For many Dragon Ball fans, the mere mention of “Hakai” brings to mind the immense power of gods of destruction. But when did Goku, our beloved Saiyan hero, first tap into this ultimate technique within the manga? Understanding when did Goku use Hakai in the manga is crucial for appreciating the evolution of his power and his interactions with the divine.
The First Taste of Godly Destruction
The initial introduction of Hakai in the Dragon Ball manga occurs during the “Universe Survival Saga,” specifically within the Tournament of Power. While Goku doesn’t *personally* wield the Hakai energy in its destructive form against an opponent initially, he witnesses its devastating power firsthand. This is a pivotal moment, as it marks the first time the audience and Goku are exposed to a technique capable of erasing beings from existence.
The most significant instances that directly lead to Goku’s *understanding* and *attempt* at using Hakai involve his interactions with Toppo. Toppo, a proud warrior from Universe 11, is a candidate for God of Destruction and has trained in the Hakai technique. Here’s a breakdown of those key moments:
- Toppo’s Demonstration Toppo, in his Super Saiyan God form, unleashes a powerful Hakai attack against Frieza and Vegeta. This display showcases the sheer destructive force and the terrifying finality of the technique.
- Goku’s Observation and Experimentation Witnessing Toppo’s Hakai prompts Goku to realize the immense potential and the desperation required to use such a power. Later, during his intense battle with Jiren, Goku, pushed to his absolute limits, accesses a new form: Ultra Instinct. In this state, he begins to understand the principles of Hakai, though he doesn’t fully master or utilize it as a direct offensive weapon until much later.
- Goku’s “Hakai” Moment (Sort Of) The closest Goku comes to using Hakai *himself* in a somewhat destructive capacity during the Tournament of Power is when he’s in his Ultra Instinct -Sign- form, attempting to push back Jiren’s massive energy blast. While not a true Hakai in the sense of complete erasure, it demonstrates his access to a divine power that borders on that level of control and destructive potential.
It’s important to clarify that when we ask “when did Goku use Hakai in the manga,” the answer isn’t a simple one-time event of him casually firing off an erasure blast. Instead, it’s a gradual process of observation, understanding, and the development of his own divine-level powers that allow him to *access* and *comprehend* the Hakai technique. The table below illustrates the stages:
| Event | Manga Arc | Goku’s Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| Witnessing Toppo use Hakai | Universe Survival Saga | Observer |
| Accessing Ultra Instinct and sensing divine power | Universe Survival Saga | Developing understanding |
The true mastery and direct application of Hakai by Goku as a destructive force comes much later, after the Tournament of Power.
For a more in-depth exploration of Goku’s journey with divine powers and specific manga panels that detail these events, you can refer to the comprehensive Dragon Ball manga itself, particularly the later arcs of Dragon Ball Super.