Did Raditz Care About Goku?

Raditz's decision to share the fact that he and Goku are brothers, even unprompted, suggests a subtle mix of familial care and strategic intent. While he could have been using the revelation for emotional impact, it also hints at a deeper understanding of the bond that could exist between them.

Familial Connection

Raditz initially seeks out Goku to recruit him to the Saiyan cause, indicating a certain level of value in their blood relationship. His disappointment in Goku's lack of embrace towards his Saiyan heritage further underscores this bond. However, this pursuit of a strategic alliance overrode any genuine familial affection.

Manipulation

Raditz employs emotional manipulation to convince Goku to abandon his life on Earth and join him in conquering planets. This tactic highlights the extent to which Raditz prioritizes his own ambitions over Goku's feelings or well-being. Any care he harbored for Goku was vastly overshadowed by his desire to fulfill his own goals.

Conflict

Their relationship ultimately turns adversarial when Goku refuses to join Raditz. During their battle, Raditz's lack of genuine concern is evident. He is willing to sacrifice Goku to achieve his objectives, revealing the cold and ruthless nature rooted in Saiyan culture and driven by strength and conquest.

Given the context, it can be argued that Raditz's care for Goku was superficial and primarily self-serving. The Saiyan culture's emphasis on strength and conquest permeated every aspect of their interactions, leading to a relationship based on strategic advantage rather than deep, emotional bonds.

Despite the complexity of their relationship, it is clear that any genuine familial affection Raditz may have felt was buried beneath layers of ambition and the cultural expectations of his race.