The Present and the Future

The boulders crumbled, and smoke billowed everywhere.

"Huh? What happened? How did that mysterious guy suddenly get knocked down?"

Krillin looked confused.

"Even though they're both Super Saiyans, there's still a huge gap in their strength."

As a martial artist, Goku had immediately spotted the problem. The two seemed evenly matched, but Li Feng was merely holding back. The fight would really be over in an instant if he let loose.

"..."

Piccolo, whose hearing was exceptionally sharp, listened in silence.

As the smoke cleared, Trunks was still sprawled among the boulders, staring blankly, stunned by the revelation.

"That's right. In your world, your father is Vegeta—the bald guy with the M-shaped hairline over there."

Li Feng pointed behind him.

"But in this world, Bulma and I fell in love. She's doing well, and we have a child together."

"In any case, this world is no longer the universe you know. What happened in your future won't happen here."

"..."

It took Trunks a long time to accept the truth.

"I already know why you came here. Let's confirm it."

Li Feng smiled.

When Trunks had fought Li Feng, he'd been shocked by Li Feng's strength. He was far stronger than Trunks, at the very least, which meant there was hope of defeating the Future Androids, Android 17 and Android 18.

"I came to this world to deliver medicine to Mr. Son Goku, and to tell you that the Future Androids are coming. I also wanted to find a way to defeat those two loathsome demons."

Trunks briefly explained what had happened in the future, just as it had in the original story.

"W-what?"

Piccolo, who'd been quietly watching the spectacle, was shocked all over again by their conversation. He'd never imagined something like this could happen! In the future, Vegeta had married Bulma? And they even had a child?

He glanced silently at Vegeta.

"Hmph."

Vegeta snorted disdainfully at Piccolo.

"Goku, come over here."

After finishing his conversation with Trunks, Li Feng called Goku over.

"Huh? You're done already?"

Seeing the two of them revert from their Super Saiyan forms, Goku was confused, but he still went over.

Then he heard Trunks recounting all sorts of unbelievable things.

Goku was only interested in fighting and knew nothing about traveling through time. All he understood was that the boy was named Trunks, that he'd come to deliver medicine to him, and that even stronger enemies would appear in the future.

Li Feng, who knew the future story well, said to Goku, "Goku, take your medicine now, or I won't spar with you anymore."

"Huh? No way!"

Like a child, Goku immediately swallowed the medicine.

If Li Feng hadn't put it that way, Goku definitely wouldn't have taken it. Now that Goku had learned to combine Kaio-ken with Super Saiyan ahead of time, the strain on his body would increase further. He might fall ill sooner, and Li Feng couldn't predict what might happen. Goku had to be treated first.

Seeing this, Trunks wanted to laugh, but didn't dare let it show.

"Goku, make sure you train hard. Even stronger enemies will appear in three years."

Li Feng warned him.

"Of course! I'll get even stronger. Then I'll definitely beat you!"

Goku was eager to get started.

"Then Trunks and I will go to his world tomorrow. That should be fine, right?"

"But, Mr. Li Feng, could that affect the two worlds?"

Trunks sounded worried.

"You came here from your world, didn't you? Don't worry. We can definitely help you deal with what happens in the future. For now, let's explain things to everyone, then have a meal together."

Li Feng warmly invited them.

Goku was still completely bewildered, but he was happy to make a new friend.

With Li Feng's help, they kept Trunks's true identity secret, but explained everything else.

Everyone was surprised and shocked, but in the end, they accepted the truth.

"Hmph, I don't approve. Li Feng is one thing, but now another strange Saiyan has appeared, and he can even become a Super Saiyan?"

Vegeta snorted.

"What's wrong, Vegeta? Are you scared? You learned how to become a Super Saiyan too, didn't you?"

Li Feng teased him.

"How could I be? Hmph!"

Vegeta answered haughtily.

"We're having a big party at my house tonight. You're all welcome to come. There'll be lots of delicious food, and we can celebrate our victory!"

Li Feng announced happily.

"Awesome!" Gohan exclaimed.

"There's good food? Then I'm definitely coming. Hehe."

Goku had turned into a child again.

"Vegeta, if you're not coming, that's fine. I'll take care of your share."

Goku started bickering with Vegeta again.

"Don't even think about it, Kakarot! I'll never admit defeat!"

Seeing how relaxed, happy, and content everyone looked, Trunks's eyes filled with tears. An unfamiliar feeling welled up inside him.

"Come on, Trunks. This is your welcome party too. Relax. This isn't the future. We'll all protect everyone here together."

Li Feng said to Trunks.

"Thank you, Mr. Li Feng."

Trunks smiled at last.

Krillin, Gohan, Yamcha, and the others greeted Trunks too, asking him all sorts of questions about the future.

And so, they all flew back to Bulma's West City Mansion.

Of course, Li Feng and Bulma rode comfortably in an airplane, playing with their son, Li Xing, during the flight.

When they were alone, Li Feng also told Bulma the truth about Trunks's origins.

"What? How is that possible? In the future, I married Vegeta? He's my son?"

Bulma was stunned.

"Hmph, no matter what, you're my husband in this world, and Li Xing is our child."

Holding Li Xing, Bulma leaned happily against Li Feng.

"But the future me must be so pitiful. My family and friends all died."

Bulma felt sad for her future self too.

"You're going to the future too, right? I know things are completely different now, but I still hope you'll help the future me."

Though Li Feng hadn't said anything, perceptive Bulma already knew what he was thinking. She silently believed in him, as always.

"Yeah. Don't worry. I should be back soon."

Li Feng held Bulma too and spoke gently.

That evening, dinner was lavish. Robots brought out all kinds of delicious food in an orderly procession, leaving everyone amazed. The three big eaters who'd returned to Earth once again turned into ravenous beasts, devouring food left and right.

Trunks was astonished too, but soon joined in, eating and drinking with them until he felt completely at home.

That night, after being apart for so long, Li Feng and Bulma once again spent a sweet, passionate night together...