Dragon Ball: Fusion, Explained

One of the more peculiar power-ups in Dragon Ball Z and subsequent installments of the Dragon Ball franchise as a whole, is fusion. In essence, it is a process by which two beings merge to create a single new body whose power, intelligence, and battle experience captures the strengths of the two souls it contains. Due to its capacity to grant incredible power for a short time, fusion has played a significant role in deciding some of the most tightly contested battles from Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Super.

Unlike other transformations in the series, most variants of fusion can be performed by members of virtually any race — with Namekian fusion being the only exception. Additionally, fusion does not require the same amount of training as other power-ups in the franchise, and cannot be deactivated at will. There are three primary forms of fusion as showcased in Dragon Ball, with each having its own benefits and drawbacks.

The Secrets Of Namekian Fusion

The first form of fusion to be introduced in the series was one that was exclusive to the Namekian race. A permanent procedure that cannot be reversed on its own, Namekian fusion is unique in that it does not create a new physical body, but rather, accommodates the consciousness of one of the process’ participants within the body of the other one, having them serve as a host.

In this case, the technique resembles assimilation or absorption more than the traditional form of fusion that fans of the series came to know in the Majin Buu Saga. Both parties involved in the process must consent to it before going forward, and the stronger one between them is chosen as the host. It is triggered when the host places their hand on the chest of the other participant, which sets off a blinding flash that engulfs both individuals, but leaves only the body of the host behind.

What is unique about this form of fusion is that more than one Namekian can merge through this method, and the consciousness of the participant that loses their body will remain active in the mind of the host. There are also some minor changes in terms of personality following the process, which disappear after a period of adjustment.

A massive increase in power accompanies this fusion, as seen in the case of Piccolo and Kami’s fusion, which took place during the Cell Saga. Whereas Piccolo was unable to even hold his own against the Androids prior to the fusion, he managed to take the upper hand in his subsequent fight against them after the process was complete. In the series, this ability was first used in Nail’s merging with Piccolo during the Frieza Saga, and then for Piccolo’s fusion with Kami in the Cell Saga. The latter fusion also resulted in the elimination of Earth’s Dragon Balls, due to their ties to Kami.

Next, the more commonly known version of fusion in the series is a practice native to the Metamoran race, which Goku learned during his time in Other World between the Cell Games Saga and the Great Saiyaman Saga. This form of fusion has a relatively elaborate process involved in triggering it, which makes it more risky than other variants. The process in question is the Fusion Dance, which requires a great deal of coordination between participants.

However, the payoff is equally high, yielding a warrior with equivalent or greater power than both participants combined. The resulting body possesses traits from both individuals and is clad in Metamoran attire, which includes a dark vest lined with linen, white pants, a cloth belt, and boots. Furthermore, the body also possesses some traits of one participant that are more dominant than those of the other. Finally, this form of fusion also lasts only 30 minutes under ideal conditions, and can burn out even more quickly if the amount of energy required to sustain the form is exceptionally high.

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Although it allows an individual to push past their natural limits, those who use this divine form often pay a horrible price.

At first, it was stated that both participants had to have equal power levels and be of a similar height, but this was later changed to allow any two individuals to fuse if desired. Mastery of the Fusion Dance allows participants to speed up the process, which can be crucial in battle. A failed fusion can also be disastrous as it yields a body with a physique incapable of even moving normally. If successfully performed, the new being can also access transformations that would have been otherwise impossible, as seen in Gotenks’ transformation into Super Saiyan 3.

Once two parties have successfully fused and split up after their energy is depleted, they will be unable to repeat the process without an hour-long resting period. This condition does not hold true for failed fusions. The only pairs who successfully achieved this version of fusion in the series were Trunks and Goten — who created Gotenks — along with Vegeta and Goku’s fusion into Gogeta.

The Kais’ Potara Fusion Stands As The Strongest of the Bunch

Last but not least, the Potara earrings worn by Supreme Kais, allow for a third form of fusion, which also comes with its own share of merits and demerits. Just like Namekian fusion, this process does not require training of any sort, and the only action required to activate it is for both participants to put on Potara earrings. The sole condition here is that each Potara must be worn on the ear opposite to that of the participant’s partner.

As a consequence of this, the two individuals will fuse into a single being, whose appearance, clothing, and traits are an amalgamation of both participants. Under normal circumstances, this transformation is said to last only an hour. However, if one of the participants is a Supreme Kai, the fusion becomes permanent. That being said, there are ways to circumvent this as well, such as using the Dragon Balls to undo the fusion via a wish.

While it is possible to fuse after accessing higher transformations such as the Super Saiyan forms, it is more advisable for participants to fuse in their base state, as the new being might be unable to revert to this base state without splitting. This also increases their energy output, leading them to tire out faster during a fight.

If a Supreme Kai is one of the participants, their traits will dominate, and the fusion may also become unstable and deteriorate if the merger is between a mortal being and an immortal one. There have been a number of instances of Potara fusion in the series, including those between Old Kai and an Old Witch, Kibito and Shin, Vegeta and Goku’s fusion into Vegito, Goku Black and Future Zamasu’s merging into Fused Zamasu, and finally, Kale and Caulifla’s fusion into Kefla.

Dragon Ball Z is available to stream on Crunchyroll.