On Earth, all that remained of civilization were silent ruins. Devastated buildings, cracked streets, and rubble covered everything as if the world itself had breathed its last. The sky was heavy with suffocating gray clouds, and the air hung thick with the stench of destruction.
Amidst this devastation, the sound of hurried footsteps pierced the silence. Future Trunks was running at full speed, his face grim, his breath ragged, a small capsule containing a glowing blue liquid clutched in his hand.
He entered one of the ruined buildings and leaped through a dark opening to the basement. There, in a primitive hideout surrounded by wires and scattered machinery, stood Bulma, her hair disheveled and her face showing signs of exhaustion. "Mom," Trunks panted. "I've got the fuel for the time machine."
Bulma didn't turn to look at him. She continued working rapidly on the control panel. "Good," she said firmly. "Hurry up. We need it to power the machine."
Trunks took a step forward, his voice filled with anxiety. "But… this is only enough for one trip."
Bulma paused, then smiled confidently despite her exhaustion. "Don't worry, Trunks. My version of the present will help us create more. Everything will be fine."
The two of them began preparing the time machine, the sounds of buttons and sparks filling the air. But before it was fully operational, Trunks suddenly froze. He felt that familiar sensation of malevolent energy approaching. He tightened his grip on his sword hilt and said in a low voice, "He's here…"
"Mother, prepare the machine and travel to the present," Trunks said, drawing his sword and turning toward the exit. "I'll operate it."
"No way!" Bulma cried out in anger and fear. "I won't leave you here!"
But Trunks had already begun to leave. "Just do as I say, Mother… and don't worry. I'll take care of it."
He emerged from his hiding place, the cold air swirling around him. He stood amidst the ruined buildings, sword in hand, and his voice boomed, "I know you're here… come out!"
From the shadows, a figure emerged, its body entirely draped in a dark cloak, its features obscured, a terrifying energy emanating from it. Trunks shot forward like lightning, unleashing a barrage of sword blows. But his opponent deflected each strike with ease, step by step, without flinching.
Suddenly, a powerful blow landed in Trunks's stomach. His body froze in agony, followed by a devastating kick that sent him flying through the air, shattering several buildings before crashing to the ground. He tried to rise, but his opponent was already there. In his hand, a blazing orb of energy lay aimed directly at Trunks.
Before he could release it, the figure fired a shot, which Trunks blocked with his hand, turning to see his attacker. Bulma stood behind him, clutching a simple weapon, her eyes blazing with rage. "Don't you dare touch a hair on my son's head!"
Ignoring Trunks, he charged at Bulma with frantic speed. "No!" Trunks yelled, scrambling to his feet.
But it was too late. The figure had Bulma in his arms. "You bastard!" Trunks cried bitterly. "Let go of my mother! I'm your enemy!"
He didn't reply. At that moment, Bulma pushed something small toward Trunks. It was a capsule. "Go, Trunks," she said, fighting back tears. "And don't worry about me."
"What are you saying?!" Trunks yelled. "How can I let you go?!"
"Just go!" Bulma screamed with all the strength she had left.
The next moment, the figure's hand pierced her chest. Right to her heart. Blood splattered, and time froze in Trunks's eyes. "Mother!!!"
His energy exploded. A scream of rage ripped through the sky, and he transformed into a Super Saiyan. He charged furiously, a barrage of punches shattering his opponent's defenses. He grabbed his opponent's arm and hurled him high into the air. Then he unleashed a Burning Attack, a massive explosion that filled the sky.
Trunks rushed back to Bulma, but she was already dead. He cradled her, tears streaming down his face. "I'm sorry… I couldn't protect you."
Then, his voice breaking, he whispered, "I swear I will avenge you."
He carried her to a remote location and buried her, concealing his power. But danger was closing in again. He released the capsule, threw it down, and a cloud of smoke erupted, revealing the Time Machine. He jumped inside and quickly activated it. He glanced to his side and saw the figure approaching. The figure noticed Trunks trying to escape and fired a burst of energy at him. The machine launched, disappearing before the energy blast could reach it.
In the present, on Beerus planet, Goku and Vegeta were training under Whis supervision, while Beerus ate pizza. Suddenly, Whis wand began to glow. "Hey, Whis, your wand is ringing!" Beerus said.
Whis gestured and stopped the training. The wand flew into his hand, and Whis activated it. Bulma image appeared. "Ms. Bulma, have you prepared a new dish for us?" Whis said.
Bulma replied, "I'm sorry, Mr. Whis, but I didn't call for that. I want to speak to Vegeta and Goku."
Whis called them over, and Bulma told them that Trunks had arrived. "Why is he here?" Goku asked.
Vegeta replied, "It seems something happened to him in the future."
Whis and Beerus were both surprised by Vegeta words. Bulma said, "No time to wonder. Come quickly!"
Goku raised his hand and placed his fingers on his forehead, extending his other hand to Vegeta so they could teleport. Vegeta ignored Goku hand and placed his own on Goku shoulder. Beerus said, "Since there's nothing for us to do here, let's go with them, Whis."
Whis agreed, and they both grabbed Goku. He activated his teleportation technique, and they traveled to Earth.