The wind shifted, a quiet but powerful energy suddenly filling the battlefield. The Z-Fighters, battered and bruised, turned their gazes to the horizon. There, a small figure hovered in the sky, silhouetted against the rising sun.
Goku had arrived.
He descended slowly, his trademark orange gi rippling in the breeze. His black hair, messy and spiked, caught the light, and his bright, confident smile immediately lifted the spirits of his friends. The pure energy radiating from him was undeniable, and it was clear to everyone present—Goku was ready for battle.
Landing near Bell, Goku's sharp eyes swept across the battlefield, taking in the battered forms of his comrades, the scowling Vegeta, the sneering Nappa, and the obliterated remnants of the Saibamen. But it was Bell who caught his attention first.
Goku tilted his head curiously, his cheerful grin widening. "Hey there! I don't think we've met before. You seem... different."
Bell turned to him, his silvery-white hair and calm demeanor a stark contrast to the Saiyan's energetic presence. His sharp crimson eyes regarded Goku with interest, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Name's Bell," he said simply, extending a hand. "I just got here. Saw your friends needed a little help."
Goku clasped Bell's hand, his grip firm and warm. "Thanks for that. My friends mean the world to me. You're strong, aren't you?"
Bell chuckled. "I try to stay in shape. But I think you're more interested in the Saiyan over there." He nodded toward Vegeta, who stood with his arms crossed, his scouter still blinking and beeping uselessly in frustration.
Vegeta's eyes narrowed. "So, you're Kakarot," he sneered. "The low-class warrior everyone seems to think is so special. You're late to the party."
Goku turned to Vegeta, his expression shifting from cheerful to serious in an instant. "You're right. I'm Kakarot. But I go by Goku now. And I'm here to stop you."
Nappa barked a laugh. "Stop us? You think you can take on the Prince of Saiyans? You're delusional!"
Bell raised a hand, silencing Nappa without a word. The sheer authority in his gesture left Nappa fuming but silent. Bell stepped forward, addressing both Goku and Vegeta. "Goku," he began, "you've got a fight on your hands. I can tell you've been itching for it since you landed. I'll let you have your match."
Goku's grin returned, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks, Bell. But why are you so interested in all this? You could probably take him out yourself, right?"
Bell's smile didn't waver. "True. But I believe in letting warriors settle things their way. I'll only step in if I have to—if you're about to lose, or worse."
Vegeta's laughter cut through the air. "Lose? To this clown? Don't make me laugh. Fine, Kakarot. I'll indulge you. But when I'm done, I'll deal with your little friend here next."
Bell didn't flinch at the insult, his calm expression never faltering. "We'll see about that."
The two Saiyans faced off, their power radiating out in waves that rippled through the air. Vegeta cracked his knuckles, a smirk playing on his lips. "Let's see what a low-class warrior can do," he taunted, his aura flaring to life, crackling with energy.
Goku tightened his stance, his expression now dead serious. He dropped into his iconic fighting pose, his eyes locked on Vegeta. "I've heard a lot about you, Vegeta. Let's make this a fight to remember!"
The ground beneath them cracked and splintered as their power surged. The tension was palpable, a silent countdown ticking away in the minds of everyone present. And then, without warning, they clashed.
Goku darted forward with blinding speed, his fist aimed straight for Vegeta's midsection. Vegeta sidestepped at the last moment, retaliating with a knee strike that Goku narrowly blocked. The two exchanged rapid blows, their movements so fast they were almost invisible to the onlookers.
Bell stood on the sidelines, arms crossed, observing the fight with quiet interest. "Not bad," he muttered to himself. "Goku's got spirit. But Vegeta's not going to make this easy."
Vegeta let out a roar, his aura flaring brighter as he unleashed a flurry of punches. Goku dodged and weaved, countering with a spinning kick that caught Vegeta off guard and sent him skidding back. The Saiyan prince growled, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip.
"Lucky shot," Vegeta snarled. "But don't get cocky, Kakarot."
He launched himself into the air, charging a ball of energy in his palm. With a sneer, he hurled it at Goku. The ground exploded on impact, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
Goku leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the blast. He countered with a Kamehameha, the brilliant blue beam tearing through the sky toward Vegeta. Vegeta deflected it with ease, the energy dissipating into the atmosphere.
"You'll have to do better than that," Vegeta taunted, his smirk widening.
Bell remained still, his sharp eyes tracking every movement of the fight. He noted the precision in Goku's attacks, the calculated fury in Vegeta's counters. Despite his outward calm, he was impressed by the sheer tenacity of the two Saiyans.
"They're pushing each other," he mused. "Good. That's how warriors grow stronger."
Krillin limped over to him, his face pale. "Bell... do you really think Goku can win this? Vegeta's on a whole different level."
Bell glanced down at Krillin, a faint smile on his lips. "That depends on Goku. He's got the heart of a warrior. Let's see if it's enough."
The fight continued to escalate, both Goku and Vegeta pushing themselves to their limits. The ground quaked beneath their feet, and the sky seemed to darken with the intensity of their power. Vegeta's taunts grew more venomous, but Goku remained focused, his determination unwavering.
Bell watched with quiet approval, ready to step in if the need arose. For now, though, this was Goku's fight—a chance for the Saiyan to prove himself against the prince of his people.
And Bell was curious to see just how far Goku could go.