SSJ2 Gohan's initial speed in the anime

[Fantastische Hure]

Is that only slightly higher than "full speed" Cell? I mean when he defeated the Cell Jr.s.

Vegeta says he's fast, first. Trunks then says that his speed is incredible, is on-par with Cell, no maybe even greater or something like that.

The above doesn't seem to imply a big difference. Cell obviously did get speed-blitzed when he tried to do something after Gohan took the Senzu-Beans but that could be attributed to the initial surprise (or not?).

Second, after Cell seemingly has calmed-down, Gohan fights one or two of the Cell Jr.s. Gohan then is behind them but they don't notice until a bit late, Cell however nonchantally seems to be able to track his movements as he knows exactly where he is before they even know and IIRC even shows Cell kind-of moving his eyes as if to say he can see.

Third, Cell after powering-up to full power has speed that surprised Vegeta.

Maybe Gohan did increase his speed later when he fought Cell in the pre full-power filler.

 

[Captain Cadaver]

What you said makes sense to both continuities, considering even in the manga Cell was still confident after viewing Gohan's movements when he decimated the Cell Juniors. Makes sense that he only started showing his true speed when the actual fight started.

 

[Fantastische Hure]

Not only that but if going by the anime, it might also make sense why Cell didn't immediately go full-power.

 

[Fantastische Hure]

Also I looked yesterday and Cell and Gohan fought pre Cell going full power and Cell was sort-of able to keep-up with non-serious Gohan, managing to dodge attacks.