Vegeta kept attacking desperately, but Cooler had already started plotting against Vegeta and the Z Warriors.
His true goal was to escape this battlefield.
For Cooler, this place had become a nightmare, and there was no way he could calm down.
Unlike his reckless younger brother, Cooler was much more cautious.
Frieza had fallen, but Cooler refused to share the same fate.
Pretending to fight Vegeta fiercely, Cooler bided his time.
However, what he didn't know was that his plan had already been seen through by Goku.
Goku chose not to remind Vegeta.
He wanted to see whether Vegeta could figure out Cooler's scheme for himself.
Cooler gathered a massive wave of energy and launched it at Vegeta.
Vegeta fired back his own blast.
The moment the two attacks collided, Cooler immediately bolted upward toward the atmosphere at full speed.
By the time Vegeta noticed, two seconds had already passed.
That was enough—Cooler had flown thousands of meters ahead, making it difficult for Vegeta to catch up.
"Don't even think about running away!" Vegeta roared furiously, exploding with power as he pursued him.
But Cooler wasn't easy to chase down. Their combat strength was close, Vegeta only slightly stronger.
Speed depended on power, and Cooler was flying at his maximum. Catching him wouldn't be easy.
The Z Warriors panicked when they saw Cooler fleeing.
Yamcha shouted, "Goku, this is bad—Cooler's trying to escape!"
"I didn't expect him to be so cunning," Tien Shinhan muttered, his face grim.
He could tell Cooler was about to break into space.
Krillin, however, clenched his fists. "We should trust Goku. He'll handle it."
He firmly believed in Goku's strength. Even if the enemy escaped into space, Krillin was sure Goku had a way.
Goku said calmly, "Don't worry. He's not getting away."
In his mind, Cooler's elaborate scheme meant nothing.
Even if Cooler reached space, he wouldn't survive—because Goku could fight in space too.
"Cooler, you bastard, stop running! I haven't finished with you yet!" Vegeta bellowed as he chased, frustrated to the core.
Seeing the atmosphere growing nearer, Cooler actually smiled.
If he escaped this time, he could return later, stronger, and crush Vegeta once and for all.
This battle on Earth would become the greatest shame of his life, but at least he'd survive.
"Final Burst!"
Enraged, Vegeta unleashed one of his signature explosive attacks.
He couldn't let Cooler escape. A Super Saiyan letting an enemy slip away? That would make him a laughingstock.
The violent energy blast forced Cooler to stop and defend.
It was too late to dodge.
Cooler raised his hands and unleashed a massive red energy wave to counter.
The two gigantic blasts collided midair, locking in a deadly struggle.
To the Z Warriors, this clash was terrifying. But to Goku, it was just powerful—nothing beyond his reach.
His strength had long surpassed theirs, and his perspective was on a higher level.
Piccolo watched closely. "It's hard for Vegeta to keep him here, but not impossible. It all depends on how he responds."
After resisting Vegeta's attack, Cooler immediately turned and tried to flee again.
"Cooler! I won't let you escape with the same trick twice!" Vegeta roared, charging after him.
"You can talk big after you actually catch me!" Cooler shouted back, pouring everything into his escape.
The atmosphere was close now. Escape was within reach.
But suddenly—Goku appeared right in front of him.
Cooler's eyes widened.
Behind him, Vegeta caught up and yelled, "Kakarot! Don't you dare interfere in my battle!"
Vegeta couldn't stand living in Goku's shadow. It was unbearable.
Goku crossed his arms and said calmly, "Vegeta, I gave you ten minutes. You still haven't finished him."
Vegeta opened his mouth, but no words came. He knew it was true. Reluctantly, he stayed silent.
Goku's gaze fell back on Cooler. "Cooler… I think it's about time I sent you on your way."
"Damn Saiyan monkey!" Cooler snarled. "You think you can kill me? I am Cooler!"
But deep inside, he felt an oppressive weight pressing down on him—the overwhelming presence of Goku.
...
Author's Note:
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