How Many Times Has Piccolo Saved Gohan in Dragon Ball?

The question of how many times Piccolo has saved Gohan in the Dragon Ball series might seem straightforward, but it often depends on how we define 'save.' Throughout the series, Piccolo has played a multitude of roles, not just as a formidable opponent, but as a guardian and mentor to Gohan. Let's delve into the instances that stand out most prominently.

1. Encounter with Nappa

The first, and perhaps one of the most well-known, instances of Piccolo saving Gohan is during the battle with Nappa in the Saiyan Saga. Nappa, a powerful Saiyan warrior, was on a mission to kill Gohan. Piccolo, sensing the danger, stepped in front of Gohan and took the full force of Nappa's attack. This selfless act led to Piccolo's death, but not before Gohan fled to safety. Piccolo's saving of Gohan in this manner is a testament to his protective instincts and the deep bond he had formed with the young Saiyan.

2. Frieza Saga

Another significant instance of Piccolo saving Gohan occurred during the original Frieza saga. On Namek, Piccolo and Krillin faced off against Frieza and his forces. In a critical moment, Piccolo once again sacrificed himself, coming to the rescue of both Gohan and Krillin. Though he was critically injured, Piccolo managed to survive, setting a precedent for his dedication to protecting his friends and allies.

3. Turles Movie

Less heralded is the saving of Gohan in the Turles movie, a significant story not directly tied to the main series. In this scenario, Piccolo again demonstrated his loyalty and protectiveness. During an encounter with the powerful villain Turles, Piccolo placed himself between Turles and Gohan, once again using his body as a shield to protect Gohan from danger. This act further emphasizes Piccolo's role as a guardian figure for the young Saiyan.

Conclusion

In total, these three instances stand out as clear examples of Piccolo's dedication to keeping Gohan safe. He has sacrificed his life twice to protect Gohan, highlighting the depth of their relationship and Piccolo's moral compass.

While one could argue that Piccolo saved Gohan when he killed Raditz in the original series, the motivation behind this action was not out of compassion for Gohan but rather a desire to eliminate his adversary. Nonetheless, his willingness to put his own life on the line for Gohan's sake is a recurring theme throughout the series.

Through his actions, Piccolo has proven himself to be more than just a mere antagonist; he is a complex character with a strong sense of right and wrong, and a deep-seated loyalty to those he cares about, especially Gohan.