Chapter 17: Brothers in Combat – Goku vs. Krillin
The air inside the arena had shifted. While Aera's match had been an overwhelming display of power wrapped in innocence, the next match carried a different weight—two childhood friends, students of the same master, prepared to clash.
The crowd hushed as the announcer lifted his mic.
"Ladies and gentlemen! For our second semifinal match—Son Goku versus Krillin! Disciple versus disciple! Will the monkey-tailed wonder advance, or will the wily warrior from Orin Temple triumph?!"
Krillin stepped forward, fists clenched tight, heart pounding. Goku followed, carefree as always, tail swaying lazily behind him.
"You ready, Krillin?" Goku grinned.
"Born ready! And don't hold back!"
Goku's eyes sparkled. "I won't if you don't."
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Match 2: Goku vs. Krillin
The bell rang—and Krillin exploded into motion.
His feet blurred across the tiles as he unleashed a flurry of lightning-fast punches and kicks. Goku blocked and parried, each motion casual yet precise. Their movements echoed their shared training—the teachings of Master Roshi refined into two distinct styles.
Krillin used every trick—feints, afterimages, even a brief solar flare to blind Goku. The crowd gasped as Krillin landed a solid kick to Goku's chest, launching him backward.
But Goku flipped midair, landed on one hand, and launched himself back with a burst of speed.
The battle turned into a high-speed ballet—two blurs exchanging strikes above and across the ring. Tiles shattered. Dust clouds erupted. Shockwaves rippled out into the stands.
Aera leaned forward, eyes sparkling. "Wowwwww! They're both so cool! I wanna fight them both!"
Yamcha, arms folded nearby, chuckled. "You'll get your chance. If Goku wins, you'll face him in the finals."
Bulma, who had returned to the tournament just in time, leaned close. "You better not blink or you'll miss the whole match."
Back in the ring, Krillin shouted, "Kamehame… HA!"
A blue blast surged forward. Goku spun and flipped over it, landing behind Krillin.
"Kamehameha!"
His counter-blast forced Krillin to dodge—barely. The explosion lit the sky.
They clashed again, fists and feet like meteor showers.
Then Krillin surprised everyone by throwing his shoe.
It hit Goku square in the face.
"Wha—hey!"
"Gotcha!"
Krillin used the moment to uppercut Goku into the air.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Sneaky!" Aera cheered. "I love it!"
But Goku grinned even as he fell. He landed hard, cracked the tile—and sprang up.
"That was clever! My turn!"
He moved faster now. Stronger. It was subtle, but real—his power rising with each heartbeat.
Krillin's defenses began to falter.
Goku landed a spinning kick. Then a double-palm strike.
Krillin staggered. One more hit sent him sliding across the ring.
He caught himself—barely.
Blood trickled from his lip. He looked up, panting.
Goku raised a fist. "You good?"
Krillin smiled, shaking. "I am now. I gave you my best."
He stepped out of bounds.
The bell rang.
"Winner: Goku!"
The crowd exploded.
Goku ran over and hugged Krillin. "That was fun!"
Krillin laughed breathlessly. "Yeah. It was."
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Backstage
Aera clapped as Goku returned. "You two looked like you were dancing! You glowed like fireworks!"
"Now it's your turn," Goku said, eyes gleaming.
She grinned. "Finals! Yay! Do I get a snack first?"
"You'll get a feast if you win," Bulma promised.
Tien stood in the corner, arms folded. "She's going to fight him seriously, isn't she?"
Master Roshi nodded. "This will be the match of the century."
The announcer's voice boomed again.
"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! The finals of the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai—Son Goku versus the mysterious Aera!"
The crowd stood as the two walked to the ring. Goku cracked his knuckles.
Aera bounced in place. "This is going to be amazing!"
Their eyes locked.
Pure innocence. Pure determination.
The perfect match was about to begin.
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End of Chapter 17