Saibamen Attack!

The Saibamen face off against the Z Fighters in a series of individual battles proposed by Vegeta. Gohan is paralyzed by fear as the green creatures attack with blinding speed, but Krillin and Piccolo hold the line while encouraging the boy to stay focused. A brief pause in the action allows Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu to arrive and join the fight, followed by an eager Yamcha, ready to test his new abilities.

Tien volunteers to fight first and dominates his Saibaman opponent with little difficulty. When the creature refuses to stay down, Vegeta destroys it from behind as punishment for holding back, warning the remaining five to fight at full power. Yamcha steps up next, insisting that Krillin stay out since Krillin has already been wished back once and cannot be revived again.

Yamcha battles fiercely and appears to defeat his Saibaman with a powerful Kamehameha. Riding high on his success, he boldly challenges the remaining four by himself. But the beaten Saibaman is not finished. It lunges at Yamcha, wraps itself around his body, and detonates. The explosion kills them both instantly. At Kame House, Puar screams in grief and Bulma breaks down in tears. Krillin, shaking with rage, vows to avenge his fallen friend.

Tien makes quick work of his Saibaman, prompting Vegeta to execute the creature for its poor performance. Yamcha insists on fighting next to protect Krillin, who cannot be revived a second time by the Dragon Balls. After seemingly winning his match with a Kamehameha, Yamcha drops his guard.

The defeated Saibaman latches onto Yamcha and self-destructs, killing both fighters in a devastating explosion. Puar and Bulma watch the death unfold on live television at Kame House. Grief gives way to fury as Krillin steps forward, determined to destroy every remaining Saibaman himself.

Yamcha's death marks the first permanent casualty among the Z Fighters in the Saiyan battle and establishes the stakes for the episodes ahead. His iconic fallen pose has become one of the most recognized images in Dragon Ball history, enduring as a widespread internet meme decades later.