His throat bobbed. It was so dry it felt like it was on fire, and his voice tightened with it. "I... I didn't do anything... I didn't have time..."
"I know."
Qi Heng finally moved.
He took only one step forward.
That single step made Baby recoil as if a massive hammer had struck him in the chest. He staggered back, his heels sinking into the soft earth.
Qi Heng stopped.
Moonlight traced the cold, sharp lines of his profile.
His pale golden eyes swept over Baby in the darkness. His expression was terrifyingly calm, without even a trace of hatred, yet that very calmness made Baby tremble more than killing intent ever could.
"So I still won't kill you."
The words sounded like a pardon, yet also like a deeper curse.
After saying that, Qi Heng suddenly turned around, completely exposing his back to Baby without any defense.
That utter, merciless indifference was almost suffocating.
The night wind whipped the hem of his clothes.
His voice drifted over, calm as though nothing had happened. "But there's someone—Son Goku—who will deal with you himself."
Young Goku had been standing off to the side with his fists clenched, his entire body taut.
At those words, he jerked his head up as though struck by lightning.
Baby froze as well, the madness and fear on his face instantly locked in place.
The surroundings fell silent for a moment.
"Ha... hahaha... HAHAHAHA—!"
Baby suddenly laughed. It began as a low snicker before turning into a hysterical shriek that tore through the night sky.
The laughter echoed between Capsule Corporation's spacious courtyard and the distant neon lights of the city.
"Son Goku? This brat? This little Saiyan who can't even stabilize his ki?!"
The laughter stopped abruptly, as if someone had sliced it apart