8 Times Dragon Ball Characters Straight-Up Stole Each Other’s Moves

Summary

Characters in Dragon Ball often borrow techniques from others, showing evolution in fighting styles.
Kid Buu’s chaotic mimicry of Instant Transmission and Cell’s use of Kamehameha add a sinister twist.
Gohan’s deliberate mimicry of Piccolo’s Special Beam Cannon reflects strategic growth in battle.

In the Dragon Ball universe, characters don’t hesitate to learn powerful moves from their opponents when they find themselves in tight spots, such as dodging an energy blast to the face. Instead of relying solely on personal training or mystical teachings, they often imitate their foes’ most impressive techniques. Whether it’s the legendary Kamehameha wave or the spectacular teleportation stunt, these characters have a knack for studying, mastering, and then returning the favor with equal force.

In certain instances within the Dragon Ball series, characters have been observed imitating various techniques, some with a touch of admiration, others with sheer malice, while a select few seem to merely mirror actions without any clear intent due to their ability to assimilate more than just attacks. These are moments when characters in the Dragon Ball universe copied moves and abilities from others, arranged according to their level of fame and impact within the series.

8. Krillin Copies Solar Flare From Tien

Tien’s Solar Flare, Rebranded

Show: Dragon Ball Z
Episode 36 “Escape from Dodoria”

Krillin didn’t develop the Solar Flare, instead, he adopted it as one of his essential survival skills. Originally employed by Tien Shinhan during the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, this disorienting technique, called “Taiyoken” in Japanese, harnesses intense light to momentarily incapacitate opponents. Initially demonstrated against Goku, Krillin soon recognized its potential value, particularly for someone who doesn’t rely on brute strength.

In the Namek Saga, Krillin employs his famous Solar Flare move against Frieza’s underlings, creating a strategic opportunity. Unlike conventional energy blasts or brute force attacks, the Solar Flare’s strength lies in its tactical disruption. Compared to Tien, Krillin seems to handle it with a greater level of elegance and skill. Over time, even villains like Cell adopt this technique, but Krillin remains strongly linked to it, despite not being its original user.

7. Goku Black Steals The Kamehameha

Divine Theft In Motion

Show: Dragon Ball Super
Episode 57 “A God with an Invincible Body: The Advent of Zamasu”

It’s quite disturbing to see Goku, a character known for his kindness, execute the famous Dragon Ball move with such dark malice. The villainous Goku Black, a fusion of Zamasu and Goku, not only inherited Goku’s power but also some of his signature techniques. The Kamehameha is the one that stands out the most, not because it’s surprising to see him use it, but due to the ominous appearance it takes when performed by someone who represents the polar opposite of Goku’s virtuous spirit.

In the “Future Trunks Saga” of Dragon Ball Super, instead of using his unique moves like Energy Blade or Rose transformation, Goku Black opted to perform the Kamehameha during a fight with Goku and Vegeta. Unlike those who learned it through rigorous training, Goku Black seems to recall it instinctively, given he occupies Goku’s body. This act serves as a striking visual metaphor for his twisted persona; even the familiar feels menacing.

6. Piccolo Uses The Multi-Form Technique From Tien

Piccolo’s Shadow Clone Move Wasn’t Exactly Original

Show: Dragon Ball Z
Episode 25 “Sacrifice”

One of the subtle yet impactful aspects in Piccolo’s development is his application of the Multi-Form Technique (Shishin no Ken). This skill, first demonstrated by Tien during the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, allows the user to generate multiple physical copies of themselves. Unlike illusions, these replicas are capable of engaging in combat, blocking attacks, and sustaining damage, albeit at the cost of splitting the user’s strength among them.

In the movie “Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might,” Piccolo performs the same technique during his short battle with Amond. While the film’s authenticity is questionable, the move’s inclusion suggests that either Tien had used it in front of Piccolo or he learned it through private training sessions. What makes this interesting is that Piccolo, being a strategic thinker at heart, only employs this technique selectively—probably because dividing power into four isn’t always a wise choice when you’re already facing superior strength.

5. Goten And Trunks Use Kamehameha Without Formal Training

Too Young, Too Fast, Still Mastered It

Movie: Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly

In Dragon Ball Z, Goten and Trunks perform the Kamehameha without any formal lessons, instruction from Roshi, or practice sessions observing Goku’s precise movements. The first time Goten attempts this powerful technique, it occurs during a training session with Chi-Chi. Instead of being impressed, she is left perplexed rather than proud, as Goten nonchalantly admits that he observed Goku doing it once and managed to figure out the move on his own.

In the Dragon Ball universe, the ease with which these Saiyan hybrids perform the signature move, the Kamehameha, showcases how power dynamics have shifted over time. Where Goku initially required countless hours of concentration under Master Roshi’s tutelage, these new generations seem to grasp it effortlessly as if it were second nature. Eventually, Trunks learns it too, and while their heritage and immense potential play a part, it also underscores how commonplace this technique has become. What was once considered sacred power now appears to be casual for half-Saiyans.

4. Kid Buu Mimics The Instant Transmission

Instant Chaos

Show: Dragon Ball Z
Episode 278 “True Saiyans Fight Alone”

As a die-hard Dragon Ball Z fan, there’s something truly chilling about witnessing Kid Buu execute the Instant Transmission technique – it’s not merely the precision and discipline inherent in the move that gives me goosebumps, but rather the stark contrast between its finesse and the seemingly reckless, unruly manner in which he uses it.

Unlike other characters who meticulously hone their skills, Kid Buu acts on instinct and random imitation. He doesn’t ponder over the ‘how’ or ‘why’ – it simply occurs. Whether he learned this ability from the Kaioshin or by observing Goku once is debatable, as the anime does not provide a clear answer. However, the intriguing aspect lies in the fact that a being of pure destruction can effortlessly duplicate a move of divine beings, and one that required Goku time, training, and focus to master from the Yardrats, makes this moment particularly impactful.

3. Cell Uses The Kamehameha

Goku Isn’t Too Happy About It

Show: Dragon Ball Z
Episode 178 “Cell’s Bag of Tricks”

One memorable instance from the Cell Saga is when Cell, a being formed from Earth’s strongest fighters’ DNA, performs what can be compared to the Kamehameha – a move typically associated with heroism. What makes this unique is that Cell adopts not just their power but their moves as well. We first witness this in his semi-perfect form, but it gains iconic status during the intense energy wave confrontation with Gohan.

Observing Cell performing the Kamehameha with Goku’s mannerisms, tone, and body language gives the scene an eerie significance. It’s not merely about displaying power; it’s about exploiting Goku’s persona. Unlike Goten and Trunks, who learned the technique through appreciation or imitation, Cell acquired it in a different way. He’s essentially a storage facility for other people’s skills, and his use of them seems intrusive.

2. Gohan Mimics Piccolo’s Special Beam Cannon

He Actually Pulls It Off

Movie: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

In the movie Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Gohan copying Piccolo’s Special Beam Cannon was a moment long anticipated. Throughout the years, Gohan has leaned more towards Piccolo’s fighting style rather than Goku’s. He is meticulous, strategic, and uses brute strength only when necessary. Therefore, when he reproduced the Special Beam Cannon, it wasn’t a showy stunt. Instead, it was a calculated move during combat, demonstrating an impressive level of accuracy as he tapped into his mentor’s most renowned technique.

The impact is more profound when taking into account the circumstances. Here, we see Gohan stepping back onto the battlefield after a long hiatus filled with scholarly pursuits. As he unleashes his attack, there’s a fleeting spark of classic Ki energy—none of the Super Saiyan tricks, just pure, polished technique.

Indeed, the sight of his student mimicking one of his own moves left Piccolo with an invaluable reaction. It was a blend of feelings, including a touch of pride, a dash of astonishment, and just a hint of “You didn’t learn that from me… but I guess I’m not upset.” – a unique combination only Piccolo could manage.

1. Goku Copies Master Roshi’s Kamehameha

The Moment That Started It All

Show: Dragon Ball
Episode 8 “The Kamehameha Wave”

In the days before Super Saiyans, Spirit Bombs, or teleportation, there stood a young Goku by Master Roshi’s side, gazing as his teacher evaporated an entire mountain. Emulating the style of Dragon Ball, Goku decided to give it a shot—and astonishingly succeeded on the very first attempt. Although his attempt was awkward, small, and lacked the power of Roshi’s, it beautifully encapsulated Goku’s innate talent and knack for growth through instinct.

In this instance, Goku didn’t execute a move he had been trained for. Instead, after witnessing it only once, he mimicked the stance, breath control, and energy circulation. Roshi’s reaction—stunned disbelief—was one of the first indications that Goku wasn’t merely exceptional; he was about to redefine everything. The Kamehameha, a technique supposed to be the pinnacle of fifty years of training, transformed into Goku’s party trick. It’s only fitting that the most imitated move in the franchise itself is a copycat one.

2025-05-12 03:38