Dragon Ball 10 Times ChiChi Should Have Given Up On Goku

Goku is often shown being put in his place by his wife Chi-Chi, but sometimes it really felt as though he didn't deserve her love.

There are many anime series that leave their mark on mainstream culture and are able to persevere for decades, but the attention that Dragon Ball has received is on a whole other level. Dragon Ball has been at the forefront of the anime industry ever since its debut and it’s found ways to invade other forms of media like video games and feature films. Dragon Ball’s lovable and eclectic characters are part of the reason for the show’s success, and Goku is a very popular anime protagonist.

Goku is Dragon Ball’s hero, but his relationship with Chi-Chi is often treated as an afterthought. Chi-Chi is a powerful character in her own right, but there are numerous occasions where her patience should have run out with her husband.

10 When He Leaves To Train With Uub

One of the more controversial moments in the entirety of the Dragon Ball series is the way in which the anime concludes Dragon Ball Z. Goku grows excited over the news of Uub, a reincarnation of Majin Buu’s pure energy, so he decides to abandon his friends and family in favor of training this new prodigy. Chi-Chi has every right to be upset that Goku leaves her once the world finally finds peace. There are also numerous ways in which Goku could train Uub without turning his back on his family.

9 After He Never Uses The Dragon Balls On Her

The Dragon Ball anime moves beyond the magical wish-granting orbs being their most important relic, but they’re still integral to the series and frequently come up in an important context. Multiple wishes have been made on Dragon Balls at this point, both of the selfless and selfish nature, but never once has Goku used them in favor of Chi-Chi. It’d be an extremely nice gesture on Goku’s part and there are even tangible ways in which Chi-Chi could benefit from a wish that Goku never considers. It’s reasonable for Chi-Chi to clue into this and resent Goku over it.

8 When She Finds Out He's An Alien

The Dragon Ball universe is full of unusual individuals, but it begins as a series that predominantly consists of humans. Dragon Ball Z quickly changes the status quo with the revelation that Goku is actually a member of an alien race known as Saiyans.

Chi-Chi and Goku already have a child together at this point, but she could have been able to interpret where her life was heading after this bombshell. Solidarity would be appreciated, but it’s clear that Chi-Chi wants a quiet, normal life and she’s not going to get that if she’s married to a warring alien species.

7 The First Time That He Dies

Dragon Ball is an anime that’s full of death and loss and most of the main characters in the series have died at least once, which even includes Goku. Goku’s first death happens towards the start of Dragon Ball Z and it should have perhaps acted as another major red flag towards Chi-Chi. Goku’s death should be beyond traumatizing for Chi-Chi and it’s not something that she should have to regularly get used to happening. Additionally, upon Goku’s revival, his priority is always the battlefield rather than making contact with his wife to let her know that he’s okay.

6 When He Pushes Gohan To Be His Successor

Chi-Chi is frustrated that Goku always chooses battles over romance, but she hopes that she can raise their son, Gohan, to be a genius with a bright future ahead of him. Chi-Chi makes this clear to Goku, but he continually pushes Gohan into a position to be his successor, right down to Goku’s death being a major catalyst in his development. Furthermore, Goku entrusts Gohan with Piccolo when he first dies, rather than with his own mother. Chi-Chi should have been able to recognize that Gohan was never going to get out of this life with Goku still around.

5 When He Takes Pan Into Outer Space With Him

One of Chi-Chi’s biggest annoyances with Goku is how he doesn’t respect her wishes towards her desire for a life that avoids constant training and combat. She doesn’t get this luxury when it comes to her children, but Goku goes one step further in Dragon Ball GT when he takes Chi-Chi’s granddaughter away with him into space.

Goku throws Pan into adventure, which arguably changes her trajectory in life. Goku and Chi-Chi are much older at this point, but her frustration over this would be considerable.

4 When He Admits He's Never Kissed Her Before

One of the trademarks of Goku’s character is that he’s an endlessly naive character that still seems to mentally be at the level of a child in most areas other than combat. Goku’s purity is endearing to a certain extent, but even Vegeta freaks out when Goku admits that he hasn’t kissed Chi-Chi and doesn’t understand the concept. This doesn’t make a ton of sense, but if Goku is to be trusted here then it seems like his relationship with Chi-Chi is void of physical intimacy, which is something that everyone needs.

3 The First Time That Goten Enters The World Martial Arts Tournament

Chi-Chi once again gets optimistic about the future of her family when she has her second child, Goten. Chi-Chi wants to steer Goten in a different direction than Gohan, but Goku basically guarantees the opposite with how he puts combat on a pedestal for his youngest son. Goten enters the World Martial Arts Tournament (albeit in a disguise), which should have been a sign for Chi-Chi about Goten’s future with Goku as an influence. Goten is still very young, but it seems like he’s already turned his back on studying in favor of fighting.

2 His Avoidance Of Housework & Laziness

Chi-Chi sometimes gets a bad reputation among fans, but her requests really aren’t that unreasonable. Goku is often away and frequently puts his life on the line. All that Chi-Chi asks for is that housework and chores get done as well as having some savings to live off of. Goku has won prize money from tournaments, but it somehow never seems to last. He’s also shown slacking off and actively looking for excuses to escape from his obligations or lie to Chi-Chi over what he’s been doing. It’s arguably done for the greater good, but Chi-Chi still deserves better.

1 When He's Turned Into A Child

Dragon Ball GT takes some radical swings for a Dragon Ball Z sequel series. Dragon Ball GT initially tries to recreate the original Dragon Ball series’ energy and goes so far as to have Goku get turned back into a child. It’s a major problem that Goku has to contend with and Chi-Chi’s take on the situation isn’t properly explored, but it’s fair to say that she wouldn’t be a fan of now being married to a child. Goku’s transformation also coincides with his exodus into space, which would make it a clean point for Chi-Chi to break ties.