So the Saiyans Were Wiped Out

Facing Frieza, who hovered in the air and taunted him, Son Goku took a deep breath, steadied his energy, and slowly rose into the air.

"Frieza, you're certainly powerful! But it's too early to draw any conclusions. Our fight has only just begun." Son Goku spoke with a calm expression.

Although the earlier battle had left him in a bit of a sorry state, that bout had helped him adapt to fighting at this level.

And as the fierce battle continued, the power inside him was starting to boil, as though it yearned for an even more intense fight.

Hearing Son Goku's words, Frieza was taken aback for a moment. Then the corners of his mouth lifted, and a wicked smile appeared.

"Heh heh~~ You're clearly at a disadvantage, yet you can still keep your composure. You're quite strong, and I'm starting to like you. How would you like to work for me? If you're willing to submit, you'll become the strongest under my command. You can be the highest-ranking commander in my army, second only to me, with billions beneath you." Frieza looked at Son Goku teasingly as he made the offer.

At a time like this, only someone with extreme arrogance would think of recruiting their enemy.

At that, Son Goku's expression shifted from serious to stern. "You want me to work for you—to invade and destroy other planets and kill innocent lives? Do you really think that's possible, Frieza? So many Namekians have died because of your selfish desires. Don't you feel even a little guilty?"

"Oh ho ho ho~! Guilty? What are you talking about? This world has always been ruled by the strong. The one with the greatest power has the final say! Besides, I'm the Emperor of the Universe, born to rule. Everything belongs to me! If those Namekians had handed over the Dragon Balls sooner, I wouldn't have had to get involved. What a shame. Some people get a little power and start acting superior, and end up bringing ruin upon themselves." Frieza's expression turned crazed.

Son Goku furrowed his brow. "You're a monster!"

"A monster? Why, thank you for the compliment. Come to think of it, how are you Saiyans any better? The Saiyans of the past invaded plenty of other planets, wiping out entire races and leaving none alive. Now a Saiyan like you is lecturing me? You're hardly qualified." Frieza narrowed his eyes, not the least bit offended by the label.

On the contrary, being called a monster filled him with excitement.

Son Goku took a deep breath.

He knew Frieza was telling the truth.

Still, he had his own thoughts on the matter. Without much hesitation, he spoke from the heart.

"That's why the Saiyan race was wiped out!"

"What did you say?" Frieza stared in disbelief, his mouth falling open. His blood-red eyes were filled with shock.

He'd never imagined that this Saiyan Monkey in front of him would say something like that.

"I said the Saiyan race was wiped out because they slaughtered the innocent and invaded and destroyed other races' homes without a second thought!" Son Goku repeated, raising his voice.

Frieza's mind reeled, and he sucked in a sharp breath.

"You—did someone hit you on the head? Is there something wrong with your brain?"

It was a sarcastic remark, but Frieza had no idea that Son Goku really had been hit on the head as a child, completely changing him.

"Enough, Frieza. Let's stop wasting time on pointless talk. Just as you said, the one with the bigger fists has the final say! I'll defeat you!" Son Goku had no desire to keep arguing about things that didn't matter.

Hearing this, and seeing how eager Son Goku was to fight, Frieza shook his head with a look of regret.

"You've got spirit, but you're a little foolish... Since words won't get through to you, we'll settle this with our fists! The warm-up ends here. You'd better get ready." Frieza raised a hand and beckoned to Son Goku. Then, remembering something, he added, "I'll give you a chance. Are you better at fighting in the air or on the ground?"

"What difference does it make?" Son Goku shot back.

Son Goku's reply left Frieza speechless. He pressed a hand to his forehead and shook his head. "Forget it. Of all the Saiyan Monkeys I know, not one is good at aerial combat. We'll fight on the ground, then. How about over there?"

Frieza pointed toward a large island in the distance.

"Suit yourself. I'll fight you anywhere!" Son Goku showed no fear.

Satisfied with the answer, Frieza shot off first, with Son Goku following close behind.

As the two landed, the next round of their battle was about to begin.

Son Goku made his final preparations, taking off his weighted clothing and releasing all his strength.

Frieza wouldn't be easy to handle. If he held anything back, he'd be crushed.

Frieza, however, wasn't in a hurry.

Watching Son Goku make a few comical movements, he taunted him. "You probably still don't understand just how big the gap between us is. So, to make your defeat a little more convincing, I'll fight you without using my hands."

"You'll fight me without using your hands? How generous of you." Son Goku took it as a joke.

He could tell Frieza was far too arrogant.

He could use that to catch Frieza off guard.

After loosening up completely, Son Goku smiled and politely said, "Since you're being so generous, I'll make the first move, then?"

"Of course. I won't dodge any attack." Frieza gestured for him to go ahead.

The air fell silent, and the atmosphere grew unbearably heavy.

Meanwhile.

At the edge of the battlefield.

On a steep cliff.

Piccolo, Krillin, and Son Gohan watched the distant island with tense expressions.

They had seen Son Goku and Frieza's first clash. It had left them so shocked they could barely speak.

"What's going on? They've been talking this whole time, and now they're not moving at all." Krillin spoke, his voice trembling slightly.

Beside him, Piccolo's expression was grave. "Don't worry! The fight is about to start again. They're both looking for an opening and testing each other's presence. If one of them gets overwhelmed by the other's energy, the tide of battle will turn completely! All we can do now is hope that Son Goku has recovered from his serious injuries and is strong enough to face Frieza in this form..."

After saying this, Piccolo felt deeply frustrated.

After fusing with Nail, he had gained overwhelming power. He'd thought he wouldn't have to fear anyone ever again and could defeat them all.

But he'd been humbled almost immediately. His strength had already been surpassed completely.

"I believe Dad will win!" Kid Gohan clenched his fists, his trust in his father unwavering.

"I hope so. If even Son Goku loses, then what we'll face next is probably death." Piccolo gritted his teeth.