War Erupts

Several streaks of light cut across the horizon, continuing to fly toward the distance.

Android 20 grew increasingly impatient. "Are you ever going to stop, Goku? How far do you intend to fly before you're satisfied?"

Goku did not answer. He merely glanced back for a moment before turning his head away, a trace of imperceptible pain flashing across his face.

Seeing that he had no intention of stopping, Android 20 scanned the terrain below and finally spoke, "This will do. Let's choose this spot." He suddenly halted his momentum, his tone cold. "You should know that you never had the right to choose in the first place." With that, he ignored Goku and the others and descended straight toward the ground.

Goku watched the android land without a word, though his right hand quietly pressed against his heart, and fine beads of cold sweat seeped from his temples.

The android landed first. Goku and the others followed, touching down opposite him to form a standoff.

Piccolo looked around—they were in a highland area surrounded by barren, rocky mountains. He immediately understood the opponent's plan: it was easy to hide and maneuver if the situation turned unfavorable.

A gust of wind blew by, kicking up fine dust.

Goku panted heavily and spoke first. "Alright, before we start fighting, tell me: why do you know so much about us?"

Tien Shinhan caught the heavy wheezing mixed into his words and felt a surge of doubt: Why is Goku panting like this? We were only flying through the air...

Android 20 was surprisingly forthcoming. "Very well, I will tell you. After you hear it, I suspect you will regret having asked the question."

"Goku, the truth is that I have been tracking you with microscopic, insect-sized robots whenever you weren't looking. During the World Martial Arts Tournament... when you fought Piccolo... and during the decisive battle against Vegeta and the others. In short, I have been studying you for a long time—studying why you destroyed our Red Ribbon Army and what kind of androids would be required to defeat you."

"A personal vendetta?" Goku guessed the answer from the hatred laced between the android's words.

"Correct. Because of you alone, the Red Ribbon Army's grand dream of conquering the world was destroyed. Only Doctor Gero survived."

Piccolo caught a discrepancy. "From just now until now, you sound exactly as if you are Doctor Gero himself."

Android 20 retorted sharply, "I forbid you from spouting nonsense. I am merely Android 20, an android created by Doctor Gero's own hands. Doctor Gero is already dead; he no longer exists in this world."

"I see. Then did your spies follow us to Namek to observe?"

"There was no need. I had already seen through your trump cards and your usual style during your battles with Vegeta and the others. Even if your skills have improved since then, judging by your age, it is impossible for you to have made any significant progress."

After listening, Goku's lips curled slightly upward. "It seems you forgot to investigate one important thing. Therefore, you have already lost."

"What?"

"This is your fatal flaw—you actually know nothing about the Super Saiyan."

"Super Saiyan?"

Ah—

In an instant, Goku's muscles swelled violently. His hair stood on end without a breeze, shifting from black to a brilliant golden hue, and his pupils turned a piercing green. A golden aura erupted, swirling around his body, and under the immense pressure, dust swirled in the air.

Super Saiyan Goku, reporting for duty.

That astonishing presence swept outward like a storm, pointing the way for Gohan and the others who were currently rushing toward them.

"Neither of you is to interfere," Goku said, his power rising steadily and his tone firm. "Because the people they are looking for are primarily me."

Android 20 watched the transformation without panic. "Indeed, Goku's power has certainly increased quite a bit."

The fat android beside him—Android 19—stared at Goku's data and spoke up. "Android 20, this technique does not appear to be the Kaio-ken."

"This special move is incredible, far exceeding the values I calculated," Android 20 said, his tone remaining flat. "But it is not enough to cause us alarm. Because not only me, but even if Android 19 were to handle this alone, it would be more than enough."

Android 19 nodded, agreeing with his words.

On a towering mountain peak in the distance, Malvis had somehow procured a bucket of popcorn and was watching the scene with great interest. "Looks like it's about to start. The momentum is decent, but it's a pity the strength is a bit lacking; it still needs more tempering." He paused. "Doctor Gero was also quite a talent, but it's a shame—he was a villain through and through."

On the battlefield, Goku leaned forward slightly and suddenly exploded with energy, rushing toward the androids like a golden bolt of lightning.

Android 19 reacted with lightning speed, reaching out with a clawed hand. Goku used Instant Transmission to appear behind him, but 19 quickly spun around to deliver a kick, which Goku raised his hand to block—the two instantly locked in combat.

The battle moved from the ground to the air, then shifted between the rocky mountains. Android 19 utilized the terrain to his advantage, slipping behind a massive stone pillar. Using Goku's blind spot, he quickly condensed an energy wave in his hands and fired it at both the mountain and Goku behind it.

The massive energy exploded, shattering the upper half of the pillar into debris as smoke filled the air. Goku crossed his arms to deflect the flying rocks, and 19 seized the opportunity to channel energy into his fist, throwing a punch that sent Goku flying backward.

But in a mere heartbeat, Goku appeared above 19, launching a counterattack from a position of dominance. The two traded blows again, their battle shifting constantly. Goku soon seized an opening, slamming his elbow hard into 19's back. The immense force sent 19 flying, crashing straight into a small mountain, which collapsed instantly and buried the android under the rubble.

"Well done, Goku!" Piccolo and Tien Shinhan cheered in unison.

On Android 20's previously unruffled face, a subtle change in expression finally appeared.

As the dust gradually settled, 19 stood up from the pile of rubble—his body completely unscathed.

The next instant, 19 lunged at Goku like a cannonball. Goku blocked him steadily with his right hand and kicked him high into the air. He then erupted with speed, instantly catching up behind the still-rising 19. The android quickly stabilized himself, turning to throw punch after punch at Goku, all of which were easily dodged.

Goku turned the tide from defense to offense, launching a torrential assault against 19. Faced with this high-intensity barrage, 19 could only defend passively. Any occasional attempt at a counterattack was easily neutralized by Goku—the offensive grew only more fierce, as if Goku wanted to end this battle as quickly as possible.