A Perfect Solution

Back on the surface, Gamos and Launch were joined by three others: Android 16, Android 17, and Android 18.

Watching the three fighters in the sky, Gamos asked, "I have removed Dr. Gero's mental control over you and cancelled your missions. What do you intend to do now?"

Android 17 flexed his wrists, feeling the body that had been modified more times than he could count, and replied after a moment's thought, "We don't have anywhere to be. We'll wander for a while and do as we please."

"A fine choice, though I ask that you respect the law. Don't use your strength to do anything out of line." Gamos intended to keep them in check, lest they turn out as wicked as they were in the original timeline.

"Hey, kid, you're awfully bossy for someone your size. How about we test your strength? Want to fight?" Android 18, possessing a fiery temper, retorted immediately. She felt insulted that a mere boy would dare lecture her; she felt it was time to teach him the harsh realities of the world.

"Oh, come now, Gamos is only thinking of the Earth!" Launch, now in her blue-haired form, stepped between them to keep the peace.

Gamos merely offered a faint smile and said nothing more.

On the other side, Son Goku and his two companions lay on the ground in a sorry state, sprawled out in star-shapes. Their clothes were tattered, and their bodies were covered in wounds of all sizes—a truly miserable sight.

At this moment, Ginyu had reverted to the original form of Android 13: a tall, imposing, tennis-pro-looking figure. "I never imagined I, Ginyu, would have such a glorious day, actually defeating two Super Saiyans! Hahaha, Lord Frieza will be thrilled when he hears of this."

"Tch, you spineless coward. You're this strong, and you're still thinking about Frieza? Besides, you were only barely enough to serve as our sparring partner. We will soon break through to even higher levels; you're nothing compared to us," Vegeta spat, unable to resist belittling Ginyu's loyalty, perhaps out of disgust for his own dark past.

"Vegeta, tell me, if one Android 13 is this strong, do you think there are even more powerful ones in the underground lab?" Son Goku recalled what he had seen in the basement; it seemed there were others, like 16, 17, and 18, alongside 13.

Vegeta's expression darkened instantly at the mention of it. If 13 was this formidable, the later models must be even more advanced, with combat power that was surely terrifying. It was infuriating that he, the proud Prince of all Saiyans, was being overshadowed by a bunch of scrap metal. "So what if they're just scrap metal? Once I break through to the third stage of the Super Saiyan transformation, I'll smash every last one of them to pieces."

"Oh? Someone wants to smash me?" Just as Vegeta finished his boast, a mocking voice drifted from nearby.

The next second, Android 17 appeared directly above Vegeta, leaning down to look at the Saiyan lying on the ground. Vegeta was startled, springing up with a kip-up and instinctively dropping into a fighting stance. Son Goku and Ginyu stood up as well, watching the newcomer with curiosity.

The others flew over, and Gamos gave a light cough. "Let me introduce you. This is Android 17, and this is Android 18. They are the latest models, created by modifying humans. They use the newest infinite energy reactors, granting them unlimited stamina in battle. Their combat power is not a whit inferior to yours, and they can continue to grow stronger through training. This is Android 16, a pure robot with human-like thought. He possesses world-shattering power and could easily crush both of you."

As Gamos spoke, the group grew increasingly alarmed, especially Vegeta, whose gaze toward the androids shifted entirely. Infinite stamina, strength equal to his own, and the potential for endless growth—such terrifying monsters were man-made, and potentially mass-produced. It was inconceivable. Thinking back to his past, when he had taken pride in a combat power of 12,000, he felt ridiculous. How many more unknown, terrifying entities were hidden on this seemingly fragile Earth? For some reason, Vegeta felt these androids were not the strongest yet; the power of technology was truly chilling at times.

Son Goku looked at Android 17 with a grave expression. "The androids are this terrifying, and they can even grow stronger? It seems you aren't a bad person, and it's fortunate for us that you aren't, or we'd be in real trouble." With that, Son Goku reached out a hand with a smile. "Hello, I'm Son Goku, though my Saiyan name is Kakarot. Let's work together from now on, get stronger, and protect the Earth."

Seeing the other man's harmless demeanor, Android 17 reached out and shook his hand. "Sure. We'll definitely get stronger." According to the data Dr. Gero had uploaded, they were supposed to be the strongest, invincible beings in existence. But after being awakened, they realized there were so many powerful people in the world—it wouldn't be boring after all.

Watching this harmonious scene, Prince Vegeta snorted and turned his head away in a huff.

And just like that, the protectors of Earth gained three new androids.

Calculating the timeline, the future Trunks should be arriving soon, though that plot point was no longer certain. Given the current events, this timeline did not align with any of the original ones, and it was possible that the future Trunks would never appear here. Some time ago, Gamos had used his King Kai Antenna to scan the Earth and had found no sign of Cell, who had traveled back from the future, nor any other time machine. This meant this world was not on the same trunk as the main timeline, which made things complicated.

However, Gamos would face whatever came his way. He possessed the greatest talent for learning; what did he have to fear? If he were truly pushed to the edge, he would simply modify everyone on Earth into androids and scatter them across the universe. As long as one of them grew strong enough, they would have the capital to fight back.

Once he finished his final experiment, he would take Son Goku and Vegeta to visit other timelines, and perhaps pick up some medicine for Son Goku's heart condition in the future. Ginyu's role had been served; it was time to send him back. Android 13's body was also capable of growth. He would send him back to motivate Frieza, letting him feel the pressure of being surpassed by his own subordinate, forcing him to train harder. He truly looked forward to seeing that Black Gold Form.