Trunks watched awkwardly from the side as the three elders chatted, a sense of restlessness swirling in his heart.
However, he was also curious about how Turles and the others had arrived in this timeline.
"We didn't come by Time Machine," Bulma said, beaming with pride. "My husband brought us here. Isn't he amazing?"
Both Trunks and Future Bulma froze in shock.
What? Traveling through time and space without a machine? Wasn't that a bit over the top?
"Then, the reason you've come here is...?"
"We came because there was something I forgot to tell Trunks," Turles spoke up. "Trunks."
"Yes, Master Turles? What is it that required you to make the trip in person?"
"You left in a hurry last time. I forgot to mention that there is another Android hiding in the shadows. This one is incredibly cunning. His name is Cell. He is a biological construct created from the fused cells of Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, and many other powerful warriors. While he isn't a threat to you currently, I'm worried he might harm Bulma. You understand what I mean, right?"
Cold sweat began to pour down Trunks' forehead. "I didn't realize there was another one... But now that I know, it'll be easy to handle. Master Turles, I will stay vigilant."
He paused, his expression hardening. "But first, Master Turles, I must go and deal with the Androids. They have terrorized the future for far too long!"
Bulma suddenly spoke up. "Husband, why don't you go with Trunks? I'll stay here and..."
Turles looked between the two Bulmas and nodded. "Fine. I understand."
"Trunks, let's go."
"Yes, Master Turles!"
As the two figures vanished, Bulma's gaze shifted toward her future self.
By the time Trunks and Turles located the Androids, the mechanical monsters were in the middle of slaughtering innocent civilians.
"Hahaha! Scream louder! 18, come look! Let's see who can kill more!"
The youth wearing a red scarf spoke cruelly to the blonde girl beside him.
"Hmph. 17, you really are bored. But I'm the one who's going to win!" 18 retorted.
Trunks gritted his teeth as he looked down at the hellish scene below. "Those damned demons!"
"Hmm? Two interesting toys have arrived," 17 looked up, smirking. "Trunks? You brought help? Is that Son Goku? No... hasn't he been dead for a long time?"
"Whatever. So what if he's back? We'll just kill him again!"
"Hmph. You loathsome Androids," Trunks said coldly. "This time, I've come to kill you!"
"Hahahaha! Don't make me laugh! You? Kill us?"
Ignoring 17's arrogant laughter, Trunks didn't say another word. He simply transformed into a Super Saiyan.
"Ha—!"
Golden light erupted instantly. A violent aura surged around his body, and the terrifying pressure sent the surrounding ruins flying.
As Trunks vanished from sight, 17's pupils shrank in terror. "What?!"
In the next heartbeat, Trunks appeared directly beside 17. He aimed his palm at the Android's head and unleashed a powerful Ki Blast.
BOOM!!
Android 17 was instantly reduced to ash.
Android 18 screamed in horror. "17!! You bastards! Trunks, I'll kill you!!"
She unleashed a barrage of Ki Blasts at Trunks, but he watched her with cold, indifferent eyes. He blurred forward, buried a fist deep into her stomach, and followed up with a kick that sent her hurtling into the sky.
"Die! Masenko!!"
"No—!!!"
Under 18's despairing gaze, the massive beam of energy slammed into her, detonating instantly and tearing her into fragments.
With both Androids dead, Trunks powered down to his base form. Turles watched him, nodding in satisfaction at his decisiveness.
After all, if you can one-shot someone, why waste time trading blows for half a day? There was always the risk of a mistake. Turles couldn't help but think of Son Goku—the man who would try to have a "good fight" with anyone, even if it was a low-level lackey.
"Alright, let's head back. You'll need to keep an eye out for Cell now. That guy actually has a brain."
"Understood, Mr. Turles."
When the two returned to Trunks' home, they found Future Bulma gently holding Bulla. Her eyes were filled with affection. After all, who wouldn't love such a cute little toddler? Especially since, biologically speaking, this was her own daughter.
Seeing them return, Bulma asked, "Is it settled?"
"Yeah, it's done. At his current level, the Androids are nothing more than toys to Trunks."
"Yes," Trunks added optimistically. "As long as I deal with that Android named Cell, this world can finally return to peace..."
Hearing Trunks' hopeful words, Turles shook his head. "No, Trunks. You must remember: even in times of peace, never stop training. You never know when the next enemy will suddenly appear. Peace, in the end, is something that must be protected with strength."
"If you are strong enough, you can kill any enemy the moment they show up. Only then will peace truly last."
Trunks bowed his head. "Master Turles, I understand!"
Bulma suddenly turned to her future self. "My future self, do you want us to help you revive Goku and the others in this timeline?"
"You mean the Dragon Balls?" Future Bulma sighed, a melancholy smile on her face. "No, let's not. They have been gone for a very, very long time. Even if Shenron has the power to bring them back, it feels like a lack of respect for the natural cycle of life..."
"This..."
Trunks lowered his head in disappointment. Turles and Bulma looked at the haggard woman in surprise; they hadn't expected her to oppose the idea.
"Bulma, Trunks... and Turles, right? You look so much like me. It's Goku!"
"Goku?"
Hearing the familiar voice echoing in their ears, everyone reacted differently.
"Actually, I've been watching over Earth from the Other World. Bulma is right. We've been dead a long time; there's no need to revive us. Besides, it feels like I was the one bringing unnecessary trouble to the world anyway..."
Goku's voice sounded cheerful yet grounded. "The only shame is Gohan. And Vegeta—that guy actually went and got himself reincarnated already. What a waste."
Then, Gohan's voice rang out as well. "Dad is right. We've been dead for years and have grown used to life in the Other World. Reviving us would lose the meaning of life. It's better to let those who are still living face a brighter future."
"Gohan-aniki!" Trunks cried out, tears streaming down his face at the sound of his mentor's voice.
After the group chatted for a while, Trunks finally let out a long breath and smiled with a sense of closure.
In the days that followed, Trunks threw himself into the post-disaster reconstruction. A Saiyan's strength and efficiency were worth more than ten thousand laborers combined.
Three months passed, and the preliminary reconstruction of the city was complete.
Looking at Turles and the younger Bulma, Future Bulma felt a flicker of envy in her eyes.
"No wonder my past self chose to be with you. You really are a kind person..."
Bulma couldn't help but huff playfully. "I still don't get how you could have liked that shorty Vegeta. He's so grumpy. He's leagues behind my Turles..."
Bulma's "critical hit" caused Future Bulma's face to stiffen. Was it her fault? Her timeline didn't have a Turles...