Life or Death

A Moment of False Peace

Gohan and Krillin stare at the vast crater left by the Spirit Bomb, wondering whether Goku and Piccolo survived. Gohan notes that he cannot sense their ki, but then spots two figures climbing out of the water onto a rock. He and Krillin fly over in excitement, thrilled to see both warriors alive. After reuniting, Goku suggests heading home, pointing out that the spaceship can get them back to Earth in five days. Krillin suddenly panics, reminding everyone that Bulma is still waiting somewhere on the planet. Goku flinches, joking that he thought Frieza had returned. Krillin laughs and says Bulma can be even scarier than the tyrant when she is in a mood.

Frieza Returns

Piccolo reflects that Namek has suffered tremendous damage but takes comfort in the idea that Guru and the fallen Namekians can rest peacefully. Krillin asks how Piccolo knows about Guru, but before anyone can answer, horror spreads across his face. Frieza stands on a cliff before them, battered but alive, radiating pure rage. He fires a Death Beam that pierces Piccolo through the chest. As Piccolo collapses, Frieza snarls that even he believed for a moment the Spirit Bomb had killed him.

The Breaking Point

Goku orders Gohan and Krillin to grab Piccolo, find Bulma, and escape immediately. But Frieza laughs, declaring no one will leave alive. He seizes Krillin with telekinetic force, lifting him helplessly into the air. Goku and Gohan watch in frozen horror as Frieza detonates the energy inside Krillin's body, killing him instantly.

The sight of his best friend murdered so callously shatters something inside Goku. As Frieza announces Gohan will die next, Goku's body begins to change. His hair shifts from black to brilliant gold, standing on end as raw power erupts from within. Both Gohan and Frieza stare in shock. Goku tells Gohan to take Piccolo and return to Earth, warning the boy to leave while he still has control. A terrified Gohan obeys, and Goku turns to face Frieza with cold fury in his eyes.