Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball is one of the biggest anime and manga properties of all time. There are hundreds of episodes across the various Dragon Ball series, all of which chronicle the heroic journeys of Goku as he selflessly gives his all to protect his family, friends, and the planet that he holds dear. Goku's heroism never wavers, but he learns some revealing things about his past and his people's origins.
Goku's status as a Saiyan has led to his greatest heights and most debilitating challenges, which are all undeniable parts of his identity. The most recent chapters from the Dragon Ball Super manga shine a light on Goku's connection to his father Bardock and the Saiyan people as a whole. This earnest look into his past has Goku ready to embrace certain Saiyan customs in new ways.
8 Goku Has Used Traditional Saiyan Armor
Goku’s Saiyan roots have often eluded him, but the recent events of the Dragon Ball Super manga have forced Goku to reckon with his father's actions in new ways. Goku listens to his father's past battle against Gas while Monaito concludes this reflective experience by busting out some old Saiyan battle armor.
This Saiyan armor was prevalent during the trip to Planet Namek, where Gohan and Krillin made use of it. It’s quite a strange sight to see Goku decked out in this traditional armor and looking more like Bardock than ever before. Goku is so powerful that the useful armor isn't likely to make much of a difference, but it also won't hurt for him to turn to a little extra protective support.
7 Goku Could Take Advantage Of His Great Ape Transformation
The Great Ape transformation was the ultimate game-changer in Dragon Ball before the more powerful and efficient Super Saiyan form replaced it as the new normal. Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan have all let their Great Apes out in the past, but it's been some time since Goku has taken this approach, largely because he no longer has his tail which triggers the transformation.
Admittedly, the Great Ape transformation is quite archaic in comparison to Goku's current battle tactics, but this emphasis on Saiyan origins could help rehabilitate this form. Dragon Ball Super could develop their own take on the Golden Great Ape from Dragon Ball GT and reclaim this transformation.
6 Goku Could Build A Base On Planet Vegeta
One of the biggest catalysts in the Saiyans' tumultuous history is that their home, Planet Vegeta, has been destroyed by Frieza and left their warrior race as an endangered species. Goku and the rest of the surviving Saiyans have proudly made Earth their surrogate home, but this has also opened the planet up to unexpected dangers.
There have previously been attempts to revive Planet Vegeta with the Dragon Balls, which could be a helpful change of pace if there are altruistic intentions behind it. Alternatively, Planet Vegeta from Universe 6 is still thriving and Goku could instead spend more time there with their people.
5 Goku Could Make Use Of Battle Technology
Dragon Ball characters eventually get so strong that scouter hardware isn't powerful enough to capture their complexity. That being said, there have been glimpses of other forms of Saiyan technology that were used on Planet Vegeta. The manga for Dragon Ball Super has even revealed additional uses for scouters.
Goku is so practical that it'd make for a welcome shift in style if he adopted some technology to aid him in battles. Bulma is one of the most brilliant minds in the universe, and it's hard to believe that she wouldn't be able to upgrade a scouter or any other tool to rise to the occasion.
4 Goku Could Embrace His Primitive Nature & Instincts
Goku doesn't first learn about his Saiyan roots until Raditz arrives on Earth and threatens to ruin the happiness that Goku's built for himself on the planet. A major part of Goku's character development is that while he carries the strength of a Saiyan, his temperament is much more reflective of a human from Earth.
Goku's strenuous fight against Gas has him heeding Bardock's ancient advice and embracing the ways of his ancestors instead of viewing them as some sort of crutch. It's unclear how Goku will finally overcome Gas' superior strength, but a running theory is that Goku will reveal a new transformation that's representative of Saiyan ideals. Goku truly opening up to this side of himself could produce power that's even greater than Ultra Instinct.
3 Goku Could Fight On A Team Of Saiyan Warriors
The Saiyans are a warrior race who are blessed with considerable strength so that they can wreak havoc as one-man armies. However, a common tactic back on Planet Vegeta is for Saiyans to assemble into powerful teams who can divide and conquer across the galaxy. This is reflected in Team Bardock, which is made up of a handful of powerful Saiyans who Bardock leads in battle.
Admittedly, Goku is hardly averse to teamwork when it comes to intimidating threats, but a certain level of rebranding wouldn't hurt. Goku already fights alongside Vegeta, Gohan, Goten, and Trunks. However, it'd be quite the sight to see "Team Kakarot" come together as these Saiyans fight as an official team.
2 Goku Could Travel The Galaxy & Visit Other Planets
For years, the Saiyans established a notorious reputation for themselves due to their track record of invading and decimating planets for their own selfish purposes. Goku and Vegeta still receive persecution from random alien races who have been the victims of Saiyan barbarism in the past.
The galaxy still has a lot to learn about the Saiyans, and it wouldn't be ridiculous for Goku to travel from planet to planet to help rehabilitate his people's reputation. An entertaining story arc could feature Goku redeeming the Saiyan name after he learns of Bardock's chivalry and that his people aren't all bad.
1 Goku Could Adopt The Final Spirit Cannon Attack
Many of Goku's victories are the result of the unique techniques he's learned from various martial arts mentors. It's fair to say that Goku wouldn't be where he is today if he didn't have energy attacks like the Kamehameha or Spirit Bomb to fall back on. Goku isn't lacking with his repertoire of energy maneuvers, but Bardock has occasionally shown off his own ultimate technique, the Final Spirit Cannon Attack.
Goku surely has moves that are more powerful than this, but adopting this technique would be emblematic of Saiyans as a whole. The Final Spirit Cannon Attack could even temporarily replace the Kamehameha once his Saiyan roots take precedence over Goku's surrogate human heritage.