I Don't Care What You Say, Gohan and Trunks Are the Best Dragon Ball Duo

Dragon Ball is home to several iconic duos. Goku and Vegeta have taken control of the franchise since its 2010s revival, dominating screen time in the subsequent Dragon Ball Super, while Goku and Bulma, and later Krillin, defined large portions of the series' earliest sections. In its middle arcs, Gohan and Piccolo took center stage as Dragon Ball's defining power duo, both acting as the catalyst for each other's growth. Others, like Goten and Trunks, Tien and Chiaotzu, and Korin and Yajirobe, have been inseparable since their introductions to the series.

One duo, however, has long been underappreciated by fans, and Dragon Ball Super's latest chapter was a reminder of just how strong their bond truly is. The first entry into the nearly decade-old series without the legendary Akira Toriyama at the helm, chapter #104 followed Trunks and the story of how the now-teenage fighter became obsessed with superheroes. As it turned out, the superhero Trunks truly began to admire was none other than his mentor in another future, Gohan.

Dragon Ball Super's New Chapter Highlights the Bond Between Gohan and Trunks

The Hero Trunks Came to Admire Is One He Already Knew Well

Trunks looks up admiringly at Clean God.

When Dragon Ball Super's latest chapter was announced, some in the incredibly large and ever-growing Dragon Ball fan base voiced their dissatisfaction with the lack of plot development set to take place. Nevertheless, chapter #104 was a refreshing look into a character who became sidelined when the series continued on from Akira Toriyama's original manga. Set before the events of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Trunks was not entirely on board with Goten's superhero interest, undoubtedly spurred on by his older brother's identity as the Great Saiyaman.

When he takes a class trip to a museum, Trunks stumbles upon statues of Earth's greatest heroes, including fun nods to anime-only characters that appeared during Dragon Ball Z's Otherworld Tournament mini-arc. Just outside, a group of robbers steal from the museum and unknowingly walk onto the set of a movie about Clean God, the character Trunks voiced his disapproval of earlier. Clean God tells Trunks not to reveal his powers without hiding his identity, and teaches him the importance of fighting for the sake of loved ones.

Gohan teaches Trunks the importance of keeping his identity a secret.

As it turns out, Clean God was being played by Gohan the entire time, and the words of Dragon Ball's most popular half-Saiyan struck Trunks deeply, changing his stance on superheroes, and leading to the birth of Saiyaman X-1 and X-2. The sentiment of heroes teaching a new generation the importance of becoming stronger in order to protect the ones they care for has always been at the heart of Dragon Ball, and more importantly, is the core of Gohan and Trunks' relationship.

Gohan and Trunks Have a Bond That Transcends Timelines

Gohan Has Always Inspired Trunks, Regardless of Which Future They're In

Long before Trunks became a superhero-loving, relatively normal high-school student who was abnormally strong, he was a mysterious teen who came from the future to warn Earth's heroes of impending doom. From there, the audience learned of the mysterious fighter's tragic backstory, in which the world was brought to ruin by the ruthlessly evil and destructive Androids #17 and #18. In this timeline of events, Trunks was mentored by Future Gohan, who sacrificed himself, believing his student would one day have what it takes to defend the Earth.

The relationship between Future Trunks and Gohan was formative for the Trunks of a darker future, and one that stuck with him well beyond the events of the Cell Saga. The Trunks and Gohan of the present timeline don't exactly share the same bond, though as the latest chapter clearly shows, Gohan's influence reaches Trunks even across different timelines. Inspired to become a superhero himself, Trunks and Goten take on the Saiyaman X-1 and X-2 personas, and fight small crime in the shadow of the Great Saiyaman, who protected Satan City years before.

Other duos in the series have strong bonds, and some are even tied by a strong emotional connection, but none are stronger nor represent one of the core themes of Akira Toriyama's manga better than Gohan and Trunks. Passing down the legacy of a hero, while teaching the importance of protecting those who are important, is a sentiment that has lined the pages of Dragon Ball since its inception over four decades ago.

Dragon Ball Super's Future Remains Uncertain

The One-Shot Chapter Offers No Insight Into a Possible Return

Black Frieza smiling as seen in the manga. Behind him, moments in which he battled the heroes can be seen.

Though Dragon Ball Super returned from its nearly year-long hiatus with chapter #104, no information regarding a potential full return was given. Following the tragic passing of Akira Toriyama in March 2024, the ongoing manga was put on an indefinite hiatus, leaving the future of the series uncertain. The advertisement for the next issue in the physical edition of V Jump made no mention of Dragon Ball Super, while the English Manga Plus information page states the series is still on hiatus.

However, the latest chapter proved the manga is in good hands with Toyotarou leading the charge, and whenever it returns, the story has a chance to continue building on the relationship between Gohan and Trunks. Chapter #103 left off with Beast Gohan and Broly training on Beerus' planet, and the upcoming arc will likely feature the newly upgraded half-Saiyan in a prominent role. Neither Trunks nor Goten are quite at a level which can rival that of Earth's greatest defenders, but their Saiyan blood can allow for massive strength boosts when needed.

Broly powering up to the left, Gohan readying an attack in the center and Super Saiyan Gohan to the right powering up

Broly Could Be the Key to Keeping Gohan Relevant in Dragon Ball

Gohan has always had a habit of fading to the background in Dragon Ball. However, Broly may be the key to keeping him relevant to the story.

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Dragon Ball Super's latest chapter was written as a celebration of the long-running and beloved franchise, which gave fans an up-close look at a character who deserved some shine. Though the series' main plot wasn't moved in any meaningful way, a reminder of the bond between Gohan and Trunks is a welcome one, so many years after both faded out of the franchise's spotlight. Dragon Ball Daima's finale is just around the corner, and will leave a hole which Super's manga will fill perfectly whenever it resumes.