Chapter 5

"What... Dad was defeated in just one move..."

Trunks stared at Vegeta lying in the deep pit, his pupils shrinking in disbelief.

Even when facing Cell after absorbing Android 17, his father had remained calm and could even toy with him. But now?

This mysterious "Saiyan" who appeared out of nowhere had defeated Vegeta—his proud, powerful father—with just one move.

This was unreal.

It wasn't just Trunks who was shocked. Android 18, Android 16, and Krillin—who had just regained consciousness—all stood frozen in place, dumbfounded.

Just moments ago, Vegeta was confidently toying with Cell as though victory was his. But now, he was the one being toyed with by a stranger who appeared out of nowhere.

One move. That's all it took.

"Hmph... I guess Vegeta will never rise above second place for the rest of eternity," Katakana muttered, smirking slightly as he looked at Vegeta lying in the pit.

Initially, Katakana hadn't planned on dealing with Vegeta. But since Vegeta insisted on provoking him, he had brought it upon himself.

And besides, teaching Vegeta a lesson might score him some respect from Android 18.

"This gentleman..." Trunks stepped forward nervously, bowing his head slightly. "It's true that my father was too reckless this time. My name is Trunks, and if I may, I apologize to you on his behalf."

"I hope you won't hold this against him..."

Though Trunks had little patience for his father's arrogance, Vegeta was still his father. If something happened to him, Trunks wouldn't know how to explain it to his mother when he returned to his timeline.

"Apologies aren't necessary. If Vegeta hadn't brought this on himself, I wouldn't have bothered with him," Katakana replied calmly.

Katakana actually had a decent impression of Trunks. Among the Saiyans, Trunks was one of the few who didn't act recklessly or stir up trouble.

As for Vegeta, Katakana's intervention was purely because the proud prince had asked for it.

"Thank goodness..."

Hearing Katakana's response, Trunks felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

After all, this man wasn't just strong—he had defeated both Cell and Vegeta with ease. He could wipe out everyone present if he wished. It was far better to avoid provoking such a powerful figure.

But just as Katakana turned to leave, Trunks hesitated before nervously asking, "Wait... Sir, your tail... Does that mean you're a Saiyan too?"

Hearing this, Katakana paused.

When he first arrived in this world, he had been an ordinary human. But after fusing with the system, he had perfectly integrated Saiyan genes.

The tail behind him was the best proof.

"Yes," Katakana said, turning back. "My name is Katakana, and I am indeed a Saiyan."

Since he had merged with Goku Black's abilities, Katakana considered himself a true Saiyan now.

Trunks nodded, finally confirming his suspicions. The tail had been the most telling clue, but hearing Katakana confirm it only made the revelation more astonishing.

Before Trunks could ask anything further, a familiar energy signature suddenly surged in the distance.

It was Cell.

Though beaten down, Cell had regenerated and returned to his previous form.

"Damn it... When did such a monster appear on Earth?!" Cell thought as he glared at Katakana in midair, the memory of being punched away still vivid in his mind.

"There's no way I can absorb Android 18 now... I need to escape!"

Cold sweat beaded on Cell's forehead as he assessed the situation. Knowing he stood no chance against Katakana, he decided to retreat.

"Forget it. I'll flee for now. There's no way he can catch me if I go all out!"

With that, Cell turned and bolted at full speed.

"Not good! Cell is trying to escape!" Android 16 shouted urgently.

He knew that the only people capable of defeating Cell right now were Trunks and the mysterious Saiyan.

"What?! We can't let him escape this time!"

Trunks clenched his fists tightly, letting out a deep roar as he transformed into a Super Saiyan. Just as he prepared to chase after Cell, Katakana's hand rested firmly on his shoulder.

"Don't worry," Katakana said with a confident smile. "Cell won't escape."

Before Trunks could respond, Katakana activated Unlimited Instant Transmission.

Whoosh!

In an instant, Katakana reappeared directly in front of Cell, cutting off his escape route.

"What the... How is this possible?!" Cell stammered, cold sweat dripping down his face.

"This is Goku's Instant Transmission... How did he—?!"

Cell instinctively took two steps back, trembling. The fear in his eyes was unmistakable.

Moments later, Trunks and the others caught up, arriving behind Katakana.

"You... What are you?" Cell muttered, his voice shaking.

For the first time, true terror gripped Cell's heart.

Just one more step. He had been so close to absorbing Android 18 and achieving his perfect form.

And yet, this man had ruined everything.

"A dead man doesn't need to know," Katakana replied coldly, raising his arm. A powerful energy blast began forming in his palm, ready to end Cell for good.

But before he could release it, a familiar voice rang out.

"BASTARD! Cell can only die at the hands of the Prince of all Saiyans!"

It was Vegeta, his voice filled with rage.