As Zeru silently praised Android 17's sharp mind, the battlefield had already taken a drastic turn.
Facing the combined assault of Gohan, Krillin, and the others, Cell only grew more ferocious. One by one, he sent them all flying.
"Let me think… who should I absorb first?"
Cell glanced at Tien lying on the ground, then at Goku, before his gaze finally settled on Android 16, 17, and 18. He licked his lips, excitement flashing across his face.
"I think… I should start with you fellow androids."
In his mind, once he absorbed everyone here and strengthened himself, even Zeru would eventually fall prey to him.
"16! Now's the time—we move!"
At that moment, Android 17, who had been waiting patiently, suddenly roared and charged forward.
He hadn't chosen this moment randomly.
When someone tastes victory, they relax—if only for an instant.
And that instant—
Was enough.
"Take this—Rocket Punch!"
Android 16 stepped forward, roaring as he launched his right arm forward.
His detached fist shot through the air like a missile.
Boom!
It struck Cell squarely, blasting him hundreds of meters away.
Seeing this, Android 17 accelerated, instantly appearing before the airborne Cell.
At the same time, Android 18 joined in, unleashing her own attacks, while 16 retrieved his arm and immediately prepared another move.
With a roar, 16 detached both arms, gathering all his energy.
"17—get out of the way!"
Hearing this, 17's eyes flashed. He instantly flew upward, unleashing a powerful blast downward as well.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Explosions rang out continuously.
A massive black mushroom cloud rose, engulfing the battlefield.
"Is… is it over?"
Everyone struggled to stand, staring at the blast zone.
No movement.
Relief began to spread across their faces.
But—
Boom!
A far more terrifying energy erupted from within the smoke.
"Trash! All of you trash! You androids really have a death wish!"
Whoosh!
A figure shot out from the explosion.
Before anyone could react—
A blur flashed across the sky.
Android 17—
Was caught by the throat.
Bang!
"You really pissed me off!"
With a single strike, Cell's hand pierced through 17's abdomen.
A scream tore through the air.
"Hahaha!"
Cell laughed wildly, tossing 17 aside.
Then his gaze shifted downward—
Fixing on Android 16.
"You're next. As for 18… I'll save her for last."
Thud.
17's body crashed to the ground, coughing violently before going still.
"16…!"
Before anyone could react—
Android 16 moved.
He flew up and locked Cell in a tight embrace.
"…Hmm?"
Cell raised an eyebrow.
"Trying to self-destruct with me?"
"Cell… don't get ahead of yourself."
16's voice remained calm.
"16! Stop! You can't self-destruct anymore—get back!"
Krillin shouted in panic.
"Oh?"
Cell smirked.
"That's unfortunate. Looks like you can't even blow yourself up anymore."
"And even if you could… do you really think it would hurt me?"
"16!"
Gohan shouted desperately.
But Cell had already countered.
He twisted his body—
And fired a point-blank blast.
Boom!!!
Android 16's body was torn apart instantly.
"16!"
Rage erupted from everyone.
"Cell… you bastard!"
Gohan's voice trembled with killing intent.
Cell descended, stepping on 16's severed head.
"You were nothing but a failed creation of Dr. Gero."
Bang!
With a kick—
16's head flew across the battlefield.
"C-Cell!"
Gohan clenched his teeth, trembling.
"Goku said your potential is unimaginable…"
Cell smiled coldly.
"So I've changed my mind. I'll absorb you first."
He began walking toward Gohan.
"Run, Gohan!"
Seeing Gohan frozen in fear, Goku rushed forward, standing in front of him.
"D-Dad…"
Gohan's eyes were unfocused as he whispered.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here."
Goku turned back with a gentle smile.
Then—
He raised two fingers to his forehead.
Instant Transmission.
In the next moment, he appeared in front of Cell.
"What… is he doing?!"
Krillin's face changed.
"You're not… planning to self-destruct too, are you?!"
"…Everyone… goodbye."
Goku smiled faintly, a trace of reluctance in his eyes.
Then he grabbed Cell—
His aura exploded to its peak.
He was going to sacrifice himself.
"Heh."
Cell sneered.
At that very moment—
His tail silently moved behind Goku.
Piercing—
Right through his spine.
The pain shattered Goku's focus instantly.
Thud.
His energy collapsed, and he fell to the ground.
"Hahaha!"
Cell burst into laughter.
Without hesitation, he fired a devastating energy blast.
Boom!!!
The explosion shook the battlefield.
"Dad!"
"Goku!"
"Kakarot!"
Every Z Fighter's face turned pale.
"AAAAAAAH!!!"
Gohan's scream tore through the air.
That was his father.
His world.
Boom!
A terrifying aura erupted from Gohan's body.
Golden energy surged—
Then—
Lightning crackled within it.
Pure rage.
Unrestrained fury.
"Absolute anger… Super Saiyan 2 Gohan is about to be born."
Zeru narrowed his eyes, a trace of nostalgia appearing on his face.
Back then, as a viewer, witnessing this moment had sent chills through his entire body.
And now—
Even after everything he had experienced—
Seeing it again—
Still gave him goosebumps.
That was why—
He hadn't intervened.
Because this moment—
Was meant to happen.
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