Caulifla is a groundbreaking figure in the Dragon Ball multiverse, representing the fierce warrior spirit of the Saiyans from Universe 6. Introduced during the “Universe Survival Saga” in Dragon Ball Super, she shattered long-standing series conventions by becoming the first female Saiyan to achieve the Super Saiyan transformation on-screen. As a bold, ambitious, and naturally gifted fighter, she serves as a modern foil to the Saiyans of Universe 7, bringing a fresh dynamic to the franchise’s legendary warrior race.
Origin and Background
Unlike the Saiyans of Universe 7, who were largely known as planetary conquerors under Frieza’s rule, the Saiyans of Universe 6 are evolved protectors who reside on Planet Sadala. Caulifla, however, operates on the fringes of this society. Rather than joining the Sadala Defense Forces like Cabba, she leads a gang of outlaws in the wasteland regions. Despite her rebellious nature, she is highly respected by her peers and possesses a latent combat potential that surpasses most trained soldiers, including her brother, Renso, a retired captain of the elite forces.
Appearance and Character Design
Caulifla’s design reflects her tomboyish and defiant personality. She is a slender Saiyan of average height with wild, spiky black hair that mirrors the classic aesthetic of her race. Her attire consists of a low-cut magenta top and oversized purple harem pants, providing her with the mobility required for her high-intensity fighting style. When she transitions into her Super Saiyan forms, her hair takes on the iconic golden hue, becoming even more jagged and pronounced, particularly in her Super Saiyan 2 state where bio-electricity flickers around her aura.
Character Traits and Personality
Caulifla is defined by her immense confidence, bordering on arrogance, and an insatiable hunger for power. She is highly competitive and possesses a “prodigy” level of intuition, allowing her to master complex transformations in a fraction of the time it took Goku or Vegeta. While she initially appears self-centered, she demonstrates deep loyalty and affection for her protégé, Kale. Her primary motivation is not malice, but the pure thrill of the fight and the desire to reach the pinnacle of Saiyan strength.
Signature Techniques and Power
Caulifla’s fighting style is aggressive and brawler-centric, relying on raw speed and overwhelming energy blasts. Her ability to adapt mid-battle makes her a formidable opponent for even seasoned veterans.
Energy Blast Cannon
One of her most frequent attacks, this involves firing powerful red or bright pink energy beams from her palms. She often utilizes these in rapid succession to pin down her opponents.
Crush Cannon
Caulifla’s signature move, the Crush Cannon, involves her charging several spheres of energy in her hand before launching them as a concentrated, devastating stream. This technique was powerful enough to push back opponents during the heat of the Tournament of Power.
Transformations
- Super Saiyan: Caulifla achieved this state by focusing energy into a “tingly sensation” in her back, a method that sparked significant discussion among fans.
- Super Saiyan Third Grade: She briefly utilized the bulky, muscle-bound form but quickly discarded it after Goku pointed out its speed limitations.
- Super Saiyan 2: Demonstrating her genius-level talent, she mastered this form shortly after her initial transformation, using it to battle alongside Kale against the multiverse’s strongest warriors.
Major Arcs and Growth
Caulifla’s narrative arc is centered primarily on the Tournament of Power. Recruited by Cabba to represent Universe 6, she enters the arena with the goal of proving her superiority. Throughout the tournament, she undergoes rapid evolution, specifically during her encounter with Son Goku. This battle served as a mentorship of sorts; Goku pushed her to refine her raw power and explore the higher tiers of Saiyan evolution.
Her growth reached its zenith when she and Kale used the Potara earrings to fuse into Kefla. This fusion created one of the most powerful entities in the tournament, capable of pushing Goku to his Ultra Instinct limits. Although Universe 6 was eventually erased (and later restored), Caulifla’s experience left her with a new goal: to achieve Super Saiyan 3 and eventually surpass the Saiyans of Universe 7.
Cultural Impact
The introduction of Caulifla was a landmark moment for the Dragon Ball franchise. For decades, the Super Saiyan transformation was exclusive to male characters. Caulifla, along with Kale, successfully expanded the lore, proving that the Saiyan legacy is not gender-bound. She has become a fan favorite for her “punk-rock” attitude and her role in revitalizing the competitive spirit of the Saiyan race in the modern era of Dragon Ball Super.
Conclusion
Caulifla stands as a testament to the untapped potential of Universe 6. She is more than just a powerful fighter; she is a symbol of the franchise’s evolution and its ability to introduce compelling new personalities into its decades-old mythos. As she continues to train on Planet Sadala, fans eagerly anticipate her eventual return and her inevitable climb toward even greater divine power.
Want to see how Caulifla stacks up against the rest of the multiverse? Explore our comprehensive guides on the Tournament of Power and the legendary history of the Saiyan race to see where her journey goes next!