On Namek
Frieza and Cooler unleashed their killing intent without restraint. Neither cared for the fragile planet beneath their feet.
Death Beams tore across the sky. From Cooler's eyes, twin Destruction Rays erupted.
The two devastating blasts collided midair, energies fusing into a catastrophic swell.
BOOM!
A crimson fireball expanded, detonating with a deafening roar that shook the heavens.
Meanwhile, Krillin, Piccolo, Raditz, and Nappa had already returned to the Grand Elder.
The skies grew darker still, thunder and lightning tearing across Namek's storm-choked heavens echoes of the Frost Demons' battle.
"Moori, summon Porunga! Now is the time!" the Grand Elder commanded.
"Yes, Grand Elder!"
Moori turned to the seven giant orbs, chanting rapidly in the Namekian tongue.
In moments, the skies shifted. Day gave way to pitch-black night, and the towering dragon rose into the sky.
"That… that's the power to grant wishes?" Nappa's eyes gleamed with greed.
"Don't you dare," Raditz barked. His sharp gaze pierced him. "You heard the language it's Namekian. Without it, the dragon won't listen. And don't forget about Gohan!"
The memory of the boy transforming into a Super Saiyan flashed through Nappa's mind. A shiver ran down his spine. His dangerous ambition evaporated instantly.
When the dragon's mighty form coiled above, Moori looked to the Grand Elder for instruction.
"Take everyone here to Earth," the Grand Elder said firmly in Namekian.
"That is simple. Do you have any other wishes, my creator?" Porunga rumbled, reverence clear in his tone.
The Elder shook his head. "No. When the wish is done, come with us, Porunga."
"As you wish."
Porunga's eyes flared red. In a blink, all the Namekians along with Piccolo, Krillin, Raditz, and Nappa vanished from Namek.
Moments later, the Eternal Dragon himself dissolved into light, streaking through the void toward Earth.
Back on Namek
"They're gone?" Merus asked, puzzled.
"I feared the planet wouldn't hold. Better to move them first," Gohan said flatly.
Merus chuckled. "Hah. You sly little brat. Up to your schemes again, aren't you?"
Gohan smirked, eyes gleaming. "Heh. My dad needs this chance to break through as a Super Saiyan. That's the real goal. Say, Merus… do you know how to fake death?"
Merus arched a brow. "You're a strange one. But yes… your body can already survive in space. If you suppress your heartbeat and stop breathing, it'll look convincing enough. Simple trick, really."
His thoughts flickered back to the bizarre stunt Gohan had pulled with Rosa and the prison. His expression grew faintly uneasy.
"Thanks, big brother. I can handle the rest. Just watch." Gohan's guilty glance lasted only a second before twisting into a mischievous grin.
On the battlefield, Frieza and Cooler's clash raged on. Neither noticed the sky-darkening dragon had already spirited their prize away. They believed the heavens blackened because of their own battle.
The Dragon Balls were already gone yet neither of them knew. And lurking close by, Gohan was already plotting his next move.
Sensing Krillin's ki vanish, Goku's last worry melted away. Only pure fighting spirit remained.
"Frieza, Cooler, I'm joining in too!" Goku roared, Kaio-ken x10 exploding to life. His power skyrocketed, cresting at twenty-five million.
It meant his base had climbed to 2.5 million.
With a shout, he charged straight at Cooler.
"Out of my way, monkey!"
Cooler and Frieza were locked in a brutal test of strength, hands clamped tight, their full power colliding. Snarling, Cooler swung his heavy tail like a steel whip at the Saiyan rushing from behind.
Whip-crack!
Goku skidded to a halt, catching the tail in both hands. Muscles tensed, he spun, dragging Cooler into a hurricane of force.
"Yahhh!"
A storm raged outward from his spin.
Frieza broke away from the grapple, darting into the whirlwind. "Move, Goku! He's mine!"
"Fine!" Goku flung Cooler skyward, dropping low to slip under Frieza's savage kick.
The brothers' battle reignited while Goku pressed the attack at Frieza's side.
Cooler stabilized in midair. His crimson eyes flashed with cunning.
A thought struck. If he could slip away now…
"Salza, bring a scouter. Follow me." He landed quietly near his lieutenant, plotting to seize the Dragon Balls while the others fought.
But just as he moved.
"Going somewhere? How about staying and playing with me instead?"
Gohan appeared in a blur, arms folded, smirk sharp as a blade.
"You dare speak to me like that?" Cooler's face darkened. "Dore, Neiz deal with him!"
The two elites rushed forward only to be sent flying in opposite directions before they could even raise their arms.
"I said you stay." Gohan's gaze burned cold. "Anyone disagree?"
The sudden display froze everyone Frieza, Goku, even Cooler himself.
"Gohan! You're finally back!" Goku shouted in relief.
Cooler's eyes narrowed. Frieza's mind clicked. He knows about the Dragon Balls…
"Damn brat! You ruined everything!" Cooler snarled, fury boiling over.
But the truth was crueler still: the Dragon Balls were already gone.
The battlefield shifted again. Goku stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his son. Frieza and Cooler glared daggers at each other.
Salza quivered, cold sweat soaking him. Dore and Neiz were gone, their fates uncertain.
"Gohan, leave this one to me. I'll fight him alone," Goku said firmly, eyes locked on Frieza.
"Fine, Dad. I won't interfere. You take Frieza, I'll hold Cooler back," Gohan replied coolly, pointing lazily toward the elder brother.
"Hmph. As if you could." Cooler sneered, hiding his unease.
"Cooler! Were you trying to run off with a scouter just now?!" Frieza roared, fury twisting his face.
"Tch. Shut it. First we deal with these monkeys. Then we'll settle the rest!" Cooler snapped back.
"Like I'd rely on you! I'll kill them myself!" Frieza spat, unwilling to admit weakness.
"Then I'll sit back and watch." Cooler smirked, folding his arms as his aura dimmed. "Salza, fetch wine. I'll drink while I enjoy the show."
"Yes, King Cooler!"
Frieza's aura blazed hotter. "No more delays. Goku, face me!"
"Gladly." Goku lunged forward, fists blazing.
Gohan narrowed his gaze, aura wrapping him in golden light. He didn't move against Cooler yet but his eyes never left him.
If Cooler tried anything, he'd strike.
The duel was set.
Father against Frieza. Son against silence.
And from the distant cosmos, a rainbow-hued streak tore through the stars, hurtling toward Namek at faster-than-light speed…
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