Everyone Gathers

After successfully registering, Goku went with Bulma, Master Roshi, and Launch to the rest area beside the venue, where they waited for Tien Shinhan, Krillin, Yamcha, and the others. Seconds ticked by, but Tien Shinhan and the others still had not appeared.

Master Roshi paced anxiously, his eyes repeatedly drifting toward the entrance to the arena as his worry grew. "Why aren't they here yet? Registration's about to close!" He could not help frowning.

"They're still not here this late? Honestly, what are Krillin and the others doing?" Bulma stood to one side, her brow slightly furrowed as unease crept into her heart.

"No matter how busy they are, they can't put off registering for the Martial Arts Tournament like this. Did they forget what day it was?" Launch sounded rather impatient.

Goku walked over to them, glanced at the clock, and raised an eyebrow. "Could they have run into some trouble?"

Master Roshi looked around, then suddenly had an idea and decided to ask the staff. "I'll go ask if I can register for them."

As he spoke, he hurried toward the registration desk. Bulma and Launch watched him curiously.

Before long, Master Roshi returned, looking thoroughly unwilling to accept the answer. He walked up to Bulma and Launch. "They said the contestants have to be here in person. No one can register on their behalf. Not even the runner-up from the previous tournament." He paused, then asked, "Where do you think they went?"

Launch could not help pursing her lips. "Didn't they promise they'd be here? Honestly, what's going on?"

Master Roshi immediately turned back to the staff member. "Then how much time is left?"

The staff member checked his watch and answered blandly, "Five minutes until registration closes."

"What?!" Master Roshi panicked at once. "If they don't make it in time, they can't register?"

The staff member nodded. "That's right. It can't be delayed any longer."

Master Roshi returned to Bulma and Launch with his teeth clenched, growing increasingly anxious. "What are we supposed to do now? How could they possibly reach the registration desk in so little time?"

Bulma sighed. Though she was worried too, all she could do was shake her head helplessly. "Honestly, why are they always so slow?"

After hearing the news, Goku remained relaxed. He turned and looked around. "It's fine. As long as they make it here, everything will be okay. No need for everyone to be so nervous."

"You sure are relaxed," Master Roshi said, glaring at him. "Can't you see how worried everyone is?"

Standing to the side, Goku swept his gaze lightly over the surroundings, a faint smile on his face. He silently sensed the nearby ki and knew Tien Shinhan and the others would be here soon.

Only one minute remained before the deadline. The staff member had already yawned, clearly irritated by these last-minute registrants, and was preparing to pack up and leave. Bulma and the others stood nearby in utter anxiety, their hearts growing heavier as the seconds slipped away.

Just as the staff member was about to pack up, several powerful auras suddenly swept through the air. Four figures flashed past Bulma and the others like lightning, moving so fast that they could not even react.

In almost an instant, the four figures stopped before the registration counter, their feet landing solidly on the ground. Bulma and the others looked up to see Tien Shinhan, Krillin, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu standing at the registration desk.

"They finally made it!" Bulma breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her face.

Goku stood nearby and glanced at his familiar friends, unable to stop himself from thinking, Those guys sure know how to make an entrance.

The staff member finally recovered a bit of energy. Seeing that less than thirty seconds remained, his mouth twitched slightly, but he still reached out to begin registering them. "Hurry up. There's not much time."

After the four of them registered, they went straight to Master Roshi and respectfully greeted Master Mutai. Krillin was the first to step forward, his face full of pride. "Master Mutai, look—I've gotten a lot taller, haven't I?"

Master Roshi sized Krillin up and nodded approvingly. "Mm, not bad, Krillin. You've grown taller, and sturdier too!"

At that moment, Goku walked over from the side and lightly patted Krillin on the shoulder. Feeling that familiar touch, Krillin looked up at the tall figure and froze. Then his eyes widened as he shouted in delight, "Goku! It really is you! How did you get so tall?"

Goku scratched his head and smiled. "Probably because I trained diligently. I just gradually grew taller."

Hearing Krillin's cry, Tien Shinhan and Yamcha turned to look at Goku, their eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.

"Goku, it's only been three years, but your changes are truly unexpected," Tien Shinhan said in admiration. He secretly tried to gauge Goku's strength. Although Goku had not released any aura at all, he still gave off an invisible pressure.

Yamcha smiled as well. "Looks like we'll have to take this tournament seriously. Goku, you really make me look forward to it!"

Goku smiled faintly. "We'll settle it in the ring!"

Master Roshi smiled at everyone. "I've already booked a hotel. Let's head over first and prepare for tomorrow's matches." Goku and the others nodded and followed Master Roshi toward the hotel.

On the way, Tien Shinhan walked beside Master Roshi and asked curiously, "Master Mutai, aren't you competing in this tournament?"

Master Roshi waved a hand with a smile, putting on a mysterious air. "This time, I'll let you young people have the spotlight. This old man will be content just watching your performances!"

At that moment, Bulma, who was walking at the back, moved closer to Launch. Looking at Goku's tall back, she could not help sighing softly, "Goku really has grown up. And he's getting more handsome too."

Launch glanced at Tien Shinhan and smiled. "Yeah, Goku really is handsome, but I still think Tien Shinhan is more handsome."

Bulma teased, "Looks like you're still biased toward Tien Shinhan!"

The two exchanged smiles. Their laughter drifted through the fresh air after the rain, carried by the gentle breeze as everyone continued toward the hotel.

That night, warm light spilled from the windows of the hotel rooms. Heavy rain once again poured down outside, and the occasional rumble of thunder added a touch of tension to the night before the tournament.

In Bulma and Launch's room, Bulma hung a handmade Ikkyu Doll by the window as a symbol of safety and good fortune. Watching raindrops patter against the glass, she sighed softly. "I hope everything goes smoothly in tomorrow's matches."

Launch smiled and teased, "What are you afraid of? You're Bulma. What big scene haven't you seen?"

Meanwhile, Goku and Krillin lay on the bed talking about their training over the past three years. Krillin excitedly asked, "Goku, what did you learn out there? Your aura feels much more restrained than it was three years ago. It's like you've reached a completely different realm."

Goku smiled as he recalled the past. "A lot of things. Not just powerful fighting techniques, but also ways to understand strength that I never would have imagined before. I really hope I can see the results of all your training tomorrow!"

In the room next door, Yamcha was telling Puar about his journey over the past few years. "For the last three years, I haven't dared to slack off for even a moment. I've always wanted to catch up to Goku."

Puar listened with great anticipation and said, "Lord Yamcha, you'll definitely put on an amazing performance this time!"

Under that same night sky, Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu sat silently in their room. Tien Shinhan stared quietly at the heavy rain outside, asking himself again and again, Just how much did Goku learn out there? No matter what, I'll work hard to surpass him.