Searching for Mr. Popo, then heading to Namek

Inside the bunker, Bulma and the others listened as Trunks recounted everything that had transpired. Their eyes were filled with disbelief; it turned out Trunks hadn't traveled back to the past, but rather to a parallel timeline!

Furthermore, that timeline was clearly heading toward a brighter future, all thanks to the presence of Vegeta!

Bulma was even more astonished. The deceased Vegeta of this world had not been as understanding or perceptive as the one standing before her now. In her heart, she envied her parallel self for being able to be with such an exceptional man.

A sudden urge to leave with him sprouted in her mind, but she quickly dismissed the thought as soon as it emerged!

"I've finished; that's how it happened. By the way, Mom, why do you look so young?" Trunks asked Bulma after he finished speaking.

"Me? I'm not sure. I just took a nap and woke up like this! Have I really become younger?" Bulma asked, puzzled.

Although she felt a change in her body, she hadn't looked in a mirror to see herself.

"It's true, Aunt Bulma, look!" Mai said, pulling out a small mirror and holding it up to Bulma's face.

(As a girl, it's not unreasonable to carry a mirror, right?)

Bulma gazed at her reflection, feeling an immense surge of excitement. She hadn't expected her body to regain its youthful vitality, or that her face would return to the beauty she possessed at eighteen!

She was still confused as to why this had happened.

Trunks looked at his mother's bewildered expression and realized the truth in an instant. He turned to Vegeta and said, "Dad, this must have been your doing, helping Mom regain her youth. I don't know how you did it, but I'm certain it was you!"

Vegeta replied coldly, "Children should stay out of adult affairs. There are many methods I possess that you know nothing about! This is nothing!"

He couldn't explain the existence of the system, so he had to take the credit himself, even if he felt a little embarrassed!

"Thank you, Vegeta," Bulma said, moved.

"It's nothing. You are my woman as well. Even if we are from different timelines, how could I bear to watch you slowly wither away?" Vegeta said gently.

Bulma's face flushed red at Vegeta's offensive. The feeling of shyness, which she hadn't experienced in over a decade, suddenly returned! Ever since Sun Wukong died, the Vegeta of this timeline had been depressed, devoid of any desire to fight, and indifferent toward her. She had seen it all with her own eyes, and it pained her heart! Later, when the future Vegeta died in battle, she had completely extinguished the last remnants of her feminine side, transforming into a strong-willed leader who guided the remaining humans and Trunks through their life as fugitives.

Yet, the things this Vegeta had done for her filled her heart with a level of emotion she had never felt before. For a moment, she didn't refute his words, tacitly accepting his claim that she was his woman. The image of the original Vegeta in her heart seemed to be slowly fading, while the man before her gradually took his place.

After all, they looked exactly the same, and the Vegeta of this timeline had been dead for seven years. It couldn't really be called unfaithfulness!

Seeing that Bulma didn't object, Vegeta understood. He should be able to successfully take her back if he put in a little more effort!

Trunks watched their intimate interaction and felt a momentary flicker of discomfort, but it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Perhaps this father was his mother's best destination.

"Alright, Trunks, you lead the others in rebuilding your home. I'm going to find Mr. Popo and the Lookout to see if I can help restore your world!" Vegeta arranged.

"The Lookout? Didn't the Lookout disappear?" Bulma asked, confused.

"It didn't. Mr. Popo must have hidden it! The Mr. Popo in my world is very strong—stronger than me. Although the history is different, the counterparts in every parallel world are equally powerful! Especially an ancient monster like Mr. Popo!" Vegeta explained.

"Understood, Father. Go ahead! I'll look after them," Trunks replied.

"Will you come back?..." Bulma couldn't help but ask.

"I will. I will fulfill the promise I made to you as long as you agree, and even if you don't, I'll come back to see you when I'm finished. I won't just disappear," Vegeta said gently.

With that, he utilized his space-time technique and vanished.

At this moment, Vegeta was employing the classic Chinese strategy of "to let go in order to obtain." By no longer pressing her step-by-step, he had made Bulma feel even more reluctant to see him go.

"Mom, what promise? How come I didn't hear it?"

Future Trunks, now experiencing the first stirrings of love, asked Bulma with a mischievous smile, as if he had guessed something.

"What promise? There wasn't one... I don't know... You brat, you go out for one trip and now you're making fun of your mother! I think you've lost all sense of respect..." Bulma scolded him with a blush.

"Haha, alright, Mom, I'll stop. But you have to take care of your son's lifelong happiness! Just now, Father even had Mai change how she addresses him, and he promised to hold a wedding for me once the home is rebuilt!" Trunks said, his laughter subsiding.

"What??? Mai hasn't even called me 'Mom' yet, but she's already calling him 'Dad'!? Does our relationship of so many years mean less than someone who just suddenly appeared? Mai, this won't do!" Bulma said, feeling jealous.

"Mom... it's not like that... I've actually wanted to call you 'Mom' for a long time!!" Mai said, her face turning red.

Bulma understood. Over the past seven years, they had supported each other for Trunks' sake, and they were already closer than biological mother and daughter.

Mai took Bulma's arm and leaned her head on her shoulder.

"Good girl. This way, we're even closer. I hope you and Trunks find happiness!" Bulma offered her blessing.

The heartwarming scene made everyone present envious. They didn't know when they would find their own happiness, but it should be soon; the Androids were gone, and better days were finally on the horizon.

"Mom, we're happy now, but you should think about your own happiness too. The Earth is no longer in danger, you don't need to worry about me anymore, and I've grown up!" Trunks added.

"You brat, mind your own business. Don't you dare bully Mai, and don't worry about me..." Bulma said.

In truth, her initial resistance had already begun to waver, shaken by the astonishing things Vegeta had done in such a short time.

High above the original location of the Earth's Lookout, Vegeta appeared in an instant. He looked around in confusion, unleashing his spatial power, but he couldn't sense any hidden space!

Clearly, the Mr. Popo of this timeline had overestimated Vegeta's space-time technique. Perhaps he would need to advance to the Greater Space-Time Technique to detect it!

Since that method didn't work, Vegeta had no choice but to try a more primitive approach.

He flared his energy and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Mr. Popo... I know you can hear me... I have business with you, and I know you're still alive..."

It was indeed the most foolish method, but it was highly effective!

A massive circular platform slowly emerged. It lacked the support of the Korin Tower, but it remained suspended in the air, held by a strange, singular energy!

"Are you Vegeta? Didn't you die? No, you aren't the Vegeta of this timeline... Who exactly are you, and what is your purpose in seeking me out?" Future Mr. Popo asked, his guard up.

"Mr. Popo, see for yourself. On my forehead! There is a message from the Mr. Popo of my world for you," Vegeta said, flying over to Future Mr. Popo's side.

He wasn't afraid that Future Mr. Popo might suddenly strike. After all, he now possessed a rudimentary ability to stop time; if Mr. Popo showed even the slightest hint of hostility, he would trigger it instantly. Though it would only last a mere thirty seconds, it would be more than enough.

Future Mr. Popo looked suspiciously at the familiar seal, which was indeed his own handiwork. He broke the seal and began to receive the information transmitted by the past Mr. Popo.

"So that's how it is. Your world is facing problems too; I had thought only my timeline was undergoing these mutations," Future Mr. Popo said.

"Can you tell me? What exactly is going on that would make someone like you afraid to act, forcing you to go into hiding?" Vegeta asked, puzzled.

"The events of the past were largely the same as in your world. Ever since my wicked apprentice grew up and began working under me, history has diverged significantly, leading to the creation of many parallel worlds. Combining the information from your timeline with my own, I suspect his target is Zeno," Future Mr. Popo explained.

"Do you know the specifics of his conspiracy? Since you've figured out the target, you should be able to deduce the rest," Vegeta asked, confused.

"It's not very clear yet. I can't quite put my finger on it; one final piece of the puzzle is missing. Once I've investigated it thoroughly, I'll tell you. One thing I can tell you is that the current Grand Priest is different from us; he doesn't belong to the entire Zeno universe. It's as if he is the same person in every timeline, orchestrating the same conspiracy. I was born of the Zeno universe, and the emergence of every parallel world causes us to manifest clones. But he seems to be unique—singular. It isn't that he has clones because parallel worlds appeared; rather, he deliberately manifests himself in every parallel world. Do you understand what I mean? It's a bit convoluted and inscrutable, but that is the reality," Future Mr. Popo said in one breath.

"I understand a little, but I'm even more confused now. Fine, my current strength isn't enough to handle this, so I'll leave it to you for now. I can't be bothered to worry about it," Vegeta said.

"Then is there anything else?" Future Mr. Popo asked.

"I plan to find New Namek and bring back a genius capable of creating Dragon Balls. I need the Guardian of Earth to agree to it; I can't do it myself, as the position of Guardian still requires your behind-the-scenes manipulation, doesn't it?" Vegeta said.

"That can be arranged. Since I know a bit more about his conspiracy now, I can afford to appear more often. I will take special care of Trunks," Future Mr. Popo said.

"I'm sorry for the trouble. I don't have the capacity to manage other parallel worlds, but the Trunks of this world found me, and I cannot just stand by and watch! I don't care if my interference causes a few more divergent timelines," Vegeta said.

"It matters not. There are already many parallel worlds; one or two more won't make a difference," Future Mr. Popo said, his face expressionless.

"Good, then I'll be off. I'll be back in a while," Vegeta said, and his figure vanished.

New Namek.

Vegeta used Instant Transmission to arrive at a village, where the people were busy planting greenery and maintaining the natural environment.

Seeing Vegeta's arrival, their gazes converged on him instantly.

"Sorry to bother you. Which of you can take me to see Moori? Right, he should be your Grand Elder in this world as well, right?" Vegeta said to the group of Namekians.

"Are you Mr. Vegeta?" a young Namekian asked.

"You are... Dende? I didn't expect you to have grown so much in this world! Then again, this timeline has ten more years than mine," Vegeta said.

"You aren't the Vegeta of this world?" Dende asked, puzzled.

"Enough, now is not the time for this. Take me to see Moori, and once I've met him, I'll tell you what's going on," Vegeta said impatiently.

"Fine. I'll take you to the Grand Elder's residence," Dende said, then took to the air and flew toward Moori's location, with Vegeta following behind him.

Landing at a high-altitude structure similar to the old Grand Elder's, Moori emerged. Looking at the Vegeta before him, he asked what had happened.

Vegeta explained everything that had transpired.

"I see. I never expected so much to have happened after we left," Moori sighed.

"Let Dende go with you. He is still the most talented member of the Dragon Clan; creating Dragon Balls is a trivial matter for him. The people of Earth have helped us so much, and I cannot just sit by and watch," Moori said, arranging everything.

"Yes, Grand Elder," Dende said. He also missed Gohan and the others on Earth; after all, having faced life and death together, they were very good friends.

Vegeta didn't waste any more time. He took Dende and used Instant Transmission to return to the Earth's Lookout.

Mr. Popo looked at Dende, who resembled the Guardian, and was filled with excitement. The peculiar hobby of having a servant was the same for this version of him as well.

Mr. Popo brought out the Shenron model, and Dende restored the life of the dragon. Just like in the main world, there were three wishes.

Shenron transformed into seven beams of light and scattered across the Earth.

Vegeta gave Dende a few casual instructions and then hurried back to the surface. Sensing Trunks's energy, he used Instant Transmission to reach him.

Trunks was currently leading the remaining humans in rebuilding their homes in West City.

"Trunks, the Dragon Balls have been revived, and the Lookout has a new Namekian. Go ask your mother for the Dragon Radar; decide for yourself what to wish for. However, regarding the rebuilding of your new home, I suggest you lead them in building it yourselves! After all, things that are easily obtained are never truly cherished," Vegeta instructed.

"Understood, Father. I understand!" Trunks said, excitedly going to find Bulma for the Dragon Radar before taking Mai to search the world for the Dragon Balls.

In a capsule house on the ground, Bulma stared at the returning Vegeta, speechless and dazed.

Vegeta said, "If the Vegeta of this world is revived, I will step aside. If, unfortunately, he has already been reincarnated, I will definitely take you with me."

Bulma didn't know how to respond to Vegeta.

Changing the subject, she asked, "If you take me back, aren't you afraid that the 'me' from the past will be jealous or angry?"

"No, I already told her before I came, and she agreed! In fact, part of the reason I could be so proactive was because she requested it," Vegeta explained.

"Oh? What reason would make the proud 'me' take the initiative to ask you to bring me back?" Bulma asked, puzzled.

"You'll know when the time comes. If you don't come with me, there's no need for an explanation," a wicked smirk played on Vegeta's lips.

"Fine..." Bulma stammered.

She still didn't understand what Vegeta meant. After all, the Vegeta of this world had caused her emotional intelligence to drop to zero; she wasn't as sharp as the Bulma of the past!

One day later, Trunks gathered all the Dragon Balls and summoned Shenron. He made a wish to revive everyone killed by the Androids, with the exception of Dr. Gero.

However, because too much time had passed, many people had already been reincarnated, including Goku, Piccolo, Tien Shinhan, and the others. They had been dead for too long and had already been reborn—perhaps on Earth, perhaps on an alien planet. After all, Hell encompassed the souls of the dead from the entire universe.

Although Gohan had not yet been reincarnated, he no longer had any attachments to Earth. The Androids had been destroyed, his own disciple had surpassed him in strength, and he had found his own happiness! His final lingering obsession had vanished.

Whether he would reincarnate later or remain in Heaven was unknown! Regardless, he had refused to be resurrected!

Trunks made two wishes. He brought the dead back to life and restored Earth to its original state, including the environments across the globe that had been devastated by the Androids! As for the cities, following Vegeta's reminder, he did not have Shenron restore them, only the environment and the natural landscape!

Upon hearing this news, the last shred of guilt in Bulma's heart vanished, and she decided to return to Vegeta's world with him!

Trunks and Mai offered their blessings! Although they were somewhat reluctant to part, they could not stop his mother from pursuing her own happiness! After all, he now felt both admiration and awe toward this Vegeta!

"Brat. Once you've finished rebuilding your home, come visit me again. I will personally attend your wedding! How could it proceed without a father present?" Vegeta said.

"Yes, thank you, Dad! I will invite you, and both of my mothers—you must all come back together!" Trunks did not forget the existence of Bulma; although their time together had been short, she had been nothing but kind to him!

"Two...? Heh... it's three. I'll bring them to see you when the time comes! We'll all attend your wedding together! Now, let me help you eliminate the final threat," Vegeta said, suddenly radiating killing intent before vanishing in an instant!

When he reappeared, he had teleported behind Cell, who was lurking and spying not far away!

Cell's ugly face was so repulsive it made one want to retch!

Terrified, he looked toward Vegeta and stammered, "How did you know I was here? Impossible!! I clearly suppressed my ki to the absolute minimum!"

Vegeta couldn't be bothered to say a word. He cast a time-stop, erupted with power, and with a single Great Bombardment Attack, reduced Cell to ashes!

He then carefully inspected the area, ensuring not even a scrap of flesh remained, obliterating everything into dust!

After Dende took over as the Guardian, he had detected Cell and immediately informed Vegeta, which was how Vegeta remembered his existence! He had been searching for Cell's ki while talking to Trunks earlier, and since he happened to be nearby, he dealt with him while he was at it.

Although Future Trunks was not reckless, given Cell's despicable nature, who knew what kind of trouble he might cause? The simple-minded Future Trunks would never be able to outwit the cunning Cell! Even if his strength wasn't great, his methods were truly disgusting!

Vegeta couldn't be bothered to care whether his intervention would cause another historical divergence or create a new parallel world!

After all, even in the original work, the timeline where Cell ambushed and killed Trunks to steal the Time Machine and travel to the main world was already a separate parallel world from Trunks's own!

That was why the Trunks of that later timeline, upon learning the situation, had intentionally lured Cell out to destroy him!

Destruction must precede construction. In any case, it was all the Grand Priest's conspiracy! Triggering it early didn't matter. After all, Zeno was still there, and the Grand Priest likely hadn't revealed his plot yet because he lacked the confidence to deal with Zeno!

"Dad, who was that? I could sense so many different people's ki coming from him—it was incredibly chaotic!" Trunks asked in confusion.

"Just a pest. Enough, I don't want to talk about him! Even though the world is no longer in crisis, you must not let your guard down or abandon your training! I might come to check on you at any time, and if you haven't improved... you know exactly what my methods are like! Hmph!" Vegeta said, his domineering aura leaking out.

"Yes, Dad. I will work hard! I will strive to protect the future that belongs to me, and protect Mai!" Trunks promised solemnly.

Once everything was finished, the system rewards arrived!

Ding, Host has completed the mission. Reward: Space-Time Technique upgraded to Greater Space-Time Technique.

Vegeta took Bulma and cast the Greater Space-Time Technique. Instantly, the laws of space-time manifested in his mind, revealing the shadows of countless parallel worlds. Vegeta searched through them one by one until he finally found the timeline he had come from! Crossing through space-time, he vanished in an instant!