50% Maximum Power

Frieza's Offer

Frieza tells Goku that while his strength is impressive, the fight has started to bore him. He casually offers Goku a position as his subordinate, claiming the Saiyan would make a far better soldier than Captain Ginyu ever was. Goku flatly refuses. Frieza shrugs and says that in that case, death is the only alternative. He then drops a bombshell: even though Goku has clearly been holding back some of his power, Frieza insists that fifty percent of his own maximum will be more than sufficient. Goku accuses him of bluffing.

On the sideline, Krillin notices the two fighters standing motionless. Piccolo explains that they are each searching for the precise moment to strike. When Gohan asks whether his father can win, Piccolo admits he cannot say for certain because both power levels are extraordinarily high.

The Gap Revealed

Frieza launches forward and catches Goku with an elbow to the face. Goku absorbs the hit but staggers. Frieza sweeps Goku's legs with his tail, wraps it around his throat, and drives an elbow into his stomach. Goku tries to kick free, but Frieza springs away effortlessly. When Goku charges again, Frieza spins and delivers a devastating kick to his face, sending him flying backward.

Frieza remarks that he is impressed Goku is still standing but notes that his breathing is becoming heavy. Piccolo thinks to himself with growing dread that the difference in their reserves is simply too large.

King Kai's Grim Revelation

On King Kai's planet, the dead warriors follow the fight with mounting anxiety. Yamcha asks whether Goku might be wearing weighted training gear, but King Kai says he is not. Tien insists that Goku can still turn things around because he has the Kaio-ken technique at his disposal. King Kai crushes that hope in a single sentence: Goku is already using Kaio-ken times ten.