"But if things go this way and Cell really absorbs Android 18... it feels a bit unfair to Uncle Krillin," Gohan said with a bitter smile.
"Once Cell is defeated, we can use the Dragon Balls to bring back Android 17 and Android 18," Goku replied with a gentle smile.
"The Dragon Balls are no more," Piccolo interjected flatly.
Goku: "..."
"Right. I'll head off and bring Dende here to be Earth's new Guardian. That'll bring the Dragon Balls back," Goku decided immediately.
"Dende?" Piccolo was taken aback.
"I'm off," Goku said, vanishing instantly with his Instant Transmission.
"Uncle Piccolo, in Future Trunks' world, Dad brought Dende to Earth to become the new Guardian," Gohan explained. "In that timeline, you and Kami had already fused, but you didn't use the Dragon Balls to draw out your latent potential."
Piccolo nodded silently, offering no further comment.
A brief silence followed.
"Wait a second. How did that old dog Goku hear what Vegeta was saying down there?" Piccolo suddenly realized, blinking in surprise.
Gohan scratched his head, equally stunned.
From this distance, I can barely even see them. But to hear them talking... my ears aren't nearly that sharp.
How did Dad hear it?
"Hmph. That guy probably left for Dende just because he couldn't bear to watch Krillin lose Android 18, right?" Piccolo's lips curled into a smirk.
"Uncle Krillin finally found a girlfriend... they've practically built a life together. It really is a bit cruel for him," Gohan said, caught between a laugh and a sigh.
However, Gohan didn't actually have much affection for Android 18.
While the Android 18 of this world had indeed turned over a new leaf, Gohan hadn't had much contact with her. Even if she were absorbed by Cell, he didn't feel much sympathy.
After all, whether it was the Gohan from the future or Trunks, they both harbored a deep-seated hatred for these two Androids.
...
Whoosh!
Cell flew toward the location of Android 18 and the others at a breakneck speed.
Soon, he touched down right in front of them.
The trio immediately went on high alert.
Android 16 gritted his teeth and forced himself up from the ground, clenching his fists in a fighting stance.
Krillin's mind raced, though he was internally panicking like crazy.
"Little baldly, you can go die now!" Cell's temper flared the moment he saw Krillin, and he prepared to wipe him out for good.
"Cell! Don't do anything useless, or I'll make sure you never reach your Perfect Form!" Trunks roared.
Cell's lip twitched slightly, and he quickly pulled his hand back.
Fine!
He's just a piece of junk with a power level of five.
Crushing him would be as easy as squashing an ant.
I shouldn't go looking for trouble right now.
The most urgent task is to absorb Android 18 as quickly as possible.
"Android 16, stop struggling. Your head is literally leaking oil," Cell sneered contemptuously.
"You bastard!" Android 16 trembled with rage.
"Android 18, you didn't escape my grasp after all," Cell cold-snorted. He stepped forward and delivered a heavy punch straight into her stomach.
"Gah..."
Android 18 spat out a mouthful of bile.
Cell's tail unfurled and wrapped around her in an instant, beginning to draw her into his body.
"Android 18!" Krillin cried out in shock. Summoning his courage, he rushed forward and unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks against Cell's tail.
But with Krillin's strength, how could he possibly break through Cell's defense?
Instead of stopping the absorption, Krillin's frantic efforts only seemed to shove Android 18 into Cell's body even faster.
Android 18: "..."
Are you a double agent?
I know you mean well, but every one of those punches hit me.
Cell quickly finished absorbing Android 18.
BOOM!
In the next moment, a massive surge of energy erupted from Cell's body.
The shockwave kicked up a thick cloud of dust, turning the entire area into a chaotic mess.
As the dust gradually settled, Cell's Perfect Form was finally revealed to Vegeta and the others.
"Not bad. You've finally reached your Perfect Form," Vegeta said with a faint smile.
Then, Vegeta's expression turned to one of slight annoyance.
I just sensed Kakarot's ki up on the Lookout.
Now it's suddenly gone again!
Where did that guy go now?
Did he leave Earth?
How can you be so busy all day long?
I wanted to show you my Super Saiyan Blue form.
But against this guy Cell, I probably don't even need Blue to handle him, right?
Cell silently felt the changes in his body, his heart remarkably calm.
So this is the Perfect Form!
Simply incredible!
The computer didn't lie to me!
I finally understand now. It wasn't that my Semi-Perfect Form was weak.
It was just that the Super Saiyan God was too strong.
"You beast! You swallowed Android 18! I won't forgive you!" Krillin was beyond furious. He exploded with energy and threw a heavy punch right at Cell's head.
Cell didn't even bother to dodge, letting Krillin's fist slam into his skull.
Krillin: "..."
Krillin froze for a split second, then followed up with a kick that landed squarely on Cell's head again.
Cell didn't even flinch.
"What?" Krillin was dumbfounded.
My attacks can't even scratch him?
Swish, swish, swish!
Cell shadow-boxed the air, a thin smirk playing on his lips.
Then, he suddenly lashed out with a kick toward Krillin.
Krillin's face paled; it was too late to dodge.
Zip!
At the critical moment, a fiery red figure appeared beside Krillin, catching Cell's kick with a single hand.
THUD!
Cell's kick landed directly in Vegeta's palm, stopped cold.
"Vegeta?" Krillin was stunned, unable to process what was happening.
This guy Vegeta actually saved me?
Has his character completely broken down?
Is this something he would actually do?
"Father?" Trunks was equally shocked.
That was close!
Thank goodness Father reacted so quickly, or Uncle Krillin might have died on the spot.
"Cell, your opponent is Trunks. Don't waste your time on this nobody," Vegeta said flatly.
"Hmph." Cell chuckled, making no further move to eliminate Krillin.
He turned his gaze toward Trunks, then back to Vegeta.
"Why don't you two, father and son, come at me together?" Cell said with total confidence.
"You really are arrogant, Cell!" Vegeta chuckled.
"No, I'll fight you myself!" Trunks stepped forward, standing directly across from Cell.
"If you don't want to die, get lost," Vegeta snorted at Krillin without looking back. He added, "If you've got nothing better to do, take this Android 16 guy to Bulma for repairs."
"Eh?" Krillin blinked.
Vegeta ignored him, floating into the air to watch the show.
"Android 16, let's get out of here," Krillin said, quickly pulling Android 16 away.
"Mr. Krillin, if it's really possible, I hope you can take me to Miss Bulma for repairs after this battle," Android 16 said thoughtfully. "I believe I can be of use!"
"Sure, no problem! Leave it to me!" Krillin nodded. He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "By the way, Android 16... uh... well... there's something I've been wondering if I should ask."
"Go ahead," Android 16 glanced at him.
"First off, I don't mean any disrespect..." Krillin was clearly embarrassed to ask.
"Just say it. You saved me, after all," Android 16 smiled.
"You're injured, and I see oil leaking out... but why did Android 18 bleed?" Krillin asked curiously. "And Android 19, who died earlier—he sprayed oil too. Is it because Android 18's oil is just red?"
Android 16: "..."
A bead of sweat rolled down Android 16's forehead.
I thought you were going to ask something important.
And it turns out to be this?
"The reason is simple. I am a pure robot, constructed entirely of machinery," Android 16 explained. "But Android 17 and Android 18 were modified from human bodies..."
"Modified humans?" Krillin was stunned.
No wonder Goku said Android 18 could have children.
So she was originally a human!
"Android 18 once told me her original name was Lazuli, and Android 17 was Lapis," Android 16 added.
"Lazuli... that's a beautiful name!" Krillin's eyes lit up, and his face turned red again.
"What's the use of talking about it now?" Android 16 shook his head. "She's been absorbed by Cell... she's essentially dead."
"Don't worry. We'll just find a way to bring her back with the Dragon Balls," Krillin grinned.
"Bring her back?" Android 16 was slightly taken aback.
...
The second round of the battle between Trunks and Cell officially began.
Trunks was wreathed in flames, having already transformed into a Super Saiyan God.
Cell, however, showed no outward glow, his lips curled in a confident smile.
"HAAAA!"
Trunks let out a roar and launched a powerful kick at Cell.
Cell raised a hand and blocked the attack effortlessly.
Trunks followed up with an elbow strike, aiming for Cell's torso.
Cell lifted his arm and caught the blow.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Trunks unleashed a fierce barrage of attacks.
Cell parried them all with ease.
After several exchanges, Cell leaped back, creating some distance between them.
Trunks looked stunned.
This guy has become way too strong.
Even as a Super Saiyan God, am I still no match for him?
"Trunks, that was a decent performance just now," Cell chuckled.
"You... you haven't even shown your true strength yet!" Trunks said grimly.
"Of course not," Cell smiled. "Now, I've decided to show you what I can really do!"
Zip!
With a flash, Cell appeared behind Trunks with incredible speed.
Trunks was horrified and immediately threw a back-kick, striking Cell directly in the head.
But Cell's head only tilted slightly. He acted as if nothing had happened, his smile growing even wider.
"This... this is..." Trunks was completely flabbergasted.
"Heh heh heh. Super Saiyan God? Is that all?" Cell rubbed his nose and let out a series of cold laughs.
Trunks clenched his fists tightly, his body trembling uncontrollably.
"What's wrong, Trunks? Where did that bravado go? Didn't you say the Super Saiyan God was powerful?" Cell chuckled and delivered a kick straight to Trunks' stomach.
Trunks' face contorted in pain as he was sent flying backward.
CRASH!
Trunks slammed into the ground, tumbling several times.
But he immediately shot back into the sky, gritting his teeth with a look of pure frustration.
"Trunks, do you want to continue?" Cell sneered. "You're simply no match for me!"
Trunks' body shook violently.
"Enough! Vegeta, let's see what you've got!" Cell lost interest in Trunks and turned his gaze toward Vegeta with intrigue.
"Hmph. As you wish. I'll play with you for a bit!" Vegeta snorted, then turned to Trunks. "Trunks, step back!"
"Father, he's much stronger than I imagined. Please be careful!" Trunks said, his face full of worry.
Vegeta nodded slightly.
Snap!
Flames erupted around Vegeta as he once again activated his Super Saiyan God transformation.
"Another Super Saiyan God? Interesting! Your son Trunks is the perfect example of what to expect!" Cell laughed coldly, completely unfazed.
The two stepped toward each other, the distance closing rapidly.
BOOM!
Vegeta struck first, an uppercut slamming into Cell's stomach.
Cell's abdomen caved in deeply, and he winced in pain.
Immediately after, Vegeta landed a kick on Cell's head, sending him tumbling across the ground.
Cell leaped up, gritting his teeth, and rushed forward to unleash a flurry of blows.
Vegeta dodged left and right.
After several exchanges, Vegeta landed a palm strike across Cell's face.
Cell trembled with rage and lashed out with a kick of his own.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The two engaged in a fierce battle on the ground.
For a moment, Vegeta and Cell were locked in a stalemate, neither giving an inch.
"They're both Super Saiyan Gods, but how is Father so much stronger than me?" Trunks marveled, his respect for his father growing even deeper.
"Super Saiyan God? Is that what you call this flaming transformation?" Krillin asked, leaning in.
"Yes, Mr. Krillin," Trunks nodded.
"Is it because you've become gods that we can't sense your ki?" Krillin asked, catching on quickly.
"That's essentially it," Trunks replied. "Both Father and I possess godly ki now. Ordinary people can't sense the presence of a god."
"What? You and Vegeta have both become gods?" Krillin was flabbergasted.
"Well... it's not exactly like that. We just have godly ki... it doesn't mean we've truly become gods." Trunks looked a bit embarrassed, scratching his head. He added apologetically, "Mr. Krillin, I'm truly sorry for letting Android 18 get absorbed by Cell."
"It's fine, it's fine! We'll just find a way to bring her back with the Dragon Balls," Krillin laughed, not letting it bother him.
BOOM!
Vegeta and Cell traded another punch, a massive burst of energy exploding between their fists.
Both were forced back several steps.
"Not bad, Vegeta," Cell said, wiping a trace of blood from his lip, his smile widening.
"Hmph," Vegeta snorted, his eyes burning with an endless fighting spirit.
"You really are much stronger than I expected, Vegeta," Cell said, smiling at him. "However, I haven't even shown my true strength yet. Did you really think this was all I had?"
"Oh? Is that so? Then hurry up and show it!" Vegeta cold-snorted. "Otherwise, you'll be dead before you know it, and it'll be too late for regrets."
ROAR!
Cell didn't hesitate any longer. A dark green aura suddenly erupted from his body, unleashing the legendary Super Saiyan energy.
Snap!
Vegeta's flames flared even brighter as he pushed his Super Saiyan God power to its absolute limit.
Whoosh!
The two charged at each other, clashing fiercely in mid-air.
Their speed increased until they were exchanging thousands of blows in a single instant.
BOOM!
They traded another punch in the sky.
The energy from the collision rippled outward in violent waves.
The shockwave sent Trunks tumbling backward.
Android 16 and Krillin were blown away entirely, rolling across the ground before crashing down hard.
"Mr. Krillin, are you okay?" Trunks asked worriedly.
"I'm fine..." Krillin gritted his teeth and scrambled up to help Android 16.
"Cell has become too strong! He's even more powerful than I imagined!" Trunks said, his voice low.
"Vegeta is going to lose..." Krillin said, flying forward with a grim expression.
"What?" Trunks was stunned.
"Although I can't sense your ki levels, I can feel it... it's like Cell is just playing around, while Vegeta is giving it everything he's got," Krillin said, taking a deep breath.
Trunks: "..."
Father, didn't you say you'd back me up?
Did we just blow it?
Perfect Cell is terrifyingly strong.
BOOM!
Cell and Vegeta separated once more.
"Hmph," Vegeta snorted, preparing to charge back into the fray.
"Wait!" Cell waved a hand, signaling for Vegeta to stop.
Vegeta braked hard in mid-air, coming to a slow halt. He raised an eyebrow and looked at Cell with a smirk.
"I have a few questions for you!" Cell said with a smile.
Vegeta said nothing.
"Vegeta, you really are stronger than I thought, especially with this Super Saiyan God form," Cell said.
"What are you trying to say?" Vegeta asked coldly.
"How come I didn't know about this Super Saiyan God transformation?" Cell asked with a smile.
"Hmph. There's a lot you don't know. Are you going to ask me about every single thing? Why don't you go ask your computer?" Vegeta sneered.
Cell: "..."
That actually makes a lot of sense.
"One more question," Cell said, unfazed. "Where is Son Goku? Where is that guy right now?"
"Heaven only knows what Kakarot is busy with!" Vegeta said, looking annoyed.
"Vegeta, if you're this strong, Son Goku must be even stronger, right?" Cell asked, suddenly interested.
Vegeta: "..."
Three veins popped on Vegeta's forehead.
I've been reincarnated, and people still think Kakarot is stronger than me?
I can't stand this!
Should I just turn Super Saiyan Blue right now and wipe this guy out?
"Can Son Goku turn into a Super Saiyan God too?" Cell asked with a smile.
"Hmph. I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed," Vegeta chuckled. "I can tell you for a fact that Kakarot doesn't know this transformation."
Vegeta was certain because Goku had mentioned he couldn't sense Vegeta's ki. If Kakarot could turn into a Super Saiyan God, he would have been able to sense Vegeta's godly power.
"Son Goku can't turn into a Super Saiyan God?" Cell was a bit surprised, muttering to himself, "Does that mean he has some other transformation waiting to surprise me?"
Vegeta remained silent, offering no answer.
After all, even Vegeta didn't know what Kakarot was capable of now. In his mind, if Kakarot could reach Super Saiyan 3, that would already be impressive enough.
"As far as I know, Trunks couldn't turn into a Super Saiyan God just a day ago," Cell mused, glancing toward Trunks.
Trunks: "..."
"How did you manage to boost Trunks' strength to this level in less than a day?" Cell asked.
"Hmph. No comment!" Vegeta snorted. He certainly wasn't going to tell Cell about the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
"Since you don't want to answer that, let me ask something else," Cell said with a smile.
"Are you done yet? Are we fighting or not?" Vegeta frowned, growing impatient.
"We'll fight, of course. But not right now!" Cell said with a laugh.
Vegeta was slightly taken-back.
Could it be... could this guy...
"If given more time, could your strength increase even further?" Cell asked, his interest piqued.
Vegeta: "..."
Is this guy already thinking about holding the Cell Games?
To be continued…
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