Kuririn

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"Did someone get the number from that bus? I've never felt anything so painful in my life, it's as if all my bones... are totally crushed. But don't worry about me, no sir, I'm going to be totally fine. I hope I'm not being rude, but I'm gonna take a little nap. (Falls down on the ground)"
Kuririn in "Vegeta Must Pay"

Kuririn (クリリン, Kuririn; FUNimation "Krillin", Viz "Kuririn"), the best friend of Son Goku and part of the Z Warriors, is short and bald (with the exception of later years) and provides comic relief during tense moments. He is good-natured, outgoing, and a competitive martial artist. His only true vice seems to be his interest in women, though as the series progresses his intentions lean more towards being a romantic. In dangerous situations, he sometimes despaires about possibly dying unmarried. Once a fierce rival of Goku, he quickly becomes his best friend while training under Muten Roshi. He also is close to Goku's son, Son Gohan. He eventually marries Android 18 and settles down, having a daughter named Marron. Krillin is known for being very cunning during his fights, as he often relies on tricking his opponents to defeat them.

Like most Dragon Ball characters, the name Krillin is a pun. In his case, it's Japanese source, Kuririn, is made up of two parts. The first two syllables come from 栗 kuri, which means "chestnut" in reference to his shaved head (the "chestnut" pun is also carried over to his daughter, Marron). The second part of his name comes from 少林 Shōrin ("Shaolin" in Chinese), as his early character designs were closely modeled on Shaolin monks.

Appearance

Goku and Kuririn displaying their friendship.
Kuririn's family

Originally a monk of the Orin Temple who came to Turtle Hermit for training, Kuririn is Goku's best friend and is the student of Turtle Hermit in his first appearance in the anime and manga. He is often used as comic relief or cannon fodder by the author, and has been killed a number of times in the series. As the most prominent full-blooded Human character in the series, Kuririn also represents a sense of normalcy to Goku and Gohan, as well as often being the most identifiable. Often when events turn bizarre, it is left to Kuririn to shake his head in disbelief and crack a joke.

Despite his reputation as being a weakling compared to his Saiyan comrades, he is considered to be one of the stronger pure-blooded humans in the Dragon Ball series, being thousands of times stronger than the average person (although this is largely due to the fact that he was afforded much greater opportunities to increase his strength, such as training under the Guardian of Earth and having his potential unlocked by Guru, things that no other human, such as Mister Satan, ever had). Although he is not as strong as Goku or Gohan, his determination in helping his friends is a key asset. Furthermore, Kuririn's ingenuity and talent for Ki-manipulation is far superior than that of most warriors, even those stronger than himself, and he has an ability to sense hidden powers. Kuririn had his dormant Ki awakened by the Namek Elder, Guru, during the events of the Frieza Saga (although it is possible that not all of his power was freed, due to the fact that Gohan still had more hidden power and that they both grew to be much stronger), and this helped keep him among the same level as his more naturally powerful friends, at least for a little while. Kuririn has trained hard most of his life, becoming extremely powerful and proving it in combat with many foes. Unfortunately, he is quickly outclassed by many of the other characters in the series, such as Piccolo and the Saiyans; though among all the full-blooded humans he faces in combat he is one of the strongest. On one occasion, Yamucha says during the course of the World Tournament during the Buu Saga that Kuririn is "the strongest human being in the world." Some fans feel that the mangaka, Akira Toriyama, uses Yamucha to state a canonical fact on this scene, although as this was said to Kuririn's daughter, context may be required.

At any rate, Kuririn is brave and resourceful, and the audience identifies him as a good-natured underdog. Along with Yamucha, Kuririn has also, arguably, adjusted to a relatively normal life better than many of his friends by seeking women in his life. He is among the more "normal" Human of his friends as he can be seen wearing normal clothes on days where he's not fighting other than his typical martial arts dōgi, as well as engaging in other normal every-day activities such as watching TV, going to the beach, etc. In his role as the protagonist, Goku's best friend, Kuririn, was among the only humans to remain a main character for the majority of the series, even as Turtle Hermit, Yamucha, Tenshinhan, Chaozu, Yajirobe, Chichi and others faded into the background.

Many fans immediately will connect Kuririn with his signature move, Destructo Disk, a spinning razor-sharp disk of energy that has the power to cut through just about anything. Despite it's immense power, it's extremely unwieldy and hard to control.

Consistent with the theme of redemption in the series, he spared Android 18's life when presented with the chance to activate her self-destruct sequence because he found her to be redeemable. In a bit of ironic fortune, he later married the beautiful android and later had a daughter named Marron.

Despite popular fan belief, Kuririn is not naturally bald. Due to his original monastic training, he merely shaves his head. During his training with Goku under Master Roshi, Kuririn comments, "All who aspire to master the martial arts shave their heads in order to unfetter their Ki" and seemed surprised to find out Master Roshi was naturally bald. After settling down with his new family, his hair grows out, although his original smooth crowned look is the most familiar to fans. The six dots on his forehead are probably scars from incense burns, based on the similar pattern that appears on the forehead of a Shaolin monk.

Overall Kuririn is a highly valued character in the Dragon Ball series: powerful, loyal, and brave. He is second only to Goku in the most appearances in the manga. In some more recent movies however, Kuririn has been since demoted to comic relief character. This is most prominent in Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13! when he was beaten up by Chichi, clonked his head twice, had his face fried by a stray energy bolt, had a large pile of snow dumped on him, had Vegeta sent flying into him, slipped and skidded past the main villain when he was about to attack him and was humiliated in the hospital (He even remarks during the Vegeta incident that "Why do these things always happen to me?").

Biography

Dragon Ball

Early life

Kuririn being beaten up by the Bullies of the Orin Temple.
Kuririn's first appearance

Krillin trained at the Orin Temple since he was four. He was the weakest student and was frequently bullied. When he was 13 he was getting tired of the bullying and he began to travel to Master Roshi's island when he was seeking training to surpass the people at the temple and attract girls.

Training with Turtle Hermit

Main article: Tournament Saga

"Master, my name's Krillin, and I've come all the way from a village in the east. Please allow me to be your humble student and learn to fight like you."
— The young Krillin, asking Master Roshi for his teachings

Kuririn doing construction work as part of his training under Turtle Hermit.

Krillin first appears on screen at the beginning of the Tournament Saga where he bribes Master Roshi with dirty magazines in order to be accepted as his student. At first he detests Goku, who Krillin finds unintelligent and childish, and it is to Krillin's increased annoyance that he discovers that Goku is a more powerful fighter than him in every way. The only time Krillin is ever able to get the better of Goku is through trickery and deceit. Even then, his reward (dinner that evening) is unenviable when he eats fish cooked by Launch that gives Master Roshi and him food poisoning. Goku, in his characteristic naiveté, remains almost totally unaware of Krillin's one-sided rivalry with him.

As their grueling training progresses, however, Goku and Krillin bond and by the time of the 21st World Martial Arts Tournament are inseparable friends, and this aspect of their relationship never diminishes. Goku is always there to offer the insecure Krillin confidence and support, as well as fighting tips, and Krillin is often on hand to offer a pragmatic perspective to the often overly innocent and idealistic Goku as well as clue him in on basic social knowledge that Goku missed out on growing up.

In his and Goku's first World Martial Arts Tournament, Krillin fares very well, even defeating bullies from his old training school by kicking one of them straight through a wall. He easily advances as one of the eight warriors going on into the main event. He makes it past the quarter-finals, defeating the disgusting Bacterian easily, as without a nose, Bacterian's stink has no effect on him. Unfortunately, however, Krillin is defeated in the semi-finals, losing to Jackie Chun, his sensei Master Roshi in disguise.

Adventures with Goku and Bulma

Kuririn and Bulma finding the pirate treasure.

After the tournament, he trains under Master Roshi again, although he takes a break to aid Goku in his search for the Dragon Balls and fight against the Red Ribbon Army.

Battling Uranai Baba's warriors

Later he competes with Goku and Yamcha in Fortuneteller Baba's tournament. Though he loses in a fight against Fangs the Vampire, the cunning Krillin comes up with the strategy that allows them to later defeat the Invisible Man. The motif of Krillin using his wits, rather than his strength, to his advantage is seen many times in both series, particularly as he becomes comparatively less powerful.

Meeting Tenshinhan and Chaozu

Krillin enters the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament and forms a rivalry with Crane School student Chiaotzu. Later on during the tournament, Krillin manages to defeat Chiaotzu in the quarter-finals match. He then advances to the semi-finals, where he is defeated by Goku. He was 16 at this time.

Murder

Goku finding the dead Kuririn after he is killed by Tambourine.

After the Tournament, he is killed by Tambourine (the manga didn't show how Tambourine killed him), who was out to kill all of the greatest martial artists so that King Piccolo would go unchallenged. Although dead, he played a large role in Goku's determination to avenge his death, as well as Master Roshi's. He is later revived by the Dragon Balls, following King Piccolo's defeat.

Piccolo Daimao's reincarnate

Kuririn preparing to battle Piccolo at the Tenakichi Tournament.

He continues to train and once again makes it to the main tournament in the 23rd Budokai, and fights Piccolo but he eventually gives up and uses hovering space technique in episode 137.

Dragon Ball Z

Saiyan attack

"Poor Tien! He gave... everything! Everything he had to help us! Goku! Why aren't you here?! We need you!"
Kuririn after Tenshinhan's death by the hands of Nappa

Kuririn engaging the Saibaimen in combat.
Kuririn delivering a heavy kick to the face of the Saiyan brute Nappa.
Kuririn holding the Genki Dama.

Five years have passed since Goku defeated Piccolo at the 23rd Tenkaichi Tournament, and he, Goku and Bulma attend a reunion at Master Roshi's island. While there, Krillin is as surprised as the others by the arrival of Goku's brother, Raditz, who reveals Goku's origins as a Saiyan and slaps Krillin into Kame House. After Goku is killed in the successful fight against Raditz and Piccolo takes Goku's son Gohan with him into the wilderness to train, Krillin is left to break the bad news to Goku's wife Chichi although he never actually does it.

In the year that the Earth has before the arrival of Vegeta and Nappa, Krillin, along with Tien, Chiaotzu, Yamcha and Yajirobe train with Kami, the guardian of the Earth. They do this in order to raise their power levels enough to be able to hold their own against the Saiyans. Like the others, Krillin's power grows exponentially during this year, until he is now far more powerful than Raditz ever was. When the Saiyans arrive, Krillin, Tien, Chiaotzu and Yamcha join Piccolo and Gohan to hold Vegeta and Nappa off until Goku's arrival.

When Yamcha is quickly killed by a kamikaze Saibaman, Krillin is enraged at his friend's death and unleashes his scattering bullet attack that obliterates all but one. Piccolo, Vegeta, and Nappa are all impressed with the sheer power of his attack, but it isn't fast enough to work on the Saiyans. The battle continues, with Chiaotzu, Tien and Piccolo falling one by one, until only Krillin and Gohan are the only two left. They are saved by Goku, and at his request, he has Krillin take Gohan away from the battle. On the way back home Gohan has a change of heart, deciding they can't let Goku face this danger alone and they return (Krillin coming just so Gohan doesn't get hurt) and are able to help Goku with the Spirit Bomb he creates to defeat Vegeta.

At the end of the battle, Krillin is the only one of the five survivors (Goku, Krillin, Gohan, Vegeta and Yajirobe) who still has the ability to walk. As Vegeta struggles to crawl to his spaceship to escape, Krillin picks up Yajirobe's sword and prepares to kill him to end his reign of terror. Goku tells Krillin not to and he explains that it's not right as Vegeta is now defenseless and may turn over a new leaf as a result of being spared. Krillin is understandably incredulous over Goku's compassion for the man who almost destroyed the planet and scoffs at the idea that Vegeta is capable of turning over a new leaf, but he ultimately decides to trust Goku's judgment and lets Vegeta go.

Journey to Planet Namek

With Piccolo, and thus Kami, dead, the Dragon Balls have become inactive and thus the Namek Saga begins with everyone mourning the seemingly permanent deaths of Piccolo, Kami, Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu. Fortunately, Krillin comes up with an idea. If the Dragon Balls were created by Namekians, then they could travel to Piccolo's home world, the planet Namek, to use other Dragon Balls to wish Kami and Piccolo back to life. Using Kami's old spaceship, Gohan, Krillin and mechanical expert Bulma blast off into space headed to Planet Namek.

After a few detours on their way there, the trio arrive and discover that this peaceful planet is under siege by galactic overlord, Frieza, the employer of the Saiyans and destroyer of Planet Vegeta, Goku and Vegeta's home world. To make matters worse, Vegeta is on the planet as well. Both are also after the Dragon Balls for immortality, and Krillin and Gohan discover that there is much more at stake than the lives of their departed friends. After rescuing a young Namekian named Dende from Frieza's henchman Dodoria, he takes the two warriors to Guru, Namek's guardian, who is able to release the hidden ki potential inside them, causing their power levels to raise, once again, exponentially.

Newly powered-up, a complex three-sided game of "capture the Dragon Balls" ensues between Frieza, Vegeta, Kuririn, and Gohan.

Struggle on Planet Namek

Kuririn and Gohan preparing for battle.

Eventually, when Vegeta discovers them, the Dragon Balls they collected are taken by Captain Ginyu to give to Frieza. They then decide to pool their resources so that the incredibly powerful Frieza can be defeated. Though Krillin reluctantly agrees to give Vegeta the Dragon Balls when they get them back, he privately plans with Gohan to sneak off with the Dragon Balls and make their own wish to bring back their friends when the time comes.

He helps in the battles with Guldo and Recoome, managing to hit Guldo with a few ki blasts before Guldo time-freezes him. When fighting Recoome, Krillin kicks him in the back of the head to defend Vegeta from Recoome's Mouth Energy Wave. Because of this intervention, Recoome's attack backfires, knocking out all but six of his teeth. Angered, Recoome retaliates by kicking Krillin in the back of the head, which puts him out of commission until he is healed by a Senzu Bean when Goku finally gets to Namek.

After learning of the trouble on Namek, Goku (who had been recovering in the hospital) arrives to help. He makes quick work of The Ginyu Force, a group of mercenaries under Frieza's employ, but is badly injured and is taken by Vegeta to be recovered in a healing tank.

Battling Freeza

Kuririn preparing his Destructo Disk on Planet Namek.
Kuririn being impaled on Freeza's horns.
Kuririn just before his tragic death.

Kuririn, Gohan, and Vegeta recover the Dragon Balls but Vegeta is unable to wish for his immortality without the password. Kuririn leaves to get the password from Guru, but encounters Dende who informs him the password is "Polunga", they return and, with Vegeta asleep, decide to just make their own wish now. In the Namekian language, Dende wishes for Piccolo to be returned to life and brought to Namek. This causes Kami to return to life on Earth as well, and Master Roshi begins steps to gather the newly restored Earth Dragon Balls.

Vegeta awakes a short time later and is enraged that his immortality has been taken from him, but Krillin and Gohan are saved by the arrival of Frieza, who demands their immediate attention. Frieza transforms in his second, more powerful form, and attempts to attack Dende. Dende is pushed out of the way by Kuririn, who is quickly skewered on Frieza's horn and left for dead. He then turns his attention onto Gohan and starts badly thrashing him. With Frieza distracted, Dende uses his healing abilities to save Kuririn.

Here the Destructo Disk makes its most memorable appearance when the supposedly dead Krillin appears out of nowhere to deliver the attack on Frieza, which cuts off his tail, the distraction saving Gohan from certain death. Enraged at his lost tail, Frieza charges after Kuririn who knows he needs to keep Frieza distracted long enough for Dende to save Gohan. He is able to trick and evade Frieza for quite some time, eventually using a Solar Flare, to temporarily blind him. This is another example of Kuririn's tendency to outwit opponents that he can't outfight.

Piccolo shows up, having fused with the warrior Nail, and joins Kuririn, Gohan and Vegeta in their fight. For a moment it looks like the Z Warriors have the upper hand, before Frieza transforms again, leaving them in the dust. While Frieza is distracted, Vegeta urges Kuririn to try to kill him, which would grant Vegeta a zenkai which raises his power. Kuririn is reluctant to attack Vegeta, but sees no other way and so he beats him half to death. He then asks Dende to heal Vegeta, but Dende refuses, worrying Kuririn that maybe Vegeta actually will die. Eventually Dende is convinced and Vegeta is healed, much more powerful than before.

Frieza finally gets wise to Dende's healing and so the tyrant kills him. Goku arrives back on the scene, and after witnessing Vegeta's horrible murder at the hands of Frieza, is enraged. Goku and Frieza then do battle, and although Goku puts up the best fight that Frieza has ever seen, he's still not able to defeat him. Enraged at how much of a challenge Goku is proving to be, Frieza lashes out at Goku's friends, badly injuring Piccolo and horribly murdering Kuririn by blowing him to pieces telekinetically.

The death of his best friend completely unhinges Goku, as he believes that Kuririn can never be returned to life as the Dragon can't grant the same wish twice. Goku's anger explodes and he transforms into a Super Saiyan for the first time, granting him the power to defeat Frieza. In a desperate ploy Frieza attempts to destroy the planet, knowing that while he can survive in the vacuum of space, Goku cannot. Although Goku defeats Frieza, and although the rest make it off the planet, Goku appears to be killed with the planet's destruction.

Using the Namekian Dragon Balls, which can grant the same wish more than once, Kuririn is returned to life, as are Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu as well as anyone killed by Frieza, which includes Vegeta and Dende. Everyone is delighted to hear that Goku is still alive, but are shocked when he refuses to come home yet, saying he needs to do more training in space. Though he misses his best friend, Kuririn settles back into life on Earth with his friends, thankful at another chance for life.

Garlic Jr.'s return

Kuririn displaying his fancy white suit.
Kuririn attacking Tard.

During the one year period before Goku's eventual return to Earth, Garlic Jr. returns and Kuririn joins Gohan and Piccolo in the battle against the immortal tyrant, as they are the only three Z Fighters who avoid the Black Water Mist. During the battle he fights the Spice Boys and is badly wounded twice during the fight first when he takes a blast from Salt and later when Vinegar beats him up badly.

During this time period, Krillin finally gets his first girlfriend; a ditzy bombshell by the name of Maron (not to be confused with his future daughter Marron), the relationship is marked by Krillin's insecurity, and instead of proposing to her as he had planned, Kuririn decided to break up with her because he thinks she deserves better than him. He's floored when he discovers she would have married him, but by that point it is too late.

The mysterious youth

Sometime after Garlic Jr.'s defeat, Frieza and his father King Cold arrive on Earth, and the threat of the Androids is revealed by a boy from the future named Trunks.

Alternate timeline

Main article: Future Kuririn

Like all of the other Z Fighters, Kuririn was brutally murdered by the androids.

The Androids

Kuririn being ambushed and attacked by No. 20.
No. 18 kissing a terrified Kuririn.

During the Androids Saga, Kuririn, along with the other Z Warriors, trained hard after Future Trunks grim tale of events soon to unfold. When the day of reckoning did arrive, Krillin was right on the scene with his friends, ready to defend the Earth. When Goku battled Android 19, Krillin watched in horror when his heart virus began to take it's affect on the Super Saiyan. After Vegeta arrives and kills Android 19, Android 20 (Dr. Gero), attempts to escape, knowing that both Piccolo and Vegeta could easily kill him. The Z Warriors give chase, and Krillin is the first to find him in frot of his laboratory. Krillin quickly realizes he is outgunned, and Dr. Gero attacks him without any restraint. However, the Z Warriors fly by, scaring the android away. A short time later, Dr. Gero releases Android 17 and Android 18. They then kill the Dr. and release another of his creations, Android 16. While the Z Warriors battle with the powerful machines, Krillin stands back in horror, knowing that he would be no match for them. The androids defeat the Z Warriors with relative ease, and head off to kill Goku. Krillin attempts to talk them out of it, but fails. However, Android #18 walks up, wishes him good luck, and kisses him on the cheek.

The new threat, Future Cell

Kuririn attacking Imperfect Cell to save a woman and her young brother, Tommy.

A short time later, Krillin and Future Trunks destroy Dr. Gero's laboratory along with the early stage of the evil Cell. Meanwhile, after merging with Kami, Piccolo gave chase a fleeing Cell, knowing that he must stop the creature from absorbing #17 and #18. Tien and Krillin join the hunt, and once again, Krillin is the first to find the enemy. He proceeds to attempt and fight Cell only to be smashed through a plane, though this is successful in saving a woman he finds attractive as well as her younger brother. Piccolo and Tien then arrive, and Cell flees once again.

Combating Future Cell

Kuririn attacking Perfect Cell to no avail.

After Cell is successful in absorbing #17 and reaching his second state, Bulma creates a device that can shut down #18 so that Cell could not absorb her. She instructs Krillin to be the one to do it, but upon arriving at the battle scene, he sees how frightened she is, and he remembers the kiss she gave him. He then throws the controller to the ground and smashes it, revealing that he had fallen for the beautiful android. Then Cell uses the "Solar Flare" technique to blind everyone within sight and starts absorbing #18. Then Krillin begins attacking Cell head on, attempting to save her, but it was too late, and Cell reaches his "Perfect" form. Out of anger, a heart-broken Krillin foolishly attacks Cell, only to be smashed away in seconds.

The Cell Games

Kuririn fighting against a Cell Junior.
Kuririn holding an injured No. 18.

Cell then defeats both Vegeta and Trunks, and goes on to announce a tournament he calls, The Cell Games. The Z Warriors then spend the remaining 10 days preparing for the games, as does Krillin.

When the day finally arrives, Goku is the first to battle Cell. After a long and intense battle, Goku forfeits, and tells Gohan that it's his turn to fight. In order to unleash Gohan's anger, Cell spawns seven Cell Jr.s. They then proceed to attack the Z Fighters, including Krillin. With all this, and Cell's murder of the peaceful #16, Gohan's anger explodes and he transforms into a Super Saiyan 2, and causes Cell to revert back to his second form and cough up Android 18 after being kicked in the stomach by Gohan. Krillin immediately tends to her side, much to Vegeta's objections and surprise (presuming Vegeta was still bitter about his first fight with Android 18) and calling Krillin a fool. Cell later attempts to self destruct, only to be teleported away by Goku, killing himself in the process. Cell manages to survive and returns to Earth, only to be finally put down by Gohan for good in a Kamehameha wave struggle.

After returning to the Lookout, the Z Warriors summon Shenron and ask for Goku to be revived. However, Goku asks not to be brought back. With one wish left, Krillin asks if Shenron will remove the bombs from inside the android's bodies, just another show of compassion toward No. 18. No. 18 sees this while hiding, and is shocked but charmed. She then reveals herself looking very angry towards Krillin, but then replied that it was a very nice thing he did for her, showing that she may have a soft spot for Krillin after all. She leaves, as do the rest of the Z Fighters, off to continue their lives.

Seven years later

Seven years later, Krillin is shown to have grown hair, married Android 18, and has had a daughter named Marron and lives with his family at Master Roshi's house.

Goku's return and the World Tournament

Kuririn and his daughter, Marron

When Goku announced his return to Earth for the World Tournament, Krillin is ecstatic to see his best friend again. Krillin enters the World Tournament along with Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, Piccolo, 18 and Videl and wins his first match up against the boastful Pintar without exerting himself. During the events of the tournament, the evil Majin Buu's origins are revealed and the danger the Earth now faces becomes apparent. Krillin flies off with Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, Gohan, Videl, Kibito, and the Supreme Kai to Babidi's spaceship.

Turned to stone

Kuririn being turned to stone by Dabura's spit.

Supreme Kai and Kibito lead Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, Piccolo, and Krillin to the wizard Babidi's spaceship in hopes of stopping Buu. Upon arrival, Dabura kills Kibito, and using his magical spit, turns Krillin and Piccolo into stone.

The ancient monster, Majin Boo

Kuririn with his family in the Heavenly Realm being shocked to hear the horrible news about the deaths of Gohan and Vegeta.

A while later Dabura is killed by the newly released Majin Buu, and Krillin and Piccolo turn back to normal. Shortly after, Majin Vegeta arrives and kills himself by a self explosion in an attempt to kill Buu once and for all. It fails, and Buu miraculously regenerates himself. Piccolo and Krillin flee with the unconscious Goten and Trunks back to the lookout tower. Goku soon arrives a while later, and introduces his idea of Fusion. While training the boys, Babidi and Buu head towards West City, the location of the dragon ball radar and the Z Fighters only shot at reviving the dead. Goku intervenes, and transforms into a Super Saiyan 3. He is quickly able to gain the upper hand on Buu, and after a short fight, teleports back to the Lookout.

Fusion plan

Kuririn attacking Super Boo.

A day later, Super buu finds Kami's Lookout and allows them to live for a short time. While on The Lookout Buu uses his Human Extinction Attack to kill all the people on Earth except for the family and friends on The Lookout. Goten and Trunks' fusion Gotenks fails to be powerful enough to kill Super Buu inside the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, the monster manages to escape, even despite Piccolo blowing up the door. He then proceeds to kill and eat all of the present company on The Lookout, including Krillin, who attempts to fight Buu to buy time for the others to escape. He fails, but dies a hero's death.

The final battle

Kuririn getting pummeled by Kid Boo.

After Krillin was eaten by Majin Buu, he was in Otherworld training with King Kai until Kid Buu appeared, using Instant Transmission to try and locate Goku and Vegeta. Buu overwhelmed Pikkon and Olibu quickly, and Krillin risked his existence by attacking him from behind with his Destructo Disk, only to find that the attack had no effect at all (Yamcha remarks at how, "it would have worked on anyone else but him"). He then was thrashed around by the monster, and was almost destroyed before Buu was drawn away by Goku and Vegeta to the Kai Planet.

During the battle with Kid Buu, Dende uses the Dragon Balls to wish all those killed by Buu back to Earth (which was also just brought back after being blown up by Buu). Krillin as well of all of Earth's people transfer some of their energy to Goku's Spirit Bomb. Soon after, Goku launches the bomb, finally killing Majin Buu once and for all. The people of earth and the Z Fighters then continue their lives, all together, at last.

End of Dragon Ball Z

Around ten years later, some of the Z Warriors attend another Tenkaichi Tournament. Krillin doesn't participate but attends. After Goku leaves with Oob to train, Krillin isn't seen again until Dragon Ball GT.

Dragon Ball GT

Battling Baby

Kuririn's appearance in DBGT.
No. 18 trying to revive Kuririn after he is killed by No. 17.

Years later, Krillin appears briefly in Dragon Ball GT. He is seen with his wife Android 18 and daughter Marron several brief times through the series. Still true to his role in comic relief, these brief intermissions often see Android 18 and Marron ordering him around.

Super 17, the ultimate android

Kuririn's final meeting with Goku.

During the 28th World Martial Arts Tournament, Krillin simply observes. Later, he is killed by Android 17 (at the time brainwashed by Dr. Myu's clone created from the depths of Hell) after he tried to help him remember how much he hated Dr. Gero. After seeing her husband killed by her brother, 18 goes mad with rage and attacks 17 with everything she has in an attempt to avenge Krillin. After being defeated 18 holds her husband's hand and tells him she loves him. After 18 and Goku defeat Super 17, the 7 Dragon Balls (which are now cracked because of overuse) are gathered to revive Krillin and everyone who was killed by the villains from Hell, but the Shadow Dragons appear after attempting to make the wish.

The Evil Dragons

After defeating Omega Shenron, Goku wishes to revive everyone who was killed during the Super 17 and Shadow Dragon sagas, which brings Krillin back to life. Before departing with Shenron, Goku asks him to stop at Kame House to say goodbye to Krillin and Master Roshi. In his final appearance, Krillin has an emotional final meeting with Goku on Master Roshi's island home along with Master Roshi himself. They reminisce over old times, and Krillin and Goku have a friendly sparring match. Krillin wins, to both his and Goku's joy. After this, Goku suddenly disappears leaving Krillin very confused.

Films

Kuririn saving a badly beaten No. 18 in Bio-Broly.
Kuririn in Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!

Kuririn appeared in Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.

Video games

Kuririn appeared in Dragon Ball Z: Kyōshū! Saiya-jin.

Techniques

Kuririn's Kamehameha
Kuririn preparing the Kienzan.
  • Blasting Bullet
  • Bukujutsu
  • Double Tsuihikidan
  • Fūsenka – The Fūsenka (風船化, Fūsenka; Literally meaning "Balloonification") is a technique which Kuririn used when he was about to be hit by an attack from the ground while falling through the air. He inflates his body by sucking up as much air as he can, lowering the speed of his fall to avoid his opponent's attack. He used this to defend against Goku's attack during the 22nd World Tournament.
  • Genki Dama – After dying of the Heart Virus, Goku comes back for a day to teach this technique and the Kaio-ken to Kuririn. (Supersonic Warriors)
  • Grand Finale – An energy ball used by Kuririn to completely destroy Dr. Gero's Laboratory.
  • Kaio-ken – A technique which multiplies Kuririn's battle power depending on what level is used. (Supersonic Warriors)
  • Kamehameha – Kuririn learns the move by just watching Goku and Yamucha use it. He uses this move for the first time at the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai against Chaozu.
  • Ki Blast
  • Kienzan – An attack invented by Kuririn that has very sharp edges that can cut through just about anything.
    • Kienzan Rensha – The Kienzan Rensha (気円斬 連射, Kienzan Rensha) is a rapid-fire version of the Kienzan.
  • Rapid Kick
  • Scattering Bullet – He uses this move after witnessing the death of Yamucha.
  • Sukashippe – The Sukashippe (Sukashippe) is a technique Kuririn used to defeat Bacterian.
  • Super Headbutt
  • Taiyo-ken – An attack that can blind anyone who is facing the user unless their eyes are closed.
  • Taiyōkōsen Hansha – The Taiyōkōsen Hansha (太陽光線 反射, Taiyōkōsen Hansha; Literally meaning "Sun Ray Reflection") is a technique where he uses his shiny shaved head to reflect sunlight, blinding his opponent's eyes. He attacks while his opponent's eyesight still has not returned. This is an attack he brought out during his fight with Goku at the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai.
  • Tri-Form – Used against Nappa along with Piccolo to create three versions of himself that could fight.
  • Unlock Potential – Kuririn's potential or hidden power is unlocked by Grand Elder Guru.
  • Zanzo-ken – An attack that leaves multiple false images of the user.

Fusions

Prilin

Main article: Prillin

A "what if" Fusion between Piccolo and Kuririn named Prillin was featured in Shonen Jump's 13th issue.

Cellin

Main article: Cellin

Cellin is the "what if" Absorption of Kuririn by Cell.

Major battles

Voice actors

Trivia

Kuririn on the cover of Who is, this is?
  • In total, Krillin dies four times. Once by Tambourine, once by Freeza, once by being eaten by Majin Boo, and finally by a brainwashed No. 17.
    • His future counterpart is ironically killed by the future versions of his wife and brother-in-law, who also killed the rest of the Z Warriors with the exception of Trunks in the TV special/manga special The History Of Trunks. Oddly enough, however, when Trunks has a flashback to Krillin's death in the series, Krillin is killed by only 17, with 18 nowhere to be seen, implying that the two may never have come in contact with each other.[4]
  • Krillin is the only good character in Shin Budokai who doesn't get his wish granted. In which case, Shenron left before Krillin could even think of a wish.
  • In the English dub during the Namek Saga, Krillin is seen wearing a hat with his Romaji name, Kuririn, on it.
  • Krillin breaks the fourth wall in Broly: The Second Coming by saying "None of you would have lasted a season without me!"
  • In the anime's movies and filler material, Krillin is often the subject of visual gags resulting in his injury. (A perfect example would be his failed attack on Dr. Wheelo in The World's Strongest.)
  • He enjoys eating at Chinese buffets.
  • In "Smells Like Trouble", Krillin is overwhelmed by the odor of Bacterian, however, Goku reminds Krillin that he doesn't have a nose. After realizing this, he is easily able to overcome his opponent.
  • In what is sometimes considered a plot hole between the anime and anything related to Garlic Jr., Krillin does not seem to be aware that Gohan is Goku's son in the first episode of the anime, when he saw him in the movie Dead Zone and he was referred to as Goku's son in front of Krillin (Only in the English dub, however). However, ironically it is he who seems to refer to the events of the movie in Episode 5, Gohan Goes Bananas, when he tries to decide what to tell Chi-Chi about Goku's death and Gohan being trained by Piccolo, and one of the things he thinks about saying is, "Gohan's been kidnapped again". The "again" implies that Gohan has been kidnapped at least once before, which is either when Garlic Jr. or Raditz kidnaps Gohan.
  • Krillin is the only person to come face to face with every form of each main villain (If filler counts) in Dragon Ball Z. He was there when Vegeta first came, he went back to help Goku and saw his Oozaru form. He was there for all 4 of Frieza's forms (unless one counts his 100% state as a different form), he tried to fight all forms of Cell, and he saw both of Garlic Jr.'s forms. He was there at the release of Fat Majin Buu, tried to fight Super Buu, and in filler, tried to fight Kid Buu.
  • Krillin is the only other character besides Goku to be seen launching the Spirit Bomb (outside of video games).
  • Krillin won the last full "fight" in Dragon Ball GT, however, it was not a real fight. The Goku Jr. vs Vegeta Jr. tournament bout didn't have an ending so it wasn't a "full" fight.
  • In Dragonball Krillin say that his parents are 6 feet tall.
  • Krillin appears on the cover art of the Voodoo Glow Skulls: Who is, this is? album in his Saiyan armor.
  • Krillin's initial desire for learning martial arts under Master Roshi was to become more popular with girls.
  • In January 2007, Oricon conducted a poll in which they asked Japanese manga/anime fans which characters from any anime/manga they would most like to see in their own spinoff series; Krillin ranked third in the men's poll and sixth in the overall poll.[5]
  • Krillin is the only character to die in Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball GT.
  • Krillin is the only character to encounter Broly in all three movies (unless you count Goku planning to fight Broly at the end of Bio-Broly), although he only truly fought Broly in Bio-Broly (as he didn't fight him at all in the first movie, and was knocked out before he even got the chance to attack in the second).

References