Chapter 7: The Sinister Scheme of Demon Mage Babidi
"Gohan, can I come along with you guys?" Videl interjected at this pivotal moment, her mind slowly emerging from the fog of recent events. Suspicion crept in as she realized that some of her memories might be distorted.
Son Gohan's expression tightened with concern. He gazed at Videl, his brow furrowed in thought. "Videl, I've got a bad feeling about this. Can you please stay here and refrain from joining us?"
Videl's eyes welled with determination as she met Gohan's gaze, her voice filled with pleading sincerity. "Gohan, I beg you, take me with you. I promise not to be a burden."
Reluctance mingled with resolve in Son Gohan's eyes as he sighed deeply. He ran his fingers through his hair, a gesture of contemplation. Finally, he nodded and made his decision, gracefully soaring into the sky with Videl at his side.
Two more figures followed suit, their ascent defying the laws of nature, and the audience below watched in a mix of awe and disbelief.
"Are these individuals akin to gods?" murmured one spectator in disbelief. "How is it possible for them to fly?"
Another observer couldn't contain their shock, exclaiming, "Unbelievable! That young man just spirited Videl away with him! And now she's soaring through the air, too! She's sure to be led astray in the company of these eccentrics!"
Satan, the self-proclaimed world champion, watched with a sinking feeling as his chances with Videl dwindled.
Turning to his wife, Krillin asked, "Are you going, No. 18?"
No. 18 puckered her lips in contemplation. "I'm staying put. Is there any reward for saving the world? I'd rather stay and participate in the tournament. You can go with them, and I'll effortlessly clinch victory on my own."
With a nod, Krillin left to join Gohan's group, leaving No. 18 to her own devices.
The event's host, who had seen Earth's most formidable warriors depart one by one, couldn't hide his excitement. "Haha, I had a feeling something momentous would unfold whenever these individuals graced us with their presence. Perhaps they're off to save the world again? Without them, Earth would have faced destruction countless times."
Unbeknownst to the host, Earth had met its end many times before, with its resurrection made possible by Son Goku and the Dragon Balls.
"Is everyone taking their leave?" Saitama asked, breaking his silence. "I've been idling here alone, anyway. Why not experiment with this Flying Technique I've recently acquired?"
Saitama wasn't particularly enthusiastic about getting involved, but the awakened energy within him stoked his inner desire for a challenge.
It was as though he had awakened a dormant "demon" within him, causing his temperament to turn as fierce as that of a Saiyan. He itched for a battle to quell this growing restlessness.
With clenched fists, Saitama sought to harness the power of his ki. He muttered to himself, "How does one control the flight with ki? Let me ponder... maybe like this?"
Rumble!
With but a thought, Saitama's power surged, propelling him skyward like a rocket, shattering the sound barrier with a resounding boom.
The audience watched in awe.
"Could it be that every contestant in this World's No. 1 Martial Arts Tournament possesses such extraordinary abilities?"
Satan's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Wait, even a random bystander can fly?"
He began to question the authenticity of his world champion title, his claim to being the world's strongest, and even the very essence of his existence.
Saitama's speed was nothing short of astonishing.
He soared faster than the speed of sound, effortlessly outpacing everyone else.
In under ten seconds, he caught up with Son Goku and his group, flying alongside them.
"Hello, everyone. How are you faring?" Saitama greeted them with a sense of camaraderie.
Son Goku appeared surprised. "You just acquired the Flying Technique, and yet you're already this fast?"
Unbeknownst to them, Saitama's ki dwarfed theirs by countless magnitudes.
Saitama let out a hearty laugh. "Perhaps I'm just a natural at this."
Vegeta, however, sneered with disdain. "We Saiyans are the true geniuses of combat. Earthlings are mere novices, incapable of matching our prowess."
Saitama issued a challenge. "How about we spar sometime, Tragedy Tower?"
Vegeta grumbled, "I told you, don't call me 'Tragedy Tower.'"
Supreme Kai swiftly intervened to prevent any impending clash, urging caution as they remained hidden.
Taking cover behind a towering mountain, they silently observed two ominous figures: a lone spaceship entrance situated amidst a desolate wasteland.
Supreme Kai clenched his fists, frustration etched across his face. "I never anticipated Babidi would conceal the spaceship underground. That explains why I couldn't locate his hideout."
Jebit, the attendant, pointed towards a cloaked demon and spoke in awe, "Behold, it's Dabura, the Demon King!"
Dabura sported two menacing horns upon his head, a ghastly crimson aura emanating from his form. He exuded a malevolent presence.
Krillin, his voice trembling, questioned Jebit, "Who exactly is the Demon King?"
Jebit provided insight, "He is a nightmarish Demon King, notorious for obliterating entire planets. It's inconceivable that even he has succumbed to Babidi's control. We're in for a formidable challenge."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone