Guardian

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Guardian (神仙)
Alias(es)	Earth's Guardian; Old Guardian
Species/Race	Namekian 50
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Earth; the Lookout
Occupation/Role	Guardian of Earth; creator of the Dragon Balls
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 6

Background / History

The Guardian resides at the Lookout, where he first encounters Vegeta after the Saiyan prince arrives on Earth. He senses that Vegeta contains immense energy with both righteous and evil aspects, and offers to teach him how to internalize and conceal it. Vegeta refuses to remain and train, choosing instead to seek the Dragon Balls. 6

Believing Vegeta's wish could endanger Earth, the Guardian orders Mr. Popo to kill him if he successfully summons Shenron; the Guardian's death would cause Shenron to vanish and prevent the wish. 6

After Vegeta is severely injured, the Guardian and Karin consider killing him. Vegeta persuades them that stronger extraterrestrial enemies will come to Earth regardless, leading the Guardian to spare him and arrange for his transport to Capsule Corporation. 13

Facing Captain Ginyu's forces, the Guardian reveals that he and Demon King Piccolo were once one being who separated. He proposes reuniting with Piccolo to regain their lost vitality and confront the invaders; Piccolo agrees only if his body serves as the fusion's foundation and he may first restore his youth with the Dragon Balls. 23

The plan collapses when Ginyu kills Demon King Piccolo. The Guardian begins to fade because of their shared life force, but recovers after Piccolo transfers his essence into his unborn son, whose egg conceals its energy. 26 27

After Vegeta uses Shenron, the Guardian concludes that the Dragon Balls have brought greed and slaughter rather than noble wishes. He decides not to create any more, allowing Earth's Dragon Balls to disappear. 30

When Vegeta leaves Earth with Ginyu, the Guardian returns to the Lookout and acknowledges that, despite his wicked nature, Vegeta kept his word and spared Earth further turmoil. 32

Appearance

The Guardian is physically identical to Demon King Piccolo, reflecting their origin as a single being before their separation. 23

• His appearance becomes blurred and colorless when Piccolo is believed dead, then returns to normal once Piccolo's essence survives within his son. 27
• Vegeta repeatedly refers to him as an old man. 25 27

Personality

The Guardian is patient and composed, even when confronted by Vegeta's hostility. He attempts to guide Vegeta toward controlling his power rather than immediately opposing him. 6

His primary concern is Earth's safety. He is willing to sacrifice himself to stop Shenron from granting Vegeta's wish, and later abandons the continued creation of Dragon Balls after witnessing the destruction they cause. 6 30

Though cautious of Vegeta, he can reassess him fairly. After Vegeta leaves Earth without betraying his promise, the Guardian recognizes his unexpected honor. 32

Abilities & Skills

Ki Sensing and Suppression

The Guardian can sense the nature and scale of others' energy, though Vegeta's strength greatly exceeds his own.

• Detects both righteous and evil energy within Vegeta. 6
• Communicates with Piccolo about his danger and inability to suppress his ki. 25
• Suppresses his own energy alongside Vegeta to evade Ginyu's forces. 27

Energy Internalization Instruction

The Guardian possesses a method for teaching others to internalize their energy.

• Offers to teach Vegeta to internalize and hide his immense energy. 6
• States that the technique cannot be adequately explained in only a few sentences and requires instruction. 6

Dragon Ball Creation

As Earth's Guardian, he is responsible for the Dragon Balls and Shenron.

• His death would cause Shenron to vanish. 6
• Knows the locations of the Dragon Balls. 23
• Refuses to create further Dragon Balls after deciding they have fostered greed and slaughter. 30

Reunification with Demon King Piccolo

The Guardian can merge with Demon King Piccolo, restoring the vitality lost when they separated.

• Proposes fusion as a means to fight Ginyu's invading forces. 23
• Explains that their reunion would restore lost vitality and substantially increase their strength. 23
• The proposed fusion is never completed. 23 26

Relationships

• Vegeta — Initially regards him as a dangerous “little monster” and seeks to prevent his wish; later spares him, works with him against Ginyu's forces, and acknowledges that Vegeta kept his promise to Earth. 6 13 25 32
• Demon King Piccolo — His separated counterpart; the two were originally one being, and the Guardian proposes reunification to restore their lost strength. 23
• Piccolo's son — The vessel containing Demon King Piccolo's transferred essence, whose survival prevents the Guardian from dying. 27
• Mr. Popo — His attendant at the Lookout; the Guardian orders him to kill the Guardian should Vegeta summon Shenron. 6
• Karin — Assists the Guardian in transporting the injured Vegeta to Capsule Corporation. 13
• Shenron — Bound to the Guardian's life; the Guardian's death would make Shenron vanish. 6

Notable Quotes

“Popo, once this little monster gathers all seven Dragon Balls and summons Shenron, you must kill me immediately. As long as I am dead, Shenron will vanish, and his wish will come to nothing!” 6

“From the moment the Dragon Balls were created, I hoped someone would use them to fulfill noble wishes. Instead, they have only brought slaughter and greed.” 30