The Successor

Gohan Steps Forward

Having quit his own match, Goku announces that the Cell Games will end with the next fight. He tells the gathered fighters that after battling Cell personally, he knows this next challenger can win. The Z Fighters exchange confused looks, and Cell demands to hear who this supposedly superior warrior is. Mr. Satan panics, terrified that Goku will call on him.

After a moment of suspense, Goku turns toward the sideline and calls out his son Gohan. The announcement stuns everyone. Piccolo erupts in fury, accusing Goku of sending his own child to his death. The cameraman overhears the name Gohan, which also means rice in Japanese, and tells Jimmy Firecracker the fighters are discussing food. Firecracker wonders how they could be thinking about lunch at a time like this.

A Father's Confidence

As Goku flies over to his allies, Cell dismisses the idea of fighting a child. Goku tells Gohan that he can succeed, but Piccolo furiously insists that Goku come to his senses. Goku questions Gohan about the battle he just witnessed. Gohan admits that while he could follow the action, neither Goku nor Cell appeared to be fighting at their full capacity. Goku reveals a critical truth: he was fighting at his absolute best. It only appeared effortless because of how powerful Gohan has become. Both Piccolo and Vegeta are stunned by the implication, with Vegeta insisting the boy must be lying.

Goku encourages Gohan to save the world so he can grow up and become a scientist. Gohan accepts and flies out to the battlefield.

The Senzu Gamble

Goku takes a Senzu Bean from Krillin and, to the horror of his companions, throws it directly to Cell. Yamcha and Piccolo object loudly, but Goku argues the fight would not be fair with Cell's energy so diminished. Cell declares that Goku's misguided heroism will be his downfall, then eats the bean. The rejuvenating effect surprises even Cell, and he powers up to full strength. As Piccolo bemoans the reckless decision, Gohan responds by powering up himself. The magnitude of his energy stuns Cell and every Z Fighter on the field, confirming Goku's claim.