Why Didn't Frieza Use the Explosion Technique to Kill Goku Like He Did to Krillin?

TheY choice of Frieza not to use the same explosion technique against Goku, as he did with Krillin, can be attributed to several strategic, psychological, and narrative factors. This decision is crucial in understanding Frieza's complex nature and the direction of the storyline.

Goku's Strength

By the time Goku faced Frieza on Namek, he had significantly grown in both strength and skill. Frieza may have underestimated Goku's ability to survive or evade such an attack. This underestimation could be based on Goku's past experiences and recent accomplishments, as he had already demonstrated remarkable resilience and progress.

Psychological Warfare

Frieza enjoyed psychological warfare and often toying with his opponents to inflict psychological pain. By not killing Goku outright, Frieza could prolong the battle, enjoying the prolonged suffering of his enemies. This approach is similar to how he treated Krillin, showing a preference for psychological torment over a quick and decisive victory.

Goku's Potential

Frieza recognized Goku as a formidable opponent and may have wanted to test the limits of his potential. Knowing that Goku had yet to reach his full potential, Frieza might have wanted to see how far Goku could push himself. This strategy allows for a more compelling narrative and gives Goku the chance to demonstrate his growth and progress.

Narrative Purpose

From a storytelling perspective, the series often emphasizes Goku's ability to overcome challenges and grow stronger. If Frieza had immediately killed Goku, it would have undermined the narrative development and Goku's character arc. By choosing to prolong the battle, Frieza creates tension and suspense, driving the storyline forward and encouraging the audience to root for Goku.

Exploration of Explosion Techniques and Their Limitations

Explosion techniques, such as the one used on Krillin (referred to as the Death Psycho Bomb), are only truly effective on foes significantly weaker than the user. For the Death Psycho Bomb to work, Frieza needs to first fire a tiny spherical projectile into a foe, lifting them in the air, and cause that ball to expand rapidly enough to explode. For the technique to be effective, Frieza needs to be strong enough to penetrate the foe's flesh with a virtually imperceptible and weak Ki blast. If his foe is simply powerful enough to resist this penetration, the technique cannot be utilized.

It's worth noting that many of these techniques are tailored to opponents who lack the strength to resist the initial Ki blast. This further illustrates why Frieza chose not to use them against Goku, as the Saiyan prince would likely be able to resist or mitigate the attack's effects.

Psychological and Tactical Reasons

While Frieza clearly has a deep hatred for Goku, he may not have seen using Krillin as a revenge tactic as effective or necessary. Frieza likely enjoys the long and intense battles against formidable foes, which allows him to fully exercise his power and skill. Finishing the fight quickly would not provide the same sense of satisfaction or challenge for him.

Furthermore, Frieza's desire to overpower Goku fairly and strictly in power rather than instantly killing him reflects his own nature. Frieza thrives on challenges and competition, and a decisive and quick kill would not align with his goals or sense of fun. This choice further emphasizes Frieza's strategic and psychological motivations for prolonging the conflict.

Considerations on Durability

It's also possible that, despite his hatred for Goku, Frieza made a tactical decision based on Krillin's specific circumstances. If Krillin's durability was insufficient to tank the blast, it might not be a fair assessment to attribute the same lack of durability to Goku. Goku, being a Saiyan, has a different level of resilience and abilities, making it unlikely that the same technique would have the same effect on him.

In conclusion, Frieza's decision not to use the same explosion technique against Goku is a complex interplay of strategic underestimation, personal enjoyment, and narrative necessity. This choice is essential for the development of the storyline and the character arcs of both Goku and Frieza.