On Namek
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The sky echoed with the thunder of fists colliding, the sound of flesh and power clashing head-on.
Goku's fighting spirit only grew fiercer. With every exchange, his battle power spiked higher and higher.
What had begun at 25 million surged to 30 million. His base power had climbed to 3 million the very threshold needed for the legendary transformation of the Super Saiyan.
Sensing the surge in his father's energy, Gohan's eyes lit with confidence. Perfect. My plan's on track.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Tch… Son Goku, you're troublesome indeed. You've completely reshaped my view of Saiyans," Frieza admitted, wiping blood from his mouth even as his eyes glimmered with grudging respect.
"Heh. You're strong too! I haven't enjoyed a fight like this in ages!" Goku chuckled, though the twitch in his jaw betrayed the pain from his wounds.
"Come again!"
He didn't dare pause. He knew that if he stopped, his battered body might give in. Covered in wounds, ribs aching, fatigue clawing at him still he charged back in.
Though Gohan had prepared Senzu Beans, the shifting tides of battle had robbed Piccolo, Raditz, Krillin, and Nappa of their chances to intervene.
Goku still had one but refused to use it. He wanted to test the true depth of his limits. And with Gohan here, he no longer feared death.
What he didn't realize was how much that shift in mindset mattered. Once, he fought with cunning, laying traps even mid-battle. Now, the safety net dulled the edge of desperation that could fuel his ultimate breakthrough.
The battle reignited in a blur of speed and blows.
Goku lunged, fist aimed for Frieza's face. The tyrant caught it in one hand. A left hook caught again.
Their hands locked together, the crunch of Goku's knuckles resounding under Frieza's crushing grip.
Gritting his teeth, Goku shifted tactics, turning fists into palms, seizing Frieza's wrists. Frieza's raw strength bore down on him, forcing him back.
But in the moment his stance faltered, Goku snapped a knee upward.
CRACK!
His strike crashed into Frieza's chin, sending the emperor flying skyward as Goku flipped backward to recover.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Breathing ragged, sweat and blood mixed on his skin.
"Zzzzt! Zzzzt!"
Frieza's Death Beams rained down, a flurry of deadly red lances.
Goku twisted and dodged, but the barrage forced him open. In the gap, Frieza blitzed forward
BAM!
The impact folded Goku like a shrimp, hurling him back-first through a mountain. Rock shattered, leaving a tunnel clear through.
Vwoom! Vwoom!
Energy blasts followed, a merciless hailstorm of ki bombs chasing him down.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The blasts converged, a chain of explosions engulfing the battlefield. A towering mushroom cloud tore upward, swallowing sky and earth alike.
Elsewhere, Cooler's crimson eyes narrowed.
"Salza! Now's the chance. Go find the Dragon Balls!"
He'd dismissed Gohan entirely, blind to the threat.
"At once, King Cooler!" Salza shot upward.
But before he could even clear the sky.
BOOM!
His body exploded midair into a red mist.
"You worm. How dare you ruin my plans!" Cooler roared, twin Destruction Rays lancing from his eyes.
Gohan tilted his head aside, the beams hissing past harmlessly. His tone was calm, almost playful. "Save your energy. Just sit and watch."
Salza's fate sealed the trio's end. Dore and Neiz were already gone. Stronger than the Ginyu Force they might have been but to Gohan, they were insects.
Cooler had never mastered sensing ki, but even he understood now. His other lieutenants hadn't returned because they were already dead.
"You killed all of my men… forcing me to act myself. Consider it an honor, brat. When King Cooler moves personally, few live to tell it."
CRACK!
His wine glass shattered in his grip as killing intent erupted from his body.
"Try me," Gohan said coldly.
They faced each other giant and child, predator and cub.
Cooler struck first, his long leg whipping toward Gohan's skull.
But Gohan crouched low, arms locking around his shin. With a twist, he spun, centrifugal force whipping Cooler into a cyclone.
WHIRR!
The whirlwind howled, dragging debris into its violent wake. Frieza, forced to disengage, watched in disbelief.
With a roar, Goku released, flinging Cooler like a ragdoll.
CRASH!
He slammed into a mountain, rock collapsing atop him in an avalanche.
Meanwhile, the mushroom cloud faded. Dust cleared, revealing Goku blood dripping from his shoulder, one arm limp, legs shaking under him.
"Cough! Cough!" He spat blood, chest tight with pain. His organs had taken a beating.
Frieza smirked, pride swelling. "Son Goku, you are the strongest Saiyan I've ever met… the only one to ever push me this far. Choose your grave. I'll even dig it for you. Ohohoho!"
"Heh… you really are powerful. I can't beat you… not yet. If I just had more time…" Goku admitted, frustration twisting his face.
He never feared defeat. To him, each loss was fuel. Even broken, his spirit only blazed brighter. But still, he refused to eat the Senzu.
Watching from afar, Gohan's plan crystallized. He palmed a bean, smile thin and sharp. Perfect. It's time.
In a blur, he appeared beside his father, lowering him gently to the ground.
"Dad. Rest now. Leave the rest to me."
"You'll have to. Be careful, Gohan." Goku sat heavily, wincing.
"Take the Senzu," Gohan urged.
"No. Let my body heal on its own. That way I'll see clearly where I fell short."
Gohan's eyes gleamed. His father's stubbornness was exactly what he needed.
"Alright then. Sit back. I'll handle this."
"Be cautious. If things turn dire… we retreat." Goku's tone was firm.
He had no idea his son already stood beyond both Frieza and Cooler.
"Don't worry. I know."
"You brat! I'll kill you myself!"
From the rubble, Cooler burst forth, aura blazing, bellowing as he shot toward Gohan.
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