The battlefield was silent for only a fleeting moment. Smoke drifted across the broken earth, carrying the heavy stench of destruction. Vegeta, battered and bleeding, collapsed onto his knees. His giant ape form had finally given way, his body reverting to its original Saiyan state. His armor was shattered, his pride wounded deeper than any physical injury. He breathed heavily, his scouter cracked at his side, and his furious eyes glared toward the Z Fighters.
Krillin, trembling but determined, picked up Yajirobe's katana. His hands shook as he held the blade toward Vegeta.
"This… this ends now!" Krillin yelled, his voice breaking under the immense weight of the decision. "After everything you've done… we can't let you live, Vegeta!"
Piccolo stood nearby, bruised and exhausted, his cloak in tatters. He didn't stop Krillin. Even Goku, lying on the ground barely conscious, didn't argue. They all knew the threat Vegeta posed. If he recovered… Earth would never stand a chance again.
Krillin raised the sword high, preparing to bring it down.
But in the very next instant—
"Krillin, MOVE!" Piccolo shouted, his instincts flaring.
A massive shadow leapt from the distance, crashing into the ground with an ear-splitting impact. Dust erupted, and through the haze, the monstrous figure of Nappa appeared. His body was bruised and scorched, yet his presence radiated pure menace. He was still alive.
"Damn… you worms really thought you were done with me?" Nappa snarled, his cracked grin spreading across his scarred face. "Vegeta may be down, but I'm not finished!"
Krillin gasped, too slow to react, but before Nappa's strike could land, a green arm intercepted the blow.
Piccolo had stepped in, his muscles straining as he blocked the massive Saiyan's attack with his bare hands.
"Not… one… step closer!" Piccolo growled, forcing Nappa back with a surge of willpower.
But even he was at his limit. His knees buckled, his breath ragged.
Goku tried to push himself up, clutching his chest in agony. "Piccolo… Krillin… you've got to—" He coughed violently, his body refusing to obey him.
The truth was harsh and undeniable: none of them could fight anymore.
Nappa looked at each of them in turn—Piccolo swaying from exhaustion, Krillin frozen in fear, Goku lying powerless on the ground. A cruel laugh rumbled from his throat.
"This is it. Finally… I'll crush every last one of you weaklings! The Saiyan race will NOT be mocked by pathetic Earth trash!"
He charged forward like a living bulldozer, his massive fists ready to annihilate anything in his path.
But just as he raised his arm to deliver the killing blow—
"HYAAAAA!"
A sharp beam of energy blasted across the battlefield, forcing Nappa to halt mid-charge. He turned, scowling. Standing there, with fists clenched and body trembling, was Gohan.
His small frame shook with fear, but his eyes burned with fiery defiance.
"Stay away from my friends!" Gohan shouted, his aura flaring wildly.
Piccolo's eyes widened. "Gohan… no! Don't—!"
But it was too late. Gohan launched himself forward, a desperate surge of courage propelling him. His ki burst outward in one final, desperate attack.
"MASENKO… HAAAA!"
The golden beam roared across the field, slicing the earth in its path. It slammed toward Nappa with incredible force.
But Nappa only laughed. His massive body twisted at the last second, dodging the attack with frightening ease. The energy tore into the mountains behind him, exploding in a violent eruption.
"You brat…" Nappa growled, his face twisting with fury. "You dare try that again!?"
He stomped forward, towering over Gohan, his hand stretching outward like a claw. "I'll rip you apart myself!"
Gohan's legs trembled, his energy completely spent. He stumbled back, fear overwhelming him.
"No…" Krillin gasped. "He's gonna kill him!"
"GOHAN!" Piccolo screamed.
But they were helpless. No one could move fast enough. No one had the strength left.
Goku forced his battered body to move, crawling desperately across the broken ground. "No… no! Leave him alone! TAKE ME INSTEAD!" His voice was hoarse, filled with desperation, but his body betrayed him. He collapsed before he could reach them.
Nappa's grin widened as he loomed over Gohan. "Say goodbye, runt—"
And then—
A sharp crack echoed across the battlefield.
Nappa froze, his eyes narrowing. Slowly, his gaze shifted.
Standing between him and Gohan was a figure he thought had been finished—his body bruised, his aura flickering faintly, but his presence undeniable.
Rudra.
His eyes were open, glowing faintly with inner fire. His body wavered slightly, but he stood tall, unmoving, a wall of defiance between Nappa and Gohan.
"You…" Nappa muttered, disbelief in his voice. "You're still alive!?"
Rudra's voice was calm, but it carried a weight that silenced the battlefield. "I won't let you… touch him."
Gohan's eyes widened in awe and relief. "Rudra… you're… you're awake…"
Rudra didn't turn. His gaze stayed locked on Nappa, his presence radiating newfound determination.
"You've hurt my friends. You've destroyed lives. And you think you can just keep crushing everything in your path? No more, Nappa. This ends here."
Nappa snarled, his rage boiling over. "You think you can stop me now? After everything you've already lost? You're nothing but a half-dead weakling!"
He lunged forward, swinging his massive fist.
But Rudra moved.
With surprising speed, he caught Nappa's fist mid-swing, his body straining, but holding firm. The ground beneath them cracked from the force. For the first time, Nappa's smug expression faltered.
Rudra's grip tightened. His eyes burned brighter. "I'm not fighting for myself anymore. I'm fighting… for them. For every one of them. For Earth!"
And with a roar, he shoved Nappa back, forcing the giant Saiyan to stumble.
The battlefield shook again.
Piccolo, Krillin, and Goku—all watched in stunned silence.
"Rudra…" Goku whispered, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "He's… he's the only one left who can fight now."
Gohan's small hands clenched into fists as tears welled in his eyes. "Please… Rudra… win."
The air between Rudra and Nappa crackled with energy. Both warriors locked eyes, their auras flaring. One, a battered but unyielding protector. The other, a raging titan refusing to be denied his victory.
The final clash between Rudra and Nappa was about to begin.