The echo of Bulma's furious scream hung in the air like a thunderclap. For a moment, the entire stadium froze — unsure whether to laugh, cry, or join her in yelling.
And then, finally — like a dam breaking — the audience erupted into wild, thunderous applause. Cheers, whistles, and claps roared through the stands as thousands of people stood up to salute the two battered warriors.
In the middle of the ruined tournament ring, Goku and Mori lay sprawled out, unmoving except for the faint rise and fall of their chests. Their fight was over, but the respect they had earned today would live in the hearts of everyone who witnessed it.
Officials and medics rushed onto the field. Two stretchers were quickly brought out.
Bulma, fuming like a volcano ready to erupt, shoved her way through the crowd at the edge of the arena. She nearly tripped over a short official trying to stop her but didn't even spare him a glance.
"MORI!!" she shouted, sprinting down to the battlefield.
On the other side, Krillin, Launch, and Master Roshi rushed to Goku's side. Krillin's mouth hung open in awe.
"Man... Goku's crazy..." he muttered, watching the Saiyan boy be gently placed on a stretcher, battered but grinning even in unconsciousness.
Master Roshi chuckled under his breath, shaking his head.
"He's beyond crazy, Krillin. Both of them are. They've touched a level most martial artists can only dream of."
As Bulma skidded to a stop next to Mori's stretcher, her breath hitched. Seeing Mori up close — torn clothes, bloodied knuckles, bruises forming all over his arms and face — made her heart lurch.
For a terrifying moment, she thought he might actually be...
But then —
"Nggh..."
Mori let out a soft, annoyed grunt, his hand twitching slightly. Bulma sagged in relief, knees buckling as she nearly collapsed.
"You stupid, stupid boy..." she whispered, tears welling up at the corners of her eyes. "You're lucky you're so strong, you absolute idiot..."
The medics gave her a wary glance but, seeing her expression, wisely chose not to intervene. They carefully lifted Mori onto the stretcher and began carrying him off the field alongside Goku.
Meanwhile, the tournament announcer regained his voice and adjusted his sunglasses, practically shouting over the roaring crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen — for the first time in tournament history, we have a DOUBLE CHAMPION outcome! Son Goku and Mori are declared co-winners! Both will receive the champion's trophy — and the prize money will be split between them!"
The crowd only got louder.
Cameras flashed, reporters shoved microphones forward, trying to get close-up shots of the two unconscious boys being carried away like fallen gladiators.
Later — inside the tournament medical wing.
The smell of antiseptic filled the clean white room. Mori and Goku lay in beds placed next to each other, hooked up to basic IVs. Bandages wrapped their arms, chests, and heads.
Around them stood their friends — Bulma, Krillin, Launch, Puar, Yamcha, Roshi, and even a silent, brooding Tien off to the side.
For a long while, nobody spoke. The beeping of machines was the only sound.
Then —
"Snrk."
A snort. A chuckle.
Mori, eyes fluttering open, broke into a lazy grin. "Ugh... did I win?"
At the same time, Goku's eyes cracked open, and he grinned back.
"Of course not! I won!"
Bulma immediately marched up to Mori's bed and slammed her hands down on the mattress.
"You idiot!" she yelled, tears streaming freely now. "Do you have any idea what you put me through?! You could have died! You — you didn't even listen to me about being careful!!"
Mori blinked up at her, confused.
"But... I'm fine?"
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!" Bulma screeched.
The others wisely took several steps back, giving Bulma room to unleash her fury.
"You train like a maniac for THREE YEARS," she ranted, pacing furiously. "You run into fights like you're invincible, you come up with crazy new Ki moves — you even let your EYES change colors like some kind of horror movie character! And now you tie??"
Mori just stared at her, looking more bewildered by the second.
"Bulma..." he said softly, "I'm okay... really."
She clenched her fists and turned away, shoulders shaking.
"...You better be," she whispered.
Krillin leaned toward Goku's bed.
"Dude... do you even remember the last few minutes of the fight?"
Goku laughed weakly.
"Not really... I remember trying to punch Mori one more time and then... bam, I was eating dirt."
Mori laughed too, a low, tired chuckle that made everyone around them relax.
Launch crossed her arms, grinning.
"Well, you boys sure put on a show. Thought you were gonna break the whole arena in half!"
Puar floated in the air near Goku's bed.
"You were both amazing!"
Even Yamcha, with a bruised ego, gave a small, respectful nod.
"Yeah. You two are something else."
Master Roshi, standing quietly near the window, finally spoke up.
"You know," he said, stroking his beard, "it's not just about strength or flashy moves. You two fought with your whole hearts. You pushed past your limits. That's the true spirit of martial arts."
Both boys turned their tired heads toward the old master, listening.
"But," Roshi continued, voice serious, "don't lose sight of why you fight. It's easy to chase power for the sake of power... but real strength comes from something deeper. Protecting. Growing. Inspiring."
Mori nodded slowly. Goku grinned wide, like he understood completely.
Across the room, Tien sat alone, hands clasped tightly. Roshi's earlier words still echoed in his mind.
Find purpose in YOUR martial arts.
He wasn't sure what that meant yet... but he would figure it out.
Hours Later — near sunset.
The tournament was over. People were packing up and leaving. The arena grounds looked almost peaceful now, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun.
Mori and Goku sat side by side on a stone wall overlooking the field, fresh bandages wrapped around their arms and faces.
Neither said anything for a while. They just watched the sun dip lower and lower, feeling the cool breeze on their faces.
Finally, Mori broke the silence.
"...You think we'll ever have a fight that crazy again?"
Goku grinned.
"Definitely."
Mori chuckled.
"I'm gonna beat you next time. No tie."
"You can try!" Goku laughed, nudging Mori with his elbow.
They sat there, two warriors — rivals, friends — basking in the quiet pride of their hard-earned battle.
Above them, the first stars of the evening began to appear.
"Great times"