diff --git a/mandel.s b/mandel.s
index 4444274..835a0c3 100644
--- a/mandel.s
+++ b/mandel.s
@@ -56,13 +56,6 @@ FRX = $ec
 
 zero: ; 18 cyc, 23 cyc
     lsr result + 3 ; 5 cyc
-    ror result + 2 ; 5 cyc
-    ror result + 1 ; 5 cyc
-    .if bitnum >= 8
-        ; we can save 5 cycles * 8 bits = 40 cycles total by skipping this byte
-        ; when it's all uninitialized data
-        ror result ; 5 cyc
-    .endif
     jmp next       ; 3 cyc
 
 one: ; 32 cyc, 37 cyc
@@ -75,6 +68,7 @@ one: ; 32 cyc, 37 cyc
     adc arg2 + 1   ; 3 cyc
     ror a          ; 2 cyc
     sta result + 3 ; 3 cyc
+next:
     ror result + 2 ; 5 cyc
     ror result + 1 ; 5 cyc
     .if bitnum >= 8
@@ -83,7 +77,6 @@ one: ; 32 cyc, 37 cyc
         ror result ; 5 cyc
     .endif
 
-next:
 
 .endmacro