After resting for a few days on Mount Paozu, Goku decided it was time to return to the past.
By now, Bulma had also gathered the necessary fuel to power the time machine.
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At Bulma's house.
Everyone was gathered in the backyard, and Goku and Trunks were seated in the time machine.
"Gohan, once I'm gone, you can't slack off on your training. Stronger enemies will appear in the future," Goku said seriously to Gohan. "When the time comes, I might not be there to save you. Your future depends on you."
"Got it, Dad! I'll definitely remember your words!" Gohan replied firmly.
After a brief exchange, Trunks activated the time machine.
With everyone waving their goodbyes, the time machine vanished into the fabric of space and time, heading back to the past.
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The Main Timeline.
That day, Bulma was sunbathing in her backyard. Suddenly, a time machine appeared before her, nearly causing her to fall off her reclining chair in shock.
"Hey, Bulma," Goku greeted her casually.
"Goku, you're so unpredictable. Judging by your appearance, I assume you've resolved the future crisis," Bulma said, recovering from her surprise.
"She had heard bits and pieces about the future from Krillin. The thought of the tragic events that had unfolded in Trunks' world left her uneasy. But now, with Goku back, she felt reassured that their own future would remain safe.
After bringing Goku back, Trunks departed in the time machine to return to his own time."
Once Goku finished catching up with Bulma, he headed straight for Mount Paozu.
Naturally, his sudden departure without notice earned him a scolding from Chi-Chi.
But when she thought about how he had gone to save the future, Chi-Chi didn't lecture him too much.
Still, Chi-Chi couldn't help but worry about Goku's health. The thought of losing him to the heart virus left her deeply concerned.
"It's alright, Chi-Chi. I'm perfectly healthy now. Even if I get sick in the future, I have a special medicine to save me," Goku reassured her.
"Speaking of which, Chi-Chi, I'm starving. Can you whip up something to eat?" Goku said, rubbing his stomach.
"There's just no helping you, Goku," Chi-Chi replied helplessly, though she still headed off to prepare a meal.
And so, Goku and his family gathered around for a hearty meal together.
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Three years flew by in the blink of an eye.
During this time, the Z Fighters trained tirelessly to ensure they wouldn't fall at the hands of the androids.
Although Goku didn't reach the level of Super Saiyan 3 during this period, he focused on enhancing his normal combat effectiveness.
The sudden appearance of Metal Frieza made him realize that even stronger, unknown enemies might emerge in the future.
To prepare, Goku focused on two goals: first, improving his base combat abilities, and second, grasping divine energy to once again step into the realm of the gods.
Now, Goku had mastered the ability to transform into Super Saiyan God.
He also made significant progress in honing Ultra Instinct. Though not yet perfected, he could now skillfully utilize its incomplete form.
Under Goku's guidance, Gohan also made great strides, transitioning from a pseudo-Super Saiyan to achieving the full Super Saiyan transformation.
When the time came, everyone gathered at the agreed location, anticipating the arrival of the androids.
Yajirobe made a rare appearance, bringing along a bag with some Senzu Beans.
"Hmph, Kakarot, don't you dare steal my target this time," Vegeta warned Goku before the battle began. "I want to see just how powerful these androids are to have ravaged the future."
'Boom!'
A sudden explosion erupted in the distance.
"It looks like the androids are in that city," Goku said, his expression sharpening.
"Everyone, let's move together. Remember, the androids don't have detectable energy signatures. Be cautious—they can ambush us at any time," Goku reminded the group.
With the help of the Flying Technique, everyone quickly arrived at the source of the explosion.
Goku used his energy to disperse the smoke and dust caused by the blast. As the air cleared, five androids stood revealed before them.
['What's going on? There are three unfamiliar androids,'] Goku thought to himself. In his previous life, only two androids had appeared in the city.
Since androids lack energy signatures, it was impossible to know their exact number until encountering them directly.
"Hey, are you androids? You don't look like much to me," Vegeta said arrogantly, glaring at one of the androids. "I'll be the one to test your limits."
"Wait, Vegeta," Goku interjected, quickly stopping him before he could charge in. "This isn't a good place to fight. There are too many people around, and innocent lives could be endangered."
"Why don't we take this fight to the desert instead?" Goku suggested, turning to the androids.
"It doesn't matter where we fight. Our only target is you, Son Goku," one of the androids replied coldly, agreeing to the proposal without hesitation.
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In the Desert.
"After flying for a while, everyone descended to the ground."
"Alright, androids, decide who's stepping up first to meet their end. I won't be holding back," Vegeta said, clenching his fists, eager to fight the androids.
"Allow me to educate you properly," Android 19 said, stepping forward slowly toward Vegeta.
As Android 19 approached, Vegeta immediately transformed into a Super Saiyan. A golden aura erupted around him, radiating immense energy that spread through the area.
"This guy... Vegeta's gotten a lot stronger in the three years we haven't seen him," Piccolo remarked as the overwhelming energy stunned the surrounding Z Fighters.
"Super Saiyan? I'd still advise you to use your full power; otherwise, you'll suffer a miserable defeat," Android 19 taunted, remaining calm despite Vegeta's transformation.
"You're just a simple android, yet you dare to look down on me? I'll send you straight to hell!" Vegeta roared, enraged by 19's words. He charged forward, intent on ending Android 19's life in an instant.
Vegeta threw a powerful punch with his right fist, aiming directly for Android 19.
'Boom!'
Android 19 raised one hand and effortlessly blocked Vegeta's attack.
"What… what?!" Vegeta exclaimed, shocked that his strike had been stopped.
Despite his surprise, Vegeta quickly recovered, spinning around to deliver a sharp kick aimed at Android 19's waist.
'Boom!'
Once again, Android 19 intercepted the attack, catching Vegeta's kick with his hands. With a swift motion, he grabbed Vegeta's leg firmly.
"I've got you now, Vegeta," Android 19 said with a cold, mechanical tone.