In the expansive saga of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series spanning over four decades, the spotlight typically shines on the exhilarating battles, jaw-dropping transformations, and the perpetual threats to the cosmos. However, amidst this tumultuous tapestry, one aspect often overlooked is Goku’s evolution into a family man.

Since the inception of Dragon Ball Z, Goku has been portrayed as a husband and father, with his family expanding over time. Yet, being part of Goku’s lineage, particularly as his son, entails challenges that often overshadow the blessings.

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1. Perpetual Targets for Adversaries

Growing up as Goku’s progeny means carrying a constant target on one’s back, as enemies seek to harm Goku by exploiting his familial connections. Whether it’s Raditz abducting Gohan to manipulate Goku or Future Zamasu targeting Goten and Chi-Chi to wound Goku, the safety of Goku’s offspring is perennially imperiled.

2. Witnessing Sacrifices for the Greater Good

As the preeminent force in Dragon Ball, Goku frequently makes sacrifices for the greater good, exposing his children to harrowing events like his self-immolation against Raditz and Cell. While noble, these sacrifices leave enduring emotional scars on his progeny.

3. Training without Regard for Limits

Goku’s unyielding pursuit of strength leads him to subject his sons to rigorous training, often disregarding their physical and emotional boundaries. This approach jeopardizes the well-being of Gohan and Goten, undermining their childhood experiences.

4. Abrupt Partings

Goku’s penchant for abrupt departures from his family and comrades, evident in the conclusions of Dragon Ball Z and GT, engenders feelings of abandonment and bewilderment among his loved ones.

5. Paucity of Paternal Role Models

Goku’s strained relationship with his father Bardock, coupled with his limited interactions with Grandpa Gohan, leaves him ill-equipped to comprehend and fulfill his paternal duties.

6. Distorted Outlook on Life

Goku’s fixation on martial prowess and combat skills imparts a skewed perspective on life to his children, depriving them of crucial real-world competencies and obligations.

7. Magnet for Adversaries

Throughout his life, Goku’s actions draw the ire of numerous foes, placing his family in perpetual jeopardy and compelling them to reckon with the aftermath of his past skirmishes.

8. Scarcity of Romantic Affection

Goku’s incapacity to express romantic affection towards his spouse Chi-Chi deprives his children of a robust romantic role model.

9. Bonding Through Battle

Goku’s preference for bonding with his children through rigorous training and sparring leaves them yearning for deeper emotional connections.

10. Absence from Domestic Life

Goku’s recurrent absence from familial affairs, whether due to training regimens or intergalactic escapades, leaves his children feeling neglected and insignificant.

While Goku may be hailed as a paragon of heroism, his parental methodology frequently falls short, leaving his progeny to grapple with the stark realities of maturing as the offspring of Earth’s mightiest warrior.