Tsuru-Sen'nin

Invisible Strings

Goku protests that something dirty is going on, but Tien genuinely has no idea what the boy means. From the sidelines, Roshi curses the Crane Hermit. Tien charges at Goku, and Goku rushes forward to meet him. On the Crane Hermit's command, Chiaotzu points a finger at Goku and locks him in place with telekinesis. Unable to move, Goku takes a devastating kick to the face that sends him bouncing across the ring and past the edge. While upside down in midair, he fires a Kamehameha at the ground to rocket himself back onto the platform.

Tien's Rebellion

Goku kicks off the tiles and charges once more. Tien meets him head-on, but the Crane Hermit signals again and Chiaotzu freezes Goku a second time. Tien smacks the paralyzed boy down, and the announcer declares the tide has turned. Goku collapses, still pinned by unseen force. This time, however, Tien notices something is wrong. He pieces it together, especially after the Crane Hermit telepathically orders him to kill Goku. Tien contacts Chiaotzu through telepathy and demands he stop the interference, insisting he does not want a tainted victory.

Chiaotzu hesitates, caught between Tien and his teacher. The Crane Hermit repeats his lethal command, but Tien shouts aloud for it to stop. Chiaotzu relents, and Goku springs to his feet, furious. Roshi calls out for Goku to hold his attack.

Breaking Free

Tien turns to the Crane Hermit and explains he wants to win through his own strength, with no tricks. The Crane Hermit furiously repeats his order, but Tien quietly refuses, admitting he no longer wants to be a hitman. When the Crane Hermit threatens Chiaotzu's life, Chiaotzu stands his ground, saying he wants to see Tien fight on his own for the first time. The Crane Hermit grabs Chiaotzu in a rage, and Roshi tells Tien to step aside before firing a Kamehameha that blasts the Crane Hermit out of the stadium. With his former master gone, Tien channels betrayal into resolve. He announces a devastating final attack, and Chiaotzu cries out from the stands, asking if Tien truly plans to use that technique. Goku braces himself.