DBZ Cell Saga: Goku Realizes Gohan Isn't a Fighter

While Gohan is being crushed by Cell, Piccolo gets angry and tells Goku that Gohan isn't a fighter

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Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super are all owned by Funimation, Toei Animation, Shueisha, and Akira Toriyama.

[anbuvon]

Gohan is weak just like Kakarot hehehehehe

[minedantaken]

I love the fact that Goku understands Gohans potential, but Piccolo understands Gohan

[Mimi-mqwj]

“ he’s also a scared 11 year old boy”

Flashback to when piccolo left him in the woods at 4 years old

[CheezSamuri]

It's hard to watch 2 fathers argue on how to raise their son

[kap]

I love this because its one of the very few times Goku's mindset gets called out in a negative light. Goku actually facing consequences is rare for dbz.

[Queen-ukbo]

I think, there is a missing context here. Goku misunderstood Gohan, yes, but looking back, there was a reason as to why this happened. First, Goku did not really care whatever Gohan wanted to pursue, whether a fighter or a scholar, he did not have any thoughts about it at first. As shown in early episodes and how Goku said that Chichi does not let Gohan train, and he respects that so he doesn't do it. But, after the threats that arrived, it was actually Gohan himself who was motivated to keep training. He even asked Goku and Piccolo to do it.

Now, I think it was the motivation that was misinterpreted by Goku. He always fought with excitement, because he enjoyed the challenge; Goku loved seeing the fruits of his work which is another level of strength. But, Gohan, on the other hand, would fight but for a different reason, it is merely because he wants to help and be the one to protect. However, he does not enjoy it the as the same as Goku.

During the training in Time Chamber, Goku went easy on Gohan and it was Gohan who told Goku to train him seriously. Looking back, I think that is what sparked Goku to think that his son is the same as he is, Gohan went SSJ during that time and he was proud. So, he thought that Gohan, with all that potential, also would enjoy the fight.

That is also why Goku gave Cell a senzu bean, because he thought that Gohan, like him, would want to fight his opponent at their best. But, Piccolo made him realize that Gohan is different. Goku learned this and I think he atoned for it enough to even sacrifice his life in the end.

All in all, Goku is not a perfect father, like a real one -- he did make a mistake and he learned from it; he didn't mind anymore if Gohan did not pursue the life of a fighter. But, definitely, he is also not a bad one because Gohan has so many fond memories of Goku before the threats arrived, he was a gentle and caring father to him.

[aszapata]

This is perhaps my favorite moment in all of DBZ. Goku’s face of absolute dread, horror, and guilt when he realizes that he may have sent his son to his death because he didn’t understand him.

I know DBZ is just a shounen manga but this moment is so impactful, almost haunting, for Goku and he never even said a word. Toriyama is not the best writer but he follows one principle extremely well: show don’t tell.

[MMetelli]

Cell: "Admit it, Gohan. I've probably hugged you more and longer than your father ever has, haven't I?"

[neogohanx]

I feel like this is all of Piccolo's personalities talking at once. Piccolo, who's first friend was Gohan and led him down a different path. Nail, who's peaceful nature can't stand to see a child in danger like this, especially against a powerful foe. And Kami, who trained and taught Goku when he was a kid and seeing him make such a rash decision like this.

[camabernathy]

Now knowing that piccolo can read minds this hits way different

[le_severine_cox]

Piccolo isn’t Gohan’s step father he’s the the father who stepped up

[nostoneunturned]

Goku sees the hidden potential, Piccolo just sees the son he never had.

[Undenyablysuave]

“I’d rather die than wait” I felt that!

[keviooo_hoe]

Someone said this the equivalent to finding out your son is gay and i cant💀🤣

[warrenbraswell]

Goku didn't know Gohan was 11....

[srntnjl]

Can't blame Gohan for slacking off his training a bit during the timeskip, considering the fact that for almost his entire childhood he went through all that life-or-death crap... from his violent alien uncle and the prince of 2 and a half saiyans, to a racist genocidal space emperor, all the way to the bio-android hell-bent on destroying earth.

[nolsee]

I still can’t believe Gohan’s dad had to explain this to Goku

[noworneversoulbeach]

Emotional Intelligence, I wish he had it. 😔

[hassanhaulcy]

This moment basically represents gohan in the dbz community with goku being the fans who want gohan to be the main guy and be the strongest again while others know that deep down gohan was never an actual fighter and that’s not his passion. A powerful scene with tremendous acting

[javorislittle]

Like a proud father pushing their kid to be the best, Goku didn't realize the pressure he put on his son.