Dragon Ball 10 Things Raditz & Nappa Would Be Doing If They Were Still Alive

Raditz & Nappa are two characters taken before their time. If they were still alive, the series could have taken them in many interesting directions.

There is an endless amount of anime series that have hundreds of episodes under their belt, but Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has worked hard for over three decades to deliver satisfying and suspenseful chaotic anime action. The Dragon Ball franchise has experienced significant changes since its debut, and the characters have achieved unimaginable levels of strength.

Dragon Ball proves that its heroes can always improve, but there are also plenty of individuals who have perished in combat and disappeared from the picture. Raditz and Nappa are two of Dragon Ball Z’s most important characters during its earlier chapters, but they don’t experience a resurrection and return to form like many other Dragon Ball figures. This is a rather huge shame, as Nappa and Raditz could be up to some impressive things if they were still a part of the Dragon Ball saga.

10 Training To Get Stronger

Goku and company are all incredibly strong at the start of Dragon Ball Z, but it’s fascinating to see how much progress is accomplished throughout the series and how their later power levels dwarf their original strength in embarrassing ways. Accordingly, Raditz and Nappa are two the strongest characters to have been encountered when they first appear. Their quick executions manage to restrict their growth, and they stagnate while everyone alive hits new milestones. It goes without saying that intensive training is necessary for these two Saiyans to remain relevant.

9 Hunt For The Dragon Balls

The titular Dragon Balls are often a treasure that the anime’s villains covet. Raditz and Nappa are more focused on the domination of Earth and swaying Goku’s allegiance to his new home. That being said, if these two Saiyans stayed alive then it makes sense that their interests would eventually shift over to the Dragon Balls. These two could cause a lot of damage using the Dragon Balls, whether it’s through boosting their own capabilities or enslaving the rest of the planet instead. They could even use the Dragon Balls to create a new Planet Vegeta, which they rule together.

8 Resorting To Fusion

Fusion isn’t on anyone’s radar during the arrival of Raditz and Nappa. Accordingly, they are characters that never get exposed to such a transformative process. Granted, some of the non-canonical Dragon Ball video games have introduced these Saiyans to the joining process, but it’s something that would serve a much greater relevance in the anime series.

Raditz and Nappa are both greatly overpowered by Earth’s Saiyans and strongest fighters. A fusion between these two would be a quick way to rise to their level and benefit from the element of surprise.

7 They Become Super Saiyans

One of the biggest changes that Saiyans have experienced since Raditz and Nappa’s exit is the incredible Super Saiyan transformation. These two are nowhere near tapping into Super Saiyan strength during their initial appearances, but the requirements for the transformation have become increasingly lax. If children like Goten and Trunks can become Super Saiyans, then it’s likely that Nappa and Raditz would also dedicate themselves to this change. It’s perhaps the most likely way for these two Saiyans to become relevant again, even if their extreme hairstyles might struggle through the transformation.

6 They’re Made Members Of The Frieza Force

There’s an inherent animosity that exists between the Saiyans and Frieza, due to the tyrant’s manipulation and eventual eradication of their planet. Vegeta still struggles to forgive Frieza for his past sins, for instance. It stands to reason that Raditz and Nappa would be equally resentful of Frieza, but they’re also individuals who are willing to follow whoever has the most power. A temperamental arrangement between these forgotten Saiyans and Frieza to join the ranks of his Frieza Force army wouldn’t be that ridiculous. Trust would be fragile, but this relationship could work.

5 They Turn To Time Travel

There are enough radical techniques and transformations in Dragon Ball before the concept of time travel gets added to the mix, but it’s turned into a vital element for several of the anime’s storylines.

Time travel isn’t abused in Dragon Ball, and the application of this process requires a stable time machine, but it’s not something that’s beyond Raditz and Nappa’s capabilities. These two Saiyans are also especially vindictive with grudges to settle, so it seems like they’d be more interested in abusing time travel to prevent their earlier defeats and save face.

4 Find A New Mentor With A Kai

Dragon Ball emphasizes that even the most powerful individuals can still learn a lot when they’re around the right mentor. Many of Goku’s greatest accomplishments are a result of his mentors’ teachings, whether it’s Master Roshi, King Kai, Whis, or Merus. Gohan also experiences tremendous growth when he trains under Old Kai. The sect of Kai may not want to naturally help out Nappa and Raditz, but it’d work as a real turning point for them. Dragon Ball Z’s anime filler shows that the Ginyu Force gains access to King Kai’s planet, so Nappa and Raditz shouldn’t be excluded.

3 Plotting Revenge Against Earth’s Saiyans

Dragon Ball frequently highlights how the most evil entities in the universe aren’t past rehabilitation. Goku successfully turns some of his most bitter rivals into beloved allies. Raditz and Nappa are humbled by Goku and Vegeta respectively, and it’s likely that they’re still raw over this. Raditz and Nappa could turn into heroes, but what feels more natural would be them striking again with greater force against Earth’s finest. It’s time for Nappa and Raditz to make a proper return as intimidating enemies, rather than reluctant friends.

2 Gain Access To A Different Universe

There’s an extremely large universe to explore in Dragon Ball, but Dragon Ball Super broadens the scope even further with the advent of twelve separate universes that co-exist. Dragon Ball’s prime universe, Universe 7, features the bulk of the action. However, there are still instances when characters from one universe are able to cross over into another and cause mayhem. Nappa and Raditz were humbled in Universe 7, but it’s possible they’d still be elite warriors in another weaker universe. Universe 6 explicitly features more docile Saiyans, who would likely crumble under aggressors like Raditz and Nappa.

1 Learn New Techniques On Planet Yardrat

Training on its own would be beneficial to Nappa and Raditz, but Dragon Ball has also highlighted that certain destinations in the universe can be incredibly advantageous to those who want to master new techniques. Planet Yardrat is a peaceful place that is the home for a powerful species who exhibit an impressive mastery over the control of their spirit energy. Goku learns Instant Transmission on Yardrat, and Vegeta leaves with Forced Spirit Fission added to his arsenal. It’d take some time for Raditz and Nappa to convince the Yardratians to train them, but they’d leave as deeply improved warriors.