Trunks was the last to step into the time machine. He pressed the start button, and the machine instantly transformed into a streak of light that shot toward the sky—then vanished.
...
The Future.
The time machine reappeared above the ruins of Capsule Corporation. When it landed, Trunks and the others flew out from within.
Hearing the commotion, Future Bulma cautiously peeked out. Only after confirming it was indeed Trunks did she dare to step outside. When she saw the oversized time machine, a completely bewildered expression appeared on her face.
Bulma instantly recognized the woman standing before her—this was her future self.
Seeing the weary and aged features of her future counterpart, Bulma's mood grew heavy.
Meanwhile, Future Bulma looked at her younger self and felt as if she were staring across time itself.
The two Bulmas simply gazed silently at each other, neither speaking.
It wasn't until Trunks stepped forward and softly called, "Mom," that Future Bulma snapped out of her daze. She quickly wiped away the tears gathering in the corner of her eyes, smiled, and said,
"So Trunks is finally back… and you've brought some guests with you."
"Mom?"
Bulma froze for a moment. Trunks had never said who his parents were, but being the sharp woman she was, she had more or less guessed—and now it was confirmed.
Trunks walked up and hugged Future Bulma, then began introducing Kaito and the others to her.
The first person he wanted to introduce was Bulma—but as the words reached his lips, he suddenly realized he had no idea how to do it.
Future Bulma noticed his awkwardness, chuckled softly, and said,
"No need to introduce this one—I obviously know my past self."
But Bulma suddenly asked,
"So in the end… you chose Goku?"
"Chose… Goku? Why would you ask that?"
"Because Trunks is a Saiyan. So unless I'm mistaken, who else could his father be but Goku?"
Future Bulma was momentarily dumbfounded.
In the timeline she had set for Trunks's departure, her past self should have already met Vegeta—and even developed a faint fondness for him.
So why did her past self think of Goku when Saiyans were mentioned?
Trunks quickly leaned toward Future Bulma and whispered something in her ear.
After hearing him out, Future Bulma's eyes widened slightly, glancing at the young man named Kaito standing nearby.
She hadn't expected that, in the timeline Trunks traveled to, a "new figure" had appeared—and history itself had changed because of him.
But the real shock came next. From behind Kaito, Eighteen slowly stepped out.
Knowing how much fear her counterpart inspired in this future, Eighteen had deliberately stayed hidden behind Kaito.
But hiding forever wasn't an option—so she decided to step forward and let Future Bulma see her, to prepare her mentally.
The moment Future Bulma saw her, she was visibly startled.
To her, behind that angelic face of Eighteen lay the heart of a demon. She and Seventeen were the ones who had turned the future into this living hell.
Trunks hurriedly stepped in to explain, talking for quite a while before Future Bulma's tense expression softened slightly. She turned toward Kaito, still a bit wary, and asked,
"So… you're saying everything in that timeline changed because of this Kaito-san?"
"That's right! And Kaito-san came this time to help us! And with that angel beside him, those two androids won't be running rampant much longer!"
Kaito smiled and said gently,
"Hello, I'm Uchiha Kaito. I know this sounds a bit strange, but I'm very glad to meet the you of the future."
Future Bulma quickly nodded. She was still in a daze, not quite sure what to say.
But letting guests stand outside the door was rude—she soon realized that and promptly invited Kaito and the others inside.
...
Compared to the past, the Capsule Corporation of this era had shrunk dramatically. The Briefs couple had long since passed away, and aside from one laboratory still intact, the rest of the facility had been destroyed by the androids.
Bulma looked around at what had become of her home and felt a wave of sadness wash over her.
Future Bulma placed a few cans of drinks on the table. Curious, Vados picked one up, opened it, and took a sip. The slightly fizzy flavor made her eyes light up.
"This is quite good! Did you make this yourself?"
Future Bulma smiled and nodded.
"It's a little way of finding joy in hard times. When I have free moments, I like to make drinks. There's a bit of alcohol in it, though—I'm not sure if you drink."
"Of course I do! Bulma, learn from your future self—make some when we get back!"
Bulma sighed helplessly. The divine image she had of the angel in her mind was crumbling fast.
Vados took another big gulp. Though the alcohol content wasn't high, she didn't seem to have much tolerance. After just a few sips, her cheeks were already flushed.
Kaito couldn't hold it in anymore. He grabbed the can from her hand, weighed it, and found it empty.
Vados, whether she was pretending or not, suddenly leaned sideways, resting her head on Kaito's shoulder. Bulma and Eighteen both raised their eyebrows at the sight.
Her words came out slurred:
"S-so tasty… Kaito, what are you doing? G-give it back, I want more!"
Kaito rolled his eyes.
You'd get drunk on a soda, wouldn't you? On Earth, they'd seat you at the kids' table!
He scolded,
"Enough! You've embarrassed the face of an angel already. Sit still!"
Vados puffed out her cheeks in indignation.
"Y-you dare talk to this angel like that? I'm angry! I'll punish you!"
"Oh? Then I'd really like to see how the great angel plans to punish a mere mortal like me."
Vados glared up at him. Kaito glared back. Divine pressure spread between the two.
Bulma and the others tensed, thinking these two celestial beings might actually fight over a drink.
If that happened, they wouldn't even need the androids to destroy the planet—this entire universe might not survive.
But the tension didn't last long.
Vados soon wilted, then suddenly collapsed against Kaito's chest, murmuring softly,
"This angel won't hold it against you… since you're the one I've taken a liking to… but next time, don't be so mean, okay…"
Fortunately, her rival Marcarita wasn't here—otherwise, after seeing Vados in this state, she'd never let her live it down for the next thousand years.