The Reunion

Goku Returns

Three years have elapsed since Goku began training under God and Mr. Popo at the Lookout. The 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai has arrived, and fighters from across the world gather at Papaya Island for the tournament. Krillin, Yamcha, Tenshinhan, and Chiaotzu have all come, each having trained intensely during the intervening years. Master Roshi, Bulma, Launch, Oolong, and Puar are present as spectators, excited to see how their friends have improved.

Goku arrives and his friends are stunned by his appearance. The boy they once knew has grown into a tall, well-built young man. He greets them warmly, though it takes a moment for some to recognize him at all. Despite the dramatic change in his physique, his cheerful personality and trademark enthusiasm remain completely unchanged. Krillin, Yamcha, and Tenshinhan are all eager to see what kind of power Goku gained from training in the Heavenly Realm, a place that even Master Roshi speaks of with reverence.

A Dangerous Presence

Among the crowd of competitors is a tall, stern-looking young man wearing a turban and cape. He keeps his distance from the others and speaks to no one. Goku locks eyes with him briefly, and the two share a tense, knowing look. Goku senses tremendous power emanating from this individual, along with something disturbingly familiar. His friends notice the exchange and grow uneasy, though Goku does not explain what he felt.

A young woman also appears at the registration area and seems to know Goku by name, but he cannot place her at all. This frustrates her visibly, and she storms off. Goku's friends ask who the cute girl was, but Goku has absolutely no idea. The tournament officials announce that preliminary matches will begin shortly, and the competitors prepare themselves. Goku and his companions head toward the competition area, aware that this tournament holds far greater stakes than any that came before it.