Does Vegeta regret his past?

Yes, Vegeta does experience regret over his past, though it is a complex and evolving aspect of his character throughout the Dragon Ball series.

Vegeta's Early Days:

Vegeta’s past is filled with ruthless actions and destruction, especially during his time as the Prince of the Saiyan race. As a child, he was raised under the tyrannical rule of Frieza, who destroyed his home planet, Planet Vegeta, and used him as a tool for conquering other planets. Vegeta grew up as a warrior, conditioned to be prideful, cold, and merciless. He had little regard for other life forms, and his sense of superiority made him believe that he was above anyone else.

In these early years, Vegeta was focused on achieving greater power and fulfilling his mission of avenging the destruction of his people by defeating Frieza. His relentless pursuit of power and his desire to be the strongest led him to commit heinous acts, such as destroying planets and mercilessly defeating those weaker than him.

Vegeta’s Transformation and Regret:

As the series progresses, particularly during his time on Earth and his interactions with characters like Goku, Bulma, and others, Vegeta begins to reflect on his past actions. One of the major turning points for Vegeta’s character comes when he realizes the consequences of his past. He begins to see the importance of relationships, compassion, and the values of the people around him.

• Fatherhood: Vegeta’s relationship with his son, Trunks, and his love for Bulma deeply affect his growth as a person. His desire to protect his family and be a better father figure causes him to question the ruthless mindset he once had. The contrast between the way he treated his father (King Vegeta) and how he wants to treat his son is a clear sign that he is regretting his earlier priorities and actions.

• Personal Growth: Vegeta also starts to understand that strength doesn't come from sheer power alone, but from growth, humility, and respect for others. This realization is particularly evident when he forms an unlikely bond with Goku, someone who was once his rival and enemy. Goku's unwavering kindness, even toward those who have wronged him, influences Vegeta to become more compassionate.

Vegeta’s Regret in Key Moments:

1. During the Android Saga: When Vegeta faces the Androids, he makes the choice to let his pride take over, which leads to his downfall and nearly costs him his life. This is one of the moments when Vegeta starts to realize that pride can be his greatest weakness.

2. Cell Saga: Vegeta's pride and desire to surpass Goku lead him to allow the Cell to reach his perfect form. He regrets his decision when he sees the destruction that Cell causes and how it affects his family and Earth.

3. Majin Vegeta: The most significant instance of Vegeta’s regret comes during his possession by Babidi in the Majin Vegeta arc. While under the influence of Babidi, Vegeta embraces his darker side, temporarily giving in to his old pride and desire for power. However, when he sees the consequences of his actions and the toll it takes on his family, Vegeta experiences guilt. After the battle with Goku, he acknowledges that the man he once was is someone he no longer wants to be.

4. Final Moments with Trunks: In the Dragon Ball Z: Buu Saga, when Vegeta is fighting Majin Buu, his thoughts about his family and his past become more evident. He is willing to sacrifice himself for their safety, indicating a deep emotional shift and regret for the man he used to be.

Conclusion:

While Vegeta doesn't openly dwell on his past, his actions and the way he interacts with those around him indicate that he has deep regret for the destructive and ruthless person he once was. His character development is a journey of redemption, as he moves from a villainous warrior focused solely on power to a proud but loving father and husband who values his family and the friendships he's formed along the way. His regret is less about weakness and more about a desire to make amends and be a better person, showing the depth of his growth throughout the series.