Among the myriad Saiyan transformations witnessed throughout the Dragon Ball series, Super Saiyan 3 stands out as one of the most rarely seen and enigmatic forms. Despite its immense power, Super Saiyan 3 remains elusive, and the series offers a compelling explanation for its scarcity.
Super Saiyan 3 represents the third stage of the Super Saiyan transformation, characterized by a significant increase in power. However, this formidable strength comes at a cost, as the transformation rapidly depletes a Saiyan’s ki, rendering it impractical for prolonged battles where endurance is essential, such as tournaments.
Throughout Dragon Ball Z and Super, only two Saiyans have successfully attained the Super Saiyan 3 transformation: Goku and Gotenks, the fusion of Trunks and Goten. This rarity can be attributed not only to the form’s energy-draining nature but also to its inherent connection to the Other World.
In a pivotal moment during the confrontation with Buu and Babidi, Goku temporarily resurrects from the grave to buy time for Goten and Trunks to master the Fusion Dance. Knowing that his time on Earth is limited, Goku unleashes the power of Super Saiyan 3, but he quickly realizes its impracticality in the mortal realm. According to Goku’s own explanation in Dragon Ball chapter #476, Super Saiyan 3 is most effective in the Other World or any realm where time does not flow linearly. Attempting to sustain the transformation on Earth results in excessive ki consumption, making it unsustainable despite its potency.
The narrative suggests that Super Saiyan 3 is a divine transformation, unsuitable for mortal beings due to its inefficiency in the mortal realm’s temporal framework. This divine aspect of Super Saiyan 3 is further emphasized by Goku’s utilization of the form in locations outside Earth’s temporal constraints, such as King Kai’s world and hell.
Despite its rarity and limitations, Super Saiyan 3 holds the potential for resurgence through unlikely heroes such as Goten and Trunks. As the canonical users of the fusion technique, these young Saiyans have the opportunity to harness the power of Super Saiyan 3 and reshape its significance within the series. Their evolution and mastery of the form could herald a new era for Super Saiyan 3, reintroducing it as a formidable asset in battles to come.
FAQ
Why is Super Saiyan 3 so rarely seen in Dragon Ball?
Super Saiyan 3 is rarely seen due to its significant energy consumption, making it impractical for extended battles. Additionally, its divine nature suggests it is best suited for use in realms where time does not flow linearly, such as the Other World.
Who are the only Saiyans to achieve Super Saiyan 3?
In the Dragon Ball series, only Goku and Gotenks (the fusion of Trunks and Goten) have successfully achieved the Super Saiyan 3 transformation.
Why is Super Saiyan 3 considered a divine transformation?
Super Saiyan 3’s connection to the Other World and its inefficiency in the mortal realm’s temporal framework suggest a divine nature. Goku’s utilization of the form in locations outside Earth’s temporal constraints further emphasizes its divine attributes.
Could Super Saiyan 3 make a comeback in future Dragon Ball story arcs?
Yes, Super Saiyan 3 holds the potential for resurgence, particularly through characters like Goten and Trunks. Their mastery of the form could reshape its significance within the series and reintroduce it as a formidable asset in battles.