(Having now seen the ferocious and protectiveinstinct,Tatsu possesses.
Gohan realizes a new approach is necessary for his Saiyan grandchildren's training. The brute-force methods of martial arts would only hone Tatsu's aggression. Instead, Gohan must appeal to Tatsu's primal nature while simultaneously nurturing Goku's kindness. His training becomes less about combat and more about control and enlightenment.
Training the body and mind
Meditation and energy control:
Gohan begins by teaching the boys how to control their ki. For Goku, this is relatively easy. He's naturally open to the concept of calm and focus. For Tatsu, it's a battle. Gohan doesn't ask him to be peaceful; instead, he asks him to be powerful.
The "Ki-Sphere": Gohan shows the boys how to create a small ki sphere. For Goku, it's a game of concentrating energy. For Tatsu, it's a test of dominance. Gohan explains that a controlled ki sphere is like a caged beast: powerful, but obedient. A wild one, like a stampeding dinosaur, is destructive and weak. Tatsu, drawn by the idea of possessing a powerful, obedient force, focuses his aggressive energy into a tightly controlled sphere.
The "Ki-Slam": Tatsu's natural style is explosive. Gohan capitalizes on this. He teaches Tatsu to focus his ki into his punches, not for a destructive blast, but to enhance the power of a single, precise blow. Gohan shows him how a smaller, focused attack can be more devastating than a wild, untamed explosion. This teaches Tatsu to value precision over raw, uncontrolled output.
Training the will and compassion
The "Protector's Sparring": Gohan devises a new form of sparring between the boys. The goal isn't to defeat the opponent, but to protect a specific object, like a fragile, painted rock.
Tatsu's role: Tatsu is given the role of protector. His instinctual loyalty is used as a training tool. He must defend the rock from Goku's playful attacks. This forces Tatsu to control his strength. If he uses too much force, he'll destroy the very thing he's meant to protect. It teaches him to differentiate between destroying an opponent and defending an objective.
Goku's role: Goku, meanwhile, is taught to be like the wind, evading and distracting Tatsu. He learns to use his speed and agility to outmaneuver Tatsu's brute-force approach. This helps Goku develop his natural knack for clever, defensive fighting.
The "Wilderness Test": Gohan takes the boys on a trip to the forest, but instead of focusing on fighting, he focuses on coexistence.
Tatsu's lesson: Tatsu is naturally inclined to hunt. Gohan teaches him to hunt only what is necessary, not for sport or aggression. He explains the natural order of the forest, using the forest itself as a mirror to Tatsu's own instinctual nature. This subtle lesson in respecting the natural balance of things is a step toward understanding the value of life.
A "life for a life": The "wilderness test" also reinforces Tatsu's protective instincts in a more human way. Gohan pretends to be in danger from a wild animal, and Tatsu, out of loyalty, immediately jumps to his defense. Gohan then shows him that the animal, too, is a living thing, and that sometimes, protecting one life doesn't require taking another.
Outcomes of Gohan's enlightening training
Tatsu's controlled rage: Tatsu doesn't lose his aggression, but he learns to control it. His anger becomes a tool, a reservoir of power he can draw upon and direct, rather than a wild fire that consumes him.
Goku's peaceful strength: Goku learns that strength isn't just about fighting, but also about protecting. He learns to use his budding Saiyan power to defend, not to dominate.
Aunified team: The training solidifies the bond between the two Saiyans. Their different approaches to fighting, one instinctual and aggressive, the other peaceful and clever, complement each other perfectly. They become a formidable team, a testament to Gohan's compassionate and clever training methods. He doesn't just train them to be warriors; he trains them to be human.