Universe Saga

Let the Tournament Begin

OPENING THEME:

EPISODE 36:

LET THE TOURNAMENT BEGIN: WHO WILL WIN?

"Whoa! I don't remember it being such a huge spectacle last time!" Bulma exclaimed as she caressed her overwhelming stomach, "Oh how things have changed from the old days."

The hustle and bustle of the enormous crowd trekked from booth to booth buying everything from cotton candy to toys. From above, the drones captured the marvel of the event as they spread bubbles and cheer much to the delight of the little ones. There was no shortage of the tantalizing scents that welcomed and Vegeta was too involved with his oversized drumstick to even consider his wife.

"Look, hon," she said, poking him in the side which finally got his attention, "The others are here. Looks like we're the last ones to be found."

Sure enough, the others were huddled together, waving wildly as they approached. They were decked in their best but it would have truly been a sight to see Goku in something other than his everyday training gear.

"Welcome to Papaw Island, guys!" Bulma greeted with a wide grin, her arms wide open.

"Great to have the gang back together for some more fun, ain't it! Let the fun times roll on!" Yamcha exclaimed, pumping his fists in the air.

"Isn't the name of this place Papaya Island?" Piccolo asked.

"Well, I guess they wanted a change," Chi-Chi said, looking around, "But it looks exactly the same to me."

"Hiya, guys," Goku greeted the couple but his attention was on Bulma, "Didn't know you could've gotten more pregnant! Wow!"

"Oh, Goku!" Bulma said, shaking her head. She shifted her gaze to the boy next to him, "Who's this you've got here?"

"Come on, mom, you don't recognise Goten?" Trunks asked, making his way towards them with his hands cradling a mountain of goodies.

"Wow. You look so handsome. The Son guys sure are lookers!" she exclaimed.

"Agreed," Videl said, nodding her approval as she admired her husband.

"Yeah, he's been living in his father's footsteps for too long with that mess on his head," Chi-Chi said.

"Well, I like it," Jika said, awakening a deep shade of red on the boy's cheeks.

"So you're joining us again today?" Bulma asked.

"Yeah! You guys are fun!" Jika exclaimed.

"So glad to see you all show up. Much appreciated," Tien said, beaming with pride, "I can't wait till you guys see what my son can do."

"So how comes you're here and not off in the prelims, Goku?" Krillin asked.

"What's prelims, daddy?" asked the little girl beside him, tugging at his hand.

"Marron, sweetie, the prelims is where the competitors go to find out who'll be competing on stage for the finals. Y'know, to see who's fit to have a chance at taking the crown," he explained, patting the girl on her head, "This year they're doing an obstacle course where you have to jump like 50 feet and do all kinds of things that test upper body strength and overall stamina."

"One day, daddy, I want to compete!" she said excitedly, her blue eyes staring into his, "I want to be strong like you and mommy!"

Krillin's euphoria died down instantaneously, awakening curious glances.

"What's up, pal?" asked Yamcha, resting a firm hand on his shoulder, "You're not one to be so glum, usually."

"Well, 18 hasn't come home ever since the barbecue at Bulma's place," he admitted.