Boom!
At that moment, the smoke and towering mushroom cloud over the arena were violently blown apart by an overwhelming surge of energy.
Soon, Cell reappeared in everyone's sight.
His face was dark and twisted, his breathing heavy. It was clear—he was in a state of extreme rage.
"Son Goku!"
Cell lifted his head and glared at Goku in the sky, his voice dripping with killing intent.
"Ah! Cell's alive again!"
Mr. Satan's panicked scream rang out from the side.
He quickly ran away, but after a few steps, he seemed to remember something. Planting his hands on his hips, he pointed at Cell and shouted, "You have to defeat everyone here before you earn the right to fight me!"
"Mr. Satan is… way too bold…"
The TV crew exchanged glances, silently amazed.
The entire battlefield was suffocatingly tense—yet only Satan dared to speak so brazenly. In their minds, his image grew even more exaggerated.
Cell merely sneered, completely ignoring him. To him, Satan was nothing more than an insignificant insect.
"Haah!"
At that moment, Goku landed back on the ruined arena.
Then—
Cell roared.
His energy exploded outward.
"What?!"
"My god… can he transform into a Super Saiyan too?!"
Everyone below was stunned.
Even Vegeta's face was filled with disbelief.
Cell had Saiyan cells, yes—but transforming into a Super Saiyan shouldn't have been possible!
Boom!
As Cell powered up, debris flew everywhere. Krillin and the others were forced to retreat, while even Vegeta had to brace himself to avoid being pushed back.
Soon—
The energy settled.
Cell stood revealed.
Purple light flickered across his skin, while a golden aura—just like a Super Saiyan—surrounded him.
"As expected…"
Goku narrowed his eyes.
"7.5 billion Power level…"
Zeru observed calmly. This form resembled Super Saiyan, but it wasn't a true transformation—just a slight amplification of strength.
Still—
It was more than enough.
Goku began walking forward, the shock fading from his face, replaced by burning battle intent.
"Come on!"
When he reached Cell, the latter spoke calmly.
Goku nodded—and attacked.
Bang!
A punch.
Then a kick.
Cell was sent flying, blood spilling slightly from his lips as he stabilized himself.
"Excellent, Son Goku. I've been looking for an opponent like you."
Cell wiped the blood away, his tone steady.
"A fight like this—equal, back and forth—that's what makes it interesting."
"Exactly!"
Goku grinned.
"That's how I feel too. So Cell… let's enjoy this fight!"
"Haah!"
They roared at the same time and clashed again.
From the shattered arena to the sky—and back again—their battle blurred beyond comprehension.
"Gohan… can you see them clearly?"
Krillin stammered.
"I can… but not perfectly."
Gohan nodded, his expression serious.
To ordinary eyes, it was nothing more than two streaks of light colliding.
"Kakarot…"
Vegeta clenched his fists, teeth grinding.
"Is this… his true power?!"
Even Future Trunks was drenched in sweat, staring in awe.
Everyone marveled at Goku—
But Zeru saw more.
On the surface, they were evenly matched.
But in reality—
Goku was steadily exhausting himself.
Cell, on the other hand—
Was growing stronger.
Boom!
Another clash.
This time—
Goku was blown back.
Cell immediately pursued, unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks.
The one-sided beating—
Had returned.
"How… how is this possible?!"
Piccolo and the others were stunned.
Just moments ago, they were evenly matched—
Now Goku was being crushed again.
"We can't let Goku fight alone anymore!"
Krillin stepped forward, determination blazing in his eyes.
"I agree! Earth isn't just Goku's home—it's ours too!"
Tien charged forward.
Fear couldn't last forever.
The more they hesitated, the more they would be crushed.
Step!
Krillin's resolve ignited everyone.
Even Vegeta transformed and rushed in.
"Ha!"
Cell sneered.
Ignoring the others, he instantly appeared before Vegeta—
And grabbed his throat.
Just as Vegeta tried to resist—
A red beam flashed from Cell's eyes.
Piercing his chest.
Thud.
Vegeta's Super Saiyan form vanished as he collapsed onto the arena.
Instant kill.
Just like that.
Silence fell.
Krillin and the others froze, faces pale.
Only now did they truly understand the gap.
"Goku… he's been carrying everything alone…"
Their eyes turned toward Goku, struggling to stand.
Tears welled up.
"Son Goku… you sought death first, but I won't kill you first."
Cell looked down at him.
"I'll kill Vegeta… then Krillin… then Piccolo… and finally… your son."
"Cell… you're despicable!"
Boom!
Goku roared, forcing himself back into Super Saiyan despite his battered body.
"Goku! You'll die like this!"
Krillin shouted.
But Goku ignored him, his aura flaring wildly.
"Dad!"
Something snapped inside Gohan.
With a roar, he shot forward—
Bang!
A headbutt slammed into Cell, sending him flying hundreds of meters.
"Gohan! Nice!"
Krillin cheered.
"Goku, rest! We've got this!"
Whoosh!
Krillin moved.
So did Piccolo, Tien, Yamcha, and Gohan—all charging at Cell.
"A bunch of idiots…"
Android 17 stood still, unmoving.
He wasn't reckless.
He knew this was suicide.
The gap in power was too great.
And worse—
Cell didn't seem to tire at all.
"17… they're risking everything… aren't we going to help?"
Android 16 and the other Android 18 asked.
"Not yet."
17 narrowed his eyes.
"We wait."
"We only move when we can guarantee a killing blow."
"Let them go first. We strike when the opportunity comes."
"…Understood."
16 nodded.
18 hesitated, then nodded as well.
Zeru glanced at 17.
As if sensing it, 17 looked back.
Their eyes met.
Silence.
Then—
Zeru smiled faintly.
Android 17…
Really did have a sharp mind.
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