From villain to hero, from loner to father figure—Piccolo has undergone one of the most profound transformations in all of Dragon Ball. While his early days were defined by vengeance and power lust, it’s his later years as a guide, strategist, and mentor that truly cement his legacy. Piccolo doesn’t just train fighters—he raises them. His wisdom, tough love, and silent sacrifices have shaped warriors like Gohan and Pan into who they are today. These ten moments prove that Piccolo is more than just a Namekian warrior—he’s the ultimate mentor in the Dragon Ball universe.
#10: Piccolo Trains Goten and Trunks for the Fusion Dance
During the Majin Buu saga, Piccolo steps in to help Goten and Trunks master the highly specific—and highly ridiculous—Fusion Dance. The technique is powerful but requires absolute precision in movement and timing. Naturally, the two kids treat it like a game, goofing off and struggling to take it seriously. But Piccolo? He’s all business.
The comedy of the situation contrasts with Piccolo’s trademark intensity. He barks instructions, demands discipline, and nearly explodes with frustration at every mistake. And yet, he never gives up on them. Through sheer patience, he gets them to perform a perfect fusion—and creates Gotenks. It’s a hilarious but telling example of his ability to take even chaos and mold it into potential. Only someone with deep commitment to his students could wrangle that kind of energy into something useful.
#9: Piccolo Corrects Gohan’s Confidence in Resurrection ‘F’
In Resurrection ‘F’, when Frieza returns and Gohan rushes into battle, he quickly gets overwhelmed. Piccolo saves his life—again—and afterward doesn’t hesitate to call him out for letting himself grow weak. It’s not a cruel moment, but a necessary one. Piccolo doesn’t coddle. He challenges.
This scene reinforces the core of their relationship. Piccolo sees Gohan’s potential more clearly than Gohan sees it himself. And when Gohan falls short, Piccolo is the first to push him harder. It’s the kind of tough love only a real mentor can offer. He doesn’t insult—he expects better. And those expectations are what make his words hit so hard.
#8: Piccolo Lets Himself Be Killed for Gohan
In one of Dragon Ball Z’s most emotional early moments, Piccolo jumps in front of a blast from Nappa meant to kill a helpless Gohan. The selfless act comes just as Piccolo admits how much he’s changed because of the boy. “You were the only one who ever treated me like a person,” he says, before collapsing.
This wasn’t just a dramatic sacrifice—it was the culmination of his transformation. Piccolo, who once tried to kill Goku and conquer Earth, now dies to protect his enemy’s son. It’s the first and most powerful proof that Piccolo’s role had shifted from villain to mentor, and from warrior to guardian. The heartbreak on Gohan’s face said everything: this was no longer just a trainer—this was family.
#7: Piccolo Trains Pan in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
By the time of Superhero, Piccolo has become a full-fledged father figure—not just to Gohan, but now to his granddaughter Pan. While Gohan is busy with work, Piccolo picks Pan up from school, trains with her, and gently guides her without ever babying her. Their dynamic is precious: she respects him, and he pushes her just enough to grow without fear.
It’s especially hilarious—and touching—when Piccolo pretends to be “kidnapped” to help Pan unlock her potential. His deadpan delivery while participating in such a silly plan only works because he cares. He’s willing to go along with the absurdity because he sees the end goal. Training isn’t just about power—it’s about shaping character. And no one does it better than Piccolo.
#6: Piccolo Challenges Gohan to Find His True Strength
After Gohan grows complacent in Dragon Ball Super, Piccolo takes it upon himself to get his former student back in shape. Their training is grueling. Piccolo lands real hits, pushes Gohan to his limits, and forces him to reconnect with the fire he once had. He reminds Gohan that relying on dormant power isn’t enough—that he must continually grow.
This moment hits hard because Piccolo isn’t just throwing punches—he’s speaking truth. He reminds Gohan of the responsibilities he carries as a protector, a father, and a Saiyan hybrid with unmatched potential. Piccolo’s mentorship here is about accountability. He doesn’t let Gohan settle for mediocrity—not when he knows what’s inside him. And as always, he teaches not for glory, but because he cares.
#5: Piccolo’s Fusion with Kami – Choosing Wisdom Over Pride
One of the most defining moments of Piccolo’s evolution comes when he agrees to re-fuse with Kami during the Android/Cell Saga. This decision isn’t about gaining power—it’s about becoming whole. Despite years of antagonism and separation, Piccolo acknowledges that the Earth needs a new guardian—and that he’s the one who must step into that role.
The fusion transforms him, not just physically, but spiritually. He gains Kami’s wisdom, foresight, and a deeper connection to the planet he once sought to rule. More importantly, it shows that Piccolo is willing to let go of his past and embrace something greater than himself. A villain clings to pride; a mentor evolves. This moment marks the true beginning of Piccolo as Earth’s protector—not just in strength, but in spirit.
#4: Piccolo’s Leadership During the Tournament of Power
In the Tournament of Power, Piccolo acts as more than just a fighter—he becomes Universe 7’s strategic backbone. While Goku and Vegeta are chasing glory fights, it’s Piccolo who keeps the team grounded. He coaches Gohan through teamwork, eliminates enemies with intellect rather than brute force, and communicates tactics when others are charging blindly into battle.
What makes this role so compelling is how natural it is. Piccolo isn’t trying to be in charge—people trust him to lead. He’s calm under pressure, adapts quickly, and never lets emotion cloud his judgment. These are the traits of a true mentor—not just one who trains, but one who teaches in the moment, through example. His bond with Gohan also shines here, showing that their relationship has matured into true partnership.
#3: Piccolo Warns Goku About Gohan Before the Cell Games
In a quiet but powerful exchange before the Cell Games, Piccolo confronts Goku for putting all his faith in Gohan. He argues that Gohan doesn’t have the killer instinct Goku does—that pushing him into a life-or-death battle could destroy him emotionally. It’s not a power concern—it’s a psychological one.
This is one of Piccolo’s most mentor-like moments because it shows how deeply he understands Gohan—not just as a fighter, but as a person. He recognizes Gohan’s kind heart, his compassion, and his reluctance to hurt others. While Goku sees potential, Piccolo sees the burden that potential brings. It’s a rare moment of emotional insight that proves Piccolo’s mentorship isn’t just physical—it’s deeply empathetic.
#2: Piccolo Fuses with Nail – Embracing Humility for the Greater Good
On Namek, Piccolo’s fusion with Nail is a pivotal moment of character development. At this point, Piccolo is still proud and self-reliant. Yet when Nail offers to merge with him, Piccolo sets aside his ego to gain the strength needed to fight Frieza. It’s a moment of sacrifice—not in the traditional sense, but in choosing what’s right over what’s comfortable.
The fusion boosts Piccolo’s power significantly, but what’s most notable is his change in attitude. He begins to speak with more composure, think more tactically, and care more about others than ever before. This willingness to grow—not just in strength, but in humility—is the hallmark of a great mentor. He leads by example, evolving constantly, and never fearing change if it means helping others.
#1: Piccolo and Gohan vs. Cell Max – Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Piccolo takes center stage once again as both fighter and mentor. When Cell Max threatens the world, Piccolo not only gets a new transformation—Orange Piccolo—but also orchestrates the entire plan to stop the threat. He fights bravely, even while outmatched, and puts his life on the line to buy Gohan time.
But the real payoff comes when Gohan transforms into Beast Gohan and delivers the final blow—echoing their iconic team-up against Cell decades earlier. Piccolo, battered and bruised, looks up with pride. He never needed to be the strongest. He just needed Gohan to become the strongest. It’s the ultimate mentor moment—not winning the fight but empowering your student to do what you once did. It’s full-circle, emotional, and solidifies Piccolo’s role as the heart behind Gohan’s greatness.
Piccolo’s strength has never just been about power levels. It’s in his patience, his insight, his sacrifices, and his unwavering belief in others. From training Gohan in the wilderness to guiding Pan with compassion, Piccolo’s mentorship spans generations. He doesn’t just teach punches and kicks—he teaches character. These ten moments prove that in a universe of gods and warriors, Piccolo stands tall not just as a fighter—but as the greatest teacher of them all.
