Beyond the Super Saiyan

A Saiyan's Challenge

Cell scoffs at Vegeta's declaration, calling it absurd. Android 18 agrees with Cell's assessment, noting that not even a miracle could close the gap. She urges Android 16 to use the distraction to flee, but the damaged 16 tells her to wait, observing that Vegeta's power has grown substantially. Android 18 is skeptical, insisting Vegeta was not holding back during their earlier fight.

Vegeta tells Cell to pay close attention, promising to wipe the smirk off his face. Future Trunks watches from the sidelines and realizes his father is about to transform. Vegeta begins gathering his ki while Cell waits with a confident grin.

Training in the Void

Inside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Gohan takes in the featureless white expanse for the first time, feeling the crushing gravity, thin air, and oppressive heat. Goku explains that once the door closes, the outside world is sealed off; they can no longer sense Vegeta and Cell's ki. He shows Gohan the bathroom and pantry, then tells him to walk forward.

Gohan is stunned to discover the room stretches endlessly, seemingly the size of Earth itself. Goku warns him not to wander too far. He explains that the temperature swings from negative forty degrees to one hundred twenty, gravity is ten times normal, and the air holds only a quarter of the surface oxygen. Gohan asks nervously if they must stay a full year. Goku confirms it and announces his goal: turning Gohan into a Super Saiyan. When Gohan expresses doubt, Goku assures him that Saiyan blood flows through his veins. Gohan worries he will slow Goku down, but Goku explains that once Gohan surpasses Super Saiyan, he will be stronger than anyone.

Ascension

Back on the island, Vegeta's power continues to climb. On the Lookout, Piccolo reports that the energy is still rising to inconceivable levels. With a sharp crack, Vegeta transforms into Super Saiyan Second Grade. Cell's confidence falters for the first time. In an instant, Vegeta closes the distance and buries his fist in Cell's stomach, launching the battle.