Placing Cell Saga Gohan in the Naruto Universe: Tactician or Monster?
When we place Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) characters in the Naruto universe, they often seem like monsters, as evidenced by the unbridled power and techniques they wield that are unmatched in the Naruto verse. For example, pre-Nappa's Goku easily made speed clones as a child and can fly to the opposite side of Namek in a flash, feats that are dwarfed by even the most common within Naruto.
Shikamaru's Squad: A Tactician's Edge
Given these power discrepancies, one could argue for placing Cell Saga Gohan on a team with Shikamaru. Shikamaru, known for his unparalleled strategic and tactical prowess, would be an ideal choice. The squad's lack of significant tactical skills is highlighted repeatedly, despite their vast power. Gohan's raw power is off the charts, surpassing many characters in the Naruto universe, but his lack of tactical flexibility could very well be his undoing.
Consider this: Imagine a scenario where Gohan walks right into a trap due to his focus on strength over strategy. That's where Shikamaru's tactical genius shines. His ability to devise plans that Gohan wouldn't think of, ensuring Gohan safely navigates through the threats, is invaluable. In a conflict, Gohan's power alone might not be enough to overcome trained and strategic opponents in a direct confrontation.
Raw Power Comparison: Gohan and Naruto
When it comes to raw, destructive power, Cell Saga Gohan ranks among the highest in the Naruto universe. He ranks just below Kaguya, a confirmed Universal character, which is a staggering feat. In terms of physical strength, Gohan is possibly only slightly below Naruto in the Speed of Perception state (SPSM) since Sage Mode Naruto has some unbelievable lifting and strength feats that surpass anything shown in Dragon Ball before the Chou arc.
You might be wondering how such power translates to the Naruto universe. In Dragon Ball, the first mention of FTL (Faster-Than-Light) speed comes with Gotenks in Super Saiyan form. At the Cell Games, Gohan was slightly weaker than Goku in the Buu Saga until Super Saiyan 3 (SS3) came into play. Even then, Gohan was still stronger than Vegeta before the Majin Buu saga. This places Gohan at the FTL level, a clear indicator of his exceptional speed and traversal capabilities.
Technique and Tactical Challenges
The unique techniques in the Naruto universe present a challenge for Gohan. Despite his immense power, his inability to adapt to strategic maneuvers and techniques specific to the Naruto universe could be his downfall. The Wood Release technique, for instance, can stop battles instantly, and the Kirin technique of Vagabond from Hokage's Will Part 1 can even almost kill him. These strategies would require different perspectives and skills that Gohan might not possess without training in that universe.
However, let's not discount the strategic advantages. In a tactical battle, Gohan, with his superior speed and strength, could still outmaneuver many opponents. His high intelligence and strategic thinking could help him survive and even thrive in such an environment. If Shikamaru were to devise a suitable plan, Gohan's raw power in combination with tactical acumen could make him a formidable ally, even in a universe where magic and advanced techniques are the norm.
In conclusion, while Cell Saga Gohan possesses the power to be one of the most dangerous forces in the Naruto universe, his strategy and adaptability to unique techniques are crucial. Shikamaru's squad provides a tactical advantage that could help him survive and even excel in this new environment. In the end, it might be the combination of raw power and strategic thinking that determines his success in the Naruto universe.