Part 17, Chapter 4: The Curtain Rises on the Fateful Showdown!

Ugh!

...! Hey, you okay?

T-This is nothing... Just worry...about yourself...!

Hey, there you are!

Giblet!

And...Vegeta...?

So, Kakarot's here...

Why is Vegeta here?

...Why are you here? What happened with Hit and the others?

Oh, that. We went at it for a while, but they wound up letting me go. Not sure if it's cause I managed to convince them or not...

But all I know is I'm glad they did! If they really wanted to stop me, I wouldn't have been able to get away.

Okay, now I've got a question! Shallot's gone, but Vegeta's here, and you're both really banged up.

What the heck happened?

Well, after we went ahead of you, we ran into Vegeta here and...

...So you guys fought together and managed to drive away Frieza and Black... Having them show up was pretty bad luck!

But it looks like that fight taught you how to control that new power of yours.

You can tell...?

Sure can! I know how strong those guys are, so if you didn't get a handle on it, neither of you would be standing here.

If I had to guess, I'd say Vegeta played a hand in that.

Hmph! Seeing that fool rush to his death pissed me off. That's it!

Heh, heh!

Well...as much as I'd like to keep chatting about all this, don't you need to catch up to Shallot?

Oh, yeah...! You're right.

Ngh!!

You okay? Maybe you should rest up a bit.

There's no time for that. I gotta meet up with Shallot...!

...

Hold on, Giblet!

Take this.

Did you just...give me some of your Ki?

Of course I did. If...you went to Zahha's in that pitiful state, he'd...flatten you in an instant...!

You know that doesn't leave you with a lot of energy to work with, Vegeta.

Shut up! I'll catch up with you both later, so just get going already...!

Got it. I owe you one.

Don't get any funny ideas. I'm not interested in being buddy-buddy with you.

I've got scores to...settle with Zahha, and Shallot. But you're...not getting off the hook either. I plan to deal with you before...going back to my original time...

But that won't be possible if you wind up getting obliterated by Zahha. That's why I gave you some of my Ki...

Don't you dare waste it...

...by dying on me, Giblet!

I hear you. That's not gonna happen.

Hmph...

Guess we'd better get going!

Right!

Hmmmm...

According to the radar, Zahha should be around here... So where the heck is he?

I don't see him anywhere. Which means...

He's below?

I knew it. He's deep inside this cave. I can smell him.

(It's finally happening...)

(I'm gonna beat the living daylights out of Zahha and stop him once and for all!)

(But not because I think he's a "bad guy"...)

...

I'm gonna fight Zahha, and I'm gonna do it my way!

Is this...

So, you're finally here. I've been waiting for you, Shallot.

It's been a while since we've met face-to-face like this. It's good to see you looking so well.

Heh. We both know you don't mean that.

...

I'm here to stop you, Zahha!

Hmph. Normally I'd say you have no chance...

But I think we're past such statements.

You've foiled my plans countless times and escaped from the brink of death just as often. You always find a way to keep coming back...

At first, I thought you were just lucky, but now I know it's more than that. You've persisted through your own strength.

So, I'll do you the courtesy of not looking down on you. I'll no longer let myself become careless or conceited. You will die by my hand!

And no one will be able to find this place to intervene. This is it, Shallot! The final battle!

You got it all wrong, Zahha....

...Oh, do I?

I didn't come here to beat you or be beaten. I said I'm here to STOP you.

As your FRIEND!

My friend...?

Did you just call me...your friend?

That's right!

I always knew you were an idiot, but I didn't think you were this hopeless...

Let me take this opportunity to tell you this once...and with no ambiguity.

There has never been a single, solitary instance where I've been your friend!

...

I pretended to be an ally as it was a necessary part of my plan. It was all a ruse. Nothing but lies!

I don't care about lies or ruses...!

It doesn't matter what you think, because I believe we're friends! So there!

Tch. Talking to you is so infuriating I can feel myself losing my own sanity...

If you want to blather on like an idiot, do it in the Otherworld!

Heh, heh... I can't remember the last time we had a go at it.

Let's start off with this! Bring it, Zahha!

Haaaaaaaah!!

Urgh...!

Gah...!

Heh... Pretty good!

Hmph... Making light of me is just asking for trouble!

Guah...!!

In that case...

...let's kick it up a notch!

Super Saiyan 2? That's nowhere near a challenge!

Grr...!

I'm just getting started!

I'll show you what I can do in this form!!

Hraaaaaaaa!

Gwuuh!

Heh, heh... Gotcha that time!

Oh, dear...

If I keep taking damage like that, I won't be long for this world...

Wait, is that...!

Yes, that's right. It's the same healing magic I used on you over and over each time you got yourself beaten to a pulp.

Oh, I remember. And I definitely appreciated it.

But I doubt you can use it forever! If I just keep hitting you, that magic will run out!

Well, well, you actually remembered. That's very good for someone as thick-headed as you.

Heh...! Mind if I keep things easy for you?

Daaaaaaaaaah!

Time to take Super Saiyan 3 for a spin!

The audacity...!

(Why isn't he using his full power? Is he trying to test my true strength...?)

...!

Are you trying to make a fool of me, Shallot?!

Hell, no! I've never been more serious! Here I come, Zahha!

Wroooohhh!

Haaaaaaaa!

Nrh...!

No more healing!

Hraaaaaaaaaa!

...!

Keh, heh, heh...

What the...?! He disappeared!

Wait a minute...!

...Heh... You fool...!!

A-An illusion?!

The real me is over here!!

An illusion, huh...? You really think that kind of trick is gonna work?!

Of course I don't...

Sword...Ray!

What the?!

Gwaaaah!!

Ugh... Arg! So, these illusions can attack too, huh...?

I don't recall saying they couldn't. It's your fault for making light of my power!

Haah!

Hyah!

Gyaaaaaah!!

...!

Don't think you can continue this foolish ploy of hiding your real strength from me!

Gah...! Make as many illusions as you want...

Now, Shallot! Suffer against these illusions and die in agony!!

Haaaaa!

Alright, that takes care of the illusions. Now it's your turn!

Zahha!!

Hraaaaaaaaah!

Foolish...!

Grr! So you had an illusion take the hit for you, huh?

Is that the best you've got, Shallot?!

Gyah...!

Heh, heh... I should've figured you'd be a tough opponent to fight...!

How 'bout I try this next?!

Tch. Super Saiyan God. Of course...

With this form, those illusions don't stand a chance!

Damn!

Graaaaaaah!

Urgh!!

So, what've you got up your sleeve this time? Not that it matters, 'cause I won't let you beat me!

I came here to stop you once and for all...as a friend!

You're still on about that friendship nonsense...!

You're truly testing the limits of my patience!

If you truly intend to stop me, why are you holding back your Super Saiyan Blue or whatever you call that form?

You're mocking me after all, aren't you?! I demand an explanation, Shallot!

I'm doing it to make you understand that we're allies! Friends!

What...?

You said you lied about us being friends and deceived us...

But we went on a journey together! Fought side by side! And I know that wasn't a lie.

Even if it was your plan or whatever, the fact that I was able to get stronger is because of you and all my friends!

All the power I've shown you so far... All the strength...

...every single part of who I am now is proof that you're my friend!!

...!!!!

Nraaaaaaaaah!

Gwaaaaaaah!!

Ugh...!

Oh yeah, you felt that one, didn't you?

But I'm nowhere near done!

Augh...

I see... So that's how it is.

You plan to prove that I'm a friend to you by showcasing your transformations in order as you fight me.

You've used successive forms to thwart my healing magic and illusions. You've indeed grown quite strong.

Perhaps that does mean, going by your warped logic, that I am your friend...

...

Friends... Friendship...

Heh, heh, heh...

I understand what you're trying to say.

But none of that matters anymore...

...!

Thanks to you, I feel a great sense of clarity.

I finally know why you irritate me so...

Once you've decided someone is an ally to you, you never waver from that belief, no matter what may transpire...

That pure-heartedness and unending optimism...

That's the source of my vexation! I loathe it...

...with every fiber of my being! SHALLOT!!!

Gah...!

Heh... Heh, heh! Every fiber, huh?

Well, I feel the same way about what you've been doing, Zahha!

I think I got everything I wanted to say off of my chest.

Now the only thing left is to beat the crap out of you!!

At long last, you're ready to use the blue form!

The real fight starts now! Get ready, Zahha!!

Draaaaaah!

Urgh...!

...! Haaaa!

Grah!!

Damn, that hurt. But...

...I thought I told you those things are no match for me!

My illusions...!

Hraaaaaaaah!

Gah... Arrrgh!!

Ugh!! Haa... Haa...

...! My magic power's run out...!

Ha! 'Bout damn time! I'm finishing this!

Hrrrrr... Rroooohhhh!

Here's my full power!

THINK YOU CAN TAKE THIS?!

WILD CANNON!!!

Gwaaaaaaaaaah!

Haa... Haa...! How'dya like that?!

I can't...believe it...

To think you'd become this strong... I'm truly impressed...Shallot...

Zahha...

I might be in trouble... Is what I would say...

...if I couldn't start over from square one.

Y-You healed yourself...! How?! You just said your magic power ran out!

You shouldn't take what your opponent says at face value, Shallot.

I took the precaution of making a wish on the Omnificence Crystal... A wish for unlimited magic power!

Unlimited...? Does that mean?

I see even a simpleton like you can understand.

Yes, I can keep fighting to my heart's content without worrying about my power expiring!

So, no matter what you do, you have no hope of winning!

Dammit...! So that means you've been messing with me from the start!

Exactly. It was all an act. More lies and deception! Ha, ha, ha!

Zahha... You bastard!

Agh!

(Did I use too much power with that Wild Cannon...?)

It seems you got a little ahead of yourself. But it's just as well. The time for your last rites has finally come.

It's certainly taken quite a while.

I crafted many plans and delegated the task of eliminating you to countless others...

But in the end, I believe my latest decision to end your life myself was the right choice. And it was even easier than I imagined.

Grr...!

I've grown so tired of seeing that annoying look on your face.

At long last, the ties that have bound us will be severed forever!

Farewell, Shallot!!!

Huh?!

Shallot!!

...?!

Kamehame...

Wha...

...HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

Damn...!

Looks like he can still fend off my attacks...!

I was one step away from killing that wretched Shallot...!

And you just had to ruin it, didn't you, Goku?!

Heh...!

You okay?!

G-Giblet...!

Thanks Giblet...! You really saved my butt.

But if you're here, then what about Vegeta...?

A whole lot happened after you left, but I'm okay. Same with Vegeta.

Really? That's a relief...

More to the point, if Goku and I hadn't gotten here when we did, you'd be dead.

...

You remember our promise, don't you? Doesn't look like you were able to stop Zahha as a friend.

If you aren't able to stop him, I'm taking him out. As an enemy.

Yeah...I remember...

(Damn it! He's right. I couldn't stop Zahha...)

(But I don't want to give up!)

...

I think you might be confused. I'm gonna start fighting too, but I'm not picky about fighting alone.

Do you still want to stop him as a friend?

If you do, I won't try to stop you. I know how naive you are, and I know that's not about to change.

Giblet...

...Alright!

I owe you one!

(Maybe I'm the one who's naive. But...)

All the power I've shown you so far... All the strength...

...every single part of who I am now is proof that you're my friend!!

(He can still say that with such confidence, even after everything that's happened with Zahha...)

Ugh!!

Goku!

Heh, heh, heh... Sorry to ruin your little brotherly reunion.

Zahha!

Yeee-ow! That barrier's a real problem!

(...? Barrier...?)

Now that the calvary is here, I assume you'll all be coming at me at once?

Yeah, probably. Much as I wanna see how my power measures up to yours...

...I don't think these two are in the mood to just sit back and watch!

Damn right! I owe this bastard some payback!

And I can still fight!

Hmph. I'm surprised you're so eager, Shallot. You were very close to losing your life.

Shut it! I haven't given up on stopping you as a friend!

Tch. Some people are beyond help...

Alright, time for the next round! Let's go, guys!

Okay!!

Hnraaaaaah!

Gaah!!

Gotchaaaa!

Hah!

Hyaaah!

Augh!

Goku!!

Was that the barrier thing Goku just mentioned?!

I can't believe he warded off Goku's attack so easily...!

Now's not the time to lose focus, twins!

Ack!

Agh!

Grr...! Hraaaaah!

Graaaaaah!

Oof!

I ain't done yet! Take this!!

Kamehame...haaaaaaaaa!

Useless!

Dammit! It just won't work...

He can he block an attack like that from Goku?!

Heh...

(So the twins are the decoys and Goku is the attacker, is that it?)

Looks like you're the one who's losing focus!

Ugh!!

Heh, heh...

Damn, he healed himself again!

Then let's beat him so bad he won't be able to heal!

...You three have the learning skills of a gnat!

Now take this!!

This is bad! Look out!!

Whoa, that was close! Almost got me...!

Be careful, guys! Zahha told me he used the Omnificence Crystal to give himself unlimited magic power!

So he can use his power while he's fighting without worrying about any repercussions. In other words, we can't outlast him...

Pretty much. And according to him, that barrier could block my attacks for hundreds of years...

What the hell?! So he doesn't have any limits?!

Hey, wait a sec...

(Why didn't he use that barrier when he was fighting me...?)

Shallot?

Heh... What's the matter? Don't tell me you've lost the will to fight?

It hardly matters anyway. I'll dispose of the three of you at once!

Guh!!

...!

We can't fight him the normal way. In that case, what should we do...?

...

Hey, Goku. Let me bounce something off you.

What's that? You got a strategy?

Yeah. I think I have a way of dealing with Zahha...!

Giblet!

I got you. Leave it to me!

Thanks! He's gonna create illusions, so make sure you stay on your toes!

Right!

Hyaaah!

Oof!!

I don't know what you're scheming, but it's pointless!

You sure about that?

At the end of the day, I get to fight you one-on-one, and that's enough for me. I won't be satisfied until I've pound you into the dirt!

Pound me into the dirt, hm? You were nothing more than my pawn. Do you really think you're capable of such a feat?

Hmph. We'll know soon enough!

Haaaaaa!

Hrm?!

Daaaaaaaaa!!

You're a scumbag, Zahha! You used me for your twisted ambitions...!

It's time for payback!!

That power you're using is awfully similar to the one I gave you...

This is nothing like the Dark Ki!

I took that disgraceful Ki and created a power for myself!

Did you now? You're not that picky about where you get your strength from as long as it's usable. Very on point for you.

That's right, I'll use any means necessary if it'll make me stronger...

I'll take on any kind of burden and keep fighting!

A very admirable ambition. But has it resulted in any actual power, I wonder?

How about I show you right now?!

Sounds interesting!

Haaaaah!

Gah!! Are those the illusions?!

They're annoying alright, but I just gotta wipe 'em out!

WILD CANNON!!

Hrrrn!

...!

You overcame my illusions just as easily as your brother. I should have made a wish on the Omnificence Crystal to have them powered up.

What's stopping you? I'm all for you using more of the energy you've collected.

Any energy you use puts your twisted goals that much further away after all!

You had best watch your tongue!

Sword...!

You're wide open!

Hryaaaaaah!

Damn...!

Heh!

Sorry for the wait, Giblet!

Thanks to you, we hit on a good strategy! In fact...

Yeah, I think I more or less know what you're going to say. I have some ideas about his fighting style too.

I'll follow your lead, so go at him anyway you see fit!

Heh! I knew you'd understand!

I'm counting on you too, Goku!

Right! Time for me to kick things into high gear!

Haaaaaa!

KAIOKEN!!

Hmph...

As I recall, you tried that technique against me before to no avail. Did you forget?

Heh, heh! But this time I'm not alone.

Daaaaaaah!!

After we're through with you, you're gonna be begging for forgiveness!

Ohh, big talk indeed.

Very well. Come at me however you see fit!

What do you say, guys? Let's give it a shot!

Yeah!

We're gonna beat the daylights out of you! No holding back! You better be ready!!

Daaaaa!

Another combo attack...!

Not quite!

...!

Hraaaaaaaah!

Gah?!

Now I get it. All three of you are attacking in tandem rather than just the twins...

That way you won't have time to use any of your tricks!

Urgh...!

There!

Don't let up!

Haaaaaaah!

Damn you...!

Nrrrrr...!

Take thiiiiiiiiiis!

Graaaaaaaaah!!

Gah...

How? How are you able to coordinate your attacks with the twins so effortlessly, Goku?!

Thanks to that trick you pulled a while back, I was able to fight against these two.

So, I know how they move!

Tch... You continue to defy all logic...!

Heh! We haven't even gotten started!

...!!

Kaaaaaa...

Daaaaah!

Gah...!!

...meeeeee...

No...!

...haaaaaa...

No you don't! You're not going anywhere!

Hrraaah!

Do it, Goku!

...meeeeee...!

Grr...!

...Made ya look!

...?!

Now's your chance! Hit him with all your might!

This is...!

...everything that we've got!!

WILD...

CANNON!!

Hrn!

...! He blocked it?!

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

HRAAAAAGGGH!!

Grr... Nraaaaaah!!

...?! What the?!

This is different than the time against me or Lord Beerus... Gohan too!

They're fighting against the barrier!!

(No...! It's breaking! It's just as I feared...!)

You have a reason, don't you?

A reason you want those twins dead, that you can't share with anyone else.

No matter... Thanks to our little chat, I've come to realize something important...

That Shallot coming into our possession would be a most displeasing turn of events for you. Fufufu...

(Calm down... I made sure to account for the possibility that Giblet would remember him, after all.)

(So, it's true. Against these two, the power of the crystal is...!)

I've had enough of that stupid power of yours!

You're finiiiiiiiiished!!

Zahhaaaaaaaaaaa!!

Guh...!!

G-Gwaaaaaaaaaaah!!

Ugh... Grr...!

The barrier... It's broken!

Even Lord Beerus couldn't break his barrier!

Shallot was right!!

Zahha isn't using the barrier against you and Giblet? For real?!

Yeah. He didn't use it when I was fighting him earlier either.

That's strange, right? There's no limit to the barrier that's created from the Omnificence Crystal, so why wouldn't he use it against me and Giblet?

So I wanna confirm something. If it works, we might finally be able to handle that crystal!

Got it! Let's give your plan a try!

The reason Zahha didn't use the barrier on me or Giblet...

...is because an attack from either of you will break it!

Isn't that right, Zahha?

Hah... Well done, indeed. I guess there's no need to hide the truth anymore.

I actually wasn't completely sure if that was the case or not.

The Omnificence Crystal was originally made thanks to the nourishment provided by the god Ki both of you possess.

In other words, I knew there was a high probability the crystal's power wouldn't work on either of you.

So, that's why...! That explains everything!

That's the reason you always came up with roundabout ways of trying to take us out instead of coming for us yourself...!

And it explains why your wish to turn all of Shallot's friends against him...

...had no effect on me.

Yes. You're the only beings capable of interfering with the power of the Omnificence Crystal.

I see...

And there's more. Try searching around for Ki.

Whoa! I can sense Ki from all other the place!

Me too! It's been so hazy up until now. What happened...?

It's because the two of you not only broke the barrier, but you also managed to damage the crystal itself.

We damaged it...?

You mean just now?!

Correct. All of the wishes I made on the crystal have been nullified.

Your dear friends should all be back to normal, Shallot.

For real?!

...

Awesome! That means Gohan and the others can find our Ki and come help us!

If all the wishes you made on the Omnificence Crystal are nullified, that puts the advantage in our favor.

So answer me this, Zahha.

Given everything you've just told us, why are you so calm?

Something tells me you're not about to accept defeat.

...

Heh...