The wind howled over the barren wastelands as Goku and Krillin soared through the skies, guided by Goku's instincts—and Krillin's memories. They soon met up with Piccolo, whose presence was as cold and intimidating as ever.
"So... we're really doing this," Piccolo said grimly. "I can't believe I'm teaming up with you, Goku."
Goku nodded. "We don't have a choice. Raditz is too strong. He took Gohan."
Krillin landed next to them, breathing hard. "And if we don't fight smart, he'll kill all of us."
Piccolo looked at Krillin with a raised eyebrow. "You're weaker than both of us. You sure you want to be here?"
Krillin clenched his fists. "I know I'm not a match for him. But I might be able to help... just enough."
Goku cracked his neck. "Alright. Then let's go."
But just before they took off—
"Wait!" Krillin shouted. "Take off your weighted clothes. The heavy boots, the shoulder pads—you too, Piccolo. You're both holding back."
They exchanged glances. Goku smiled sheepishly. "Oh, right!"
With a thud, Goku's weighted gear dropped to the ground. Piccolo followed. A faint aura rippled around them both as their true power surged.
Krillin couldn't help but smile. "Even now, that boost feels insane to witness in person."
---
Moments Later – Raditz's Location
Raditz stood calmly in a rocky canyon, scouter blinking. Gohan cried in the pod behind him, his small fists pounding uselessly at the glass.
"Three power levels approaching," Raditz murmured. "Stronger than before. Interesting."
The three landed across from him. Goku stepped forward, no longer smiling. "Let Gohan go, Raditz. This is your last warning."
Raditz scoffed. "You really think the three of you can stop me?"
Piccolo smirked. "We don't think—we know."
Without another word, the battle began.
---
The Fight Begins
Goku and Piccolo rushed forward, synchronized. Fists flew, energy blasts collided, shockwaves exploded in all directions.
Krillin stayed at the edge of the battlefield, eyes wide, barely able to keep up with the blinding movements.
"God... they're like lightning. I forgot how fast DBZ fights really are..."
Despite their coordination, Raditz held his own, blocking most attacks and countering with devastating strength. But still—he was struggling. The unweighted gear was making a difference.
"Damn you...!" Raditz growled, blocking another double attack.
Now's my chance, Krillin thought.
He charged up his ki, pushing past his fear. "Destructo Disc!!"
A sharp, glowing blade of energy spun into the air, cutting through rocks as it sped toward Raditz. He saw it too late.
SHHHK!
A clean slice tore through the base of his tail.
"ARRRGHHH!!" Raditz screamed, falling to his knees, clutching the stump behind him.
Goku looked back in shock. "Krillin! You did it!"
Krillin grinned, breathing hard—until Raditz turned his furious, bloodshot eyes on him.
"You'll PAY for that!!"
Raditz blitzed across the battlefield faster than Krillin could react. A brutal knee to the gut sent him flying. Before he could even scream, a spinning roundhouse kicked him out of the air, slamming him into a rocky cliff.
BOOM!
Krillin collapsed, bloodied, ribs cracked. His vision blurred.
"That… that was all I had..."
---
Back to Goku and Piccolo
Raditz panted, tail gone, his fury burning.
"You insects!!"
But Goku and Piccolo weren't finished. They launched back into battle with renewed ferocity. The fight raged on, both warriors giving everything they had.
Then—Gohan's scream.
His power spiked.
"LET MY DADDY GO!!!"
The pod exploded as Gohan burst out, his aura wild and uncontrolled. He slammed into Raditz, breaking his armor, cracking his ribs. The Saiyan was left stunned.
"Even I forgot how strong that moment was," Krillin thought weakly, watching through one swollen eye.
Goku didn't waste the chance.
He grabbed Raditz from behind, locking his arms around the Saiyan.
"PICCOLO! DO IT NOW!!"
Piccolo charged his ki, sweat on his brow. "Special... Beam... CANNON!!"
Raditz screamed, struggling. "You'll die too, Kakarot!!"
"I know," Goku said through gritted teeth.
"FIRE!!"
ZWWWWWWMMM!!!
The beam tore through the air and pierced both of them. Raditz screamed—then fell silent. Goku's body slumped forward.
Both collapsed to the ground.
The world went still.
---
Moments Later
Krillin groaned, pain flooding back as consciousness returned. He rolled over and coughed up blood. Every movement burned.
Then he saw it.
Goku lay nearby, his breathing shallow, a peaceful smile on his face.
"Goku..." Krillin crawled over, hands trembling. "Don't die, man. Please... not yet."
Goku opened his eyes slightly. "Heh... guess we did it, huh?"
Krillin laughed weakly, tears in his eyes. "You idiot... yeah. You did."