Training quickly settled into a routine.
Running, carrying bricks, delivering milk, plowing fields, swimming, dodging hornets — training was busy, but never boring.
In the afternoon, Roshi brought them to a tree where he'd set up three hammocks while they were training.
"Starting now, it's nap time." He said, "Everyone lie down and get some good sleep."
The two of them lay down.
Roshi continued, "Work hard, study hard, play hard, eat and drink well, rest well — this is the Turtle School philosophy."
Krillin asked, "Master, is resting well so we can train better in the afternoon?"
"You can think of it that way." Roshi said, "Turtle School training must strike a proper balance. We can't sacrifice everything for training, or life would have no joy. Look at your master — I'm over three hundred years old and still full of vigor."
Krillin nodded and flattered him, "Worthy of Master Roshi indeed. Living long is profit itself — you've been collecting social security for over two hundred years. No one can compare."
At that moment, Launch in her blonde state passed by. Krillin and Roshi both tensed when they saw the blonde hair.
Unexpectedly, she grabbed a bottle of soda, walked straight to Goku, and handed it to him.
"Training must be hot, right? This is for you!"
Goku accepted the soda in surprise, "Thanks!"
Launch said coolly, "I won't disturb you anymore. Drink up and rest quickly!"
With that, she turned and left.
Krillin was stunned, feeling like he'd just been force-fed PDA. He secretly glanced at Launch's retreating figure and couldn't help but whisper to Roshi, "Master, did you notice? That's blonde Launch, and she actually brought Goku soda. Could it be she likes him?"
Launch, who was leaving, heard Krillin's whispered words. Her ears instantly turned red.
Then she suddenly pulled out a machine gun and pointed it at him, "Krillin, you shut your mouth!"
Several bullets hit the tree trunk, scaring Krillin into a cold sweat.
Fortunately, Launch left after just a warning.
Krillin and Roshi both looked at Goku with strange eyes, saying nothing.
Goku immediately explained, "Why are you looking at me? I saved her and brought her back. Isn't it normal for her to thank me with a bottle of soda?"
"Though that makes sense, I'm not stupid either…" Roshi stroked his chin, seeming to have a sudden realization, "Goku, I'm teaching you all my martial arts, so could you teach me how to pick up girls?"
Krillin quickly raised his hand, "I want to learn too!"
Goku took a sip of soda, "Well, it mainly depends on your face…"
Roshi and Krillin instantly flushed.
Krillin said angrily, "Damn it, what are you bragging about?"
✩✩✩✩✩
Roshi trained with them for the first few days. Later, he just watched. Eventually, they trained on their own.
One day, Gohan came to Kame House.
He had returned to Mount Paozu to visit Goku but found he wasn't there. So he came to Kame House to check on his master. By coincidence, he saw Goku training hard. With Goku under the teacher's care, he felt at ease.
Because of Goku's tail, he gave Roshi some specific instructions, then left to tend to his work.
Training was hard and rigorous, but rest time was ample. Overall, it wasn't too exhausting.
Goku and Bulma had made a verbal agreement a few days ago — she was his future girlfriend. He felt he couldn't neglect her completely. So on his days off, he would fly to West City to see her.
When an ordinary person suddenly gains power, they tend to get cocky. Thanks to the Dragon Ball, Bulma had gained a bit of strength. When she got angry, she was no longer limited to screaming at the top of her lungs. In addition to her verbal ability, her physical ability had become much stronger.
Good news: Bulma was no longer boy-crazy.
Bad news: Bulma had become the school's top bully.
✩✩✩✩✩
In the blink of an eye, eight months had passed!
〔 The 'Good Brother' Candy has expired! 〕
〔 Thanks to the shared candy, Krillin's training has improved significantly, enhancing his combat abilities. 〕
〔 Result: Battle Power +76! Total BP: 244 〕
Under normal circumstances, Krillin's training would have increased his battle power by about 50. With the candy's help, he gained an extra 50%.
Goku instantly felt his whole body filled with strength. He'd gotten stronger again. Although it couldn't compare to a fraction of late-game power, at this point in time, his strength had already surpassed Master Roshi's and was about equal to the original King Piccolo — he could completely dominate the beginner's village.
The World Martial Arts Tournament was about to begin. Training was coming to an end. Roshi checked their results and thought they were quite good.
That evening, Launch prepared a large table full of dishes and "accidentally" made twenty servings of barbecue. All three of them, including Goku, ate their fill.
The next day, they were called up early.
Roshi said, "Alright, the day has finally come. Next, we're heading to the Southern Capital to participate in the World Martial Arts Tournament! Are you all ready?"
"Ready!" x2
"Then let's go!"
At that moment, Launch came rushing out, "Goku, Krillin! Wait a moment."
All three turned their heads.
Roshi said, "Launch, sorry to trouble you with watching the house."
Launch nodded, "Yes, everyone do your best! Oh, wait a moment!"
She ran into the house and came out a moment later with two sets of clothes, which she handed to Goku.
"What's this?" Krillin asked in confusion.
Launch smiled, "I saw that your training clothes were worn and tattered, so I made you new outfits. Try them on — I measured them using Goku's old clothes when I was washing them, so they should fit perfectly!"
Krillin said joyfully, "Wow, that's great! Thanks, Launch! You're good to Goku. I never expected I'd get to share in the benefits…"
Launch's ears immediately turned red.
With a swish, she snatched away the martial arts uniform meant for Krillin.
"I suddenly remembered — you're five centimeters shorter than Goku. This outfit is too big for you. I think both of these should go to him. One for competing, and the other to wear after the match if the first one gets damaged."
Launch took back one set of clothes. Krillin instantly suffered 10,000 points of critical damage, mouth agape and at a loss.
Goku took the other outfit from her hands, "Krillin, Launch is just teasing you. Look, there's no hole left in the back for a tail."
Krillin blinked. As he accepted the clothes, he laughed foolishly, "Hehehe, I knew Launch wouldn't be so biased."
Hearing about the tail hole, Roshi paused.
He thought to himself: Oh no, Gohan said he turns into a giant ape on full moon nights. I forgot about that…
He glanced at the sky.
Forget it. Cutting off his tail would affect his balance — he'd be uncomfortable for a few days, which would affect the competition. Anyway, the tournament is held during the day. There shouldn't be any accidents.
And so, they soon boarded the plane.
✩✩✩✩✩
At the World Martial Arts Tournament venue.
The person in charge of registration froze when he saw Goku and Krillin wanting to sign up.
"Huh? You're not joking, right? These two kids are entering the World Martial Arts Tournament?"
Roshi nodded, "That's right, hurry up!"
Krillin and Goku stepped forward and gave their names to the registration desk. After he filled in the forms, the three of them left.
Roshi walked to the entrance of the tournament backstage area, "I can only accompany you this far, but you must work hard!"
Both of them nodded.
"Don't worry, Master Roshi. We'll do our best!"
System information flashed through Goku's mind.
〔 In your previous life, Krillin was your best brother. Unfortunately, as an Earthling, his talent was limited. He couldn't keep up with cosmic-level power and was forced to retire from martial arts. The gap between your strength and his grew larger and larger. Compared to other Earthlings, he was ridiculously strong, yet he ultimately ended up a workhorse, his life far from prosperous…
Your life has been restarted. While your good brother may not keep up with the era of the greater universe, as the strongest Earthling, he shouldn't remain unknown if he wants fame. You've decided to help Krillin become the globally recognized strongest Earthling from a young age, gathering wealth and fame, enjoying a lifetime of glory and riches. 〕
〔 Mission: Help Krillin win the championship of the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament! 〕
〔 Reward: Comprehension +50 〕
Goku looked at Krillin's bald head in astonishment. You little guy, you've triggered another mission. Being my brother in this life is way too much of a bargain for you. After all, you're my good brother — there's nothing wrong with treating you well.
But let's agree in advance: I'm giving you this fame and fortune, but Android 18 in the future is mine!
It's a deal.
✩✩✩✩✩
Soon, Goku and Krillin entered the tournament arena.
The preliminary competition began.
Seeing the martial artists around him, Goku's mindset gradually became cocky. His current strength was on par with King Piccolo. Toward these completely ordinary martial artists, he developed a hint of contempt.
But for some reason, even though he was already the strongest, he could vaguely sense something ominous.
Goku's mind was still fairly clear. He realized that Master Roshi was disguising himself as Jackie Chun to win the championship — probably to prevent him and Krillin from getting swollen heads!
But Saiyans are used to showboating when they have the advantage. Even ordinary people can't resist showing off at the fountain when they've built up a big lead.
Goku quickly reined in his contemptuous attitude. His mindset couldn't become inflated. Otherwise, who knows — one day he might end up getting stomped just like Vegeta.
He had a vague insight that he seemed to be missing something crucial. However, when he tried to think seriously about it, the feeling dissipated into nothingness. He could only give up trying to figure out what key element he'd overlooked.
Participating in the World Martial Arts Tournament for the first time, Krillin was still very nervous.
Goku patted him on the shoulder, "Krillin, if your opponent isn't strong, remember to hold back. Don't kill anyone."
Krillin blinked, "Goku, what are you talking about? Those people are all so much bigger than us. I'm a bit worried they might kill me instead!"
Goku said, "Don't underestimate yourself. After Master Roshi's training, we've become much stronger. We just haven't realized it yet."
Krillin thought about it and came to his senses, "You're right. After all, Master Roshi is known as the God of Martial Arts."
However, just as he regained his confidence, two tall bald monks walked over.
"Hehehe, it really is you, Krillin! Since you left Orin Temple, we haven't seen each other in so long!"
When Krillin saw the two bald heads greeting him, his face instantly turned ashen. He'd been bullied by them since childhood and was terrified of the pair. The confidence he'd just built up collapsed again.
"S-senior brothers…"
The chubbier monk asked with a smile, "By the way, what are you doing here?"
The taller, thinner monk was even more arrogant, rubbing Krillin's bald head and laughing, "You're not planning to enter the World Martial Arts Tournament, are you?"
Krillin lowered his head and said weakly, "Yeah, that's right. I'm here to enter the tournament…"
The tall monk laughed, "What a joke! Didn't I tell you that you had absolutely no hope?"
Krillin's posture was so submissive that he didn't dare talk back at all.
The chubby monk asked, "By the way, Krillin, what's your number?"
Krillin didn't even dare to lift his head. He said quietly, "Number 93!"
The tall monk suddenly froze, then burst out laughing, "Hahahaha, how interesting — you're my opponent. I'm really looking forward to this…"
With that, the two monks turned and walked away smugly.
Goku said, "Those are your senior brothers? Their attitude is really terrible!"
Krillin's expression had clearly become much more dejected. He said quietly, "At Orin Temple, they bullied me all the time. N-no, I can't do this. That senior brother is ridiculously strong. I should just withdraw from the competition!"
Goku immediately said, "What are you talking about? You and I are Master Roshi's disciples — we can't embarrass him! Trust me, the current you could take care of them with one finger!"
Krillin was startled, "You're serious?"
Goku nodded, "Of course. Just go try it and you'll see!"
At that moment, the referee announced, "Will contestants number 93 and 94 please come to the stage."
Krillin jumped. He said, somewhat panicked, "It's my turn!"
Goku said, "Go on, Krillin. Show them what you've got. They're nowhere near your level. You'll definitely make it to the finals — you might even win the championship!"
Krillin didn't dare to even imagine it, but since the referee was calling, he could only steel himself and go on stage.
On the other side of the ring, the tall, thin senior brother also stepped onto the stage with an arrogant expression, "Krillin, we haven't seen each other in so long. I'm going to take real good care of you!"
Krillin swallowed and took a fighting stance that seemed full of openings.
The referee shouted, "Begin!"
The Orin Temple monk suddenly threw a punch at Krillin.
However, in Krillin's eyes, the punch seemed like it was in slow motion, continuously slowing down as it gradually approached him. He couldn't help but be surprised.
Such a weak punch — have I really become this strong?
In an instant, he stomped hard on the ground and flipped into the air, dodging the punch. The next moment, he launched himself forward and kicked the tall, thin monk squarely in the back.
With a dull bang!, the tall, thin monk shot backward like a cannonball. He crashed heavily into the tournament's stone wall, his entire body embedded deeply in it. Debris flew and dust billowed.
For a moment, everyone in the arena was stunned.
Then the monk embedded in the wall fell down. Staff members rushed over and quickly checked his breathing.
"Someone come quick! He's still breathing — get him to the hospital right away!"
The referee snapped back to reality and immediately announced, "Contestant number 94 is unconscious. Contestant number 93 wins!"
✩✩✩✩✩
T/N: Comment, give me Power Stones, like and favorite, it all supports me and makes me go foward with this. Appreciate my other stories as well, I guarantee the good work!
If you want more chapters of this novel or enjoy a large catalog of good novels with excellent translations: MrBlackWing (you know where to search)
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)