Tien Shinhan nodded and said, "Yeah! I agree with what Piccolo said. Right now, we should first figure out who the murderer is."
"If we let this continue, who knows how many more people will die. We can't allow the situation to escalate."
The Z Warriors all agreed.
Meanwhile, Cell had absorbed a large number of humans, which greatly boosted his strength.
But as he continued, he realized something troubling.
Absorbing humans was becoming less effective—the gains were diminishing.
If he wanted to truly evolve, he needed to absorb Android 17 and Android 18.
Otherwise, he risked wasting time and exposing himself, which could ruin everything.
Having made his decision, Cell immediately moved into action.
At the same time, he knew the Z Fighters were hunting him as well.
On a small Cake Island, Androids 16, 17, and 18 sat together, eating pastries and chatting casually.
While nibbling on cake, 18 frowned. "It's strange. I heard several cities' populations have mysteriously vanished. People being drained like that… it couldn't have been done by us. There has to be someone else."
"Yeah, probably," 17 replied, shrugging. "But it doesn't matter. Whoever it is, they're no match for us." He leaned back with an air of absolute confidence.
Android 16 sat quietly, expression unreadable. To 17 and 18, he always looked like he didn't care about anything.
Suddenly, 16's eyes sharpened. He quickly pulled 17 and 18 back.
An instant later—BOOM! A massive energy blast slammed into Cake Island, shaking the ground.
From the smoke, Cell stepped forward with a sinister grin. "Quick reactions. But it doesn't matter. You two are destined to be absorbed by me."
As the smoke cleared, the androids finally got a good look at him.
18 scowled. "Ugh… why does this guy look so disgusting?"
"Tell me about it," 17 sneered. "Don't worry, I'll kill him later. What bad luck." He brushed the dust from his clothes, visibly annoyed that he'd been dirtied.
But 16's voice turned cold. "Be careful. He's the one responsible for the disappearances."
"So he's the guy, huh?" 17's eyes lit up with interest. "Perfect. Then I'll deal with him!"
Cell's excitement nearly burst out of him. Just looking at 17 and 18 made his body tremble.
If he could absorb them, he would finally evolve into his perfect form.
His aura surged.
16 stepped in front of the others, arms raised. "You two, stand back. This opponent is powerful—far stronger than you. Leave him to me."
His internal data confirmed it. Cell's combat power had already surpassed 17's, and it was still rising.
18 tugged at 17's arm. "He's right. Leave this to 16."
"Tch, fine!" 17 clicked his tongue in annoyance.
As much as he hated to admit it, 16 was the better choice here.
But deep inside, 17 was frustrated. He and his sister were supposed to be the strongest androids.
Yet more and more opponents appeared—enemies that matched or surpassed him. It made him burn with resentment.
Cell sized up the towering android blocking his path. "Who are you?"
"It doesn't matter who I am," 16 answered flatly. "The question is—who are you? And why are you targeting 17 and 18?"
Cell laughed. "Hmph! Since you're foolish enough to stand in my way, I'll kill you first… then absorb the others."
Without warning, Cell lunged and threw a powerful punch.
But his fist stopped cold, caught in 16's massive hand.
Cell's eyes widened. Someone had blocked his strike so easily? That meant this android was stronger than he expected.
With a snarl, Cell launched a flurry of attacks, striking with everything he had.
16 countered blow for blow, unleashing his own brutal strength.
Watching the battle, 18 muttered, "I didn't think that disgusting creature was this strong. He's actually holding his own against 16."
17 clenched his fists. "Yeah… his fighting power's beyond mine." He hated saying it, but it was true.
For now, their only hope rested on 16.
...
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