When his gaze fell on the communicator, he couldn't help but pause. The screen was packed with notifications for missed calls, their flashing red lights seeming to convey just how frantic the caller was. He frowned, thinking the communicator had probably almost been called to pieces.
A trace of impatience in his voice, he picked up the communicator and pressed the answer button. Before the other person could speak, he snapped, "What is it, stupid woman?" He had no idea that a crisis threatening the fate of Earth was waiting for him. He was merely irritated by Bulma's barrage of calls.
The moment Vegeta answered, Bulma's voice erupted from the receiver like a rapid-fire burst of words. "Where are you, Vegeta?!" Vegeta replied, "I'm in the training room." "Goku's about to lose! Earth is doomed! You're always training, day in and day out—do you have any idea what time it is?! Earth is about to be destroyed! If you don't get here, we're all finished!" Bulma's voice was thick with tears and anger. She was clearly at the end of her rope.
Vegeta furrowed his brows, a trace of concern flickering in his eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice calm. "Stop blubbering and tell me where they are." His tone was still harsh, but Bulma's words had shaken him. He realized how serious things were and prepared to rush to Goku's aid.
Desperate with worry, Vegeta hurried out of the training room and straight into the bathroom. He quickly turned on the tap and let cold water pour over his head. After a quick rinse, he dried himself and changed into his signature Battle Suit.
He stood still and closed his eyes, focusing as he searched for Son Goku's ki. A moment later, he pinpointed the direction, kicked off the ground, and shot toward it like an arrow loosed from a bow.
As he flew, Vegeta wore an expression of confidence and disdain, muttering, "Hmph. What kind of person could've beaten Kakarot up like that? That idiot always lets us down at the worst possible moment. If I'd been there, I would've wiped out the enemy ages ago. I never would've let things get this bad." Though his words were full of contempt for Son Goku, a hint of concern showed in his eyes. He sped up, eager to reach the battle and afraid Kakarot might really be in danger.
Vegeta streaked through the sky, the wind roaring past his ears. His gaze was sharp and determined, as if he could see the distant battlefield through the clouds. The closer he got, the stronger the smell of smoke grew, and powerful surges of energy began to reach him. His heart tightened as he realized the battle was even fiercer than he'd imagined.
When he finally arrived, he saw a wrecked landscape and an exhausted Goku. Goku was half-kneeling on the ground, panting heavily. His clothes were torn and covered in blood and dust. Across from him, Android 17 wore a smug expression, as if mocking Goku's helplessness.
"Hmph!" Vegeta snorted as he slowly landed beside Goku. His eyes were full of disdain. "Look at the state you're in, Son Goku. You're a disgrace to the Saiyans." Despite his words, he subtly shifted to shield Goku, keeping a wary eye on Android 17.
Goku looked up at Vegeta and gave him a weak smile. "Vegeta, you finally made it... This guy's tough." (The Androids already knew there were two relatively powerful Saiyans.)
Vegeta didn't answer Goku. Instead, he shouted at Android 17, "So you're the one who beat Kakarot up like this? Today, I'll show you the might of the true Saiyan Prince!" As he spoke, his whole body tensed. A golden aura burst from him with a roar, and his powerful energy surged outward, cracking the ground beneath his feet.
Android 17 felt Vegeta's immense presence. His smug expression faded slightly, replaced by a hint of wariness. He knew the Saiyan before him would be a formidable opponent, so he watched him carefully.
Vegeta struck first, charging at Android 17 like a golden bolt of lightning. His fist whistled through the air, aimed straight at Android 17's face. Android 17 didn't dare let his guard down. He quickly dodged to the side and kicked at Vegeta's stomach. Vegeta reacted swiftly, blocking the kick with his arm, using its force to flip through the air before punching again.
The two immediately clashed, trading blows as fists and feet flew. Every impact unleashed a powerful shockwave, kicking up another cloud of dust from the surrounding ruins. With his superb fighting technique and immense strength, Vegeta gradually gained the upper hand. But Android 17 was far from helpless; he kept looking for openings in Vegeta's defense, waiting for a chance to counterattack.
Watching them fight, Goku silently cheered Vegeta on while struggling to recover his strength. He was ready to help Vegeta when the moment came.
Goku's trembling hand reached into his pocket and took out a Senzu Bean, which he put in his mouth. As it went down, a gentle warmth spread through him. He could feel his strength gradually returning, and his wounds no longer hurt. But he was still weak; he clearly hadn't fully recovered.
Panting slightly, he kept his eyes fixed on the fierce battle between Vegeta and Android 17. Vegeta's attacks were relentless, every punch whistling through the air. His golden aura made him look like a god of war. Android 17 was just as unyielding, nimbly dodging Vegeta's blows and looking for chances to counter. A cold, metallic gleam surrounded his body.
Goku knew that jumping into the fight now might only hold Vegeta back, so he stayed to the side and watched, using the time to steady his breathing. He was ready to give Vegeta support when the moment came. His gaze moved between them as he studied Android 17's attack patterns and weaknesses, quietly planning his next move.
Vegeta leaped high into the air and kicked with all his strength. The force twisted the air itself. Android 17 dodged to the side, his fist grazing Vegeta's lower leg. Their exchange was perilously close, and Goku's heart clenched.
Everyone on the ground hurried over to Goku. Gohan looked at him with worry, his eyes reddening as he asked urgently, "Dad, are you okay?" Goku raised a hand and gently patted Gohan on the head. He gave him a tired but relieved smile and replied, "I'm fine. Don't worry."
Piccolo stepped forward, folded his arms, and gave a slight nod. "Kakarot, get some rest. It's up to Vegeta now." Tien Shinhan, Krillin, and the others gathered nearby, watching Goku with concern and with all the care and trust they had for their comrade.
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