The Tournament of Power, a cataclysmic event in the Dragon Ball Super universe, ignites in Episode 97, titled “Survive! At Last, the Tournament of Power Begins!!”. This episode marks the official commencement of the multiversal battle royale, where the fate of entire universes hangs precariously in the balance.
Setting the Stage: The Premise of the Tournament
Before delving into the specifics of Episode 97, understanding the events leading up to the Tournament of Power is crucial. The genesis lies in Zeno, the Omni-King, whose capricious nature and immense power pose an existential threat. Goku’s proposition for a tournament involving all universes, initially intended as a friendly competition, ultimately morphs into a desperate struggle for survival.
The stakes are unimaginably high: universes deemed inferior by Zeno will be erased from existence. This grim reality forces the Gods of Destruction and Kais from each universe to assemble their ten strongest warriors. Universe 7, our protagonist’s universe, faces the daunting task of recruiting a formidable team to avoid annihilation.
The selection process is fraught with challenges. Familiar faces like Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, and Krillin join forces, alongside unexpected allies such as Androids 17 and 18, and the resurrected Frieza. Their journey to assemble this diverse team is a narrative arc in itself, exploring character dynamics and highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Episode 97: Ignition Point
Episode 97 serves as the definitive starting point for the Tournament of Power. While the preceding episodes meticulously build anticipation and set the scene, this episode plunges viewers directly into the heart of the action.
The episode opens with a breathtaking spectacle: all eight participating universes, a vibrant tapestry of diverse life forms and cosmic energies, converging on the World of Void. The Grand Priest, acting as the tournament’s master of ceremonies, formally announces the rules and regulations, emphasizing the brutal consequences of defeat.
The tension is palpable as warriors from each universe size up their opponents. Goku and Vegeta, ever the competitive Saiyans, are immediately drawn to powerful adversaries, eager to test their strength. The episode skillfully balances moments of intense action with strategic positioning, showcasing the diverse fighting styles and abilities of the various universes.
The initial clashes are chaotic and explosive, setting the tone for the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Eliminations begin almost immediately, highlighting the merciless efficiency of the Great Priests’ referees and underscoring the perilous nature of the arena. Episode 97 effectively establishes the scale, stakes, and sheer brutality of the Tournament of Power, cementing its status as a pivotal moment in the Dragon Ball Super saga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Tournament of Power
Here are twelve frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the Tournament of Power, providing valuable insights and clarifications:
H3 What are the rules of the Tournament of Power?
The rules are deceptively simple yet brutally effective. Ten warriors from each participating universe compete in a battle royale format. Warriors are eliminated when they are knocked off the ring or rendered unable to fight. The universe with the most warriors remaining at the end of the allotted time wins. Key rules include:
- No flying is allowed. This restriction levels the playing field and forces fighters to rely on ground-based combat.
- Killing is prohibited. While injuries are commonplace, intentionally killing an opponent results in immediate disqualification.
- The use of weapons is generally forbidden. This rule encourages fair and skill-based combat.
- The Grand Priest and his attendants act as referees. Their judgments are final and impartial.
H3 Which universes participated in the Tournament of Power?
Eight universes participated in the Tournament of Power:
- Universe 3
- Universe 4
- Universe 6
- Universe 7
- Universe 9
- Universe 10
- Universe 11
- Universe 2
Universes 1, 5, 8, and 12 were exempt due to their high mortal level.
H3 What was the motivation behind the Tournament of Power?
Officially, Zeno wanted to witness a multiversal battle. However, the underlying reason was that the Zenos were bored and saw the inferior universes as a waste of resources. The tournament served as a means to prune universes with low mortal levels, ensuring the overall quality of existence.
H3 Who were the most formidable fighters in the Tournament of Power?
Numerous fighters displayed incredible power and skill, including:
- Goku (Universe 7): The protagonist, constantly pushing his limits and unlocking new forms.
- Vegeta (Universe 7): Goku’s eternal rival, driven by pride and a desire to surpass him.
- Jiren (Universe 11): An immensely powerful being, considered the strongest mortal in Universe 11.
- Toppo (Universe 11): A loyal soldier of justice, with formidable strength and techniques.
- Hit (Universe 6): A skilled assassin with the ability to manipulate time.
- Kefla (Universe 6): A fusion of Kale and Caulifla, boasting immense power.
H3 What new transformations did Goku achieve during the Tournament?
Goku achieved two significant transformations during the Tournament of Power:
- Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken x20: Combining the power of Super Saiyan Blue with the Kaioken technique, significantly boosting his speed and strength.
- Ultra Instinct (Sign and Mastered): A divine technique allowing Goku to move and react instinctively, surpassing even the Gods of Destruction in speed and precision.
H3 How did the Tournament of Power end?
The Tournament of Power culminated in a three-way showdown between Goku, Frieza, and Android 17 against Jiren. Android 17 ultimately emerged as the victor, being the last fighter standing. However, he selflessly wished for the restoration of all erased universes, displaying a sense of selflessness that surprised even himself.
H3 What were the consequences of losing the Tournament of Power?
Losing the Tournament of Power resulted in the erasure of the losing universe by the Zenos. This was a swift and absolute removal from existence, leaving no trace of the universe or its inhabitants. However, as previously mentioned, Android 17’s wish reversed this tragic fate.
H3 What is the “Mortal Level” that the Zenos considered?
The Mortal Level is a metric used by the Zenos to gauge the overall quality of life and development within a universe. It encompasses factors such as technological advancement, societal harmony, and the presence of benevolent deities. Universes with low Mortal Levels were deemed unworthy of existence.
H3 How did Frieza get involved in Universe 7’s team?
Frieza was temporarily resurrected by Fortuneteller Baba in exchange for his assistance. Goku needed a tenth member for Universe 7, and Frieza’s immense power, despite his treacherous nature, made him a valuable asset. This alliance, however, was fraught with tension and uncertainty.
H3 Who were the Gods of Destruction representing each universe?
Each participating universe was represented by its respective God of Destruction. Notable examples include:
- Beerus (Universe 7)
- Champa (Universe 6)
- Quitela (Universe 4)
- Vermoud (Universe 11)
Their reactions to the tournament outcomes were often as entertaining as the battles themselves.
H3 Was there any cheating or unfair play during the Tournament?
Yes, Universe 4’s God of Destruction, Quitela, was often portrayed as attempting to manipulate the tournament using subtle tactics and hidden fighters. However, the Grand Priest maintained strict oversight, ensuring that blatant cheating was swiftly dealt with.
H3 What happened after the Tournament of Power concluded?
Following the Tournament of Power and the restoration of the erased universes, the universes continued to exist, albeit with a renewed appreciation for life and the interconnectedness of existence. Goku and Vegeta continued their training, striving to reach even greater heights, while Frieza resumed his reign of terror in the cosmos, albeit under the watchful eye of the Zenos. The Tournament served as a catalyst for growth and change, leaving a lasting impact on the Dragon Ball Super universe.