Imagine if Goku’s brother didn’t die at the very start of the series but instead became one of Earth’s greatest protectors. I have always wondered what if raditz turned good after his arrival, trading his villainous ways for a spot on the Z-Team. Instead of a forgotten memory, he could have been the bridge that helped Goku understand his Saiyan heritage much sooner.
Popular creators like MasakoX have shown us just how much the story changes when Raditz survives to fight Nappa and Vegeta. Watching him grow from a weak scout to a Super Saiyan Blue alongside his brother is a dream come true for many fans. Seeing him earn his redemption and raise a family on Earth adds a deep, emotional layer to the Dragon Ball universe we love.
Key Takeaways
- Raditz surviving his initial encounter with Goku and Piccolo would have provided the Z Fighters with a crucial tactical advantage through his intimate knowledge of Saiyan biology and Frieza’s military strategies.
- Acting as a stern mentor to Gohan, Raditz would have accelerated his nephew’s development by providing hands-on training for the Great Ape transformation and the raw aggression of the Saiyan bloodline.
- A redeemed Raditz would have fundamentally altered the power dynamics on Namek, potentially achieving the Super Saiyan transformation alongside Goku and preventing the tragic losses suffered by the Z Fighters.
- Integrating Raditz into the Z-Team shifts the series’ narrative from a story of tragic extinction to one of family redemption, offering Goku a direct and permanent connection to his heritage.
Raditz Surviving the Battle With Piccolo and Goku
Imagine if Goku had hesitated for just a split second longer before Piccolo fired his deadly technique. In this alternate reality, Raditz manages to shift his body at the last moment, causing the Special Beam Cannon to graze his shoulder rather than piercing his vitals. Instead of falling in battle, a severely weakened Raditz is left at the mercy of a dying Goku and an exhausted Namekian. This shift in fate completely changes the dynamic of the early Saiyan Saga, turning a sworn enemy into an unexpected survivor. Seeing his brother sacrifice himself causes a flicker of genuine confusion and respect in Raditz that he never felt before Dragon Ball Z episode 5, Gohans Rage.
The immediate impact on the Z Fighters would be a mix of intense fear and tactical necessity. Piccolo, realizing that two more powerful Saiyans are heading toward Earth, might see Raditz as a begrudging tool for survival rather than just a monster to be slain. I think the tension at Kame House would be through the roof as the team decides whether to finish him off or nurse him back to health. Raditz would likely receive a massive Zenkai boost from his near-death experience, making him the strongest defender on the planet while Goku is in the Other World. This uneasy alliance forces the heroes to reconsider their morality as they prepare for Nappa and Vegeta’s arrival Dragon Ball Z episode 5, Gohans Rage.
Raditz’s presence also completely reshapes how Gohan views his own heritage and potential power. Instead of being kidnapped by a stranger, Gohan would be training under the watchful, albeit grumpy, eye of his actual uncle. This relationship could help Gohan tap into his hidden potential much faster, especially since Raditz knows exactly how Saiyan biology works. I love the idea of Raditz slowly softening as he sees his brother’s kindness reflected in his young nephew. By the time the other Saiyans land, the Z Fighters would have a much better chance of winning without losing so many friends Dragon Ball Z episode 5, Gohans Rage.
Training for the Saiyan Invasion With Gohan
Having Raditz alive to mentor Gohan would have completely shifted the dynamic of their survival training in the wilderness. Instead of Piccolo watching from a distance, Raditz could have provided hands-on instruction regarding the Great Ape transformation and how to control the raw aggression of the Saiyan bloodline. His presence would have turned those lonely months into a brutal boot camp designed to sharpen Gohan’s instincts for actual galactic warfare. This unique perspective would have likely helped Gohan tap into his hidden potential much earlier than he did in the original timeline during Dragon Ball Z episode 17, City in a Desert.
The most significant advantage of Raditz joining the team is his intimate knowledge of how Vegeta and Nappa actually fight. He could have warned the Z Fighters about Nappa’s overwhelming physical strength and Vegeta’s ruthless tactical mind long before they touched down on Earth. This intelligence would have allowed the heroes to develop specific counters for the Saibamen and the heavy-hitting techniques the invaders used to decimate the cast. Knowing exactly what was coming would have made their preparation much more efficient than just blindly raising their power levels during Dragon Ball Z episode 17, City in a Desert.
Training alongside a redeemed Raditz would have also given the Earthlings a chance to practice against a real Saiyan warrior every single day. Krillin, Tien, and Yamcha wouldn’t have been shocked by the sheer speed and pressure of alien combat because they would have already faced it during sparring sessions. Raditz could have pushed everyone to their absolute limits, ensuring that the team was mentally prepared for the life-or-death stakes of an interplanetary invasion. This collaborative effort would have fundamentally changed the outcome of the battle for Earth’s survival during Dragon Ball Z episode 17, City in a Desert.
The Redemption of the Third Saiyan on Namek
If Raditz had survived the Saiyan Saga and joined our heroes, the battle on Namek would have looked completely different. I imagine him working alongside Gohan and Krillin, using his tactical knowledge of Frieza’s army to stay one step ahead of the Ginyu Force. His presence would mean more Zenkai boosts for the Saiyan trio, potentially allowing him to hold his own against Recoome or Burter. Having a third Saiyan on the team would have shifted the power dynamic significantly before Goku even landed on the planet. This extra muscle could have kept the Dragon Balls safe much longer than in the original timeline Dragon Ball Z episode 71, Goku’s Super Transformation.
The emotional stakes would reach a breaking point once Frieza began his final assault on the group. Seeing his younger brother beaten and his own Saiyan heritage mocked by the tyrant could be the spark Raditz needs to change forever. I can see a scenario where Raditz, fueled by a mix of protective instinct and pure rage, is the one to push past his limits. If he were to witness the death of a teammate like Krillin, he might even beat Goku to the legendary transformation. This would turn the battle into a family affair as the two brothers stand together against the emperor of the universe Dragon Ball Z episode 95, Transformed at Last.
Watching Raditz achieve the golden form of a Super Saiyan would be an incredible redemption for a character who started as a villain. He would finally move out of the shadow of his father Bardock and his brother Goku to become a true protector of Earth. This shift would change the entire future of the series, as Raditz would likely become a mentor figure for Gohan during the long wait for the Androids. His unique perspective as a former soldier makes him a fascinating addition to the Z Fighters during their darkest hours. It is fun to think about how would you use Raditz to make the team stronger with another heavy hitter who knows exactly how their enemies think Dragon Ball Z episode 121, Goku’s Special Technique.
A Brother’s Bond Redefining Goku’s Heritage
Ultimately, having Raditz join the Z Fighters would have completely transformed the emotional core of the series by giving Goku a direct connection to his Saiyan heritage. Instead of the lonely path Goku walked as the last kind Saiyan, he would have had an older brother to guide, train, and eventually protect. This shift would have turned the Saiyan Saga from a story of tragic extinction into one of family redemption and growth. Watching Raditz evolve from a cowardly scout into a proud protector of Earth adds a layer of depth that the original timeline sorely missed. It turns the concept of nature versus nurture into a central theme for the entire Son family.
The power scale of the universe would also look drastically different with a third Saiyan training alongside Goku and Vegeta. Raditz would have been a vital asset during the fights against Frieza and Cell, likely reaching Super Saiyan milestones much earlier than other side characters. His presence would have forced the villains to adapt to a much stronger team of heroes, potentially pushing the power ceiling even higher. By the time we reached the events of Dragon Ball Super, a redeemed Raditz could have been standing tall in his own Super Saiyan Blue form. Just as fans wonder what if goku turned evil, exploring the positive potential of his brother offers a fascinating look at why he never got a 2nd chance in the original story.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How would Raditz survive his initial fight with Goku and Piccolo?
Raditz would survive by narrowly dodging Piccolo’s Special Beam Cannon at the last second, resulting in a graze rather than a fatal wound. This leaves him severely weakened but alive to witness his brother’s selfless sacrifice first hand. This pivotal moment of mercy from the Z Fighters sets the stage for his long journey toward redemption Dragon Ball Z episode 5, Gohans Rage.
2. Would Raditz be able to become a Super Saiyan?
Yes, Raditz has the same genetic potential as Goku and Vegeta to reach the Super Saiyan transformation. With his aggressive nature and the intense training he would undergo with the Z Fighters, he would likely unlock this power through his desire to protect his new home. He could eventually even reach the level of Super Saiyan Blue alongside his brother Dragon Ball Z episode 95, Transformed at Last.
3. How would Raditz react to the arrival of Nappa and Vegeta?
Raditz would likely feel a deep sense of fear and conflict when his former comrades arrive on Earth. However, his loyalty would shift toward his brother’s friends after seeing their bravery and experiencing their kindness during his recovery. He would use his knowledge of Saiyan tactics to help the Z Fighters prepare for the fight Dragon Ball Z episode 21, The Arrival of the Saiyans.
4. What kind of relationship would Raditz have with Gohan?
Raditz would likely become a stern but protective uncle to Gohan, helping the young boy tap into his hidden potential much sooner. Their shared Saiyan heritage would create a unique bond that helps Gohan feel more comfortable with his own power. This mentorship would be a key part of Raditz’s growth as he learns to care for his family Dragon Ball Z episode 17, The Power of Gohan.
5. Would the Z Fighters ever truly trust Raditz?
Trust would be earned very slowly through shared battles and Raditz’s consistent actions to defend the planet. Piccolo would likely be the first to understand him since they both started as villains before finding a new path, mirroring the evolution of Piccolo from a threat to a hero. Over time, his willingness to risk his life for others would solidify his place as a core member of the team Dragon Ball Z episode 30, Gohan’s Rage.
6. How would Raditz’s presence change the trip to Namek?
Having a seasoned Saiyan warrior like Raditz on Namek would make the battles against Frieza’s forces much more manageable. He would provide vital information about Frieza’s army and could potentially use his Zenkai boosts to keep up with the rising power levels. His presence might even prevent some of the tragic losses the team suffered on that planet, much like the evolution of Vegeta from a ruthless invader to a protector Dragon Ball Z episode 44, A New Foe.
Exploring these alternate Saiyan family dynamics shows just how much the narrative could have shifted if Raditz (Dragon Ball) had been given a second chance at life.
