Battle for the Universe Begins

With Kid Buu standing before them on the Sacred World of the Kai, Goku instructs Kibito Kai and Old Kai to teleport themselves and Dende far from the battlefield. Mr. Satan has gone missing, leaving the two Saiyans alone with the ancient destroyer. Rather than argue over who takes the first crack at Buu, Goku and Vegeta settle the matter with rock-paper-scissors. Goku throws rock, Vegeta throws scissors, and the result is decided.

Vegeta steps aside, reverting to his base form as Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan. Kid Buu, far from intimidated, finds the whole spectacle amusing and actually falls asleep waiting. From a safe distance, Kibito Kai and Old Kai watch through the Crystal Ball, understanding that this fight will determine the fate of everything.

Goku reflects on Earth's destruction and the loss of his friends, channeling his grief into raw power as he ascends to Super Saiyan 2. Kid Buu wakes up and the battle erupts in earnest. The Sacred World of the Kai shakes under the force of their blows as Goku throws everything he has at the pink terror.

Despite Goku's relentless assault, Kid Buu absorbs punishment and keeps coming. His regenerative body and limitless stamina start turning the tide. Every devastating hit Goku lands is undone moments later as Buu reforms without a scratch. The gap between them becomes painfully clear.

Mr. Satan, who missed his chance to evacuate with the Kais, stumbles upon the battle with Bee at his side. Trapped on the Sacred World of the Kai, all he can do is cheer from the sidelines as Kid Buu begins overwhelming Goku. The Saiyan warrior's Super Saiyan 2 power simply is not enough to keep pace with Buu's ferocity.

Battered and running low on options, Goku makes the decision everyone watching has been waiting for. He digs deep and pushes beyond his limits, ascending to Super Saiyan 3. His golden aura erupts with new intensity, and the true battle for the universe begins in episode 279 of Dragon Ball Z.