Part 17, Chapter 3: An Incredibly Tumultuous Three-Way Showdown!

I haven't seen this form before. Looks like you went and gained a new power in the short time since we last met.

...

This bastard looks like Kakarot, but I can tell he's someone different. Who the hell are you?!

His name is Zamasu...a self-proclaimed god who stole Goku's body.

Zamasu? I've heard that name before...

Wait! He's one of Zahha's underlings! And you say he stole Kakarot's body?!

In that case, I suppose I should refer to you by your proper name, despite your wretched appearance.

And much like myself, it appears you have business with young Giblet here.

As a token of kindness to a former colleague, I'd be willing to lend you my assistance. What say you?

I believe it would behoove you to accept my generosity.

...

Vegeta, Zamasu is incredibly powerful. Don't let your guard down!

Watch how you speak to me, boy! I should say the same to you. If you botch this battle you'll have me to answer to!

My, my. It appears you two monkeys are quite eager to fulfill your shared death wish.

Now, then...show me what you can do, Giblet!

(?! What kind of transformation is that?!)

Here I come!!

Rraaahhh!!!

Daaaaaah!!

Oh, my...

...!

Deyah!!

Haaah!!

Ugh...!!

Heh, heh... That new power of yours isn't half bad. You actually managed to inflict pain on this body...

But...! I know you're capable of more! So show me everything!

Gah?!

Guh!!

Why, you...! You may have Kakarot's body, but don't let it go to your head!

You two would do well not to forget about me!

Gwah!!

Augh... Dammit!

...

Heh, heh, heh. You both seem to be having a rough go of it.

Your combined power had me in quite the predicament a moment ago, but now the tides have shifted.

And you'll never have that chance again! Ohhh, ho, ho, ho!

That laugh is an assault on my ears. Cease at once. In fact...

...out of the way!

Gyah!!

?!

Grr...! What...do you think you're doing? Why would you dare...?!

Why would I dare...? I don't recall agreeing to fight alongside you. I'm not sure why you thought otherwise.

A god fighting alongside a mortal? Your vanity crosses the line into blasphemy!

...! If that's how you feel, then I'll...

Do not make a god repeat himself! Get out of my way!!

Gwoh!?

You shall receive a punishment befitting someone who does not know their place. Behold! The tool of my rage!

I remember this from before...!

Tch...! And now what do you plan on doing?!

What...?!

"They" will be your opponents now.

Hah! A mere trifle!

They disappeared?!

...!!

May your suffering know no end!

Khh...! Y-You bastard!!

Now that the riff-raff is out of the way...

What...the hell is that?!

I'm not sure how it works, but that's also one of his techniques!

Heh...is it not magnificent? This power is my rage made manifest! The ultimate technique of the gods!

But rest assured, Giblet. I'll be ascertaining your strength personally!

A question for you, Giblet...

Your new power appears to be different from the Dark Ki you received from Zahha. How did you come into possession of it?

...I trained.

Hmmm... I was hoping for a more thorough explanation, but you don't seem to be willing to come forth with the details.

The particulars aren't worth sharing with other people. That's all.

Oh, is that so? I hypothesized that you attained that power on your own, and it appears I was correct in my assumption.

...And your reason for doing so was rooted in your deep-seated sense of regret. Am I wrong?

...

Heh, heh, heh. Right on the money. What laughable, cowardly reasoning!

...I don't give a damn what you think.

Using this power and continuing to fight is the only way I can atone.

...

(I see. So that's what compels him...)

Hah... Atone is quite the word for a bloodthirsty Saiyan to use. Don't make me laugh!

Look in the mirror! You're using the body of a so-called "bloodthirsty Saiyan"!

...!

You're nothing more than a puny god getting drunk on the power you've borrowed from Kakarot!

You think you're in a position to look down on us? You're the one who's laughable!

...

Heh... Ha, ha, ha!

You lowly mortal. You dare blaspheme a god? You clearly don't know your place!

You've committed an unforgivable sin, Vegeta!

Heh... Look at the god throwing a petulant tantrum. Seems like I struck a nerve!

Very well. I shall show you as well...!

Behold the pinnacle of beauty this body's power is able to mete out through my guidance...

Power that surpasses Goku himself!

Daaaaah!

Urgh...

Follow my lead, now!

Got it!

Hraaaaaah!!

Nrgh...!

Now take...

...thiiiiis!!

Hah!

...?! He dodged it?!

You will know the unfathomable depths the power of the gods can reach! I shall sear it into your very souls!

Gruh...!

Ugh...!

Haaah!

A commendable counterattack, dear Giblet, but your power appears to have weakened slightly. Or am I imagining things?

Grr...! Shut your trap!!

...

Haa... Haa...

...I knew it.

Tch...! It's not over yet!

Haaaaah!

That's enough. Continuing this is futile.

...?!

Your previous counterattack, and now this latest strike...your strength only declines further and further...

I can see your power for what it is. The more you use it, the weaker you become. It's a sword that's quick to shatter.

I must say, I'm awfully disappointed!

Gwah!!

Gi...Giblet...!

I think I've measured your power enough.

Ugh...! Haah... Haah...!

I've grown weary of this. I shall dispense judgment upon you here and now.

Yiaaaaaaah!!

That Ki...! Don't tell me...!!

H-How dare you...?! The nerve! You have the gall to make a fool of the great Lord Frieza?!

Hyaaaaaaaaah!!

Haaaah...!

I-Is that...?!

...the Dark Ki?!

To think that you've forced me to rely on this grotesque power! I can never live this down...!

Your existence is an affront to my very eyes! Away with you!!

...!!

Giblet is my prey, not yours!

You have no right to interfere! Begone!

Gwoh!!

...Hmph! I shall kill you in due time, my dear Zamasu.

Now, then...

Nrghh...! Of all the rotten luck! Frieza's back, and he's even got a hidden trick up his sleeve!

Haa... Haa... Damn...this is bad...

The two of you have seen better days. But I'll be sure to put you both out of your misery before Zamasu returns.

Grr...!

It's as if he's treating us like some opening act. Cocky bastard...!

(This is the worst possible timing for Frieza to show up with the Dark Ki...!)

(And we can't count Zamasu out yet either. There's no way we can win like this!)

I need more... More power!

Hraaaaaaah!!

Hah! Complete, ineffectual bluster. That power of yours poses no more of a threat to me than an ant!

You have no hope of victory. Why not resign yourselves to your fate?

Like hell! I still have unfinished business!

I'm not about to resign myself to anything!

...!

...Vegeta.

Don't forget our promise to fight again.

So, once we clean up this whole mastermind mess...let's have our battle!

...

I've heard about enough of your simian prattle. I'll be taking both of your heads now!

Daaaaaah!!

...

...Hmph. I can hardly believe two opponents of such a pitiful level actually gave me trouble.

The thought is so wretched, I may actually shed a tear!

Hiiiiyah!!

Guh...!

Gah...!!

Damn it all...!

I'm not beaten yet!

Guh! Graaah!!

G-Giblet!

Well, well, hit your limit, have you? I said you were no threat to me, didn't I? Heh, heh, heh...

Agh... Nrgh...! Urrg!

Gruh...!

Daaaah!!

Tch...! Determined to struggle to the bitter end, I see.

How absolutely maddening!

Gwaaaaaah!!

Ughh... Urrrrgh...!

Hah!

No... Not...yet...! I need...more power...!!

Giblet, don't be stupid!

Alas...the utter inability of mortals to know when to quit is one of their most appalling traits.

You again?!

Damn it all to hell! When did you slither back here?!

All the mortals before me shall be returned to the dust from whence they came.

Haaaaaaah!!

Grr!!

Gyaaaaaaaaaaah!!

...It seems I missed one.

How many times do you plan to interfere, you insufferable deity!

Hmph. You still fail to understand. There truly is no saving mortals from their own foolishness.

No mortal shall receive forgiveness for daring to defy a god. It is you who is insufferable!

Ugh...

Well, I must say I'm a little surprised. You're still drawing breath, are you?

You truly are a pest. It's time I took your head as promised...

You'll do...no such thing...!

You're not the one...who decides...when this fight is over...!

It's over...once you've finished fighting me...!

What was that...?

Got a problem...? Don't tell me... Are you that scared...to fight me? Ha... Ha, ha!

Urgh... Vegeta... S-Stop...

T-They'll kill you...!

Heh...!

I'm not...gonna let you win...! Not while I can still fight...!

...

Hmph...

It seems you're the mortal looking to die first.

If you're so eager to end your life, Vegeta, as your former commander, it would be my pleasure to grant your wish.

Now you're talking! Bring it! You craven pieces of trash!!

Hiiiyaah!

Gyah!

Die!

Gaaah!

Ugh... Guh...

Heh... Heh, heh! What's with those half-assed attacks? Do you two need a break?

Especially you, "Lord" Frieza. You're using the Dark Ki, but can't even manage to snuff out one lone Saiyan?

What a sorry excuse for an emperor of the universe!

Why, you...filthy...!

Gwah!

Haa...! Haa...!

I'm...still...standing!

Pesky ape!

Haaaaaa!

Gaaaaaaaaaaah!!

Haaah...! And that should be the end of...

Urgh...!

Hmph! You're as stubborn as they come.

Tch!

How unsightly. Is getting up after repeated thrashings part of that Saiyan pride you always jabber on about?

Even if you return to your original era, nothing but a cold death awaits. So surely dying here would make no difference.

Unless... Do you plan to self-destruct in order to take us out with you, like you tried with Majin Buu?

With your level of power, you wouldn't be able to move me an inch, let alone to the next plane of existence. Ha, ha, ha!

Zrrrgh... Haa...!

Heh... You moron...! Why the hell would I do that...?

I'm not about to throw my life away. Not in a place like this...!

I still...have unfinished business!

"Unfinished business"? Here you are, parroting Giblet. And I thought Saiyans were supposed to be monkeys...

...

Heh... The workings of the foolish mortal mind are beyond even a god's comprehension...

Your passion is noted, Vegeta, but it won't save you or Giblet from perishing here.

Like hell...! This isn't over by a long shot!

Giblet...

Ha... Ho, ho, ho! Look who's back! The prince couldn't have asked for a more dependable comrade. Hoooo, ho, ho, ho!

Haa... Haa...! That's right... Keep laughing, you bastard!

Haaaaa!

...!

Still using that strange power, are we? You realize it will only rend your body asunder and end your life all the sooner, don't you? Heh, heh, heh!

Shut your damn mouth! Even if that's true, this...is my only option...!

Even if that's true...?

Damn you, Giblet! Do you really think you can beat either of them with an attitude like that?!

My power might not be up to par, but if I let myself fear death, I have no chance of winning!

If I have even the slightest chance of victory, that's enough! I'm willing to lay my life on the line!

You...!

You're the biggest fool I've ever met!!

Gah?!

...! So, is this the end of their little alliance?

Incredibly odd timing, I must say.

As for you two...

Butt out!!

Gwah?!

They're gone?! But where...?

Ugh... Gah...!

...

Vegeta, what the hell are you doing?!

You said you have unfinished business, didn't you? And that's why you're willing to do what it takes...?

Then explain, boy! Why do you keep acting like you want to throw your life away?!

W-What...?

I think I finally understand what's happening. You talk a good game, boasting how you'll never give up...

...but the truth is, you have a death wish, just like Frieza said!

...!

Hmph! Just as I was starting to give you a modicum of credit. I must have been out of my mind! You damned amateur!

Don't you talk to me like that, Vegeta! What's wrong with risking your life in order to win a battle?!

Don't you get it?! Risking your life implies you still want to live! But I saw what you were doing out there. You weren't fighting for your life!

You know damn well your body will break if you keep fighting the way you have been. That means you're fighting for your death!

And that's not what real battle is! What you're doing is the same as giving up! Am I wrong?!

...?! But...

I know someone who uses a technique pretty similar to that power of yours.

And as annoying as he is, I'm damn sure he's never used it for something so backwards!

You acquired that power because you have regret. Regret that you want to overcome!

So don't run from it! Fight with that burden. Fight so that you can live and claim victory!

...

I...

...?!

Damn...!

Argh!

...! Vegeta!

My apologies. It appears I struck his royal highness down in the midst of a most rousing speech.

How trivial. Mortals inherited their intelligence from the gods, and all they do is use it for the most banal notions.

Damn you both to hell...!

G-Giblet...

...!

Don't you dare waste...the time I bought for you...

Time...?

...Right. I got you. Just leave it to me.

Heh...

Time? You mean those minutes wasted on idle chatter? What good can that possibly do?

...

(He's right. I was fighting without regard for my own life...)

(But that won't do anything to change the things I've done....)

(What I truly needed to do was carry my sins and regrets, and see this fight through in order to keep living.)

As far as I can tell you've got your body trained well, so the problem lies with your Ki control.

I'm sure even you know how to hold back... Actually, maybe you don't.

You haven't made any effort to hold back since we started this fight.

Heh... Yeah. He was right...

Haaaah...

Khaaaaaah!!

...Haaaahhh... Huuhhhh...

I should've known. Back at it again with that power, hm? You never learn.

Don't you realize that strategy is of no use? A fool's memory sticks to one thing, it seems.

"A fool's memory", huh? Could be. But this is the only way I can fight back against the likes of you two.

But even a fool can learn a thing or two. Lemme show you!

Daaaaah!

Ugh!

Grr...! Don't get so full of yourself!

This time I'm going to grind you to dust! Not even your pelt will be salvageable!

Kiyeeeeeeh!

Haaaaah!!

Gah...!

...!

It appears you've regained a bit of your previous vigor. But a beast will always muster up the last of their strength to lash out before the very end.

Your power level hasn't increased, and it pales in comparison to my own! You have no chance of victory!

Haa... Haa...!

Hmm...

Indeed, there's no great difference in Giblet's power compared to before. In fact, it's fallen...

(And yet, there's something odd. Could it be...?)

...

Hmph.

I may need to assess the situation further. In order to do so, I should let this battle play out. Ha, ha, ha...

(...! Zamasu reverted back to his regular form! Is he going to stop fighting now of all times...?)

Getting distracted is ill-advised!

Arg!

Oh, well... I suppose...I'll settle things with you first!

Ho, ho, ho! Will you now? You're still engaging in such tall talk? Very well...

Haaaaaaaaaaah!!

Heh, heh, heh! What do you think of this power, young Giblet? Surely you realize you're no longer a worthy foe for me!

Hmph. I guess we'll find out, won't we?

Let's see what you've got, Frieza!!

Daaaaaaaaah!!

Urgh!

Deyaaah!!

Gyah!

Haa... Haa... You appear to be fighting better than before...!

(How can this be...? Why can't I topple him?!)

(My power is overwhelmingly greater than his!)

It's clearly not enough. I need power! More power!

?!

Haah... Haah... Finally. There it is...

What...?!

You don't get it yet? You've used too much of your strength, and you don't have any stamina left.

...! Impossible! That could never happen to someone like me!

Even if that were the case, you've done nothing but force yourself to draw out power from that hideous technique!

Yeah, I was. Up until now. But that's not the case anymore.

Thanks to Vegeta.

He made me realize what I've been doing wrong. You're right, Frieza. I was forcing myself to raise my Ki higher and higher. That's why I ran out of power.

Now...I've figured out how to avoid hurting myself.

Instead of going all out, I just need to draw out enough power to deal with you. That'll keep me from being at death's door.

I'm not fighting with a death wish anymore. I'm gonna see this fight through in order to keep living!

I've figured out a new way to use this power!

!!

Plus, there's another reason you're hitting the wall.

Is that a fact...?

It's because of the time Vegeta bought me while fighting you!

Time? You mean those minutes wasted on idle chatter? What good can that possibly do?

...! That's what he was doing?! Damn that Vegeta...!

Looks like you indulged in too much of that Dark Ki and got a tad too full of yourself, Frieza!

Don't you dare lecture me, monkey! An ancient Saiyan cannot hope to overcome me!

I am the great Lord Frieza! And I shall claim victory!!

Kiyeeeeeeh!

Urg!

Haah!

Gyeh! Damn you...!!

Gaaah!!

Grrrah... Haa...! Heh... Heh, heh, heh!

I see. It appears I've used too much power after all.

Nonetheless, my strength is still far greater than yours!

Haa... Haah...

Ha, ha! Time to face reality, Saiyan! Struggle as you might, you will never be a match for me!

Yeah... Maybe...

If it was just me...

Hraaaaaaaaaah!!

Gah?!

Vegeta! How dare you?!

Heh! Did you really think I threw in the towel...?

Let's do this, Giblet!

Yeah!

Haah... Haah...! This...can't be!!

Sorry, Frieza, but it looks like you're done here.

You can't deceive me. That's...that's impossible! How can two uncouth simians get the better of me?!

Tch. You've never known when to give it up, Frieza!

This is it! You're finished!!

Haaaaaaaaah!!

Dammit! Nooooooooooo!

Haah... Haah...

D-Did we get him...? Heh. Looks like we pulled it off...!

...! What about that Kakarot lookalike?!

Looks like he left while we took care of Frieza.

Giblet... I didn't think he'd be useful at first...

But he managed to pull it off quite well in the end. My eyes didn't deceive me after all.

Considering his performance just now, I suppose it would be wise to let him live a little longer.

I believe he will prove useful in helping to finish off Zahha once and for all. Ha, ha, ha!

What?! He shows up, causes all that ruckus, and then just leaves?! Bastard...!

I'm sure he'll be back sooner or later. We don't need to chase after him.

So, what now? Before those two showed up we were having our own fight...

If you wanted to pick up where we left off...

Hmph! I'll let you off the hook this once.

Heh. Fair enough.

Then...I just wanna tell you this while I can.

I'm gonna follow that advice you gave me from now on.

I'll use my power for my friends, and myself. And I'll keep living, no matter what happens!

I just wanted you to have the right attitude. Otherwise, it won't be worth beating the crap out of you someday.

So, make sure you don't go dying before we meet up again. Watch your back.

Right...!