Piccolo vs. Sphere God No. 1

A howling gale swept across the open-air plaza paved with dark metal, whipping sand and dust into spiraling clouds.

Hearing Krillin's words, Piccolo did not hesitate.

He strode forward, passing everyone one step at a time as he headed straight for Sphere God No. 1, the so-called perfect weapon.

His green face remained utterly calm, while his purple Martial Arts Uniform snapped loudly in the frenzied, icy wind.

"Beep—recalibrating target. Reassessing threat level."

Sphere God No. 1's head emitted clicking mechanical noises.

The narrow red scanner at the center of its face swept back and forth before locking firmly onto Piccolo.

Although Sphere God No. 1 Robot was only at the peak of Super Saiyan 2, its oppressive presence was undeniably powerful.

In the observation area behind them, Goku rubbed his hands excitedly, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on the battle.

"Krillin, is it really okay to let Piccolo go alone? Piccolo had such a hard time fighting No. 2 before."

Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest, his mocking words spilling out at once.

"Kakarot, Piccolo's aura is far stronger than before. At his current level, dealing with this scrap metal is more than enough."

Nearby, Bulma fiddled with the restarted Portable Micro-Terminal, the jumping data on its screen making her raise her brows.

"Vegeta's right. Piccolo's current energy level has already reached the standard of what you call Super Saiyan 3."

"Piccolo has the advantage in this battle."

As the group spoke, the standoff in the arena was broken.

Sphere God No. 1 had no such thing as a human's probing phase. Once its underlying kill command was activated, its enemy would be met with a devastating lethal strike.

The machine of silver-gray and metallic blue suddenly unleashed an unnatural burst of thrust from its long, well-proportioned limbs.

Its