Piccolo's Farewell to Arms!?

The Special Beam Cannon

Battered and missing an arm, Piccolo explains his plan to Goku. He has been developing a technique called the Special Beam Cannon, a spiraling energy beam capable of piercing through virtually anything. The irony is not lost on either of them: Piccolo originally created this attack for the sole purpose of destroying Goku. The fatal drawback is that the technique demands a significant amount of time to charge, leaving Piccolo completely vulnerable and stationary while he builds the energy at his fingertips.

Goku understands immediately. His job is to keep Raditz occupied long enough for Piccolo to finish the charge. Raditz, who cannot hear the details of their quiet exchange, smugly assures them that whatever plan they have devised will amount to nothing. Piccolo raises two fingers to his forehead and begins concentrating as Goku steps forward to face his brother alone.

Goku Holds the Line

Goku engages Raditz one-on-one, doing everything he can to keep the Saiyan's attention fixed squarely on himself. He launches a Kamehameha, curving it through the air in a wide arc toward Raditz. The Bending Kamehameha catches Raditz off guard at first, but the Saiyan recovers quickly and catches the blast in his hands, shocking Goku with his raw power.

Raditz retaliates with a devastating Saturday Crush that slams Goku into the earth. With Goku crumpled on the ground and completely defenseless, Raditz advances to deliver the killing blow. At that critical moment, Piccolo completes his charge. Raditz's scouter suddenly spikes with an enormous power reading from Piccolo's direction, and the Saiyan freezes in disbelief at the number flashing on his display. Piccolo unleashes the Special Beam Cannon, sending the spiraling beam rocketing directly at Raditz as the chapter reaches its climax.