3 The 21st World Martial Arts Tournament first par (1/2)

I left Kami's Lookout when I was around sixteen. I believed I had created a solid foundation for my style of martial art, even though I had yet to come up with a name for it. The time for the world Martial Arts Tournament had arrived and I planned to participate. There were two reasons why I wanted to fight here. One, was because I wanted to test my art against someone other than Popo, and the second was to sate my curiosity as to how Kakarot turned out. Although he might not take part in the tournament.

My arrival at the arena was early so after signing up I was able to relax in the locker room. Spectators had started to gather in the stands by the time I left the locker room to see if I could spot Kakarot. I made my way to the front entrance and looked around.

It didn't take long for me to find him chatting with a familiar group of people. He was wearing the iconic orange Kame School gi, his eye were sharp like Bardock's. Next to him in the same type of gi was the young monk Krillin. Their master, the Turtle Hermit Roshi, was with them along with the blue-haired Bulma. I decided it was time to go introduce myself to the group and catch up with Kakarot.

”Yo, I didn't think I'd see you here, little brother.” I said while approaching the group.

Kakarot turned to face me, ”Raditz?”

”So you do remember me. I thought you might have hit your head and forgotten about me.” I joked.

”As if I would get amnesia from getting hit in the head. I have been punched plenty without forgetting anything.” he replied.

”Um, Kakarot who is this guy?” Krillin asked.

”Right. Master Roshi, Bulma, Krillin this is my older brother Raditz.” he continued, ”Raditz. This is my sensei Master Roshi, Krillin is my fellow disciple and I made him my squad mate, and Bulma she hired me as a bodyguard before.”

”How much did you get paid for being a bodyguard?” I asked.

Kakarot adopted a smug look, ”one hundred Zeni, for my service until we found the Dragon Balls. Plus, I got to fight some tough opponents.”

”ONE HUNDRED ZENI!?” I can't believe his price was so low. A Zeni is equivalent to one yen.

Kakarot nodded his head proudly stating, ”I know right. Me and Grandpa Gohan never needed Zeni before so it looks like I came out ahead.” He really seemed to think he pulled a fast one.

”What did you mean by Krillin is your squad mate, Kakarot?”

”I remember Gine telling me Saiyans fought in teams called squad mates.”

”You are right about that.”

”How old are you, Raditz?” Bulma asked.

”Sixteen. I think.” I stated, ”If I'm right Kakarot should be twelve.”

”Yep, I'm twelve.” Kakarot replied.

”Then yeah I'm sixteen.” I reaffirmed.

”Me too.” said Bulma.

”Come on Kakarot, Krillin let's get you two signed up.” Master Roshi headed inside with the pair.

In the locker room I saw Yamacha, in his desert bandit gear, approach Kakarot and Krillin. He looked like he was almost ready to fight right now. I decided to stealthily listen in, not that they were whispering.

”Kakarot I'm happy you showed up. I'm going to enjoy getting pay back for what happened in the desert.” Yamacha asserted.

”It's going to be fun fighting you again. I've gotten stronger, too. Just remember when you lose you have to join my squad.” said Kakarot.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened during the preliminary matches of the tournament. I was paired against a pink haired woman named Ranfan. She was no challenge for me. I didn't even have to really try. I won by a firm shove gaining victory by ring out. Originally she was supposed to fight against the fighter Nam.

When the preliminaries were over the blonde tournament announcer wearing his signature suit and shades declared the beginning of the quarter finals.

”The first fight of the quarter finals will be Krillin of the Kame school vs. Raditz!” he shouted, ”Will both combatants please take the stage!”

We stood opposite each other on the stage. Krillin had adopted his fighting stance and so did I. Albeit my stance was just me standing there with my arms crossed, something I picked up from Popo sparring with his hands behind his back. It also really annoyed me so I thoughtI'd adopt it.

”I spar with Kakarot regularly, so don't think I'm a pushover.” Krillin warned.

”I'll keep that in mind.” I replied.