Trunks was slightly taken aback when he heard that. After a moment, he slowly asked, "Mr. Ji Yun, aren't you going to stay a few more days?"
Trunks really did feel reluctant to see him go.
After spending several days together, Trunks had gradually come to think of Ji Yun as family.
His sudden departure was bound to leave Trunks feeling a little down.
"I've already been away for quite a while, and there are plenty of things to take care of in my world."
"I need to get back as soon as I can and make preparations."
Ji Yun smiled calmly.
"Mm... That's true."
Trunks nodded slightly.
He knew Ji Yun couldn't stay in this world forever.
"All right, let's head back first and have Mom get the Time Machine ready."
Trunks smiled, having come to terms with it.
The two walked down the street, chatting and laughing as they went.
Before long, they arrived at Trunks's new home.
Bulma was sitting at the computer, typing away.
A great many blueprints were spread across the table.
Most of them were plans for the city's infrastructure.
As the only scientist in this world, she had a tremendous amount of work to do.
"Mom, we're back!" Trunks called out.
Then he and Ji Yun opened the door and walked in.
"Oh, Trunks, you're back. Find somewhere to sit. We'll talk in a bit," Bulma replied without turning around, her eyes still fixed on the computer screen.
She was completely absorbed in her work.
"Mom, there's something I need to tell you. Mr. Ji Yun is leaving."
Trunks got straight to the point.
The clatter of the keyboard abruptly stopped.
Bulma stood up and looked over at Ji Yun.
"What's wrong, Ji Yun? Aren't you going to stay a few more days?" Bulma asked with a smile.
"I've been here long enough."
"I should be heading back."
Ji Yun shook his head slightly and spoke with a faint smile.
He was beginning to miss home, especially when he saw Bulma at this point in her life.
The longing was intense.
He wondered how his own Bulma was doing.
Bulma could tell that Ji Yun was eager to return.
But she had some disappointing news for him.
"I'm sorry, Ji Yun. I know you're eager to get back, but I have to tell you that the Time Machine is running low on fuel."
"If you try to go back now, you might not make it to the same point in time as before," Bulma said slowly.
She had reached that conclusion after inspecting the Time Machine.
Hearing the news, Ji Yun's heart sank.
After a moment, he asked, "Is there no way to refuel it?"
He remembered that the Time Machine's fuel could be replenished.
"It can, but this fuel is extremely rare."
"And it takes a long time to process. It might take seven or eight months..." Bulma pushed up her glasses and answered the question on Ji Yun's mind.
"Seven... or eight months?"
Ji Yun was stunned.
He had never expected it to take so long.
"Yes, so I'm afraid you'll have to put up with staying in this timeline a little longer."
"I'll do everything I can to get the fuel ready as soon as possible," Bulma said earnestly.
She had inspected the Time Machine as soon as Trunks returned.
That was when she discovered the fuel shortage.
She had been working on the problem ever since.
"Ah, all right. Sorry for the trouble, Bulma," Ji Yun sighed helplessly.
He knew there was no point in worrying now.
There was nothing to do but wait.
The only thing he was worried about was that something might happen in his own world while he was away.
"That's only right. I'll get the fuel ready as quickly as I can," Bulma promised.
Then she put her current work on hold and devoted herself to producing the fuel.
"Mr. Ji Yun, it looks like you'll be staying a while longer," Trunks said, sounding pleased.
Of course, he wasn't taking pleasure in Ji Yun's predicament. He simply didn't want Ji Yun to leave.
"I guess I don't have a choice..." Ji Yun raised an eyebrow, looking rather resigned.
For now, all he could do was hope the Time Machine's fuel would be ready soon.
There was nothing else he could do.
Days passed.
Before they knew it, half a year had gone by.
Ji Yun gradually grew used to this world.
Seeing its people settle into a stable routine brought him a faint sense of comfort.
"Mr. Ji Yun, are we still training today?" Trunks asked. He was still by Ji Yun's side as always.
"Of course. No matter when, staying strong is the only way to handle unexpected crises," Ji Yun said solemnly.
Ji Yun hadn't spent this time sitting around doing nothing.
Instead, he had chosen to train here.
Trunks had initially wanted to take a break, too.
But seeing how hard Ji Yun worked had inspired him to push himself.
The two trained and sparred constantly, and both made great progress.
"All right!" Trunks replied firmly.
Sparring with Ji Yun had steadily strengthened him.
He seemed to be approaching the threshold of becoming a Super Saiyan.
Ji Yun heard Trunks's answer.
Before Trunks had time to prepare any further, Ji Yun charged straight at him.
Trunks didn't dare let his guard down. He quickly transformed into a Super Saiyan and charged to meet him.
The two fought, their figures a blur.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Thunderous roars rang through the sky as the two clashed again and again.
"Your skills have really improved lately, Trunks!" Ji Yun said with a laugh, though he didn't let up in the slightest.
"Mr. Ji Yun, you're not half bad yourself!" Trunks replied.
Ji Yun wasn't fighting him at full strength.
He wasn't using either Super Saiyan or Ten Times Kaio-ken.
He was fighting only in his base form.
At first, Trunks had been able to keep Ji Yun firmly in check.
But Ji Yun's strength had grown day by day, and now he could match Trunks, perhaps even surpass him.
Their battle was fierce, lasting from early morning until dusk.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
They clashed several more times.
This time, they didn't continue fighting at close quarters.
After colliding, they used the momentum to quickly pull apart.
"Let's stop. I'm done."
"Mr. Ji Yun, your talent is truly enviable."
"You can hold me back with ease using only your base strength," Trunks said, waving a hand and sounding a little tired.
He just couldn't understand why Ji Yun's talent for training was so exceptional.
Trunks had made steady progress over the same period.
But compared with Ji Yun, it was like night and day!
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