Their battle had grown increasingly intense. Vegeta relentlessly pursued Cell with attacks, but they seemed to be nothing more than the warm-up Cell had mentioned. He had yet to attack, focusing entirely on defense.
Vegeta still hadn't realized what was going on. He kept bombarding Cell with energy blasts, convinced that a direct hit would hurt him and that Cell would have to endure the damage. But he hadn't considered the energy coursing through Cell's body.
Trunks was still worried. "Dad has surpassed the limits of a Super Saiyan. Just look at him now—he has incredible power!"
"But one day, I surpassed his level again. I understood what Chen had said, but I couldn't tell Dad. With his pride, he'd never accept it. Dad shouldn't lose to Cell!"
Krillin understood how Trunks felt. He knew Trunks didn't want to hurt Vegeta's pride, so he had kept his true strength hidden. But now, all he could do was pin his hopes on Vegeta.
"That's Vegeta for you. That last attack was right on target!" A voice came from behind Vegeta. He turned around—and saw Cell standing behind him. He was furious.
Vegeta couldn't possibly endure being mocked like that. He unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, and both fighters got serious. Cell had lost any patience with him, too!
Their friends in the Heavenly Realm watched. "That's Vegeta for you. He's holding his own against Perfect Form Cell!" Tien Shinhan found it unbelievable, but Piccolo disagreed. "Holding his own? Vegeta's being far too reckless!"
"Facing an opponent who's as strong as he is—or even far stronger—he's already lost his composure!" Piccolo's analysis was spot on. Vegeta still hadn't realized just how powerful Cell was.
Cell could handle Vegeta with ease, and his ki control was so precise that even Vegeta couldn't