Editing Future Trunks (section)

====Cell Saga====
In this intriguing sequence from Dragon Ball Z, Trunks and Gohan investigate the appearance of a mysterious Time Machine identical to Trunks' own, which they discover wrecked and covered in moss in a remote location. Bulma informs them that a farmer found it and reported it to Capsule Corporation, prompting Trunks to investigate with Gohan's company. During their flight to the location, Gohan asks Trunks about the devastation in his future timeline, where only tens of thousands remain living in underground shelters due to the Androids' reign of terror.

Upon arriving at the scene, they confirm the Time Machine's identity through a faxed photo from Bulma, surprising Trunks who knows only one was made in his future. They uncover a message from Future Bulma on the damaged Time Machine, reading 'HOPE!', and notice peculiarities such as a melted cockpit window and the presence of a strange, gooey husk nearby—potentially the aftermath of a molting insect that emerged from an egg found inside the machine.

Trunks activates the Time Machine, revealing it to have traveled from Age 788, three years after his initial trip, and to have been there for four years—well before Trunks defeated Frieza and King Cold in the altered timeline. Confused by these discoveries, Trunks decides to capsule the second Time Machine for safekeeping, while they ponder the implications of its presence and the strange developments surrounding it.

The encounter leaves Trunks questioning the changes in history and the mysterious events unfolding around his timeline and the altered future he encountered upon returning to the past.

Trunks and Krillin respond to news of a mysterious disappearance in Gingertown, suspecting it to be linked to the creature that emerged from the egg they discovered earlier. Despite warnings, Trunks decides to investigate, feeling responsible for what might be a new threat.

As they head towards Gingertown, they sense Cell's immense power, which resonates with energies from Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, and King Cold, shocking the Z Fighters with its magnitude. Krillin reveals that Piccolo has merged with Kami, significantly boosting his strength. They witness an explosion in the distance, realizing Piccolo has engaged the creature.

Arriving at Gingertown, they find Piccolo battling Cell, leaving Trunks astonished by the creature's appearance, connecting it to the egg they found earlier. Cell manages to escape using Solar Flare, frustrating Piccolo. Vegeta arrives, and Trunks informs him about Piccolo's fusion with Kami, which surprises the Saiyan prince.

When Tien joins them, Piccolo explains Cell's origins and his plan to absorb the Androids and achieve his perfect form, alarming Trunks with the threat Cell poses due to his ability to absorb the Dragon Team's cells. Vegeta resolves to surpass Super Saiyan and defeat the androids himself, while Piccolo directs Trunks and Krillin to stop the present Cell to prevent another from appearing in the future.

Trunks affirms to Krillin that altering the past won't change their timeline but agrees they must eliminate the present Cell to prevent further catastrophe. With their roles defined, Trunks and Krillin prepare to confront Cell while Piccolo and Tien focus on tracking him down, setting the stage for a critical showdown against this formidable new enemy.
After locating Dr. Gero's lab and finding Cell in his larval form, Trunks and Krillin decide to destroy the lab but not before Trunks discovers blueprints for Android 17. Recognizing their potential value, Trunks plans to take them to Bulma to decipher any weaknesses in the Androids' design. They destroy the lab and part ways, with Trunks heading off to train with Vegeta despite his reservations about his father's harsh demeanor.
Three days later, Goku and Gohan, now recovered, teleport to where Trunks and Vegeta are training. Trunks is glad to see Goku and updates him on their training, mentioning that Vegeta hasn't interacted much with him, preferring to stand alone on a ledge. Goku proposes using the Hyperbolic Time Chamber to enhance their training, catching Vegeta's attention. He agrees to enter the chamber with Trunks first, intrigued by its potential despite the challenging conditions.

As they enter the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Trunks immediately feels the intense heat, thin air, and high gravity. He marvels at the chamber's vast emptiness, contemplating the prospect of spending a year alone with Vegeta. Despite his initial doubts, Trunks braces himself for the rigorous training ahead, determined to surpass their formidable enemies through their combined efforts.

After emerging from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Trunks joins the others at The Lookout. He apologizes for the delay, to which Goku comments on the extended training period with Vegeta. Trunks explains that Vegeta achieved surpassing the Super Saiyan form within two months but continued training in pursuit of greater power, though Vegeta interrupts him abruptly, signaling him to stop speaking further.

Bulma arrives and notices Trunks' physical growth and longer hair, reflecting his rigorous training in the chamber. She provides them with battle suits she had prepared. Goku, before they depart to confront Cell, gives Trunks several Senzu beans and encourages him to do his best.

Trunks soon joins Vegeta on the island where Cell awaits. Cell dismisses Trunks as a mere spectator, but Vegeta insists he alone is enough to defeat Cell. As Vegeta overwhelms Cell with his newfound power, Cell grows frustrated, expressing his desire to achieve his Perfect Form to surpass Vegeta. Vegeta urges Cell to go and attain his Perfect Form, but as Cell moves to leave, Trunks transforms into a Super Saiyan and intervenes against Vegeta's wishes.
During the intense confrontation, as Cell moves towards Android 18 with the intent of achieving his Perfect Form, Trunks spots them and shouts a warning. His declaration startles Android 18, Android 16, and Krillin, who begin to panic upon realizing they've been noticed by Cell. Trunks, determined to prevent Cell from reaching his full potential, transforms into the Super Saiyan Second Grade form, similar to Vegeta's, and rushes after Cell. However, Vegeta intervenes forcefully, kicking Trunks away into a nearby mountain.
Bruised but undeterred, Trunks stands up amidst the rubble and confronts his father, warning him of the dire consequences of allowing Cell to achieve his Perfect Form. Vegeta, consumed by his own thirst for battle and power, challenges Trunks' resolve, questioning whether his son would actually attack him. Defiantly, Trunks fires a Super Buster Cannon at Vegeta to prove his seriousness before turning his attention back to Cell.

Cell, seizing the opportunity amidst the chaos caused by his Solar Flare, absorbs Android 18 and finally achieves his Perfect Form. Vegeta watches with anticipation, while Trunks, Krillin, and the others are filled with fear and dismay. Enraged at his father's actions, Trunks charges at Cell, but Cell protects himself with an Energy Field that completes his transformation uninterrupted.

Once Cell emerges in his perfected state, Krillin, overcome with anger and ignoring Trunks' warnings, attacks Cell futilely. Cell effortlessly retaliates, testing his newfound power by casually striking Krillin, nearly fatally injuring him. Witnessing Krillin's peril, Trunks acts swiftly, rushing to his friend's aid and saving him with a Senzu Bean.

In the intense battle against Cell, after Krillin warns Trunks about Vegeta's peril, Trunks expresses concern but acknowledges Krillin's astute sense of power levels. Krillin explains his ability to gauge strength despite not being a Saiyan, noting Cell's casual dismissal of his own formidable power. Trunks admits that he and Vegeta both surpassed the regular Super Saiyan form in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, but Trunks achieved an even higher level that he kept hidden from his father, fearing it would bruise Vegeta's pride.

Trunks grows increasingly frustrated watching Vegeta being dominated by Cell, lamenting that Vegeta missed the opportunity to finish Cell when he had the chance. Krillin urges Trunks to intervene and help Vegeta unleash his latent power to survive, but Trunks understands his father's pride would prevent him from accepting such assistance. Reluctantly, Trunks decides to wait until Cell incapacitates Vegeta before taking action.

As Vegeta charges his Final Flash, a devastatingly powerful attack aimed at Cell, Trunks desperately tries to dissuade him, fearing the destructive potential could obliterate Earth. Despite Trunks' pleas, Vegeta initiates the attack but ultimately weakens it at the last moment to prevent catastrophic collateral damage. Cell, though severely damaged, survives due to his regenerative abilities from Frieza and Piccolo's cells, demonstrating his resilience against the odds.

In a desperate attempt to overpower Cell, Vegeta unleashes a barrage of ki blasts, but Cell easily endures the assault and retaliates with a devastating punch that sends Vegeta hurtling through the air. Despite his resilience, Vegeta manages to stand again, only to be swiftly struck by Cell's powerful kick, launching him further upwards. Cell then follows up with a crushing elbow strike to Vegeta's back, driving him forcefully into the ground and rendering him unconscious.

In the critical moment, Trunks takes a calculated risk by stalling Cell to allow Krillin to rescue the unconscious Vegeta with a Senzu Bean. Transforming into his Super Saiyan Third Grade form, Trunks confronts Cell, surprising both Cell and Krillin with his tremendous power. Despite Krillin's offer of the Senzu Bean, Trunks confidently asserts that he won't need it.

Initially, Cell gains the upper hand in their battle, overwhelming Trunks and sending him flying. However, Trunks signals to Krillin that he's intentionally luring Cell away from Vegeta, revealing his strategic approach to the fight. As Cell continues his assault, Krillin seizes the opportunity to carry Vegeta to safety.

Cell acknowledges Trunks' strategy and newfound power, expressing genuine interest in facing him without distractions. Trunks, sensing Cell's challenge, powers up once more, preparing to engage Cell seriously. Though Cell acknowledges Trunks' formidable strength, he remains confident in his own abilities. Trunks, undeterred, charges forward, determined to prove Cell wrong and emerge victorious in their battle.

In the intense battle against Perfect Cell, Future Trunks' transformation into Super Saiyan Third Grade, also known as Ultra Super Saiyan, proves to be a critical misstep. Despite the immense power it grants him, Trunks becomes overly bulky and slow, severely limiting his effectiveness in combat. Cell, without even powering up, easily dodges Trunks' attacks and taunts him for relying solely on brute strength. Cell mockingly transforms into a similarly bulky form to demonstrate its uselessness without speed, echoing Vegeta's earlier decision to avoid this form due to its weaknesses.

Realizing his error and feeling defeated, Trunks reverts to his base form and offers no resistance as he believes he has no chance against Cell. Surprisingly, Cell is impressed by the power increase shown by Trunks and Vegeta in such a short time and asks how they achieved it. Trunks, determined not to reveal the secrets of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, remains silent. Instead of pressing further, Cell proposes a martial arts tournament in ten days, challenging Trunks to gather allies and get stronger to face him in one-on-one battles. Trunks is left bewildered by Cell's new plan and his ambiguous goals, but Cell reveals that while his initial aim was to kill Goku, he now wants to test the limits of his perfect form and enjoy causing fear and chaos on Earth before its destruction.

Shocked and horrified by Cell's intentions, Trunks is left to contemplate the impending threat as Cell departs, leaving Krillin and the recovering Vegeta to arrive on the scene.

After the revelation of Cell's plan for the Cell Games tournament, tensions rise among Trunks, Vegeta, and Krillin. Vegeta, ever confident in his abilities, dismisses the need for Goku or Trunks, declaring he will defeat Perfect Cell alone after his next round of training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Trunks, however, remains focused on his own plan to return to the chamber after Goku and Gohan finish their training.

The situation takes a turn when the damaged Android 16 appears, expressing a desire to participate in the tournament after repairs at Capsule Corporation. Trunks vehemently opposes helping or trusting Android 16, driven by his deep-seated distrust of androids due to his future experiences. In contrast, Krillin, acknowledging the androids of this timeline are different, agrees to assist 16, seeing the necessity of all available allies against Cell.

The next day, Trunks and his family eagerly monitor the news, awaiting Cell's announcement of the Cell Games. Cell interrupts a live broadcast, boldly challenging Earth's strongest fighters to battle him in one-on-one combat. Amidst preparations, Vegeta announces his intention to train again in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, with Trunks deciding to join him. However, before departing, Bulma insists on giving Trunks a haircut to prevent his long hair from obstructing his vision—a suggestion that irritates Vegeta, though he begrudgingly accepts.

At the Lookout, the atmosphere is tense as Goku and Gohan emerge from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber earlier than expected, their Battle Armor in tatters. Trunks quickly updates them on everything that transpired while they were training: Cell's transformation to his perfect form and the announcement of the Cell Games.

Rather than being alarmed, Goku is eager for the upcoming tournament, requesting his Turtle School uniform from Mr. Popo. Trunks offers them new armor, but Goku declines, opting to fight as an Earthling. Gohan requests attire similar to Piccolo's, showing his readiness for battle.

Vegeta, always focused on strength, asks Goku bluntly if he believes he can defeat Cell. Goku admits uncertainty, stating he needs to gauge Cell's power firsthand. Using Instant Transmission, Goku teleports to the Cell Games Arena and quickly returns. Trunks presses Goku for his assessment, and Goku candidly admits he doesn't think he can win.

Piccolo suggests Goku and Gohan return to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, but Goku surprises everyone by declaring they will train in the outside world instead. This decision shocks Piccolo and Tien, impressed by Goku and Gohan's composure as Super Saiyans.

Trunks, reflecting on their mastery of the Super Saiyan form to conserve energy, realizes his own oversight in planning. Vegeta chides him for his naivety, emphasizing the strategic depth Goku and Gohan have shown. This revelation prompts Trunks to reconsider his approach to training and combat strategy, recognizing the importance of mastering techniques over pure power.
The next day at the Lookout, tensions remain high as Vegeta impatiently awaits Piccolo's exit from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. When Piccolo finally emerges, Trunks acknowledges the noticeable increase in his strength, but Vegeta dismisses Piccolo's efforts, criticizing him for not achieving greater gains.
Meanwhile, Goku returns to the Lookout accompanied by Dende, a young Namekian who has been chosen as Earth's new Guardian. Dende immediately sets about recreating the Dragon Balls. While Dende converses with Gohan and Krillin, Trunks approaches Goku with a question about Cell's weakness, assuming Goku's newfound calmness indicates a strategic advantage. However, Goku surprises Trunks by stating he doesn't believe Cell has a weakness, leaving Trunks perplexed.

Goku instructs Gohan to stay with Dende and informs him that there's no need for further training until the Cell Games. Gohan is taken aback by this sudden decision, prompting Trunks to inquire about Goku's plan and his seemingly unwavering confidence despite knowing Cell's superior strength. Gohan admits he's unsure of Goku's intentions, while Krillin suggests Goku may have a hidden strategy. Piccolo, however, speculates that Goku might have accepted the possibility of defeat, raising concerns among the group.
On the day of the Cell Games, all seven warriors gather at the arena, including Vegeta, Android 16, and Mr. Satan. When Mr. Satan boldly steps up to face Cell first, he is swiftly defeated and sent flying into a nearby mountain, though miraculously survives. With Mr. Satan out of the way, Goku steps forward to face Cell, initiating a fierce battle that quickly ensues.
Trunks and the rest of the Dragon Team watch anxiously as Goku and Cell engage in combat, showcasing their incredible power. As the fight intensifies, Cell notices Goku's decreasing strength and offers him a Senzu Bean to continue the battle. Trunks urges Krillin to give Goku the Senzu Bean and suggests they all attack Cell together to ensure victory. However, Vegeta sharply rebukes Trunks, asserting that Goku fights alone out of Saiyan pride and determination. He believes Goku would rather die than accept help in this manner, emphasizing that Goku isn't merely fighting for Earth's sake but for his own reasons as well.

Trunks expresses concern that Goku won't last much longer against Cell, and Vegeta grimly acknowledges that Goku may indeed be killed in the battle. Trunks questions their next move, but Vegeta insists they must trust Goku's judgment and hope he has a hidden strategy, as Trunks had previously suggested. However, in a surprising turn of events, Goku declares that he gives up, shocking everyone present, including Cell. He calls upon his son Gohan to take over the fight, believing Gohan possesses the potential to defeat Cell where he cannot.

The unexpected turn leaves Trunks and the others stunned, unsure of what to make of Goku's decision and what lies ahead in the Cell Games.
In an attempt to bring out Gohan's true power, Trunks is forced to contend with Cell's offspring along with the other heroes. While he and Vegeta were the only ones strong enough to hold their own, they began slowly and gradually losing the fight. Meanwhile, Android 16 encourages Gohan to set his rage free and to not hold back in order to protect the wild animals and the forests he loved. Cell, however, finally has enough, and smashes Android 16's head, killing him off for good. Witnessing the peaceful android's death finally pushes Gohan over the edge and his hidden power erupts, transforming him into a Super Saiyan 2, shocking everyone present. First, Gohan takes back the stolen bag of Senzu Beans from Cell and then effortlessly defeats the Cell Juniors with simple, yet powerful blows. Afterwards, Gohan gives an awestruck Trunks the bag of Senzu Beans to treat to the fallen Z Fighters and heal their wounds while he faces Cell.
In the intense aftermath of Gohan's battle with Cell, the Bio-Android resorts to a desperate and deadly plan to self-destruct, intending to obliterate Earth along with himself. Goku sacrifices his life by teleporting Cell to King Kai's Planet, where the explosion occurs, hoping to save Earth. However, Cell survives and returns to the battlefield, significantly weakened.
In a cruel twist, Cell randomly fires a Full Power Death Beam that strikes Future Trunks, mortally wounding him. As Cell boasts about his renewed power, Vegeta is left in shock and anguish over Trunks' severe injuries. Trunks, on the verge of death, coughs up blood as Yamcha and Tien rush to his aid, realizing he has passed away.

This tragic loss deeply impacts Vegeta, triggering a profound emotional response as he mourns the death of his son. Vegeta, consumed by rage and grief, unleashes everything he has in a desperate attempt to defeat Super Perfect Cell. However, despite his relentless assault, Cell effortlessly withstands Vegeta's attacks and inflicts severe injuries on him with minimal effort. Gohan intervenes to protect Vegeta, but at the cost of sustaining a debilitating injury to his left arm.

After Cell's defeat and the emotional aftermath, Future Trunks is brought to The Lookout where Shenron grants the wish to revive him, along with all those killed by Cell except Goku, who remains in the afterlife by choice. The Dragon Team plans to use the Namekian Dragon Balls to bring Goku back, but Goku, speaking through King Kai, declines, believing Earth is safer without him drawing in villains. He bids a final farewell to everyone, leaving the protection of Earth to Gohan.

With their wishes fulfilled, Tien departs first, expressing uncertainty about their future meetings and wishing Trunks luck against the androids in his timeline. The rest of the group disperses as well, each going their separate ways. Trunks announces his intention to return to the future the next day.

As they fly to Capsule Corporation, Yamcha shares with Trunks how Vegeta reacted to his death, which surprisingly fills Trunks with pride for his father. Amid celebrations for Cell's defeat, Trunks presents Bulma with the Time Machine that Cell used to travel to their era<ref>''Dragon Ball Super'' episode 51 "Feelings That Transcend Time: Trunks and Mai"</ref>. Vegeta acknowledges Trunks during their goodbyes, marking a poignant moment of mutual respect and recognition between father and son.

After bidding his farewells, Trunks travels back to his own time driven by a fierce determination to avenge the Z Fighters slain by the androids. Upon reuniting with his mother, Bulma, Trunks hears a news report revealing the androids' whereabouts. Instantly, he transforms into his Super Saiyan state, enhanced by rigorous training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Arriving at Parsley City, where the androids are threatening an innocent man, Trunks launches a precise energy attack that narrowly misses Android 17. Underestimating Trunks' power, the cocky androids rush at him, only to face his swift evasion and devastating counterattacks. Trunks swiftly eliminates Android 18 with a point-blank energy blast, leaving Android 17 stunned and enraged. In a single decisive blow, Trunks defeats 17, reducing him to dust effortlessly. With peace seemingly restored on Earth, Trunks returns home unscathed, though aware that the looming threat of Cell still persists in his timeline.

Three years later, the determined Bio-Android roamed in his Imperfect form and stumbled upon Trunks and Bulma bidding their farewells near the time machine. Trunks, now 23 years old, sensed Cell's presence and swiftly sent his mother away. Cell approached with misplaced confidence, assuming Trunks remained at his earlier power level when he first warned Goku, far weaker than the future androids and significantly inferior to Cell himself. To Cell's surprise, Trunks revealed that he had already eradicated the androids and began taunting him with details from the alternate timeline.

Enraged by this revelation, Cell contemplated using the time machine to travel back and absorb the androids again, but Trunks attacked him preemptively. The battle ensued, with Trunks clearly outclassing Cell, effortlessly hurling him outside the city with a simple energy wave in his base form. Transitioning into a Super Saiyan, Trunks continued to dominate Cell with ease. As Trunks declared Cell's impending demise, the Bio-Android grew enraged and launched his tail at Trunks in a desperate counterattack.

Trunks swiftly grabs Cell's tail and spins him in a circle, building momentum before hurling him high into the air. As Cell struggles with the realization of his impending defeat against Trunks' newfound power, he prepares a massive Kamehameha, intending to obliterate the planet, confident in his ability to survive in space. However, before Cell can unleash the attack, Trunks powers up and releases an enormous, devastating wave of energy that completely incinerates Cell.

With Cell finally defeated, Trunks stands amidst the peace of his future, looking up towards the sky. He silently thanks Goku and his friends from the past one last time, knowing that their efforts and sacrifices were crucial in achieving this victory and ensuring the safety of his timeline.

Interlude

Several years later, Trunks received an invitation from Shin to train at the Sacred World of the Kai in preparation for Babidi's impending arrival. During his training, Trunks successfully pulled out the Z Sword and dedicated himself to mastering its use to enhance his strength. Both Shin and Kibito were impressed by Trunks' ability to wield the Z Sword skillfully.

To finalize his training, Shin decided to test the Z Sword's sharpness by having Trunks cut through a block of Katchin, known as the hardest metal in the universe. However, before the test could proceed, Kibito sensed Babidi's movements on Earth, prompting them to return immediately. Trunks requested to change back into his normal clothes for the impending battle.

Back on Earth, Trunks joined Shin and Kibito in combating Babidi's minions. He played a crucial role in defeating Pui Pui and Yakon. Subsequently, Trunks engaged in a fierce battle against Dabura, transforming into a Super Saiyan and wielding the formidable Z Sword to confront the demon king.

During their intense battle, Dabura spat on the Z Sword, causing it to petrify. Shin urgently ordered Trunks to release the sword, which shattered upon hitting the ground after turning completely to stone. Dabura then incinerated the broken sword with his fire breath. In the ensuing struggle, Dabura struck Trunks, who held his ground despite being pushed back.

Realizing his miscalculation about Babidi's influence over Dabura, Shin vowed to prevent Majin Buu's revival and charged at Babidi. However, Dabura intercepted Shin's attack and Babidi began tormenting him. Seeing Shin in danger, Kibito attempted to help but was blasted by Dabura. Enraged, Trunks transformed into Super Saiyan 2 and fiercely attacked Dabura. Despite Dabura's defense of Babidi, Trunks managed to deliver a powerful kick that fatally wounded Babidi.

As Dabura prepared to retaliate with his spear, Shin immobilized him, allowing Trunks to finish him off with a Burning Attack. With peace restored, Shin expressed relief before passing away.

In the anime, Future Trunks had significantly increased his strength and, guided by Shin's instructions, confronted and defeated Future Dabura along with Future Babidi, thereby preventing the resurrection of Future Majin Buu.