Dream Match! 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai: Part One

A bustling and busy town. Filled to the brim with those who’ve traveled all over the world to watch the best of the best duke it out in one on one combat. And folks they’re sure going to get their money’s worth tonight! Especially with the likes of former champions such as King Chappa, Tien Shinhan, and former runner up Son Goku, all in attendance… and competitors like Krillin, Yamcha, and the mysterious Junior are no slouches either.

Amidst the crowd is a confused wandering world warrior. Oblivious that this island held such a prestigious Martial Arts tournament such as the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai! His name is Ryu, and only Ryu for he has no surname. And he just HAS to see what all the hubbub is about!

“I’d like to enter this competition.” Ryu asked the attendee respectfully.

The admissions attendee looked Ryu up and down. He had an eye for these sorts of things. And to him there was no question. Ryu was a true Martial Artist. No doubt about it! He’s sure to do far better than that button up salaryman named Hero who came through here… he thought.

“Alright sir! The preliminary matches will be right through there!” The attendee adorning monastery monkly attire looked in all directions before leaning and tapping Ryu’s shoulder with his elbow. “I got my money on you big guy! Knock’em dead!”

Ryu seemed puzzled by this. “I’m sorry, but… I do not wish to kill my opponents…” He said in a plain faced manner before heading inside. Leaving the attendee equally confused.

In the background of this admission was the wonderful reunion taking place between the likes of Son Goku and his friends. Bulma, Roshi and the others shocked at Son’s extreme growth! Both in literal stature, and fighting potential.

“Now we just have to wait for Yamcha and the others to show up! But I hope they hurry up or they’re going to be late…”

“Don’t worry Bulma. They’re not going to miss this.” Goku confidently proclaimed.

Master Roshi expressed his concern as well. Seeming to recollect that he had no chance to remind his other pupils of the tournament’s date and time. But then, at the brink of the admissions cut-off, a quick blur looking suspiciously like their friends swept through and signed up. Leaving a gust of wind by the admissions counter! It was Yamcha, Tien, Krillin, and Chiaotzu! Managing to arrive at the last second for the tournament!

It was time for the Preliminary bouts to begin as one of the first fights in Ryu’s bracket was against former champion King Chappa! In another universe/place in time this would be Goku’s fight; after some wizardry pulled by Chiaotzu ensured he and his friends would each compete in a different bracket. But Ryu’s inclusion here, among others would change the order of things just a little. With Goku now facing a mysterious warrior by the name of Dhalsim in the fifth round.

But Goku was always one to live in the moment. And right now his momentary focus was on Ryu. A gleam of excitement in his eye. There’s something about him… Goku wondered. His Ki is powerful. Yet I’ve never seen a fighter so still and calm before a match. This is exciting! I can’t wait to fight him! Goku daydreamed about this potential dream match. Momentarily forgetting of Piccolo Junior’s presence at this event. And his lust for vengeance against Son Goku. A match of Goku was more excited for. But still, there was something about this Ryu character…

“Round one… begin!” The announcer yelled as both Ryu and King Chappa would show each other the respect they deserved by bowing with grace before throwing down.

“I apologize that you had to face me, a former champion in the first round! But you see I must win at all costs if I am to have my rematch with Son Goku… so sorry about this!” Chappa confidently proclaimed.

“May we please let our fists do the talking?” Ryu said. “The outcome isn’t decided until we do.” Ryu spoke smoothly. Rattling Chappa’s ego a smidge.

King Chappa postured. “Considering I have fought the one known as Tambourine and survived. I’d say my confidence is justified!” Chappa proclaimed! Awaiting Ryu’s shocked expression that never came to be.

Instead Ryu lower his fighting stance for a moment in bewilderment. “I don’t get it… I’ve survived many the sound of a percussion instrument in the past. Is this an accomplishment?” Ryu asked.

The whole crowd surrounding the ring fell on their heads in a cartoonish fashion upon hearing Ryu. Legs bent and facing the sky! Even Goku fell laughing though he was already aware of Tambourine. One of Demon King Piccolo’s minions he’d fought as a child.

“Wow! Talk about clueless!” Goku laughed. “Is this guy for real!?”

“I don’t think you’re one to talk Goku…” Krillin reminded him.

Honestly the similarities are kind of Uncanny… Krillin thought. Ahh! Luckily I won’t have to face either Goku or this Ryu guy in the first round of the finals… Krillin thanking his lucky stars on a dragon ball for that. Feeling as though Shenron must’ve heard his wishes.

Feeling frustrated King Chappa charged for an attack, and just as he was about to strike Ryu crouched and performed a leg sweep. It was fast too! Knocking Chappa to the ground and flat on his butt. As King Chappa jumped after Ryu, our world warrior grabbed him by his robe and threw Chappa over his shoulder and out of the ring. Retiring the former champion just like that. And as it was over. Ryu performed one more bow out of respect for the defeated champ.

The other soon to be Z Fighters all won their first rounds as well. Except Chiaotzu who was unfortunately beaten in the first round by Cyborg Tao. A face from their past. Tien vowed to win against the murderous mercenary in the finals! A bizarre, skinny and old salaryman by the name of Hero even managed a win against a disguised Yajirobe! His twig-like figure and goofy antics causing a roar of laughter throughout the crowd. But Yajirobe knew something was up with him… it was no fluke. Was he simply here for the Zeni? Or for some other reason?

Finally is was Goku’s turn for his first match against a humble villager by the name of Dhalsim… When he saw him Goku was floored! He couldn’t believe it!

“Is that Nam! It’s been so long… He looks different somehow.” Goku said excitedly. Krillin jumped up and punched Goku on the head for that. “Ow! What was that for!?”

“Just because that gentleman is a little tan, and dresses modestly doesn’t mean he’s Nam Goku! Geez, and you were giving that Ryu guy a hard time…” Krillin roared.

As Goku stepped into the ring he caught Ryu observing him out of the corner of his eye as Goku began to get pumped up! He must want to fight me too! Ooh I can’t wait! Goku imagined as he collected himself and cleared his mind. Until he noticed a young girl about his age standing right behind Ryu. She was smiling at him and ready to see his match. Who is that? She seems oddly familiar… Goku thought, not realizing that this girl was Chi-Chi.

As the round began Goku moved swiftly, like blur through the air until he was right behind Dhalsim. With a swift chop to the neck the man went down as Goku backed away. Piccolo observing his speed from a distance. It was all eyes on Goku after all. But before the ten count Dhalsim woke up! Stretching his arms he wrapped them around Goku tightly as his eyes widened in surprise to an absurd degree. Swinging with all his might, Dhalsim almost managed a ring out, but Goku still had control of the situation.

“Sorry friend, but not today!” Goku yelled as he gripped Dhalsim’s arms with what little freedom he had with his hands and began to spin Dhalsim through the air like a merry go round!

Worried about the potential of being thrown from the ring, Dhalsim began to retract his arms and let go of Goku. But one thing he wasn’t counting on was Goku grabbing him by the wrists. When in a shocking turn of events. His entire body as barreling straight for Son Goku’s elbow when *SMACK!* it was over. The ten count was called, and Goku was the winner!

Afterwards Goku gave him a helping hand. Thanking him for a great match! Dhalsim smiling back almost unwillingly due to Goku’s infectiously likeable nature.

“Of course. Next time I won’t make it so easy for you!” Dhalsim said as they both laughed.

A few more rounds finished and just like that it was the final match of the Preliminaries. Ryu Vs. Son Goku!

As the two entered the ring, Ryu prepared to bow but was taken aback when Goku approached him directly. As Goku neared him he held out his hand expecting a handshake. “I don’t normally do this before a match but… I can tell this will be a good fight!”

Ryu smiled and offered his hand in return. Shaking on it. “I feel the same. I can tell you’re like me. You enjoy the thrill of a good challenge!” He said as Goku chuckled.

“Hit the nail right on the head!” He said!

The two got in their proper stances as the referee declared a go. The two leapt forward with ferocious speeds and began wailing on each other. The strikes were so fast that only the Z fighters and Chi-Chi could keep up! Even Piccolo was surprised thinking I can’t believe there are so many fighters of this caliber in this mortal realm… conquering this world won’t be as easy as I thought…

The hits kept coming as Ryu could feel himself tiring before Goku. In a desperate effort he ducked and tried to perform a sweeping kick yet again. But Goku jumped! Saying “Sorry, but I’ve seen that move already!” Goku then kicked Ryu midair as Ryu went skidding across the ring. Goku landing on his feet standing tall, yet ready.

I know that one isn’t going to do this guy in! He thought excitedly. Getting in the traditional martial artists stance of Muten Roshi’s Turtle School!

And he was absolutely correct. Ryu was standing before the referee even reached the count of four! Determined he even got into his own martial arts stance, taught to him by his master Gouken. Ryu leapt over Goku as our Saiyan (Oops! Spoilers? Sort of!?) hero swung around to meet his flurry of attacks. With a combo of standing, crouching, light, heavy and medium attacks. Ryu went for the gold so to speak! Managing to even get in a couple of light jabs Goku wasn’t prepared to dodge.

It was then that Goku decided to beat Ryu at his own game. Knowing even if Ryu caught on, that his superior speed would be all the difference Goku needed. Goku waited for Ryu to throw a standing heavy, leaving him open for punishment! Goku swiftly crouched and performed a sweeping kick. Using Ryu’s very own elegantly executed style against him as Ryu was swept off his feet and hit the ground…

He's a genius! Ryu thought. In his first attempt he used my own leg sweep against me! And he did it better and faster than I ever could! I didn’t know fighters like this existed! Ryu thought in astonishment!

Without even thinking Ryu used the same tactic as King Chappa. An opponent he defeated! Getting up as fast as he could to face Goku, instead retreating temporarily to regain his footing. Big mistake. He was met with a smirk from Goku as he performed the same command grab Ryu had done against Chappa. Grabbing Ryu by the Gi, Goku flung him over his shoulder as he hit the ground hard! The referee started counting and this appeared to a K.O.

“Seven! Eight! Nine!” The ref shouted.

Goku standing over Ryu, anticipating the ten count when suddenly!

“SHORYUKEN!” Ryu roared!

Coming up off the ground viciously with a spinning uppercut Goku was not prepared for. No way! I didn’t even sense his energy! Goku was baffled as that thought ran through his head. Ryu’s fist about to strike the base of Goku’s jaw when… Goku bent over backwards where he stood to narrowly avoid it! The whole crowd from Krillin, Chi-Chi, to Piccolo Junior were all watching in anticipation and amazement.

Ryu’s fist merely grazing Goku’s chin. But Goku could tell that if he hadn’t dodged that THAT one was going to hurt! Despite missing the brunt of it however Goku knew he was still going to feel it in the morning. But regardless for Ryu… this tournament was over. Like he was frozen in time. All Ryu could do was wait for a swift palm strike that was about be dulled out by Goku. And as he did, Ryu fell from the ring!

Ryu sat there on the ground defeated with his head down. Goku feeling bad wanted to assure Ryu that he put up an amazing fight. But as he went to go check on him Ryu’s true expressions were revealed. As he looked up at Goku with a smirk in his eye. Though somewhat brief. That was the match of his life! The fight that Ryu was searching for. Goku extended his hand yet again, post-match. And the result was the same. Ryu grabbed it. Both smiling as Ryu accepted Goku’s helping hand. The crowd around their ring, cheering in excitement and thunderous applause!!

“I knew you wouldn’t disappoint.” Goku told him with a smile.

“I could say the same to you!” Ryu said excitedly. “It was nice to find another who can speak his feelings through his fists as I do! Do you know what they said?” Ryu asked.

Goku shook his head. “Of course! They said… I want to fight you again!”

And like that a new lifelong friendship had begun. He may bot get to advance to the finals, but for Ryu that was fine. Losing in the preliminaries just meant he found the challenge he was looking for all the sooner! And now he got to watch his newfound friends moves in the finals. Asking Goku if it was alright if he stuck around. Not just for the tournament, but for their fighting journey! Goku didn’t even have to think about it! It was on!

But what of the finals? What of Piccolo and the mysterious girl (Chi-Chi duh…) and her motives? And most of all, how will Ryu factor into the final bout of the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai? Tune in next time for STREET FIGHTER X DRAGON BALL Z