The ridge felt like it was crumbling under them with every stomp Vegeta made in his new form. Krillin pressed his body low, one arm wrapped around Gohan's chest, keeping him pinned as if that would help if the mountain decided to collapse.
The Oozaru's roar rolled across the desert, so loud Krillin swore it rattled the marrow inside his bones. Dust rained down on their heads. Gohan's hands were clenched in his lap, trembling fists too small for the anger swelling in him.
"Krillin…" Gohan's voice cracked. "He's—he's going to kill my dad."
Krillin wiped grit from his eyes, heart pounding against his ribs. "Kid, I know. But if we run in there, we're just giving him more toys to break."
Another shockwave slammed the ridge. Gohan squeezed his eyes shut, tears spilling. The sound of his father's scream—Kaio-ken tearing through muscle and bone—echoed against the walls around them.
Krillin's stomach turned. I've seen Goku pull miracles before. But this… this isn't a miracle anymore. This is suicide.
Far below, the giant ape's silhouette blotted out the false moon. Vegeta's massive frame moved with terrifying purpose, not a beast's clumsy swipes but a predator's measured cruelty. Each hand came down like a god signing a death warrant.
Goku blurred between strikes, aura blazing red, but his movements were desperate now. His body flickered wrong at the edges, Kaio-ken burning him faster than it saved him.
The System glowed in Vegeta's colossal vision, numbers clear even as bloodlust pumped in his veins.
[Engagement Metrics]Opponent Output: ~30,000 PL (Kaio-ken x4 unsustainable).Host Output: ~180,000 PL (stable).Projected Outcome: Absolute victory within 3 minutes.Recommendation: Extend combat → farm Rivalry Node.Optional Bonus: Permit Gohan's intervention. Emotional Catalyst → Super Saiyan Progress +5%.
Vegeta grinned through fangs, the sound like boulders grinding. His laugh shook the horizon.
"You see it, don't you, Kakarot? Every second you keep standing, you make me stronger. Every scream, every bone you break, it feeds my ascension."
Krillin heard him and bile rose in his throat. "He's… he's enjoying it."
Gohan's small fists shook harder. "I don't care. I won't just sit here!" He tore out of Krillin's grip, aura sparking around his small frame.
"Gohan, no—!" Krillin lunged, too late.
The boy launched himself off the ridge, a comet of stubborn light, heading straight toward the titan's massive chest. His scream was thin but sharp, carrying his heart more than his power.
Vegeta's red eyes tracked him instantly. Not surprise—interest.
The System rewarded him with a new line:
[Emotional Catalyst Detected — Son Gohan]PL Spike: 1,800 → 3,400 (transient).Correlation: Protective Rage.Host Opportunity: Induce trauma → accelerate ascension.
Vegeta's fangs flashed. "Yes… come, little cub. Let's see what roar you have."
He swiped, not to kill, but to test. A hand the size of a house tore through air toward the child.