What If Cell Had Absorbed Android 18 Before Android 17: Altering the Dynamics

In the realm of Dragon Ball, every detail in the series holds significant weight, especially when it comes to the powerful alien known as Cell. In the original storyline, Cell absorbed Android 18 and Android 17 sequentially, leading to a powerful apex form. However, what if the sequence of absorption had been reversed? Would Cell have emerged with a different power level and narrative trajectory?

Power Level

The original storyline sees Cell's power surge exponentially after absorbing both Android 18 and 17. If Cell had absorbed Android 18 first, his power would have been augmented significantly from the start. Android 18 is already a formidable fighter, and her addition to Cell's arsenal would have undoubtedly increased his overall power. This initial boost might have set a more aggressive tone for the events that followed.

Perfect Form and Possible Deviations

In the Dragon Ball universe, Cell's perfect form is a culmination of his absorption of multiple androids. The original storyline portrays him transforming into this ultimate form after assimilating both 17 and 18. If Cell absorbed Android 18 first, his path to achieving his perfect form might have been altered. He might have developed a different intermediate form that accelerates his pursuit of Android 17, leading to a more aggressive and dynamic conflict between them.

Conflict with Android 17

The most significant change would be in the dynamic between Cell and Android 17. In the original narrative, Cell manages to absorb Android 17 after a fierce battle. However, if Cell had already become stronger from absorbing 18, he might have had an easier time overpowering Android 17. This earlier and possibly more decisive defeat of 17 could have altered the narrative and set a different stage for the remaining storyline.

Impact on the Z Fighters

The Z Fighters, including Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks, would face a more formidable opponent at an earlier stage of the Dragon Ball saga. The Z Fighters, particularly Goku and Vegeta, would have had to adapt their strategies and potentially form new alliances or intervene sooner to combat the enhanced Cell. This alteration in the power balance would have required the Z Fighters to develop alternative plans to face Cell, including exploring new transformations or techniques.

Narrative Development and Character Arcs

The storylines for 17 and 18 would be significantly altered. 17's role in the story would be diminished if he were absorbed by Cell earlier, affecting his character development and his relationships with other characters. Similarly, a premature absorption of 18 would impact her development and her eventual transformation into Vegeta. The narrative would focus on a different progression of events, leading to a potentially different climax for the saga.

Potential Outcomes and Climax

If Cell had become too powerful too quickly, the Dragon Ball saga might have faced a different climactic battle. The Z Fighters would have needed to adapt their strategies, possibly relying on alternative transformations or advanced techniques to combat such a powerful Cell. This alteration in the power dynamics would have led to a unique and intense climax, reshaping the overall trajectory of the storyline.

In conclusion, the hypothetical scenario of Cell absorbing Android 18 before Android 17 would significantly alter the narrative, character interactions, and overall dynamics of the Dragon Ball saga. The power levels, form transformations, and conflict dynamics would be vastly different, leading to a unique and intriguing storyline.