With Majin Buu eliminated, peace returned to the future timeline once more.
After the Supreme Kai took his leave, Turles turned his attention back to Trunks. He knew the next major threat would be Zamasu, yet Trunks' current battle power was actually lower than Future Bulma's. It was beyond ridiculous.
"Trunks, come with me to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber tomorrow. You're far too weak," Turles said sternly. "If your mother hadn't been here this time, how would you have handled Majin Buu?"
Trunks lowered his head, his face burning with shame. It was true. Ever since he had destroyed the Androids, he had grown complacent. The sudden appearance of Majin Buu had been a violent wake-up call.
"Yes, Father. I understand."
That night, Future Bulma lay in Turles' arms, her face flushed. She could feel that Turles had become even more "formidable." (This was hardly surprising; the old-school Legendary Super Saiyan bloodline was no joke, and the physical resilience of this specific version was legendary.)
"Husband, are we heading back as soon as you're done training Trunks?"
"Yeah. But honestly, you're far too reckless. Modifying your own body... what am I going to do with you?"
Future Bulma leaned into him, her voice playful. "But I'm fine, aren't I? And I won't need to do it again. I promise, that was the last time."
Turles let out a long sigh, his heart softening. "Given everything you've been through, I don't blame you for pursuing strength. Just remember your promise. No more self-augmentation."
"I promise."
The next morning, after a quick breakfast, Turles led Trunks to the Lookout and into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.
They were about to begin a year of hellish training. Turles was determined to push Trunks to his absolute limit. After all, if his mother had to solve every problem, what use was Trunks?
While they were training, the present-day Bulma spent her time catching up with her future self.
"So, in the other timeline, I ended up with Vegeta too?" Future Bulma mused. "It seems your timeline is the outlier."
Bulma nodded. "Our timeline is definitely special. But doesn't that just prove how exceptional Turles is?"
She gave her future self a knowing look. "Otherwise, why would you have been so attracted to him too?"
Future Bulma's face turned bright red. She didn't have a comeback for that.
One day later (one year inside), Turles and Trunks emerged from the chamber, their clothes tattered and worn.
The training had yielded massive results. Trunks' base power had reached a staggering 120 billion. More importantly, he had successfully mastered the Super Saiyan 4 transformation.
Of course, he still couldn't compare to the "cheater" Turles. Turles' base power had reached an unbelievable 1 trillion.
As long as the Gods of Destruction stayed asleep, Turles was effectively the strongest being in Universe 7 in his base form alone.
"Alright, Trunks. We've reached our goal. It's time for us to head home."
"Yes, Father."
The two vanished from the Lookout under Mr. Popo's silent, impassive gaze.
West City.
Upon their return, the two Bulmas prepared a massive feast. Watching them shovel food into their mouths, the present Bulma spoke up.
"Turles, is it time for us to go back?"
Trunks froze mid-bite, his expression faltering.
"Yeah," Turles nodded. "We don't belong to this timeline. Bulla needs a stable environment to grow up in. This world is recovering, but it's still a far cry from ours."
Bulma agreed. Bulla was getting close to preschool age; she needed a proper upbringing. And unlike Future Bulma, her own parents were still alive and well in her home timeline.
Seeing the lingering sadness in Trunks' eyes, Turles reached over and gave him a light smack on the head.
"Why the long face? It's not like we're never seeing each other again. Is that Time Machine just for show? If you miss us, just come visit. And remember to keep up with your training. If you run into an enemy you can't handle, don't be too proud to come ask for help."
Trunks nodded silently, his eyes glistening. Is this what a father's love feels like?
Three years passed in the blink of an eye.
Life at Capsule Corp in the main timeline remained largely unchanged, though Bulma's temper had become... slightly more volatile.
"BULLA!!!"
A thunderous roar echoed through the estate. In the backyard, Turles was sitting by the pond, fishing. The shout made his hand jerk, nearly sending his rod into the water.
"Yikes. What did Bulla do this time? Bulma sounds furious..."
Turles made no move to get up. He had no intention of getting caught in the crossfire.
"Hey, System. Still haven't found the GT timeline yet?"
"Host, you really have no idea how hard I'm working!" the System snapped. "Do you realize how many timelines there are? They're practically infinite! Do you have any idea how much processing power this takes? Systems as hardworking as me are a dying breed, you know!"
Turles felt a bit awkward. The System had a point. It had already located the "Super" timeline, and it had been working tirelessly for three years to find the GT universe.
"My bad. I didn't realize the GT timeline was so hard to pinpoint..."
Suddenly, Bulla scrambled out of the house and dove behind Turles, looking up at him with pitiful eyes. "Papa, save me!!"
Turles: "..."
An instant later, Bulma appeared, brandishing a feather duster. She radiated an aura of pure, dark fury. Turles swallowed hard as he looked at his wife.
He frowned, shielding Bulla—or so it seemed. "Honey! I've caught the suspect for you. How would you like to proceed?"
Bulla stared at her father in disbelief. She had just been backstabbed by her own dear Papa.
The smile on Bulma's face grew wider, but the fire in her eyes suggested Bulla was in for a rough time.
"Bulla, sweetie... come here. Mommy wants to have a little 'chat' with you."
Bulma hoisted the girl up and marched back inside while Turles watched blankly. Before long, the sounds of Bulla's dramatic wailing filled the house. Wait... was that Trunks crying too? Was he involved in this?
Turles decided not to investigate. He was a kind-hearted man; he couldn't stand the sight of "bloodshed."
"Host, I have good news!" the System suddenly shouted. "I've pinpointed the GT timeline! WOO-HOO! I can finally take a vacation! Three years! Do you have any idea how I've spent these three years?! Do you?!"
Turles' lips twitched. The System seemed to have built up quite a bit of resentment. Then again, searching through infinite timelines for three years without a break... it had earned its rest.
"Alright, Host. You can head there whenever you want. I'm going to the System Realm to relax for a while. Hehehehe..."