Nothing Up My Sleeve...

Outmatched

Piccolo and Goku size up their opponent, each recognizing the terrifying gulf in power separating them from a true Saiyan elite. Despite the danger, Goku feels a spark of excitement at facing someone this strong. He asks about Gohan's location, and Raditz gestures toward the crater behind them, explaining he stashed the noisy child inside his pod.

Goku flies up and peers down into the hole, shouting to Gohan that his father will rescue him. Raditz laughs, assuring Goku he will be dead long before any rescue happens. Goku and Piccolo rush Raditz together, throwing a barrage of punches and kicks. They split apart and attempt to flank him from both sides, but Raditz catches each of them with a back kick and sends them tumbling away.

Losing Ground

The two warriors charge again, but Raditz rises above them and they pursue into the sky. From his elevated position, Raditz fires a blast from each hand down at his opponents. Goku and Piccolo dodge by a razor-thin margin, though Piccolo's left arm does not clear the explosion entirely. The limb is destroyed, leaving nothing but a bleeding stump below the shoulder.

Goku touches down, but Raditz appears behind him instantly and drives a kick into his back, launching him across the ground. Battered and breathing hard, Goku calls out to Piccolo, asking if he is alright. He sees the gruesome wound and understands just how outmatched they truly are.

A Hidden Trump Card

Rather than panicking, Piccolo begins to speak about a new technique he has been perfecting in secret. He had originally developed it for the sole purpose of killing Goku, but circumstances have changed. The chapter closes with Piccolo preparing to reveal his ace, hinting that the battle is about to shift in an unexpected direction.