The battlefield was silent. Only the broken earth and faint smoke from Cooler's ashes lingered in the air. Goku stood, breathing heavily, his Super Saiyan 2 aura finally settling down into nothing. Rudra clutched his stomach, still recovering from Cooler's devastating blows.
And the mysterious warrior—the boy who had slain Golden Cooler with a single devastating display of power—walked calmly toward them. His boots crunched over shattered stone. His lavender hair swayed with the wind, and the long sword across his back gleamed faintly.
Without a word, he reached into a small pouch at his belt. He pulled out two familiar green beans.
"Senzu beans!" Goku gasped, eyes widening. His exhaustion almost vanished at the sight alone.
The boy knelt beside him and held one out. "Take it."
Goku blinked, then grinned sheepishly. "Wow! Thanks a ton! You don't know how badly I needed this." He popped the bean into his mouth, and instantly his energy returned in a surge. His bruises healed, his cuts vanished, and his body felt light again. He flexed his fist, smiling wide. "Incredible! I feel good as new!"
But then his brow furrowed. He looked at the stranger curiously. "Hey… wait a sec. Who are you? I never heard of another Saiyan out there!"
The youth didn't answer. His expression remained calm, unreadable. Instead, he turned from Goku and walked toward Rudra, who was still lying on the cracked ground, barely conscious.
The boy crouched down, offering the second bean with a small smile. "Here. You'll need this more than anyone."
Rudra looked up into his face, his own eyes narrowing slightly. Deep inside, recognition sparked—but he forced it down, masking it with feigned confusion. He took the bean and chewed slowly, his injuries closing up as power flowed back into him. He exhaled sharply and pushed himself to his feet.
"…Thanks," Rudra said quietly.
The boy gave a small nod, then finally spoke, his tone steady. "We need to restore Earth first. After that… I'll explain everything."
Goku perked up at the mention of Earth. "Ahh, okay! That makes sense! But…" He scratched the back of his head, curiosity bubbling again. "Tell me this. Even with my two Super Saiyan transformations, I couldn't handle Cooler's golden form. He was tossing me around like nothing. But you…" He pointed at the stranger with wide eyes. "You just showed up and killed him effortlessly! How?"
For the first time, the boy smirked faintly. "Because, Goku… you've only just unlocked Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan 2. You haven't mastered their full potential yet. You're still only scratching the surface of their power. That's why."
Goku blinked, stunned. Then a grin stretched across his face. "Ohhh! I see! So that means I can still get way stronger! Hah, I knew it!"
Rudra coughed lightly, regaining balance. "Goku… are you feeling better now?"
"Yeah!" Goku beamed, his energy back at full. "I'm more than okay! Thanks to him." He turned and gestured toward the boy. "Hey, you, what's your name?"
The youth straightened, pausing a moment. Then he answered simply, "You can call me Trunks."
"Trunks, huh?" Goku repeated, tasting the name on his tongue. "That's a cool name! But wait—how do you know mine?"
Trunks' smirk deepened just a little. "I'll tell you everything… back on Earth."
Goku tilted his head, puzzled, but didn't press further. His grin returned almost immediately. "Alright then! Fair enough!"
Rudra stepped closer, his tone practical. "Then let's not waste time. Cooler's gone. It's time we summon the dragon and restore everything that was lost."
Goku nodded, clenching his fists with excitement. "You're right! Let's do it!"
Trunks remained silent, following behind the two as they took to the skies. The three warriors flew over the scarred landscape of Namek, their auras glowing faintly as they headed toward Elder Guru's dwelling. The flight was calm, the wind cool, but an unspoken tension hung in the air.
Goku glanced back at Trunks occasionally, curiosity still gnawing at him. Another Saiyan… who fights like that… and knows my name? Just who is this guy?
Rudra, on the other hand, kept his gaze forward. His mind churned with thoughts he couldn't speak aloud.
(Future… He's not supposed to be here yet. But fate brought him into this battle. If Cooler fell to his blade, then perhaps destiny itself is shifting before my eyes.)
As they approached Guru's mountain, the peaceful aura of the elder's home contrasted with the chaos they had left behind. The grand Namekian elder awaited them inside, his massive frame breathing calmly despite his weakening life force. Nail, his faithful guardian, stood by his side, watching the trio approach.
"Warriors," Guru's deep voice rumbled as they entered. "I sensed the battle… and its end. Cooler's presence has vanished. The universe trembles at this shift."
Goku stepped forward, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Yeah, hehe, that was a tough fight. But we made it through!"
Trunks remained silent, bowing his head respectfully.
Rudra bowed slightly as well. "Elder Guru, the time has come. We must use the Dragon Balls to restore Earth. Too much has been lost already."
Guru closed his eyes, his massive hand lifting. "Yes… Porunga shall hear your wishes."
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