Dragon Ball fans worldwide are familiar with the story of Son Goku, a Saiyan male who got sent to Earth for the purpose of conquering it for the Saiyan race. However, a fateful accident causes Goku to lose his memory, which changes the entire trajectory of the series. But, what if Goku never lost his memory, and retained his violent Saiyan predispositions? This "What If" scenario explores an alternative narrative.

Personality Changes

The Goku fans know is kind, friendly, and always excited at the prospect of a good fight. However, if he never lost his memory, Goku might have turned out to be a violent warrior, typical of Saiyans. Saiyans were notorious for their ruthlessness and arrogant personality, and Goku would probably embody these traits.

It is likely he would not be the selfless hero fans appreciate. He probably wouldn't form close relationships with characters like Krillin, Bulma, or Chi-Chi, but instead could be their foe. The Dragon Ball series would likely differ greatly from the original storyline.

Interaction with Friends

In the original series, Goku's memory loss allowed him to form friendships with people who would otherwise be his enemies. With his memory intact, Goku could adopt a leadership position amongst the Saiyans, instead of forming close bonds with humans and other beings from Earth.

Characters like Krillin and Bulma, who were central to the series because of their friendship with Goku, might experience vastly different storylines. These friendships contributed hugely to the series' heart and humor, and without them, Dragon Ball would be a different kind of anime.

Goku and Chi-Chi's Relationship

Chi-Chi, as Goku's wife, played a significant part in the series, adding a depth of character not often seen in anime. However, without Goku's memory loss, it is doubtful that he would have married her or even met her. He was destined to be a warrior and not a family man, and she may not have survived in his violent world.

Without Chi-Chi, we also wouldn't have Gohan and Goten, two characters very important to the series' storyline. This scenario would constitute a radical shift in the original storyline we all know and love.

Goku's Super Saiyan Transition

After witnessing his best friend Krillin's death in the series, Goku had a massive power surge, transforming him into a Super Saiyan. This iconic moment wouldn’t have happened if Goku maintained his Saiyan instincts and disregard for his earthly friends.

This transformation was a pivotal event in the series, demonstrating Goku's personal growth and development. Without it, his character may have remained static and the series might lose one of its most significant elements.

Frieza Saga

If Goku hadn't lost his memory, the Frieza saga would also be drastically different. Goku's desire to protect his friends and his home planet would've never existed, changing the entire narrative and maybe even the outcome of this saga. His relationship with Frieza would have also been different, as they could have potentially been allies, considering Frieza also played a critical role in the destruction of the Saiyan race.

Conclusion

Credit is due to the series creators for crafting such an intricate, thrilling, and successful storyline. Goku's amnesia was a crucial plot device that shaped the narrative of the entire Dragon Ball series. It allowed the lovable, heroic, and brave Goku that we know to exist. Without his memory loss, Goku's personality, relationships, character development, and some of the series' most iconic moments might have been drastically different or never happened at all. This serves as a fantastic example of how character development can significantly impact a series' success.

Common Questions and Answers:

Q: What exactly is Goku's backstory? A: Goku is a Saiyan sent to Earth to conquer it. However, a head injury causes him to lose his memory, turning him from a violent, invasive warrior to a caring and heroic figure.

Q: Why did Goku lose his memory? A: Goku loses his memory after sustaining a head injury as a child. This memory loss was a crucial plot device in shaping the protagonist's character and the overall series' trajectory.

Q: Would Goku still be a hero if he kept his memory? A: If Goku retained his memory, it is unlikely that he would've become the selfless, friendly hero we know today. He could have transformed into a ruthless warrior, aligned with the violent tendencies of the Saiyan race and the original purpose of his mission to Earth.

References

1. Toriyama, Akira. Dragon Ball Z. Shueisha, 1989.

2. Toriyama, Akira. Dragon Ball Super. Shueisha, 2015.

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