Piccolo's Decision

Episode 40 opens with Mr. Satan broadcasting the grim news to the world: Earth will explode within two weeks. Vegeta proposes evacuating every living being to Planet Plant, which has ten times Earth's gravity but is the only viable refuge. Super Saiyan 4 Goku and Kibito Kai use Instant Transmission and Kai Kai to ferry groups to safety while King Furry's fleet, Capsule Corporation transports, and every available ship handles the rest.

The evacuation proceeds smoothly until a young boy named Danny is accidentally left behind by his forgetful parents. Piccolo finds the child on the crumbling planet and protects him, waiting for rescue. Goku arrives to teleport them out, but he has reverted to his child form, completely drained of energy.

Piccolo shares enough of his energy to let Goku teleport Danny to an escape ship, but he himself does not board. Through telepathy, Piccolo contacts Gohan and reveals his true intention. As the Namekian creator of the Earth's Dragon Balls, his death will cause the Black Star Dragon Balls to cease existing forever. No one will ever be able to make a wish that threatens the planet again.

Piccolo tells Gohan that watching him grow into the strongest warrior in the universe gave his own life meaning. He bids his student farewell as the Earth trembles beneath him. The planet detonates, and Piccolo perishes along with it. The Black Star Dragon Balls and Ultimate Shenron are permanently erased from existence.

Grand Elder Moori on New Namek uses the Namekian Dragon Balls to wish Earth back into existence, allowing the evacuated population to return home. A celebration is held at Capsule Corporation to mark Baby's defeat and the planet's restoration. Bulma teases Chi-Chi about having a child-sized husband, and Chi-Chi admits things are mostly the same.

Not everyone is in the mood to celebrate. Gohan stands apart, mourning Piccolo's sacrifice. Goku notices and offers quiet comfort to his eldest son. As friends and family continue to arrive for the party, the atmosphere mixes joy with loss. Earth and its people are safe for now, but the shadow of future threats already looms on the horizon.