The Dragon Ball universe is famous for its iconic characters, over-the-top battles, and signature moves. One of the most recognizable techniques is the Masenko, a powerful ki blast often associated with Gohan. But where did Gohan learn this devastating attack? This article delves into the origins of the Masenko and how it became a staple in Gohan’s arsenal.
Gohan trains alone in the wilderness.
While the Masenko is synonymous with Gohan, surprisingly, he isn’t its creator. The true originator of this technique is none other than Piccolo, the Namekian warrior who transitioned from villain to mentor and became a crucial figure in Gohan’s development. Piccolo first used a rudimentary form of the Masenko as a young Namekian in the original Dragon Ball series. It was a two-handed ki blast, a significant feat at the time, showcasing Piccolo’s inherent power.
Following Goku’s death at the hands of his brother, Raditz, Piccolo took Gohan under his wing, recognizing the boy’s immense potential. Piccolo’s training was harsh and demanding, pushing Gohan to his limits to prepare him for the impending Saiyan threat.
The Masenko
Piccolo unleashes the Masenko.
Piccolo’s rigorous training involved survival in the wilderness and intense combat lessons, shaping Gohan’s abilities and fostering his control over his latent power. Although the exact moment Gohan learns the Masenko isn’t explicitly shown in the anime, it’s strongly implied that Piccolo imparted this technique during Gohan’s year-long training. The first time Gohan uses the Masenko is against Nappa, immediately after Piccolo sacrifices himself to save Gohan. This timing, coupled with Gohan’s lack of prior knowledge of ki attacks, points definitively to Piccolo as his teacher.
The Masenko subsequently became Gohan’s signature move, used frequently throughout Dragon Ball Z against formidable foes. From the Saiyan Saga to the Cell Games, the Masenko remained a crucial part of Gohan’s fighting style. While the technique hasn’t been seen as much in recent Dragon Ball Super installments, fans hope for its resurgence, especially with Gohan taking a more prominent role in the latest movie, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. His new Piccolo-inspired outfit in the film hints at a potential return to his roots and the revival of this classic technique.
