Cell's plan was simple.
He intended to exploit the Saiyan race's arrogance, pride, and love for battle to buy himself a slim chance of survival.
Since Cell's body contained Saiyan genes, he had an innate understanding of Saiyan psychology.
As long as he claimed he could still become stronger, he was sure it would stir a Saiyan's fighting spirit.
Although from what Trunks had just said, it sounded like Androids 17 and 18 had already been destroyed...
Still, as long as there was even the faintest hope, Cell believed he could find another way.
"Heh? You think I'm an idiot?"
Trunks sneered, his eyes filled with killing intent.
This monster was already quite strong — if he gave him more time to grow, Trunks might not be able to defeat him later.
The hard-won peace that humanity had struggled for would be lost in an instant.
At that thought, Trunks didn't slow his attacks. Instead, his offense grew fiercer, his energy surging even higher.
Today, he had to crush this monster in its cradle.
"What the hell?!"
Cell struggled desperately to block Trunks' relentless assault.
When he sensed Trunks' power suddenly surge even higher, Cell cursed furiously inside:
'I thought Saiyans were a warrior race!'
'I thought Saiyans loved fighting stronger opponents!'
'Why the hell is this bastard getting more brutal the weaker I get?!'
Cell's understanding wasn't wrong — Saiyans were naturally battle-hungry.
Unfortunately, he was facing the one Saiyan who didn't fight like a fool: Trunks!
After everything he had experienced, Trunks' character had long since diverged from ordinary Saiyans.
The arrogance and recklessness ingrained in his genes had been worn away by hardship.
SSST!
The sound of a blade slicing through flesh.
"Argh!"
Cell screamed in pain as Trunks' sword sliced a chunk of flesh from his ribs.
Purple blood splattered onto the ground, blossoming into little flowers of gore.
Enduring the pain, Cell staggered back five or six steps.
Only then did he barely escape Trunks' deadly range.
If he kept fighting, he would truly die here.
Not far away, Cado had been quietly watching the battle.
"Tsk tsk, Trunks really doesn't hold back..."
"But I like that."
Cado chuckled, his eyes full of approval as he watched Trunks.
If he had to pick his favorite Dragon Ball character, Trunks would definitely be the one.
The reason was simple — he liked Trunks' decisiveness and refusal to act recklessly.
Goku was too kind and often clueless.
Vegeta was too arrogant and prideful.
If not for their plot armor, those two would've died a thousand deaths by now — and the story would've ended long ago.
-----
Meanwhile, back on the battlefield...
Cell was drenched in cold sweat, panting heavily.
"Trunks! I've never harmed you! I haven't done anything evil yet! Why are you trying to kill me?!"
Cell had no choice but to shout in protest.
He knew Trunks had half Earthling blood, and Earthlings were inherently kind.
Maybe, just maybe, he could reason his way out of this.
"Heh, haven't done anything evil?"
"If I wait until you do, it'll be too late."
"That's why I have no choice but to ask you to die before that happens."
Trunks' voice was icy cold.
He had suffered enough under the old world.
He didn't believe for a second that Dr. Gero created a monster like this to "bless humanity."
Cado heard Trunks' reply and nodded in satisfaction.
He had chosen not to interfere with Cell — he wanted to see how Trunks would handle it.
And Trunks didn't disappoint.
No wonder he was Cado's favorite.
And also... that damn system hadn't triggered a mission, so Cado figured he might as well sit back and enjoy the show.
"Dammit... Am I really finished?!"
Cell gritted his teeth, trembling.
His dream of conquering Earth and the universe had only just begun.
He wasn't willing to die like this!
"Cell, accept your fate. If you want to blame someone, blame the one who created you — Dr. Gero."
Trunks' gaze was like cold steel.
At the same time, he raised his sword, gathering all his energy.
He planned to finish Cell in one final blow.
Feeling the chilling pressure from Trunks, Cell couldn't stop himself from shaking.
He could sense it too — if he took that next hit, he would die for sure.
Suddenly, Cell's eyes flickered.
He remembered there was another person here — a young man.
Glancing sideways, Cell spotted Cado.
The boy's appearance wasn't familiar.
His energy felt weak, just like a normal Earthling fighter.
'Trunks is traveling with this guy, so they must be good friends...'
"If that's the case..."
A sinister plan began forming in Cell's mind.
"Cell! Die!"
Trunks roared, launching himself forward, sword gleaming as it aimed straight for Cell's neck.
Seeing Trunks coming, Cell panicked.
He mustered every ounce of his strength and, throwing caution to the wind, bolted toward Cado.
Whoosh!
Though Cell moved quickly, Trunks still managed to slash off his tail.
The severed appendage twitched twice on the ground before falling still.
Trunks frowned — his attack had missed its mark.
When he saw Cell charging toward Cado, he froze in shock:
"What the hell... what's he trying to do?!"
In the blink of an eye, Cell had circled behind Cado.
His sharp claw hovered right above Cado's head, poised to strike at any moment.
"Trunks, if you don't want him to die, back off and let me go!"
"I swear, I won't lay a finger on him otherwise!"
A smug grin spread across Cell's face.
In his mind, he was already planning his escape.
Once he was free, he would hide and bide his time — and one day, return to take revenge!
But Trunks... looked at him like he was an idiot.
He seriously thought he could take Cado hostage?
Was his brain made of pudding?
Cado, although seemingly held hostage, was completely calm.
In fact, he was trying hard not to laugh.
"So that's why he was eyeing me earlier..." Cado thought.
"Well, fine. Since you insist, I guess I'll personally send you off. After all, no point letting you walk this world in vain."