The Most Unlikely Friendship In Anime

Key Takeaways

Friendship in shounen anime usually forms between similar characters, but the bond between Buu and Mr. Satan is unexpected.
Despite their differences, Buu and Mr. Satan become friends due to Buu’s kindness towards a puppy.
Buu and Mr. Satan’s friendship deepens when they come together to defend the puppy and stand by each other.

As someone who has followed the Dragon Ball series since its inception and witnessed countless friendships blossom between the most unlikely of characters, I must say that the bond between Mr. Satan and Majin Buu is undoubtedly one of the most heartwarming and unexpected friendships in the entire series. This friendship, born out of a shared love for a small, injured puppy, serves as a testament to the power of compassion, empathy, and the ability to see past one’s flaws.

Friendship is a recurring and important theme in many shonen anime series. While some shows like “Fairy Tail” might emphasize it more, it’s clear that all shonen anime, from “Dragon Ball” to “My Hero Academia,” feature friendship as an integral part of the narrative.

Discussing the iconic anime series, Dragon Ball, it’s fascinating to note that one of the least expected friendships in shounen anime history unfolded. Characters like Majin Buu and Hercule Satan, who wouldn’t normally cross paths, ended up forming a strong bond. In fact, you might know him as Mr. Satan. Let me share how this unexpected friendship took shape.

Polar Opposites

Friendships often develop between individuals who share common traits. Goten and Trunks are longtime companions, both being around the same age and hailing from families that are closely associated. Goku and Vegeta started off as rivals but eventually formed a deep respect for each other due to their mutual strength. Such friendships are not uncommon in these circumstances. However, what makes the bond between a vainglorious martial arts master and an impending species extinction a surprising friendship is indeed intriguing. It’s not something you’d expect from the outset of their story.

An Extinction-Level Monster

Name	Majin Buu
First Appearance	Episode 254

Majin Buu is an indestructible character possessing colossal power, who was freed from his confinement by the malevolent sorcerer Babidi. Due to this liberation, Buu must serve under Babidi. However, it doesn’t take much time before he ends up killing Babidi using nothing but his own fists.

At the time when Gohan is training with the Supreme Being, Goku has already passed away. This means the destiny of Earth now rests on Goten and Trunks, who are currently mastering their fusion technique. Meanwhile, having regained his freedom, Buu finds himself idle and longing for a worthy adversary. In an appalling display of power, he chooses to destroy 80% of the human population just to pass the time. Indeed, he is a terrifying entity capable of bringing about the end of humanity.

A Boastful Martial Art Champion

Name	Hercule Satan
First Appearance	Episode 173

Mr. Satan, formerly known as Hercule Satan, is crowned champion of the Under the Heaven Martial Arts Tournament. This title was earned during a period when extraordinary figures such as Goku and the Dragon Team were preoccupied, handling menacing adversaries like Frieza and other significant threats.

Despite being a formidable martial artist, Mr. Satan’s strength primarily shines against ordinary humans. However, he proves insignificant when facing actual monsters such as the Androids, Cell, and Majin Buu. His reputation takes a significant boost when Gohan and the Dragon Team attribute his victory over Cell solely to him. This recognition propels him to the status of a savior for humanity. In times of crisis, when the Earth is threatened by a monstrous evil like Majin Buu, it’s none other than Mr. Satan that the people look up to.

The Unlikely Meeting

One character is an invincible being capable of unleashing devastating nuclear force with maniacal laughter, while the other is a skilled martial artist who boasts about victories that aren’t their own. This unique dynamic brings these two contrasting figures together.

Playing the Hero

In a world where 80% has been devastated, with countless innocent lives lost due to Buu’s aimless destructive rampage, the remnants of humanity pinned their hopes on their savior, the strongest among humans – Mr. Satan.

Without them realizing it, Mr. Satan is terrified beyond measure. Yet he’s determined to preserve his well-deserved image. Thus, with cold sweat trickling down his face, quivering legs, and a pounding heart, he courageously proceeds towards Buu’s abode.

Mr. Satan’s strategy is straightforward. He intends to secretly enter Buu’s residence when the devil is absent, destroying another city. Beforehand, he has arranged a pile of dynamite which he will later set off. When the perfect moment arrives, he plans to trigger the explosion, eliminating Buu in the process, all while maintaining a safe distance.

Master and Servant

Unluckily for Mr. Satan, Mr. Buu is at home when he attempts his clever scheme. Instead, Mr. Buu is prepared to transform Mr. Satan into candy. In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Satan presents a box of toxic chocolates to him. Eagerly, Mr. Buu consumes the sweets, but predictably, the poison fails to affect him in any way.

Later, Mr. Satan attempts to deceive Buu by offering a phony video game console. Engrossed in play, Buu remains oblivious as Mr. Satan secretly destroys the console from a distance. Unfortunately, this trick fails to harm Buu. Instead, Buu finds amusement in Mr. Satan’s futile attempts and demands that he becomes his servant. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Satan complies with Buu’s request.

“You’re funny. I’ll make you my servant.”

– Majin Buu, DBZ Chapter 287

Currently, Mr. Satan is devising a lengthy, deceptive scheme. He’s feigning submission as a servant to this destructive behemoth, all while concealing a stash of dynamite. His intention is to wait for the right moment to detonate it and eliminate Majin Buu. However, until that time comes, their dynamic remains that of a Master and Servant.

The Most Unlikely Friendship

How can an apparently fearful servant transform into a cherished companion for his seemingly monstrous master? The secret lies in the benevolent version of Majin Buu. Despite having little sense of morality, this character exhibits kindness towards those he favors. Interestingly, it’s through a puppy that he develops such deep affection for Mr. Satan.

United by a Puppy

One day, Buu arrives home carrying an injured dog. Upon seeing the dog, Majin Buu seems puzzled as to why it doesn’t flee in fear. Mr. Satan clarifies that the dog is hurt and thus can’t run away. In response, Buu swiftly heals the dog. The dog, instead of running, wags its tail at Buu. Mr. Satan informs him that this gesture indicates the dog likes him.

Afterward, Majin Buu mostly engages in playtime with the puppy, which softens Mr. Satan’s feelings towards him. Observing this heartwarming scene, Mr. Satan starts to thaw towards Buu. He queries Buu about his fondness for slaying people and wreaking havoc. In response, Buu admits that Babidi taught him to enjoy such activities. Moved by compassion, Mr. Satan requests him to cease these actions as killing is wrong. Stunningly, Buu concurs and swears never to harm humans again.

Best Friends Forever

The dog seems to be forging a bond between Mr. Satan and Majin Buu, but a pivotal incident occurs when a duo of rowdy individuals approach Buu’s residence. Equipped with lethal weapons, they arrogantly plan to confront Majin Buu. They draw their sniper rifle and inadvertently kill the harmless dog as their first victim. Subsequently, they hurl RPG rounds at Buu’s house, reducing it to ruins in a swift succession of seconds.

Without a doubt, Buu remains unscathed. Yet, upon witnessing the still figure of a puppy on the ground, Buu’s anger bubbles over. However, before he could act against those ruffians, Mr. Satan suddenly emerges behind them and demonstrates his martial arts prowess by delivering swift kicks, punches, and brutal blows to the thugs.

1. Buu, understandably taken aback by the sight before him, becomes doubly astonished upon learning the puppy is miraculously alive. In a flash, Buu leaps into action, nursing the pup back to health. As the puppy revives, wagging its tail with renewed vigor, both Buu and Mr. Satan leap for joy, hand in hand. It’s this heartwarming moment that cements their bond, a friendship that endures throughout the entire series.

“I don’t understand. Why are Boo and that braggart together?”

– Piccolo, DBZ Chapter 290

Dragon Ball is available to stream on Crunchyroll

2024-09-01 22:05