Part 34, Chapter 168.

PART THIRTY FOUR: QUARTER FINALS

Chapter 168

Translated by npberryhill, edited by Guilarai

“We're switching the ring one final time!” exclaimed Announcer Varga. “Gravity’s back to normal, so you can unleash your full power!”

“Finally, our turn!” Son Goku of Universe 18 grinned broadly. “Let’s do this, Uub! I’ll be waiting for you in the ring!”

As the Saiyan soared toward the fighting stage, Uub took a deep breath and turned to Vegeta.

“So, Master Vegeta, any advice for me?”

“You're going to lose,” Vegeta said bluntly.

Uub blinked, caught off guard by the former prince’s stark honesty, though it was hardly out of character.

“Goku has far more experience,” Vegeta continued, his tone matter-of-fact. “You’ve trained together from the start, but he’s never gone all-out against you. Relying solely on what he’s taught you won’t cut it. If he chooses, he could teleport to your blind spot and end the fight in an instant.”

“I know about instant transmission,” Uub countered, bristling at being underestimated, “but I’m sure I can still hold my own!”

Vegeta smirked faintly. “He won’t use it anyway. He prefers a fair fight. So no, you won’t win, but you can set a different goal: force him to use instant transmission. If you can manage that, you’ve pushed him to his limit.”

Uub mulled over Vegeta’s words. Beating his master might be out of reach, but proving he could push Goku to his fullest was a worthy challenge. The kind Saiyan had taken Uub under his wing to forge a warrior capable of standing toe-to-toe with him. Now, a decade later, this tournament was the perfect stage to show his mentor—and the world—what he was capable of.

Uub stepped onto the ring, facing Goku across a span of several dozen meters. Over on the patio of Universe 18, Goten, Trunks, and Pan cheered wildly for both fighters. Gohan watched with a quiet smile, while Vegeta and Piccolo stood with arms crossed, their focus on the arena.

Standing tall, Uub met Goku’s gaze.

“Master, this fight is my chance to prove your faith in me was well-placed. You trained me to be a martial artist, and I’m ready to show you what I’ve learned. Please—don’t hold back. I want to give my all against you.”

Goku bounced lightly on his feet, his grin widening. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, Uub! I’ve been looking forward to this too, I can finally see how well I’ve taught you. And trust me, I won’t be going easy on you.”

The two warriors locked eyes, their smiles mirroring the electric tension rippling through the silent crowd. The arena buzzed with anticipation, every spectator sensing the epic clash about to unfold.

In the ring, Goku and Uub stood poised, their focus razor-sharp. Memories of the past decade flashed through their minds: their first meeting and battle at the Tenkaichi Budokai, the start of their master-apprentice bond, and the grueling training that had shaped Uub into a formidable warrior—the future guardian of the Earth and a rival worthy of the Saiyan.

After defeating Majin Buu, his most fearsome foe, with the aid of Earth's inhabitants, his friends, and the Dragon Balls, Goku had vowed to grow strong enough to best the Djinn alone. Enma had granted his wish by reincarnating Buu as Uub, a pure-hearted human with the latent potential of his former enemy.

Ten years of relentless training had brought them to this moment. Goku knew Uub had reached a level that could rival even Super Saiyan 3. By holding his own against Majin Buu of Universe 11—a foe who had once proven a tough foe for even Goku—Uub had proven he could evoke the same thrill. Though Vegeta remained Goku’s ultimate rival, and though he had no intention of losing to his student, Goku was ready to give everything and deliver a battle for the ages.

For Uub, the young Earthling, the impending clash with Goku filled him with both dread and exhilaration—a pivotal moment in their shared journey. Under Goku’s guidance, Uub had mastered a wide array of techniques, unlocking the hidden potential tied to his past life as the reincarnation of a formidable evil. The revelation of his origins had stunned him, but coming back from a flying alien who could turn his hair gold, it wasn’t the craziest thing.

Whether training on Earth or in the Room of Spirit and Time, occasionally joined by Goten and Trunks for group sparring, Uub had grown into a skilled fighter of the Turtle Hermit School—a legacy Goku proudly upheld. Mentors like Mr. Popo, Master Korin, and Master Roshi had also shaped his journey, while Dende’s healing had mended them after grueling sessions that often left them battered. Mastering the Kaioken had been particularly arduous, demanding multiple interventions from Kami.

Now, Uub stood ready. He understood Goku’s true intentions, even those unspoken. While Goku often talked of preparing Uub to be Earth’s next defender, Uub knew his master’s deeper desire: to ignite a monumental battle between them, pushing both to evolve from teacher and student into true rivals.

The two warriors faced each other in the ring, a mix of nostalgia and excitement coursing through them. Fist clenched, the Saiyan and the Earthling watched for the slightest movement that would shatter the silence and spark their first strike. In Universe 18’s balcony, their friends leaned forward, captivated. Vegeta, arms crossed, allowed the faintest smile. He wouldn’t forgive Goku for losing this fight before their own promised showdown, yet he also rooted for Uub, whom he’d watched mature and occasionally advised. In many ways, Uub even saw Vegeta like a second mentor, admiring him as much as he did Goku.

In any case, Vegeta knew he was about to witness an extraordinary battle. His only question was whether the Earthling would be able to push Goku to unleash his full potential.

On the Universe 16 balcony, Vegito pondered the same. Lacking the experience of his counterparts, Uub was an enigma to him. Enma hadn’t granted Vegito’s wish to reincarnate Buu, and now he wondered how far this fight could go. Would he be left with lingering regret, or would Uub’s power—the full might of Majin Buu’s reincarnation—prove thrilling enough?

A sharp crack echoed through the arena. In an instant, Goku and Uub charged, right fists outstretched. Their knuckles collided with a thunderous rumble, their grins mirroring each other as their bodies vibrated with the impact. They broke apart, only to dive back into close combat, exchanging a flurry of light blows for about fifteen seconds, perfectly in sync, their smiles unwavering.

Uub pulled back slightly, deciding to inject some playfulness. He’d been an exemplary student of the Turtle School, absorbing Goku’s teachings with dedication. But he’d also sought wisdom from Master Roshi, who had shared tales of the first two Tenkaichi Budokai, including his secret identity as Jackie Chun. Roshi had recounted their first fight in detail, teaching Uub a few tricks.

Swaying as if dizzy, eyes half-closed, Uub staggered. Goku’s brows lifted, concern flickering as he worried his student might collapse mid-fight. Reaching out to check on him, Goku was caught off guard as Uub’s fist connected with his face, forcing him back a few steps.

Stunned, Goku watched Uub continue his swaying ruse, weaving side to side. He aimed a kick, but Uub deftly parried and countered with an acrobatic strike, landing a solid blow to Goku’s abdomen that left the Saiyan winded. The erratic movements stirred a memory in Goku—a fight from his childhood against an opponent who’d used a similar tactic. He couldn’t quite place it, but it sparked nostalgia.

Goku wasn’t that child anymore. He was a seasoned martial artist, and he wouldn’t fall for old tricks. Dropping low, he pressed a hand to the ground and swept at Uub’s legs. Uub leaped to dodge, falling into Goku’s trap. The Saiyan launched upward, spinning to deliver a powerful kick to Uub’s stomach. Uub spat, quickly retreating before charging back into the fray.

After another brief exchange, Goku decided to escalate. With a surge of energy, he transformed into a Super Saiyan, his golden aura flaring. Uub met his master’s grin with one of his own, responding with a basic Kaioken, its red glow matching Goku’s power. The two shared a knowing smile, ready to push the fight to new heights.

“If you’ll allow me, Master, I’d like to show you what I can do,” Uub said with a sly grin. “Not sure you’ll appreciate it, though.”

“Bring it on, Uub!” Goku replied, bracing himself. “Don’t hold back—use everything you’ve got, and I’ll answer in kind!”

Uub crossed his arms, focusing his energy. Suddenly, four versions of himself appeared, surrounded by red auras—Tenshinhan’s multi-form Technique. Goku and Piccolo exchanged a glance, recognizing the move.

“It’s no use, Uub!” Goku called out. “Your power’s split four ways—it won’t be enough!”

“Maybe,” the Uubs replied in unison, smirking, “but I’ll try anyway!”

The clones swarmed Goku, unleashing a barrage of blows. Goku parried and dodged with ease, though inwardly he was impressed Uub could combine Kaioken with this technique. Still, he spotted the flaw: the power division, coupled with the intense concentration required, made this a risky move. It was no real threat, but it was a creative and entertaining exchange.

Using Instant Transmission, Goku vanished, striking all four clones at blinding speed before they could react. He sent them flying across the arena, following up with an energy wave that crashed against the ring’s shield. From the smoke, a powerful glowing aura emerged—Uub, reunited as one, barely scathed and still grinning confidently.

Uub darted forward, aiming for Goku’s legs, but the Super Saiyan leaped skyward. Uub pointed his index finger and shouted, “Turn into a carrot!”

Goku’s eyes widened in horror as a magical beam struck him. Spectators gasped, but instead of transforming, Goku stood unharmed—wearing a ridiculous carrot costume over his gi. In Universe 18, Trunks, Goten, and Pan burst into laughter. Gohan and Videl stifled snickers, while Vegeta wrestled with amusement and shame as the Saiyan prince. In Universe 13’s area, Vegeta and Nappa roared with laughter, Nappa collapsing in tears as their Kakarotto fumed, vowing revenge.

In Universe 12, Trunks chuckled. “How about that? A carrot-Kakarotto, would that count for you as an achievement?”

“If that was a joke, I would rate it seven out of ten,” #16 replied dryly. “But a carrot is not Son Goku. So, no.”

“We’ll work on your humor, buddy,” Trunks said, grinning.

In Universe 16, Vegito was torn between humiliation and hilarity, his dual personalities—Vegeta’s pride and Goku’s levity—clashing within. Embarrassment won out as his companions’ reactions stung.

Back in the ring, Goku flashed an embarrassed smile. Uub, equally awkward, had tried to turn his master into a vegetable but only partially succeeded, his magical prowess still unrefined.

“Cancellation!” he shouted, pointing again, restoring Goku’s gi.

“Phew!” Goku sighed, relieved. The fleeting fear of becoming a carrot—and ending the fight so absurdly—reminded him not to underestimate Uub, who wielded Majin Buu’s magical abilities.

Goku’s golden aura flared as he launched into Uub, igniting a fiercer melee. The arena trembled under their blows, dust rising as master and student traded strikes. Seizing a moment as their fists clashed, Uub stepped back, then lunged forward, charging his attack with ki and shouting, “Rock!”

Goku leaped back, dodging as a massive energy fist slammed into the ground where he’d stood. The attack’s speed and power could have been devastating. Goku exhaled, realizing a moment’s carelessness could’ve cost him.

He countered with a volley of energy blasts, which Uub deflected with a palm, shouting, “Paper!” He followed with a slashing motion, yelling, “Scissors!”

Like a slash, the air split and a straight line of fire exploded, forcing Goku to block the attack with both arms crossed. Stunned by the attack’s ferocity, Goku escalated to Super Saiyan 2 to avoid damage.

A bead of sweat rolled down Uub’s face. At this level, Goku was an extremely formidable force, almost akin to Uub’s previous battle with Majin Buu. He’d never bested his master at this stage, but he felt he could hold his own and push further. The next transformation, however, would be a different beast entirely.

“Not bad, Uub!” Goku called, grinning. “That sequence forced me to step it up. But now, I’m taking the lead—try to keep up!”