Krillin shook out his slightly numb arms.
Yet the corners of his mouth lifted into a grin.
"Not bad. You really are a semifinal-level fighter—my arms are tingling!
But that's what makes it fun!"
Namu, serious as ever, replied, "Kid… you're strong.
But I have to win. My villagers are still waiting for me to bring the prize money back."
Krillin raised his stance again, eyes sharp.
"Don't underestimate me… I haven't even gone all out yet!!"
He surged toward Namu again.
They traded blows head-on for several exchanges, and Namu steadily forced Krillin toward the corner.
Then—Namu leapt high into the air.
He shouted, "Namu Amitabha Buddha—Sky Cross Palm!!"
Hands crossed, he dove down with his finishing move.
It was a technique that relied on gravity—
the higher he jumped, the more terrifying the power behind the descent.
Seeing that unbelievable speed, Krillin's heart jolted.
Behind him was the edge of the ring.
No room to retreat.
A stubborn spark flashed in Krillin's eyes.
"I can't lose to you… I still have to face Goku in the final.
It's time to show my real strength!"
He roared, "Iron Head!!"
In the next instant, instead of backing away, Krillin charged forward.
He stomped the ground and spun at high speed, launching himself straight at Namu.
Iron Head vs Sky Cross Palm.
Their strongest attacks collided in a brutal, absolute clash.
BOOM!
This time, Namu was the one who fell short.
Krillin broke through the cross strike, sending Namu flying.
Krillin landed firmly on the ring—
And when Namu hit the ground, he realized he'd landed outside the arena.
The stands exploded with applause.
The referee shouted, "Victory!"
"Incredible! Krillin wins!"
"Namu has regrettably fallen out of bounds—what a spectacular match!"
"Krillin advances to the finals!"
Seeing Krillin smash through such a powerful diving attack, Jackie Chun's forehead broke into a light sweat.
This kid… he's terrifyingly strong.
Am I actually going to lose to him…?
Krillin flashed a V-sign toward Goku, laughing wildly.
"Goku! I won! Hahahaha!"
Goku was genuinely happy for him and jumped onto the ring to celebrate.
"Congrats, Krillin!"
They cheered for a moment, then Krillin grinned.
"Goku, you're up next.
Win too—we'll decide who's number one!"
Goku nodded. "Yeah. I will."
Namu stood up, worry heavy in his eyes.
But as a true martial artist, he still smiled and shook Krillin's hand.
"Kid… I lost fair and square. Congratulations. I hope you take the championship."
Krillin nodded politely. "Thanks."
After the handshake, Namu returned backstage to pack his things.
Yet his heart was full of dread.
How was he supposed to face his village empty-handed?
Just then, Jackie Chun—really Master Roshi—approached him.
"Leaving already? Not staying to watch the rest?"
Namu blinked in surprise. "Ah—Mr. Jackie Chun…
I should go. I can't afford to waste time here."
Jackie Chun pulled out a capsule and handed it over.
"Take this back with you, Namu."
Namu froze.
"Is that… a Capsule Corp capsule?"
Jackie Chun nodded. "Yes. It's empty right now.
But you can fill it with water and bring it back to your village easily."
Namu was stunned.
"How…? I never told anyone.
How did you know I needed water?"
Jackie Chun glanced around. Everyone was focused on the ring.
So he quietly dropped his disguise.
"I'm Master Roshi. I can tell things like that."
Namu's eyes went wide.
"W-What?! You're Master Roshi?!"
Roshi slapped a hand over his mouth immediately.
"Quiet! You'll blow my cover!"
Namu calmed down, then asked softly, curiosity rising.
"Why would a master like you disguise yourself and enter the tournament?"
Roshi explained, "You know Krillin and Goku are my disciples.
But their growth… exceeded even my expectations.
They're still kids.
If they take the championship too early, they might start thinking they're unbeatable.
So I entered like this…
to teach them that there's always someone stronger."
Namu nodded, full of respect.
"As expected of a true grandmaster…
Meeting you is an honor."
Then he looked at the capsule in his hand and hesitated.
"But… even if you give me this, I still don't have money to buy water."
Roshi chuckled.
"That's what you're overthinking.
This isn't a drought region—
most water sources here are free to use.
If you say you have to pay for water, people will laugh at you."
Namu's face tightened in shock.
"Water… is free?"
Roshi led him to the back courtyard of the arena, where a well stood.
"You can draw water here.
If you need to make multiple trips, coming back here may be inconvenient.
A stream works too—though it's a bit harder to reach."
Roshi thought, This guy can't even afford water… he probably walked all the way here.
Then his eyes lit up.
"Wait—I just remembered something useful!"
He looked up and shouted, "Nimbus!"
A golden cloud descended in an instant.
Roshi turned to Namu.
"Only someone with a pure heart can ride the Flying Nimbus.
If you can get on it… transporting water will become much easier."
At that moment, the referee's voice echoed from the arena:
"Son Goku versus Jackie Chun—please come to the ring!"
Roshi's face stiffened.
"Damn, it's my match.
Quick—try stepping on it. Now!"
Namu didn't want to waste his time.
Even though he feared falling through, he jumped—
And Nimbus caught him perfectly.
Seeing that, Roshi finally exhaled.
So the Nimbus wasn't broken…
It's just me… and my two disciples…
He sighed inwardly.
I'm worried. I really hope those two don't end up walking a crooked path…
Namu stared, overjoyed, as he sat steadily atop the cloud.
"Master Roshi! I can ride it! What do I do next?"
Roshi replied, "Nimbus understands speech. Tell it what you need—use it to transport water.
Sorry, I have to fight. We'll talk later!"
With that, Roshi hurried back toward the arena.
Watching his back disappear, Namu jumped down, bowed deeply, and vowed:
"Thank you, Master Roshi.
Once my village's water problem is solved, I will return the Flying Nimbus to you!"
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