Gohan, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, and Piccolo were all stunned.
They thought they had everything under control.
Piccolo was about to destroy Cell, and then Vegeta unexpectedly jumped into the fray.
It would have been fine if Vegeta had simply intervened, but he actually suggested letting Cell transform into a perfect form to see what would happen.
Everyone was shocked.
They knew Cell was powerful, and Piccolo's strength had finally surpassed Cell—but now Vegeta's actions threatened to undo all that progress.
The Z Warriors felt a cold dread.
If Cell became a perfect form while Piccolo hadn't unleashed his full strength, things could quickly spiral out of control.
Even Goku might not be able to stop him.
Although everyone knew Goku's power was extraordinary, no one could predict how much stronger Cell would become in his perfect form.
If the increase was too great, surpassing both Piccolo and Goku, then they would truly be powerless.
No one could understand what Vegeta was thinking—placing a bet like this was risking all their lives.
......
Piccolo's expression darkened, and his tone became sharp. "Vegeta, I'll say it again. Don't interfere in this matter. Pretend I know nothing. If you interfere, don't blame me for being rude."
"Tsk." Vegeta had no choice but to hold back, aware that Piccolo's current power far exceeded his own.
Cell, seeing Vegeta step aside, felt a small glimmer of hope. Perhaps there was still a chance for survival.
Meanwhile, No. 16, hiding in the shadows, whispered to No. 18, "Number 18, the moment the opportunity comes, we need to run immediately. Staying here will be dangerous."
"Understood." No. 18 was sharp enough to know the difference between critical and non-critical moments—avoiding this fight for now was essential.
......
Cell was retreating from Piccolo, his fear growing with every step. Piccolo's murderous intent was real.
There was no joking with him.
After Vegeta failed to persuade Piccolo, he gave up, aware of his limits.
Piccolo raised his hand, gathering energy. "Cell, because of Vegeta's delay, you survived one more minute. Be grateful—but don't expect that luck to last."
......
As Cell retreated, he noticed a puddle of water out of the corner of his eye.
Through the pool's reflection, he saw No. 18 and No. 16. His eyes lit up with determination.
He had assumed No. 18 wasn't on this island—but now, an opportunity had appeared.
He quickly glanced at Piccolo, Vegeta, Tien Shinhan, and the others.
With so many around, absorbing No. 18 would be impossible unless he acted carefully.
Piccolo noticed the gleam in Cell's eyes and said, "Do you really think there's hope? Forget it—go to hell!"
Piccolo fired an energy blast directly at Cell. Cell had no choice but to defend with all his might.
Boom~~
The explosion shook the area. The Z Warriors smiled—they thought Cell had finally been defeated.
......
Piccolo remained in an attacking stance.
When the smoke cleared, he saw the wounded Cell and said calmly, "Cell, I didn't expect you to be so resilient. But you can only block it once—can you withstand it a second or third time?"
Piccolo gathered energy again. Despite his injuries, Cell jumped into the air, focused solely on absorbing No. 18.
Vegeta, watching carefully, asked, "What is Cell planning?"
Piccolo scoffed. "It's a pathetic struggle."
Krillin's eyes widened. "Oh no! That guy—he's going to use Solar Flare!"
Even with the warning, it was too late. Cell had already set up his attack.
"Solar Flare!"
The area was engulfed in blinding white light, scorching everyone's eyes.
Krillin, who had reacted slightly early, closed his eyes, but was still affected.
...
Author's Note:
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