angrily, "Chiaotzu! Don't interfere! This is a fight between Son Goku and me! I don't need lowly tricks like yours!"

Hearing Tien Shinhan's angry rebuke, Chiaotzu froze slightly, but he still did not stop.

But his faint psychic power still flowed through the air, ready to control Goku's movements at any moment.

Seeing Tien Shinhan's attitude shift, Master Crane's eyes flashed with displeasure. He suddenly cursed, "Tien Shinhan, you bastard! Killing Son Goku to avenge Mercenary Tao is what matters most! Yet you're wasting time fighting him! The method doesn't matter—as long as you win, anything goes!"

Tien Shinhan's face abruptly turned livid. Master Crane's words struck deep in his heart like a heavy hammer.

As he recalled everything he had experienced along the way, he gradually realized that the violent and ruthless "martial arts" did not truly align with his heart.

The martial artist's state of mind he once possessed—free and devoted to seeking truth—seemed to have gradually twisted under Master Crane's influence.

He took a deep breath and turned to look at Goku.

Goku stood calmly, with no hostility in his eyes. There was even a hint of tolerance and understanding in them.

"You're wrong, Master Crane." Tien Shinhan's voice was low.

"I don't want to keep walking the path you spoke of. My martial arts should not be about killing and revenge, but about pursuing freedom and my true heart."

Master Crane froze, and the fury on his face gradually turned into disbelief.

He seemed unable to understand Tien Shinhan's thoughts. His fists clenched tightly. "You... you're betraying me! You dare betray me?!"

Tien Shinhan no longer paid Master Crane any heed. He gazed deeply at Goku, his resolve growing firmer. "I don't want to be controlled anymore. I've decided—I'll follow my own martial path."

Goku smiled faintly and nodded. "Tien Shinhan, you made the right decision."

At that moment, the audience below the stage also began discussing it, all sensing that something had changed in this battle.

Yet Master Crane still could not accept reality. His face grew increasingly grim as he said in a low voice, "If you abandon me, then loneliness will be the price you pay."

The tense atmosphere on the arena suddenly intensified. Master Crane furiously gave Chiaotzu a new order. "Chiaotzu, lock down Son Goku's movements for me! Do you dare defy me?"

Chiaotzu lowered his head, his expression conflicted. "Master, Tien just wants to fight Goku fairly..."

Before he could finish, Master Crane flew into a rage. He grabbed Chiaotzu by the collar and said coldly, "Anyone who disobeys orders must die! Chiaotzu, you are not worthy of being my disciple!"

Just as Master Crane was about to kill Chiaotzu, Master Roshi stood at the edge of the arena, gathering a dazzling white Ki Wave as he glared furiously. "Master Crane, this is the Martial Arts Tournament, not a place for you to do as you please! Kamehameha!"

With a furious roar, the white Ki Wave shot straight toward Master Crane.

Master Crane had no time to react before the powerful blast struck him hard, sending him flying like a meteor toward the horizon and out of sight.

Master Roshi casually dusted off his hands and smiled at Tien Shinhan on the arena. "Don't worry. Master Crane's body is pretty sturdy."

Tien Shinhan was stunned for a moment. He looked at Master Roshi with complicated eyes, then turned to Goku. "Now, my school is no longer a shackle binding me. This battle has nothing to do with a conflict between schools. Son Goku, my goal is to win the championship!"

Goku looked at the spirited and determined Tien Shinhan, smiling faintly as he silently felt happy for Tien Shinhan's growth. His little act had worked pretty well. He deserved an Oscar, at least!

The Tien Shinhan before him was no longer the disciple filled with resentment and obsession, but a true warrior seeking his own martial heart. Goku took a deep breath. "Tien Shinhan, come on! Let me see your true strength now!"

Tien Shinhan looked at Goku, then suddenly exerted himself and unleashed the Four-Arm Fist. Two more arms grew from his body, and his four arms swung at Goku like lightning, instantly launching a torrential assault.

The arena filled with countless fist shadows. Tien Shinhan's four arms swung rapidly around Goku, every punch tearing through the air. The audience could barely see how fast his fists moved; they could only see Goku standing quietly in place, allowing Tien Shinhan's fists to strike him wave after wave.

In just a few seconds, Tien Shinhan had thrown several thousand punches, sweat beading on his forehead.

Yet Goku remained completely unmoved. Tien Shinhan's attacks had no effect on him whatsoever.

Goku smiled slightly and said teasingly, "Tien Shinhan, are your fists giving me a massage?"

Tien Shinhan froze, utterly shocked.

He had thought that his Four-Arm Fist would at least hurt Goku a little, perhaps even force him to fight back. Yet his full-power assault had proven completely useless against Goku.

Tien Shinhan gritted his teeth and took up his stance again. "Son Goku, don't underestimate me!"

With a shout, Tien Shinhan leaped high into the air. Facing Goku on the arena, he locked his hands together tightly and rapidly concentrated his energy between his palms, forming a blazing sphere of energy.

He growled, "Take my ultimate technique! Kikoho!"

The Kikoho's energy continued to expand, bursting with blinding light as it rushed toward Goku at high speed.

Watching the Kikoho howl toward him, Goku sighed softly and muttered, "Tien Shinhan, this move is going to destroy the arena."

With a casual sweep of his right arm, accompanied by an invisible Ki Blast, he deflected the Kikoho from its course and guided it into the distance. It streaked away with a massive trail before exploding on the horizon, turning into a dazzling halo of light.

Tien Shinhan stared in shock from the air, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He had never expected his prized ultimate technique to be so easily neutralized by Goku.

Seeing that Tien Shinhan was already exhausted, Goku decided not to keep tangling with him.

Goku gave a light jump and flew into the air.

Below the stage, Krillin, Yamcha, and Master Roshi all stared at Goku in surprise. They had not expected Goku to know the Sky Dance Technique as well.

Tien Shinhan was equally shocked. Goku actually knew the Crane Style's ultimate technique. "Y-you know the Sky Dance Technique?"

Goku smiled. "That's right, Tien Shinhan. The championship is mine."

The moment he finished speaking, his figure vanished instantly. When he reappeared, he was already behind Tien Shinhan.

Without hesitation, Goku struck Tien Shinhan's back with his palm. Tien Shinhan had no time to react before the blow sent him flying.

Tien Shinhan flew outside the arena at tremendous speed and crashed heavily into the ground, smashing out a huge crater as dust billowed into the air.

The referee loudly announced, "Son Goku wins!"

Krillin, Yamcha, and Master Roshi all cheered jubilantly for Goku's victory, while Bulma and Launch excitedly waved their arms.

Goku slowly descended back onto the arena and said to Tien Shinhan, lying in the crater, "You need to find your own martial path."

Tien Shinhan lay in the crater. Though his body ached, Goku's words had deeply moved him.

The announcer declared loudly, "The World Martial Arts Tournament has now come to an end. See you again in three years!"

After the crowd dispersed, Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu found Yamcha. Tien Shinhan sincerely apologized, "I was too heavy-handed during our match. I'm sorry."

Yamcha smiled and waved it off. "Forget about it. Better than losing my life, right?"

At that moment, Master Roshi suggested, "Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, why don't you both come train at Kame House? We can improve our strength together."

Blonde Launch's face lit up with excitement. "Wow, that would be amazing! I love wild men."

Tien Shinhan shook his head, then smiled at Master Roshi. "Thank you for the offer, Master Roshi. Although I betrayed my master, I'm still a disciple of the Crane Style. Next, I want to travel the world with Chiaotzu and see what it has to offer."

Blonde Launch looked a little disappointed, but after thinking for a moment, she smiled. "Then let's be pen pals! Tien Shinhan, remember to write me whenever you get the chance!"

Master Roshi laughed. "Then it's on me today. Let's all go have a meal together!"

Krillin and Yamcha eagerly chimed in, "Awesome!"

However, Goku scratched the back of his head and said, "You guys go ahead. I've still got something to take care of. I'll be back soon."

Bulma asked in confusion, "Goku, what could be so important? More important than eating?"

"Yeah, it really is important. You go on ahead—I'll catch up right away!" Goku gave a mysterious smile.

Goku sat cross-legged backstage at the martial arts arena, closing his eyes as he focused on meditation. He knew King Piccolo's subordinates were approaching. That cold, sinister demonic aura was becoming increasingly distinct, but he was in no hurry. He patiently waited for them to arrive.