91 💪 (100th chapter)

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(A/N: finally back on track (⁠✿⁠^⁠‿⁠^⁠))

After Goku placed you in a secure location to regain your strength, he engaged Caulifla in a standoff. You knew your priority was to restore your stamina, but the urge to jump back into the fray tugged at you relentlessly. If Goku hadn't wished for your Saiyan abilities to fully return, you'd likely be sidelined or not fighting at all.

Caulifla directed her focus towards Goku, her determination evident in her words. "I want you to help me ascend beyond Super Saiyan 2, to 3!" she challenged, eyeing Goku as he stood in his customary martial arts stance. "If you can give me a run for my money, I'll teach you how," Goku responded with a confident grin.

"Are you not transforming?" Caulifla probed, but Goku's smirk hinted otherwise. "I'm still drained from the bout with Jiren. But don't worry, I'll crank up the pace. Let's do this!"

"Cocky as ever!" Caulifla spat with frustration, and you observed attentively as their intense duel commenced.

Your gaze fixated intensely on the battle between Goku and Caulifla, keenly aware that speed held a paramount role in this confrontation. Despite Goku managing to parry Caulifla's punches, he struggled to create substantial distance as her swiftness effortlessly matched his own.

For a brief moment, Goku appeared to be on the defensive, yet you knew his unparalleled speed still eclipsed hers. This became evident when he swiftly maneuvered behind Caulifla, propelling her into a cascade of debris.

"What's the matter? You can't take me down with that," Goku taunted, sporting a smirk as he stood confidently, fists placed firmly on his hips.

Your eyes remained fixed on the unfolding battle, suppressing a surprised giggle as Goku grabbed Caulifla's leg, twirling her around at a rapid pace before releasing her. To your amazement, Caulifla managed to catch herself and landed gracefully, shooting a fierce glare toward Goku. Despite Champa's fervent plea for Caulifla to flee from Goku, she snapped back at him, demanding silence, then landed a solid hit on Goku, causing him to skid backward.

A smirk played across Goku's face as he wiped his mouth, swiftly utilizing his speed to create multiple afterimages, encircling Caulifla and leaving her bewildered. Attempting to discern the genuine Goku from the illusions, Caulifla was caught off guard by Goku's sudden attack, sending her crashing into the debris once more. Despite his weariness, Goku's adrenaline seemed to surge, reviving his fighting spirit. You glanced toward Kale, observing her in the same manner, choosing not to intervene as she appeared to be merely watching the duel unfold.

Your focus remained fixated on the intense confrontation, recognizing the impressive adaptability Caulifla showcased in combat. Moments ago, she seemed overpowered, yet now she was seamlessly matching Goku's pace, anticipating his maneuvers. Reminding yourself repeatedly that this was merely a training session between the two, not a genuine fight, you couldn't help but feel the tension coil in your tail.

Your instinctual desire to assist your partner surged, but you knew that currently, Goku outmatched you, particularly with his energy surges. Your body needed time to recover and regain strength, compelling you to bide your time until you were fully recuperated.

Their intense match persisted, with Caulifla finally landing some solid hits, causing Goku to slide back. She pressed him about transforming further, but Goku, with a smirk, revealed he lacked the stamina for Super Saiyan 3.

As their conflict escalated, their power surged, reaching the pinnacle of Super Saiyan 2. The energy unleashed was so intense that it created a gust, pushing other contestants further away. You rose carefully, disregarding the lingering dizziness, and moved closer to observe the fray. However, your surprise peaked when Goku encouraged Kale to join, a decision influenced by Caulifla's insistence. You couldn't understand Goku's intention in having both fight him simultaneously.

Goku caught your perplexed expression, and with a soft grin, reassured you. "It'll be fine, Y/N. I want to help them reach their full potential. Besides, you're still recovering, so it's best to keep resting, okay?" His words made you sigh, hesitating for a moment before crossing your arms. "Fine, Goku."

You maintained your position, arms folded, maintaining a safe distance from the escalating showdown, even though concern for Goku was gnawing at your thoughts.

Observing Caulifla and Kale charging up, you couldn't help but worry about Goku. As they attacked in unison, Goku held his own, pushed back here and there, but you knew something they might not—being pushed to his limits always amplified Goku's power exponentially. It was a trait he understood himself well. In no time, he ascended to SS3J, and an involuntary shiver ran down your spine.

The sheer intensity of Goku's focused expression in this form always evoked more than anticipation in you. It was a feeling you'd rather keep to yourself, particularly embarrassing in this situation. To your dismay, Goku, amid the heated battle, seemed to sense your particular unease, momentarily smirking in your direction before diverting his attention back to Caulifla and Kale.

Goku eased back to SS2, chuckling lightly at Caulifla and Kale's confusion and slight disappointment as his energy levels decreased.

"Guess I got carried away with SS3. Still can't sustain that form for too long," Goku explained, trying to reassure them. Caulifla, seemingly unfazed, wore a confident smirk, satisfied to have witnessed the powerful form. However, her encouragement for Kale to power up came with unintended consequences.

A palpable shift swept through the surroundings, signaling Kale's resurgence. An air of caution enveloped even Caulifla, who knew what such a surge in power from Kale meant—she was losing control and spiraling into berserk mode.

Feeling you've recuperated enough, though it had scarcely been ten minutes, you swiftly positioned yourself by Goku's side. "Y/N, you should be resting," Goku protested gently, both of you assuming a fighting stance. "I'm good to go, Goku. We're on an even playing field now, so I'm here to back you up against these two," you replied, offering him a light smile. Goku returned the smile before focusing back on the impending battle.

With a newfound alignment of strengths, the confrontation evolved into a balanced two versus two engagement.

(A/N: just gonna get what I can from each actual episode.)

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