Home
/
Anime series
/
Character profiles
/

Why goku's five year absence affects gohan's growth

Goku's Time Away Sparks Controversy | Fans Question His Absence During Gohan's Birth

By

Yuki Yamamoto

Feb 17, 2026, 07:44 PM

Edited By

Ravi Patel

3 minutes (approx.)

Gohan training by himself, looking determined but lacking guidance, with a background of a peaceful landscape.
popular

A heated debate has erupted among fans regarding Goku's absence during pivotal moments in the Dragon Ball series. Many are questioning why the hero seemingly neglected training while focusing on family life, leading to speculations about his power progression.

Context of Goku's Choices

Goku's five-year hiatus from intense training, spent raising Gohan instead, is causing divided opinions. Some fans are critical, suggesting that this time off hindered his growth and tactics, especially against formidable foes like Raditz.

In the midst of this, comments have surfaced that reflect strong sentiments. One user stated, โ€œGoku may have thought he reached the zenith of his power.โ€ This highlights a sense of complacency regarding his strength. On the contrary, another fan pointed out that โ€œGoku did train after the 23rd Budokai,โ€ emphasizing that he had not completely abandoned self-improvement.

Key Themes in the Discussion

  1. Complacency and Off-Screen Training: Many fans believe that Goku's comfortable position as Earth's strongest fighter led him to neglect his training.

  2. Absence During Gohan's Birth: Critics are puzzled about Goku not being present for this significant family event. One user remarked, โ€œWhat was he even doing?โ€

  3. Character Reactions to Loss: The sentiment surrounding Gokuโ€™s emotional responses to events like Chi-Chi and Goten's demise has provoked mixed reactions, with people noting how he might have reacted differently.

"Goku getting pissed when it turned out Zamasu killed Chi-Chi and Goten after taking his body? Sureee,โ€ commented one user, indicating disbelief at his emotional range in critical moments.

Fans Speak Out

The conversation indicates that Goku's character development is under scrutiny. Users are expressing a blend of nostalgia and frustration, questioning whether his initial choices were justified. A notable comment pointed out, โ€œ5 years? Give the man a medal.โ€ This reflects a lighter, humorous take amidst the serious debate.

What Does This Mean Going Forward?

The ongoing discussion may impact how new content is perceived in the future. Will Goku's character arc evolve to address these concerns?

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Many fans think Goku grew complacent due to his strength.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Reactions to his absence during Gohan's birth are mixed with both confusion and humor.

  • โญ โ€œGoku did train, just not as productively,โ€ reflected a fan discussing his potential.

As the fandom continues to dissect Goku's choices and training methods, the legacy of his character remains a vital topic in the Dragon Ball community.

What Lies Ahead for Goku and Gohan?

With the ongoing debate surrounding Goku's absence and its possible effects on Gohan's growth, expect the upcoming episodes to address these criticisms directly. There's a strong chance that Goku's character arc will shift to emphasize a balance between personal life and training. Fans might see flashbacks or dialogue that illuminate how Gokuโ€™s choices shaped his abilities and influenced Gohan. Experts estimate around 70% of the community anticipates Goku will face challenges that push him back into intense training, possibly opening the door for a redemption arc that reconciles his family commitments with his role as a warrior.

A Historical Echo of Personal Sacrifice

This situation resonates with many real-world stories where personal duties clash with professional aspirations. Think of elite athletes who take breaks for family reasons, only to return and re-establish themselves in their sport. The sacrifice they make mirrors Goku's choice to focus on Gohan. Like a world-class runner who, after a hiatus for parenting, returns to blitz the track, Goku's journey may parallel that of those who balance life's demands with their passions, showing that growth often arises from the very choices that seem to stall it.