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Because episode 25 is literally the continuation of the last scene in episode 24, there are a lot of scenes from 24 in this section as well as a recap of the two or so episodes prior to these events. This entire “two-part” scene is a  defining moment in the Saiya-jin Arc, due to its ability squeeze your heart into pulp.
A new battle for the fate of Earth is underway. The Saiya-jin, Vegeta and Nappa, have finally arrived and sent their pawns, the Saibaimen, forward onto the board. Tenshinhan easily defeats one of the six, but another resorts to self-destructing on Yamcha, killing them both. In a fit of rage, Kuririn proves just how much training he’s done over the past years, by killing the rest of the green creatures. With their toys destroyed, Vegeta and Nappa prepare themselves for battle. Nappa eagerly insists on going first and targets Tenshinhan as his first victim, knocking off Tenshinhan’s left arm from the elbow down in one sweep. Pain -stricken, Tenshinhan tries to launch a counterattack but is utterly outclassed.
Seeing his best friend so close to death, Chaozu sneaks up behind Nappa and clings onto his back. Nappa, who obviously has some flexibility issues, can’t get Chaozu off (good thing, too; because I don’t want to imagine what would happen if he could); so instead, he begins throwing himself backwards into the mountain sides. This brutal act unfolds much to Tenshinhan’s horror; worse than the pain in what’s left of his arm. His cries to get away become increasingly more frantic as, for the first time, Chaozu ignores his orders.
As Nappa prepares to impale Chaozu against some particularly sharp rocks, Chaozu thanks Tenshinhan for their time spent together. Around them, the sounds of battle have all but fallen silent while the two share their  last telepathic conversation. Chaozu repeats his good-bye over Tenshinhan’s pleas to stop; his resolve is to save his friend’s life. And then, Tenshinhan’s fears are realized as Chaozu releases all of his energy.
Things come full circle here, with Chaozu coming to Tenshinhan’s rescue. Isn’t this the same child whom Tenshinhan saves time and again? The role-reversal is bittersweet; their reliance on one another and the balance in their relationship is an important element. Normally, it’s very obvious that Chaozu is the one who relies on Tenshinhan for support and strength. But here, in this moment, the tables are turned: Tenshinhan is absolutely devastated at his loss.
The cloud of dust slowly dissipates to reveal Nappa, unscathed and as self-confident as ever. He mocks the foolish kid who threw away his life for no reason at all. Shaking with rage, Tenshinhan says that Chaozu can’t be wished back to life, having already died once before. What Nappa has done, is unforgivable. Tenshinhan launches another counterattack with the same results as the last attempt; although this time, his attacks aren’t just stemming from hard-edged anger. He’s mad, of course, but there’s also desperation and grief. He’s crying out with every single punch and kick he throws at Nappa. He’s totally spent,  emotionally and physically but he keeps on because he feels as if he’s failed to protect Chaozu.
Now, Tenshinhan says Chaozu’s name throughout the episode, a phenomenon that is associated with Chaozu, whose constant utterance of “Ten-san” is practically trademarked. It drives the point home very well indeed, doesn’t it?
Eventually, the energy Tenshinhan has put out attacking Nappa wears him down; and for a while, he lies on the ground as though dead. The only thing that causes him to stir is Chaozu’s voice, which real or imagined, tells Tenshinhan he’s sorry for not being able to take Nappa down. These words, and seeing (imagining?) Chaozu standing in front of him, seem to affect Tenshinhan the most. As his friend’s image fades, Tenshinhan reaches his hand out, curling it into a fist when he realizes Chaozu’s gone. He slowly gets to his feet, barely seeing the fight that is taking place before him, as he  reminisces about his time with Chaozu. The flashbacks end, and the scene where Chaozu thanked Tenshinhan plays again, only this time, he’s apologizing.
One last time, Tenshinhan says his friend’s name, in such an emotion-filled voice. (I love you, Mr. Suzuoki....) He can’t allow Chaozu to be lonely in death, when they shared so many happy times together in life. So he decides that this will be his last Kikoho, for his best friend’s sake and for the world at large.
The Saiya-jin Arc is one heck of a roller coaster, its twists and turns constantly threatening to keep the viewer on the cusp of tears (rather than on the verge of being sick). The themes of sacrifice and mortality are played out in a painfully honest way. But the rawness and human emotion is what I love about this Saga. I’ve always been a fan of how Tenshinhan and Chaozu's relationship is portrayed in the anime. It’s somehow more dynamic, more tangible, than it is in the manga. You literally feel the bond between them in these episodes; a perfect depiction of the love and symmetry.
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