After leaving the world of the shinobi behind, Naruto Uzumaki had successfully traveled to the very world he'd dreamed of—the Dragon Ball universe.
Only… it wasn't the same timeline as little Goku's, nor was it Kakarot's.
This was a completely independent timeline—new and untouched—set even earlier than both of theirs.
By sheer coincidence, Naruto had arrived right in the middle of the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, and on Papaya Island no less.
And naturally, with something this exciting happening right in front of him, there was no way he'd just sit back and watch.
So of course—he showed up to join the fun.
Just as Master Roshi was the founder of the Turtle School, so too was Master Crane the founder of the Crane School, a martial arts sect equally famous a century ago.
In their youth, the two masters had actually been fellow disciples, fighting side by side as comrades-in-arms against an unspeakably terrifying demon king.
But according to Roshi, after that battle, Crane Hermit strayed from the righteous path.
And indeed, compared to Roshi's open and easygoing nature, the Crane Hermit was… petty. Very petty.
When Naruto had squeezed right between him and Roshi earlier, Crane Hermit's sharp little eyes flicked toward him with displeasure.
He clearly felt insulted—but with so many people around, it wouldn't do for a man of his "status" to pick on a youngster.
So instead, he gave a small nod toward the porcelain-faced disciple standing beside him, cheeks faintly blushing like a doll.
That disciple was Chiaotzu, one of Crane Hermit's two main students.
His martial arts ability wasn't particularly impressive—but his psychic powers were formidable.
Chiaotzu grinned mischievously, raised a finger, and pointed toward the air.
A small stone nearby trembled, then floated up and dropped neatly onto the path just ahead of Naruto's feet—
perfectly positioned so that Naruto would trip over it no matter how he walked.
Even if Naruto changed direction, Chiaotzu could easily control the stone to intercept him.
A little prank—Crane Hermit's way of humiliating the newcomer.
After all, the Crane Hermit was famous for holding grudges and having a very small heart.
Unfortunately for them, to Naruto—someone who had mastered chakra, reflexes, and combat sensing—this "trick" was laughably simple to see through.
Psychic powers? Cute.
He knew ninjutsu.
"Watch out!"
Roshi noticed Chiaotzu's ploy as well and called out to warn the blond stranger.
But before the words even finished leaving his mouth, Naruto had already moved.
He simply lifted one leg—and crushed the rock to powder beneath his sandal.
Without even turning his head, he said evenly,
"Using cheap tricks against a younger fighter doesn't suit you, old man. If you want to teach me a lesson, do it fair and square."
Then, without another glance, he turned back to the registration counter and began calmly filling in his entry form.
Being called out so directly would have embarrassed most people.
But Crane Hermit didn't even blink.
He merely clicked his tongue—"Tch."—and pretended nothing had happened.
Truly worthy of the title hermit—his thick skin was legendary.
Behind his black sunglasses, his tiny eyes flashed coldly, filled with venom.
"Tien," he murmured, "if you run into that brat in the tournament… teach him a lesson. Break one of his legs—no, make it two."
"If he even makes it past the preliminaries."
"Yes, Master," Tien replied obediently.
To Crane Hermit, Naruto was nothing more than a passing annoyance.
His real attention was fixed on his eternal rival—Master Roshi.
"Well, well… I heard a funny rumor," Crane Hermit began, his voice dripping with mock politeness.
"Word is you've taken on a few new disciples—and that they made quite a scene at the last tournament."
"Normally I wouldn't bother interfering with the nonsense you feed those ignorant kids of yours… but this time, I think I'll show everyone what a real martial artist looks like."
"So I've brought my own disciples to compete."
He gave a smug little chuckle.
"Heh heh heh… sorry, but the championship's already reserved for one of mine. You might as well pack up and go home before you embarrass yourself."
As he said this, he glanced proudly at the tall, three-eyed young man standing beside him—Tien Shinhan.
Tien was his prized pupil—his masterpiece.
A true genius whose power had already surpassed his master's.
Even Crane Hermit's younger brother, the self-proclaimed "world's number one assassin," might not be able to defeat him.
The Turtle School? Hah.
My disciple is invincible.
This tournament would be the moment the Crane School rose to glory.
"Hmph!"
Tien crossed his arms, sneering at the Turtle School disciples.
His gaze swept over Krillin and Yamcha with open disdain.
Then, the corner of his mouth lifted into a confident smirk, forming a perfect little "Nike checkmark" shape.
Like his master, he looked down on the Turtle School completely.
"Shut your mouth, you big ugly bird! I'm the senior disciple, not you!" Roshi suddenly exploded, veins bulging on his bald head.
The two old rivals began shouting at each other instantly, each insisting he was the elder brother.
As for who was actually senior, probably only their master—Mutaito—knew the truth.
"Your jokes are outdated, Crane," Roshi shot back. "Your taste's gotten worse with age—just like that ridiculous green outfit of yours."
"What?!" Crane Hermit roared, pointing furiously at Roshi's face.
"You bald turtle! You can insult me—but don't you dare insult my fashion sense!"
To him, that shiny green uniform was the height of style.
Only someone with no sense of aesthetics would wear that tacky orange-red gi Roshi favored.
"You half-bald birdbrain!" Roshi snapped.
"Bald turtle!"
"Half-plucked buzzard!"
"Hmph! I won't waste another breath on you!"
Crane Hermit turned away, fuming, and stormed off with his disciples.
But not before tossing one last threat over his shoulder:
"We'll see who's laughing in the tournament. I'll make sure your students learn some real pain."
"Master Roshi, who was that loudmouth?" Krillin asked once the Crane School trio was out of earshot. "He seems really annoying."
"Crane Hermit," Roshi said gravely, eyes narrowing. "My lifelong rival."
"When you face those two disciples of his, be careful. Fight with everything you've got.
Crane Hermit may have taken the wrong path, but his strength—and his students'—are nothing to underestimate."
"Their abilities are likely on par with your own… maybe even greater."
The upcoming tournament, it seemed, would be tougher than anyone expected.
Roshi smiled faintly. Maybe I won't even need to compete myself this time…
"Goku's still not here?" Bulma checked her watch anxiously. "Only one minute left!"
"Guess we'll have to go with Plan B," Yamcha said. "Puar, you transform into Goku and sign him up."
"Right away, Yamcha!" the little blue creature replied.
"Excuse me," came a voice.
It was Naruto, who had just finished registering. He looked up at the group.
"The Goku you're talking about—does he happen to be a boy with a tail?"
"That's right!" everyone exclaimed, faces lighting up. "You've seen him?!"
Naruto didn't answer.
He simply pointed toward the empty shoreline ahead and said calmly,
"Look. He's already here."
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