Krillin

Krillin begins as a young monk from the Orin Temple, often teased by peers and hardened by discipline. He seeks strength by joining Master Roshi’s training, where he meets Goku. Initially jealous and competitive, he grows into Goku’s lifelong friend and ally. With Roshi’s guidance, he hones techniques like the Kamehameha and later develops his own attacks, such as the Destructo Disc. In the World Martial Arts Tournaments, his cunning and speed earn him respect, though he is frequently overshadowed by Goku and other gifted fighters.

His life changes during the battles against King Piccolo, where he is killed by Tambourine. Revived by the Dragon Balls, Krillin’s determination hardens, and he becomes one of the most dependable Z-Fighters. In the Saiyan invasion, he fights bravely against Nappa and Vegeta’s forces, defeating Saibamen and even holding the opportunity to kill Vegeta, which he spares at Goku’s request. On Namek, he gains a huge power boost from Guru’s unlocking of his hidden potential, fights alongside Gohan and Vegeta, and helps protect the Dragon Balls. His brutal death at Frieza’s hands triggers Goku’s legendary first Super Saiyan transformation, placing Krillin at the heart of Dragon Ball history.

After being revived, he lives more peacefully, but is thrust back into battle when the androids and Cell appear. His compassion defines his choices—he refuses to destroy Android 18 with a self-destruct remote, guided by both his empathy and budding affection for her. Though he is often outclassed in these battles, he continues to fight with resolve, supporting his friends against the androids, Cell, and eventually during the Cell Games. His relationship with 18 blossoms, and they later marry, starting a family with their daughter Marron.

During Majin Buu’s chaos, Krillin is turned to stone by Dabura and later killed outright when Buu destroys Earth. Restored by the Dragon Balls after Buu’s defeat, he resumes his role as both a fighter and a family man. He takes on the job of a police officer, living a quieter life with Android 18 and Marron, but never fully leaving behind his ties to the Z-Fighters.

When Beerus arrives on Earth seeking the Super Saiyan God, Krillin is present as part of the circle of friends and fighters, though he plays no direct role in the battle. When Frieza is revived and his army invades Earth, Krillin joins the defense alongside Gohan, Piccolo, Tien, and others. Though initially nervous, even shaving his head again to feel like his “old self,” he steps into battle against overwhelming odds. He fights bravely against Frieza’s soldiers, eliminating many of them using his signature techniques, including Destructo Disc and Solar Flare. Despite his anxiety, his courage shines as he faces the same tyrant who killed him decades before, proving his resolve has never left him. When Goku and Vegeta arrive to face Frieza directly, Krillin stands aside, but his contributions help ensure Earth survives.

Later, Krillin’s fighting spirit is tested again. He questions his worth compared to Saiyans and gods, but with encouragement from Goku and 18, he returns to training. Facing illusions of past enemies like Frieza and Super Buu during a training exercise, he overcomes his fear and reclaims his pride as a martial artist. By shaving his head once more and donning his gi, he reaffirms his commitment to fighting when Earth needs him.

This growth culminates in the Tournament of Power. Though far weaker than warriors like Jiren or Goku, Krillin’s tactical brilliance, teamwork, and experience make him invaluable. Fighting alongside Android 18, he uses clever strategies like Solar Flare x100 and teamwork eliminations to help Universe 7. He is eventually knocked out earlier than most, but his role is essential in tilting momentum in his team’s favor. His bond with 18 is showcased throughout, highlighting their partnership as both fighters and family.

After the tournament, Krillin returns to his police duties and family life, but with renewed confidence.

Appearance: Krillin has a distinctive appearance characterized by his bald head, which is a signature trait of his character. He has a round face, large expressive eyes, and six small dots on his forehead. The six dots on his forehead are scars from moxibustion burns, similar to the pattern that appear on the forehead of a Shaolin monk. Krillin typically wears a pale orange martial arts gi with a blue belt. His build is muscular yet compact. He is only 5 feet tall.

Personality: Krillin’s personality is defined by loyalty, humility, and a very human mixture of courage and vulnerability. He begins his life competitive and a little selfish, but friendship with Goku draws out his best traits. He grows into someone reliable and kind, deeply devoted to his friends and willing to risk his life even against enemies far stronger than himself.

He is clever and tactical, often the first to think of unconventional strategies in battle, though his nerves sometimes get the better of him. Fear and self-doubt are part of him, especially when facing enemies who dwarf him in power, yet he consistently pushes through, proving his bravery isn’t the absence of fear but the will to act despite it.

Off the battlefield, Krillin is warm, humorous, and grounded. He values peace and family, showing tenderness and commitment to Android 18 and Marron. He has no ego about being weaker than Saiyans or gods, instead accepting his role with maturity.

Techniques: Flight - The ability to fly without the use of ki.

Kamehameha – A powerful Ki blast fired with two hands after concentrating a large amount of Ki.

Multiple Kamehameha - Two or more fighters fire multiple Kamehamehas (one per fighter) simultaneously at a single point. This usually causes their separate Kamehamehas to merge into one giant Kamehameha blast at the opponent.

Team Work Kamehameha - Krillin and Yamcha fire their Kamehamehas simultaneously to cause great damage to the enemy.

Kamehame Fever - When they use it, Krillin, Yamcha, and Goku each charge their own Kamehameha attacks. Then, they fire them at the same time from three different places to cause great damage to the enemy.

Double Tsuibikidan – Krillin bends down as he brings his arms to his sides and charges up. Then, he brings his hands forward and fires two reddish-orange energy waves that follow the opponent like homing missiles, inflicting a great deal of damage.

Scattering Bullet – It is a large energy sphere fired and sent up into the air. When fired, it is slow, as noted by Piccolo. The user then changes the course of the blast into the air. It then splits into smaller, but faster ki spheres that attack the foe at medium speeds, inflicting considerable damage.

Jumping Energy Wave - The user fires an Energy Wave downwards using the force to propel them upwards. The technique also produces a shockwave if they energy wave hits the ground. If an opponent is nearby, they will be damaged. Due to the way in which it is performed it can be used to evade attacks by moving upwards.

Destructo Disc – A razor-sharp disc of Ki that can slice through almost any substance.

Chain Destructo Disc – Krillin charges a first Destructo Disc, and then he throws in rapid succession a series of discs which have the ability to cut the opponent apart. Another variation of the move sees Krillin throwing a single Destructo Disc that splits into numerous smaller discs that attack the opponent from all directions.

Destructo Disc Triple Blade - First, Krillin charges what appear to be a single Destructo Disc and tosses it at the opponent, and the disc changes to three discs, making it difficult to dodge.

Destructo Disc Hexa Blade - Krillin throws six Destructo Discs at his foe, which he is able to control.

Solar Flare – The Solar Flare is performed by the user placing their hands close to the center of their face with the fingers spread toward their eyes. The user then calls out the name of the technique, which provokes a white light to fire out and blind everything watching except the user, since they are projecting the light.

Solar Flare x100 - Krillin flies in front of the sun and uses the Solar Flare, but as he does, he uses much more energy and strengthens the blinding effect. This technique, unlike its predecessor, has the ability to blind opponents even if their eyes are closed. The Solar Flare x100 also prevents the opponent from sensing the user's ki. However, sunglasses can still negate the intense rays. This technique also does not work on those who are already blind and/or those who use other ways to sense their enemy (other than ki sense).

Spread Shot Retreat - An evasive technique where the user fires ki blasts while moving backwards. It allows the user to put some distance between the user and their opponents while attacking at the same time preventing their opponent from following.

Solar Flare Reflection - Krillin utilizes his bald head to reflect sunlight into his opponent's eyes and attack them while their blinded.

Rise to Action - The user smacks their own cheeks with both hands to focus their will and restore their stamina.