Dragon Ball boasts a plethora of formidable fighters, from the likes of the protagonist Goku, the various antagonists such as Frieza, and most notably, the prince of all Saiyans, Vegeta. While many characters in the series possess impressive abilities and techniques, Vegeta stands out for his unwavering determination to prove himself as the strongest. Yet, his shortcomings and vulnerabilities have been consistently exposed since his introduction. Interestingly, only one of his weaknesses is intrinsically linked to his greatest strength - his Saiyan pride. This flaw has been the root cause of most of his failures and near-catastrophic consequences for Earth. Rectifying this issue requires more than simply eliminating it; it necessitates soul-searching and self-reflection.
How Pride Helped And Hindered Vegeta
Vegeta's pride has been a double-edged sword throughout his journey in Dragon Ball. On one hand, it has fueled his determination to constantly improve and surpass his own limits, as seen in his training to achieve God Ki and Super Saiyan Blue. On the other hand, his pride has also caused him to make costly mistakes, such as his delusion of being the Legendary Super Saiyan and his injuries from Android 18 and Perfect Cell. However, despite these setbacks, Vegeta's pride remains a defining trait that sets him apart from other characters in the series and continues to motivate him to push himself further.
Why Pride's His True Weakness.
Vegeta's pride has been both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness throughout his journey in Dragon Ball Z. From the very beginning, his desire to surpass Goku and become the strongest Saiyan warrior has been the driving force behind his actions. However, this singular focus on besting Goku has caused him to overlook other important aspects of his growth as a warrior, leading to both successes and failures.
While some may argue that Vegeta should simply cast aside his pride and focus on being himself, it is important to recognize that his pride is an integral part of his character. Instead of trying to eliminate it entirely, Vegeta can redirect his pride towards achieving his own individual goals and becoming the strongest warrior in Universe 7 on his own terms. This will require a shift in his mindset and a willingness to embrace new challenges, but with time and dedication, Vegeta may yet fulfill his true potential and achieve his own unique accomplishments. As the Dragon Ball Super Manga continues to unfold, we may witness the evolution of Vegeta's character and the realization of his personal aspirations.