What If Goku and Vegeta Fought Cell Max
Examining Gohan’s claims and whether their new forms could have changed the outcome.
The battle against Cell Max in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero was a thrilling showcase of teamwork and power. However, it left many fans wondering how the fight would have played out if Goku and Vegeta had been involved. Gohan’s statement that even Goku and Vegeta might have struggled against Cell Max raised eyebrows, especially considering their current power levels with True Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego. Was Gohan underestimating his father and Vegeta, or was he simply unaware of how much stronger they’ve become since the Moro arc? Let’s break down how this hypothetical fight might have gone.
Gohan’s Perspective: A Case of Outdated Knowledge?
When Gohan suggested that Goku and Vegeta might have struggled against Cell Max, it’s likely that he was basing his assumption on the last time he saw their abilities—back during the events of the Moro arc. At that time, Goku’s mastery of Ultra Instinct was still incomplete, and Vegeta’s Forced Spirit Fission was his most notable new technique. However, by the time of Super Hero, both fighters had achieved game-changing transformations: True Ultra Instinct for Goku and Ultra Ego for Vegeta. Gohan’s comment could reflect his ignorance of these new forms, which drastically increase their combat potential.
True Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego: The Game-Changers
True Ultra Instinct allows Goku to balance the calm, instinctive nature of the technique with his Saiyan emotions, unlocking a form that is not only more powerful but also more adaptable. Meanwhile, Ultra Ego enables Vegeta to grow stronger as he takes damage, embodying the raw destructive nature of a God of Destruction. These transformations put both Goku and Vegeta on an entirely different level compared to where they were during the Moro arc. Against Cell Max, a being whose power rivals Broly but lacks complete development, these forms would likely give Goku and Vegeta a significant edge.
Would They Have Struggled?
Cell Max was an incomplete bio-android, relying on brute strength and destructive power rather than refined combat abilities. While he posed a significant threat to the Z Fighters, his lack of control and strategy made him vulnerable. Goku and Vegeta, especially with their new forms, thrive in high-stakes battles against powerful opponents. Their ability to adapt mid-fight, combined with the tactical support of Piccolo, Gohan, and the rest of the team, suggests they could have turned the tide more decisively.
That said, Gohan’s statement might hold some truth if Goku and Vegeta had underestimated Cell Max. His overwhelming physical power could have caught them off guard, especially if they fought him alone. However, with the combined efforts of the Z Fighters, it’s hard to imagine Goku and Vegeta truly struggling for long.
The Role of Teamwork
One key factor in the fight against Cell Max was the teamwork between Gohan, Piccolo, Gamma 1, Gamma 2, and the others. Even if Goku and Vegeta had joined the battle, this teamwork would have been essential. Goku’s strategic thinking and Vegeta’s battle instincts, combined with the collective efforts of the group, could have overwhelmed Cell Max more efficiently. Their presence might have allowed Gohan and Piccolo to focus their efforts, potentially leading to an even quicker victory.
![Vegeta and Goku [Granola arc] by Arbiter720 on DeviantArt](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff0345735-ecb8-45b5-90ad-b43e15c23c9b_1280x1073.jpeg "Vegeta and Goku [Granola arc] by Arbiter720 on DeviantArt")
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity?
The fight against Cell Max was an incredible moment for Gohan and Piccolo, showcasing their growth and cementing their roles as protectors of Earth. However, the hypothetical involvement of Goku and Vegeta raises intriguing questions. With True Ultra Instinct and Ultra Ego, it’s likely they would have had the capability to defeat Cell Max, especially with the support of the other Z Fighters. Gohan’s assumption might reflect outdated knowledge, but it also underscores the growth of other characters who have stepped up in Goku and Vegeta’s absence. Either way, this “what if” scenario adds another layer of depth to the Dragon Ball universe.
