The Impact of Goku’s Permanent Death on the Dragon Ball Series
In the vast array of scenarios and alternate timelines within the Dragon Ball universe, one stands out as particularly intriguing: what if Goku died permanently at the first sign of his death? How would this drastic change affect the storyline of Dragon Ball Z?
Establishing the Scenario
The rationale for Goku's permanent death can be attributed to either a what-if scenario where he has already died and can no longer return, or a self-realization that Earth's peril is his fault, prompting him to stay dead. For the purposes of this article, we will explore the latter, where Goku decides to stay deceased but continues to train with King Kai, albeit in secrecy.
Goku’s Final Training with King Kai
Goku's decision to remain dead but train continues, as he sneaks off to enhance his skills. Under King Kai’s guidance, Goku refines his Kaioken technique and masters the Spirit Bomb attack slightly earlier than previously established in the series. These improvements significantly bolster Goku's arsenal and potential.
Goku requests Kami to teleport Tien Shinhan to King Kai's realm, curious about Tien's quick mastery of ki attacks. Tien, a skilled martial artist, learns moves rapidly and rapidly gains a notable power boost, increasing his power level from 1880 to 2910 after five months of training.
The Arrival of the Saiyans
The Saiyan army arrives as usual, planning to destroy Earth. However, they are shocked to find that Earth's population did not use the dragon balls to revive Goku. The Saiyans do not show significant concern over this, suggesting a different approach or strategy.
Tien’s Unlikely Victory
During the battle, Tien stays back, observing Nappa closely. He manages to kill Nappa with a powerful Spirit Bomb, leaving enough energy to boost his own power. Vegeta, witnessing this, is both surprised and angered, saying, "How dare you, trash!?”
Vegeta charges his iconic Galick Gun, and Tien responds by entering the Neo Tri Beam stance and charging his Kaioken aura. The Neo Tri Beam and the Galick Gun clash with intense energy. Tien's stubborn will and pride force the beam downward towards Earth, resulting in a vicious blast.
The Ultimate Showdown
Chiaotzu, a character from an alternate timeline, telepathically communicates with Tien, warning him, "You have to live along with the earth. I love you. You've already been revived with the dragon balls once. We can't revive you again!"
Despite Chiaotzu's warning, Tien charges his Kaioken from 2 to 3, ultimately defeating Vegeta and causing his death. Tien is left exhausted and in critical condition, requiring months of hospitalization.
Implications for the Storyline
With this development, Earth faces a new reality without its primary protector. Goku, watching from afar, feels sorrow but also a sense of relief. He reflects, "I'm sorry, Tien and Chiaotzu. But now Earth has no enemies. You all should be safe..."
Aftermath and Potential Consequences
King Kai, upon checking in on Freeza, mentions that Vegeta's failure to use Earth's dragon balls and the fact that Earthlings speak English implies the extreme danger Earth now faces. King Kai warns Goku, "I wouldn't be too sure. There's something going on…”
As per King Kai’s concerns, it hints at a potential threat or event on Earth that goes beyond the initial Saiyan invasion. This ambiguity leaves the door open for a more complex storyline involving new adversaries and challenges for Tien and the remaining characters.
Conclusion
The hypothetical scenario of Goku's permanent death during his first encounter with the Saiyans introduces a multifaceted narrative with profound implications for the Dragon Ball Z series. It challenges the established order and introduces new dynamics and potential threats, making the future of the story even more unpredictable and exciting.
Keywords: Goku, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z