The 8 Finalists

The Cyborg's Vendetta

Goku and Tenshinhan are stunned by Tao Pai-pai's return. Tenshinhan insists he should be dead, but Tao explains that he does not die so easily. He was revived and rebuilt as a cyborg, spending every bit of money he would have earned to exponentially increase his power. Goku explains to Krillin that Tao is a hitman and Master Shen's younger brother, the former master of Tenshinhan and Chiaotzu.

Tao declares he has no interest in winning the tournament. He only wants to kill Goku, and after that, Tenshinhan for betraying the Crane School. Tenshinhan clarifies that he has not joined the Turtle School; he simply realized the Crane teachings were wrong. He challenges Tao directly, and the assassin accepts with a grin.

The Remaining Matches

Piccolo's offspring wins his match by flicking his opponent aside, and Krillin notes that an incredible group has assembled. Goku privately observes that the offspring has already surpassed the original Piccolo Daimao. The preliminary rounds proceed rapidly. Goku, Tenshinhan, Krillin, Yamcha, and Piccolo Jr. all secure their spots in the finals. Tao Pai-pai qualifies as well, along with the mysterious young woman who knew Goku's name. Goku finds her vaguely familiar but cannot place her.

The Lucky Finalist

The final qualifying match comes down to a masked heavyset fighter and a scrawny, nervous man. The smaller competitor charges forward, trips, and narrowly avoids a punch while face-down. He scrambles up and accidentally headbutts the larger fighter in the face for a knockout. The masked loser removes his disguise, revealing himself to be Yajirobe, who grumbles that the supposed weakling was not as hapless as he appeared.

The announcer gathers the eight finalists for the bracket lottery. He now sports a small mustache and screams upon seeing Krillin, having last known him as dead. After Krillin assures him he was brought back to life, the drawings proceed and the match order is set for the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai finals.