Trunks was born in Age 766 and is from an alternate timeline, one in which the Earth had been continuously terrorized by the evil Android 17 and Android 18. By the time we are introduced to the pair of Androids, over three fourths of the world's population has been eliminated due to their spree of destruction. In this future, Gohan and Trunks are weaker versions of themselves without the training of the experienced Dragon Team later on.
In this timeline, Goku dies of a heart virus six months before the Androids arrive, leaving the Z Fighters without one of their greatest heroes. His father Vegeta and all of the other Z Fighters (except Future Gohan) are killed, with the Androids easily outclassing them in power since they were both built to be more powerful than Goku. The Z Fighters are unable to be wished back to life as the Dragon Balls are permanently useless, due to Piccolo's death, which also kills Kami. Over the course of the next thirteen years, Gohan becomes Future Trunks' mentor and trains him in everything he knows, also teaching him swordsmanship. Gohan tries his best to teach Trunks how to become a Super Saiyan as well, necessary for him to compete against the Androids' might. However, with everyone already dead and having not yet felt a certain level of sadness and sorrow, Trunks simply cannot find the motivation to transform (in the manga, Trunks had already achieved the Super Saiyan form at this time).
Trunks is at age 14 at the time. In an amusement park named Super World, Gohan and Trunks face the Androids in battle where Trunks, in his inexperience, is cornered by Android 18. Gohan is forced to sacrifice himself to save Future Trunks, losing his arm in the process which only further demoralizes Trunks and causes his confidence to fall. Trunks tries repeatedly to attain Super Saiyan during training but still struggles with it, unlike his alternate-timeline self who attains it at a much younger age and with relative ease.
Later in Age 780, the pair are drawn into battle against the Androids again, so Gohan knocks Trunks unconscious knowing that if he faces them again, he will be killed. Gohan holds his own against the Androids at Pepper Town, being stronger than each individually (only in the anime; Gohan initially lost against Android 17 who was using less than half his full strength, and even after the years of training with Trunks, he is effortlessly defeated by the foe and killed before Trunks awakens) but unable to compete with both of them and their infinite energy reserves. Gohan is defeated and killed, leaving Trunks to find his body lying in the rain. Overcome with anger and grief, Trunks finally transforms into a Super Saiyan (in the manga, he was able to transform already, but due to his inexperience was unable to even keep up with an arm-less Gohan in his normal state, until his training for the next three years) and spends the next few years training to avenge his fallen allies, though he still struggles to defeat them.
After another close escape at Bridgetown in Age 783, Future Bulma reveals her Time Machine to her son, which she hopes he will use to return to the past and save Goku, hopefully altering the future. In this future, Trunks did not know his father Vegeta at all, as he was only an infant at the time he was murdered by the Androids.
Frieza-Androids Interlude
In Age 784, Trunks travels back in time 20 years, in order to warn Goku about the android threat in the near future, as well as to deliver medication that will cure Goku of the heart virus that he is supposed to die from. However, upon arrival he is greeted by Frieza with his father King Cold, and he kills all the soldiers Frieza and his father had brought to Earth. They had come to Earth in order to seek revenge upon Goku's loved ones, and to kill Goku himself. Trunks, then seventeen years old, did not look like much of a threat to Frieza, and he freely told him so. Trunks implies his ability to transform into a Super Saiyan, but Frieza, albeit initially shocked, laughs it off along with his father. Trunks, anticipating that Frieza does not believe him, proves it by transforming, to Frieza's horror. Frieza was then given three opportunities to kill Future Trunks, but the young Super Saiyan is able to block and dodge the attacks with ease.
Frustrated, Frieza fires a Supernova at Trunks. Trunks just catches the attack and tells Frieza that he must have "dropped it," after which Frieza detonates the blast with an Energy Wave (only in the anime, while in the manga Frieza never tried a planet-busting ki attack and fired this blast immediately instead). Future Trunks then easily remains unscathed and performs what he calls the Burning Attack to have Frieza dodge the blast, which is followed up by his Shining Sword Attack.
Frieza, cut in half, was defeated by having his body hacked to pieces and Future Trunks then followed up with an energy blast, and was soon followed by his arrogant father King Cold, who was killed by a God Breaker. Trunks then guides the Dragon Team congregated nearby to the place where Goku is going to land, and they all for Goku to arrive. He offers the Z Fighters a drink from his capsule cooler. During their wait, Trunks keeps staring at Vegeta (due to it being the first time he actually met his father since he died during the Android attack in his timeline while he was still a baby), causing the latter to demand to know why he is staring at him. In addition, Bulma notes Trunks' resemblance to Vegeta in facial features and Tien speculates that he must have met Goku during the latter's trip in outer space, although the theory is shot down when Chiaotzu reminds them that Trunks said he never actually met Goku before. After two hours, upon looking at his watch, Trunks informs the Z Fighters that Goku's ship is about to land.
When Goku arrives, Trunks finds out to his chagrin that he interfered with the timeline unnecessarily; although he was several hours away by space pod, Goku was prepared to step in using his Instant Transmission technique (just as he did in Trunks' original timeline) when Trunks showed up and killed Frieza. Trunks then informs Goku of the future where the Androids arrive and kill all of the Z Fighters in a large battle, also telling Goku not to inform anyone about his parents. However, Piccolo's sensitive Namekian ears pick up the conversation, and while he doesn't reveal any information about Trunks, Piccolo tells the Z Fighters of the future, inspiring the heroes to train their hardest for the next three years. However inadvertently, Trunks' revelation of the future alters it slightly.
Androids Saga
When the androids eventually appear and they face the Z Fighters, Goku had not contracted the heart disease six months prior like he was supposed to; instead, he contracted it during the battle against Android 19. Before Goku could be killed, Vegeta saves him, telling Yamcha to take him home and cure him with his medication, and reveals his new Super Saiyan form, killing Android 19 with great ease when he uses his signature Big Bang Attack to reduce him to a smoldering head. Around 18 months later in his timeline, the now 19-year-old Trunks returns to the past to find Android 19's detached head on the Southern Continent and Android 20, two androids he never saw in his timeline and realizes that this timeline is now branching off considerably from his own. When Android 20 (who turns out to be Dr. Gero himself) releases the real androids of his future, Android 17 and Android 18, they rebel and kill their creator before releasing the previously unknown Android 16.
The androids of this timeline prove to be considerably stronger than the ones Trunks had fought, to the point where Android 18 is able to even easily take down Super Saiyan Vegeta and Super Saiyan Trunks together. Vegeta fights Android 18 and eventually loses. Trunks rushes to his father's aid, in an attempt to slash her with his sword; however, she blocks the attack (causing the sword to crack, much to his astonishment), and he was struck down by Android 17 seconds later. Moments later, he had recovered and attempts another attack; however, Android 18 caught on to this and throws Vegeta at him. Trunks was then defeated, while returning to his base form. Afterwards, he and Krillin went to Goku's house to evacuate him from the premises, and boards Yamcha's airship.
As they make their way to Kame House, Trunks suggests that he go even farther back in time using his Time Machine and destroy the androids before they are activated, since they now know where Dr. Gero's Lab was. Yamcha thinks this is a good plan, but Krillin asks if he can get back to the future after going further into the past, as the Time Machine takes a long time to charge up. Gohan asks if the current androids would simply disappear, and Trunks realizes that only the timeline he would travel to would be affected. Krillin is confused, and Trunks explains that each trip to the past creates new futures, using their situation as an example. Yamcha and Krillin then ask what the point of his trip to their timeline was, and Trunks says that he was hoping to find the androids' weakness or bring Goku to his timeline. He notes that this timeline is different, and Gohan asks why. Trunks says he does not know, but Chi-Chi says not to worry, as his trip has saved Goku's life. The others agree that things will turn out for the best.
Cell Saga
As they fly, Krillin calls Bulma who then relates to Trunks how a farmer found a strange Capsule Corporation vehicle out in the wilderness and asked for the company's help to operate it. Bulma says that they did not recognize the man's description, so they asked for a photo, and that the vehicle is in fact Future Trunks' Time Machine, only wrecked. Trunks is stunned, saying that he has his Time Machine with him in capsule form. Bulma tells Trunks that the Time Machine in the photo looks old and is covered with moss and asks how many she made in the future. Trunks says that she was barely able to make one, and Bulma decides to fax Trunks the picture. He confirms it is indeed a Time Machine. Trunks says that he is going, as he must see the machine with his own eyes. Bulma agrees to meet him there, as it is close to Capsule Corporation. Gohan offers to accompany Trunks, who gladly says that he can.
As they fly to meet Bulma, Gohan asks Trunks how badly his world has been devastated. Trunks tells him that the population is in the tens of thousands and that they are forced live in underground shelters. Gohan says that he hopes Trunks can find the Androids weakness, and Trunks speculates about what it might be. He concludes that Dr. Gero must have had some sort of emergency off switch to control the androids due to their power, or else he would not have activated them again. They then arrive at the specified location, and quickly find the Time Machine. Bulma then arrives, and Trunks brings out his Time Machine to show her. Trunks tells her that she only made one Time Machine in the future, yet the damaged one is also his. He then uncovers a message saying 'HOPE!' on the second Time Machine, which he says Future Bulma wrote on the day he left. Trunks and Gohan fly up to the top of the machine, and Gohan notices that the cockpit window has been melted through from the inside. Trunks notices two halves of something inside, which Bulma says look like an egg. Gohan wonders if what was in the egg made the hole in the window. Noticing that the Time Machine still has a bit of power, Trunks turns it on and discovers that it came from the year Age 788, three years after his first trip. He also finds out that the machine has been there for four years, (a full year before he defeated Frieza and King Cold), and wonders if this is why history has changed so much.
Trunks says that they cannot leave the second Time Machine where it is, so he puts it into capsule form. Gohan notices something, and goes over to look at it, quickly calling Bulma and Trunks to come as well. They find what appears to be a giant husk left behind by a molting insect. Trunks suggests that the insect is what came out of the egg in the Time Machine, and notices that the husk is still gooey, meaning that the insect molted recently. As he and Gohan fly to Kame House, Trunks thinks to himself that none of this makes sense.
As soon as the pair arrive at Kame House, they watch the news broadcast at the behest of Krillin. The reporter says that the population of Gingertown mysteriously vanished and all that remains are the residents abandoned clothes. The reporter goes on to say that the residents seemed to have been fighting something off. Trunks believes that whatever hatched from the egg they found is causing the problems in Gingertown. Although Yamcha and Krillin urge him not to, he decides to go investigate.
When Cell powers up during his confrontation with Piccolo, all of the Z Fighters feel his power and identify it as the energy of Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Frieza, and King Cold radiating from a single point. As he flies towards Gingertown, Krillin tags along with Trunks anyway, as they don't know anything about the Gingertown monster and couldn't let him face it by himself. Trunks says that he senses another powerful ki but does not know whose it is. Krillin quickly recognizes it as Piccolo's and says that he must have merged with Kami. Trunks is surprised at the difference made by the fusion. Suddenly, they feel a massive shockwave. Trunks wonders what happened, and Krillin notes that an explosion is visible from where they are. Trunks concludes that Piccolo must have begun battling with the monster.
When Trunks and Krillin reach Gingertown, they find Piccolo engaged in combat with the creature. Trunks is left in complete shock at the creature's appearance, as he remembers the egg that he, his mother, and Gohan had found earlier, which it must have developed and hatched from. Cell soon escapes using the Solar Flare technique, much to Piccolo's anger. When a confused Vegeta arrived, Trunks told him how Piccolo got stronger from his fusion with Kami. After Tien arrives at the battlefield, Piccolo explains Cell's origins and plan to everyone. Trunks was shocked to learn of another android, who is a more dangerous threat especially because he had the cells of the Dragon Team. Krillin says that they will have to find him, but Trunks wonders if they can, noting that Cell will most likely absorb innocent people and then run away with his energy suppressed. Undaunted, Vegeta declares that he will ascend beyond a Super Saiyan and defeat the androids himself before leaving. Krillin asks Trunks if he is correct in believing that traveling to the past and destroying the androids would change nothing in their timeline. Trunks confirms this but says that they should destroy the Present Cell in this timeline to prevent another Cell from appearing. Piccolo instructs the pair to do that while he and Tien search for Cell.
Krillin and Trunks quickly reach the lab's location, and, after some brief searching, find a hole down to the lab's basement. They discover Dr. Gero's Supercomputer along with Present Cell in his larval form. Just as Krillin is about to destroy the basement, Trunks finds blueprints for Android 17. He decides to take them to his mother, who might figure out a weakness in the Androids design, and the pair destroy the rest of the laboratory. As they fly away, Trunks asks Krillin to take the blueprints to Bulma, saying that he is going to train with Vegeta. Krillin says that Vegeta will most likely refuse. Trunks admits that he does not want to train with a monster like Vegeta, but that he will realize that training together is more efficient than doing it by himself. Trunks and Krillin wish each other safe travels and part ways.
Three days later, a now healthy Goku and Gohan teleport to where Vegeta and Trunks are training. They see Trunks sitting by himself while Vegeta stands alone on a ledge. Trunks is happy Goku is back while Goku asks Trunks how their training has progressed. Trunks says that his father will not train with him, viewing him as a nuisance, and has simply stood on the ledge for the past three days. Goku approaches Vegeta and tells him about the Hyperbolic Time Chamber and how it could help them surpass Cell and the androids, piquing his interest. Vegeta agrees to go in with Trunks as long as they can use it first, which Goku agrees with. On The Lookout, Vegeta and Trunks enter the chamber, and Trunks immediately notes that the room is hot, with thin air and high gravity. He is taken aback by the room's vast amount of sheer nothingness and says that it would drive anyone insane. Vegeta says that the room is perfect, and Trunks wonders if he can stand a year alone with his father.
After Goku takes the injured Piccolo and Tien to The Lookout, Vegeta and Trunks finally emerge from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Trunks apologizes for keeping everyone waiting. Goku remarks that he and Vegeta took a long time. Trunks states that Vegeta surpassed the Super Saiyan form within two months, but, unsatisfied with his power, he continued training. Vegeta cuts off Trunks and tells him not to say any more. Bulma arrives at The Lookout and after noticing that Trunks has suddenly grown taller and his hair has grown out, gives them all battle suits that she had made. Just before Vegeta and Trunks head off to face Cell, Goku gives him a few Senzu beans and tells Trunks to do his best.
Soon, Trunks arrives on the island where Vegeta confronts the Bio-Android. Cell notes his presence, saying that the number of opponents does not matter, and that he can wait for more of Vegeta's allies to show up. Vegeta tells Cell that Trunks is nothing but a spectator, and that he alone should suffice to kill him. As Vegeta soundly trounces the creature with his newly acquired power, Cell yells in frustration, saying that if he could only achieve his Perfect Form, Vegeta would be no match for him. Intrigued, Vegeta tells Cell to go and obtain his Perfect Form but as Cell goes to leave, however, Trunks transforms into a Super Saiyan and cuts him off. Vegeta tells Trunks to stop interfering, but he refuses.
Cell yells at Vegeta to do something about Trunks, but then spots Android 18 with Android 16 and Krillin and realizes his perfect form is now within his reach. Trunks looks over and spots them as well. He realizes they do not know Cell has noticed them and screams out "Hey! Cell has found you!". 18, 16 and Krillin all panic, as Cell flies toward them. Trunks says he will not let him reach his perfect form, then transforms into the Super Saiyan Second Grade form like Vegeta and pursues Cell. He almost reaches the android, but Vegeta kicks him away into a nearby mountain. Trunks gets up from the rubble and tells his father that he is making a mistake and they cannot let Cell reach his perfect form because he might surpass them. Drunk on his own power, Vegeta asks his son if he wants to see how strong Cell will get, but he says not at all and he doesn't want another hellish future. Trunks says even if he has to defeat his father, he will stop Cell from reaching his perfect form. Vegeta doubts Trunks can bring himself to attack his own father and says that he is bluffing. However, Trunks proves him wrong when he fires a Super Buster Cannon at Vegeta and goes after Cell. Cell then uses a Solar Flare, blinding Trunks, Krillin, and the androids. With everyone distracted, Cell opens his tail up and absorbs Android 18, finally transforming into his perfect form.
Vegeta watches Cell's transformation in anticipation, while the other three look on in fear and consternation. Trunks, angry at his father, decides to beat down Cell while he still has a chance and charges at Cell. However, Cell creates an Energy Field around himself, which prevents his transformation from being interrupted. Suddenly, Cell's barrier flashes blindingly bright and explodes. Smoke flies around the cringing fighters and Cell emerges from the dust in his new form. Krillin glares at Cell and calls him a monster for absorbing Android 18. In his rage, and ignoring Trunks' warning, Krillin attacks Cell, who isn't harmed in the slightest. Cell punches the air a few times to test his strength, and with a smile, he turns around and casually kicks Krillin in the face, sending him flying and nearly killing him. Trunks immediately rushes to save his comrade's life with a Senzu Bean.
After eating the Senzu Bean, Krillin warns Trunks that Vegeta stands no chance against Cell, and that he will easily be killed. Trunks questions how he knows this, and Krillin explains that while he may not be nearly as strong as a Saiyan, he can sense exactly how strong someone is, and states Cell's kick was nothing more than a light tap. Krillin also exclaims that Cell is hiding much of his power, and he will not need to use it all in his fight. As Trunks looks in concern, Krillin also states that he knows Trunks is hiding massive power himself, perhaps by breaking a barrier of Super Saiyan that Vegeta could not reach. Trunks explains that while both he and Vegeta surpassed the regular Super Saiyan form in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, he went a step further, which Vegeta apparently did not notice. Trunks also states he could never tell his father of this, as the revelation would shatter his pride, knowing he has been surpassed once again. Trunks then gets angry and knows Vegeta should have finished off Cell when he had the chance. After watching Cell effortlessly dominate Vegeta, Krillin tells Trunks to help his father with his latent power, otherwise he will be killed, but Trunks states Vegeta would rather be brutally broken and killed than be saved in battle. Reluctantly, Trunks decides to stay put until Cell knocks Vegeta unconscious.
Desperate to kill Cell, Vegeta resorts to using his ultimate attack: Final Flash. While charging it, Vegeta challenges Cell to take the attack head-on, which he arrogantly accepts. Trunks immediately tries to convince his father otherwise, as the super-charged blast could destroy the Earth, but Vegeta still proceeds. At the last second, however, Vegeta weakened his attack to avoid destroying the Earth, much to Krillin and Trunks' relief. Cell managed to survive the blast; however, it vaporized everything to the right side above his torso. Though Vegeta believes himself to be victorious, Cell proves otherwise; his cells from Frieza allow him to survive and function with virtually any wound while those of Piccolo allow him to regenerate from the damage instantly.
In desperation, Vegeta fires a barrage of Ki Blasts, but Cell unflinchingly walks through them and sends Vegeta flying with a punch. Vegeta struggles to his feet, only for Cell to kick him into the air, then follow up with an elbow smash to his back, driving him into the ground and knocking him unconscious. As Cell prepares to kill Vegeta, Krillin yells at Trunks that now's the time to step in. Trunks begins powering up, transforming into his Super Saiyan Third Grade form, which distracts Cell's attention from finishing off Vegeta. Both Cell and Krillin are amazed at how powerful Trunks has become now. Trunks gives Krillin a Senzu Bean and tells him to get Vegeta to Kame House. Krillin asks Trunks why he doesn't keep the bean for himself, but Trunks boldly states that he won't need it. Trunks then descends to face Cell, who's impressed by how much power he had buried in him.
At first, Cell has the advantage and sends Trunks flying. Suddenly, Trunks looks at Krillin and points towards Vegeta, revealing that he's stalling to lure Cell away from his father. Cell continues the attack on Trunks, but Krillin takes advantage of the opportunity to grab Vegeta and fly him to safety. With Vegeta out of harm's way, Cell asks Trunks if he can now fight freely. Trunks is surprised that Cell knew about his plan and just let Vegeta go. Cell states that he is now more interested in Trunks' power and desires a true challenge. Trunks powers up again, ready to fight seriously. Cell is certainly impressed by Trunks' magnificent power, even greater than his own, but assures him that he will not win the battle. Trunks calls Cell's statement a bluff and charges.
Although his power was enough to deal significant damage to Perfect Cell, Trunks simply kept increasing his power, unaware that his speed was greatly decreasing, and his energy consumption greatly augmented to a point where sustaining the state would prove to be a problem. His body became too bulky and slow from the large quantity of muscle, and this gave Cell the upper hand, despite not even having powered up and slightly below Trunks in brute strength (In the anime, the fight between Future Trunks and Cell is expanded on greatly. A key difference is that in the manga, Future Trunks with his Super Saiyan Third Grade form never once hit Cell whereas in the anime, he hits him many times before slowing down). Unaware of his form's weakness, Trunks is baffled, wondering why he can't hit Cell despite all his power. Cell taunts him for relying only on brute force, then transforms into a bulky Powerhouse form of his own to mockingly demonstrate that anyone can take on such a form and explains that without speed, the transformation is useless. Trunks realizes Vegeta could have used the Super Saiyan Third Grade form but didn't because he discovered its weakness and that Cell's right. Distraught Trunks reverts to his base form and tells Cell to kill him, since he has no chance now and has lost the will to fight.
However, Cell is impressed that Vegeta and Trunks had improved so significantly in a short amount of time and asks how it was possible. Naturally, Trunks refuses to answer Cell's question to prevent him from discovering the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Realizing he won't answer that particular question, Cell instead asks Trunks whether, if he had more time, he could get even stronger. Trunks replies that he won't know until he tries. Cell then asks what Goku is doing, and Trunks answers that he's training to defeat him and by tomorrow, Goku will be the one to finally kill the Bio-Android. Cell is pleased by this answer and proposes to hold a martial arts tournament in ten days. He challenges Trunks to gather his allies and get stronger so they can compete against him in one-on-one fights. Cell says that once he has decided the location for the tournament, he will broadcast it on television and turns to leave before mockingly telling Trunks to bring plenty of Senzu Beans. Trunks is confused, wondering what Cell's goal is now. Cell states that it was to kill Goku, but now he wants to test the limits of his perfect form and simply enjoy himself, mostly by causing utter terror for people of Earth before he eradicates the planet. After Trunks expresses horror at this, Cell comments that that's the look he wants. He then flies away just as Krillin and Vegeta arrive.
Trunks tells Krillin and Vegeta about Cell's plan, which annoys Vegeta, thinking Cell is toying with them. Trunks says that after Goku and Gohan leave the Hyperbolic Time Chamber he will go back in and train. Stubborn and arrogant as ever, Vegeta says they won't need Trunks or Goku and after he goes back in the Time Chamber, he will defeat Perfect Cell on his own. At that moment, the damaged Android 16 arrives, wanting to compete in the tournament as well, but first asks to be taken to Capsule Corporation so he can get repaired. Trunks adamantly refuses to help or trust 16 because he is an android who wanted kill Goku and he doesn't want to potentially endanger his mother's life, but Krillin agrees to take the android, knowing they'll need all the help they can get against Cell, and that these androids aren't as bad as the ones from Trunks' future.
The next day, Trunks and his family keep a close eye on the TV, looking out for Cell's announcement. Suddenly, Cell interrupts a live broadcast and proceeds to tell the world about the upcoming Cell Games tournament, and challenges all the greatest fighters in the world to compete against him in one-on-one fights. Vegeta announces that he's going to train in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber again and Trunks decides to go with him. However, Bulma wants to give Trunks a haircut first, so his long hair doesn't get in his eyes, much to Vegeta's irritation.
At the Lookout, Trunks, Vegeta, Tien Shinhan, and Piccolo wait for Goku and Gohan to exit the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. Trunks asks Mr. Popo how much time they have left, who replies that only three hours remain. Vegeta, however, is anxious and ready to go back in the chamber, but Piccolo tells him that he should rest because it's his turn next. Vegeta believes that only a Saiyan has any hope of killing Cell, but relents and says that he will spend the remaining 8 days in the chamber. Piccolo and Mr. Popo warn him that a person can only use the chamber for two days (or two years) at a time; if anybody attempts to stay longer, they will not be able to exit, leaving them trapped in nothingness and not allowing anyone else to use the door. Vegeta is disappointed, but Trunks optimistically says that at least they will have plenty of time to train. Suddenly, everyone senses Goku and Gohan's energy, which means that they finished their training early. With their Battle Armor all tattered and damaged, Goku and Gohan emerge out as Super Saiyans, to everyone's surprise. Trunks tells them everything that happened while they were training, from Cell's completion to the announcement of the Cell Games.
Instead of being worried, Goku is excited that he can compete in another tournament and asks Mr. Popo to bring him his Turtle School uniform. Trunks offers to give them new armor, but Goku declines, stating that he wants to fight as an Earthling, while Gohan asks Piccolo to give him clothes like the one he wears. Vegeta asks Goku whether he can beat Cell or not, but Goku says that he won't know until he sees the Bio-Android's perfect form. Using Instant Transmission, Goku goes to the Cell Games Arena to measure Cell's power up close. When he returns, Trunks asks Goku if he can beat Cell. Goku admits that he wouldn't stand a chance. Piccolo implores him and Gohan to use the Hyperbolic Time Chamber again, but Goku says that he and Gohan will train in the outside world, to Piccolo's surprise. The two then depart the Lookout. Piccolo and Tien are amazed by how calm they were as Super Saiyans. Trunks wonders if they unlocked another powerful transformation, but Vegeta calls him out for being so naive and explains how Goku and Gohan mastered the Super Saiyan form to decrease the strain on their bodies. Upon hearing this, Trunks realizes that he had not considered this plan.
The next day, Vegeta anxiously and impatiently waits for Piccolo to finish up his training inside of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. When he finally does, Trunks recognizes how significantly Piccolo's strength has increased, yet Vegeta mocks the Namekian for even entering the chamber in the first place saying that he has stayed the same.
Later, Goku returns to The Lookout with a young Namekian named Dende, who is chosen to become Earth's new Guardian and recreates the Dragon Balls. While Dende talks to Gohan and Krillin, Trunks asks Goku that if he is so calm now, it's because he has found Cell's weakness. However, Goku doesn't think Cell has a weakness, much to Trunks' confusion. Also, Goku tells Gohan to stay with Dende, and that he doesn't have to train anymore until the Cell Games. Gohan is surprised, but Goku reassures him before teleporting away. Trunks asks Gohan what Goku is planning, and why he's so confident knowing that Cell is stronger than him. Gohan doesn't know what's going on either. Krillin thinks Goku has a plan, but Piccolo suggests he's already accepted defeat.
After ten days, the day of the Cell Games finally arrived. All seven warriors arrive at the Cell Games arena and are joined by the already present Vegeta and Android 16. Goku volunteers to go first, but Krillin suggests they let the clueless, arrogant Mr. Satan go first, not caring if he gets killed and there's no point in explaining the superhuman abilities most Earthlings don't know about. When Mr. Satan finally attacks Cell, he is easily, and unsurprisingly, sent flying into a nearby mountain, but miraculously survives. With Mr. Satan having been quickly knocked out of the ring, Goku steps into the Cell Games Arena to face Cell, as the rest of the Dragon Team watch anxiously from the sidelines. Cell himself says that he had hoped to save the best for last, before the two assume their fighting poses. Trunks thinks that they will all finally see why Goku has been so calm in the days before the tournament.
Goku and Cell partake in an intense bout that leaves both combatants exhausted in the process. Cell tells Goku that his strength is decreasing and says he can have a Senzu Bean if he wants, that way, they can continue their great fight. Trunks yells at Krillin to do like he says and give Goku a Senzu Bean, and if they all attack Cell together, then they will definitely win. Vegeta yells at Trunks to shut up, saying he has no Saiyan pride as Goku neither asked for help nor does he want it. Vegeta believes that Goku would rather die than win like that, and he isn't even fighting just for the Earth's sake. Trunks says that Goku won't last much longer, and Vegeta agrees that he will probably be killed by Cell. Trunks asks what they are supposed to do, be quiet and watch. Vegeta says all they can do now is hope Goku has a secret plan, like Trunks suggested. However, Goku admits that Cell still has strength to spare, and he cannot defeat him, so in a surprising turn of events, Goku says that he gives up, which leaves everyone shocked, including Cell and calls forth his son Gohan to take over.
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.
Despite his best efforts, Cell is no match for Gohan's new power, and ultimately, the boy forces him to regurgitate Android 18. Weakened and desperate, Cell pumps himself up like a balloon to self-destruct, threatening to take the Earth along with him in a final attempt to kill Gohan. Goku sacrifices himself by teleporting both himself and Cell to King Kai's Planet where he promptly explodes. However, Cell survives and upon his reappearance, impales Future Trunks through the chest with a Full Power Death Beam, mortally wounding him (while the Funimation dub states that this was intentional, the original version implies that he was just firing randomly, as evidenced by the line "Who was it that I hit? Trunks?"). As Cell boasts that he is better than ever, Vegeta is left stunned by Future Trunks' injuries. While Gohan prepares to fight Cell again, Trunks uses up the last of his life energy to vomit up blood. Yamcha and Tien Shinhan rush over to aid him, only to realize he had died that moment. This act causes a drastic change in Vegeta, who becomes enraged that someone who cared about him has been killed and reveals his affection for his son. Vegeta then gives everything he can give to try and take down Super Perfect Cell although he fails and is overwhelmed by Cell's power, who takes all his attacks without a scratch and severely cripples him with a halfhearted blow, preparing to kill him like he did Trunks (only to have Gohan shield him, but at the cost of the use of his left arm).
After Cell's defeat, the deceased Future Trunks is taken to The Lookout where he is revived by Shenron, along with everyone else killed by Cell. However, Goku isn't resurrected, because he had already been brought back to life by the Dragon Balls before. The Dragon Team plan to use the Namekian Dragon Balls to bring Goku back instead, but then Goku himself intervenes. Goku, speaking through King Kai, tells them that the world will be better off if he remains in the afterlife, because his presence seems to attract bad guys. He leaves the protection of the Earth to the much stronger Gohan and says a final goodbye to everyone. With their wishes granted, Tien leaves first, since Chiaotzu is likely worried about him. He tells the others they may never meet again and wishes Trunks good luck against the androids in the future before leaving. The rest of the group go their separate ways as well, with Trunks declaring that he plans to return to the future tomorrow. As they fly to Capsule Corporation, Yamcha revealed how Vegeta reacted to his death, which makes Trunks become shockingly proud of his father. After the celebrations for Cell's long-waited defeat, Trunks gives Bulma the Time Machine which Cell used to come to this era and Vegeta acknowledges Trunks while he says his goodbyes.
After saying his goodbyes, Trunks returns to his own time to exact revenge on the androids for murdering the Z Fighters. After reuniting with his mother, Bulma, Trunks hears a news update on the location of the androids and he quickly powers up into his Super Saiyan form, now greatly augmented by his two years of training in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. At Parsley City, the Androids are about to kill another innocent man (in the manga he is killed before Trunks' arrival by being shot in the face by 17), when suddenly Trunks hurtles a very accurate energy attack which narrowly misses 17. The cocky androids foolishly underestimate Trunks and try to rush him. Trunks easily dodges their attacks and punishes them duly, obliterating 18 in a point-blank energy blast. 17 looks on in disbelief and anger, but he too is defeated with ease in a single blow, before being blown to dust effortlessly. The completely unscathed Trunks returns home since everything now seems at peace with the Earth, except he knows one thing remains: Cell who is likely around in his world.
Three years pass before the determined Bio-Android roams around in his Imperfect form and comes across Trunks and Bulma saying their goodbyes near the time machine. Trunks is age 23 at the time. As Trunks is about to leave for the past one final time to inform them of his success, he senses Cell and sends his mother away. The cocky Cell approaches the half-Saiyan under the false impression that Trunks is still at the level of power when he initially went back in time and warned Goku, even weaker than the future Androids who are in turn inferior to Cell's strength by a long shot. However, Trunks reveals he destroyed the androids and begins to taunt him with his knowledge from the alternate past. While Cell was angry, he realized that he could use the time machine to go back and absorb them, but Trunks attacks him. The fight begins and Cell is clearly outclassed as Trunks hurls him outside of the city with a simple energy wave in his base state. Once outside West City, Trunks then transforms into a Super Saiyan and then proceeds to clobber Cell with great ease. When declaring that Cell must die, Cell gets enraged and launches his tail at Trunks.
Trunks takes action by grabbing Cell's tail and swinging him around in a circle, building up momentum, and then hurling him high into the air. Cell realizes that he has no hope against the new powers of Trunks and prepares a Kamehameha large enough to destroy the planet, knowing all too well that he could survive in space. Cell begins the attack but is interrupted when Trunks powers up and unleashes a massive destructive wave of energy which incinerates Cell completely. With the future finally at peace, Trunks is seen looking towards the sky while thanking Goku and his friends in the past one last time.
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