The Energy Sphere

The Great Ape Dominates

Krillin and Gohan are flying back toward Kame House when they spot the Power Ball glowing in the distance and sense a massive ki that does not belong to Goku. Gohan insists on turning back toward the battlefield, and Krillin reluctantly follows. Meanwhile, Goku stares up at the colossal form of Great Ape Vegeta in shock. Vegeta explains that a Saiyan in this form possesses ten times the battle power of their normal state. Goku suddenly recalls his grandfather Gohan warning him never to go outside during a full moon because of the giant ape monster. He also remembers Kami ensuring his tail would never grow back. The pieces click together, and Goku finally understands that the creature who killed Grandpa Gohan and demolished the World Martial Arts Tournament arena was himself.

Outmatched at Every Turn

Yajirobe gapes at the enormous beast and recognizes the same armor the Saiyan was wearing. Vegeta smashes a fist down at Goku, who barely dodges by leaping aside. A massive kick sends Goku tumbling across the ground. Lying in the dirt, Goku activates the Kaio-ken in desperation and launches into the air, but Vegeta simply swats him away with his tail. Goku catches himself midair, but Vegeta closes the distance immediately. Goku realizes that not even Kaio-ken times five would be enough to overcome this form.

The Solar Flare Gambit

With no time to concentrate for a Spirit Bomb and no multiplier of the Kaio-ken strong enough to bridge the gap, Goku has only seconds to act. He borrows a technique from Tien Shinhan and fires a blinding Solar Flare directly into Great Ape Vegeta's eyes. The light sears Vegeta's vision, and the giant reels backward, roaring in fury. Goku seizes the opening and rockets away over the rock formations, putting as much distance between them as possible. He raises his hands toward the sky and calls out to the Earth, the seas, and every living thing, begging them to lend him just a small portion of their energy. The Spirit Bomb begins to take shape above his palms as Vegeta thrashes blindly in the distance.