Goku vs. The Demon King

First Blood on the Prairie

Goku opens the fight with a blistering leap, planting a fist in Piccolo's jaw and actually rocking the demon backward. Surprised by the boy's speed, Piccolo throws out a hand to block the next rush. Goku improvises, coiling his tail around the outstretched arm and swinging himself upward for another shot at Piccolo's face. The Great Namekian snatches him out of the air with his free hand and hurls him into the ground, only for Goku to bounce off his palms and rocket back with a chest kick that sends the ancient king flying.

The Cloak Comes Off

From the deck above, Pilaf tells Mai and Shu they should probably run. Piano, calmer than the rest, insists they trust Daimao. Piccolo decides the warmup is over, sheds his heavy cloak, and promises to show Goku what real ferocity looks like. He streaks forward, kicks Goku high into the sky, chases after him, and hammers him back down with a single punch that drives the boy clean through the earth.

Kamehameha Refused

Piccolo reaches into the crater, lifts Goku by his shirt, and cracks him across the face. Bloodied and barely conscious, Goku still has enough fight left to sink his teeth into Piccolo's finger, earning himself a contemptuous toss aside. Staggering upright, Goku marvels at his opponent's power, while Piccolo informs him that death is the only thing left, and that he has only spent half of his strength. Goku cups his hands for a desperate Kamehameha. Piccolo flinches, terrified for a heartbeat that this might be the Mafuba, then relaxes when he recognizes the familiar chant. The blue wave screams forward and strikes dead center. When the dust clears, the Demon King is untouched, smiling, and asking whether the boy would prefer to die slowly.