Dragon Ball ZTrunks is among the most beloved characters in the series. Vegeta’s son is a noble warrior who inherited his father’s unbreakable will and his mother’s desire to help others. Since he was first introduced during the Android Saga, Future Trunks has been a vital part of the Z Fighters, helping them fight the most dangerous opponents on numerous occasions.
His strength and determination were never better exemplified than in his brief but decisive battle against Frieza. After the tyrant arrived on Earth, it was Trunks who put an end to his reign of terror, saving the galaxy. However, the hybrid Saiyan did not know that he fulfilled his father’s last wishmaking him proud before they even officially met.
Trunks honored his father’s dying wish during his first appearance
Vegeta’s son was the one who avenged the Saiyan race
In episode 86 of Dragon Ball Z anime, one of the saddest in the series, Vegeta died at the hands of Frieza while on Planet Namek. The proud warrior died while begging Goku to put an end to the Galactic Emperor and avenge the Saiyan race. Despite promising Vegeta that he would, Kakarot allowed Frieza to retreat and live another day several times during the fight. By the time Planet Namek exploded, the Emperor had survived the battle and was receiving a cybernetic body. A few months after that, Frieza arrived on Earth.
It was at that moment that Trunks arrived from the future, determined to kill once and for all the one who eliminated his father’s race. With a few cuts of his sword and an incredibly choreographed attack, Frieza was no more. At this point, Trunks and Vegeta hadn’t yet spoken to each other, and the current timeline’s Trunks hadn’t yet been conceived, but Future Trunks was already making his father proud by avenging the Saiyans in a way that Kakarot was unable to. As Vegeta would have done, his son did not hesitate as he delivered the killing blow.
Trunks realized the mistake Goku made in allowing the evil, bloodthirsty tyrant to love and decided to correct it himself. He did all this without ever knowing about his father’s dream of ending Frieza and avenging his people. In that quick but extremely fun battle, Trunks proved to be Vegeta’s legitimate sona fact that would later lead the Saiyan Prince to attempt to redeem himself. The battle between the purple-haired teenager and Frieza may be short, but it had an impressive impact on the series’ history.
Vegeta’s relationship with Trunks shows his growth throughout the series
He became more empathetic and kind after meeting his son
When he arrived on Earth, Vegeta was a ruthless warrior who cared about nothing but himself and his mission. Not even his allies were safe from his wrath, as even his oldest companion, Nappa, died at the hands of the princes when he was no longer useful. Not even his near-death experience while fighting the Z Fighters changed him into a better person, as he was still driven by pride and revenge during the Name Saga. Being with Bulma helped Vegeta control his temper and understand how to act civilly around others.
However, Only when Trunks appears in Vegeta’s life does his redemption truly begin.. After learning of his son’s true identity, the prince strove to develop a connection with him, allowing him to train alongside him. The biggest sign of Vegeta’s change can be seen in episode 189 of the series, in which Trunks is killed by Cell at full strength. The often cold and emotionless warrior was filled with rage, launching himself at the android without a second thought.
The Vegeta introduced in the Saiyan Saga would have mocked his son for being weak. However, this version of the prince considered Trunks a valuable part of his life, enough to completely lose his temper. After the battle’s victory, the father and son duo had a brief but emotional moment in which they shared a look of respect and appreciation, cementing Vegeta’s new life as one of Earth’s defenders.
Trunks may not have been Dragon Ball ZHe is the most powerful fighter, but he is undoubtedly an incredible warrior who completely changed the course of the series. He will remain Frieza’s true killer (even if the galactic tyrant returns Dragon Ball Super), as well as the man who avenged the Saiyan race. A truly incredible character who saved not only the world but also his father from a self-destructive path.