Gohan gritted his teeth tightly, his eyes locked onto the energy beam in his hands.
He could feel the violent power raging inside it.
He could feel it trying to break through his defense.
He could feel the scorching heat and sharp pain burning across his palms.
But I can't lose!
Gohan shouted inwardly.
Piccolo Uncle is watching me!
Broly Uncle is watching me!
Dad is about to arrive!
I have to prove to them that Gohan has become stronger!
That Gohan can protect everyone now!
"HAAAAAAAH!!!"
Gohan let out a loud roar as the golden aura surrounding his body suddenly exploded outward.
The color of the aura became purer and brighter.
Like the blazing midday sun.
So brilliant that it hurt to look at directly.
Then—
Using every ounce of strength in his body—
Gohan thrust both hands upward.
SWOOSH!!!
The mouth beam fired by Nappa was forcibly pushed into the sky.
Its trajectory instantly changed from horizontal to vertical.
Like a gigantic pillar of light piercing heaven itself.
BOOOOOOM!!!
The energy blast exploded high above the clouds.
A magnificent burst of light spread across the sky.
White energy expanded outward, forming a gigantic sphere hundreds of meters wide.
Lightning crackled inside the sphere while dazzling light illuminated the wasteland below like daytime.
The light lasted for three full seconds before gradually fading.
Ripples of energy spread across the sky like waves on water.
Nappa: "..."
Nappa froze completely.
His face grew uglier by the second.
His mouth hung open as he stared at the fading explosion above.
Then at the little boy slowly lowering his hands.
His brain went blank.
He… blocked it?
He actually blocked my full-power attack?!
And pushed it away?!
A dizzy sensation overwhelmed Nappa.
This wasn't a difference in power.
Nor technique.
It was a difference in willpower.
At the brink of death—
That little brat's determination surpassed even his own as a veteran warrior.
Is Kakarot's son really this terrifying?
Can't I even defeat a child like him?
A deep sense of helplessness rose inside Nappa.
Not helplessness toward strength—
But helplessness toward fate itself.
Meanwhile, Gohan also looked up at the fading energy fireworks in the sky.
His arms were still trembling slightly.
A burning pain lingered in his palms.
His breathing was rough.
But there was no fear on his face.
No pain.
Only joy.
A proud sense of accomplishment.
I did it!
I really did it!
I blocked that giant guy's full-power attack!
For the first time in his life—
Gohan felt genuine confidence bloom inside his heart.
So this is how strong I can become…
So I really can do things like this…
That confidence wasn't imaginary.
It was built through real combat.
Through real victory.
Step by step.
Then suddenly—
Joy appeared on Gohan's face.
Because he saw a figure he knew better than anyone.
Within the fading glow of the energy explosion—
Against the darkened sky—
An orange-clad figure was flying rapidly toward them.
The figure wasn't especially tall.
Nor overwhelmingly imposing.
But Gohan recognized him instantly.
Dad!
"Goku! You finally made it, you idiot!"
Krillin shouted excitedly toward the sky.
Son Goku: "..."
Goku silently looked down.
His eyes immediately landed on Gohan.
On that small golden figure.
After seeing how brilliantly his son had performed—
Even Goku couldn't help feeling amazed.
He had seen everything.
While flying here from afar—
He saw Nappa fire the mouth blast.
Saw Gohan catch it head-on.
Saw Gohan shove it into the sky.
The entire sequence lasted only seconds.
Yet the skill, power, and determination displayed there surprised even Goku.
Gohan's become really strong…
Goku thought inwardly.
Not just stronger physically—
His battle instincts and fighting spirit had grown tremendously too.
This was no longer a child needing protection.
This was a true warrior.
"Dad!"
Gohan cheered happily, waving both hands.
The golden aura around his body slowly faded away.
Goku smiled softly and nodded.
Then he gently landed beside Gohan and rubbed his son's head affectionately.
"You did great, Gohan."
Goku's warm voice carried unmistakable pride.
Gohan's face instantly turned red.
He lowered his head shyly, though the smile on his lips couldn't be hidden.
Being praised by his father made him happier than defeating Nappa ever could.
But the next second—
Goku's brows slowly furrowed.
Because he saw Tien and Yamcha lying lifeless nearby.
…What happened to them?
Goku's expression darkened immediately.
Tap.
Goku slowly descended from the sky and landed beside Broly.
His footsteps were light.
Almost silent.
Yet the heaviness in his heart made the surrounding atmosphere feel suffocating.
"Tien… Yamcha…"
Goku's voice became low and heavy.
"Yeah…"
"That guy called Nappa killed them!"
Krillin immediately pointed furiously toward Nappa.
Nappa: "..."
Why is Yamcha's death being blamed on me again?!
Nappa felt wronged beyond belief.
Why is EVERYTHING pinned on me?!
But honestly—
At this point, he was already numb to it.
Fine.
Whatever.
Tien.
Chiaotzu.
Yamcha.
The countless deaths in this city.
Just dump every sin onto me.
What difference does it make anymore?
One burden or a hundred burdens—
I'm dead either way.
"And Chiaotzu…"
"He self-destructed…"
Krillin's voice turned hoarse.
Those few simple words painted an unbearably tragic scene.
"But Broly already punished Nappa badly!"
Krillin suddenly raised his head again, hatred flashing in his eyes.
He pointed toward the battered Saiyan lying nearby.
Toward the murderer stained with his friends' blood.
Goku quietly listened without interrupting.
He stood there silently.
Orange gi fluttering lightly in the wind.
Black hair slightly messy.
But his eyes were frighteningly calm.
Like the sea before a massive storm.
"…Sorry."
"I came too late."
Goku finally spoke softly.
His eyes filled with guilt as he turned toward Broly.
"I came late too."
Broly nodded calmly.
"It's my fault!"
Goku suddenly raised his voice.
Pain flashed through his eyes.
"I said I'd handle this battle myself…"
"And I still arrived too late!"
He clenched his fists tightly.
If he hadn't said those words before leaving Earth—
Maybe Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu wouldn't have died.
The thought gnawed at his heart like poison.
He remembered confidently telling Broly:
"Leave this one to me."
And now?
He arrived—
But his friends were dead.
His promise became meaningless.
"Dad!"
"They weren't even our opponents!"
"Piccolo Uncle could beat him too!"
Gohan hurriedly grabbed Goku's arm.
He didn't want his father blaming himself.
In Gohan's heart—
His father was always the strongest and brightest person in the world.
He shouldn't look this sad.
Gohan's innocent voice became a ray of light piercing through Goku's guilt.
Goku lowered his head slightly and looked at his son.
At that face so similar to his own.
At those clear eyes overflowing with trust.
The guilt in his chest eased slightly.
"…Really?"
Goku forced a small smile and rubbed Gohan's head again.
Then he looked toward Piccolo.
"Piccolo."
"Thanks for taking care of Gohan all this time."
Those words came from the bottom of his heart.
Goku knew very well—
During his absence—
Piccolo had trained Gohan.
Protected him.
Guided him.
The former Demon King who once sought world domination…
Had now become his son's most trusted teacher.
Fate truly worked in strange ways.
"Goku."
"I'm curious."
"How was the place that old man took you to?"
Piccolo crossed his arms and smiled faintly.
"You trained there for so long…"
"Are you stronger than me and Gohan now?"
"Let me handle this next."
Goku turned toward Broly.
His tone remained calm—
But his determination was unquestionable.
"Sure."
"I also want to see how much you've improved."
Broly stepped backward and gave him space.
Meanwhile—
Vegeta silently stared at Son Goku from the sky.
So this is Raditz's younger brother…
Kakarot…
The so-called low-class Saiyan with only a power level slightly above 300.
Ten months ago—
His power level was barely over 300.
Vegeta repeated that number internally as though trying to comfort his shattered pride.
That was weaker than a Saibaman.
Back then—
Piccolo probably wasn't very strong either.
Vegeta remembered Raditz reporting that aside from Broly—
Earth's fighters were weak.
But now?
Only ten months had passed.
How strong had Kakarot become?
Vegeta didn't dare imagine it.
Yet he couldn't stop himself from wondering.
Piccolo had 120,000 battle power.
Gohan had 80,000.
There was no way Kakarot could possibly be weak.
Otherwise these Earthlings wouldn't trust him this much.
Goku said nothing.
He didn't immediately attack Nappa.
Instead—
He slowly walked toward Tien and Yamcha's bodies.
Each step was incredibly light.
Yet somehow unbearably heavy.
He stopped beside them silently.
Looking down at his fallen comrades.
Tien's face still carried the determination of battle.
All three eyes closed peacefully.
Like he had merely fallen asleep.
Then Goku looked toward Yamcha in the distance.
He stared quietly for a long time.
So long that Nappa grew impatient.
So long Krillin nearly spoke up.
So long Vegeta thought he might be mourning them.
Then—
Anger gradually appeared on Goku's face.
His lips tightened.
His brows lowered slightly.
Golden flames seemed to burn deep within his eyes.
The next second—
Goku turned and walked toward Nappa.
His footsteps remained light.
But with every step—
His aura rose higher.
Like an endless tide slowly swelling.
Steady.
Unstoppable.
"If you idiots want to take turns fighting me, then fine!"
"I'll play along!"
Nappa roared hoarsely.
Watching Goku approach—
Feeling that increasingly terrifying pressure—
Fear finally reached its peak inside him.
Can't wait anymore!
I have to strike first!
Nappa suddenly launched a punch at Goku.
He used his full strength.
All 80,000 battle power condensed into a single blow.
The air split apart from the force.
The punch moved so fast it became a blur.
But Goku didn't even glance at it.
At the exact moment the fist nearly struck—
Goku's figure blurred.
SWISH!
In an instant—
Goku appeared behind Nappa.
Then casually lifted one foot and kicked forward.
BANG!!
The kick landed directly in the center of Nappa's back.
The impact penetrated deep into his body.
His organs felt completely shaken apart.
"GUH—!!"
Nappa let out a muffled cry as his huge body crashed face-first into the ground.
Vegeta's pupils shrank violently.
What incredible speed!
He hadn't even seen Goku move.
He only saw Goku disappear—
Then instantly reappear behind Nappa.
Everything in between became a blank.
Like reality skipped frames entirely.
Has Kakarot's power already surpassed 80,000 too?!
A chill ran down Vegeta's spine.
If he were merely equal to Nappa—
Nappa should at least have reacted.
What terrifying physical ability was this?
"What an amazing guy, Goku!"
Krillin cheered excitedly.
Watching Goku casually crush Nappa filled Krillin with satisfaction.
That's right.
Tien.
Chiaotzu.
Yamcha.
Goku came to avenge you guys.
"Dad, awesome!"
Gohan shouted happily with sparkling eyes.
Even Piccolo smiled slightly.
"W-When did he get behind me?!"
Nappa climbed up while clutching his aching back.
His face was filled with confusion and fear.
Too fast!
A moment ago, Goku had been right in front of him.
Then suddenly—
He was behind him.
What happened in between?
Nappa had no idea.
And that terrified him.
"You're really nothing special."
Goku spoke calmly.
He wasn't even looking directly at Nappa anymore.
Yet those simple words hurt more than any insult.
Nothing special?!
I'm an elite Saiyan warrior!
I fought countless battles across the universe!
I have 80,000 battle power now!
"You…"
"You think I'm nothing special?!"
Nappa roared furiously.
"My power level is already 80,000!"
"How could I lose to a LOW-CLASS WARRIOR like you?!"
He emphasized the words "low-class warrior" viciously.
It was the last fragment of his pride.
The final wall protecting his sanity.
Even if you're stronger—
You're still low-class!
While I'm elite!
BOOOOM!!!
Nappa exploded with power again.
Golden aura surged violently around him.
Even fiercer than before.
His aura rose five meters high.
The surrounding rubble blasted outward.
Standing within that blazing energy—
Nappa looked like a demon climbing out of hell itself.
Then he charged Goku again.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Nappa unleashed a storm of attacks.
Punches.
Elbows.
Knees.
Kicks.
Every part of his body became a weapon.
Each strike targeted a vital point.
This time—
He held absolutely nothing back.
Only one thought remained inside him—
Kill this low-class Saiyan who humiliated me!
Yet Goku simply stood there.
Calmly watching Nappa attack.
Like he was observing some unrelated performance.
Then—
He started dodging.
Every movement Goku made was tiny.
So tiny they were almost invisible.
Yet those microscopic movements perfectly avoided every single strike.
Fists brushed past his clothes.
Elbows grazed his chest.
Knees missed by centimeters.
Nappa's attacks became faster and faster.
More savage.
More desperate.
But Goku's dodging only became smoother.
More relaxed.
Nappa resembled a raging tiger.
Goku resembled a bird dancing through the sky.
No matter how sharp a tiger's claws were—
It could never catch the wind.
"RAAAAHHH!"
Nappa roared again after spotting an opening.
He threw a fully committed punch.
The perfect strike.
Speed.
Power.
Timing.
Everything reached its peak.
But—
He missed again.
At the final instant—
Goku blurred once more.
"I'm over here."
Goku's calm voice sounded from behind Nappa's shoulder.
Nappa mechanically twisted his neck around.
Crack.
His neck joints creaked loudly.
Then he saw Goku standing there casually.
Still calm.
Still expressionless.
Fear finally overwhelmed his rage completely.
How?!
I already locked onto his movements!
I predicted his actions!
That punch should have landed!
So why did he dodge?!
When did he move?!
What kind of technique is this?!
Vegeta had gone completely silent.
Watching the utterly one-sided fight below—
Watching Nappa attack desperately like a clown—
Watching Goku dodge effortlessly—
A deep sense of powerlessness filled his chest.
So literally everyone here is stronger than me now…
Kakarot's son.
Five years old.
80,000 battle power.
And now Kakarot too—
Ten months from 300 to…
Vegeta didn't even dare think about the number.
But it was definitely far beyond 80,000.
So the only person I can beat now is that bald Earthling?
Vegeta glanced toward Krillin bitterly.
The Prince of Saiyans—
Reduced to possibly the weakest person here.
How pathetic.
"How incredible…"
"Goku might actually be stronger than me now."
Piccolo crossed his arms and smiled faintly.
"Broly…"
"What's Goku's battle power?"
Krillin scratched his head and turned toward Broly curiously.
He could sense Goku was terrifyingly strong.
But had no idea HOW strong.
Earlier Broly said Piccolo had 120,000.
Gohan had 80,000.
Then what about Goku?
Broly rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Feels like…"
"Around 180,000."
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