I Am Raditz

Watching his companion being brutalized, Zarbon didn't dare step forward to intervene. He was terrified, knowing his turn would come next. It was clear these warriors wouldn't let either of them escape—especially Vegeta.

Dodoria's agonized cries for help echoed across the landscape, his panic-stricken howls chilling to the bone.

"What's wrong, Zarbon? Don't you have the courage to make a move? Perhaps the two of you together might stand a chance against me!" Vegeta taunted, raising his leg high before stomping down heavily.

"GAHH!"

Dodoria spat out a mouthful of blood that splashed across Vegeta's face, causing the Saiyan prince to grimace with disgust.

Still, Zarbon remained motionless. His scouter showed that Dodoria's power level had dropped by three-quarters, while Vegeta's power level had risen dramatically from what it once was! Worse yet, Raditz and the others were all present.

Outnumbered and outpowered, the situation was extremely unfavorable.

Having had his fill of revenge, Vegeta finally lifted his foot and delivered Dodoria's reward—an energy blast. The sphere of light, as large as a head, engulfed Dodoria instantly, transforming him into a grisly firework display. The shockwave from the explosion whipped through Vegeta's hair, the flames casting an eerie red glow across half his ice-cold face.

"Zarbon, it's your turn. After spending so long with Frieza, I doubt you've made much progress, have you?"

"Hehehe, Vegeta, I must admit that the potential of you Saiyans is truly frightening. Perhaps Lord Frieza took this into consideration when he destroyed Planet Vegeta. However, there's still something about me you don't know." Zarbon smiled confidently. "Beneath my beautiful appearance..."

"Stop! Just stop!" Raditz interrupted, unable to listen any further. "If you're going to transform, just do it already! No need for the dramatic speech. How shameless can you be?"

Zarbon flushed with embarrassment, forced to swallow the words that had been about to leave his throat.

"Hmm..." Swallowing hard, Zarbon asked, "Raditz, how did you know I can transform?"

His secret was known to very few outside of Lord Frieza. Firstly because he detested appearing ugly, and secondly because there were rarely opponents who required him to transform. The ability was seldom used, and most who had witnessed it were dead.

Raditz was revealing a secret that even Vegeta couldn't have known.

"I know many things—not just your secrets, but Frieza's as well."

"You dare speak of Lord Frieza that way! Since you've already anticipated my transformation ability, I won't hold back!" Zarbon thought to himself that he might still have a chance against Vegeta alone after transforming, but facing all of them at once made victory nearly impossible. These warriors all possessed power levels exceeding what he'd expected.

He would have to swallow his pride and wait for another day to take revenge.

First, he had to escape... Who could have predicted how strong these Saiyans would become? If only he'd fled when Dodoria first engaged them. Everyone here was formidable, and escaping now would be extremely difficult. Unless he could secure a hostage...

Zarbon's gaze settled on Gohan, who was still hovering in the air. If he could capture the boy, he might still have a chance.

He reasoned that if Raditz hadn't weakened Dodoria first, Gohan wouldn't have won so easily. Furthermore, Gohan was still a child—perfect for use as a hostage.

After transforming, his power level would exceed 30,000, which should be enough to capture the kid. With this plan in mind, Zarbon steeled himself. Without warning, he let out a fierce shout as his body began to swell rapidly. His muscles bulged grotesquely, his smooth skin developing wart-like protrusions. His once-handsome face distorted horribly, resembling something like a bloated toad.

Despite knowing about Zarbon's repulsive transformation, Raditz couldn't help but grimace when witnessing it, feeling nauseated.

Zarbon was among those whose transformation made them progressively uglier. Unsightly as it was, the increase in power was undeniable. After transforming, his power level jumped directly to 32,000, and he believed this made him stronger than Vegeta.

"HAAA!" Zarbon released a burst of arrogant energy as he suddenly shot upward. In the blink of an eye, he positioned himself behind Gohan and locked the boy in a chokehold.

Everyone had been momentarily careless, and Zarbon seized the opening.

His thick, powerful arms clamped around Gohan's neck, causing the boy's face to redden and his head to throb as he struggled desperately. But Zarbon's strength was astonishingly great—even though Gohan fought fiercely, he couldn't break free.

"Hahaha! Listen well, all of you! Turn your backs and leave, or I'll kill this kid!"

"You bastard! If you dare harm Gohan, I'll destroy you!" Piccolo was instantly furious. He'd been content to stay out of the Saiyans' feud with Frieza, but Zarbon had crossed the line by threatening his pupil.

As he spoke, two green energy waves formed in Piccolo's hands, the violent power jumping restlessly, nearly bursting forth uncontrollably.

This was exactly the reaction Zarbon had hoped for—the hostage was clearly valuable.

"I don't care if Kakarot's son lives or dies. Zarbon, take this!" Vegeta completely ignored Zarbon's threat; Goku's son meant nothing to him. He raised his arm as energy gathered in his palm, light enveloping his entire hand.

The scouter reading suddenly skyrocketed from 30,000 to 80,000, causing Zarbon to shudder.

Damn! Vegeta was still hiding his true strength! A power level of 80,000 would exceed most of the Ginyu Force! If that energy blast hit him, he would certainly die.

However, Goku grabbed Vegeta's arm, halting the energy attack. "Hey, Vegeta, Gohan is up there!"

"Don't lecture me. Do you want to watch him escape?"

"No! But Gohan is in his grasp!"

"Then blame your son for being too weak, Kakarot!"

Raditz quickly intervened: "Don't be rash, Vegeta. Give Gohan a little more time—he can break free from that hold by himself."

"Leave me alone!" Vegeta's stubborn temper flared, his determination to kill Zarbon creating a terrifying aura.

"Vegeta, wait just a moment!" Goku positioned himself in front of the Saiyan prince.

...

Meanwhile, Zarbon found himself bewildered. What was happening with these people? They'd started arguing amongst themselves! Weren't they supposed to be allies? What was going on...?

In the moment of his confusion, Raditz winked at Gohan, who immediately understood.

Though small in stature, Gohan was incredibly strong for his size. Taking advantage of Zarbon's momentary distraction, he suddenly unleashed his power, driving his legs backward and kicking Zarbon directly in the stomach! The tremendous impact caused Zarbon to release his grip in pain, allowing Gohan to escape and soar upward.

At that instant, the scouter showed Gohan's power level exceeding what Zarbon thought possible... he was completely stunned.

Immediately afterward, Piccolo's energy blast shot forth. The green sphere of light hurtled toward Zarbon, burning with the intensity of a scorching sun.

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