Wang Shen glanced at the indignant Vegeta and said calmly:
"You're late."
At that, the anger in Vegeta's heart burned even hotter, and he demanded, "Why didn't you stop? You wouldn't let me fight the androids, and now you're trying to steal Cell from me too?"
After Tien Shinhan revived him, he'd immediately followed Wang Shen's ki to the scene, eager to fight the Ultimate Android, Cell.
He'd happened to run into Trunks on the way.
When he learned that Cell had appeared, he'd also wanted to eliminate him as quickly as possible.
But he hadn't expected Wang Shen to get there first and destroy Cell.
Vegeta hadn't even laid a finger on him!
Trunks flew over and tried to calm him down.
"Father, as long as Cell's been defeated, that's what matters. The crisis is over now."
"Besides, Uncle Goku didn't even get to see Cell."
Vegeta paused, realizing that was true. In that regard, he was better than Kakarot. But still, he gave an unhappy snort.
"Cell was a worthless failure. He couldn't even last until I got there before he was destroyed."
After his earlier fight with Wang Shen, Vegeta was convinced that no one but Karotis could match him.
Wang Shen had said that Cell was stronger than Full Power, but Vegeta didn't believe it!
Wang Shen found this amusing. He felt he ought to defend Cell's reputation a little.
So he said, "Vegeta, Cell was strong. He was above Super Saiyan, at about the level of Super Saiyan 2."
"Super Saiyan 2!?"
Vegeta was stunned. Even his arms, usually crossed over his chest, dropped unconsciously to his sides.
"What does Super Saiyan 2 mean?"
Trunks stared at Wang Shen expectantly, hoping for an answer.
Wang Shen smiled but said nothing.
Vegeta's expression gradually turned serious as he scrutinized Wang Shen from head to toe.
Only then did he notice that Wang Shen looked subtly different from before.
His upright golden hair was even sharper, with bangs hanging over his forehead. His ki was still calm, but now it had a keen edge.
Vegeta's eyes widened as he guessed, "So that sudden surge in your ki just now was because you transformed into a Super Saiyan 2?"
"Haha, that's Vegeta for you."
Wang Shen smiled smugly.
The next moment, a thunderous roar rang out. Golden flames surged around Wang Shen as blue-white arcs of electricity coiled around him with a crackling sound, as if they were about to shoot out and pierce his body.
A tremendous pressure swept over them, and Vegeta and Trunks both stepped back.
Trunks even transformed into a Super Saiyan to withstand the fierce force and steady himself.
Vegeta stared at Wang Shen's formidable appearance, utterly shaken.
"This... is Super Saiyan 2! Its power is dozens of times greater than Full Power! Its fighting strength is in a completely different league!"
"It seems even more suited to battle than Full Power!"
In an instant, a hint of hostility entered Vegeta's gaze.
Damn it, I've only just broken through to Full Power, and he's already gotten ahead of me again!
Feeling that terrifying ki up close, Trunks gazed at Wang Shen with admiration.
"If I could transform into a Super Saiyan 2 too, I'd definitely be able to protect my world!"
Noticing their reactions, Wang Shen smiled faintly.
Vegeta was right. Super Saiyan 2 really was better suited to Saiyan combat than Full Power.
Full Power was about balance, about a gentle, steady flow.
Super Saiyan 2 was sharp and fierce, like a raging storm!
It was a form that unleashed power to its limits while still maintaining endurance.
Perhaps Vegeta in the future had recognized this, which was why he hadn't chosen to advance to the powerful but energy-leaking Super Saiyan 3.
Wang Shen had his suspicions.
The reason Super Saiyan 3 leaked energy was that Son Goku had lost his tail, leaving his Saiyan body incomplete.
Wang Shen lowered his head and looked at the golden tail around his waist, nodding with satisfaction.
Though he'd been human in his previous life and still wasn't used to having a tail, he'd put up with it for the sake of Super Saiyan 4.
Pfft!
The flames faded, the lightning vanished, and Wang Shen returned to his Full Power state.
The rolling waves of ki dissipated, and the churning sea gradually calmed.
"Vegeta, when facing an enemy, you need to strike swiftly and decisively. From the moment you engage, don't give them a chance to escape. Otherwise, if they seize an opportunity to grow stronger, they'll turn around and kill you."
Wang Shen looked at Vegeta and said earnestly, "We left Cell alone for a while, and he reached Super Saiyan 2 level and killed Piccolo. That's the lesson!"
"That's why I made sure to finish Cell off completely, without holding back!"
Trunks was the first to nod emphatically in agreement.
Vegeta turned his head uncomfortably and said scornfully, "I don't need you telling me that. You should be saying this to Kakarot."
Wang Shen was about to say something else when he seemed to sense something.
The three of them suddenly looked up toward the sky.
Wang Shen exchanged a glance with the other two and smiled.
"Looks like Son Goku's come out of the chamber."
"Come on, let's go back to the Heavenly Temple and see what level Son Goku's reached."
He was curious whether, with Full Power already achieved, Son Goku would train directly to Super Saiyan 2.
"Trunks, put your hand on my shoulder. I'll use Instant Transmission to take you back."
"Uh, okay."
Trunks readily put his hand on Wang Shen's shoulder.
He was very obedient, unlike his father.
Then Wang Shen reached out with his other hand and put it on Vegeta's shoulder.
Vegeta furrowed his brow, but in the end, he turned his face away and didn't refuse.
Wang Shen smiled with satisfaction.
He really couldn't understand why Son Goku always made Vegeta grab his hand. No wonder Vegeta never wanted to!
With this technique, it didn't matter who grabbed whom, or where they grabbed.
What difference did it make?
Whoosh!
Meanwhile,
everyone at the Heavenly Temple had gathered outside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber early to wait.
"Wang Shen's ki suddenly shot up to a terrifying level just now, and then Cell's ki disappeared soon afterward. It hasn't come back since!"
Krillin's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he sought confirmation.
"Wang Shen must have destroyed Cell, right?"
Tien Shinhan wore the same relieved smile.
"Must have. The android crisis is finally over!"
Lazuli and Lapis, unable to sense ki, exchanged glances and let out deep breaths.
Their tension eased, and they marveled inwardly at Wang Shen's unmatched strength.
They'd genuinely worried that Cell might have grown so powerful that even Wang Shen couldn't stand against him.
If that happened, the two of them would inevitably be swallowed, too.
Lazuli smiled brightly and began looking around.
"Wang Shen should be back any moment."
Tap, tap, tap!
A series of steady footsteps drew closer.
Everyone turned to look toward the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
Two figures, one tall and one small, appeared.
They were Son Goku and Son Gohan, fresh from their training.
Like Wang Shen, both had striking golden hair and clear, bright eyes. Their blue battle suits were torn, exposing broad patches of firm muscle.
"Goku!" Krillin called out first.
Son Goku blinked and carefully sensed the powerful ki on Earth. His eyes widened with delight.
"Huh! Cell's ki has disappeared. Was it Wang Shen or Vegeta?"
"Uncle Piccolo's ki has disappeared too! Was he killed by Cell?"
Son Gohan suddenly cried out, his voice anguished and trembling, the corners of his eyes wet with tears.
Then Son Gohan transformed into a Super Saiyan 2 in a fit of rage!
Just kidding, strike that!
The two walked over to the courtyard and joined the others.
Tien Shinhan explained what had happened while they were training.
"I see."
Son Goku understood, then his expression turned bitter and he said solemnly, "It's just a shame about Piccolo. He..."
Kami had disappeared, and the Dragon Balls had turned to stone forever. No one could make a wish or bring anyone back to life again.
Waaah!
Beside him, Son Gohan burst into loud sobs like a child, unable to accept what had happened.
Piccolo had been by his side since he was very young, watching him grow up.
After the Raditz incident, when Son Goku had died unexpectedly, Piccolo had taken on the responsibility of training him.
So to Gohan, Piccolo had been like a father.
Bulma hurried over and gathered the crying Gohan in her arms, gently comforting him.
His tears soaked the front of her shirt.
Lapis pressed his lips together, his heart heavy as well.
Just as sadness settled over everyone, the usually quiet Android 16 suddenly spoke.
"Wang Shen said he had a way to bring Piccolo back to life."
The instant he said that, everyone looked up and stared at Android 16.
"That's right. The Dragon Balls can be restored, and Piccolo can be brought back to life!"
A confident voice rang out.
Wang Shen appeared with Vegeta and Trunks.
Before you continue