Lazuli, you really went for it

Vegeta flashed in front of Android 17 and drove a punch toward his abdomen, but Android 17 reached out and caught his fist.

"Vegeta, with that little strength, you still have the nerve to boast about teaching me a lesson? You're making me laugh."

At that, Vegeta said, "A worthless puppet like you isn't worth this prince's full strength."

Android 17 flew into a rage. "You're asking to die, Vegeta!"

With that, he tightened his grip, trying to crush Vegeta's fist.

Seeing this, Vegeta clenched his other hand into a fist and punched at Android 17.

Android 17 reached out with his other hand and caught the fist as well.

The two began a contest of strength in midair.

Vegeta began raising his energy, and Android 17 did the same. Fierce winds immediately whipped up around them, scattering the white clouds overhead.

Moments later, Vegeta realized that even with all his base strength unleashed, he was only evenly matched with Android 17 and could not break free.

He activated Kaio-ken x2, instantly wrenching himself free of Android 17 and retreating over ten meters.

Android 17 smiled. "Not bad, Vegeta. You're actually as strong as I am."

Vegeta smiled back. "I take back what I said. You're no worthless puppet. You're quite a bit stronger than one. Unless this prince gets a little serious, I might really have trouble taking you down."

"Vegeta, to think that even the mighty prince of the Saiyans has learned to bluff," Android 17 said. "Let's see how strong you really are."

"Fine," Vegeta said. "This prince will give you a good look."

With that, he activated Kaio-ken x2, a red aura surging around his body.

Sensing Vegeta's energy, Android 17 exclaimed in shock, "Impossible! How did your strength double in an instant?"

Vegeta laughed. "This prince was in a good mood earlier and just playing with you, but you actually took it seriously. To tell you the truth, even this isn't my real strength."

Android 17 could hardly believe it. Now he believed Vegeta, and he was beginning to believe what Android 16 had said earlier too. If Vegeta was this strong, what about Son Goku?

Clearly, Son Goku was even stronger than Vegeta. No wonder Android 16 had said his strength was unfathomable and that killing them instantly would be child's play.

When Android 17 fell silent, Vegeta said, "What's wrong? Scared by this prince's strength? Don't worry. I'll make sure your death is painless."

"Damn you, Vegeta!" Android 17 snapped. "Even if you're stronger than me, don't think you can kill me so easily!"

Vegeta smiled. "Good. This prince likes that defiant attitude of yours. Then I'll play with you a little longer."

With that, he attacked Android 17.

Watching from below, Son Goku said to Piccolo, "Piccolo, keep an eye on them. Don't let Vegeta kill Android 17. I'm going to spar with Android 18 for a while."

Puzzled, Piccolo said, "Son, what are you up to? With your strength, do you really need to spar with Android 18? And why stop Vegeta from killing Android 17? Didn't Trunks say the Androids were all monsters?"

"I've seen those two Androids in the future," Son Goku said. "The Androids in our world are different from the ones in Trunks's world. They aren't bad people. As for sparring with Android 18, would you believe me if I said I was itching for a fight?"

"Like hell I would," Piccolo said. "Have you fallen for Android 18?"

"Keep your voice down, Piccolo!" Son Goku hurriedly said. He looked around at everyone and only breathed a sigh of relief after seeing that no one else had heard.

"Piccolo, you're sharp," Son Goku said. "I won't hide it from you. I really have fallen for Android 18, so I'm planning to use sparring as an excuse to get closer to her."

"I really don't understand you Saiyans and Earthlings," Piccolo said.

Son Goku laughed. "Piccolo, you don't understand love. Even if I explained it, you wouldn't get it."

Piccolo waved him off. "Enough, Son. Even if you explained it, I wouldn't want to understand. I just want to get stronger."

"All right, then. I'm off, Piccolo. Keep an eye on Vegeta."

Piccolo nodded. "Got it."

With that, Son Goku flashed in front of Android 18. "Android 18, care to spar with me?"

"Fine," Android 18 said. "Let's see whether your strength really is as unfathomable as Android 16 said, and whether killing us would really be child's play."

"Then follow me," Son Goku said. "There isn't enough room here."

"All right. Lead the way," Android 18 said.

Android 16 did not stop them. With Son Goku's strength, killing them would be child's play anyway. There was no need for him to go to such lengths to trick Android 18. Since he had not attacked them from the start, it was clear that he had no intention of killing them, so Android 16 simply let the two leave.

Son Goku then flew away with Android 18.

Seeing this, everyone turned to Piccolo.

"Son was itching for a fight, so he went off to spar with Android 18," Piccolo said. "Don't worry about him."

Everyone nodded, then turned back to the fierce battle between Vegeta and Android 17.

Son Goku flew some distance with Android 18. Only after they were far from the others did he stop, and Android 18 stopped with him.

"Son Goku, let's begin!" Android 18 called.

"No rush," Son Goku said. "Let me transform first."

"Transform into what?" Android 18 asked, puzzled. "What trick are you playing, Son Goku?"

Son Goku smiled. "Just watch."

With a loud shout, Son Goku transformed into Super Saiyan 4 in an instant.

Red fur, leather pants, and green eyes-he was tall, imposing, and handsome, and Android 18's eyes lit up at the sight.

"How about it, Android 18?" Son Goku asked. "Do I look handsome like this?"

Android 18 composed herself and said coolly, "Handsome enough, but what about your strength? You aren't all looks and no substance, are you? Nothing but an empty showpiece?"

"Is that so?" Son Goku said.

Before his words had finished, he appeared behind Android 18 and leaned his face close to hers.

Startled by the voice behind her, Android 18 turned her head and happened to plant a kiss right on Son Goku's cheek.

Son Goku laughed. "Android 18, you really went for it? I know I look impressive like this, but aren't you being a little impatient?"

Android 18 first blushed with embarrassment, then flew into a rage. "Son Goku, you bastard! How dare you tease me! I'll kill you!"

With that, she punched Son Goku in the chest. Android 18 felt as though she had struck a wall, and the impact left her delicate hand aching.

Son Goku smiled. "Well, Android 18? My strength isn't bad, is it?"

Android 18 darted backward, then began carefully sensing Son Goku's strength.

Moments later, she was utterly stunned. Although Son Goku had reined in his energy, Android 18 could still sense it. It was as though a ferocious beast lurked within his body, its strength unfathomable.