As Vegeta created the artificial moon, his body began to swell dramatically.
Piccolo, sensing the sudden spike in energy, shouted, "Goku! That Saiyan's energy is rising rapidly!"
"I know. He's transforming into a giant ape," Goku replied calmly.
"Giant ape transformation?" Piccolo was momentarily stunned. Then, worried, he added, "We have to stop him immediately! Once he completes the transformation, he might—"
Goku raised a hand to interrupt him. "Don't worry. Even as a giant ape, he's still no match for me."
Piccolo felt slightly relieved, but Goku's calm confidence only emphasized the immense power he possessed.
After Vegeta fully transformed, his massive body crashed to the ground, sending up a cloud of dust, then leapt toward Goku.
Goku had already sensed how Vegeta created the artificial moon energy ball. He knew this technique well enough to replicate it if necessary.
When the giant ape Vegeta charged, Gohan, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu were terrified. The sheer aura of Saiyan Vegeta in this form was overwhelming.
The giant ape Vegeta roared, "Kakarot! You're dead! I've transformed into a giant ape, and my power has increased tenfold! You don't stand a chance!"
Piccolo stepped back. "Goku, I'll watch from a safer distance."
Goku remained calm. "Don't worry. He won't have a chance to attack you. Just watch."
Using the detection ability he gained from the Dragon Ball wish, Goku assessed Vegeta's power:
Giant Ape Vegeta: Combat Power 132,800
Even after transforming, Vegeta hadn't reached his peak of 180,000. The giant ape form only slightly exceeded 130,000.
Vegeta, towering over Goku, laughed. "Kakarot, are you scared of my power now?"
Goku shook his head with a smirk. "Vegeta, if you think transforming into a giant ape will beat me, then come at me."
Enraged, the giant ape Vegeta lunged at Goku.
Boom!
Goku easily raised a hand and blocked Vegeta's massive punch.
Vegeta, stunned, attacked again, but the result was the same—his enormous fists were effortlessly stopped.
It was as if his huge body was as vulnerable as a baby in front of Goku.
"How… how is this possible?" the giant ape Vegeta stammered, stepping back in shock. "Kakarot… are you… a Super Saiyan?!"
The thought struck him—unless Kakarot had transformed, how could he stop a giant ape so easily?
Vegeta's power in giant ape form had increased tenfold.
By all rights, he should be the strongest Saiyan besides Frieza. Yet, here he was, humiliated by a low-level warrior.
"Super Saiyan? What do you mean, Vegeta?" Goku asked with a smile.
Vegeta muttered in disbelief, "A Super Saiyan… a legendary warrior that appears once every thousand years… and now… that low-level warrior Kakarot has become one?! It should have been me, the Saiyan Prince Vegeta!"
He could not accept that Kakarot, the "low-level" warrior, had surpassed him.
Frightened and humiliated, Vegeta attempted to flee. He couldn't risk staying on Earth, fearing Kakarot would finish him.
But Goku wasn't about to let him escape.
As Vegeta turned, Goku fired an energy ball at the giant ape's tail.
Boom!
"Ahhh!" Vegeta screamed in agony.
With his tail destroyed, Vegeta could no longer maintain his giant ape form. His massive body shrank rapidly until he returned to his normal state.
Vegeta gasped for air, eyes red with rage. "Damn it! Am I, the Saiyan Prince Vegeta, going to die here?! I won't accept this!"
Furious, he prepared to fly away—but Goku suddenly appeared in front of him.
His speed was so fast that no one could follow his movement.
At that moment, Vegeta felt something he had never experienced before. facing Kakarot was more terrifying than facing Frieza. He regretted ever coming to Earth, realizing he was now completely at Goku's mercy.
Goku slowly raised his palm and pointed directly at Vegeta, preparing to deliver his next strike.