In the middle of Trunks trying to process Ken's disappearance, Goku used Instant Transmission and popped in beside Gohan in a blink.
Trunks froze again.
What…?
Goku is here?
Wasn't he supposed to arrive in three hours?
Everyone stood there for a moment, stunned.
"Goku!" Krillin shouted.
"Dad!" Gohan rushed in and hugged him.
"Hey, everyone! I'm back!" Goku grinned and waved.
As he spoke, his eyes landed on Trunks.
"Huh? Who're you?" Goku asked, clearly not recognising him.
"You don't know him?" Piccolo asked.
"Nope," Goku said, shaking his head.
"But he knew you'd show up here," Krillin said.
"That's not what he said," Piccolo corrected. "He said Goku would show up in three hours."
Trunks went quiet.
This isn't how it's supposed to go.
Did me showing up change history?
"And you got here so fast…" Trunks muttered, staring at Goku.
"Oh, that's because I sensed Gohan's ki," Goku said simply.
"Sensed his ki…? Goku, what are you talking about?" Krillin asked, lost.
"I'll explain later." Goku waved it off and looked back at Trunks. "So you're the one who beat Frieza? That was awesome."
"He did," Piccolo said. "And he transformed into a Super Saiyan—just like you."
Goku blinked, then stared at Trunks like he was seeing something impossible.
"You're amazing," Goku said after a beat. "I didn't expect someone your age to pull off Super Saiyan."
"Ken said he's Vegeta's son," Piccolo added.
Trunks' shoulders tightened.
So it's already out.
"Wait—where's Ken?" Goku asked, finally noticing he wasn't there.
"He had something come up and left Earth," Krillin said.
Goku's eyes widened. "Hold on—Ken said he's Vegeta's son?" He looked from Trunks to Vegeta.
Vegeta's jaw clenched.
"What are you looking at?"
"He really does look like you," Goku said, laughing.
"I don't have a son," Vegeta snapped.
"If Ken said it, there's got to be something to it." Goku scratched his head. "Still… I didn't think your son would already be this big."
Vegeta went stiff with irritation.
Trunks exhaled through his nose, saying nothing.
"Goku-san… I need to talk to you. Just a moment," Trunks said, after hesitating.
"Still keeping secrets?" Yamcha joked.
"Give us a second." Goku waved to the others.
Trunks led Goku far away—more than a kilometre—then stopped.
"We can talk here," Trunks said.
"I should thank you," Goku said, smiling. "Thanks for beating Frieza for me. I should've finished him on Namek."
"You were supposed to beat Frieza's group," Trunks said. "But the timing went wrong, so I had to step in."
"Frieza's ship is faster than mine," Goku said. "I could tell he had zero remorse, and I was about to deal with him. Then you appeared."
"From what I know, you weren't supposed to return for another three hours," Trunks said, forcing a smile. "If you arrived that late, everything would've been over. How did you get here instantly?"
"That's Instant Transmission," Goku said. "Some friends on Planet Yardrat taught me. They don't have much power, but they've got all kinds of techniques."
"So that's what it is…" Trunks nodded slowly. "I changed history without meaning to. I wanted to meet you alone, but I ran into everyone… and Ken—he knows things he shouldn't. My identity too. I don't know how."
"That's normal," Goku said with a laugh. "Ken's an incredible god."
"A god like Kami?" Trunks asked.
"Way beyond Kami," Goku said, then tilted his head. "So… you really are Vegeta's son?"
Trunks paused, then nodded.
"Yes."
Goku made a face like everything finally clicked.
"I want to ask you something," Trunks said, switching topics. "Can you turn Super Saiyan whenever you want?"
"At first it was tough," Goku said. "But once you transform a few times, it's fine."
"Transform… back to normal?" Trunks asked.
"No, switch to Super Saiyan God," Goku said.
Trunks went completely still.
"Super Saiyan God…?" Trunks repeated. "What's that?"
"A transformation stronger than Super Saiyan," Goku said.
Trunks stared, stunned, like the words didn't fit in his head.
"There's something beyond Super Saiyan?" he said at last.
Goku nodded.
"Can I see it?" Trunks asked, unable to hide his excitement.
"Sure," Goku said easily.
He drew in a deep breath, his focus sharpening.
In an instant, his normal ki vanished, replaced by something else.
"I can't sense his ki…" Trunks whispered. "It's gone."
A flame-like aura rose around Goku, and his hair turned crimson.
Super Saiyan God.
Back with the others, everyone saw it and froze.
"Goku—what is that?" Bulma asked.
"Dad's Super Saiyan God," Gohan said.
"Super Saiyan God?" Tien echoed, stunned. "How is that connected to Super Saiyan?"
"Red hair… and he looks slimmer," Yamcha muttered.
"Godly power," Piccolo said, eyes narrowed. "This is on a different level."
Vegeta's whole body shook.
Kakarot…
And I still can't even go Super Saiyan.
He's pulled away so far it hurts.
"This is the Super Saiyan God," Goku said, smiling at Trunks.
"Red hair… no ki at all…" Trunks said, voice low. "It's nothing like Super Saiyan. But is it really stronger?"
"Way stronger," Goku said, nodding.
"Can I try something?" Trunks asked.
"Try what?" Goku said, confused.
Trunks answered by flaring golden light and transforming into a Super Saiyan.
Goku watched for a moment, thoughtful.
Yeah. That's Vegeta's kid.
"I… apologise," Trunks said, voice serious.
"Huh?" Goku blinked.
Trunks drew his sword and swung it down at Goku's head.
Goku didn't move.
Trunks stopped the blade just above Goku's forehead and stared at him, speechless.
"Why didn't you dodge?" Trunks demanded.
"You didn't have killing intent," Goku said calmly. "I knew you'd stop."
"Then… can I not stop next time?" Trunks asked.
"Sure," Goku said, and turned around, presenting his back.
Trunks' eyes widened.
"Why are you turning your back on me?"
"Attack however you want," Goku said, glancing over his shoulder with an easy grin. "I won't even look."
"…Alright." Trunks tightened his grip. "Then I won't hold back."
He swung again and again.
Goku dodged every slash without looking, slipping past the blade as if he already knew where it would be.
Trunks attacked for a long time and never landed a hit. He stopped, breathing hard, equal parts shocked and thrilled.
So this is Goku-san level…
"That's enough," Trunks said. He tossed the sword behind him.
The blade slid cleanly into its sheath.
Trunks powered down and let out a quiet laugh. "I've heard stories about you, but… you're even more incredible in person. And Super Saiyan God—this is the first time I've ever seen anything like it. Honestly, I'm starting to think I came to the wrong time."
"The wrong time?" Goku asked.
"Like Ken said, I came from the future—twenty years from now," Trunks said. "I arrived in a time machine."
"The future?" Goku blurted. "Twenty years?"
"I won't be born until two and a half years from now," Trunks added, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh… that makes sense," Goku said, finally understanding. "I kept thinking there's no way Vegeta could have a son this big."
"I didn't come here just to explain that," Trunks said, his tone turning heavy. "I came because I have to warn you."
Goku's smile faded. "About what?"
"Three years from now—May 12th, around 10 a.m.—two terrifying villains will appear on a small island nine kilometres from South City," Trunks said. "They're monsters this era can't even imagine."
"Aliens?" Goku asked.
"No," Trunks said. "Androids—like robots. They were created by Dr. Gero of the Red Ribbon Army."
"The Red Ribbon Army…?" Goku frowned, trying to place it.
"You destroyed them long ago, but Dr. Gero survived," Trunks said. "He kept researching."
"So what—are they trying to take over the world?" Goku asked.
"I don't know. Maybe." Trunks nodded. "But they're pure evil. They even killed Dr. Gero—their own creator. They kill and destroy for fun."
"If they didn't kill people, maybe Ken could train them into Gods of Destruction," Goku muttered, thinking.
"Gods of Destruction?" Trunks asked, confused.
"Never mind. Keep going," Goku said, waving it off.
"There are two of them," Trunks said. "And with my strength, I can't beat either one in a one-on-one fight."
"So… where are the others?" Goku asked.
"In my era, I'm the only warrior left." Trunks said, voice dropping.
Goku's eyes widened.
"In the battle three years from now, my Father, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, Chiaotzu, and Piccolo all die," Trunks said, grief pressing into every word. "Even Gohan… the one who taught me… died four years before my time. And once Piccolo dies, the Dragon Balls are gone. No one can be revived. The Androids keep killing until the future turns into Hell. They're too strong. They're unbelievably strong."
Goku swallowed, then asked, "What about Ken? What about Broly?"
"I've never heard of either of them," Trunks said, shaking his head.
Goku stared. "Never heard of them…? What does that mean?"
"In my time, nobody ever talked about them," Trunks said carefully. "This is my first time meeting Ken. And Broly… who is he?"
"Broly is the Legendary Super Saiyan," Goku said. "He's incredibly strong."
"Legendary Super Saiyan?" Trunks blinked. "Then my transformation—wasn't that the Legendary one?"
"No, it's different," Goku said, shaking his head.
Trunks frowned, still not understanding, but he pushed on.
"And me?" Goku asked. "Do I die too?"
"You don't fight," Trunks said. "Not long from now, you'll catch a serious illness… and then you'll die."
Goku went still.
"It's a heart virus," Trunks said. "In this era, it's incurable."
"Senzu Beans won't fix it?" Goku asked. "What about Shenron—can't he cure me?"
"The illness hits fast," Trunks said. "You probably died before anyone could even gather the Dragon Balls. I don't know if a wish would've worked."
Goku fell quiet, then sighed.
"So I'm going to die…" he said, disappointed rather than afraid. "That's a shame. I won't get to fight them. I wonder if Ken could cure it… but Ken's gone, and who knows when he'll be back."
"You'd regret not fighting?" Trunks asked, baffled. "You're not scared?"
"They do sound terrifying," Goku admitted. "But I think Super Saiyan God can handle them."
Trunks let out a small breath, then nodded.
"That's exactly what Gohan-san and Bulma-san said about you," Trunks said. "You're the real deal. And I came at the right time." His voice sharpened. "Goku-san… if you're confident you can beat them, will you come to my future and help me destroy them? If we fight together, we might be able to end it."
He pulled out a small medicine bottle.
"This is the cure for the heart virus," Trunks said, handing it over. "When symptoms appear, take it immediately. What's incurable now has a cure twenty years from now. By our timeline, you won't get sick for another six months, so you don't need it yet. Just keep it safe."
Goku's eyes lit up. "Really? That's great! Thank you!" He pocketed it, then nodded. "I'll go with you and beat the Androids."
Then he scratched his cheek. "But I haven't been home in a long time. Chi-Chi's going to be furious. Can we leave in a couple days?"
"Of course," Trunks said at once. "Time travel changes history… but changing a future like mine is a good thing. I asked Bulma-san for help too. She worked incredibly hard to complete the Time Machine."
"So are you still hiding who you are from everyone?" Goku asked.
"I'm worried it'll make my parents awkward," Trunks said, wiping sweat. "If I say it out loud, what if they don't end up together? Then I might not exist. I just didn't expect Ken would already know."
"Vegeta, awkward?" Goku laughed. "I don't think you need to worry."
Trunks' eyelid twitched.
Easy for you to say.
"I think we should tell everyone," Goku said, looking conflicted. "If we don't, how do we explain me going to the future with you?"
Trunks hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. I'll follow your lead."
Then his tone turned serious again. "But the Time Machine needs a long time to recharge for a return trip. If you want to come back to this era… it might take at least three years."
"Three years?" Goku blurted. "That long?"
"If you're still willing… would you still come help me?" Trunks asked, embarrassed.
"I promised," Goku said, firm. "So I'm going."
"Thank you," Trunks said quickly, bowing. "Thank you so much."
They returned to the others, and Goku explained everything—Trunks' identity included.
When Vegeta heard Trunks was his future son, something in him snapped.
So you come from the future…
and instead of finding your own father, you run straight to Kakarot?
Do you have any idea who I hate most?
You could've gone to Ken.
…Right. Your era doesn't even have Ken.
But you still don't go to Kakarot.
"Father… I'm truly sorry. I shouldn't have hidden it," Trunks said, bowing.
"Get lost," Vegeta said, voice sharp. "You're not my son."
Trunks froze.
"Huh?" Goku blinked. "Vegeta, if he's not your son, whose kid is he? Broly's?"
Vegeta shook with rage. For a split second, golden light almost sparked off him.
"Vegeta! You were so close!" Goku yelled, thrilled. "You almost turned Super Saiyan!"
Vegeta's eye twitched.
If you hadn't said that, I would've done it.
Damn you, Kakarot.
But the rage didn't erase the feeling he'd just touched.
That was it.
That was the edge of it.
I really can do it.
"Looks like we're relying on Goku again," Krillin said, exhaling. "We probably shouldn't go this time."
"There's no way the Time Machine fits all of us," Yamcha agreed.
"If Goku is going to the future with Trunks, we need a plan on our side too," Piccolo said, voice low. "Three years from now, those Androids will still appear here."
"If everything goes smoothly, we'll return as soon as we can," Trunks said. "We should be back about a month before the Androids are activated."
"That's a relief," Krillin said.
"Then we train hard for the next three years," Piccolo said.
Everyone nodded, the mood turning heavy.
It was decided.
In two days, Goku would go with Trunks to the future and help him destroy the Androids.
Vegeta didn't like it, but there wasn't another option.
He still couldn't transform.
And if he botched that destruction technique, they'd be finished.
"Kakarot," Vegeta said through clenched teeth, unable to hold back his curiosity, "when Ken took you to Planet Yardrat… what did you learn?"
"Yeah, Goku," Krillin said, leaning forward. "You appeared in an instant. What was that technique?"
"I didn't have time," Goku said with a sigh. "I only learned one technique, and it took everything I had. It's called Instant Transmission."
"Instant Transmission…?" Krillin and the others repeated, stunned.
"That thing you just did—that was Instant Transmission?" Tien asked.
"Yep." Goku nodded. "It doesn't lock onto a place. You have to think of a person and lock onto their ki. You can't go somewhere if the person you're targeting isn't there. I'll show you again… where should I go?"
Goku thought for a moment, then vanished.
Before anyone could react, he popped back in.
Vegeta turned away, swallowing his frustration.
Ken… why didn't you take me to Yardrat too?
"Look." Goku held up a pair of sunglasses.
"Those are Master Roshi's!" Krillin blurted.
"Kame House is at least ten thousand kilometres from here," Yamcha said, stunned. "That's ridiculous."
"Pretty handy, right?" Goku grinned and handed them to Krillin. "Krillin, return them to Master Roshi later."
"Got it," Krillin said, nodding.
"Alright." Tien looked at Trunks. "So where and when do we meet in three years?"
"May 12th, three years from now, around 10 a.m., on an island nine kilometres southwest of South City," Trunks answered. "That's where the Androids will appear."
"We get there an hour early," Piccolo said. "9 a.m." His tone hardened. "And we plan for the possibility that Ken and Goku won't be there. If you don't have confidence, don't come, you'll die."
[End of chapter]
[100 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
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