In the vast universe of anime, few franchises stand as tall and as influential as Dragon Ball. This iconic series has shaped the realm of manga and anime, carving a niche that paved the way for subsequent giants like Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece. While Dragon Ball might not technically be part of the “Big Three,” its legendary stature is undoubted. But what happens when the worlds of Dragon Ball and One Piece collide in the most unexpected ways?
Dragon Ball’s Krillin Outted as a One Piece Admirer
Imagine the surprise of Dragon Ball aficionados when the latest chapter of Dragon Ball Super showed one of its very own Z-Fighters, Krillin, as an ardent fan of Monkey D. Luffy and the adventurous Straw Hat Pirates!
One Piece, under the creative helm of Eiichiro Oda, charts the endless quest of Luffy and his crew, tirelessly seeking the treasure left by the Pirate King Gol D. Roger. The remarkable tale has not only reached a staggering 1,000 episodes but continues to surge in popularity, especially after Luffy’s latest Gear 5 transformation in the anime. But the excitement took a surreal turn when it was unveiled that not every One Piece admirer belongs to our reality.
Chapter 95 of Dragon Ball Super, intriguingly titled “The Ultimate Teacher and Pupil,” penned by Akira Toriyama and Toyotarou, was the scene of this revelation. As Krillin answers a call from work, post sensing Gohan’s chi during a skirmish with the remnants of the Red Ribbon Army, Toyotarou’s artistry lets a secret slip. Krillin, pictured in a tee with “One” inscribed, followed by a peace symbol, made it evident that he had a soft corner for the Straw Hat crew.
Though, on the surface, this appears as a mere nod to delight fans, it harmoniously ties in with Krillin’s history of indulging in offbeat magazines. Yet, it’s fascinating to think of Krillin, the law enforcer, cheering for Luffy and his band of pirate misfits. Or perhaps, the twist is that he roots for the governmental entity, the Marines!
When Two Anime Titans Merged
This delightful revelation isn’t the first instance where the realms of Dragon Ball and One Piece have intertwined. About a decade ago, an episode saw Goku, Luffy, and Toriko’s heroes lock horns in a grand tournament, competing for the Carat Sizzled Cattle prize. One Piece has always been indebted to Dragon Ball for its groundbreaking narrative style. Hence, this subtle homage in Dragon Ball Super is not just an Easter egg but a heartfelt tip of the hat to a franchise that both fans and Z-Fighters evidently adore.
