Clash! Test of Baba

Following his single-handed victory over the Red Ribbon Army, Goku was finally in possession of six Dragon Balls. He only needed one more to bring Upa's father back to life, but it wasn't showing up on his Dragon Radar! What was our hero to do?

Well, that sucks...

And we were so close to having a full set!

For real?! So where can we find her?

With Master Roshi's advice still ringing in his ears, Goku set out for Fortune- teller Baba's palace. Joining him for the ride were Yamcha, Puar, Krillin and Upa, who he'd stopped by the Sacred Land of Korin to pick up.

Welcome! Get in line, get in line!

Hi! Is this Fortunecaller Baba's house?

Teller! Fortuneteller! And it's a palace, not a house.

Are the five of you together?

Hee hee! Wonderful! Alrighty, then! Baba will see you now!

Baba! I've brought them.

My my!

Aren't you all so YOUNG?

So you're Fortuneseller Baba?

It's Fortune- TELLER Baba!

That's a funny name.

It's foreboding and mysterious!

Anyway, there's something we need your help finding.

Very well. That will be 10 million Zeni.

T-Ten million Zeni?!

Pardon us, ma'am, but we don't have that kind of money!

Yes, I know. I am a fortuneteller, after all.

Never mind. Come with me.

Wait! Where are we going?

I'm going to have you battle my fighters, one-on-one.

Win, and you'll move on to the next match. Lose, and you switch with a teammate.

All you need to do is defeat all five of my fighters.

Do that, and I'll tell your fortune for free.

Oh? Well then... This will be fun, won't it?

Indeed... But you all are mere children.

It's an impossible dream.

Not any. If you beg for mercy or fall in the lake, you lose.

Well then, shall we begin? Who'll be starting for your team?

Show 'em what you're made of, Krillin!

Dracula Man! Show yourself!

Now let the match begin!

Faced with an enemy who made mincemeat out of even Krillin, Puar and Upa were forced to think outside the box, clinching victory with several clever ploys that exploited Dracula Man's weaknesses!

We did it!

Heh heh. Color me impressed.

But that was just for starters. Let's see how you fare against my stronger fighters.

Be our guest! Thank you, Yamcha!

Are you sure? You'll be down to only two remaining fighters if you switch.

That means two of your fighters to defeat four of mine...

Hey, no fair! I want a go, too!

Getting their hands on the last Dragon Ball certainly wasn't going to be easy! Would Goku and chums have what it takes to defeat Baba's fighters and learn the whereabouts of the final Dragon Ball?

Goku and his companions were going head-to-head with Baba's fighters in order to garner information on the last remaining Dragon Ball. Puar and Upa had already made quick work of Dracula Man, and now Yamcha was up next!

You can do it, Yamcha! Good luck!

Ho ho ho. Your opponent is already here.

Can't see him, eh? Heh heh heh!

I'll tell you why. Your opponent is the Invisible Man!

D-Did you just say "invisible"?

Let the match begin!

You're not bad, I'll give you that.

Pity for you my remaining three fighters are all top-notch.

H-Huh? For real?

Hmph. Nice of you to pay a visit.

I see you're off gallivanting as per usual.

Not a chance.

I live for two things. Money and fights.

Glad to hear it.

For the next match, we're going to need a change of scenery. Follow me!

With victories over Dracula Man and the Invisible Man, Goku and our heroes were making good progress against Fortuneteller Baba's fighters. But who would they be facing next now that they'd changed arenas?

The Devil's Cesspool?! Maybe I'd be better off not knowing...

Any advice for me before I start?

(gulp) I'll, uhh, do my best not to.

Wh-What the heck is this place?

You'll be fighting atop those demons' tongues! The "cesspool" below is filled with deadly poison.

You won't survive if you fall in.

I'm beginning to see why it's called the Devil's Cesspool.

It's still not too late to back out.

Surely you don't want to perish at such a young age?

Heh heh heh. That's the spirit! In that case, say hello to the third fighter!

My desiccated destroyer, Bandages!

Are we all set? The first to fall and die loses!

Let the match begin!

...Gah...

Hey, can you hear me? Hellooo!

Hmm, he's not responding. Baba, I won the match, right?

Uh... I...suppose so...

B-But how...? How is that even possible?

I never dreamed he could've gotten this strong.

It would seem our Goku has become quite the exceptional fighter.

Goku? Really?

Baba! I just need to beat two more to win, right?

Hmph, yes. But don't get ahead of yourself!

You won't be smiling for much longer!

Heh heh heh...

No, no. Never mind.

Goku's fierce trials to get to this point had made him an exceptional fighter! Only two foes remain... Would his winning streak continue?!

With everyone else eliminated, it was all down to Goku to defeat Baba's remaining fighters. Thankfully, he managed to beat Bandages the mummy with a single punch, demonstrating his fearsome power in the process! But who would his next opponent be?!

It's time! Let the fourth fighter come forth!

Devilman? You're up!

What is it with all these weirdos?

Begin!

Pfft. You don't look all that strong to me.

I won again! Who's up next?

Phooey! How can one child be so strong?

Just one more match! Bring it on!

Hmph! I'm impressed... No one's ever made it this far before.

But your luck ends here! My fifth fighter is out of this world. Number 5, you're up!

Yes, yes. I'm coming.

Hello there.

...Huh?

Uh... H-Hi.

Baba, may I ask a favor of you?

Hm? Go on then, what is it?

I want to make this match against the young lad one to remember.

Could we perhaps ditch this dingy dungeon and fight outside on the grand arena?

Hmm... Very well.

I don't see why not. Let's make this a duel for the ages!

After finishing off Devilman with relative ease, Goku was now face to face with the last remaining fighter... What kind of power would this masked fighter possess?

Only one match stood between Goku and the whereabouts of the last remaining Dragon Ball. But Goku's masked opponent was still something of an enigma... Just how powerful would he prove to be?!

Nah, I'm not tired, but...

That guy kinda... smells nice...

No, not like that...

I can't explain it, but... It's a happy smell...

Eeep! You mean he's incredibly strong?!

Enough chit-chat, then! The final match! It goes on until one of you surrenders.

In the unlikely event that Goku manages to win, I'll reveal to you the location of the final Dragon Ball.

Let the fight commence!

...

Come at me!

Heh heh... Wow, you're strong!

This is exciting!

Looks like this'll be a fight for the ages.

Both of them boast skills that are off the charts...

Wh-Who the hell is that guy?

The last fight was shaping up to be a veritable battle between behemoths! But just who was the man behind the mask? And more to the point, would Goku manage to defeat him?!

Just one more battle was all Goku needed to win to learn the location of the final Dragon Ball. Unfortunately for him, the last opponent was clearly a different caliber than the previous four. But what was the masked man's true identity?!

Okay, you ready for a real eye-opener?

Ka...me... ha...me...

HAAA!

Huh?! He just disappeared!

The Afterimage Technique!

Now that's a shocker...

Very impressive.

Dodging my Kame- hameha with the After- image Technique and escaping to the sky...

Surely not!

You can use Kamehameha too?!

W-Wagh!

Erk... Oww...

Well? Do you give up?

Or do I need to deliver an even more decisive blow?

Heh heh heh.

Huh?

Victory was Goku's! Or so it seemed when, out of nowhere, the masked fighter grabbed hold of Goku's tail. His most vulnerable appendage literally in his opponent's clutches, Goku appeared to be losing power...

This is bad!

If Goku's tail is squeezed tightly enough, he'll become powerless!

He'll what now?

How am I just hearing about this now?!

You mean Goku's tail is his weakness?

That's right! I'd completely forgotten!

But how did he even know about it? Just how perceptive is this guy?

Ho ho ho. You're careless.

I-I let my guard down...

Hee hee! Looks like the tables have turned!

You haven't been training your tail, have you?!

Excuse me? What do you mean?

How come he knew about Goku's tail being his weak point before now?

Because he's Goku's deceased grandfather...

Gohan!

Wh-What? That funny- looking guy is Goku's dead grandpa?

Oh, don't be ridiculous!

That's impossible! Goku's grandfather died ages ago!

O-Oww...

Wh-Whoops! His tail came clean off in my hands!

O-Ow, ow, ow...!!!

H-How dare you tear off my tail?!

...

Heh heh heh. I surrender.

The match is yours.

Well, phooey. I guess that's it...

You've gotten quite strong, Goku.

Your training has brought you far.

Unfortunately, you never managed to overcome your weakness.

I always told you to watch out for your tail.

It's amazing how strong you've become, my boy. I never expected I'd struggle against you in a match.

Has Master Roshi been teaching you?

Master Roshi! It's an honor to see you again.

Well, I didn't come back to life exactly.

You see, Baba can travel between this living world and the Otherworld.

Ho ho ho...

Sometimes, she comes to the other side to recruit new fighters.

Then she gets those dead fighters to fight for her in her matches. For a high fee, of course.

I'm afraid that won't be possible, my boy.

I can only stay in the world of the living for one day, you see.

Heh heh heh. But of course!

Gohan asked me to let him know if a young boy with a tail ever visited me someday.

I'd always wondered how Goku was getting on. I had no idea he was training under you now, Master Roshi.

You have my gratitude. Now I can return to the Otherworld with peace of mind.

By the way, does Goku still turn into a giant ape?

Oh, umm... it's nothing. Never mind!

Hm?

Oh yes! I remember picking that thing up a long time ago.

Wait a minute. Why are there so many of them?

Is that so?

So that's the story...

I had no idea!

Yes, but...

How can I ask to bring my dad back when your grandpa needs reviving too?

Ho ho ho! Not to worry, my lad!

I'm quite happy over in the Otherworld! The ladies over there are a feast for sore eyes.

Th-Thank you so much!

Well then, I'd better be getting back to the Otherworld.

Now that I've seen how strong you've become, I can go back quite satisfied!

Master Roshi, friends... I would ask that you look after this little rascal in my absence.

And Baba... Thank you for everything.

Don't mention it. Now pop your clogs and be off with you.

You have a strong heart, and I'm proud of you. No matter what happens in life, always remember that.

Well, everyone! See you all again in the Otherworld sooner or later.

Ha ha ha.

Likewise!

Well then, until we meet again...

If you get any stronger than you are now, I won't have anything to teach you!

Considering you've won, I suppose it's only right that I tell your fortune as promised.

Location of the seventh Dragon Ball, coming right up!

Satisfied by just how strong his grandson had become, Gohan returned to the Otherworld... As per the terms of their deal, the victorious Goku and his friends were finally about to learn the where- abouts of the Dragon Ball they were seeking... Where would it turn out to be?!

With Goku and his pals proving victorious over her five fighters, Baba honored her promise by revealing the location of the seventh Dragon Ball.

According to her crystal ball, it was inside a moving car that was located some 200 kilo- meters from the palace. Without missing a beat, Goku flew to the location on his Flying Nimbus...

Eeeeyaaah!

It...It's that kid!

H-How did he find us?

It doesn't make any sense!

I thought this safe was supposed to hide the Dragon Ball from his radar!

F-Fine, take it...

Ha ha! Oh, and I'll need some clothes, too.

Thanks! They fit perfectly!

With victory over Pilaf and his cronies secured, Goku at last had all the Dragon Balls in his possession! The time had finally come for him to ask Shenron to bring Upa's father back to life!

I got it! This last one makes seven!

Come on, Upa! Let's go to Korin!

I'll never forget you guys.

Thank you for everything you've done!

We'll miss you!

I'll be back as soon as I've brought Upa's dad back to life!

He certainly is an amazing child.

Something tells me he'll be a great savior of this world someday.

Oh yes. Mark my words.

If there's one thing I trust, it's my intuition.

Whoa...

Just imagine it. Goku the hero...

We're here! Back at Korin!

Right! Time to get our wish granted!

L-Let's do it!

Heeey, Shenron! Come on out!

State your wish.

I shall grant any one desire. You need only name it.

Upa, that's your cue!

O-Okay!

M-My father was killed. Please bring him back to life!

...That's something you can do, right?

A simple matter. It shall be done.

There are no wishes I cannot grant.

F-Father!

FATHER!

Upa!

You're back! You're really back!

H-How did I get here? I'm supposed to be dea-

Goku rounded up all the Dragon Balls and we wished you back to life!

My word... Did he now?

Your wish has been granted.

Farewell.

I am forever indebted to you, Goku.

Heh heh. Glad to have you back!

You have done so much for us. I owe you as many thanks as there are stars in the sky, little friend.

Ooh, and get this! Goku climbed Korin Tower!

He also beat the bad guy who killed you!

My word... Is he some sort of heaven-sent spirit?

Anyway, I'd better make tracks!

What? You're going already?

Are you sure you won't stay? I'll prepare a feast.

Thanks, but all my friends are waiting for me.

See you sometime soon, okay?

Okay!

Come, Flying Nimbus!

Bye-bye!

Take care, Goku! Come see us soon!

What do you say, Upa? Are you going to grow up as strong as Goku someday?

Yes, Father!

Sure did!

Tee hee hee,

The quest for the Dragon Balls has finally come to an end!

Heh heh.

Actually, I caught the Four-Star Ball before it could fly off!

It sure does!

I'm gonna start training for the next World Tour- nament now!

No way! For real?

I guess we're all gonna be training partners!

Huh?

Well, sure... Of course I wanna keep getting stronger.

...

I'm not sure I understand, but it sounds fun!

...

Of course it'll be fun!

If you say so. Okay, I'll do it!

Then it's a deal!

I'll meet you guys at the next tournament!

Don't sweat it, Krillin. It'll fly past!

Oh yeah?! I won't go down easy!

Good luck with everything, Goku!

Whaddya think, Bulma? Is three years enough for you to quit being so bossy?

I'll show you bossy, you rude little...!

I'll keep growing too, y'know!

Okay, I'm gonna get going! Old man, old lady, you take care, okay?

Fare thee well.

Flying Nim,

Huh?

Wh-What?! You want me to travel the whole world on foot?!

Th-That doesn't sound fun...

Just what kind of training regimen have I signed up for...?!

Well, I guess I can do it!

See ya around, everyone!

And with that, Goku set out on his quest for even greater strength. Meanwhile, Krillin and Yamcha would throw themselves into their own training under Master Roshi's guidance. What adventures awaited them on their path toward the World Tournament in three years' time?