Son-Goku has had many masters throughout his training. One of them is Master Kaio, who waits at the end of the Snake Way in the afterlife. Early sketches by Akira Toriyama show what ideas the mangaka had for Dragon Ball regarding Kaio.
What ideas did Toriyama have for Master Kaio? The sketches date back to 1989. At that time, the Saiyan Saga was being published in the manga, featuring Radditz. Back then, Toriyama was considering how he could design Son-Goku’s teacher, Master Kaio.
Many different ideas must have come to him:
- There is a version in the sketch of Master Kaio that does not have antennae. He lacks the cap and has a long braid as his hairstyle.
- In another version, he also lacks antennae. Instead, he has a black nose.
- Another version of Son-Goku’s master would have become a sumo wrestler. Only the iconic glasses and the ears still remind us of him.
- A very abstract design shows that Master Kaio would have nearly become a panda.
- Additionally, there is a design that shows the face of a frog-like creature.
Alongside the sketches of Son-Goku’s master, a few designs of his two pets were drawn. In the anime, Kaio has a cricket named Gregory and a monkey named Bubbles. Gregory was almost a toad, while Bubbles was always intended to be a monkey, only smaller.
Just like with the villain Boo, one of his ideas prevailed. Master Kaio got a cap, antennae on his head and a round body. Luckily, he retained his iconic sunglasses, which perfectly complete his appearance.
Master Kaio may also appear in Dragon Ball Daima:
Son-Goku owes much to Master Kaio
Who is Master Kaio? Master Kaio is a mentor that Son-Goku had in Dragon Ball Z. He lived in the afterlife and taught Son-Goku after he died in battle. Although Kaio is not exactly the best fighter, his techniques helped the Saiyan to overcome his opponents.
Among the strongest techniques that Master Kaio taught Son-Goku are the Genkidama and the Kaiohken. With the Genkidama, for example, Son-Goku was able to destroy Boo, an opponent who has several forms.
Master Kaio trained not only Son-Goku but also his companions Piccolo, Yamcha, Chaozu, and Tenshinhan. He is an important character for the Z-Fighters, even though he only lives in the afterlife.
Master Kaio’s technique ensured that Boo was destroyed. Kaio was also the one who prevented Son-Goku from wasting too much time with Super Saiyan 3. Because Son-Goku did not have much time to train his son: Dragon Ball: The Super Saiyan 3 is rarely seen – Son-Goku explains the reason.
