Bardock’s Secret Power-Up Explained: The Real Reason He Looked Like Ultra Instinct Goku

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Among the numerous memorable characters that this anime series has created, one hero who often doesn’t receive enough recognition to become an icon – that character is Bardock. While he may not have been exceptionally powerful compared to the standards viewers are accustomed to, he was no pushover either. Bardock was a lower-ranking Saiyan warrior on Planet Vegeta, and just like every other Saiyan, he couldn’t achieve the legendary Super Saiyan form. However, his fighting spirit and love for battle were remarkable, much like his son’s.

As an observer, I can’t help but marvel at how Goku repeatedly pushes past perceived boundaries, reaching peaks that surpass even the legendary figure of a millennium. His unceasing evolution has carved out a formidable power disparity between Bardock and his own prime self. In the captivating world of Dragon Ball Super, it’s intriguing to note that Bardock appears to tap into an ability reminiscent of what fans call Ultra Instinct Sign. This parallel was first observed by Gas during their intense battle, as a mental picture of Bardock emerged in his mind – the image of black hair flowing and silver outlines mirroring Goku’s transformation. From a visual perspective, Bardock seemed to embody the role perfectly, managing to overcome Gas. But one must ponder: does Bardock truly master Ultra Instinct Sign, or was it perhaps a different ability altogether?

Even Dragon Ball Gods Struggle to Unlock Ultra Instinct

There Are Many Requirements to Master Ultra Instinct

Witnessing Goku unveil the Ultra Instinct skill was an unforgettable instant for every anime enthusiast. Not only does its visual representation take your breath away, but the method itself provides Goku with a fresh approach to battle. By achieving mental and physical tranquility, the user can effortlessly dodge attacks and is accompanied by an impressive soundtrack that contrasts with their peaceful aura. What sets this technique apart is that it’s exceptionally difficult to master, even for deities.

In the Tournament of Power, neither Roshi nor the Gods of Destruction fully mastered its complete potential. Drawing upon one’s innate instinct wasn’t just a difficulty for Roshi; it was a struggle for deities themselves. Beerus himself admitted that this divine ability remained quite formidable even for him to wield effectively.

To master this technique fully, Goku had to conquer his internal limitations, momentarily accessing Ultra Instinct Sign at a crucial point during the Tournament of Power. This variant of the ability is known as Ultra Instinct Sign; it retains his black hair while enhancing his reflexes and perception. Yet, this isn’t the ultimate stage of this form, and its user can still be pushed out of this state.

Advancing even more, achieving a serene state will enable users to activate Mastered Ultra Instinct. In this form, the user’s hair turns completely silver and grants them numerous exceptional abilities. This technique was not particularly suitable for Goku, so he instead developed True Ultra Instinct, which allows him to battle while maintaining his emotions.

Achieving Ultra Instinct is a complex process, involving numerous stages, especially for mastering it. Given his status as a common warrior, one might wonder if Bardock could ever grasp such a celestial skill, considering he struggled with achieving Super Saiyan.

Bardock Didn’t Actually Use Ultra Instinct

The Lack of Divine Training & God Ki Makes the Transformation Impossible

During the course of events, Goku is forced to abruptly leave a location, causing him to listen to an old recording on his father’s scouter. This recording details a battle that occurred forty years earlier, between Bardock and Gas. Similar to his son, Gas was stronger than Bardock at the time, despite being young, demonstrating this superiority in their fight.

Regardless of the strategies Bardock employed, Gas effortlessly dismissed them without showing any signs of strain. Bardock was relentless, doing everything he could to emerge victorious, but Gas always stayed one move ahead. Instead of retreating to survive another day, Bardock was determined to defeat Gas and pushed himself beyond his physical limits, awakening a hidden reservoir of power. His hair flew wildly about him, and his energy pulsed with intensity. At first glance, it seemed as though Bardock had entered Ultra Instinct mode, a comparison that became even more apparent when Goku activated True Ultra Instinct during their battle, prompting this likeness. Even Gas recognized the similarities when they fought.

Upon a closer look, some aspects don’t align perfectly. Firstly, unlike Ultra Instinct Sign, Bardock didn’t exhibit a tranquil expression or effortlessly dodge attacks; instead, he grew more powerful. The performance of the Ultra Instinct technique seemed off, and this was further emphasized by the fact that Bardock’s eyes remained completely black, while Goku’s Ultra Instinct Sign eyes have black pupils and silver irises. This discrepancy in appearance and characteristic traits of the technique is noticeable.

Bardock lacked the divine education or Godly energy to achieve such a potent skill. Without that background, it could seem absurd how a common warrior with no divine lineage could reach something even Beerus struggled to fully grasp. But this wasn’t just regular Ultra Instinct; there had to be another explanation. Despite this not being the traditional Ultra Instinct Sign, it was certainly something extraordinary.

If Bardock Didn’t Use Ultra Instince, What Was It Then?

Saiyan Heritage Is at Work Once Again

Gas’ comparison of Goku’s True Ultra Instinct to Bardock’s amplified state doesn’t imply that Bardock achieved the Ultra Instinct Sign. In fact, it appears that Gas didn’t focus on the transformation aspects; instead, he recognized the identical passion and indomitable spirit from both father and son. The wild black hair and intense aura of Bardock that fans have observed for over 30 years are just symbols representing characteristics they’ve seen in previous instances.

I, an observer, noted that Bardock, much like Goku and numerous other Saiyans, thrived in combat and emerged victorious. His innate Saiyan adaptability pushed him to surpass his own limits. On full display was his unyielding spirit. The same determination and resilience link Goku and Bardock; these shared qualities were the only ties that connected them, making their similarities merely a simple likeness at the end of the day.

Redefining Bardock’s zeal for triumph and safeguarding Granolah and Monaito drove him to surpass his boundaries. Regrettably, Bardock, in the established storyline, never underwent a spectacular transformation like Ultra Instinct. Integrating such an event would not align with the narrative consistency; instead, it could further complicate the already fragile continuity of Dragon Ball.

Ultra Instinct could only seem feasible if Bardock drew upon raw instinct, much like Master Roshi, but he would have had to be familiar with the technique first. Achieving such control required Bardock to be a highly disciplined fighter, as achieving mental and physical alignment for this state is challenging, even temporarily. In that moment, Bardock needed clarity of emotion and spiritual insight. Regrettably, it was just an old-school Saiyan power boost in reality.

Bardock’s Mysterious Surge in Power Shows His Saiyan Potential

Bardock’s Fight Was Inherited By Goku

Bardock didn’t create as much online buzz as Goku did during the Tournament of Power, but he undeniably demonstrated his Saiyan prowess. Achieving Ultra Instinct, whether Sign or True form created by Goku, is a feat too heavenly for most. This flashback offered valuable insights; first, it underscored that Bardock’s qualities were similar to those of his parent. Secondly, it hinted at the survival of Goku due to the intervention of his father after the destruction of Planet Vegeta.

Despite not attaining a divine form or realizing his full potential himself, Bardock arranged things so that his son could achieve it. His selflessness enabled him to make such a wish, and his unwavering determination and fighting spirit were passed on to Goku. Given these factors, Bardock significantly contributed to the creation of one of the most powerful warriors in the entire Dragon Ball universe.

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2025-05-04 06:44