Chapter 24: Final Showdown — Goku vs. Aera!
The sun blazed overhead, casting a golden glow on the tournament arena. The crowd buzzed with excitement as the announcer adjusted his shades and stepped up to the mic.
"Ladies and gentlemen! It's time for the FINAL MATCH of the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament! Two young warriors, both undefeated, both beloved by the crowd—Goku and Aera!"
The stands erupted in cheers.
Aera stood at one end of the ring, her signature cheerful smile beaming as she adjusted her gloves. Her long black hair, styled in a vibrant, spiky mane, blew gently in the wind. She radiated pure excitement.
Goku stood opposite her, grinning just as wide.
"You ready, Aera?"
She nodded enthusiastically. "Let's have fun, Goku!"
The announcer raised his hand. "BEGIN!"
BOOM!
They vanished in a blur, clashing in mid-air with enough force to create shockwaves. The crowd gasped as flashes of light and explosions rippled across the ring.
Aera ducked a spinning kick, grabbed Goku's ankle, and swung him into the ground. He flipped up instantly and countered with a ki blast. Aera deflected it and giggled.
"You're faster than before!" she cheered.
Goku wiped a scuff from his cheek. "You too!"
Their sparring turned fierce. Fist met fist, kick met kick. Goku's Kamehameha clashed with Aera's golden beam, the resulting explosion shaking the mountains.
High above, Kami and Mr. Popo watched with wonder.
"She is... something else," Kami murmured.
"Such power," Mr. Popo said. "And yet, such purity."
Back in the ring, Aera landed beside Goku, panting slightly.
"You're amazing," she said.
Goku laughed. "You make this so much fun."
They dashed in for one final strike. Their fists met in the center of the ring with a shockwave that flattened the nearby mountains. The arena cracked, and both fighters were thrown back.
The dust settled. Goku stood, slightly wobbling. Aera tried to get up… but flopped back down with a sheepish giggle.
"I think I'll nap now."
Goku walked over and offered a hand.
"Thanks, Aera. That was the best fight I've ever had."
She smiled up at him as he helped her stand.
The announcer's voice cracked with emotion. "After a battle unlike anything we've ever seen… the winner is GOKU!"
The crowd went wild.
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Later That Evening
The sun had set, and the finalists stood near the tournament grounds. The celebration had begun, and food stalls buzzed with happy people.
Goku stood with Aera, happily stuffing his face with buns.
Chi-Chi pushed her way through the crowd, cheeks red, hands clenched at her sides. She stopped in front of Goku and took a deep breath.
"Goku!"
He blinked, still chewing. "Mmm?"
"You said you'd marry me if I won that fight years ago!"
Goku tilted his head. "Huh? Oh yeah… I guess I did. I thought that meant we'd get to eat together forever or something."
Chi-Chi's face turned redder. "It means we'd be husband and wife!"
Goku scratched his head. "That sounds... fun." He looked at Aera. "What do you think?"
Aera blinked. "Getting married means you can eat together forever?"
Chi-Chi blinked. "Uh… sure?"
Aera gasped. "That sounds amazing! Can I marry food?"
Chi-Chi and Goku both laughed.
"Well…" Goku shrugged. "I don't mind. Let's do it."
Chi-Chi beamed so brightly the entire area lit up. She jumped into Goku's arms and spun.
Aera clapped. "Yay! Congratulations! When's the feast?!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
The night carried on with celebration, and even though Aera didn't understand all the fuss about marriage, she was just happy her friends were happy. And more importantly, she got more food.
As the moon rose, Goku and Aera stood side by side, looking at the stars.
"Next time," Goku said, "I'll beat you faster."
Aera smiled. "Next time, I'll try not to nap."
They laughed.
---
End of Chapter 24