Vegeta nodded, arms crossed.
But he didn't move.
He intended to observe first.
As Cell's voice fell—
He stopped suppressing his energy and let it explode.
In an instant—
A golden aura surged violently around him!
Cell stomped down with his right foot.
BOOM!
The ground cracked open beneath him!
Using the recoil—
Cell launched himself like a missile straight toward 18.
After all, Vegeta had promised to hold off Aishi.
So he had no reason to hesitate now.
Seeing this—
18's face turned pale. She instinctively leaned into Aishi, clutching his arm tightly.
A gentle breeze swept by, bringing with it the sweet scent of the girl beside him.
Her soft touch pressed against his arm.
So soft.
So full.
Aishi smirked faintly.
Meanwhile—
Cell's ki blazed as he closed the distance, gathering all his energy into one punch aimed at Aishi.
"Take this!!"
He flipped midair, clenched his fist, and hurled it down with force.
This was a terrifying, fast punch—meant to kill.
Aishi didn't move.
His expression didn't even flinch.
No dodge.
No block.
Cell sneered—
Arrogant brat. Let's see how you handle this!
But just as his fist was about to connect—
WHOOOOOSH!
A sudden sonic boom burst through the air!
BOOM!!
In that instant—
Aishi's fist pierced clean through Cell's chest.
And the sheer force of the punch blasted Cell backward, flinging him into a nearby mountain.
CRASH!
The impact crushed the entire mountainside, burying Cell under a landslide of rubble.
From a distance—
Vegeta, still watching atop another mountain, stood frozen.
His pupils shrank. His voice trembled.
"That speed… I couldn't even see it?!"
"And he sent Cell flying in one punch..."
Vegeta felt like he'd seen a ghost.
What the hell was going on?
If that guy was really a Saiyan, then why hadn't he transformed into a Super Saiyan?
"Don't tell me… he doesn't need to go Super Saiyan to be this strong?"
Vegeta's face darkened.
"Haa… haa…"
Under the collapsed rocks, Cell grunted and pushed the debris off him.
He staggered up, eyes full of terror as he stared at Aishi.
This time—
Once is chance. Twice is warning.
Three times? You're done.
He understood now.
This guy was on an entirely different level.
A monster.
That was the only word that fit.
Cell trembled and stuttered,
"W-Who the hell are you…?!"
"Aishi."
"A passing Saiyan," Aishi replied with a smile.
"A Saiyan…?"
"No… Impossible!"
"There's no record of you in Dr. Gero's database! Where the hell did you come from?!"
Cell was close to hysterical.
He had been so close to absorbing 18—to reaching perfection.
But now…
Now this guy had appeared out of nowhere to ruin everything!
Damn it!!
Cell's face twisted in anger.
He loved being in control, loved seeing humans tremble.
But now, everything had spiraled out of control—
Because of this one man!
"Vegeta! You said you'd help me reach my Perfect Form!!"
"Then hurry up and stop that freak!"
Cell shouted toward Vegeta.
Vegeta snorted.
"Are you giving orders to me, the Prince?!"
"Hmph. You ugly freak, just wait your turn."
Then he looked at Aishi.
"I believe you're a Saiyan now."
Obviously.
No one this strong could be anything else.
Aishi said nothing, only stared at Vegeta.
Waiting for him to finish.
"Aishi, huh?"
"How about this—"
"Let Cell absorb 18 and reach his Perfect Form."
"Then I'll kill him myself."
"And after that—you and I will fight. The strongest versus the strongest!"
Vegeta grinned.
He thought this idea was perfect.
When Kakarot came out of the Time Chamber, he'd be in for a big surprise!
But Aishi frowned.
"…Then why don't you let Cell absorb Bulma instead?"
You're seriously saying that out loud?
Vegeta froze. Then his face twisted in anger.
"Don't be ridiculous!"
"Why not?" Aishi asked flatly.
Vegeta scoffed,
"Hmph! Because it's different, obviously!"
"Bulma is off-limits. I wouldn't just stand by and let her be absorbed!"
Aishi said calmly,
"Right. So now you understand."
"If Cell wants to absorb 18, why should I just stand by either?"
His meaning couldn't be clearer.
Vegeta paused—he wasn't stupid.
Using his wife Bulma as an example…
Yeah. He got it now.
After a moment of silence, Vegeta sighed.
"Fine. I won't interfere with Cell anymore."
"I'm done with that whole mess—but you still have to fight me afterward."
Between Cell and Aishi—
He'd rather fight the Saiyan.
So with that decision made, Vegeta betrayed Cell without hesitation.
Aishi nodded,
"Deal."
Vegeta smirked, arms folded again, and stepped back.
"?"
Everyone looked stunned.
Weren't they about to fight just now?
Now they're all friendly?
Trunks blinked, confused.
He didn't get why his dad suddenly gave up on the whole "Perfect Cell" thing.
But he was glad.
Now they could just finish off Cell for good.
With that thought, Trunks even felt a little respect toward Aishi.
He had thought the guy was an enemy…
Turns out, he was willing to talk things out.
Unfortunately, the only one who was now completely miserable—
Was Cell.
His face went dark.
He glared at Vegeta in fury.
"Vegeta, you two-faced bastard! You made a deal!!"
"Hmph! You think you're in any position to negotiate?"
"You're just a clown waiting to be slaughtered."
Vegeta snorted coldly.
"Damn you!!"
Cell clenched his fists, veins bulging on his forehead.
It was all Aishi's fault.
If not for him, Cell would've already been perfect.
He had waited so long—so many years—just for this one moment!
Now?
All he could do was flee.
Without thinking, Cell began to backpedal.
Everyone noticed his intent.
Just then—
18 tugged on Aishi's sleeve. Her cold but pleading face looked up at him.
"Aishi… can you save my brother?"
Aishi's face remained calm.
"I can."
At those words—
18 lit up. She was just about to thank him when she heard:
"So… how are you going to thank me?"
"Eh?"
She blinked, then raised her head to meet Aishi's gaze.
His eyes were… strange.
Almost like a hunter looking at prey.
She blushed, looking away quickly.
She… didn't really have anything she could offer him in return.
After a moment, she looked up again and said softly,
"If you save my brother… I'll agree to anything."
Her cheeks flushed red as she said it.
Aishi smiled.
"You said it. No backing out."
"I won't." 18 nodded firmly.
…
(End of Chapter)
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