Who is Nappa in Dragon Ball?

Nappa is a formidable Saiyan warrior, one of the few survivors of the destruction of Planet Vegeta caused by Frieza.

Nappa is the loyal lieutenant and companion of Prince Vegeta. Together, they arrive on Earth with the goal of conquering the planet and seizing the powerful Dragon Balls.

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Characteristics and Personality

Nappa is an elite warrior, part of young Vegeta’s entourage. His temperament is fiery and aggressive. Although he serves the Saiyan royal house, his status as a fighter under Frieza remains rather subordinate. His combat potential is estimated at around 4000 units.

About 50 years old, he wears a scouter like the majority of soldiers in Frieza's service. His destructive nature is evident upon his arrival on Earth, where he immediately orders the destruction of a city. His arrogance and brutality are well known, and although physically powerful, his lack of tactics will cost him dearly in his confrontation with Goku.

Biography

Nappa has accompanied Vegeta since their youth and plays the role of bodyguard and trainer for the Saiyan prince. They are both witnesses to the destruction of their home planet by Frieza, a tragedy that seals their alliance and determination to survive.

Saiyan Saga (Dragon Ball Z)

Alerted by a conversation between Raditz and Piccolo, Nappa and Vegeta travel to Earth with the objective to obtain the Dragon Balls to wish for immortality. Upon their arrival, Nappa devastates a nearby city, provoking Vegeta's ire who fears for the precious artifacts. They then search for the strongest warrior, identifying Piccolo as the main opponent.

Next come the battles against Piccolo, Gohan, Kuririn, Yamcha, Ten Shin Han, and Chaozu. Nappa sends six Saibaimen to test the earthlings: some are eliminated, Kuririn successfully retaliates, and Piccolo kills the last one. Then begins the direct fight where Nappa inflicts heavy damage, notably cutting off Ten Shin Han’s arm. Unfortunately for him, the heroic efforts of Chaozu and Ten Shin Han do not spare the latter. Vegeta, intrigued by Kakarot, interrupts the battle.

Despite powerful attacks, Nappa is overwhelmed by Goku whose power far exceeds his own. He loses his temper, is reprimanded by Vegeta, then resumes the fight fiercely, even matching the Kamehameha. Vegeta eventually orders him to retreat after he almost kills Gohan and Kuririn; their lives are saved thanks to Goku's Kaioken.

Defeated, Nappa begs Vegeta for help, but the latter, ruthless, neutralizes him without hesitation, demonstrating his cruelty even towards his closest allies.

Later Appearances

In Dragon Ball Super, Nappa appears in illusion form during Goku and Kuririn’s quest for the Herb of Paradise. His appearance recalls their past battles, although this spirit is ultimately dispelled by Kuririn overcoming his fears.

In Dragon Ball GT, he escapes Hell during the Super No. 17 saga but is permanently strangled by Vegeta.

He is also seen in Hell among other adversaries, where Piccolo easily triumphs.

Power and Transformations

Nappa, an elite Saiyan, possesses formidable strength capable of destroying entire cities with a single gesture. His potential is estimated at 4000, but he managed to hold his own against Goku whose power exceeded 8000. However, this number comes from Daizenshû guides and does not fully correspond to the manga timeline.

Transformations

• Great Ape: Like all Saiyans with a tail, Nappa can transform into a Great Ape, multiplying his power.
• Super Saiyan: In some video games like Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, Nappa can achieve this transformation via customizations.
• Super Saiyan 3: Appearance in Super Dragon Ball Heroes.
• Fusion Natz: Resulting from the fusion between Nappa and Raditz in the spin-off Dragon Ball Fusions, the character gains spectacular power.

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