No one could have predicted that the first match of the quarterfinals at the 19th World Martial Arts Tournament would descend into such chaos!
"M-my goodness! What just happened? General Hungry Tiger's head suddenly exploded, and he died on the spot! Almost simultaneously, a tall man with a black braid jumped onto the stage from the audience. His chest bears the word Kill. Could it be... that he's the one responsible for the gruesome attack on General Hungry Tiger? The Martial Arts Temple is already contacting the police and medical services. Spectators, please remain calm and avoid a stampede!"
The host and referee, sweating profusely, continued his commentary with unwavering professionalism, despite the terrifying situation.
Tao Pai Pai appeared utterly indifferent to the commentary. On the contrary, he seemed to relish the chaos, the panic, and the fear surrounding him, as if savoring the sweetest nectar.
"Tao Pai Pai, if you have business, come at me," Yamiru said coldly, his eyes locked solely on the man before him since his appearance. "This time, whoever runs is the coward."
"Your anger only proves that killing him was my way of 'coming at you,' wasn't it?" Tao Pai Pai's bloodthirsty smile deepened, his voice cold. "It's been a few years, and your tone has grown bold. 'Whoever runs is the coward?' Do you really think I, Tao Pai Pai, would ever have a reason to run from the likes of you? Ridiculous!"
Yamiru knew he needed to stay calm, but the seething hatred and rage in his heart refused to be suppressed any longer. Was it trauma? Perhaps. Was his training insufficient? Likely. Was it his inner darkness? So be it. Right now, Yamiru had only one thought: kill the beast standing before him.
At that moment, the pug-man from earlier approached the referee, whispered something, and quickly left.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just received some crucial information..." The blonde referee wiped the sweat from his brow. Even though announcing the news might cause further panic, he chose to inform the audience. "The man who suddenly jumped onto the stage and is now confronting Yamiru is highly likely to be none other than the infamous assassin Tao Pai Pai!"
The announcement sent the crowd into an uproar!
"An assassin?!"
"This is insane! I'm going home…"
"Oh, heavens!"
The packed audience became a chaotic mess as people pushed and shoved to get away.
Behind the "Martial" archway, Goku and Fourteenth, who had come to watch the match, were equally shocked by the sudden turn of events.
"Tao Pai Pai…" Fourteenth muttered, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Tien Shinhan leaned casually against the back of the archway and said slowly, "He's as good as dead. Against Tao Pai Pai, he doesn't stand a chance."
"That's right," Chiaotzu added, staring straight ahead at Goku. "Tao Pai Pai said he won't let him escape this time. He's determined to kill him."
"What?" Fourteenth exclaimed. "Yamiru has escaped from Tao Pai Pai before? Could it have been during the time we were separated?"
"We can see that Yamiru and the assassin Tao Pai Pai seem to know each other and are exchanging words, but unfortunately, we can't hear what they're saying!"
The referee's voice echoed across the arena through the large sound system. Many spectators, emboldened by the sight of Tao Pai Pai apparently just confronting Yamiru rather than attacking indiscriminately, began to return to their seats, intrigued by the unfolding drama.
"We don't know what they're discussing, but it's clear that Yamiru doesn't look happy. He seems to be holding back his anger! And who wouldn't be? After all, Tao Pai Pai just killed his opponent — a completely innocent man — in cold blood, right before his eyes! It seems Yamiru has a strong sense of justice!"
The referee, while narrating the scene, subtly exaggerated the emotions without distorting the facts, making no secret of his disdain for Tao Pai Pai's reputation and actions.
The audience, influenced by his tone, began pointing fingers at Tao Pai Pai.
"Arrogant fool!"
Tao Pai Pai was visibly displeased. While he enjoyed instilling fear, he despised being ridiculed and insulted by these ants. Turning toward the crowd, he raised his hand, intending to unleash a fierce gust of wind to teach them a harsh lesson.
"Silence!"
However, just as he lifted his hand, Yamiru left an afterimage in place, lunging forward with a flying knee strike.
"What?!"
Tao Pai Pai hadn't expected Yamiru to have the courage to strike first. Momentarily stunned, he could only hastily raise an arm to block.
Bang! The two clashed.
What caught Tao Pai Pai even more off guard was the sheer force behind Yamiru's knee strike. It was heavy — an attack fueled by pure rage.
Tao Pai Pai's face darkened, and he sneered, "You miserable brat! You should've been dead long ago. Looks like you have a death wish!"
With that, he charged at Yamiru.
"I told you, come at me!" Yamiru's expression mirrored Tao Pai Pai's ferocity. His Golden Veil tracked Tao Pai Pai's every move. Boom! Blocking the attack head-on, Yamiru's feet skidded across the stage, leaving a long trail. Raising his head, his golden, determined eyes glinted.
"And I told you… whoever runs is the coward!"
With a roar, he engaged Tao Pai Pai in a rapid exchange of blows.
Their movements were so fast that they became a blur to the ordinary eye. The crowd couldn't keep up with the action, only hearing the relentless barrage of heavy impacts echoing across the arena.
Tien Shinhan, stunned, released the tension in his fists and leaned to peer through a gap in the "Martial" archway, watching the fight unfold. He could vaguely sense that Yamiru had grown stronger than before, but he hadn't expected him to be strong enough to hold his own against Tao Pai Pai.
"Damn it…" Goku clenched his fists tightly, gritting his teeth. His tail and hair bristled with emotion as veins bulged on his forehead. Yet, he restrained himself, resisting the urge to leap onto the stage.
Next to him, Fourteenth urged, "This isn't good! Yamiru seems to be at a disadvantage. We need to help him!"
But Goku didn't move.
"No! Yamiru wants to handle this on his own." Exhaling sharply through his nose, Goku's eyes stayed glued to the stage. It was clear that Yamiru was slightly weaker than Tao Pai Pai. "That's what he's thinking. If we help him now, he'll carry that shame for the rest of his life."
The young Saiyan, with his simple yet sharp insight, whispered, his forehead dripping with sweat from the intensity of his emotions.
"… …" Beside him, Tien Shinhan seemed to hear Goku's reasoning. His fists clenched tightly again. Meanwhile, Chiaotzu, indifferent to the situation, remained uninterested, having no personal connection to Yamiru.
"Damn it! How could this happen…" Master Roshi, seated near the front row of the audience, removed his formal hat. "I'll step in and give Yamiru a hand."
"Please do!" Dr. Omori, sweating profusely, agreed. The situation was indeed terrifying. Facing the so-called world's deadliest assassin was no trivial matter. Surely, Gohan's master would be strong enough to help.
"That fool! He's taking attacks head-on that he could easily dodge!" Roshi sighed, unbuttoning his jacket. "He's lost his cool against someone like Tao Pai Pai…"
"That's not it…" The Tights sisters exchanged glances, particularly Tights, who knew better than anyone else about the torment Yamiru had endured under Master Shen and Tao Pai Pai.
"He has a reason to face Tao Pai Pai without retreating," Tights murmured, gazing at the stage. "If he dies this time, I'll gather the Dragon Balls next year to bring him back."
Bulma glanced at her sister. The last time Tights had shown such a resolute, unshakable determination was when she decided to abandon her life as a sheltered heiress to pursue her dream of becoming a light novelist.
Master Roshi was taken aback by Tights's words, but before he could respond—
"Hold it! You perverted old turtle!" Master Shen shoved his way through, sneering as he blocked Roshi. "Did I say you could go?"