Dragon Ball Super Producer Reveals Why Roshi Is In The ‘Universal Survival’ Arc

Right now, Dragon Ball Super is on a crash-course with a major martial arts tournament. Universe 7 will soon send a slew of warriors who will protect it in front of the Omni-Kings. The gods are set to host the Tournament of Power in a few episodes, and the multiverse will be pitted against one another to keep itself in tact. With so much on the line, Goku has been busy as of late recruiting powerful fighters who can ensure Universe 7’s victory at the tournament. So, naturally, fans were surprised that the Saiyan asks Master Roshi to join his super squad.

However, according to one producer, the choice to bring in the Turtle Hermit was an easy one.

Recently, Hiroyuki Sakurada spoke with Mantan Web about the future of Dragon Ball Super. It was there the producer addressed fans and their confusion over Master Roshi’s part in the ‘Universal Survival’ arc.

“The Turtle Sennin is strong,” Sakurada said. “Is [his strength] not like Kame or Krillin’s unique success?”

Continuing, the producer admitted that Roshi was not able to keep up with the power inflation of Dragon Ball. However, fans will still be able to enjoy Roshi’s fights as much as they will like seeing Gohan get back in fighting shape. Sakurada stressed it was Akira Toriyama’s idea to bring Roshi back in the fold, and the producer said the Tournament of Power will have various ‘activity centers’ on the battlefield which will suit some fighters more than others.

Dragon Ball Super recently kicked off the ‘Universal Survival’ saga. You can check out the brief synopsis for it below:

“At Goku’s request, the Omni-Kings’ “Tournament of Power” martial arts tournament between universes now begins! …But this also proves to be the beginning of universal destruction. What awaits the victors of this tournament, and the vanquished…?! How will these intense team battles between the elites of each universe turn out…?!”

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.