Chapter 135: Beating Nam and Against Master Turtle Hermit

Chapter 135: Beating Nam and Against Master Turtle Hermit

(3rd Person POV)

The arena buzzed with anticipation, spectators packed tightly around its perimeter. Bulma, Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong had secured prime spots in the front row.

The first match pitted Jackie Chun against Bacterian.

Jackie Chun pinched his nose, his face contorted in disgust. "Big guy, when was the last time you washed? You reek!"

Bacterian's only response was a guttural laugh, his yellowed teeth visible even to the audience. A cloud of flies hovered around him, testament to his pungent aroma.

"I bet that old man doesn't stand a chance," Bulma declared confidently. "The guy he's up against might smell, but he's massive!"

Yamcha shook his head, recalling Jackie Chun's performance in the preliminaries. "I wouldn't be so sure. I saw some of his fights - he easily defeated those other guys."

Bulma ignored Yamcha's input, leaving him feeling awkward and unheard.

However, her surprise was evident when Jackie Chun swiftly dispatched Bacterian, proving Yamcha's assessment correct.

As the second fight was announced - Arthur Pendragon versus Nam - an unexpected voice rang out from the crowd.

"Arthur! Do your best!"

Arthur flinched, turning to see Bulma cheering enthusiastically for him.

Yamcha's indignation was immediate. "Hey! Why are you cheering for the guy who defeated me?"

Bulma snorted dismissively. "Sure, you're my boyfriend. But who says I can't look for an upgrade? In this case, I found a better prospect!"

Yamcha's jaw dropped in shock, while Puar patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Poor Yamcha," the shape-shifting cat murmured.

In the ring, Arthur sighed, his focus returning to Nam. He knew the stakes for his opponent - Nam was fighting to save his village.

Nam pressed his palms together, bowing respectfully. "I am sorry, but I must win this tournament."

Arthur's smile was tinged with determination. "I also intend to claim victory."

Nam's demeanor shifted to one of intense focus as he lunged towards Arthur.

Arthur quickly realized Nam was a cut above Yamcha. He employed his "Swift Step," but Nam's speed was unexpected, closing the distance in an instant.

The two fighters began exchanging rapid-fire blows, their movements a blur to the awestruck audience. Arthur's evasions were met with Nam's relentless attacks, each fighter giving as good as they got.

As the match intensified, it became clear that this wouldn't be an easy victory for either combatant. The crowd held its collective breath, sensing the gravity of the battle unfolding before them.

Arthur found himself struggling without the crutch of magic.

Despite his intimate knowledge of the Dragon Ball world from his writing, the reality before him presented subtle yet significant differences.

Nam's power, abilities, and techniques diverged slightly from the plot Arthur or Toriyama had penned.

The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable.

Goku's eyes sparkled with unbridled enthusiasm. "I want to fight him!" he declared, grinning from ear to ear.

Beside him, Krillin gulped nervously, hoping he wouldn't have to face Arthur anytime soon. In his estimation, Arthur seemed to be on par with Goku, or perhaps just a hair below in terms of raw power.

***

The tournament progressed swiftly after Arthur's victory over Nam. Next up was the anticipated match between Krillin and Ranfan.

Ranfan, true to her strategy, attempted to charm Krillin by stripping down to her underwear. The male spectators and Roshi watched with undisguised excitement.

Roshi's nose erupted in a spray of blood. "Wow, hehe, she really did it..."

Krillin's face flushed crimson, teetering on the edge of succumbing to Ranfan's allure. However, he managed to break free from her spell at the last moment, swiftly knocking her out.

"Winner, Krillin!"

Instead of cheers, a collective groan of disappointment rippled through the male audience.

The tournament pressed on, with Goku emerging victorious against Giran. Finally, the semi-finals arrived, pitting Arthur against Jackie Chun.

Bulma's voice cut through the crowd's murmur, "Go Arthur! You can do it!"

Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong exchanged bemused glances at her enthusiasm.

Jackie Chun eyed Arthur appraisingly. "I've been looking forward to this match, young man. You seem quite skilled."

Arthur's smile held a hint of mischief as he decided to test his opponent. He pointed behind Roshi, exclaiming, "Look, is that a woman's underwear?"

Roshi's breath hitched, his head whipping around. "Where?"

Seizing the opportunity, Arthur launched his attack, mentally invoking 'Infernal Fist!'

"Oops!" Roshi suddenly hunched over, hand on his lower back. "Ah, my back's been acting up lately. I'm getting too old for this, sigh."

His apparent frailty was a ruse; Arthur's fist met nothing but air.

Roshi's eyes glinted dangerously. "Boy, do you accept a kick for deceiving your elder?"

Before Arthur could retreat, Roshi's foot connected with his stomach, sending him flying towards the edge of the arena. The audience gasped, certain Arthur would be eliminated - until, to everyone's astonishment, wings erupted from Arthur's back, allowing him to hover just above the ground.

Roshi scratched his head, feigning annoyance. "Hey, hey, that's not fair."

"He can fly!" Krillin exclaimed, eyes wide with amazement.

Goku nodded, equally impressed. "Yeah, that was amazing..."

The unexpected turn of events left the crowd buzzing with excitement, eager to see how this aerial advantage would play out in the match between the wily veteran and the powerful young man.