comrades

Son Goku | 孫悟空

It’s common in many - if not all - shonen (young boys’) manga for the protagonist to gain rivals and even befriend them. In early Dragon Ball, Tenshinhan himself filled the archetypal role.

Tenshinhan was introduced as a rival - almost a pseudo villain of sorts - of Son Goku and Co. But as Goku and Tenshinhan have their match at the Tenkaichi Budokai, Tenshinhan revels in the fight, realizing that this is the greatest challenge he has ever come across. The battle for revenge soon becomes one fought over the martial artist’s pride, and Tenshinhan’s true character is revealed. Afterwards, the two make friends and face the next great battle on the same side. It’s during the fight against Piccolo Daimaou that Tenshinhan discovers how truly strong Goku is - both in battle and in spirit. He vows to himself that someday, he will defeat Son Goku.

Although Tenshinhan’s dream to surpass the Strongest in the Universe is never fulfilled, Goku remains an inspiration for Tenshinhan to keep improving himself.  Goku is a reminder to Tenshinhan that many tremendously strong guys exist in the wide universe, along with the potential to overcome them, as long as one remains full of spirit.

Yamcha | ヤムチャ

An immediate spark of dislike flared when Tenshinhan and Yamcha first laid eyes on one another. Yamcha thought Tenshinhan was an arrogant jerk (which he was) whom Yamcha longed to knock down a few pegs. In the meantime, Tenshinhan plotted Yamcha’s downfall, singling Yamcha out in the semifinals of the Tournament (“singling out,” as in, telling Chaozu to influence the outcome of the “random” selection..)

During the actual match, both boys actively taunt the other, but in the end Tenshinhan ruthlessly breaks Yamcha’s leg.  Oh, he’s such a heartless fellow.

Despite their first impressions, Tenshinhan and Yamcha become good friends. Their camaraderie is seen and felt at many times throughout the series. Tenshinhan is almost always teamed alongside Yamcha in a fight, rather than with Kuririn.

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Three’s the Charm © 2007 Meghan M.

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