When Dragon Balls Descend Upon Marvel

Elsewhere.

Wakanda (the false front).

Wesley and his father, Cross, arrived at the gates of the Wakandan palace aboard the Airbus-2.

Present to greet them were King T'Chaka, Prince T'Challa, Princess Shuri, the royal guard, and even T'Challa's lover.

The sight of the vertical-landing aircraft left them uneasy. The strength of the organization behind the Dragon Balls—the Assassin Alliance—was far beyond what they had expected.

After Wesley and Cross's previous visit, T'Challa had mobilized Wakanda's full resources. Within days he had confirmed their identities, uncovering both the Assassin Alliance and Capsule Corporation. He had revealed everything about the Dragon Balls to his parents.

T'Chaka had considered carefully before deciding that his son would participate in the tournament. With the vibranium panther suit, T'Challa could protect himself, even if he didn't win.

As for the spectator slots, the royal family had gone all-in. T'Challa would bring his father, his mother, his lover, his sister, and six members of the Dora Milaje—ten companions in total.

Watching the Airbus descend, Shuri thought aloud:

"Could Capsule Corporation's breakthroughs really be the result of Dragon Ball wishes? Civilian airliners don't yet have vertical takeoff capability…"

The hatch opened. Wesley and Cross stepped down.

Wesley's gaze fell on T'Challa, who carried a sleek black panther helmet under his arm. He couldn't see what was special about it, and said:

"T'Challa, holder of the six-star Dragon Ball. The tournament is about to begin. You're invited to the arena. As a ticket-holder, you may bring up to ten spectators."

"I'm ready," T'Challa answered, nodding. "These are the ones I've chosen."

Wesley counted quickly—eleven, including T'Challa himself. He gave a curt nod.

"Very well. Board the plane. And don't forget to bring your Dragon Ball and ticket."

······

Elsewhere—

Not every contestant filled all ten slots.

Tony Stark brought only Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan aboard his aircraft, clad in his armor. Thor traveled with Jane Foster and her friend Darcy Lewis.

On the flight, Tony inspected the aircraft's frame.

"Vertical lift for a passenger jet? What tech are we talking about here? And this metal skin—definitely not standard."

Melina answered, "I don't know all the details. I've heard it involves the hovercar systems and arc reactor technology."

Tony smirked knowingly.

"Of course. That has Bulma written all over it. Smith really lucked out, landing a treasure like her."

Pepper glanced at Tony, silently agreeing. It was like having another Tony Stark—and this one worked for someone else.

Melina only smiled politely without responding.

······

Meanwhile, Fox piloted the Airbus-7 to the remote village where Gilgamesh and Thena lived. Smith had stayed behind to oversee the arena's preparations, so Fox went alone.

To her surprise, the Eternals weren't just two people. All ten of them were gathered. Gilgamesh had told the others Thena was entering a contest that might cure her Mahd Wy'ry. That, plus the chance to reunite after centuries, had drawn them all.

Kingo, seeing Fox, whistled.

"Gilgamesh, you weren't exaggerating. She really does look exactly like Thena."

Fox studied the ten Eternals, then addressed Thena directly.

"Thena, holder of the seven-star Dragon Ball. The tournament is about to begin. As a ticket-holder, you may bring up to ten spectators. You are invited to the arena."

Thena smiled warmly.

"Then let's go together, everyone."

The Eternals agreed, boarding the plane with her.

······

During the flights, staff explained the new rules.

Tony, already impatient, interrupted Melina midway.

"I was in the last tournament. Spare me the lecture—I know the rules."

Melina shook her head.

"Not this time, Mr. Stark. The rules have changed."

Tony frowned.

"Changed? Fine. Let's hear it."

Melina explained:

"The tournament will once again be held on the Pacific island. But this time it will be one-on-one battles. There are six contestants. They'll be paired at random. Winners take their opponent's ticket. Losers are eliminated."

"Anyone without a ticket is out. The fighter who collects all seven tickets will be champion, and earn Shenron's wish."

Tony blinked.

"Endurance battles, huh? Good thing I upgraded the suits."

Melina added:

"And each of you must surrender your Dragon Balls for safekeeping until the end."

The contestants quickly grasped the meaning: simple rules, brutal execution. One-on-one until a single champion stood, which meant fighting up to six battles.

Xu Wenwu frowned.

"Six fighters, seven tickets. Where's the extra one?"

Selene answered smoothly:

"One contestant holds two Dragon Balls—and thus two tickets."

Wenwu grunted. That explained it. Still, he couldn't help but curse inwardly at his daughter's failure last time. She'd had two tickets and squandered them. If only…

······

(End of Chapter)

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