Dragon Ball: Crane School Vs. Turtle School, Explained

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Dragon Ball: Crane School Vs. Turtle School, Explained

Highlights

  • The feud between Turtle School and Crane School had Master Roshi and Master Shen at the center of its rivalry.
  • While Crane School focused on dangerous techniques, Turtle School taught balance and improvement to its students.
  • The feud between the two schools eventually ended with Master Shen’s defeat, but its impact on the characters remained.

As a longtime fan of Dragon Ball, I can’t help but be captivated by the rich history and depth of the Turtle School and its infamous rivalry with the Crane School. Master Roshi and Master Shen’s feud was a significant part of Dragon Ball’s early chapters, shaping the lives of characters like Goku, Tienshinhan, and Chiaotzu.

Dragon Ball focused a lot of its early chapters and arcs around Goku, as well as Master Roshi. In fact, the Turtle School is the first official school of martial arts that Goku ever learned way before Goku achieved Super Saiyan or any other fighting prowess. However, there once was another school of martial arts that used to have Tienshinhan and Chiaotzu as students of Master Shen. The Crane School had techniques of its own, one of which is commonly seen with every Dragon Ball character, but it always had a huge rivalry and disdain for the Turtle School.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricacies of martial arts anime, I can’t help but be intrigued by the mysterious rivalry between Tienshinhan and an unnamed opponent. But what was this rivalry all about? What fueled their intense battles, and why did it suddenly vanish from the narrative?

A Feud Between Masters

The Student’s Responsibility Is Immense

Dragon Ball: Crane School Vs. Turtle School, Explained

Master Shen once held the position of headmaster at the Crane School, reflecting in its unique structure and foundation. His rivalry with Master Roshi originated during their training under their common mentor, Master Mutaito, who imparted all their martial arts knowledge. However, while Master Roshi adopted a virtuous stance towards martial arts, as evidenced by his instruction of Goku and Krillin, Master Shen favored a more merciless teaching style for his pupils. This animosity between the Crane and Turtle schools intensified when rumors spread that Goku had slain Mercenary Tao, prompting Master Shen to seek retaliation against both Goku and the Turtle School.

Master Shen: “I brought you, Tien, into existence with my own hands. Everything about you stems from me. But your disobedience has left me clenching my fists in anger. Prepare to face the consequences!”

At the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, Master Shen learned about Mercenary Tao, his long-lost brother, who had betrayed the Turtle School. Prior to this revelation, Master Shen had entered Tienshinhan and Chiaotzu in the tournament as a means to demonstrate their power to the Turtle School. Master Shen’s harsh training methods and bitterness were evident when Tienshinhan brutally defeated Yamcha by breaking his leg. Upon discovering Mercenary Tao’s deceit, Master Shen became enraged and plotted with Tienshinhan and Chiaotzu to seek revenge against Goku. However, Master Roshi’s words of wisdom persuaded Tienshinhan and Chiaotzu to abandon the plan at the last moment. Master Shen’s ruthless nature was exposed through his defeat and subsequent disappearance from the scene.

Why This Feud Mattered

The Developments Of This Feud Are Fascinating

Dragon Ball: Crane School Vs. Turtle School, Explained

Although the rivalry between the two martial arts schools concluded with lingering animosity, they displayed striking similarities and contrasts that made them near reflections of each other. The Turtle School emphasized equilibrium, enhancement, and unique skills such as Kamehameha, while the Crane School aimed to outdo these aspects by teaching techniques that were not only effective but also perilous. The Solar Flare, the power to soar, and the Kikoho; these techniques were bestowed upon the chosen disciples of the Crane School, enabling Tienshinhan’s growth throughout the arc and in Z.

In simpler terms, why did the rivalry between Master Shen and Mercenary Tao hold significance in the grand scheme of things? Moreover, what caused this rivalry to come to an end permanently? The answer lies in the fact that after the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, neither Master Shen nor Mercenary Tao made a reappearance. Furthermore, it was established but not fully explained how these two martial artists got entangled in an incident resulting in their deaths.

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2024-07-15 19:35