Why Is Everyone Suddenly Saying Piccolo Is Gohan's Real Dad?

It's been a running joke for many years that Piccolo is actually Gohan's father. This belief stems from their close relationship that goes beyond mere mentorship. Let's delve into the reasons why this notion has gained traction.

A Deeper Bond Than Mentorship: The Father-Son Dynamic

While it's true that Piccolo has been a constant source of support and guidance for Gohan since his early childhood, it turns out there's more to their relationship than a typical master-disciple bond. The Dragon Ball series provides ample evidence to suggest that Gohan reconnected with a father figure who was never around during his upbringing. Here's a closer look at their relationship and the reasons why Piccolo might be considered Gohan's real father.

Close Relationship: More Than Just Mentorship

Was Gohan Actually Raising Piccolo? It's often forgotten that Piccolo was barely three years old when he fought Goku in the Dragon Ball series, making him essentially a toddler. This timeline suggests that Gohan, despite being a half-Saiyan, was more attentive to Piccolo's well-being than Goku had been to Gohan. For example, during the Saiyan arc, when Goku's brother had kidnapped Gohan as a baby, it was Piccolo who rescued and protected him. Similarly, during their first fight against Freeza, King Colossus, Cell, Androids 17, 16, and 18, Piccolo skid to Gohan's side to save him. In the Dragon Ball Super, even the illustrated uniform Gohan wears is inspired by Piccolo's, underscoring the strong bond between them.

Turning Point: Piccolo's Role in Nappa's Battle

Piccolo's Sacrifice for Gohan: A pivotal moment in their relationship was when they both faced the Saiyan conqueror Nappa. While Gohan honored his Father Goku, who was focused on training and protecting Earth, Piccolo showed a deeper personal investment in Gohan's well-being. Despite spending a significant amount of time with Gohan, the idea that Piccolo had turned over a new leaf by caring for him for over a year can't be understated. This caring nature reflects that Piccolo isn't just a namekian but someone who genuinely cared for Gohan, showing a level of dedication that Goku, preoccupied with training, sometimes missed.

Rescue and Respect: A Non-Traditional Father-Son Bond

Gohan's Admiration for Piccolo: Gohan's respect for Piccolo is evident in his actions. The fact that he chose to wear the same uniform as Piccolo, despite his formal rivalry with his biological father Goku, is a strong indicator of this bond. While Gohan revered Goku as a father figure, he couldn't ignore the impact and care that Piccolo had shown him. Their friendship continued to grow during their time spent training in the wilderness, and Piccolo's selflessness during this period is a testament to their close connection.

Honoring Dad's Decisions

Goku's Training and Gohan's Needs: Gohan's reverence for Piccolo highlights the need for balance in a father's decision-making. Goku, despite being a dedicated father and husband, couldn't overlook the fact that Gohan was still a child. It was Piccolo who reminded Goku that Gohan needed more than just training; he needed a parent. This is especially significant during the Cell Saga, where Gohan's lack of passion for fighting was a stark contrast to the determination of Piccolo, a giant green warrior who put his life on the line for Gohan's sake.

The Constant Protector

Unconditional Protection: Again, in Dragon Ball Super, Piccolo is not only a skilled warrior and dedicated protector but also a devoted father. He's a biologist who has a wife and child, showing that he doesn't just train but also prioritizes his family. Despite being one of the most powerful warriors in the universe, Piccolo still trains rigorously. This underscores the importance of staying prepared for any threats to Earth. Even Goku and Vegeta's roles as protectors won't last forever, as they might be engaged in training, dead, or away from Earth. Gohan respects his biological father, but it's clear that he values Piccolo's role as his protector and father figure.

Conclusion

The bond between Gohan and Piccolo goes beyond mentorship or mere friendship. It's a deep and meaningful connection that shows the weight of a father's role, whether biological or otherwise. While Goku was focused on training, Piccolo's selflessness and dedication to Gohan highlight the importance of balanced parenting in the world of Dragon Ball.