Few Seconds Before Krillin Finds Weakness
Tien's shout echoed through the rocky mountains, his forehead drenched in sweat as his third eye narrowed in frustration.
"He's not human…! My Swapping Technique isn't even registering on him!"
Android 15's emotionless grin widened as he stepped through the dust cloud left from Yamcha's failed Kamehameha. His metallic feet cracked the ground with every step, each echo chilling the fighters.
Yamcha clenched his fists.
"Damn it! Even Goku's signature move didn't scratch him!"
Krillin gritted his teeth. He was panting, already drained from firing multiple energy blasts. He quickly raised his hand, releasing a sudden flash—
"Solar Flare!"
A brilliant white light filled the battlefield, blinding Chiaotzu and Yamcha for a moment, but Android 15 only tilted his head. His red mechanical eyes adjusted instantly, scanning right through the glare.
"No effect," Krillin muttered in disbelief. "This guy's optics… damn it, he's a machine."
Tien roared, leaping forward with a flying kick, landing a clean hit to Android 15's chest. The android staggered back only slightly, more annoyed than damaged. Chiaotzu tried pinning him telekinetically, his tiny hands shaking as he screamed, "Now, Krillin!"
Krillin formed the razor-sharp golden disc above his head.
"Destructo Disc!!"
He hurled it with full force. The spinning blade of energy sliced through the air with a screech—only for Android 15 to casually tilt his body sideways, letting the attack whiz past. The disc exploded harmlessly into the mountainside, shattering rocks and sending debris flying.
"Useless." The android's voice was hollow, mechanical. His hands powered up, generating small but devastating energy orbs.
"Scatter!!" Tien yelled. The four split in different directions, narrowly avoiding the blasts that cratered the battlefield.
Krillin skidded to a stop, chest heaving. He looked at Tien, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu.
"Listen to me… physical attacks are the only way we're hurting this thing. Energy techniques won't work against him—he's absorbing too much and wasting none!"
Tien nodded, his jaw tight. "Then what's your plan, Krillin?"
Krillin's eyes sharpened, unusual determination flashing within them.
"We don't take him head-on. We fight as a unit. Tien, you lock him with multi-forms and keep him busy. Yamcha, you hammer him with close-range strikes. Chiaotzu, you pin his movement whenever you can. And me…" Krillin clenched his fist, a grin tugging at his lips, "I'll aim for the weak spots machines always have—joints, sensors, wiring. We'll wear him down piece by piece!"
Android 15's sensors flickered red as if analyzing their conversation.
"Pathetic. You think teamwork will overcome superiority of design?"
Tien spread into four identical copies, circling the android. Yamcha cracked his knuckles, fire in his eyes. Chiaotzu floated into position, his hands glowing faintly. Krillin took a deep breath, centering himself.
"No," Krillin whispered under his breath, "but it's the only chance we've got."
The four launched forward in unison, their combined war cry shaking the mountains.
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Tien's four clones attacked first, fists pounding from all directions. Android 15 blocked two strikes, countered a third, but the fourth landed on his jaw—enough to tilt his head slightly.
"Your duplicates…" the android muttered, "are an annoyance."
He swung his arms wide, shatteriung two of Tien's multi-forms instantly in bursts of smoke. But the distraction worked—Yamcha was already there, fists blazing with rapid Wolf Fang Fist strikes. Each punch rattled the android's metallic shell, forcing him back step by step.
"Krillin, now!!" Yamcha shouted.
Krillin dashed low, sliding beneath Android 15's legs. He clenched his fists and smashed them into the android's knee joint. A loud metallic crack echoed. Sparks flew as the leg twitched unnaturally.
The android stumbled. For the first time, his balance was broken.
"Error… structural integrity… 92%."
"Yes!" Krillin roared. "He's not invincible!"
But Android 15 retaliated instantly, slamming his elbow into Yamcha's stomach and sending him flying into a boulder. Then, with frightening speed, he swung his arm backward, grabbing Krillin by the collar and lifting him into the air.
"You… targeted weak point. Unacceptable."
Krillin struggled, gasping for air. "T-Tien—!"
Tien's last two clones rammed into the android from behind, forcing him to loosen his grip. Chiaotzu screamed, thrusting out his tiny arms. A wave of psychic force crashed against Android 15, halting him for just a heartbeat.
That was all Krillin needed. He clenched his fists together and smashed both against the android's glowing red eye. The lens cracked. Red sparks scattered across the battlefield.
"Vision… partially impaired." The android's monotone voice faltered.
Krillin landed hard on the ground, coughing. But when he looked up, his face lit up with determination.
"It's working, guys! He can't adapt instantly—if we keep pushing, we'll break him apart!"
Yamcha crawled from the rubble, blood dripping from his mouth but his spirit unbroken. He wiped his face and growled, "Then let's finish this bucket of bolts together!"
Android 15 steadied himself, his red eye flickering with distorted static. His mechanical voice lowered into something darker:
"Analysis complete. Threat level… rising. New directive: Eliminate Krillin first."
Krillin froze as the android locked onto him.
"Uh oh."
The air thickened. The true danger was about to begin.