Piccolo's Moment to Shine

Android 17 wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and sneered, "Heh, it seems I really underestimated you!"

Piccolo reacted quickly, immediately turning back to fly into the air and continue his assault.

The two tangled once again, but this time, Android 17 was clearly handling himself with much more ease.

It was obvious that he was now using his full strength, preparing to take this fight seriously.

"Bang!"

After trading a punch, the two quickly separated.

Piccolo seized the opportunity, raised his right hand, and fired a golden Ki Blast.

Android 17 smiled faintly, tilted his body slightly to dodge it with ease, and began to taunt, "Attacks like that won't take me down!"

Piccolo was not discouraged, nor did he respond.

Since one wasn't enough, he would just use more.

He waved his hands, and golden light flashed continuously from his palms.

"Adadada!"

Ki Blasts rained down toward Android 17 like a downpour, a set of Prince Tactics executed with true essence!

Android 17 remained unhurried, twisting and turning in the sky as if he were dancing.

"Tch!" Seeing all his attacks dodged, Piccolo felt a surge of frustration. "Let's see how you dodge this one!"

He clenched his right hand, then suddenly opened it, charging up and firing a Ki Blast that was faster and more powerful than the previous ones.

Watching the blast approach, Android 17 knew he couldn't dodge it, so he simply stopped trying.

He crossed his arms to shield his face.

"Szz!"

He blocked the blast, then suddenly thrust his arms outward.

"Boom!" The golden Ki Blast was deflected, exploding high above his head.

"Heh, interesting, this is interesting!" Android 17 said excitedly.

He seemed to be starting to enjoy this battle.

Piccolo replied coldly, "The more interesting parts are yet to come!"

With that, the two flew toward each other simultaneously.

"Bang!"

They collided once again.

Giant waves erupted one after another on the sea surface, and a rainbow even appeared in the sky!

"Boom, boom, boom!"

Their attacks grew increasingly fierce, and despite the clear, sunny sky, thunder rumbled incessantly.

After another collision, the two separated once more.

Piccolo hadn't expected the Android to be so troublesome, but he felt only exhilaration in his heart.

It had been a long time since he had such a hearty, unbridled battle!

"It's hard to imagine how you trained to improve so quickly in such a short amount of time!"

Android 17 remarked in admiration.

He had underestimated his opponent this time, but what puzzled him even more was Piccolo's strength.

The corners of Piccolo's mouth curled up slightly. "Is that so? Thanks for the compliment. I'll be sure to return the favor!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Piccolo raised his hand to attack, and Ki Blasts appeared once again.

Android 17 dodged nimbly, frowning as he said, "Is that it? Attacks like these are useless against me!"

Piccolo didn't answer, continuing to employ his Prince Tactics.

Android 17 stood his ground this time, not bothering to dodge, because he realized that although these attacks were dense, they were all being fired wide.

Sensing something was wrong, he quickly looked back and discovered that he was already surrounded by these Ki Blasts from behind.

At the same time, he looked up at the sky and saw that the space above his head was also filled with these golden spheres.

Just as he was observing the situation, his feet and his front were also completely surrounded by the blasts!

"So that was your goal!" Android 17 said in astonishment.

He never expected that someone could use Ki Blasts in such a way.

Today had certainly opened his eyes!

Piccolo smiled calmly and brought his hands together.

Countless Ki Blasts converged on Android 17 in the center.

"Boom, boom, boom, boom!"

Explosions erupted instantly, illuminating the sky as if it were broad daylight.

Mushroom clouds bloomed one after another, and smoke filled the air!

"Hah!" Piccolo exhaled, his gaze fixed intently on the smoke.

Because Androids possess no energy signature, he had no way of knowing if Android 17 had been eliminated.

Therefore, he dared not let his guard down.

As the smoke slowly dissipated, a figure gradually emerged, and Piccolo's heart sank.

He hadn't expected his powerful attack to have no effect at all!

Android 17 held his hands out, a blue protective barrier shimmering around his body.

This was a built-in feature of their Android physiology; had it not been for this barrier, he might have been reduced to ashes in an instant!

"Impressive. Not only is your strength outstanding, but your combat intelligence is equally excellent!"

Android 17 said with a smile.

"Tch!" Piccolo remained indifferent to the praise.

After all, without truly defeating the enemy, everything else was meaningless.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the city.

Scattered at the feet of Cell lay a pile of discarded clothes.

Sensing the energy signatures constantly erupting in the distance, he deduced that Piccolo must be locked in battle with the Androids.

However, he felt deeply conflicted, unsure if he should head over there now.

He was still haunted by that lingering sense of dread from earlier, fearing that he might end up losing more than he gained.

"Sigh, forget it. I'll take the gamble!"

Cell lowered his head, having made his decision.

He had come here from the future specifically to absorb the Androids and reach his Perfect Form.

With such a golden opportunity right before him, he couldn't let it go to waste.

Besides, he no longer sensed that ominous energy from before; perhaps the source had already left?

With this uneasy feeling, Cell began to move.

He crept toward the location where Piccolo and Android 17 were fighting!

On the island where the battle raged.

The combatants were still unaware that Cell was heading their way.

Li Lin had already arrived at the scene, but he chose not to reveal himself immediately.

Instead, he hovered high in the sky, wanting to observe the situation first.

As long as he suppressed his energy, no one could detect his presence.

"That move of yours was quite good, but I won't give you another chance like that!"

Android 17 looked at Piccolo and said calmly.

"Hmph!" Piccolo snorted, responding with disdain, "Is that so? Even without using that move, you are still no match for me!"

With that, the two slowly descended and landed on the ground.

They took steps toward each other, their posture suggesting they were about to engage in hand-to-hand combat.

Suddenly, Android 17 feinted, then lunged forward, landing a punch squarely on Piccolo's face.

Piccolo staggered back two steps before throwing a punch in retaliation.

Unfortunately, his attack missed, and Android 17 seized the opportunity to land another punch to his abdomen.

Piccolo doubled over in pain, and Android 17 circled behind him, delivering an elbow strike that sent Piccolo sprawling to the ground in a sorry state.

"Heh, how was that?"

Android 17 chuckled triumphantly.

Piccolo performed a kip-up to his feet instantly and brushed the dust off his body. "Heh, your speed is decent, but your power is lacking—it felt more like a massage!"