Dragon Ball Super: Is Goku Trolling Everyone About Becoming Evil?

03/07/2017 04:26 pm EST

Over the past few weeks, a series of controversial arguments have been brought up in the Dragon Ball fandom. The franchise recently threw fans into a tailspin when Dragon Ball Super initiated its newest story arc. The 'Universal Survival' saga kicked off after Goku boldly approached the Omni-Kings to request they hold a multiverse martial arts tournament. They were happy to oblige, but the rest of the universes were not pleased to learn their ranking in the event would determine whether or not their homes were obliterated.

Within the span of a few episodes, Dragon Ball Super managed to convince scores of fans Goku was going dark-side. Theories popped up about the Saiyan's potential heel turn as fans pointed out foreshadowing shots and dialogue quips. However, for other fans, Goku's apparently turnabout was anything but nefarious. Rather, they thought it was a rather clever misdirect.

As Dragon Ball fans know, Goku is someone who loves to fight. The franchises's creator has even stressed that Goku's desire to fight overrules everything else; In fact, Toriyama has gone so far as to say Goku is not very heroic or altruistic with his skill set. When it comes down to it, Goku fights for chaotic-neutral reasons as he gets off on the adrenaline that comes with beatdowns.

For Goku to present himself as a villainous figure in Dragon Ball Super - well, it's not totally unheard. The character has no inherent desire to be a hero but rather to fight. And, really, who's to say Goku isn't presenting himself as a target on purpose?

Goku wanted the Omni-Kings to host the Tournament of Power because he was bored and wanted to fight. The hero was smarting after his long-held battle with Goku Black, and there was no one in Universe 7 who could appease his need to fight save for Beerus and Whis. However, even with a multiverse tournament at hand, Goku may have felt concerned he wasn't going to get the most out of his competitors. So, what better way to ensure his opponents go all out that to make them think Goku is really a villain?

In the past, Goku has said he fights best under pressure and when his opponents are gunning against his full-force. The Saiyan was disappointed with his most recent fight against Bergamo because the Universe 9 warrior hesitated to go all-out. However, next week, Goku appears to be in a better mood as he gets to fight Toppo of Universe 11 after the other fighter accuses Goku of being a villain out to end the multiverse.

If Goku is purposely setting himself up to be a villain, then the Saiyan is smarter than anyone gives him credit for. And, yes, a bit on the irresponsible side as well. For all fans know, the theories about Goku asking the Omni-Kings to lie about the multiverse's possible annihilation could be true as well. In order to light a fire under his competitors, Goku could have called in the favor, and no one will be the wiser until the Tournament of Power comes to an end.

MORE: Here's What Happens To Nappa's Hair When He Goes Super Saiyan

Dragon Ball Super's "Universal Survival" saga is part of the recent simulcast agreement that sites like Crunchyroll and Funimation have scored. Dragon Ball Super airs on Crunchyroll Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. CST. Toonami will begin airing the English dub on Adult Swim Saturdays at 11:30 p.m.

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