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Deep within the Pilaf Gang's hideout, a heavy silence fell as Pilaf and Shu stared at Mai with bewildered expressions. At this stage of their timeline, the trio had yet to be reverted to childhood by a careless wish; they stood in their adult forms, grappling with a surreal revelation.
The future version of Mai was actually romantically involved with Bulma's son? To them, it felt like the ultimate "older woman" pursuit. They couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of admiration for her future self's boldness.
Mai, however, was reeling. After decades of being single, the idea that her soulmate was a boy who hadn't even been born yet was staggering.
"But Mai, think about it!" Pilaf exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with greed. "Trunks is the heir to the Capsule Corporation, the son of the richest woman on Earth. If you become Bulma's daughter-in-law, our days of worrying about food and supplies are over! We'll be living the high life on your coattails!"
Shu nodded eagerly. Having witnessed the terrifying power displayed in the dimensional videos, the dream of world domination had lost its luster. What was the point of ruling a planet that monsters like Majin Buu or Beerus could erase with a flick of a finger? Seeking asylum in the orbit of Son Goku and the Z Fighters seemed like the only logical path to survival.
However, a logistical problem remained. For Mai and Trunks to ever work, they would eventually need to use the Dragon Balls to become children again. Furthermore, now that the brilliant Bulma was aware of this future, would she even allow the union to happen?
The dimensional chat interface flickered with rapid-fire messages as the Z Fighters weighed in.
Krillin: "@Bulma, honestly, I think Mai is a great choice. She was willing to sacrifice her life against that 'Black Goku' just to give Trunks a chance to escape. That's real devotion."
Yamcha: "Exactly. Even if her chronological age is high, she was physically reverted to a child. In the future, her body and Trunks' are actually the same age. It's not as weird as it sounds!"
Tien Shinhan: "I agree. Her character is solid, and she clearly balances Trunks well. They're a good match."
Even Vegeta, watching from the sidelines, felt a rare sense of approval. A woman willing to stare death in the face for his son? She had the spirit of a Saiyan wife. He remained silent only because he and Bulma were still practically strangers in this current time. Bulma herself said nothing, deep in thought as she processed the idea of a future daughter-in-law who was technically her own contemporary.
The video continued, shifting focus to the present timeline. Son Goku and Vegeta had been alerted to the arrival of a mysterious Time Machine. Inside, they found a battered Future Trunks, unconscious and clinging to life.
Vegeta barked an order at young Trunks, demanding he flare his Ki to its absolute limit. High above at Beerus's planet, Goku locked onto the familiar signature and triggered Instant Transmission, vanishing in a blur and reappearing on Earth. Lord Beerus and Whis followed close behind, driven by a mix of divine curiosity and the promise of Earth's gourmet cuisine.
Goku didn't waste a second, racing to Korin Tower to retrieve a Senzu Bean. As the magical bean took effect, Future Trunks' eyes snapped open. The first face he saw was the spitting image of the man who had laid waste to his world. Overcome by trauma and rage, Trunks lunged, throwing a desperate punch that Goku caught with effortless precision.
"Whoa, Trunks! It's me!" Goku said, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Trunks hissed through gritted teeth, declaring his intent to kill the man before him, until a sharp slap from Bulma brought him back to reality. Sobbing, he threw his arms around her, crying out "Mom." The sight left young Trunks in a state of existential crisisâwas he not an only child? After a quick explanation from Bulma, the truth settled in: the stranger was his own future self.
Vegeta stepped forward, his voice stern. "Tell us. What happened in your time?"
Future Trunks recounted the horror: a man looking exactly like Goku had appeared, a monster his mother had dubbed Goku Black. Initially, Trunks could hold his own, but the villain possessed a terrifying ability to grow stronger through combat. Eventually, the power gap became insurmountable.
As they spoke, the scene shifted back to the desolate future. Goku Black stood at the site of Trunks' departure. Raising his hand, the Time Ring on his finger pulsed with an ominous violet light, tearing a rift through the fabric of space-time. With a cold smirk, the usurper stepped through the tunnel and emerged in the past, hovering over the gathered heroes.
Beerus: "The Time Ring... that is a sacred relic reserved strictly for a Supreme Kai."
Beerus: "Even if Zamasu stole Son Goku's body, he is merely an Apprentice. He shouldn't be able to trigger that ring unless something happened to his master."
Champa: "@Rumsshi, how long until that brat Zamasu in your Universe 10 is supposed to be promoted?"
Rumsshi: "Under normal circumstances? Not until Gowasu retires, which is centuries, if not millennia, away."
Vermoud: "The math is simple then. The future shown isn't that far offâBulma is still alive, after all. If Zamasu is wearing the ring, it means Gowasu is out of the picture."
Beerus: "That fool. He's signed his own death warrant."
In the Universe 10 Kaioshin Realm, the air turned frigid. Gowasu turned to his apprentice, his face pale with disbelief and heartbreak. The implication was clear: to take the ring, Zamasu had to have murdered his own mentor.
"Lord Gowasu, wait! This 'Goku Black' might not be me!" Zamasu stammered, his mind racing. He knew that while he might match Gowasu in raw strength, the senior Supreme Kai possessed divine sealing arts that could end him instantly.
Rumsshi: "@Gowasu, don't listen to his lies! Subdue Zamasu immediately before he acts!"
The God of Destruction's roar echoed through the chat, his fury as hot as a Supernova.