"Ah... there's only one tile left!" The announcer was beyond ecstatic. "Unbelievable! This is an incredible display of—"
"Don't push it with Cell, okay?" Videl urged, even calling out to Goku. "Mister, don't do anything reckless!"
"It's fine, just let me give it a shot," Goku replied, flashing Videl a reassuring smile.
"Ow, ow, ow..."
By now, Mr. Satan had finally made his way back from the distance, clutching his throbbing face and feeling like his entire world had been turned upside down.
"Mr. Satan, how did you end up losing your footing?" The announcer rushed over, asking with genuine concern.
"I... I just didn't have a firm stance... I slipped and fell by accident," Mr. Satan scrambled to explain.
"But I saw you get thrown out," the announcer countered, looking puzzled.
"Don't you worry. I'll just take a quick breather and then I'll show him what I'm really made of," Mr. Satan growled through gritted teeth.
Goku took a deep breath, his expression turning solemn as he locked eyes with Cell.
Cell, in turn, watched Goku with a playful smirk.
Their gazes met.
"Excellent, you're up first!" Cell's grin widened. "I was actually planning to save the most interesting person for last."
"To our viewers across the nation, please rest easy! Mr. Satan simply had a minor slip earlier and is currently resting outside the ring. He will return to face Cell after a brief recovery!" the announcer proclaimed. "While Mr. Satan is recuperating, the father of his daughter's friend has stepped up to join the fray! One cannot help but admire such courage!"
The live audience was left scratching their heads.
The father of Mr. Satan's daughter's friend?
Has the world of pulling strings really reached this level of absurdity?
"Come then, Goku," Cell said, beckoning him over with a wave.
Without a moment's hesitation, Goku lunged toward Cell, delivering a powerful kick.
Cell raised an arm, effortlessly blocking the strike.
Goku followed up immediately with a punch.
Slap!
Cell caught Goku's fist in his palm and instantly launched a counterattack.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
The two engaged in a fierce exchange right there on the arena floor.
A moment later, Goku leaped backward, performing several consecutive backflips to gain distance.
Cell charged toward him with blinding speed.
Goku crossed his arms in front of his head, bracing against Cell's incoming assault.
Then, Goku leaned back and kicked out with both feet, launching Cell high into the sky.
Goku took flight, gathering energy in his hands.
Whoosh!
A Kamehameha roared toward Cell.
Watching the energy wave soar toward him, Cell showed no fear. He simply swiped his hand, batting the blast away like a fly.
Flash!
In an instant, Goku flickered behind Cell and landed a heavy punch to his back.
Wincing from the pain, Cell swung around and punched Goku square in the face, following up with a crushing blow that sent Goku crashing back down to the ground.
Thud!
Goku landed firmly on his feet, looking entirely composed.
Cell slowly descended to face Goku, his smile growing more radiant by the second. "That was a good warm-up. Shall we get serious now?"
Goku nodded with a slight smile.
As they watched the battle unfold, the jaws of Mr. Satan, Videl, the announcer, and the cameraman hit the floor.
In that moment, a realization suddenly struck Videl.
Is Gohan's dad really this powerful?
Why do I feel like he's way stronger than my father?
Am I the one who's been the clown all along?
"Gohan... your... your dad is this strong?" Videl asked, her voice trembling.
"Well... he's alright, I guess..." Gohan replied, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
Videl was speechless.
You call this alright?
He's clearly on a whole different level!
"The life-and-death battle is about to begin!" Krillin remarked. "Goku will definitely beat him!"
"Yeah, after all, Goku took down Frieza without breaking a sweat!" Yamcha added with a nod.
"Good luck, Goku!" Tien said with a smile.
"Just now... the father of your daughter's friend... he seems to have some real skill, wouldn't you say, Mr. Satan?" the announcer asked in surprise, thrusting the microphone toward Mr. Satan's mouth.
Mr. Satan was still in a state of shock, completely failing to register the question.
"Mr. Satan!" the announcer called out again.
Snapping back to reality, Mr. Satan looked at the announcer and gave an awkward laugh. "Haha... well... he's decent enough, but he's clearly at his limit!"
Cell, meanwhile, was filled with admiration.
As expected of Son Goku!
He truly hasn't disappointed me!
"Goku, it's time to show me your true power," Cell said with a laugh. "Hurry up and transform into a Super Saiyan God! Or... are you actually unable to reach that form?"
"In that case, I won't hold back," Goku said, taking a deep breath.
Vegeta watched intently.
Show me what you've got, Kakarot!
I want to see what your ultimate transformation really is.
I'm certain you can't become a Super Saiyan God.
"Hyaaaaaah!"
A massive surge of energy erupted from Goku. His hair began to grow rapidly, quickly cascading down past his waist.
When the dust settled, Goku's brow had become heavily pronounced, his eyebrows disappearing entirely.
Super Saiyan 3.
Vegeta scoffed.
Super Saiyan 3, just as I thought.
Is this really Kakarot's limit?
"This... this is..." Cell stood frozen for several seconds, staring at Goku's transformation without blinking, his surprise evident.
The sheer intensity of the energy left Cell profoundly shaken.
Goku was indeed no ordinary opponent.
The power he possessed was staggering.
"What... what kind of transformation is this? It's not a Super Saiyan God; it's completely different!" Cell asked, eyeing Goku closely.
"You've seen Trunks' Super Saiyan 2, right?" Goku asked with a smile.
"The one with the sparks and electricity?" Cell replied.
"Exactly," Goku nodded. "This is an evolution beyond Super Saiyan 2. I call it Super Saiyan 3."
"Super Saiyan 3? Interesting!" Cell was suddenly delighted.
A wide grin spread across Cell's face.
Boom!
Cell instantly unleashed his own energy, a dark green aura flaring up around him.
Goku watched silently, not saying a word.
He really did absorb Broly's cells and unlocked the Legendary Super Saiyan transformation.
However, upon closer inspection, Goku realized that Cell's version was still a far cry from Broly's true power.
The powerful pressure emanating from Cell immediately sent Mr. Satan and the announcer flying backward.
Videl was also being blown back, but Gohan reached out and caught her.
"Eh? Why are you unaffected by such a powerful gale?" Videl looked at Gohan in shock.
Gohan didn't answer.
"What is going on?" the announcer said into his microphone, sounding stunned. "Is it a trend for everyone to glow these days? First gold, now green."
"Trends are getting more and more tasteless," Mr. Satan grunted.
Goku and Cell locked eyes again, both of their faces etched with absolute confidence.
"Come, Goku," Cell beckoned.
"Then, here I come!" Goku wasted no more time and struck. He lunged forward with a heavy punch, followed by a flying kick that sent Cell soaring into the sky.
Cell tumbled through the air a few times before stabilizing himself.
Wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth, Cell let out a contemptuous laugh.
"Not bad, Goku," Cell sneered. "Even though this 'Super Saiyan 3' of yours has impressive energy, it's still a world apart from Vegeta's Super Saiyan God!"
Goku remained silent.
"Forget Vegeta—at your current level, you probably couldn't even beat Trunks," Cell mocked, narrowing his eyes at Goku.
Goku didn't argue.
"Yes, I agree," Goku nodded slightly, offering no rebuttal.
Vegeta gave Goku a long, searching look.
For Kakarot to say that...
Could it be... does he have another transformation?
No, that's impossible.
How could there be anything else?
Since he's a reincarnator from the Majin Buu era, the strongest form from that time was Super Saiyan 3.
"Goku, this isn't like you. I know you should be stronger than Vegeta or Trunks," Cell said, watching Goku with intrigue.
Vegeta's forehead throbbed with three bulging veins.
What do you mean, Cell?
On what grounds is Kakarot stronger than me and Trunks?
What kind of logic is that?
Just you wait. I'll show you exactly how powerful Super Saiyan Blue is in a moment.
"Fine. I know that with my current transformation, no matter how hard I try, I won't be able to defeat you as you are now," Goku said with a grin, his expression becoming more serious.
At the same time, his gaze sharpened.
Seeing that look in Goku's eyes, Trunks was momentarily taken aback.
Goku's gaze has changed.
What is he planning?
Does he really have a new transformation?
But he said himself that he can't become a Super Saiyan God.
Goku wouldn't lie about something like that; he has no reason to.
Trunks stole a glance at Piccolo and Gohan, only to find them both looking completely calm.
Master Gohan and Mr. Piccolo... why are they so composed?
"So? You're hiding another transformation, aren't you?" Cell asked with a knowing smile.
"Yes, I am indeed hiding one more!" Goku nodded.
"What?" Vegeta was stunned.
Kakarot is hiding another form?
What else could he possibly turn into?
It can't be a Super Saiyan God!
No, that's absolutely impossible!
"Then show it to me! Show me your hidden power!" Cell barked, his interest fully piqued.
"Then... I won't hold back!" Goku declared, his energy beginning to explode outward.
Rumble!
A titanic pressure radiated from Goku, sweeping across the entire area.
In the next heartbeat, Goku's body began to rapidly change. His hair turned back to black, and red fur began to cover his torso.
Super Saiyan 4.
Vegeta's eyes nearly popped out of his head; he was utterly shell-shocked.
Trunks' pupils shrank, his face a mask of bewilderment.
Krillin was speechless.
Yamcha's eye twitched uncontrollably, his face filled with shock.
Tien opened his third eye wide, unable to utter a single word.
Mr. Satan and the others, however, were just confused.
How did this guy suddenly change his look again?
Though, he does look pretty cool.
"Gohan, your dad is..." Videl tugged at Gohan's sleeve, staring blankly at Goku.
"Ah... yeah... that's my dad's transformation," Gohan explained simply.
"Transformation?" Videl didn't quite follow.
Cell was even more shaken, eyeing Goku's new form from head to toe.
Sensing the staggering energy erupting from Goku, Cell's shock reached a fever pitch.
Is this Goku's new power?
"Cell, this is my new form—Super Saiyan 4!" Goku said, announcing the name of his transformation as he faced Cell.
Vegeta stood there, completely catatonic.
What the hell...
I was planning to show off in front of you and leave you speechless.
And instead, you pull this on me!
Kakarot, you bastard!
This is really crossing the line!
Super Saiyan 4?
I've never even heard of such a thing!
Where on earth did this Kakarot reincarnate from?
How can he have a transformation like this?
Vegeta immediately tried to sense the intensity of Goku's energy. After a moment, he let out a long sigh of relief.
Thank goodness.
Kakarot's Super Saiyan 4 energy seems slightly weaker than Cell's current power.
In other words, this form is at most on par with my initial Super Saiyan Blue strength.
So in the end, I'm still the one who will decide this battle.
I don't believe your Super Saiyan 4 can take down Cell.
"Interesting. Super Saiyan 4!" Cell's grin returned, wider than ever. "You truly do keep me on my toes, Goku!"
"Then... let's start over, Cell!" Goku said with a smile, immediately dropping into a fighting stance.
"Bring it!" Cell beckoned.
Goku didn't waste another word. He struck with lightning speed, landing an elbow strike directly to Cell's head.
Cell's head snapped back, but he quickly tried to counter.
Goku followed up with a heavy punch that sent Cell crashing to the ground.
Cell sprang up and tried to land a kick.
But Goku was faster. He swung his palm down, swatting Cell back onto the floor.
Cell performed a kip-up and leaped back to his feet, his teeth gnashing in frustration.
"Cell, show me what you've really got!" Goku's voice rang out from behind him.
Cell's face paled as he spun around to attack.
Slap!
Goku raised a hand, catching Cell's incoming fist.
Then, Goku delivered a rising uppercut that caught Cell square on the chin, sending him spiraling through the air.
Cell righted himself and soared high into the sky.
Goku was right on his heels.
Bam! Bam! Bam!
The two engaged in a violent clash in mid-air.
Goku fought with increasing ferocity, and Cell refused to yield an inch.
They traded blows back and forth in a spectacle of sheer intensity.
Vegeta watched the scene, his fists clenched tight.
"Father, Goku's transformation..." Trunks whispered into Vegeta's ear.
"That Kakarot!" Vegeta growled through gritted teeth. "I've never seen anything like that form before!"
"Father, between Goku's form and our Super Saiyan God, which one is stronger?" Trunks asked.
"Trunks," Vegeta said solemnly.
Trunks blinked, looking up at his father.
"Remember this: Super Saiyan God is the true path of Saiyan evolution!" Vegeta said calmly. "The path of the gods is the only way forward! Kakarot's Super Saiyan 4 is nothing more than a crude increase in raw power!"
"Yes, Father, I understand!" Trunks nodded with absolute gravity, his respect for his father deepening.
Father is right!
The path of the gods is the only way!
Even if I have to admit that Mr. Goku's Super Saiyan 4 is incredibly powerful...
Compared to a true god, there must still be a massive gap, right?
"Goku, I never expected this match to be so exhilarating!" Cell laughed. "It would be a crying shame if this fight ended with a mere ring-out!"
As he spoke, Cell held out his hand, aiming it toward the arena below.
"Cell, you worked so hard to build that arena. Are you really going to destroy it?" Goku asked with a smile.
Cell was momentarily speechless.
You're quick, aren't you?
I just raised my hand and you already knew I was going to blow up the ring?
Boom!
Cell didn't hesitate. He fired a massive energy blast directly into the arena.
With a deafening explosion that seemed to shake the very heavens, the entire ring was obliterated, leaving nothing but a bottomless crater in its wake.
Gohan quickly scooped up Videl and flew into the air, avoiding the shockwaves of the blast.
Android 16 stepped forward, shielding Mr. Satan, the announcer, and the cameraman with his own body.
"Videl!" Mr. Satan cried out in terror.
"She's fine. Gohan saved her," Android 16 said flatly.
"Eh?" Mr. Satan froze, turning to see Gohan hovering in the sky.
Sure enough, Gohan was suspended in mid-air, holding his daughter.
Mr. Satan's eyes nearly bulged out.
That kid can fly.
But then he thought about it for a second.
Well, his dad can fly too, so I guess it makes sense.
To be continued…
Advance 100 Chapters are up on my Patreon!
pat reon.com/AlphaSenatus
Guys, due to Eid Holidays, the updates might be inconsistent!