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Beginning
Born in Age 732 and named after his homeworld, Vegeta is the son of King Vegeta, ruler of the Saiyan race. Despite his royal lineage, Vegeta’s fate was entangled with Frieza, the tyrant who dominated Planet Vegeta and its people. Frieza forced King Vegeta to hand over his son through unrevealed circumstances, using the threat of death to maintain control. As a child under Frieza’s rule, Vegeta witnessed the God of Destruction, Beerus, physically dominating his father. In *Battle of Gods*, Vegeta watches helplessly, while *Dragon Ball Super* depicts him attempting to help—only to be paralyzed by Beerus' power.
Jaco the Galactic Patrolman
While on a mission with Raditz, Nappa, and two other Saiyans, Vegeta receives a recall order to return to Planet Vegeta. Disregarding the command, Vegeta plans to lie to Frieza, claiming he never heard it. One month later, Frieza destroys Planet Vegeta, exterminating most of the Saiyan race. When Nappa informs Vegeta of the planet’s fate, Vegeta shows no concern for his homeworld or his brother's whereabouts. In an anime-only flashback during the Frieza Saga, however, Vegeta is instead depicted as being aboard Frieza's ship at the time of the planet's destruction.
Between Jaco and Dragon Ball Z
Following the annihilation of Planet Vegeta, Vegeta, Raditz, and Nappa remained in Frieza's service as elite soldiers. Though a subordinate, Vegeta chafed at taking orders from Zarbon, Frieza’s right-hand man, who often mocked and demeaned him. Despite his circumstances, Vegeta continuously referred to himself as the "Prince of all Saiyans", never calling himself "King", possibly out of respect for his father or due to the fact he was never formally crowned. Though he contemplated assassinating Frieza on multiple occasions, a firsthand display of Frieza’s overwhelming power—destroying an entire planet and its rebels with a single blast—convinced Vegeta to bide his time.
During a mission to annihilate the planet Shikk with Nappa and Raditz, Vegeta prevented Nappa from foolishly attacking Frieza and his elites, recognizing that they were no match. He remained composed despite Zarbon’s taunts, although his anger was barely concealed. Nappa later told him about rumors implicating Frieza in the destruction of the Saiyan race. Rather than being shocked, Vegeta dismissed the Saiyans as weak and resolved to grow strong enough to avoid a similar fate, leaving Nappa and Raditz stunned.
In one incident during his service under Frieza, Vegeta clashed with Ginyu Force member Guldo. Guldo belittled Vegeta for being a Saiyan and insisted he obey his superiors. Vegeta fired back, reminding Guldo that they both took orders from Frieza, and mocked Guldo’s appearance. Just as Guldo prepared to retaliate, Frieza appeared and blasted him away. Without comment, Frieza ordered Vegeta to accompany him to conquer another world.
Saiyan Saga
Vegeta first learns about Earth after intercepting Raditz's dying transmission regarding the Dragon Balls—magical artifacts capable of granting any wish. Intrigued by the possibility of immortality (implied in later arcs to be part of a plan to one day defeat Frieza), Vegeta and his partner Nappa travel to Earth. The Z Fighters, warned of their arrival within a year, begin rigorous training to prepare for the confrontation.
Upon arrival, Nappa and Vegeta unleash devastation. They are met by Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan, soon joined by Tien, Chiaotzu, and Yamcha. During the initial conflict, a Saibaman self-destructs and kills Yamcha. In retaliation, Krillin and Piccolo destroy the rest of the Saibamen, catching the Saiyans’ attention.
Nappa takes the lead in combat, while Vegeta remains a passive observer, mocking both Nappa and the Earth warriors alike. Despite occasional setbacks, Nappa overwhelms the Z Fighters. Chiaotzu sacrifices himself in vain, followed by Tien exhausting all his energy to avenge his friend—also in vain. Vegeta orders Nappa to stand down for three hours, giving Goku time to arrive. During filler content, Vegeta permits Nappa to obliterate Earth’s military as long as he doesn’t waste energy. Vegeta’s disdain for Nappa is apparent, though he does warn him of Krillin’s Destructo Disc at one point.
As the battle progresses, Nappa attempts to kill Gohan, but Piccolo sacrifices himself to save the boy. Goku arrives just in time, confronting Nappa after reading his immense power level. Though Nappa initially matches Goku, the tide turns once Goku uses the Kaio-ken technique. Vegeta calls Nappa back, but Nappa turns to kill Gohan and Krillin instead. Goku uses Kaio-ken again to stop and paralyze Nappa. When Nappa pleads for help, Vegeta feigns assistance—then kills him for failing to defeat a “low-class” Saiyan.
Goku heals Krillin and Gohan with Senzu Beans, then challenges Vegeta to a one-on-one fight. They relocate to Gizard Wasteland. Vegeta offers Goku a place at his side, which Goku firmly refuses. As their ideologies clash, Vegeta asserts his elite status, while Goku believes determination can overcome birthright. The battle begins, with Vegeta initially overpowering Goku. To keep up, Goku raises the Kaio-ken multiplier despite King Kai's warnings, achieving parity.
Frustrated, Vegeta attempts to destroy Earth using his Galick Gun. Goku counters with a Kamehameha, and after a lengthy struggle, Kaio-ken x4 gives Goku the edge, sending Vegeta flying. Surviving the blast, Vegeta transforms into a Great Ape using a Power Ball, as the moon had previously been destroyed.
In this form, Vegeta gains the upper hand. Goku prepares a Spirit Bomb, but is interrupted by a devastating attack from Vegeta. He begins crushing Goku, torturing him slowly. Meanwhile, Krillin and Gohan return, attempting to cut off Vegeta’s tail. Yajirobe succeeds where they fail, reverting Vegeta to normal. Enraged, Vegeta fights Gohan, quickly overpowering him. Goku transfers the remaining Spirit Bomb energy to Krillin, who throws it—but misses. Gohan deflects the energy back at Vegeta, injuring him severely.
Despite being gravely wounded, Vegeta unleashes one last blast and notices Gohan’s regrown tail. Gohan transforms into a Great Ape and overpowers the weakened Vegeta. Though Vegeta manages to sever Gohan’s tail, the young Saiyan falls on him mid-transformation, crushing the prince.
Vegeta crawls to his space pod, defeated. Krillin nearly kills him with Yajirobe’s sword, but Goku telepathically begs him to spare Vegeta, hoping he might change like Piccolo did. Krillin relents, and Vegeta escapes, vowing revenge. As he departs, Vegeta struggles to comprehend how a “low-class” warrior like Goku stood against him—refusing to acknowledge the collective effort of Goku’s allies.
Frieza Saga
After recovering from his injuries, Vegeta learns from Cui that Frieza is already on Namek, accompanied by Zarbon and Dodoria. Frieza had been monitoring the scouters used by Vegeta and Nappa, discovering the existence of the Dragon Balls through their transmissions. Wasting no time, Vegeta heads to Planet Namek with the goal of using the Dragon Balls to make a wish of his own.
Upon arrival, Vegeta briefly encounters Krillin and Gohan, who are also searching for the Namekian Dragon Balls. Though he attempts to pursue and intimidate them, he soon shifts focus to a greater threat—Frieza, his former master, who is also after the Dragon Balls. Not long after, Cui confronts Vegeta under Frieza’s orders to eliminate him. Confident in his superiority, Cui quickly realizes too late that Vegeta has grown far stronger after his battles on Earth. With enhanced speed and power, Vegeta effortlessly defeats and kills Cui.
Later, Vegeta ambushes Dodoria and learns the truth about Planet Vegeta’s destruction—Frieza was responsible for wiping out the Saiyan homeworld, not a meteor as previously claimed. Dodoria begs for his life and proposes an alliance, but Vegeta rejects the offer and kills him without hesitation.
Continuing his hunt, Vegeta attacks a Namekian village, eliminating its inhabitants and seizing one of the Dragon Balls. Knowing Frieza already has five, Vegeta hides his newly acquired Dragon Ball, intending to steal the others when the time is right.
Soon after, Vegeta is confronted by Zarbon, one of Frieza’s top henchmen. Although Vegeta initially gains the upper hand, Zarbon transforms into his monstrous form and completely overwhelms the Saiyan prince. After severely beating him, Zarbon leaves Vegeta unconscious in a crater that begins to fill with water, assuming him dead. He reports his apparent victory to Frieza, but Frieza, suspecting Vegeta knows the location of one of the Dragon Balls, demands that Zarbon retrieve him for interrogation.
Vegeta is brought back to Frieza’s ship and healed in a medical chamber. Seizing the chance to escape, he tricks Zarbon and Frieza by blasting a hole in the wall and hiding within the ship. With Frieza distracted, Vegeta steals the five collected Dragon Balls and hides them in a nearby lake.
While searching for the sixth Dragon Ball, Vegeta sees Krillin flying with it and follows him back to Bulma’s hiding spot. He demands the Dragon Ball, threatening violence if they don’t comply but promising to spare them if they cooperate.
Furious at the theft, Frieza orders Zarbon to retrieve Vegeta within an hour. Zarbon eventually finds Vegeta, Krillin, and Bulma, and a fierce battle ensues. Now much stronger after his recovery, Vegeta easily overpowers Zarbon—even in his transformed state. With little effort, Vegeta punches a hole through Zarbon’s abdomen and blasts him into the sea, ending his life once and for all.
Realizing he can't win, Krillin reluctantly gives up the Dragon Ball to Vegeta. In a rare show of mercy, Vegeta spares both Krillin and Bulma. Now possessing six of the seven Namekian Dragon Balls, Vegeta needs just one more to achieve his goal of immortality. On his way back to retrieve the Dragon Ball he had hidden earlier, he runs into Gohan and punches him in the stomach for amusement before continuing. However, when he returns to the hiding spot, he finds the Dragon Ball gone. Realizing Gohan had tricked him, Vegeta is furious. He rushes back to Bulma’s hideout only to find it abandoned and swears revenge for the humiliation.
Meanwhile, Frieza, alarmed by Vegeta’s theft of the Dragon Balls, summons the Ginyu Force—his most elite squad. The team consists of Captain Ginyu, Recoome, Burter, Jeice, and Guldo. Despite their odd personalities and choreographed poses, they are among the strongest fighters in the universe. Frieza orders them to retrieve the Dragon Balls, capture Vegeta alive, and eliminate anyone else who gets in their way.
Sensing the Ginyu Force’s arrival, Vegeta proposes a temporary alliance with Gohan and Krillin. With Vegeta holding six Dragon Balls and Gohan and Krillin holding the seventh, the three rush to summon the Dragon before the Ginyu Force arrives. However, Krillin hesitates, uneasy about granting immortality to Vegeta despite his promise not to harm them.
Before they can act, the Ginyu Force lands. Vegeta tries to hide one of the Dragon Balls by throwing it into the sea, but Burter catches it effortlessly. Vegeta then urges Krillin to destroy his Dragon Ball to prevent Frieza’s wish, but Guldo freezes time and steals it. Captain Ginyu collects all seven and flies off to deliver them to Frieza, leaving the remaining members of the Ginyu Force to eliminate the trio.
The battle begins with Guldo facing off against Gohan and Krillin. Though he struggles to keep up with their speed and energy attacks, he eventually uses his psychic ability to paralyze them. As he prepares to impale them with a sharpened tree branch, Vegeta intervenes and decapitates Guldo. After Guldo’s head insults him, Vegeta obliterates it, though he now dreads the upcoming fight with Recoome.
Recoome steps forward to challenge Vegeta. Though Vegeta unleashes a powerful assault, including his Final Crash attack, Recoome emerges unscathed. He quickly overwhelms Vegeta. Krillin tries to help but is easily taken down, and even Gohan, despite his power boost from Guru, is no match.
Just as things seem hopeless, Goku arrives on Namek and rushes to the battlefield. He heals his friends and Vegeta with Senzu Beans, despite Krillin’s protests. Goku’s gesture is both repayment for Vegeta’s earlier help against Guldo and a chance to settle the score honorably.
Goku then takes on Recoome, Burter, and Jeice. He knocks out Recoome with a single blow, defeats Burter effortlessly, and lets Jeice escape. Disgusted by Goku’s mercy, Vegeta kills the unconscious Burter and Recoome.
As the dust settles, the group fears Frieza has already used the Dragon Balls. Krillin notes that the sky hasn’t turned dark, indicating the Dragon hasn’t been summoned. Goku reveals that the Namekian Dragon Balls require a password spoken in the Namekian language.
Meanwhile, Jeice returns to Frieza’s ship and reports to Captain Ginyu. Annoyed but ready for battle, Ginyu flies off with Jeice to confront Goku.
Goku instructs Gohan and Krillin to retrieve the Dragon Radar and locate the Dragon Balls. Just as they depart, Captain Ginyu and Jeice arrive. Goku requests Vegeta’s help against the remaining Ginyu Force members. Vegeta agrees but quickly flies off laughing, leaving Goku to face Jeice and Captain Ginyu alone. During the fight, Captain Ginyu realizes Goku is holding back and demands he show his full power. Using his scouter, Captain Ginyu is shocked to see Goku’s power level reach 180,000 with only the normal Kaio-ken. Concluding he cannot defeat Goku, Captain Ginyu uses his special Body Change ability to swap bodies with Goku, fatally injuring his own body in the process, which causes Goku pain in Captain Ginyu’s body. Confident in his plan, Captain Ginyu escapes in Goku’s body with Jeice following.
Now in Goku’s body, Captain Ginyu wields great power and begins deceiving Vegeta, Krillin, and Gohan. Vegeta quickly senses that "Goku" is not himself. Although initially fooled, Krillin and Gohan realize the truth when they see "Goku" wearing a scouter and associating with Jeice. The two then team up to stop Captain Ginyu in Goku’s body. Meanwhile, Vegeta confronts Jeice alone, swiftly killing him before turning his attention to Captain Ginyu.
The real Goku, trapped in Captain Ginyu’s injured body, allies with Vegeta to stop the impostor. Captain Ginyu, having adapted to using Goku’s body, gains the upper hand against Krillin and Gohan. However, Vegeta overpowers him and nearly finishes him. Captain Ginyu fires another change beam, but Goku intercepts it, restoring both to their original bodies. In his weakened form, Captain Ginyu is no match for Goku and Vegeta and is soon overwhelmed. Attempting a final body swap with Vegeta, Captain Ginyu’s beam is intercepted by Goku, who throws a frog into the attack, swapping Ginyu’s body with the frog’s. Vegeta scoffs at the defeated Captain Ginyu and decides to spare Goku, valuing his help against Frieza. Vegeta, Krillin, and Gohan take Goku to a recovery chamber for healing.
After multiple failures to kill Vegeta—including attempts by Cui, Dodoria, Appule, Zarbon, Guldo, Recoome, Burter, Jeice, and Captain Ginyu—Frieza decides to act personally. Furious at the loss of his elite force, Frieza rushes to his ship to retrieve his Dragon Balls. Vegeta watches over the healing Goku and spares him for now, needing his aid against Frieza. Exhausted, Vegeta falls asleep, while Krillin and Gohan secretly gather all seven Namekian Dragon Balls and begin making wishes. Their first wish is to resurrect Piccolo, the second to transport him back to Namek. Their third wish is interrupted by an enraged Vegeta waking and spotting the Namekian Dragon. Frieza notices this too and rapidly approaches.
Vegeta urges Dende, the summoner of Porunga, the Namekian Dragon, to grant him immortality to stop Frieza. The wish nearly succeeds but is cut short by Guru’s death, the eldest Namek, causing Vegeta to rage but then pause when Frieza appears, slightly intimidating him. Frieza showcases his immense power, which Vegeta barely matches.
Vegeta commands Frieza to transform, revealing that Zarbon had already informed him of Frieza’s transformation ability. Provoked by Vegeta, Frieza transforms after recounting the fate of Vegeta’s father in a flashback. In this form, Frieza overwhelms Vegeta, Krillin, Dende, and Gohan. Frieza impales Krillin and defeats Gohan, then taunts Vegeta to protect the defenseless boy, but Vegeta refuses out of fear. Piccolo then confronts Frieza, whom Vegeta dismisses as a worthless Namekian who lost to Nappa, unaware that Piccolo has fused with Nail, gaining greater power.
During a filler sequence, while Piccolo battles Frieza’s second transformation, Vegeta attempts to flee but is spotted and kicked into a Namekian mountain. Piccolo appears to hold his own against Frieza’s second form, prompting Frieza to transform again into his final, most fearsome state. Even in this form, Frieza’s power surpasses all, including the fused Piccolo, who is saved by Gohan.
When Frieza deflects Gohan's Wild Rush Blaster, Vegeta realizes Frieza might be too powerful even for himself or Goku. He devises a plan to become a Super Saiyan by having Krillin seriously wound him, leaving him on the brink of death, then having Dende heal him—taking advantage of the Saiyan ability to grow stronger after recovering from near-fatal injuries. However, the plan fails as Frieza transforms again, provoked by Gohan’s power nearly halting his third form.
After Frieza kills Dende, Vegeta watches as Gohan, Krillin, and Piccolo battle Frieza without success. He intervenes to save Gohan when Frieza fires another Bang Beam at him. Vegeta then declares himself a Super Saiyan and attacks Frieza with a furious barrage of punches, which Frieza easily dodges due to his superior speed and strength. Frustrated, Vegeta fires his Final Burst Cannon using all his power, but Frieza deflects it effortlessly. Vegeta loses all hope and, for the first time, cries.
Frieza launches a brutal assault, nearly killing Vegeta until the revived Goku arrives and distracts him. Observing Goku’s increased strength and clever tactics, Vegeta laughs and taunts Frieza, declaring Goku as the Super Saiyan destined to defeat him. In response, Frieza fires a Death Beam through Vegeta’s heart, ending the Saiyan prince’s life.
As Vegeta dies, he painfully advises Goku to harden his heart against Frieza to achieve the Super Saiyan transformation. Goku replies he could never stoop to becoming as heartless as Vegeta or Frieza. Vegeta then pours out his heart, sharing his past and the plight of the Saiyan race with Goku, tears streaming down his face. He shows signs of reform, abandoning his desire for immortality and conquest, instead becoming obsessed with growing stronger. Vegeta urges Goku to avenge the Saiyan race by defeating Frieza.
Honoring Vegeta, Goku prepares a grave, recognizing that while Vegeta cared deeply about their race, his greater sorrow was that Frieza had manipulated him all his life, shattering his pride. Goku vows to seek revenge for Vegeta and buries him as a sign of gratitude for saving Gohan and aiding Piccolo’s revival.
Vegeta is later resurrected by a wish using Earth’s Dragon Balls to bring back everyone killed on Namek by Frieza and his forces. He returns to Earth, discovering Goku has become the legendary Super Saiyan, a warrior foretold to appear every millennium (three millennia in the English dub, a detail exclusive to the anime). Vegeta attempts to attack a confused Frieza—who questions if Vegeta is a ghost—but is transported to Earth by Porunga before completing the attack. Meanwhile, Goku defeats Frieza but appears to perish in Namek’s explosion.
In the anime only, Vegeta hides his remorse for Goku behind boastful remarks until Gohan challenges him to a fight. Vegeta overpowers Gohan but is stopped from seriously harming him by Piccolo, then flies away. Seeking to learn how to become a Super Saiyan, Vegeta plans to wish Goku to the Other World’s Check-In Station and then wish him back to Earth instead of the destroyed Namek. When the wish is made, Goku reveals he survived and refuses the wish, promising to return on his own.
Frieza-Androids Interlude
One year and eight months after the events on Planet Namek, Vegeta had spent that time training and had become significantly stronger, yet he still had not achieved the Super Saiyan transformation. Having abandoned his search, he returned to Capsule Corporation, where Bulma forced him to take a shower and provided him with a pink shirt as alternate clothing. Although Vegeta acted hostile toward Bulma and the others due to lingering mistrust, he found himself oddly submissive to Bulma’s commands, surprising everyone.
While living at Capsule Corporation, Vegeta sensed the arrival of Frieza and his father King Cold, both having survived Namek’s explosion and heading toward Earth. Suddenly, a young man named Trunks appeared, transformed into a Super Saiyan, and swiftly destroyed both Frieza and King Cold. Afterward, Trunks informed them that Goku would soon arrive. The Z Fighters—Vegeta, Piccolo, Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, Gohan, and Krillin—along with Bulma and Puar, waited for two hours for Goku’s arrival.
Vegeta was curious and jealous of the young warrior’s ability to become a Super Saiyan, viewing him as a rival to his goal of becoming the strongest fighter in the universe. He also denied the possibility that Future Trunks was a Saiyan. While waiting, Future Trunks kept staring at Vegeta, prompting Vegeta to demand why. Eventually, Goku arrived and explained that during his time on Planet Yardrat, he learned Instant Transmission from the natives.
Future Trunks privately spoke with Goku (though Piccolo overheard thanks to his sharp hearing), briefly testing Goku’s power. He revealed that Vegeta was his father, Bulma his mother, and that he was a Super Saiyan from 20 years in the future. The reason Future Trunks stared at Vegeta was that this was the first time he met his father, as Future Vegeta had been killed by Androids while Future Trunks was still an infant. Goku did not share this with the others but mentioned Future Trunks was a Saiyan, which angered and made Vegeta jealous. Vegeta rejected the claim, insisting there was no way the boy could have Saiyan blood since only he and Goku remained full-blooded Saiyans, with Gohan being a half-Saiyan.
Future Trunks then gave Goku an antidote for a heart virus that Goku was destined to develop years later. He also warned that in three years, two Androids created by former Red Ribbon Army scientist Dr. Gero would appear, kill the Z Fighters, and terrorize Earth.
In the following three years, the Z Fighters trained intensely, with Vegeta training hardest to become a Super Saiyan. Witnessing both Goku and another stranger—who he did not recognize as Saiyan—achieving the transformation fueled Vegeta’s determination. This intense training led to a severe injury that required hospitalization and brought Bulma and Vegeta closer, causing jealousy in Yamcha.
Two years later, Vegeta and Bulma developed an intimate relationship, resulting in the birth of their son, Trunks. Vegeta, however, showed little interest in his son, prioritizing surpassing Goku and struggling with fatherhood. He continued intense training, pushing himself at 450 times Earth's gravity, yet still could not reach Super Saiyan.
In the anime only, Vegeta took the Gravity Machine ship to a remote planet to train without distractions. During training, a meteor shower struck, and Vegeta struggled to defend the ship due to exhaustion. When a giant meteor threatened to destroy them both, Vegeta, driven by desperation and hopelessness, finally transformed into a Super Saiyan, effortlessly destroying the meteor. In the manga, Vegeta claimed he achieved the transformation because, like Goku, he had purity of heart—albeit one of pure evil.
Androids Saga
Not long after, the prophesied Android 19 and Android 20 appear, causing destruction a year later, when Vegeta is 35 years old. During Goku’s fight with Android 19, when Goku is struck by heart disease, Vegeta suddenly appears and kicks the Android in the face, saving Goku. He demands they give Goku his medicine, which Yamcha then delivers to Goku’s home for treatment. Vegeta surprises everyone by transforming into a Super Saiyan and effortlessly overpowering Android 19. After tearing off the Android's hands, he finishes it with a Big Bang Attack.
Vegeta proves much stronger than both Androids, prompting Android 20 to flee. Future Trunks soon arrives, informing everyone that Android 19 and 20 are not the androids from his future timeline. After Vegeta recovers with a Senzu Bean, Piccolo calling Future Trunks by name makes Vegeta realize who he truly is. Though initially shocked, Vegeta accepts this as the explanation for Trunks’ Super Saiyan ability and seems proud, thinking, "But then again, he is my son."
Android 20 attempts to kill Bulma, baby Trunks, and Yajirobe—who had been watching the battle—but Future Trunks saves them, questioning why Vegeta didn’t intervene to protect his family. Vegeta dismisses them and continues pursuing Android 20, who is revealed to be Dr. Gero in a cyborg body with his brain intact. The team then discovers Androids 17 and 18, activated by Android 20 in a last-ditch effort to save himself. These two are far more powerful than Dr. Gero or Android 19. Android 17 kills Dr. Gero by decapitating and crushing his head, showing no loyalty to his creator. Android 18 activates Android 16.
The three new Androids leave Dr. Gero’s secret lab, followed by the Z Fighters. Vegeta challenges them to battle and fights Android 18, initially holding his own and surprising them with his new strength. However, he is eventually defeated because Android 18 has unlimited energy while Vegeta must expend all his power. Piccolo, Tien, and Future Trunks intervene but are also overwhelmed. The Androids then head off to find Goku, their primary target.
Krillin, the only Z Fighter not involved in the battle, uses Senzu Beans to revive his fallen comrades. Vegeta spends three days on a cliff, brooding over his defeat. His anger ignites, allowing him to transform into a Super Saiyan again. He resolves that there must be a level beyond Super Saiyan, vowing to reach it.
Cell Saga
Vegeta later senses Piccolo's power and is shocked when Trunks reveals Piccolo has fused with Kami. Piccolo informs Vegeta and the others about Dr. Gero's creation, Cell. Vegeta is stunned to learn that Cell contains cells from himself, Goku, and others. Outraged that the androids mock his strength, Vegeta resolves to surpass the Super Saiyan level and sets off to find a way. Trunks approaches him, and Vegeta spends three days contemplating his next move.
When Goku recovers, he tells Vegeta about the Hyperbolic Time Chamber at The Lookout. Vegeta theorizes that training there for nearly a year (one day outside) could rapidly increase their power. Vegeta and Future Trunks enter the chamber and train, with Vegeta reaching greater power, including the Super Saiyan Third Grade form. However, he discovers its weaknesses and chooses not to use it.
After Imperfect Cell absorbs Android 17 and becomes stronger than Piccolo, Vegeta and Future Trunks emerge from the chamber to confront Semi-Perfect Cell. Powering up to Super Saiyan Second Grade, Vegeta dominates Semi-Perfect Cell and even forces him to beg to absorb Android 18 to become perfect. Though initially refusing, Vegeta, eager to showcase his power, allows it, even fighting Future Trunks to stop him from interfering. Trunks defies Vegeta by attacking him and drawing blood, which makes Vegeta proud of his son's willpower but enraged by the wound.
After being thrown into the ocean, Vegeta quickly returns to the battle as Cell achieves his Perfect form. Now weaker than Cell, Vegeta grows angry that Cell isn't taking the fight seriously. He unleashes his Final Flash, a powerful attack that injures Cell but fails to defeat him. Cell regenerates thanks to Piccolo’s cells and severely beats Vegeta. Future Trunks fights next but is defeated after realizing the Super Saiyan Third Grade form is too slow for Cell. Instead of killing the fighters, Cell proposes a tournament to entertain himself before destroying Earth, announcing it will begin in ten days.
During this time, Goku and Gohan train in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber to help Gohan master the Super Saiyan form and unlock his hidden power. When they emerge, Vegeta is surprised they exit early, having achieved the Full-Powered Super Saiyan state and remain composed. Vegeta decides to reenter the chamber alone to focus on controlling the original Super Saiyan form rather than increasing power. He emerges disappointed with his progress.
Nine days later, all the Z Fighters gather for the tournament. Mr. Satan and his trainees attack Cell but are easily defeated. Goku fights Cell, matching him blow for blow but knows he can’t win. After a powerful Kamehameha drains his energy, Goku yields, confident in Gohan’s potential. He sends his reluctant son to fight Cell, but Gohan lacks confidence and does not use his full strength.
Cell creates seven miniature versions of himself to attack the fighters. Vegeta holds his own but is eventually overwhelmed. The mini-Cell threat continues until Android 16 is killed. Gohan’s latent power erupts in rage, transforming him into Super Saiyan 2, a level beyond all known Super Saiyan forms. Vegeta is shocked as Gohan dominates Cell, who is forced to expel Android 18 and revert to Semi-Perfect form. Cell begins self-destructing as a last resort.
Goku sacrifices himself by teleporting Cell to King Kai’s planet, dying in the resulting explosion. Cell survives, returns in his perfect form even stronger due to Saiyan genetics, and kills Future Trunks with a Full Power Death Beam. Distraught and guilty for rejecting his son’s help, Vegeta attacks Cell in a rage, but Cell emerges unharmed and nearly kills him. Gohan intervenes, shielding Vegeta but losing the use of his left arm.
This moment marks a turning point for Vegeta. Seeing his pride and anger cost them victory, he apologizes to Gohan for his actions for the first time in his life.
During the anime’s Kamehameha struggle, Vegeta doubts the other Z Fighters’ efforts to help distract Cell, but after seeing their determination, he begins to hope. In the manga, during the intense beam battle, Vegeta distracts Super Perfect Cell with a Galick Blazer, allowing Gohan’s Kamehameha to overpower Cell’s attack. Recognizing Goku and Gohan’s superiority in strength and character, Vegeta admits defeat, saying, “Kakarot, you died without fear. What does that make of me?”
With the battle over, Vegeta begins accepting his evolving morality, caring for others like Piccolo before him. He settles on Earth, grows fond of it, marries Bulma, and becomes a devoted husband and father. With Goku gone and feeling guilt over Cell’s devastation, Vegeta vows never to fight again, choosing instead to focus on being a better family man.
Great Saiyaman Saga
Seven years after the Cell Games, Vegeta continues intense training at Bulma’s house despite lacking a worthy opponent and having abandoned his role as a fighter. He approaches Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 level, as Gohan has focused more on his studies than training. With Goku gone, Vegeta’s goal shifts from surpassing Goku to making his son Trunks stronger than both Gohan and Goku’s second son, Goten. Vegeta believes Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 power was largely due to Goku’s influence.
Vegeta is first seen emerging from a gravity training room alongside Trunks, when Gohan arrives to hang out with Trunks. Though Gohan greets Vegeta kindly, Vegeta responds with a cold look and criticizes Gohan for becoming complacent, saying that “living in times of peace is no excuse to be lazy.”
At Capsule Corporation, Gohan tells Bulma he is being blackmailed into entering the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament by Videl, who uncovered his Great Saiyaman identity. Bulma fashions a turban and sunglasses for Gohan to wear in place of a helmet (which is disallowed in the tournament), but the costume remains awkward. Bulma remarks that Gohan will face no real challenge in the tournament.
Vegeta then arrives, announcing he will also compete to test if Gohan has surpassed him or if his continued training still puts him ahead. Meanwhile, Goku, listening from the Other World, contacts them through King Kai, revealing he will join the tournament as well, using his one-day pass to the living world.
Vegeta eagerly welcomes the rematch, boasting that he will defeat Goku and his sons. As excitement builds for the tournament, Gohan flies off to inform the others about the event and Goku’s return.
World Tournament Saga
During tournament training, Vegeta is a harsh but concerned teacher to Trunks, criticizing his struggles with intense gravity while also urging him to rest. He is proud and shocked when Trunks effortlessly transforms into a Super Saiyan and adapts quickly, reducing the legendary transformation to "child's play." Vegeta challenges Trunks to hit him in the face, promising a trip to the amusement park if successful. Trunks lands a hit but is knocked down; impressed, Vegeta honors his promise. However, Vegeta grows irritated learning that Goten is also a Super Saiyan—triggered by Chi-Chi—and only slightly weaker than Trunks. He vows to widen the power gap between his son and Goten.
At the tournament, Vegeta arrives with his family and joins the Z Fighters to greet Goku’s return. While others lightly tap the punch reader machine, Vegeta smashes it outright, embarrassing them. Eager to prove his strength, Vegeta’s first match is against Goku. Goku meets his son Goten as the tournament begins. After Trunks wins the Junior Division final against Goten, Vegeta beams with pride.
Soon, Shin and Kibito appear, warning Goku that Babidi plans to unleash the monster Majin Buu, who needs energy from fighters to be freed. Goku prepares to depart with Shin, but Vegeta, enraged at Goku for seemingly dodging their scheduled match, joins him along with Gohan, Videl, Piccolo, and Krillin. They follow Shin to Babidi’s spaceship.
Inside, they fight Babidi’s minions on successive levels. Vegeta is first after winning rock-paper-scissors, defeating Pui Pui easily without transforming. Babidi transports Pui Pui and others to his home planet Zoon, with gravity 10 times Earth’s—no challenge for Vegeta, who trained under 500x gravity and grew up on Planet Vegeta with similar gravity. Vegeta swiftly kills Pui Pui with a point-blank energy blast, disintegrating him.
Goku fights next against Yakon, who initially troubles him with dark vision, but Goku wins by overloading Yakon’s energy absorption. Vegeta briefly glimpses Goku’s Super Saiyan 2 power during the fight, realizing that despite seven years of training, a gap still exists between them.
Gohan battles Dabura while Vegeta and Goku argue about the best way to handle Babidi and Majin Buu. Dabura senses Vegeta’s rising anger and retreats, mentioning a stronger fighter. Confused, Shin notes Dabura is Babidi’s strongest. Suddenly, Vegeta screams as an invisible force attacks him. Shin reveals Babidi is attempting to control Vegeta’s mind. Despite encouragement to resist, Vegeta succumbs and is transformed into Majin Vegeta, a more powerful but controlled version of himself.
Babidi commands Majin Vegeta to destroy Goku, Gohan, and Shin, but Vegeta refuses to fight anyone but Goku. Surprised by Vegeta’s resistance, Babidi transports the others back to the World Martial Arts Tournament. Majin Vegeta then destroys part of the spectator stands, killing dozens and nearly his wife, to provoke Goku into fighting. After taunting, Goku agrees.
Shin tries to intervene but backs down when threatened by Goku, surprising Vegeta. Goku and Majin Vegeta are teleported to a secluded mountain for their battle.
Majin Vegeta reveals he allowed Babidi to take control so his evil side could resurface and he could fight Goku as he once was—cold, ruthless, and unburdened by emotion. He admits to enjoying family life but feels ashamed and weak because of it, desiring to reclaim his former self.
Both fighters power up to Super Saiyan 2, surpassing even Gohan’s power at the Cell Games. Their fierce fight sees each gaining the upper hand at times.
Throughout the battle, Vegeta tells Goku how he grew to enjoy family life but his Saiyan nature rebelled, making him feel weak and useless. He wanted to return to being ruthless. Goku tries to convince him he can remain competitive and still love his family, but Vegeta dismisses it.
Eventually, Goku calls a halt, sensing Majin Buu’s release due to their energy drain from Babidi. Majin Vegeta refuses to stop, even when warned Buu will kill his family. Goku berates him for lying, reminding him he still has a soul and conscience. Majin Vegeta agrees to postpone the fight.
As Goku turns to retrieve a Senzu Bean to share and stop Majin Buu, Majin Vegeta knocks him out, setting the stage for their ongoing conflict.
Majin Buu Saga
Majin Vegeta takes the Senzu Bean and chooses to fight Majin Buu alone, feeling responsible for the destruction during the World Martial Arts Tournament and the release of Buu. He wants to atone by battling Buu to the death and saving Earth. Believing Gohan is dead—since he cannot sense his ki—Vegeta feels genuine remorse and vows revenge. After destroying Babidi’s spaceship, Majin Vegeta fights Buu but cannot defeat him; even his strongest attacks only mildly injure the pink monster. Despite landing many blows, Buu appears nearly invincible and eventually traps Vegeta with his Potbelly Attack, mercilessly beating him down.
Trunks rescues Vegeta from one attack, prompting Vegeta to decide that the only way to destroy Buu is to sacrifice himself. For the first time since Trunks was a baby, Vegeta holds him close, expressing pride, then knocks out Trunks and Goten, leaving them in Piccolo’s care. Vegeta uses Final Explosion to try to kill Majin Buu with a massive spherical blast, narrating a heartfelt goodbye to his family and Goku. His body turns to stone and shatters, but the technique fails as Buu regenerates from the remains. Everyone mourns Vegeta’s sacrifice.
Later, King Yemma grants Vegeta another chance to fight Buu. Though still dead, Vegeta returns to Earth and meets Goku, who was revived thanks to Shin’s ancestor sacrificing himself. Goku explains that everyone has been killed or absorbed by Buu, who is now far stronger. Goku asks Vegeta to fuse using the Potara Earrings for a permanent union to defeat Buu. Vegeta initially refuses, angry at Goku’s new Super Saiyan 3 form and believing Goku held back in their previous fight. Furious, he rejects the fusion.
Confronted by Super Buu, Vegeta eventually agrees to fuse, despite the permanent nature of Potara fusion, to avenge their families and stop Buu. They become Vegito. However, Vegito cannot destroy Super Buu because their friends and family remain absorbed inside him. Vegito allows himself to be absorbed, placing a Saiyan Barrier to rescue the others. Inside Buu, the fusion unexpectedly separates, and Goku and Vegeta return to their own bodies. Annoyed by the fusion, Vegeta crushes the Potara earrings to powder.
Together, Goku and Vegeta fight through Super Buu’s body to his brain, finding Gohan, Goten, Trunks, Piccolo, and the original fat Majin Buu. Vegeta recalls, from afterlife knowledge, that Majin Buu had split into good and evil halves; the evil absorbed the good. Inside Buu’s brain, they face a “thought-form” of Super Buu, seemingly defeating him before he regenerates and overpowers them. Though weakened, Buu remains stronger than both fighters. (In the anime, Buu’s thoughts become reality inside his head.)
As Buu prepares to destroy Goku, Vegeta distracts him by threatening to tear the pod trapping fat Majin Buu. Frightened, Buu pleads for Vegeta to stop, fearing he will lose himself. Vegeta tears the pod with sadistic glee, causing Super Buu’s mental form to dissolve. Goku and Vegeta escape with their sons and Piccolo. Outside, Super Buu morphs back into his original Kid Buu form.
Afterward, Vegeta mocks Goku for worrying he had shrunk. Kid Buu begins destroying Earth with his Planet Burst. Goku and Vegeta try to rescue the trapped fighters, but Kid Buu’s attack is too fast. Suddenly, Kibito Kai uses Kai Kai to teleport them all to the Sacred World of the Kai. Vegeta blames Goku for the deaths of their sons and becomes further angry upon learning that while Vegeta was dead, Goku bribed Old Kai with nude pictures of Bulma (a kiss in the English dub), sarcastically suggesting Goku should have used his own wife instead.
Dende informs them that the Namekian Dragon Balls can revive everyone and Earth. Watching through a Crystal Ball, they see Kid Buu destroying planets searching for them. Goku and Vegeta decide to lure him to the sacred planet for a final battle.
Kid Buu appears and after a Rock-Paper-Scissors game to decide who fights first, Goku wins. In the anime, Goku fights Kid Buu in Super Saiyan 2 form but Kid Buu powers up. Goku then shifts to Super Saiyan 3 to match his strength. The battle is even at first, but Kid Buu gradually gains the advantage as Goku’s energy drains. Goku collapses trying a powerful Kamehameha.
Vegeta steps in and fights Kid Buu but is dominated, unable to match the monster’s power. Goku recovers and resumes fighting at full strength. Vegeta recalls their history, reflecting on their differing attitudes toward family, friendship, and strength. He finally accepts Goku as the best, recognizing that Goku fights for pure reasons, not selfish gain.
As Goku’s energy wanes, Vegeta distracts Kid Buu in Super Saiyan 2 form, even though he risks permanent death as he is still dead. He is viciously beaten but refuses to give up, shocking Kid Buu. Later, good Majin Buu takes Vegeta’s place after being expelled. Goku’s energy is depleted, and he reverts to base form.
Vegeta realizes Goku cannot defeat Kid Buu alone and devises a plan for Goku to gather energy from all Earth’s inhabitants to create a massive Spirit Bomb. Initially doubtful, Goku agrees. Vegeta coordinates with King Kai and the Nameks to restore Earth and revive everyone who died since Babidi’s arrival, excluding evil-hearted beings like Dabura and Babidi. Vegeta’s halo disappears, showing his heart’s purification.
Vegeta urges Earth’s people to contribute energy, but they ignore him until Mr. Satan convinces them. Goku completes the Super Spirit Bomb but cannot launch it as Kid Buu restrains Vegeta. Good Majin Buu distracts Kid Buu, allowing Mr. Satan to move Vegeta. Goku finally fires the Spirit Bomb.
When Kid Buu nearly overpowers the Spirit Bomb, a wish restores Goku’s full strength. Combining their strength and strategy, Goku and Vegeta defeat Kid Buu and save the universe.
Vegeta initially wants to destroy the good Majin Buu but is convinced by Goku to accept him as an ally. They return to Earth, where Vegeta reunites with family and friends and attends a Capsule Corp party.
Goku and Vegeta finally become friends after years of rivalry, though their competitive spirit remains.
God of Destruction Beerus Saga
Sometime after Majin Buu’s defeat, Vegeta takes an unusual break from training to go on a family vacation with Bulma and Trunks. Riding atop Bulma’s aircraft on the way to the resort, Vegeta appears disinterested while shopping with them. When Bulma asks why he agreed to come, Vegeta admits he’s only keeping a promise made to Trunks at the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. Bulma remarks on how much Vegeta has softened toward Trunks since the Buu saga, but Vegeta denies this. They continue their activities together. When Trunks carries many gifts, Bulma scolds Vegeta for not helping, but he claims he was hungry. At a meal, Vegeta pulls an octopus tentacle and gets sprayed with ink, angering him enough to leave immediately.
That night, at a festival, Vegeta is separated from the others and wants to leave, insisting he must train since Goku is still training despite having defeated Buu. A singer onstage calls him out to dance, and Vegeta, angered by the attention, blasts off from the resort. He returns to Capsule Corporation to train with the goal of surpassing Goku. Meanwhile, the others attend Bulma’s birthday party without him.
During intense gravity training at 150x gravity, Vegeta is interrupted by Capsule Corp’s secretary, summoned by Bulma to attend her party. Initially disinterested, Vegeta continues training but eventually decides to go. King Kai then alerts him that Beerus is coming to Earth. Vegeta is initially unconcerned until learning Goku lost to Beerus in two hits.
When Beerus arrives, he playfully provokes Vegeta, irritating him. Vegeta does not recognize Beerus at first but recalls being paralyzed by him long ago. Putting aside his pride, Vegeta tries to keep Beerus in a good mood. However, Majin Buu angers Beerus by refusing to share pudding with him and Whis.
Vegeta tries to avoid fighting Beerus, aware of his overwhelming power. Bulma urges him to intervene and get Beerus out of the party. Watching others battle Beerus, Vegeta is the last warrior left and fights him in Super Saiyan form. Vegeta is quickly paralyzed and slammed into the ground. Beerus compares Vegeta to his father, calling him a weakling. Just as Beerus is about to finish Vegeta, Bulma slaps Beerus for ruining her party. Beerus moves to retaliate, but Vegeta pleads for her safety. When Beerus hits Bulma, Vegeta erupts in rage.
Vegeta transforms into Super Saiyan 2 and charges at Beerus, landing multiple blows as their fight moves across the ocean. After Vegeta fires a Galick Gun, Beerus remarks he has not used even a tenth of his power in a long time. Beerus flicks Vegeta back onto the ship’s deck and decides to give Earthlings another chance via a game of rock-paper-scissors. Oolong is Beerus’ contestant but loses.
Powerless to stop Earth’s destruction, the Z Fighters wait until Goku arrives, asking for more time to summon Shenron and learn about Super Saiyan God.
After Shenron is summoned, it is revealed that six righteous Saiyans are needed for the Super Saiyan God ritual. Piccolo claims Vegeta isn’t righteous, but Master Roshi and Chi-Chi defend Vegeta, declaring him righteous for being a good family man. The transformation completes, and Vegeta watches the battle between Super Saiyan God Goku and Beerus from the ship while most others evacuate on Bulma’s aircraft. Annoyed by Piccolo and Whis bickering, Vegeta fires a ki blast at them.
When Goku falls toward Earth after colliding with Beerus, Vegeta catches him before impact. Beerus chooses not to destroy Earth and falls asleep. Whis then takes Beerus home.
Later, Goku tells Vegeta he can reach Super Saiyan God next time. Vegeta declares he will surpass both Goku and Super Saiyan God. Goku mocks Vegeta for shouting “My Bulmaaa” when Bulma was hit by Beerus, who watches from a distance.
Golden Frieza Saga
Vegeta trains in the wilderness for several days but grows frustrated when his power level doesn’t increase. Returning to Capsule Corporation, he finds Whis with Bulma and requests to be trained by the angel. Whis tells him he must become a God of Destruction first. In response, Vegeta promises to introduce Whis to the tastiest food on Earth. He first takes Whis to several restaurants, but Whis has already visited them thanks to Bulma. Trying to cook himself, Vegeta fails miserably. Realizing Bulma hid the world’s “most delicious food,” he introduces Whis to instant ramen. Whis finds it delicious and accepts Vegeta as his student, taking him to Beerus' Planet to train for six months.
After the training period, Vegeta waits for Whis to return from Earth — this time with Goku. Goku notes that Vegeta seems to have gotten stronger, perhaps even surpassing him. Together, they go to Beerus’ room to change his sheets and then continue doing chores. Later, they train under Whis. In one exercise, Vegeta wears weights twice as heavy as Goku’s due to his longer training. They must cross a path or fall into a dimension below. At night, while Goku sleeps, Vegeta continues training, pulling weights to push past his limits.
The next day, Vegeta and Goku try to land a hit on Whis but fail. Whis tells Vegeta he trails behind Goku because he overthinks and carries emotional baggage. He advises him to relax like Goku.
When Frieza is revived on Earth, Goku senses something unusual, but Vegeta tells him to ignore it and keep doing chores. Later, while sparring, Vegeta and Goku tap into a new transformation. When Beerus wakes up, they inform him of this and joke about Whis being clumsy.
As training continues, Whis halts their brawl, telling them they’re wasting energy. Beerus, impressed with their progress, suggests sending them to "that place" to grow stronger quickly. Inside the god-ki-filled chamber, they can’t move initially, until Vegeta realizes they’re leaking ki. They begin to adapt and head toward Whis’ staff.
While sparring again, they are suddenly released because Whis needs his staff to feed Beerus — but all the food is gone. Vegeta and Goku admit they ate it due to hunger. Beerus becomes furious and chases them into the woods. Goku argues they had no choice, and Vegeta curses Beerus, making himself a target. The Oracle Fish arrives with a message from Bulma: Vegeta and Goku are needed on Earth.
They need a way back. Whis offers, but time is limited. Goku attempts Instant Transmission but can’t lock onto anyone — until he senses Gohan’s ki after Piccolo’s death. Goku grabs Vegeta’s shoulder, and they teleport to Earth. Once there, Vegeta carries a weakened Gohan to Krillin and orders Trunks to obey Goku and help resurrect Piccolo, intimidating him into compliance. Vegeta then mocks and kills Ginyu (in Tagoma’s body) to prevent interference in the fight against Frieza.
When Goku asks how Frieza returned, Vegeta explains the Earth's Dragon Balls were used. Frieza powers up into his final form, surprising Vegeta. He asks to fight Frieza, but Goku insists on going first, having already taken out Ginyu. Vegeta watches the battle and saves Bulma when Frieza targets her. Angry that they aren’t fighting seriously, Vegeta kicks Goku mid-battle, prompting a duel between them. This alarms the others and intrigues Frieza, who questions Vegeta’s loyalty.
Frieza interrupts the fight. Vegeta mockingly claps for Frieza's resurrection and proclaims he’ll never serve him again. He tells Frieza he wants revenge on Goku first, but ends up waiting on the sidelines.
When Frieza unveils his Golden Frieza form, Vegeta is shocked. As Frieza overwhelms Goku, Vegeta calls him an “imbecile” and ignores Bulma’s plea to intervene. He finally offers to fight but Goku insists he’s close to winning. Vegeta mistrusts Goku’s “almosts” and steps back.
Frieza is nearly defeated when Sorbet uses his Bad Ring Laser to critically injure Goku. As Frieza prepares to finish him, Vegeta intervenes, explaining that he can’t allow Goku to die — not just for pride, but because Goku drives his pursuit of power (though he won’t admit it as friendship). He calls Goku naïve for letting down his guard and kicks him toward the others. When Frieza fires a Death Beam, Vegeta deflects it, killing Sorbet. He then takes Goku’s place and transforms into Super Saiyan Blue, surprising everyone.
Goku explains that Vegeta’s power is completely his own. Vegeta overwhelms Golden Frieza, declaring he’ll send him back to Hell. As Frieza reverts to his final form, Vegeta prepares to finish him with a Big Bang Attack — but Frieza detonates the Earth with his Earth Breaker attack, killing Vegeta and everyone except those shielded by Whis and Beerus.
Whis uses his Temporal Do-Over to rewind time, allowing Goku to kill Frieza before Earth’s destruction. Vegeta, having moved out of the blast path, is angry Goku stole his kill. However, Bulma and others explain what happened during the time skip, and Vegeta realizes he would’ve died if not for Whis and Goku.
Later, at Bulma’s party, Vegeta joins his friends and family. Goku suggests they practice teamwork more often, but Vegeta refuses — which Goku agrees with. The two are satisfied they finally agree on something.
Universe 6 Saga
Sometime after the battle against Golden Frieza, Vegeta continues his training with Goku and Whis. On Beerus' planet, Vegeta and Goku are sparring. The two are fighting evenly until Goku commences using Instant Transmission, infuriating Vegeta. Vegeta begins to lose his cool, as pointed out by Whis. Before Goku can strike Vegeta, Vegeta turns Super Saiyan Blue and blasts Goku. Goku gets mad and transforms as well. After saying "Super Saiyan Blue," Goku bites his tongue and blames Vegeta for the long name. Whis then suggests they call the form "Super Saiyan Blue." He reminds them that using transformations during training is prohibited and punishes them by making them wear heavy suits.
Champa and Vados unexpectedly arrive on Beerus' planet. When Whis is told to retrieve Beerus, Goku starts asking questions to Champa, but Vados responds. They reveal that Champa is the God of Destruction from Universe 6 and Beerus’ twin brother. Vados also reveals she is Whis’ sister and claims to be slightly stronger, though Whis disagrees. Later, Vegeta learns from Whis that there are twelve universes, and Universe 6 and 7 are twins. There's an Earth in Universe 6, but its humans were wiped out by war. Champa proposes a five-on-five tournament between the universes.
Whis explains why Beerus and Champa don’t fight directly, and they agree on the tournament rules, modeled after the Tenkaichi Budokai, taking place in five Earth days on the Nameless Planet. If Champa wins, he will use the Super Dragon Balls to switch the Earths; if Beerus wins, Champa will give him six Dragon Balls, and Beerus must find the last one. Goku and Vegeta join Beerus’ team, and they choose Piccolo, Good Buu, and a mysterious fighter Beerus claims is the strongest he’s ever faced—Monaka. Vegeta suggests Gohan, but Goku points out he’s focused on studying.
Vegeta and Goku return to Earth to ask Bulma to create a new Dragon Radar. Bulma contacts her sister, Tights, to get Jaco to help locate the Super Dragon Balls. Goku and Vegeta are shocked to learn Bulma has a sister. Jaco reluctantly agrees to take Bulma to see Zuno for information. After seeing Bulma intimidate Jaco, Goku remarks that both their wives are feisty. Vegeta agrees, saying Saiyan men only love strong women, which leads Piccolo to realize why they married Chi-Chi and Bulma.
In the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Vegeta and Goku train intensely. Goku wonders about Universe 6's fighters, and Vegeta assumes they must be strong, given Champa's confidence. Goku compliments Vegeta's intelligence, but Vegeta wants him to act his age. Goku misinterprets this, bringing up their youthful biology instead. Vegeta, frustrated, transforms into Super Saiyan Blue to begin sparring. Goku joins him, and they train for three days (three years in the chamber).
On the day of the tournament, they exit the chamber with beards and a strong smell. Bulma tells them to shower before Whis transports them to the Nameless Planet. After bathing, they meet Beerus and Monaka. Vegeta is skeptical of Monaka’s strength. They eat grilled meat and play Shiritori during their two-hour-and-forty-five-minute journey to the tournament grounds.
Upon arrival, Vegeta takes the intelligence exam required to compete. He and Goku notice a Universe 6 warrior resembling Frieza—Frost—who seems to lack evil intent. Before the exam starts, Vegeta meets Cabba, who he quickly identifies as a Saiyan. Vegeta is impressed with his attire, which resembles pre-Frieza Saiyan fashion. Cabba reveals that in Universe 6, Planet Sadala still exists, unlike Universe 7 where it was destroyed.
Cabba explains that Saiyans in Universe 6 evolved beyond needing tails and are a warrior race who eliminate evil instead of conquering planets. Vegeta demands Cabba take him to Sadala one day and reassures him their kind no longer steals planets. The exam begins, but Majin Buu fails, reducing the team to four members. Vegeta blames Goku, but Goku reminds him that he suggested the test.
The match order is decided: Goku goes first, followed by Piccolo, Vegeta, and finally Monaka. Vegeta watches Goku’s fight with Botamo and urges him to use strategy. Goku throws Botamo out of the ring, and Vegeta is impressed with the unorthodox approach.
Next, Goku faces Frost, who transforms and surprises everyone. Vegeta realizes Frost’s transformation is fake. After Frost knocks out Goku using poison, Vegeta grows suspicious. Jaco accuses Frost of cheating, and Vegeta demands to fight him. Despite Piccolo winning by default, Vegeta makes him forfeit so he can personally defeat Frost. He immediately knocks Frost out with a single punch after transforming into Super Saiyan.
Vegeta then fights Magetta, initially underestimating him. Magetta proves to be both powerful and fast. Despite the extreme heat and smog in the arena, Vegeta clears it with Super Saiyan and continues to fight. He uses Final Flash to defeat Magetta, but only after insulting him—which, due to Magetta's sensitivity, causes him to give up.
The next match is Vegeta vs. Cabba. They fight evenly until Vegeta demands Cabba transform. When Cabba says he can't, Vegeta transforms into Super Saiyan and brutally beats him, provoking him into awakening the transformation. When Cabba transforms in rage, Vegeta smiles, pleased. He teaches Cabba that anger triggers the transformation. Vegeta then reveals Super Saiyan Blue and defeats Cabba with a single punch, telling him never to forget that rage and to surpass him one day.
Vegeta wakes Cabba with water and criticizes him for bowing. He teaches him that Saiyan pride is about always pushing beyond limits. Cabba promises to train hard and tells Vegeta about the proud Saiyan King of Universe 6. Vegeta expresses interest in meeting him.
Vegeta then battles Hit but is unable to land a single blow. Hit defeats him effortlessly. Goku takes over and Vegeta is shocked when Goku adapts to Hit’s Time-Skip and lands hits. When Goku uses Kaio-Ken on top of Super Saiyan Blue, Vegeta is enraged, remembering his previous loss to the technique and realizing Goku once again surpassed him. He is stunned by Goku's power but remains mostly silent during the fight.
After Goku forfeits the match, Zeno arrives. Vegeta is surprised to learn Zeno is the king of all universes. Cabba calls Vegeta his mentor and asks him to visit Sadala. Though Vegeta is annoyed by being called “mentor,” he doesn’t reject the title.
Copy-Vegeta Saga
When Vegeta arrives on Earth again, he attends Bulma's party. For the most part, he constantly asks and insists Bulma to make sure there is enough food at the party and to not upset Beerus in any way. When Bulma realizes Monaka is really weak and criticizes Beerus for it, Vegeta sides with Beerus and tells her the reason why he did it was to inspire Vegeta and Goku to train harder, even though Vegeta didn't really care much about Monaka. While Goku fights "Monaka" (Beerus in a Monaka costume), Vegeta and Piccolo interfere when Beerus' tail pops out the back of the suit. Piccolo blocks Goku’s sight with his cloak while Vegeta helps Beerus rearrange the costume. Seeing their struggle, Piccolo uses his stretching ability to restrain Goku, claiming Monaka can control people. Vegeta quietly calls Piccolo a “shitty actor” and swallows his pride, pretending to be mind-controlled as well, charging at Goku to maintain the illusion. Beerus, having fixed his disguise, throws Vegeta into Piccolo and re-enters the fight, which Whis soon ends.
Later, when Goten and Trunks get trapped in Monaka’s delivery truck and end up on Planet Potaufeu, Bulma sees it via surveillance and asks Jaco to retrieve them. Vegeta blames Bulma for ordering from Monaka, which angers her, prompting him to retract his comment. Bulma orders Vegeta to accompany Jaco, and although irritated, he agrees. On Potaufeu, Vegeta saves Trunks from an attack and easily defeats Gryll and his henchmen. However, a piece of Commeson absorbs Vegeta from behind, draining his power and creating a copy of him—Duplicate Vegeta. Though he tries to fight back, Vegeta’s energy is gone, and the copy uses his own Galick Gun. As Duplicate Vegeta hesitates to hurt Trunks, Vegeta takes notice. The group retreats—Goten carries Monaka, Trunks carries Vegeta and Potage, and Jaco flees on his own.
In a safe area, Potage explains Commeson’s properties, warning that Vegeta will disappear in 3–5 minutes unless the copy is defeated. Gotenks battles Duplicate Vegeta but can't do damage. As Vegeta begins to fade, Goku arrives. Confused, Goku assumes Duplicate Vegeta is the real one, but Vegeta tells him to defeat the copy within 3 minutes—though he smirks, curious if Goku can. When Duplicate Gryll tries to control Duplicate Vegeta, Vegeta is proud when the copy resists and defeats Gryll.
Vegeta watches Goku’s battle with the copy, annoyed at how weak Goku’s attacks seem. Even as Goku begins to win, Vegeta continues criticizing the fight. When Goku lands a distracting hit, Vegeta yells at Duplicate Vegeta for not dodging. Yet when the copy lands a strong blow on Goku, Vegeta cheers—despite the risk to his own life. Vegeta’s shifting support frustrates everyone until he finally flies toward the battlefield in a rage, only to pass through the copy. Duplicate Vegeta mocks him, telling him to vanish like the shell he is. Vegeta insults the copy’s fighting and demands he beat Goku quickly, while also urging Goku not to lose.
When Goku and the copy both go Super Saiyan Blue, Jaco notes how transparent Vegeta is becoming. Potage gives him the sealing key (a pacifier) to slow his fading. Vegeta accepts it without shame, thanking Potage. Goten and Trunks are shocked, Goku is confused, and Jaco laughs, trying to take a photo—only to find his camera dead. The group moves to a safer area while Goku continues fighting the copy. Trunks asks if there’s another way to save Vegeta. Potage recalls that destroying Commeson’s core would weaken all the clones.
While Trunks, Jaco, and Potage go to destroy the core, Vegeta continues watching the battle, frustrated he’s not the one fighting Goku. As his energy weakens, Trunks returns and is relieved to see his father still alive. Watching Goku and the copy prepare a finishing move, Vegeta notes it will decide the match. Suddenly, Commeson targets Trunks. Vegeta reacts, but drops the pacifier and can’t grab Trunks, his fading body phasing through him. Trunks calls out in fear. Monaka, waking in a daze, steps on the crystal and shatters it, destroying the Commeson core.
Realizing Vegeta’s in danger, Goku quickly uses a God Kamehameha to obliterate Duplicate Vegeta, ending the battle. Trunks hugs Vegeta, relieved he’s safe. Potage seals the weakened Commeson and thanks everyone. Goku praises Monaka, though he also claims he could’ve beaten the copy at full power if he had more time—prompting Vegeta to object. Goku then mocks Vegeta for using a pacifier. Videl, showing Pan with a pacifier, says only babies use them. Embarrassed, Vegeta melodramatically laments the humiliation, saying he would’ve preferred death.
Goku, amused, asks if he really means that, noting they wouldn’t have been able to finish their rivalry. Vegeta replies he’ll win, and Goku says he won’t lose. The two then quietly watch the sunset together.
"Future" Trunks Saga
While enjoying ramen with Goku, Beerus, and Whis on Beerus’ planet, Vegeta is interrupted when Whis receives a distress call from Bulma. She urgently shows them a gravely injured and unconscious Future Trunks, who barely escaped his timeline alive. The four immediately teleport to Earth. Upon arrival, Vegeta tells Goku to fetch Senzu Beans from Korin Tower. After Goku returns and Trunks is healed, Trunks, mistaking Goku for Goku Black, attacks him. This stuns everyone. Bulma slaps Future Trunks to bring him back to his senses. When Trunks grabs his sword, Vegeta tells him it’s unnecessary, but Trunks insists it gives him confidence.
After hearing about Goku Black, Vegeta chastises Trunks for fleeing instead of fighting, calling it shameful for a Saiyan. Bulma interrupts, revealing a note in the time machine, and after reviewing the information, Goku and Vegeta agree to help Trunks defeat Black. Soon, Krillin and Piccolo arrive.
In the anime, a thunderstorm appears and a portal opens—Black emerges. Future Trunks attacks in rage, but Vegeta stops him. Trunks, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Krillin watch Goku battle Black. Trunks wonders why Goku isn't fighting at full strength; Vegeta explains it’s his habit to start slow. Before being pulled back through the portal by the Time Ring, Black destroys the time machine, stranding Trunks. Vegeta urges him not to give up hope.
Trunks claims Black isn't strong enough to trouble Goku, which prompts Vegeta to scoff, stating Goku and his power far exceed Trunks’ understanding. Bulma then reveals the Time Machine Cell used, and as she works on repairing it, Vegeta trains intensely in the gravity chamber, driven by fury over Future Bulma’s death and Trunks’ suffering. When Goku returns from Universe 10, Vegeta declares he’ll personally train Trunks.
Trunks transforms into Super Saiyan 2 and asks Vegeta to go Super Saiyan 3, but Vegeta instead becomes Super Saiyan Blue, shocking Trunks. Vegeta tells him to land one blow to win. Trunks uses the bulky Super Saiyan Third Grade form, disappointing Vegeta—until Trunks surprises him by powering down and evading a blow. Vegeta slams Trunks, giving him 3/10 for strategy. As the battle escalates, Vegeta furiously declares he won’t let Trunks lose just because he and Goku exist. Trunks lands a punch and declares his resolve. Vegeta scoffs but accepts it, and Trunks bows in thanks.
In the manga, these events differ. Black doesn’t destroy the time machine, and while they wait for it to refuel, the group plays a racing video game—Vegeta comes last. He later trains Trunks in the gravity chamber.
With the time machine fixed, Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks head to the future. They’re shocked by the destruction, and Trunks finds Mai’s hat. The resistance mistakes Goku for Black, but it’s resolved. Vegeta meets Future Mai and the survivors and earns the right to face Black first. Powering up to Super Saiyan Blue, Vegeta is complimented by Black for reaching god level. But Black quickly outpaces him and stabs him through the chest with an energy blade, gravely injuring him. Vegeta is shocked that even with his power, Black sees him as only a warm-up.
Unconscious for much of the following fight, Vegeta wakes briefly to witness Future Zamasu. He later awakens again to save Goku and Trunks from a deadly attack before collapsing once more. Future Mai saves him and helps return him to the present.
After half a day, Goku, Vegeta, and Bulma return, sensing Trunks' fading ki. As they prepare for battle, Gowasu and Shin arrive. Vegeta and Goku protect them and resume the fight. Vegeta overpowers Black and mocks him for stealing Goku’s body, declaring only he deserves it. As Vegeta beats him down, Black creates a scythe that tears a rift in the universe and clones himself. Vegeta powers up with Goku to fight the clones, but their attacks only multiply them.
As Zamasu targets the others, Vegeta urges Goku to use Instant Transmission. Eventually, Goku and Vegeta decide to take on Zamasu and Black. When the two villains fuse into Fused Zamasu, Vegeta tells Trunks to protect Bulma and Mai and helps defend against Zamasu’s massive attacks.
Despite the fusion's power, Vegeta vows never to forgive him and charges. He dodges attacks, blasts Zamasu, and declares that Saiyans have no limits. With Goku, he breaks through the Wall of Light and confronts Zamasu. However, Zamasu overpowers them and injures Vegeta. Trunks arrives and fires a Galick Gun. Vegeta joins him for a Father-Son Galick Gun, though Zamasu survives. He fires Absolute Lightning at Trunks, but Vegeta takes the hit to shield his son, sacrificing himself once again.
While under Trunks' care, Vegeta is healed. Goku suggests fusing again. Though initially opposed, Vegeta relents and they form Vegito using the Potara Earrings. Vegito fights Zamasu but defuses early due to the fusion limit. Goku and Vegeta watch as Trunks, empowered by everyone’s energy, uses the Sword of Hope to slice Zamasu in half.
However, Zamasu’s essence survives, becoming a reality-spanning entity. Goku summons Future Zeno, who erases Zamasu—and the entire timeline. The group returns to the present. As Future Trunks and Mai prepare to leave for a different timeline, Vegeta suddenly attacks Trunks to test his strength. Satisfied when Trunks blocks him, he smiles and bids him farewell.
Later, Vegeta trains alone with Whis on Beerus’ planet, still unable to land a hit. Beerus arrives, asking where Goku is. Upon learning Goku isn’t training, Beerus demands Whis bring him. Vegeta, annoyed at being overlooked, demands Goku’s training regimen. Whis refuses, teasing Vegeta's limits. Furious, Vegeta powers up and attacks Whis, but still can’t keep up. Desperate to learn what Goku is doing, Vegeta tricks Whis and Beerus into going to Earth—where they find Goku battling Hit.
After the fight ends in a draw, Vegeta jealously demands to know if Goku enjoyed the fight more than fighting him. Goku denies it, explaining Hit came to kill him, forcing him to go all out. When Vegeta learns Goku hired Hit himself, he’s baffled—and furious.
Universe Survival Saga
Months after Majin Buu's defeat, Vegeta is anxiously awaiting the birth of his second child. When Goku arrives to invite him to Zeno's Tournament, Vegeta declines, choosing to remain with Bulma until she gives birth. Both Goku and later Whis are surprised by his decision. Even after Goku sets up the tournament, Vegeta refuses to participate in the exhibition matches unless Bulma gives her approval. In the manga, Vegeta even helps with household chores and closely monitors Bulma's activity, worrying she may overexert herself. Though he misses training, he obeys her requests and starts considering a royal Saiyan name for the baby, eventually settling on "Eschalot."
After the Zeno Expo concludes, Goku informs Vegeta about the Tournament of Power happening in two days. While Vegeta shows interest, he still won’t agree unless Bulma allows it. To resolve the issue, Whis expedites Bulma's labor using his angelic powers, safely delivering the baby. Seeing Bulma with their daughter, Vegeta is immediately moved and grows deeply affectionate toward the infant.
Despite trying to maintain his tough demeanor, Vegeta is visibly protective and emotional around his daughter. He gets enraged when Hercule and Yamcha accidentally make her cry, even transforming into Super Saiyan Blue. When Trunks awkwardly holds the baby, Vegeta takes her and scolds him for his form, cradling Bulla gently. Though he wants to name her something strong and Saiyan, like "Eschalot," Bulma chooses "Bulla" instead. He objects at first but eventually gives in. He even changes her diaper skillfully and smiles at her when she stops crying. Vegeta also scolds Beerus and Whis for treating Capsule Corp. like a free inn.
In the manga, Vegeta joins the tournament without much resistance and actively contributes to strategic planning with Beerus, Whis, and Shin. When Buu becomes unavailable due to hibernation, Vegeta insists Gohan take his place, trusting in Gohan's potential despite Beerus' objections.
For final training, Vegeta returns to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber and is warned by Mr. Popo not to destroy it again. Predictably, he does, and goes back to Capsule Corp. Gohan later reveals the universe will be erased if they lose, prompting Goku to offer everyone money for joining. Vegeta quips that Chi-Chi controls their finances. When Goku suggests resurrecting Frieza, Vegeta strongly objects, urging Goku not to use the Dragon Balls. Still, Goku brings Frieza back. Though Vegeta remains uneasy, Whis argues that Frieza's resurrection is a minor issue given the stakes.
When Trunks questions why Frieza is on the team, Vegeta lies and says Frieza has reformed, supporting Bulma's cover story. He and Bulma later scold Goku for using Trunks to persuade Android 17 to join. When Goku arrives with Frieza, Vegeta confronts the revived tyrant, and tension erupts until Beerus and Goku demand they stand down. Vegeta refuses to cooperate with Frieza or form any bonds with him, criticizing Shin's plan for group attacks and favoring one-on-one battles. He ends up holding hands with Beerus during team formation, unwillingly.
Upon arriving at the Null Realm, Vegeta is greeted by Cabba and introduced to Caulifla and Kale. He is insulted when Caulifla mocks the Universe 7 Saiyans' fear of Jiren. After the Grand Priest reiterates the rules, Gohan reviews their plan, which Vegeta finds dull. When the Tournament of Power begins, Vegeta initially stays with his team but eventually splits off like others. He begins by attacking Hyssop repeatedly, then targets other fighters including Nigrissi and Obni. When Goku struggles against the Trio of Danger, Vegeta steps in to help.
Escaping their attacks with Goku’s aid, Vegeta creates a ki barrier to counter Lavender's poison. He later defeats Hop using Amazing Impact and eliminates both Hyssop and Oregano. Facing the remaining Trio of Danger, Vegeta and Goku combine their Final Flash and Kamehameha to knock them out, leading to Universe 9's erasure. Vegeta watches the event unfold in disbelief.
Later, Vegeta fights Hit but is interrupted by Botamo. Unable to hurt him with punches, Vegeta ties Botamo's arms and tries to toss him out, but Auta Magetta intervenes. Vegeta attempts to exploit Magetta’s weakness to insults but fails. When Botamo covers Magetta’s ears, they form a difficult duo. Vegeta eventually evades them. Cabba then challenges Vegeta, but their battle is interrupted by Kale’s berserk transformation. Watching her fight Goku, Vegeta suggests her form may represent a Saiyan's true power. When her energy blasts spread, Vegeta avoids them and later comments on her monstrous strength. He also criticizes Frieza for defeating Murichim, whom Vegeta wanted to fight.
Vegeta, alongside Goku and Android 17, confronts the Kamikaze Fireballs and dispels their transformation cloud. During his fight with Brianne de Chateau, Vegeta notes her strength despite the theatrics. When she launches herself at him, he dodges instinctively due to her grotesque appearance.
Investigating Dr. Rota’s unconscious body, Vegeta and Goku come under fire from a sniper. Vegeta curses the cowardly attack and helps destroy the sniper’s perch with Goku. When energy blasts fail, they throw rocks and ultimately eliminate both snipers with coordinated attacks. Vegeta then helps Roshi escape from Frost's trap, only doing so because he dislikes Frost. He fights Frost and Magetta but is sealed in a jar via a redirected Evil Containment Wave. Roshi manages to free him, and Vegeta defeats Magetta using insults and removes him from the arena.
Vegeta urges Roshi to heal with a Senzu Bean and leave the rest to him, walking away silently.
During Goku’s fight with Jiren, Vegeta watches with visible disbelief at the sheer scale of Jiren’s power. When Goku gathers energy for the Spirit Bomb, Vegeta, true to his pride, refuses to contribute — though he does blast Ribrianne away when she tries to strike Goku during the charge. He briefly continues his fight with her during the Spirit Bomb clash. After Goku reveals a mysterious new form and begins to contend with Jiren, Vegeta is puzzled by the sudden rise in his rival's strength and precision. When Goku is ultimately defeated, Vegeta approaches and asks about the transformation, but receives no answer. He advises Goku to recover and returns to the fight.
Later, when Cabba is about to be eliminated by Monna, Vegeta catches his hand and saves him, only to strike him in the gut and scold him. Vegeta reminds Cabba of their deal and promises that, should Universe 6 be erased, he will use the Super Dragon Balls to bring them back. He tells Cabba to fight with the pride of a Saiyan.
Attempting to reach Jiren, Vegeta is intercepted by Top. Top mocks him as being Universe 7's second strongest, which enrages Vegeta. They clash evenly until Vegeta is distracted by Goku's battle with Kefla. Top gains the upper hand temporarily, but Vegeta regains control and incapacitates him with a hard blow. As Ultra Instinct Sign Goku emerges, Vegeta realizes Goku’s form is different and vows to surpass it.
Still frustrated, Vegeta tries to unlock Ultra Instinct himself against Katopesla. He stands still, attempting to clear his mind, but fails — getting pummeled in the process. Finally retaliating, he overwhelms Katopesla with a fierce assault. Whis observes that Ultra Instinct may be unattainable for Vegeta, who relies too much on deliberate thought.
When Universe 3's team fuses into Koicéareta, Vegeta lets Gohan lead but eventually steps in. Against Agnilasa, Vegeta teams up with the rest of Universe 7 and helps eliminate the threat.
When Universe 11 remains as the last opposing team, Vegeta confronts Jiren. Despite reading some of Jiren’s movements, Vegeta is quickly outmatched and nearly eliminated. He recovers, refuses to rely on Ultra Instinct, and declares he’ll find his own way to win. He unleashes an empowered Final Flash — but Jiren emerges unscathed and severely injures him. Undeterred, Vegeta ascends to a higher level of Super Saiyan Blue and joins Goku in a coordinated attack, momentarily overwhelming Jiren with their unpredictable timing.
Jiren then leaves Top, who has embraced Destruction Energy, to battle Vegeta. Top quickly gains the advantage, denouncing Vegeta’s sentimentality. This infuriates Vegeta, who proudly declares he fights to protect what he values. Vegeta counters Top’s energy of destruction and retaliates, calling him a disgrace to Saiyan pride. Unleashing a modified Final Explosion, Vegeta defeats Top and survives, though badly drained.
He then joins Goku and Android 17 in confronting Jiren. Their combined efforts are ineffective. Jiren overpowers them and nearly ends the battle — only for 17 to sacrifice himself, shielding the others. Angered and inspired, Vegeta fights Jiren alone. Though hopelessly outmatched, he fights on out of sheer will, refusing to surrender. Eventually, Jiren acknowledges Vegeta’s pride and defeats him. As he collapses, Vegeta gives his remaining energy to Goku, apologizing to Bulma and Cabba.
The team praises Vegeta’s perseverance, with Beerus offering rare approval. Despite defeat, Vegeta watches from the sidelines and urges Goku onward, even scolding the gods for doubting him.
After Universe 7's win and the revival of the erased universes, Vegeta returns home. Bulma tearfully hugs him while he cradles Bulla. At the party, he smiles at his daughter but becomes annoyed when Pan accidentally hits him. Later, he challenges Goku to a rematch. At the site of their original battle, Goku confesses he can no longer access Ultra Instinct. Vegeta vows to achieve a greater power, and the two begin to spar once again.
Broly Saga
Vegeta and Goku confront Super Saiyan Broly in a frozen landscape, both utilizing their Perfected Super Saiyan Blue forms to match his overwhelming power.
Super Hero Saga
Over time, Vegeta experiences a shift in perspective and begins focusing on meditation training, telling Goku that their bodies have already reached their physical limits. He realizes that the key difference between himself and those who have recently outpaced him lies in how they channel their strength. He concludes that relaxing both body and mind during an attack releases greater power while conserving energy. Whis praises him for arriving at this insight independently and proposes a sparring match between Vegeta, Goku, and the newly arrived Broly—though Broly is soon excluded.
After sharing a meal prepared by Lemo, Goku and Vegeta begin their sparring session. As they clash, Beerus notices subtle changes in Vegeta's movements. The match continues for hours, with both fighters gradually wearing each other down. In the end, Vegeta lands a light tap on Goku’s chest, knocking him down and declaring victory before collapsing himself from exhaustion.
Later, Vegeta trains with Broly and encourages him to manage his anger rather than suppress it. Transforming into a Super Saiyan, Vegeta tests Broly, who holds his own without going berserk, prompting Whis to note his progress. Vegeta commends Broly for maintaining control but observes that he's unable to fully unleash his power while doing so. After resting, Beerus inquires about recent events on Earth. Whis informs him that Gohan and Piccolo defeated Cell Max, and Vegeta adds that, according to Bulma, Gohan may have surpassed both himself and Goku during the battle.
Peaceful World Saga
In the ten years following Majin Buu's defeat, Vegeta settles fully into life on Earth and has a second child, a daughter named Bulla. Embracing his Earthling identity, he begins dressing in casual Earth-style clothing rather than traditional Saiyan armor. A decade after Buu's defeat, he joins Goku and their friends at the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament. Vegeta is eager for another match with Goku, while Goku is looking forward to meeting the reincarnation of Majin Buu. Vegeta has Trunks enter the tournament as well, half-jokingly warning that Trunks' allowance would be halved if he doesn't participate. During the preliminaries, Vegeta casually dispatches his opponent with a backhand after being provoked, and then nonchalantly suggests to the officials that the opponent forfeited.
When Goku finishes his fight with Uub, he announces that he’ll be leaving to train the boy. Vegeta is the last to speak with him before his departure. Goku offers a sort of apology and expresses his desire for a rematch with Vegeta someday. Vegeta responds by saying that their next battle will need an entire planet as a stage. After their exchange, Goku and Uub take off together.
The revised manga version concludes with Vegeta still at the tournament grounds, leaning on a pillar and silently vowing that he will one day fight Goku again—and win.
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