The Evolution of Piccolo's Hate: Why Did He Dislike Vegeta?

Introduction to Piccolo's Background

This is a complex relationship that unfolds across the epic saga of Dragon Ball. When first introduced, the Demon King Piccolo is a ruthless murderer and tyrant. However, after his reincarnation, Piccolo initially had ambitions similar to his past self. His journey takes a dramatic turn after his defeat by Goku, marking the foundation for the heroic path he would later choose. His transition from a dishonorable tyrant to a protector is marked by the arrival of Raditz, which sets the stage for the character we know today.

Vegeta’s Resemblance to Piccolo’s Past Self

Vegeta, another powerful Saiyan, bears a striking resemblance to Piccolo's past self. Despite the significant power disparity, even when Vegeta becomes much stronger than everyone on Earth, including the original two Saiyans, he still succumbs to the weaker of the two. By the time Vegeta's arc concludes, he has found a friend in Gohan, and most of his earlier hatred has diminished.

The Turning Point: Namek and the Namekian Village

It is not until the Namek saga that the animosity between Piccolo and Vegeta truly intensifies. Vegeta's brutal actions lead to the slaughter of an entire village of Namekians, their souls unable to be revived, despite their unique ability to regenerate. Meanwhile, Piccolo merges with the warrior Nail, absorbing a significant part of his protecting nature. The hatred that Piccolo harbors over Vegeta's actions becomes more palpable, as Piccolo's protective instincts are deeply ingrained.

The Android Saga and the Trajectory of Hate

The Android saga further complicates their relationship. Both Piccolo and Vegeta share a history of humiliation and occasional triumphs over each other. Vegeta’s actions, particularly allowing Cell to become perfect and then attempting to defeat a fully empowered Cell without success, earn him disapproval from Piccolo. These events, despite Piccolo also appearing as a fusion with Nail and a fully empowered Kami, do not bring any joy.

The Final Counters: Respect and Acceptance

Over time, as Vegeta's arrogance and ego decline, Piccolo's respect for him grows. Despite the numerous reasons Piccolo could have had to hate Vegeta, including Vegeta's character flaws and his actions, there is also a subtext suggesting that Piccolo’s hatred was partly rooted in the fear of becoming just like Vegeta. Their similarities highlight the thin line between two forces that can either bring destruction or protect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the complex relationship between Piccolo and Vegeta is multifaceted. While Piccolo initially harbored ambitions similar to his past self, his defeat by Goku initiated a dramatic shift towards a hero. Vegeta's power and actions, particularly during the Namek and Android sagas, gave rise to significant animosity that was balanced by the potential for Vegeta to become the exact nature Piccolo hoped to prevent. Their relationship is a testament to the evolution of character in the Dragon Ball series.

Keywords

Dragon Ball, Piccolo, Vegeta, Saiyan Rivalry, Namek