The late morning sun cast golden rays over Capsule Corporation, its reflective dome shining like a beacon of peace and progress. Birds chirped in the distance. The skies were calm. But suddenly—
BOOM!
A massive gust of wind burst across the countryside. An unfamiliar spacecraft cut through the sky and landed in the plains outside West City.
From inside, a lone figure emerged.
He was young—a young man in his late teenage years. Dressed in a Capsule Corp jacket, black tank top, and carrying a large sword strapped to his back, the mysterious warrior walked calmly toward the city. His lavender hair waved slightly in the breeze.
At that very moment, the Z Fighters were gathered at Capsule Corp, helping Bulma test a new Ki-detection scanner. Goku, ever relaxed, leaned against the wall, watching Vegeta bicker with Yamcha about gravity training.
Suddenly, they all felt it. A Ki signature, strong and pure, heading their way fast.
Piccolo (alert): "That power... it isn't hostile, but it's strong."
Gohan (curious): "It feels... familiar?"
Goku (smiling faintly): "He's finally here."
The young man arrived at the gates. Bulma blinked as she saw him.
Bulma: "Hmm... He looks familiar. Have we met befo-"
Before she could finish, the youth bowed respectfully.
???: "I need to speak with Son Goku. Alone."
[Outskirts - Nearby Rock Formation]
Goku and the youth stood atop a small plateau, the wind whistling softly between them.
Goku (grinning): "So what do we do now?"
Trunks (Stoically): "I came from the future"
Goku already knew about Trunks and the Future timeline but he let the Teen explain everything first, looking as calm as ever he nodded at Trunks to continue.
Trunks looked genuinely surprised at how calm Goku was. He slowly unsheathed his sword and drove it into the ground.
Trunks: "My name is Trunks. I'm... from about twenty years in the future. A future that's been devastated by war. Not with aliens. But with machines. Androids."
He explained everything.
The Z fighters, his origin, his Mom and his Father. His Master.
The Red Ribbon Army, long thought destroyed by Goku in his youth, was not entirely gone. One of its surviving scientists, Dr. Gero, had escaped and spent years building deadly Androids to exact revenge.
Trunks: "They appear three years from now. Two of them. Android 17 and 18. They're monsters. They killed everyone. Tien, Yamcha, Piccolo, even my master Gohan..."
Goku looked down, frowning. Despite already knowing, hearing the tale firsthand still struck a chord.
Trunks (continued): "You... you didn't get to fight. You died. Not in battle. From a heart virus. It caught us all off guard. If only we had more time."
Goku (Feigning ignorance): "Really!? oh man what a shame. I never got to fight such strong opponents"
God Ki isn't just strong—it makes your body... different. Mortal diseases can't touch you anymore thought Goku
Trunks (smilling): "Don't worry. We already created a cure from the future. You can take it and you'll be alright."
Goku (raising a finger): "Gee, Thanks Trunks!"
He looked over his shoulder, where the others waited below. His eyes paused on Vegeta.
Trunks (quietly): "I haven't told him yet. About me. About Mom. I will... after he's ready."
Goku smiled knowingly.
Goku: "Take your time. Some stories are best saved for the right moment."
The tension was thick in the air following the serious conversation with Trunks. Goku had called the group together near a grassy plateau just outside Capsule Corp to summarize the situation for everyone.
Goku (serious tone): "So... here's the deal. Three years from now, Androids from the Red Ribbon Army show up. They're nothing like what we fought before. Strong, relentless... and dangerous."
Gasps and clenched fists followed. Krillin looked sick.
Krillin: "Seriously? Red Ribbon again? I thought we crushed them years ago."
Trunks: "You did... but some scientist named Dr. Gero survived."
Tien (focused): "Then we prepare. We train."
Piccolo (arms crossed): "And if these androids are anything like what Trunks described... we can't afford to hold back."
Goku gave a slow nod. "Exactly."
Trunks, standing quietly beside them, hesitated before turning to Goku.
Trunks: "Before I go... could I spar with you, Goku? I want to see how far I still have to go."
Goku (smiling): "I'd like that."
But before Goku could raise a hand, a familiar voice cut through the clearing.
Vegeta (stepping forward): "Not so fast. If anyone is fighting this boy... it's me."
Trunks blinked, nervous. "Uh... okay."
Without another word, Vegeta's body ignited in a golden flare. Lightning crackled, and his hair spiked into gold. Vegeta had transformed into a Super Saiyan.
Gasps echoed again.
Yamcha: "What the hell?!"
Bulma (eyes wide): "Vegeta... you actually did it."
Raditz (watching, stunned): "Unreal... he finally reached it."
Nappa (clenching fists): "That... that's the power of a Super Saiyan?!"
The air trembled as Trunks responded in kind. Golden light surged from his frame as he transformed.
Master Roshi: "So the Kid was also a Saiyan."
Krillin: What the hell another Super Saiyan!?
Tien: "It's like a Super Saiyan bargain sale!"
Vegeta was not amused.
They launched at each other, a thunderous clap echoing from their collision. Blow after blow was exchanged mid-air, their movements near-imperceptible to even the trained eyes of the Z Fighters. Sparks erupted each time their fists met.
Vegeta (taunting): "Is that all you've got? You should've stayed in your timeline, boy."
Trunks (panting): "I didn't think you'd be this powerful here..."
Raditz (gritting teeth): "He's leaving Trunks behind... I need to catch up."
Nappa (determined): "No more waiting around. I'm training starting tomorrow. That power... it WILL be mine."
The battle escalated. Trunks attempted to strike from above, sword flashing, but Vegeta caught the blade with his bare hand and tossed it aside.
Vegeta: "Weapons are for the weak. THIS is a Saiyan's strength!"
He rammed his knee into Trunks' stomach, knocking the wind out of him. With a spinning kick, he sent Trunks crashing into the grass below. Dust rose.
Vegeta hovered above him, arms crossed.
Vegeta: "You talk of doom and despair... but here, we change our fate. I will surpass even Kakarot. Mark my words."
Trunks groaned, but smiled.
Trunks (thinking): "My father... so different. So strong. Maybe... my future has hope too."
The others landed around them, stunned by the sheer difference in power.
Goku (grinning): "Looks like we all got some serious training ahead."