The Moon

A Hollow Victory

Goku stands exhausted and broken. The Kaio-ken pushed beyond its safe limits has ravaged his body, and he can barely move. Yajirobe runs over to congratulate him, slapping him on the back, which sends pain shooting through Goku's frame. Goku explains that the technique was too much for his body and admits he has reached his limits. He warns Yajirobe to get away because Vegeta is still alive. Yajirobe wastes no time and bolts.

Vegeta Survives

High above the battlefield, Vegeta finally breaks free of the Kamehameha's path. He is battered, his armor cracked and smoking, but very much alive. The prince rages at the humiliation before calming himself and settling on a new strategy: transform into a Great Ape, which draws out the true fighting potential of a Saiyan. He scans the sky for the moon but cannot find it.

The Artificial Moon

King Kai laughs, relieved that Piccolo destroyed the moon long ago. He contacts Goku telepathically and tells him that despite having no strength left, he can still use the Spirit Bomb. Meanwhile, Vegeta deduces that the Earthlings destroyed the moon, but he is entirely unconcerned. He returns to the battlefield and explains to Goku that moonlight is reflected sunlight, and when it bounces off a full moon it produces Blutz Waves exceeding 17 million zenos. A Saiyan's tail responds to that specific wavelength, triggering the Great Ape transformation. However, a skilled Saiyan can generate an artificial substitute called a Power Ball loaded with the necessary energy.

Transformation Begins

Vegeta mocks Goku one final time, declaring that a low-class warrior should never have challenged a super elite. He hurls the Power Ball into the sky and commands it to expand by blending with the planet's oxygen. The sphere swells rapidly, glowing with intense light. King Kai senses what is happening and recoils in terror. Vegeta stares upward at the artificial moon, and his body begins to shift and grow as the Great Ape transformation commences.