Chapter 89: Chapter 89: do you like me?
Boom!
The collision of the two massive energy fields—Kahn's Ultra Ego and Rados Ultra Instinct—created two powerful air currents that swept across the entire competition venue. The audience was rocked by the shockwaves.
Though Kahn and Rados made an effort to control the power of their clash, the sheer force sent many spectators tumbling. The stadium was filled with the sound of chaos as people struggled to stay grounded.
Drip, drip.
In the player's area, No. 16 was trying to analyze the energy levels of Kahn and Rados. The results were far beyond his expectations.
"I can't calculate their energy limits. It's beyond anything I've ever known," No. 16 said, his voice devoid of emotion, but his thoughts were filled with astonishment.
"No way. This is absurdly strong," he added, taking a mental step back. Having once been defeated by Kahn in a blink, No. 17 was more aware than most of the vast gap between their powers. But even he had underestimated Kahn's strength. Kahn's power was on a different level altogether.
"It's like... a dimensional gap," No. 17 murmured, unable to fully grasp what he was witnessing.
No. 18, too, watched in stunned silence. Her eyes locked on the incredible exchange of power, her expression one of disbelief. The two combatants were so far above her level that it left her with no clear path to victory. Only one thought crossed her mind: Unless Kahn and Rados forfeit, there's no way anyone else can win.
Rumble!
The sky darkened again as the intensity of the clash grew. Lightning crackled, and the wind howled.
"Sister Vados, who do you think will win?" Bulma, holding her hair against the wind, shouted.
Vados narrowed her eyes, observing the spectacle. "It seems like my husband is still superior."
There was no denying that Rados had a tremendous amount of energy at her disposal. But in comparison to Kahn, her abilities still felt incomplete. Despite Rados' best efforts, she was clearly no match for Kahn's boundless strength and mastery.
Rados seemed to realize this herself. Though the two energy fields appeared evenly matched at first, Rados could sense that Kahn was holding back. Had he gone all out, she would have been defeated in an instant.
"I surrender," Rados said suddenly, withdrawing her energy and ending her Ultra Instinct form.
"She... surrendered?" The referee announced, his voice filled with disbelief. "Unbelievable! Rados has chosen to admit defeat!"
"With that, Kahn wins the match and advances to the next round!" the referee continued, his voice booming over the speakers.
Kahn, returning to his fatherly persona, smiled warmly. "Well done, Rados. You've improved a lot. In time, you'll definitely surpass me."
Rados, despite losing, couldn't help but feel proud. She hadn't expected to win—her goal had simply been to compete with her father. The fact that she had come this far was already a huge accomplishment.
"Thank you, Dad," she said cheerfully. "But you're still the best."
Meanwhile, in another part of the universe, Babidi was busy collecting the energy needed to release Majin Buu from his seal. He had finally gathered enough by manipulating Son Goku and the others into entering a spaceship designed to channel energy. With the dome that sealed Majin Buu shattering, the ancient terror was about to awaken after five million years of imprisonment.
Back at the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament, the tournament continued after the sixteen-to-eight matchups. The remaining competitors were down to eight, with the adult group finals set to begin soon.
The stage was set for the final match: Kahn versus No. 18.
In the four-to-two match, No. 16 had faced No. 18 but chose to forfeit, allowing No. 18 to proceed to the final.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've been waiting for is here!" the referee declared, now wearing sunglasses and various eccentric accessories. "The adult group finals of the 25th Tianxia No. 1 Budokai is about to begin! Contestant Kahn will face contestant No. 18!"
The announcement was met with loud cheers from the crowd, echoing like a wave through the stadium.
Bulma, watching from the sidelines, mused, "It seems there's no real suspense. Kahn will win this easily."
"Let's head out and wait for your husband to finish the match," Vados suggested. "It'll be hard to leave once it's over."
Bulma, Rados, and Shin agreed, and the group left the arena to wait outside.
As soon as they exited, the referee's whistle blew, signaling the start of the final match.
Kahn stood with his arms folded, looking at No. 18 with interest. "So, will you admit defeat now, or will you challenge me?" he asked.
"No way!" No. 18 gritted her teeth, her voice full of determination. "I'll fight, even if I know I can't win."
No. 18, though aware that Kahn was far beyond her in power, refused to admit defeat without a fight. Her pride wouldn't allow it.
"Can No. 18 really win?" No. 16 asked, skepticism in his voice.
"No," No. 17 answered, though he was more reserved. "It depends on how Kahn approaches the match. The championship doesn't mean anything to him, and the prize money won't tempt him."
No. 16 was still confused. "So, what does that mean? Does Kahn hold back if he likes No. 18?"
No. 17 explained, "Exactly. If Kahn has a favorable view of her, he might let her win, or at least give her a fair fight."
"Ah," No. 16 said, finally understanding.
In the arena, Kahn gave No. 18 a playful gesture, beckoning her forward. "Come on, let's see how much you've grown in the past few years."
No. 18's eyes narrowed. She had no intention of backing down now.
Without warning, she launched herself at Kahn, her movements swift and decisive.
Kahn, with a slight movement of his head, easily dodged the attack.
"Tsk tsk, how cruel of you. I saved your life back then. Is this how you repay me?" he teased, still maintaining his playful attitude.
No. 18's face flushed with embarrassment. "I never asked for your help!" she snapped. "Even if you did save me, I don't owe you anything!"
But her offense grew more intense. With each strike, her resolve hardened, and Kahn couldn't help but smile.
"Tell me, No. 18, do you like me?" Kahn asked, his voice filled with amusement.
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(A/N: Throw your power stones and comment on this book, please! It will motivate me!)