John Doe easily defeated Android 20, leaving Krillin delighted. "Yes! We won, and it was so easy!"
Tien and Gohan were also overjoyed, their faces beaming with joy.
As they celebrated, Android 20 rose again, but it was clear he had lost the courage to continue fighting John Doe.
John Doe advanced step by step, his overwhelming pressure forcing Android 20 to retreat until he was backed against the cliff wall, unable to move further.
"Damn you!" Android 20 lashed out, reaching for John Doe.
But this was merely a deathbed struggle. John Doe lifted his hand and caught Android 20's outstretched right hand.
"Absorbing energy, what a joke!" John Doe said, his right hand glowing with golden energy. With a swing of his hand, he severed Android 20's right hand.
At the point of severance, a red liquid oozed out, resembling blood.
Realizing his impending death, Android 20 shouted at his captors, "I regret not releasing Androids 17 and 18. But don't get too comfortable!"
"Once I die here, the lab's computer will automatically release Androids 17 and 18. Then none of you will escape!"
"Android 17!"
"Android 18!"
Everyone was shocked by Android 20's revelation about the existence of even more powerful androids. As they tried to interrogate him, a powerful energy suddenly approached from a distance.
When the mysterious figure arrived, they recognized him as the youth who had traveled back in time from the future three years ago to warn them about the androids.
Trunks, upon seeing Android 20 in the valley, asked in surprise, "Who is he? Have you been fighting him all this time?"
Trunks' words shocked everyone except John Doe.
Piccolo immediately asked, "Trunks, is this person not the android you mentioned?"
"Trunks, you said those two androids are Android 17 and 18, right?" John Doe interjected.
Trunks nodded. "Yes, that's right. They're called Android 17 and Android 18. Uncle John, did you know?"
"Android 20 just said so himself. It seems like Android 17 and 18 haven't been released yet," John Doe replied.
Just then, a plane flew by, diverting everyone's attention. Bulma was piloting the aircraft.
Seizing the opportunity, Android 20 unleashed all his energy, creating a massive explosion centered on himself.
The weaker Krillin and Tien were immediately knocked away by the energy wave, while John Doe, Piccolo, Gohan, and Vegeta flew into the sky to avoid the rising dust.
Bulma's plane, however, was not so lucky. It was flipped over by the explosion and crashed into the mountainside, exploding on impact. Fortunately, Trunks managed to save them.
John Doe, Gohan, and Krillin quickly descended to Bulma's side. "Bulma, are you okay?" they asked.
Bulma, having spent time with John Doe, Goku, and the others, was fearless. She had even followed them to witness Frieza.
"Trunks and I are fine, thanks to that young man," Bulma said.
Meanwhile, Trunks confronted Vegeta about why he hadn't saved Bulma and himself.
John Doe paid no attention to the father and son, instead searching for Android 20's trail. From the start, John Doe had been holding back to allow the plot to unfold, eventually leading him to Dr. Gero's lab and the release of Androids 17 and 18.
Vegeta, like John Doe, had also been holding back. Piccolo and Gohan hadn't even joined the fight yet, as they were cautious due to Trunks' warning about the androids' strength. However, they were surprised by the weakness of their opponent and were observing carefully for any signs of a hidden agenda.
While John Doe hadn't been fighting at full strength, it was undeniable that Dr. Gero was skilled at escaping.
After searching in the sky, they returned to the ground.
Bulma spoke up, "Was that person an android?"
"Yes," Krillin replied.
"But he looks so much like Dr. Gero. Did he turn himself into an android?" Bulma asked.
"What? That was Dr. Gero? Tell us more, Bulma!" Vegeta demanded, shocked to learn that their opponent was Dr. Gero.
Krillin, equally surprised, asked, "But didn't Dr. Gero die?" He turned to Trunks.
Trunks, deep in thought, replied with a grim expression, "It's possible that my journey from the future altered the course of history here."
Meanwhile, Vegeta's roar frightened Trunks, who cried in Bulma's arms. Bulma tried to comfort him while also teasing Vegeta.
"Your dad is so mean, Trunks. We won't pay attention to him anymore!" Bulma said, soothing Trunks while taking a jab at Vegeta.
Vegeta, who could be harsh with Trunks, couldn't help but scoff at Bulma's words.
Once Trunks' crying subsided, Bulma spoke up. "That person must be Dr. Gero. I saw him in a science magazine once; he was on the cover."
"Bulma, do you know where Dr. Gero's lab is?" John Doe asked.
"The lab... I remember it was in a mountainous area in the north, but I don't recall the exact location," Bulma replied.
Piccolo then addressed Trunks, "Trunks, describe the appearance of the androids you mentioned. We don't want to mistake them again."
Trunks seemed to be recalling painful memories. It was clear that the future androids had left him with traumatic experiences.
"Android 17 is a black-haired youth with a scarf around his neck, and Android 18 is a cute girl with blonde hair and blue eyes," Trunks said slowly.
Krillin was taken aback by Trunks' description. "A black-haired youth and a cute girl!"
Trunks seemed agitated by Krillin's words. "Don't be fooled by their appearance. They're not harmless just because they look cute. They're real demons. In the future, they kill humans indiscriminately. Don't let their looks deceive you."
Hearing Trunks mention appearances, John Doe scratched his chin awkwardly, remembering when he first met Android 18. He wondered if he had been deceived by her looks, but quickly dismissed the thought.