Chapter 7

"Cell actually escaped?"

Krillin's expression was filled with confusion. He couldn't understand why Cell had chosen to flee at that moment.

After absorbing Vegeta, Cell's strength had skyrocketed more than tenfold. Even Trunks had been seriously injured by a single punch.

Logically, with his newfound power, Cell should have prioritized absorbing Android 18 to achieve his perfect form. So why did he suddenly retreat?

Krillin couldn't figure it out, but at least it was good news.

Even though Cell had grown stronger, Krillin believed that as long as he hadn't achieved his perfect form, Goku would definitely be able to defeat him.

"Cell escaped... What do you think happened, Android 16?"

Android 18's face showed a mixture of relief and concern. "After injuring Trunks with just one punch, does he not need to absorb me anymore?"

"No," Android 16 replied calmly. "It's likely because he forcefully absorbed Vegeta. Cell's body couldn't fully digest Vegeta's energy right away."

"But make no mistake—Cell won't give up on achieving his perfect form. Once he's fully digested Vegeta's power, he will definitely return."

Android 16's voice was steady, but his concern was evident.

He had a built-in energy detection system and knew exactly why Cell had fled.

What puzzled him, though, was Katakana.

Even after witnessing Cell's sudden surge in power, Katakana's expression remained completely calm.

And more baffling was the fact that Katakana had the chance to stop Cell from escaping but chose not to.

Was he truly not concerned about Cell fully absorbing Vegeta's energy?

"Cell will come back..."

Hearing Android 16's explanation, Android 18 frowned.

She knew Cell wouldn't give up on absorbing her to complete his evolution.

The mere thought of being absorbed by that grotesque monster made her feel sick.

"Cell, you bastard! I won't let you go!"

Trunks, his eyes burning with rage, shouted toward the direction Cell had fled.

His right chest was visibly caved in from Cell's punch—a testament to how terrifyingly powerful Cell had become.

"Boom!"

In frustration and guilt, Trunks punched the ground hard.

He blamed himself deeply.

If he had destroyed Cell earlier, his father wouldn't have been absorbed.

But now, how was he supposed to face his mother when he returned to his timeline?

"Trunks, don't blame yourself too much."

Krillin approached cautiously, trying to console him.

"This only happened because of Vegeta's arrogance. If he'd just destroyed Cell outright, he wouldn't have been absorbed."

"This is entirely his own fault—don't carry that burden yourself!"

"But Krillin... how am I supposed to explain this to my mother?"

Trunks clenched his fists tightly, overwhelmed by guilt. He couldn't imagine facing Bulma after what had happened.

"Don't worry, Trunks. Piccolo is still alive!"

Katakana's calm voice suddenly interrupted.

"This means the Dragon Balls on Earth can still be used."

"That's right! Piccolo is still alive in this timeline!"

Trunks' face lit up with renewed hope.

"In that case, we can use the Dragon Balls to bring Dad and all the innocent people back to life!"

Hearing Katakana's words filled him with relief.

As long as resurrection was possible, there was still a way to fix everything.

"We just need to find a way to defeat Cell first," Krillin said with renewed determination.

Trunks nodded, though his fists remained clenched tightly. He was already thinking about how to overcome Cell's overwhelming power.

After all, just one punch had rendered him incapable of fighting.

"Don't be so tense, Trunks," Krillin reassured him. "Once Goku comes out, we'll find a solution."

Hearing this, Trunks calmed down slightly and nodded.

Turning to Katakana, he asked, "Mr. Katakana, would you like to come with us to the Lookout?"

Though Trunks couldn't fully gauge Katakana's strength, he was certain it far surpassed his own.

If Katakana were willing to help, defeating Cell wouldn't be a problem.

But Katakana simply waved his hand dismissively. "I prefer to be alone."

"But I think we'll meet again soon."

With that, Katakana's body turned into a streak of light, disappearing into the sky.

"Such overwhelming power..."

Suddenly, Katakana sensed two incredibly powerful energies in the distance.

And this wasn't ordinary ki—it was divine ki.