Saichoro

Overview

Saichoro, also known as the Grand Elder Guru, is the supreme leader of Planet Namek in the Dragon Ball Z franchise. As the sole Dragon Clan survivor of an ancient catastrophe that devastated his homeworld, he single-handedly repopulated and restored Namekian civilization by giving birth to more than a hundred offspring. He is also the creator of the Namekian Dragon Balls and the wish-granting dragon Porunga, serving as a revered spiritual patriarch to his people.

Appearance

Saichoro is a Namekian characterized by green skin and antennae, possessing a body size vastly larger than any other member of his species. He wears a dark vest over a white robe. Due to his extreme old age and physical frailty, he spends virtually all of his time seated upon a massive throne with his eyes closed.

Personality

Possessing exceptional intellect and vast knowledge, Saichoro earns the utmost respect and devotion from all Namekians. He is a deeply compassionate patriarch who prioritizes the safety and preservation of his people above all else, remaining calm and highly perceptive even in the shadow of imminent death.

Abilities

Saichoro possesses the exceptional ability to give birth to over 100 Namekian offspring, as well as the mystical authority to create Planet Namek's Dragon Balls and Porunga. By placing his hand upon a person's head, he can unlock their hidden latent potential to significantly boost their power. Additionally, he has the power to transfer his sacred duties and authority to a chosen successor.

Background

Over five centuries prior to the series, Planet Namek suffered a deadly climate catastrophe from which Saichoro emerged as the sole local survivor. He subsequently rebuilt his society by birthing over a hundred descendants. During Frieza's invasion, the trauma and stress shortened his natural lifespan, causing his death. However, he was briefly restored to life through a wish made on Earth's Dragon Balls that revived those killed by Frieza's forces. After being transported to Earth, he officially transferred his leadership to Elder Moori before peacefully passing away from old age, his body fading away upon death.

Relationships

Saichoro is the biological father of all residing Namekians, including Moori, Nail, Dende, and Cargo. He shares a bond of high trust with his personal bodyguard Nail, and assigns young Dende the critical task of aiding Earth's heroes. Upon recognizing the good intentions of Son Gohan and Krillin, he unlocks their dormant powers to assist them against their common foes.

Trivia

Saichoro is notable for being one of the very few figures in the series to die naturally of old age rather than falling in battle. His grand throne shares a striking design similarity to the chair used by King Piccolo; according to the series author, King Piccolo recreated that seat based on faint, inherited memories of his ancestral homeworld.