Dragonball Z
"Dragonball Z" follows the exploits of Goku, a powerful Super-Saiyan warrior originally sent to destroy Earth. Goku forgets his true purpose and instead becomes Earth's defender. The story begins as Goku's brother Raditz arrives to finish his job, setting in motion a chain of events that will involve every great warrior on two planets and almost destroy the universe. Other defenders of Earth include: Goku's onetime enemy Piccolo, a warrior from the planet Namek; Vegeta (another SuperSaiyan); and Goku's son Gohan, perhaps the most powerful warrior of all. The name of the series, "Dragonball Z," refers to the seven mystical balls that when brought together give the possessor the power to summon the Eternal Dragon. Once the Dragon arrives, whoever brought the balls together is granted one wish any wish within the Dragon's power. Once this wish is granted, the balls are scattered to the corners of the planet to be gathered up once more. Goku spends much of his time keeping the balls from the wrong hands. As the world's strongest warrior, he is destined to protect our world, and frequently risks his life to do just that. And that's only the tip of the iceberg. Welcome to the world of "Dragonball Z." .
Goku is the hero of "DBZ." His race, the Saiyans, are great warriors who are feared throughout the universe. They live a nomadic existence and are often hired to "depopulate" or destroy worlds for the highest bidder. Goku is a Saiyan formerly known as Kakarot who was sent to Earth as a baby with the mission to conquer the planet. But thanks to a head injury that changes his personality, he instead grows to love this world and its people. Goku discovers his true purpose when his brother Raditz arrives to destroy the planet -- and he steps up to defend it with his life. Goku later discovers that he is a special breed of Saiyan that is whispered about in the darkest corners of the galaxy -- a Super-Saiyan. These legendary warriors are the most powerful in the universe. He is the first to appear in over a thousand years. They have the ability to grow stronger from every battle, making them virtually unstoppable. Goku's cousin, Vegeta, is also a Super-Saiyan, as is Goku's son, Gohan. .

Gohan, Goku and Chi-Chi's first son, was named after his adoptive grandfather. Physically he resembles a young Goku, while spiritually he is good and pure of heart. Because of his protective mother, Gohan starts out as a wimp, but when the Earth is threatened he reveals his ability to "power up" uncontrollably in moments of extreme stress. This ability makes him perhaps the strongest Saiyan of them all
if he could just learn how to use it. Gohan slowly learns to use his powers through his training with Piccolo. He develops a special bond with Piccolo that is almost as strong as his bond with his father. Piccolo teaches Gohan how to become a warrior
and how to stay alive. Thanks to Piccolo's training, Gohan has become a regular defender of the Earth, standing alongside his father in many battles.
Vegeta is a rare breed of fighterone of only a handful of fullblooded Saiyans remaining in the universe. He represents what Saiyans are really like: ruthless, destructive and power hungry. Vegeta is part of the royal line of Saiyans. In his mind it is his manifest destiny to rule the world. Vegeta has little use for others unless they are bettering his end. Goku, on the other hand, represents the flip side of the Saiyans. Goku is supposedly rendered harmless by his lack of tail and understanding Saiyan traditions. By all rights Vegeta should be the most powerful Saiyan in the universe and therefore the strongest fighter. And yet
.
Once Goku's arch enemy, Piccolo is the second strongest being on Earth. He wears an extremely heavy cape that constantly trains his muscles. Piccolo is an extremely capable fighter with several abilities, including the power to split into separate entities, as well as the ability to fire powerful energy blasts.
Piccolo is a native of the planet Namek. His fate is inexplicably intertwined with that of Earth. He shares his being with Kami, the guardian of Earth. Piccolo and Kami are two sides of the same coin. Piccolo begins battling Goku to rule the world, but when the Saiyans arrive Piccolo joins forces with Goku to defeat a greater evil.
At first their alliance is uneasy, but as the story progresses their bond grows stronger. Piccolo trains Goku's son, Gohan, for the upcoming battle against the Saiyans. Piccolo is unsure of his motivations behind assisting his onetime enemy and helping to raise his son. Gohan sees the good within Piccolo and their relationship brings this good out of him. Piccolo saves Gohan's life by stepping in front of the blast fired by Nappa, strengthening the bond further.
Krillin, a native of Earth, is Goku's best friend and has never flinched when asked to achieve the impossible. Krillin has placed himself in harm's way countless times in order to help the Dragonball heroes. He now spends much of his time with Goku's son, Gohan. Though not very powerful, Krillin has heart to spare and is a formidable adversary. Like Gohan, Krillin has benefited greatly from Piccolo's intense training. He has learned to focus his abilities to stand on his own against enemies who are much more powerful. He is a trusting soul who is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
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