Gohan's Pain

A Father Lost

Gohan collapses to his knees and screams in anguish over his father's death. The assembled Z Fighters bow their heads in sorrow, though Vegeta stands paralyzed by shock. Jimmy Firecracker scans the battlefield, wondering where Cell went. Overcome with guilt, Gohan berates himself for letting his pride drag out the fight. Krillin places a hand on his shoulder, reminding him that Goku was proud of him. He suggests they head home. As they depart, Krillin scoops up the unconscious Android 18 and carries her away.

Trouble in Other World

In the afterlife, Goku walks along Snake Way alongside King Kai and Bubbles, all three bearing halos. Goku apologizes to Bubbles for dragging him into the explosion, though the monkey seems unbothered. King Kai is far less forgiving and lectures Goku about killing a deity to save one planet. Their bickering halts when Goku asks whether Cell's soul has arrived in Hell. King Kai reaches out with his senses and realizes that no such soul has checked in. The implication is unmistakable: Cell is still alive.

The Nightmare Returns

On Earth, Vegeta orders Krillin to destroy Android 18, but Krillin refuses, insisting she deserves to live. A violent gust of wind sweeps the arena, carrying a ki signature they all recognize. A Full Power Death Beam rips through Future Trunks before anyone can react. Cell materializes in his Perfect form, grinning. He reveals that core cells in his head allowed him to regenerate from total destruction and that he no longer needs Android 18 to maintain his form. His Saiyan cells triggered a power boost from his brush with death, and he absorbed Goku's Instant Transmission. As Cell boasts, Vegeta stares in horror at his fallen son. Gohan fixes his gaze on Cell with renewed determination.