Why can't the saiyans be revived?

In the Dragon Ball series, Saiyans can typically be revived using the Dragon Balls, much like any other character who dies. However, there are certain instances where Saiyans cannot be revived, and these exceptions arise from specific circumstances, limitations, or rules established within the Dragon Ball universe. Here's why Saiyans may not always be able to be revived:

1. The Rule of Only Being Revived Once

The Dragon Ball universe has a rule that prevents people from being revived by the Dragon Balls more than once. This rule applies to all beings, including Saiyans. So if a character dies and is brought back to life, they cannot be wished back again using the Dragon Balls. This is significant because in the early parts of Dragon Ball Z, Goku and other characters (like Krillin and Piccolo) are revived multiple times, but later, the rule starts to limit revivals. Once someone has been revived once, it could become impossible to bring them back a second time, unless other extraordinary means are used (such as different wishes, other dragon-like entities, or alternate universes).

For example, in the case of Vegeta, Nappa, and other Saiyans, their revivals would be subject to these rules, preventing them from being wished back after their first death.

2. The Absence of Dragon Balls in Certain Story Arcs

At various points in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, the Dragon Balls are either destroyed, scattered across the universe, or are not available for use. Without the Dragon Balls, there is no way to wish for anyone's revival, including Saiyans. For example:

  • Dragon Balls were destroyed during the events of the Cell Saga and Majin Buu Saga, making it impossible to use them for revivals until they were restored.
  • In Dragon Ball Super, the Super Dragon Balls are a powerful set of Dragon Balls, but their use and availability are limited by the situation. Without these powerful Dragon Balls, Saiyans like Vegeta or Goku cannot be revived unless alternative methods are used.

3. The Case of the Afterlife in Dragon Ball Z and Super

In some cases, certain characters like Vegeta or Goku choose to remain in the afterlife or a form of limbo after their death. They can train or gain power in the afterlife, such as when Goku trained with King Kai after his death in the Saiyan Saga. This decision affects their resurrection. Sometimes, characters stay in the afterlife for a greater purpose, such as Vegeta, who chose to train in the afterlife rather than return immediately to fight, because it helped his character development.

In the Dragon Ball universe, death is sometimes treated as a natural progression, and even when Saiyans die, their power can be used for the greater good. For example, when Vegeta dies in the Majin Buu Saga, he chooses to stay dead, which showcases how some characters don't necessarily wish to be brought back immediately, unlike the recurring death and resurrection of others.

4. The Special Case of Vegeta’s Father, King Vegeta

One of the most notable examples of a Saiyan who cannot be revived is King Vegeta, the ruler of the Saiyan race. King Vegeta was killed by Frieza when he attempted to rebel against Frieza’s tyranny. Even though his death was significant to the story, King Vegeta was not revived in the series because of the limitations of the Dragon Balls and the circumstances of his death. Though he was an important figure, his soul was not brought back.

5. The Power of the Saiyan Bloodline

Saiyans possess a unique ability known as the Zenkai Boost, where they grow stronger every time they recover from near-death experiences. This power often makes the Saiyan race formidable, as they can become stronger after each battle. However, because of this, some might believe that Saiyans do not need to be revived or brought back once they die, as they will always return stronger than before due to their relentless drive and tenacity.

In certain situations, reviving Saiyans could be viewed as unnecessary because they are bound to recover and continue their pursuit of greater strength in the afterlife.


Conclusion

While Saiyans like Goku, Vegeta, and others can typically be revived using the Dragon Balls, there are certain limitations and rules that apply:

  • The Dragon Balls may be unavailable or destroyed at certain points in the series, making revival impossible.
  • Revival limitations, such as the rule of only being revived once, restrict multiple resurrections for Saiyans.
  • The afterlife and characters' own choices may influence their return to the living world.
  • Not all Saiyans are revived, such as King Vegeta, due to the limitations of the Dragon Balls and the nature of their death.

Ultimately, while revival is a possibility for many Saiyans, it depends on the specific circumstances and the rules set within the Dragon Ball universe at the time of their death.

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