The Untold Power of Fusion: What If Goku and Gohan Had Combined in the Buu Saga?
The Untold Power of Fusion: What If Goku and Gohan Had Combined in the Buu Saga?
Exploring the Impact of a Goku-Gohan Fusion on the DragonBall Universe
A Fusion That Could Have Changed Everything
The Buu Saga stands as one of the most pivotal and intense arcs in DragonBall. The series introduced the concept of Potara earrings, an ancient and powerful artifact capable of fusing two warriors into a single, immensely powerful being. While the Potara earrings were ultimately used to create Vegito, a fusion of Goku and Vegeta, fans have long wondered about the potential of another fusion: Goku and his eldest son, Gohan. This article explores the hypothetical scenario of Goku and Gohan successfully fusing during the Buu Saga, analyzing the possible outcomes, benefits, and drawbacks of such a fusion.
The Power of Goku and Gohan Combined
Goku and Gohan, each powerful in their own right, were uniquely suited for fusion. At the time of the Buu Saga, Gohan had achieved his Ultimate form, unlocked by the Old Kai, which brought him to a level of power that surpassed even his father in Super Saiyan 3. Goku, on the other hand, had years of battle experience and the ability to tap into incredible transformations. The combination of Gohan's raw power and Goku's battle sense would have created a warrior of unimaginable strength.
Had Goku and Gohan fused, the resulting warrior—let's call him "Gokhan"—would have likely surpassed Vegito in power. With the combined knowledge, skills, and strength of father and son, "Gokhan" would have easily overwhelmed Super Buu. This fusion would have represented the pinnacle of Saiyan power, embodying both the wisdom and potential of Gohan and the relentless determination of Goku.
The Consequences of Permanent Fusion
One of the most significant aspects of Potara fusion is its permanence—unlike the Fusion Dance, which lasts only 30 minutes, a Potara fusion is intended to be eternal. This permanence would have had profound implications for both Goku and Gohan.
While the sheer power of "Gokhan" would have been a tremendous asset in the fight against Buu, it would also mean that Goku and Gohan would no longer exist as separate individuals. The dynamic between father and son, which had been central to much of DragonBall's storytelling, would have been fundamentally altered. The personalities of Goku and Gohan would have merged into one, creating a new being with a blend of their characteristics but lacking the distinctiveness that made each of them unique.
This permanent fusion would have also impacted the future of DragonBall. Goku's relationship with his other son, Goten, and his wife, Chi-Chi, would have been irrevocably changed. Goten would have been left without his father and brother as distinct figures in his life, and Chi-Chi would have lost her husband in the process. The permanence of this fusion could have led to unforeseen emotional and psychological consequences for those close to Goku and Gohan. But this could’ve been changed if the retcon of the potara fusion remained true and the permanent fusion only effects the kai’s.
The Buu Saga Redefined
The Buu Saga would have taken a drastically different course if Goku and Gohan had fused. With "Gokhan" on the battlefield, the threat of Super Buu would have been swiftly neutralized. Without the need for Vegito's fusion, the storyline would have diverged significantly from what we saw in the original series.
The fusion of Goku and Gohan would have likely resulted in a much quicker resolution to the Buu Saga. Super Buu, who was already struggling against Gohan's Ultimate form, would have stood little chance against "Gokhan." The combined warrior would have overpowered Buu, preventing him from absorbing any more fighters and avoiding the creation of Buu's subsequent forms, such as Kid Buu.
The defeat of Buu at this stage would have also meant that Goku and Vegeta's epic battle as Vegito inside Buu's body would never have occurred. The unique dynamic of Goku and Vegeta working together, despite their rivalry, would have been lost. Moreover, the spectacle of Goku and Vegeta fusing into Vegito, which provided fans with one of the most memorable moments in DragonBall history, would have been erased from the saga.
What Wouldn't Have Happened: A Changed Future
The successful fusion of Goku and Gohan would have had a ripple effect throughout the rest of the DragonBall series. For instance, the events leading up to the eventual destruction of Kid Buu, which required the combined efforts of Goku, Vegeta, and the entire universe, would never have taken place. The Spirit Bomb, a technique that has become synonymous with Goku's final victories, might not have been needed, altering the iconic conclusion of the Buu Saga.
Furthermore, Gohan's role in future arcs would have been drastically reduced, or possibly non-existent. As part of "Gokhan," Gohan's individual character development would have been stunted. His growth from a reluctant fighter into a powerful warrior and then into a responsible family man would have been halted. The character arcs that define both Goku and Gohan would have been condensed into a single narrative, depriving fans of the rich storytelling that has become a hallmark of DragonBall.
The Price of Power
The idea of Goku and Gohan fusing during the Buu Saga presents an intriguing "what if" scenario that highlights both the immense potential and the significant drawbacks of such a fusion. While "Gokhan" would have been an unstoppable force capable of ending the Buu threat swiftly, the cost of such power would have been high. The fusion would have permanently altered the course of DragonBall, changing character dynamics, and eliminating key moments that have become iconic within the series.
Ultimately, the decision not to fuse Goku and Gohan allowed for the continuation of their individual stories, preserving the richness and complexity that has made DragonBall beloved by fans worldwide. The Buu Saga, with all its twists and turns, remains a testament to the unpredictability and depth of the DragonBall universe—a universe where the choices of its characters define not only their fate but the fate of the series itself.
