Imagine: Goku With His Tail Throughout Dragon Ball

Throughout the Dragon Ball series, Goku has invariably lost his tail, a symbol of his Saiyan heritage. However, what if Goku had kept his tail? This hypothetical scenario would lead to numerous changes in character development, story arcs, and interactions with other characters. Here, we explore these implications in detail:

Transformation Potential

Oozaru Transformation:

Goku, with his tail intact, could still transform into the Great Ape Oozaru during full moon phases, a transformation that grants immense power and potential for formidable contenders in battles. However, the risk of loss of control during such transformations would remain, as seen in his early appearances. This transformation could be a double-edged sword, enhancing his combat abilities but also posing a significant risk of loss of control.

Access to Other Forms:

The presence of his tail might unlock additional transformations or enhance his existing Super Saiyan forms, leading to unique and intriguing variations of his already legendary abilities. This could lead to a richer and more dynamic portrayal of Goku's powers and strengths.

Character Development

Connection to Saiyan Heritage:

Keeping his tail would deepen Goku's connection to his Saiyan roots, potentially prompting a deeper exploration of Saiyan culture and history. This could provide a richer context for understanding Goku's motivations and background, making him a more well-rounded and relatable character.

Conflict with Friends:

The tail could create additional conflict with other characters, particularly if they fear the Great Ape transformation or fear that it could lead to Goku inadvertently harming allies. This newfound power could disrupt the camaraderie and alliances that have been central to Goku's relationships with friends and allies, leading to new layers of tension and drama.

Training and Techniques

New Techniques:

With his tail in play, Goku could develop innovative fighting techniques that utilize his tail. For instance, he might use it for grappling or as an additional weapon in battles. This could provide a unique twist to his combat style, enriching the battles and making them more visually dynamic.

Training with the Tail:

His training regimen might include specific techniques to control and harness the power of his tail, leading to unique training arcs. This could provide a new avenue for character development, showing his growth and mastery over his own power.

Story Arcs

Key Story Arcs:

The introduction of Oozaru transformations could significantly alter key story arcs, such as the Frieza Saga. With Goku retaining his tail, the dynamics of the battle on Planet Vegeta or against Frieza would be different, adding a new layer of complexity and danger. This could lead to completely new and exciting storylines, making the Dragon Ball series even richer.

Alternate Outcomes:

Key battles might have different outcomes based on Goku's ability to transform into Oozaru, potentially altering alliances, rivalries, and the overall balance of power. This could lead to new and unforeseen developments in the storyline, enriching the narrative and providing fresh challenges for the characters.

Interactions with Other Characters

Impact on Vegeta:

The rivalry between Goku and Vegeta might be affected as Goku's ability to transform into Oozaru could push Vegeta to train harder or seek alternative power-ups. This could enhance the competitiveness and drama of their interactions, providing a richer and more nuanced exploration of their relationship.

Relationships with Other Saiyans:

Goku's relationships with other Saiyans like Bardock or Goten could be explored differently, focusing more on the significance of their tails and transformations. This could lead to new and deeper connections and conflicts, providing a more intricate and multifaceted portrayal of their experiences.

Conclusion

Overall, if Goku had retained his tail throughout the series, it would have introduced new dynamics in battles, character relationships, and storylines, enriching the narrative of Dragon Ball. The exploration of Goku's Saiyan heritage and the consequences of his transformations would likely lead to a deeper and more complex character arc, making him an even more fascinating and relatable protagonist.