Why does Piccolo hate Goku?

The relationship between Piccolo and Goku has one of the most complex evolutions in the Dragon Ball series. Initially, Piccolo hates Goku, but over time, this animosity transforms into respect, friendship, and even a deep familial bond. Understanding the reasons behind Piccolo’s early hatred of Goku requires looking back at their history and the circumstances that shaped their characters.

The Origins of Hatred:

When Piccolo first appears in Dragon Ball, he is the son of King Piccolo, a villain who terrorized Earth. Piccolo inherits his father’s hatred for humanity and sees Goku as a formidable threat to his plans of world domination. In fact, his primary goal at the time is to defeat Goku and take control of the Earth.

Piccolo's initial hatred for Goku is driven by the rivalry between the two. Goku, having defeated King Piccolo, becomes the target of his son’s wrath. Piccolo blames Goku for his father's death and for disrupting his evil plans. Their relationship is purely antagonistic in the beginning, and Piccolo views Goku as an obstacle that must be eliminated in order to fulfill his own desires for power.

The Turning Point: The 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament:

During the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, Goku and Piccolo face off in a dramatic battle. At this point, Piccolo still harbors animosity toward Goku, but there’s a shift in their dynamic. Despite Piccolo’s ruthless nature, the fight between them is not just about hatred—it also reflects Piccolo’s growing respect for Goku's abilities.

Piccolo loses the fight to Goku, but what happens next is crucial. After the battle, Piccolo is no longer solely focused on defeating Goku, and their relationship starts to evolve. Goku also shows a level of honor and sportsmanship that Piccolo had not expected, planting the seeds for a future change in his attitude.

The Evolution of the Relationship:

The most significant change in their relationship comes when Piccolo starts to understand the value of teamwork and selflessness. After the Dragon Ball Z series begins, Piccolo, who initially viewed Goku as an enemy, begins to align with him to protect Earth from more serious threats, such as the Saiyans. They fight alongside each other in battles that require cooperation and mutual support.

Piccolo’s transformation from a villain to an ally is gradual. In Dragon Ball Z, particularly during the Saiyan Saga, Piccolo sacrifices his life to save Gohan, Goku’s son, which marks a major turning point. This act of selflessness shifts Piccolo’s perspective on humanity and on Goku. Over time, Piccolo becomes one of Goku’s most trusted allies and even a mentor to Goku’s son, Gohan.

Respect and Friendship:

As the series progresses, Piccolo’s feelings towards Goku evolve from hatred to respect and friendship. In Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, Piccolo becomes one of Goku’s closest allies, and the two work together to protect the Earth from increasingly powerful foes. Their rivalry is not as intense anymore, and they share a deep bond that goes beyond simply fighting.

Piccolo also becomes part of Goku’s extended family, helping to raise Gohan and often being involved in key moments in Goku’s life. Their connection has matured into one of mutual respect, with both warriors acknowledging each other's strengths and flaws.

Conclusion:

Initially, Piccolo’s hatred for Goku was driven by revenge and his father’s legacy. As time went on, however, Piccolo’s views on Goku began to change, particularly as they fought side by side and developed a strong bond based on mutual respect and teamwork. What started as hatred turned into a close friendship, with Piccolo even taking on a fatherly role for Goku’s son, Gohan.

In the end, Piccolo and Goku’s relationship is a testament to the power of change and growth. Their connection highlights how even the most bitter of enemies can become close allies when they share common goals and develop understanding and respect for one another.