Bringer of Death

Tournament Saga - Part 9: Break Through The Limit

Tournament Saga - Part 9: Break Through The Limit

The thud from Piccolo III's collision with the ground seemed much too loud for the small size of his body. His eyes had rolled back in his head immediately; his jaw had been shattered by the blow that knocked him into the ground, unconscious.

Everyone in the stadium was stunned into silence. Their child-hero, the savior promised by Mr. Satan himself, had suddenly exploded out of seeming defeat to win the match in one decisive blow. The crowd was amazed by the boy's resolve...slowly, they began to cheer.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! I don't believe it! It happened faster than my eyes could see, but our champion's speech must have lit a real fire under this kid." Jimmy had taken a position next to the fallen clone as the camera came in close. "The speed and ferocity with which he took out the alien menace was simply astounding! It's safe to say Mr. Satan knew what he was doing when he handed the fate of the world over to Gohan!"

Just then, the reporter saw Mr. Satan out of the corner of his eye. "Oh, and there he is now! Mr. Satan, would you mind telling us what inspired that incredible speech of yours? I don't think I've ever heard something so emotionally moving and powerful in my whole life!"

With a loud chuckle, Hercule strutted over to the camera. He snatched the mic out of Jimmy's hand at superspeed and winked for all his fans at home.

"YEYAAAH!" the big clown roared ostentatiously, his expression showing the perfect blend of pride and confidence. As always, he sounded perfectly rehearsed—the quintessential showman. "What did you expect? Think I would leave the fate of the Earth up to chance? All Gohan needed was a little push to remember what was at stake. Just because the kid's got talent doesn't mean he's got the fortitude of a champion!"

"Simply brilliant, Mr. Satan," Firecracker said, taking another mic from his cameraman. "Without you or your efforts, surely the young Gohan wouldn't have won! On behalf of everyone, the boy included, I thank you for your incredible guidance and inspiration! The whole world thanks you." The audience, as well as all the viewers, stood to their feet and applauded the champ once again. It seemed he always had their back.

"But let me ask you," Jimmy began once more. "Are you concerned that the young Gohan may have similar struggles when he fights against Cell himself? If so, will you be prepared to intervene and use your powers of motivation to get him going again?"

"Hmph," Hercule grunted, shutting his eyes confidently and smiling. "If that were to happen, which I guarantee it won't, then I suppose it would fall to me to step in again. But let's face the facts. Once the kid got going, he ended his fight with a single blow! Cell won't last long against that kind of power. It's practically the same as if he were facing me!"

The reporter smiled, adjusting his glasses. "What incredible confidence, folks! Champ, be honest: what's it like for you to watch this fight? How exciting is it to see your protégé out there saving the world, all grown up?"

Hercule bit his lip. This whole charade was infuriating; he loathed Gohan more and more with every passing moment, but he had to keep it up. "Err...naturally, I'm as proud as any teacher would be. It's no surprise, really. I've always had a knack for spotting real talent!"

"Of course," replied Jimmy. "I'm sure you've been expecting great things from him for a very long time!"

Meanwhile, Gohan wisely dodged the throng of reporters and made his way to where his father and the others were. Goku stood up to greet him immediately. "Good job, Gohan! You really showed that clone what you're made of."

The young Super Saiyan smiled up at his dad. "You really think so? I mean...I hesitated, a lot."

"Don't worry about it." Goku patted his son on the back. "Even I might have hesitated too, if I had been in your position. None of us liked seeing an evil version of Piccolo all over again, but you did the right thing."