Battle Cry

Tien Shinhan squares off against Drum outside King Castle, and despite the monster's surprising speed for his massive frame, Tien holds his own in the exchange. However, Drum's raw power proves too much, battering Tien with heavy blows. On his journey to Central City, Goku stops to rescue the Ox-King and Chi-Chi from soldiers who have been coerced by King Piccolo into hunting martial artists.

The Wave That Missed

After absorbing considerable punishment, Tien sees his opening and unleashes the Evil Containment Wave. The technique spirals toward King Piccolo, but Drum throws himself into the path, taking the full force of the wave instead. Piccolo seizes the moment and destroys the Electric Rice Cooker with a Finger Beam, eliminating any chance of sealing him away. Because Tien never actually completed the seal, he survives the attempt but is left drained and barely standing. Goku arrives at the battlefield in a blaze of speed, and without hesitation, he kicks Drum so hard that the creature is killed instantly, leaving King Piccolo visibly stunned by the boy's transformation.

Tien's failed Evil Containment Wave is a pivotal moment. The technique was the last known method of defeating King Piccolo without brute strength, and its failure closes the door on that strategy entirely. The destruction of the Electric Rice Cooker ensures there will be no second attempt.

A New Goku

Goku's arrival and his effortless destruction of Drum signals a dramatic shift in the battle. Having survived the Ultra Divine Water, Goku's power has increased far beyond what anyone expected. His single kick carries more force than all of Tien's sustained efforts against Drum combined.

This episode marks the first time a Namekian (Drum) is shown to bleed purple blood. It is also notable that Piccolo shows no pain reaction to Drum's death, unlike when his previous offspring Cymbal and Tambourine were slain. Goku's return to face King Piccolo sets up the climactic rematch that follows.