Why Wasn't Goku Disqualified During the Tournament of Power for Flying to Throw a Spirit Bomb?

The Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Z was a grand spectacle filled with intense battles and unexpected twists. One significant moment during the tournament generated a lot of discussion among fans - why wasn't Goku disqualified when he flew to throw a Spirit Bomb at Jiren? To understand this, let's break down the rules, context, and the magical nature of the arena.

Rules and Disqualification in the Tournament of Power

The Official Rules: The main reason Goku wasn't disqualified for flying is that the arena itself is designed to inhibit all forms of ki-based flight. Lord Zeno's oversight of the tournament ensured that certain rules were enforced to maintain the integrity of the competition. These rules specifically forbid conventional ki-based flight, as it gives an unfair advantage to certain fighters over others who lacked such abilities.

Legroom Challenge: Goku, being a natural flyer, often maneuvers through the air in battle. However, to maintain balance and fairness, Lord Zeno imposed a practical measure that limits Goku's in-air movement. Without a clear legroom rule, Goku's ability to fly would have rendered it almost impossible for opponents to keep up with him, making the competition less equitable.

The Arena's Magic and Flight Restrictions

The arena in the Tournament of Power is imbued with powerful magic that counters all forms of ki-based flight. This magical barrier ensures that all fighters operate within the same set of limitations, preventing any single individual from exploiting their flight capabilities to serve as a strategic advantage.

Specifically for Goku, the arena's mystical properties nullify his natural flying abilities, ensuring that he must move and act within the rules laid out by Lord Zeno. Although these rules restrict his ability to fly, Goku is still capable of using his latent flying ability through his iconic Spirit Bomb technique.

Logistics of Using the Spirit Bomb

The Spirit Bomb is a powerful technique that requires immense energy and focus. When Goku needed to use a Spirit Bomb against Jiren, he had to forego the convenience of flight. By remaining on the ground, he could better concentrate his energy and prepare for the release of the powerful attack.

No Flying, No Problem: While Goku may have wished to fly, the arena's magic made it impossible for him to do so effectively. Instead, he intelligently opted to stay grounded, allowing him to channel his energy more efficiently. This decision not only followed the established rules but also demonstrated Goku's strategic thinking and awareness of the environment.

Unique Flight Exceptions

The concept of magical flight in the Tournament of Power only applies to those with natural wings or other innate abilities. Characters like Krillin or Vegeta, who do not have such innate flight capabilities, still need to adhere to the arena's restrictions. Goku's flying ability is a special case, and Lord Zeno's oversight ensures that it is not an unfair advantage.

Conclusion

The Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Z is meticulously designed to ensure fairness and equality among all participants. While Goku's natural flying ability posed a challenge, the arena's magical properties and Lord Zeno's oversight prevented any unfair use of this ability. Goku's strategic decision to stay grounded during the use of his Spirit Bomb highlights his adaptability and understanding of the rules, making his actions both logical and in line with the tournament's guidelines.