Trunks lay on the ground, his chest heaving, sweat dripping from his face. His body still trembled from the shock of defeat. He couldn't believe it—he had just lost to a human. His pride as a Super Saiyan burned, and his mind kept repeating the same thought: How is this even possible?
Before Trunks could sink deeper into disbelief, Rudra stepped forward. Calm, steady, and completely composed, Rudra extended his hand toward the fallen warrior. His voice carried a calm but firm edge as he said,
"I've won the bet."
Trunks looked up at him, his pride clashing with his humility. Slowly, he reached up and grasped Rudra's hand, pulling himself back to his feet. His blue eyes locked on Rudra's as he muttered,
"Fine. But don't regret this later…"
Rudra smirked, his confidence unshaken. "Don't worry. I won't give you the chance to complain."
The two warriors exchanged a faint smile, one of respect born from battle.
From behind them, Goku's cheerful voice broke the tension. He had been watching with excitement the entire time, unable to hide his enthusiasm.
"Hey! Wow, that was an amazing fight! So listen… what if I also come with you guys?"
Trunks immediately shook his head, his expression serious. "I'm sorry, Goku. But you need to focus on your timeline. That's where your responsibility lies."
Goku's face fell slightly, but before he could reply, a smaller voice piped up beside him.
"Dad!"
It was Gohan, stepping closer, determination shining in his young eyes.
"I want to train with you too! I want to become a Super Saiyan just like you."
Goku blinked in surprise, staring at his son. "What? But… your mom will be furious! She'll never allow it."
But Gohan only smiled, his youthful energy lighting up his face. "Don't worry about Mom, Dad. My exams are already over, and now I have plenty of free time. Please… I don't want to be a burden on everyone. I want to be strong enough to stand and fight by your side!"
Hearing this, Goku's sternness melted. His son's resolve reminded him of his own spirit when he was younger. Slowly, a wide grin spread across his face.
"Alright, Gohan. If this is what you really want, then I'll train you. But you'd better be ready—it won't be easy."
"Yes, Dad!" Gohan's voice brimmed with excitement.
Meanwhile, Rudra turned back toward Trunks. His tone was analytical, almost like a teacher explaining his methods.
"Your speed was incredible, Trunks. That's why I had to outclass you in speed with my Instantaneous Technique."
Trunks' eyes widened as realization dawned. "Oh! So that's the same technique you used to teleport us instantly from Namek to Earth, right?"
Rudra chuckled. "Exactly. And with it, I can appear anywhere in an instant. In fact…" He folded his arms and smirked again. "I can be back at my house within seconds, grab the things I need, and return here before you even realize I'm gone. So, can you wait for me a moment?"
Trunks relaxed slightly and nodded. "Of course. I'll wait."
The golden light of the setting sun bathed the Lookout in warm hues, casting long shadows of the warriors gathered there. Kami and Mr. Popo watched silently, their expressions unreadable, while the Z Fighters stood in awe of everything that had unfolded.
Rudra took a single breath, closing his eyes. The air around him shimmered faintly as he prepared to vanish. Trunks, though tired, kept his eyes locked on him, still trying to process the sheer magnitude of Rudra's abilities.
For the first time since arriving in this timeline, Trunks felt a strange sense of relief. Though he carried the weight of his doomed future on his shoulders, seeing Goku, Rudra, and even young Gohan burning with determination sparked a flicker of hope.
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