The Evil Truce

A Devil's Bargain

Cell, still reeling from the beating, insists that in his Perfect Form he would possess flawless power, speed, skill, and mental acuity. Vegeta kicks him away again but finds himself intrigued by the claim. He walks over to the fallen Cell and asks whether achieving perfection would truly make him strong enough to be a real challenge. Cell confirms it emphatically.

Android 18 speculates that Vegeta might have been holding back when they fought previously. Android 16 disagrees, stating Vegeta would never do such a thing and that something fundamental changed in the last few days. Future Trunks, watching the exchange between Cell and his father, grows increasingly worried that Vegeta might actually consider letting Cell reach his Perfect Form.

Krillin's Choice

Krillin, having crept within the ten-meter range, hovers behind Android 18 with the Shut Down Remote ready. He stares at her and struggles to press the button. Despite knowing that deactivating the androids could prevent Cell from ever achieving perfection, he finds himself unable to do it. His hand trembles, and finally he drops the remote.

Android 18 reacts with shock, spotting the device on the ground and recognizing it immediately. She wonders how Krillin obtained a Shut Down Remote when Android 17 crushed the one Dr. Gero possessed. Krillin silently apologizes to Bulma for all the effort she put into building it, then stomps the remote under his boot, shattering it completely. Android 18 stares at the scene in disbelief.

Convergence

Cell continues goading Vegeta, knowing that Saiyan pride demands a worthy opponent. He tells Vegeta that deep down, the prince wants to see what his Perfect Form can do. Vegeta finally agrees and tells Cell to go ahead, absorb Android 18, and then return to face him at full power. Cell turns to leave, but Future Trunks blocks his path, unwilling to let this happen.

Cell yells at Vegeta to control his son. At that moment, Cell's gaze falls on Android 18, exposed after Krillin's intervention. His eyes widen as he realizes that the final piece of his perfection is now within reach.