Why Didn't Goku Use Instant Transmission in Dragon Ball Super?

In Dragon Ball Super, the surprise and shock of rapid events often left Goku and Vegeta in awe. This post delves into why Goku did not use Instant Transmission or even attempt to seize the Potara earrings from Black and Zamasu before they merged. Additionally, we explore the aftermath and the narrative choices in the story, providing a comprehensive analysis.

Dragons Ball Super: Pacing and Narrative Tension

During the Surprise and Shock arc in Dragon Ball Super, the rapid progression of events caught Goku and Vegeta off guard. They were already engaged in a fierce battle and were likely not anticipating the immediate fusion of Zamasu and Black. From a pacing and storytelling perspective, this adds to the drama and enhances the conflict in the storyline.

Potara Fusion Mechanics

The Potara earrings allow for an instantaneous fusion that can be difficult to interrupt once the process starts. Goku and Vegeta might have realized too late that Zamasu and Black had the potential to fuse instantly. This mechanical aspect of the Potara earrings contributed significantly to the inaction. The moment when Zamasu and Black started to fuse was the culmination of a fast-paced sequence, making it challenging to react in time.

Underestimating the Threat

From Goku's perspective, he often approaches battles with a sense of confidence and sometimes underestimates his opponents. In Dragon Ball Super, Goku might have thought he and Vegeta had more time or that they could handle the situation without needing to resort to drastic measures like Instant Transmission. This scenario is a classic example of underestimating the threat, resulting in inaction that appears frustrating in hindsight.

Focus on the Battle

During their fight against Zamasu and Black, Goku and Vegeta were fully focused on defeating their current foes. The distraction of trying to stop the fusion might have seemed secondary to addressing the immediate threat. This focus on the battle highlights the intense and continuous nature of the conflict, emphasizing the sheer intensity of the opposition.

Charting Tension and Storytelling

Allowing Zamasu and Black to fuse creates a greater threat and heightens the stakes for the characters. From a narrative perspective, this is a strategic choice that serves to build tension and propel the plot forward. This decision is common in storytelling where characters' decisions and inactions are used to set up conflict and drama. By not preventing the fusion, the story creates a sense of dread and urgency, which is essential for maintaining audience engagement.

Dragon Ball Saga Analysis: Infinite Nostalgia and Frustration

Is Dragon Ball as frustrating as it is nostalgic? Probably, but sometimes frustration stems from plot armor. In the Cell saga, Cell could have been easily destroyed multiple times, yet he didn't die. Piccolo, Vegeta, and even Goku had opportunities to end his reign, but the dramatic need was to maintain the storyline through plot armor. This is a common occurrence in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Super.

Shonen Manga: Plot Armor and Narrative Structure

Shonen manga, including Dragon Ball, is inherently structured around these dramatic moments where characters often stand idle and watch the enemy prepare a technique or fuse. The plot armor serves to enhance the narrative tension, making the eventual victory more impactful. Shonen series are characterized by the following themes: when He Gets More Power, We Are Doomed, and My Power Is Now Greater Than Yours, resulting in dramatic transformations and battles.

Conclusion and Meme

To sum up, Goku did not use Instant Transmission because of plot armor and the inherent narrative structure of Dragon Ball. This choice enhances the dramatic tension and keeps the story engaging. The fusion of Zamasu and Black serves to create a more formidable threat, thereby building the narrative intensity for future battles.

So, the next time you find yourself frustrated with the inaction of Goku and Vegeta, remember that this is all part of the Shonen manga tradition, where the main characters often stand idle and let the plot unfold. Enjoy the ride, and perhaps the next NEXT TIME ON DBZ meme will bring a chuckle rather than frustration.