After hearing Launch mention the monster, Bulma hurried into the living room.
Goku and Chi-Chi were already watching the news.
"One hour ago, Gingertown, located on the outskirts of West City, suddenly lost all contact with the outside world."
"An investigation team immediately arrived on-site and discovered that all residents had vanished without a trace."
"There are no signs of any survivors."
"The cause of this strange phenomenon is still under investigation."
"New reporters have just reached the scene."
"They discovered large quantities of victims' clothing. According to incomplete statistics, more than fifteen thousand people have disappeared so far!"
Chi-Chi and Bulma both inhaled sharply.
Sweat appeared on Bulma's forehead as she said in disbelief, "I never imagined the monster would cause this many deaths… It's unbelievable."
Chi-Chi watched the eerie footage and the staggering casualty numbers, guilt creeping into her expression as she turned to Goku.
"Goku… I feel like I delayed something important."
"You shouldn't have used the Dragon Balls on me."
"So many people died… it's terrifying. Even if we defeat the monster, we can only revive them after a year…"
Goku gently patted her back.
"It's okay. Don't blame yourself."
"I'm not Krillin. I'm not some world-saving hero."
"Even if a hundred thousand people needed reviving… if I had to choose between that and saving you, I would still choose you."
Chi-Chi's eyes trembled. She threw herself into his arms.
"Goku!"
Her heart melted instantly.
Bulma felt goosebumps from the overly sweet moment but forced herself to focus on the problem at hand.
"Making over ten thousand people disappear at once… were they eaten?"
"What kind of monster did Dr. Gero create?"
Goku turned to her.
"Did the research data mention anything about this creature?"
Bulma shook her head.
"That's the strange part. I've checked all the data we brought back. There's nothing about this monster."
"Nothing at all?"
"Nothing."
"That doesn't make sense…"
Goku began thinking deeply.
From his memory of events, he traced the origin back.
The true Cell came from a future timeline.
The Cell in this world should have still been an embryo when they discovered the lab.
A flash of insight struck him.
Dr. Gero had only collected cells from powerful fighters — Frieza, King Cold, Vegeta, Piccolo, himself, and others.
Cell wasn't directly created by Gero alone.
Instead, Gero's computer used complex calculations to fuse those cells together, creating a new being.
Goku spoke quickly.
"I remember we brought back an old computer mainframe. Did you check it?"
Bulma blinked.
"No."
"Let's look at it. Maybe it has something useful."
She frowned. "That broken computer? Could it really contain anything valuable?"
Goku grinned.
"That's your bias talking, Bulma. You can't judge electronic equipment by its appearance. Gero probably spent all his money on performance instead of looks."
Bulma nodded slowly. "Fair point."
They connected the machine and began searching.
The data was messy and scattered, but Bulma navigated through it with ease.
Though biochemistry wasn't her specialty, electronic systems were.
Even encrypted files quickly fell before her.
After a while, she exclaimed, "Found it!"
"This thing really is a monster. Look!"
"Super Android Cell:
Through precise calculations, the computer fused the cells of Son Goku, Vegeta, King Cold, Piccolo, and others into a specially sequenced super-cell organism.
These cells are designated as Cell Cells.
They require approximately four years of cultivation in a growth chamber, or accelerated maturation through absorbing life energy.
Once matured, Cell will possess immense combat power. According to Frieza Force scouter data, estimated power level exceeds one billion.
Cell has two evolutionary stages.
By absorbing Androids 17 & 18, it can become its Perfect Form.
Perfect Cell will possess extraordinary combat ability, genius-level intellect, near-infinite regeneration, and the ability to travel freely through space."
Bulma inhaled sharply.
"Dr. Gero was insane… creating a bio-weapon like this."
Chi-Chi was horrified.
"Is this thing immortal? Was he trying to destroy the whole world, not just kill Goku?"
Bulma wiped sweat from her forehead.
"Goku, this creature's growth is terrifying. We need to find and eliminate it quickly."
"If it absorbs Androids 17 & 18 and becomes Perfect, Earth might be doomed."
Goku nodded.
"True… but there's a problem."
"What problem?" Bulma asked.
"Cell isn't just powerful — he's extremely intelligent."
"He knows all our techniques. He can suppress his Ki perfectly."
"We won't be able to find him easily."
"If he knows he can't beat us yet, he'll avoid direct fights and keep absorbing humans to grow stronger."
"I think that's why he hasn't gone after Androids 17 & 18 yet. He can't beat them — not yet."
Both women fell silent.
An intelligent enemy was the most dangerous kind.
Suddenly, Chi-Chi's eyes lit up.
"I have an idea!"
Goku and Bulma looked at her.
"What if we kill Androids 17 & 18 first? Then Cell can't reach his Perfect Form!"
"No!" Goku and Bulma said simultaneously.
Chi-Chi blinked.
"Why such a strong reaction?"
Bulma hesitated.
"It's not a bad idea… but… they're good people."
Goku nodded.
"They still have human hearts. They've never actually done anything evil."
Chi-Chi shrugged.
"But if we don't act, they'll eventually get absorbed anyway. Better us than Cell."
Bulma shook her head.
"They were victims too. We have no right to kill them."
Goku thought for a moment.
"Is there any scientific way to protect them?"
Bulma rubbed her chin.
"I need to study their data more… maybe there's another solution."
Goku began thinking as well.
Cell's goal was simple: absorb Androids 17 & 18 and achieve perfection.
Suddenly, inspiration struck.
"Bulma, I have an idea — but it depends on you."
She blinked. "Depends on me how?"
"If we create artificial copies of Androids 17 & 18 and let Cell absorb those instead…"
Both women stared at him in shock.
"Are you crazy?! Let him become Perfect?"
But Bulma noticed the confident light in Goku's eyes.
"You think you can defeat Perfect Cell?"
Goku smiled.
"Yeah. I've trained for years. Even if he's Perfect, I can beat him."
They fell silent.
He had always stayed ahead of every enemy.
Bulma suddenly understood.
Maybe letting Goku face stronger opponents was the best way forward.
She nodded.
"If you're confident… then it's worth trying."
"I'll study the data and see if I can create replicas."
Goku added, "Maybe use animals as vessels."
Bulma nodded. "Same idea I had."
"Then train hard. If you lose, the consequences will be serious."
Goku thumped his chest.
"Trust me."
Bulma smiled faintly.
"Alright. I'm heading to the lab."
"Wait," Goku said.
"I'm planning to take Bra into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber tomorrow."
Bulma hesitated.
"She only learned basic moves from Raditz at the resort… can she handle that pressure?"
Goku looked serious.
"Don't underestimate her. She has incredible potential."
"As her father, I don't want to waste that talent."
Bulma remembered another life — a different future.
She nodded slowly.
"Alright. If Bra agrees, take her."
Chi-Chi said, "I'll prepare six months of food and water!"
"Thanks, Chi-Chi!"
She pouted playfully. "You're my husband. Of course I take care of you."
Bulma shivered dramatically.
"Too sweet. I'm leaving before I get cavities."