Which Master Roshi Fanfictions Reimagine His Past Loves Affecting His Bond With Future Dragon Ball Characters?

The Dragon Ball universe is packed with ancient beings, but few are older than the legendary Master Roshi, who’s over 300 years old! One character who easily surpasses him is the Namekian guru, Kami. Originally the guardian of Earth, Kami split from his evil counterpart, Piccolo, centuries before the series even begins. His backstory is wild—he’s technically older than Roshi because he was already Earth’s guardian when Roshi was just a kid training under Mutaito. The Namekians’ longevity is insane; they live for ages unless, you know, someone punches a hole through them. Kami’s role in the early arcs, especially during the Piccolo conflicts, adds so much depth to the lore. Honestly, thinking about how much history he’s witnessed makes me appreciate the world-building in 'Dragon Ball' even more. Another ancient figure is Fortuneteller Baba, Roshi’s sister. She’s older than him by a bit, though her exact age isn’t spelled out. Their sibling dynamic is hilarious—imagine being over 300 and still bickering like kids. Baba’s creepy yet fun vibe, with her floating crystal ball and underworld connections, makes her one of the more quirky side characters. It’s funny how 'Dragon Ball' casually drops these centuries-old beings into the story without making a huge deal out of it. The series really leans into the idea that age doesn’t always equal wisdom, especially when Roshi’s still a pervy goofball.

Master Roshi is such an iconic character in the 'Dragon Ball Z' universe, and his relationships with other characters really add depth to the story. For starters, his bond with Goku is a fantastically layered one. Goku was trained by Roshi during his childhood, and there's this beautiful mentor-student dynamic that speaks volumes about their connection. Roshi has guided Goku not just in martial arts but also instilled values of perseverance and humility. It's amazing to see how Roshi seems to be both a comedic relief and a source of wisdom. Goku, being naive yet pure-hearted, often brings out Roshi's fatherly instincts, making their relationship feel so endearing. Then there's Krillin, who shares a similar path with Goku in training under Roshi. Their friendship is forged in shared experiences, both comedic and intense. I find their camaraderie fuels some of the series' heartwarming moments. You really see Krillin grow from being this timid student into a strong fighter and a devoted friend, all while maintaining that special bond with Roshi who, at times, acts like a quirky grandfather. It warms the heart! Of course, we can't forget Bulma! While she wasn't a student in the traditional sense, her interactions with Roshi provide hilarious and memorable moments. Their witty banter often highlights the absurdity of situations, especially Roshi's notorious behavior, which can be quite frustrating to her but also undeniably funny. That tension characterizes so much of the series and reminds us that even amidst epic battles, there's room for humor and friendship.

I’ve stumbled upon a few 'Dragon Ball' fanfics where Master Roshi’s mentorship with Bulma takes a wild turn into romantic territory, and honestly, it’s a mixed bag. Some writers lean into the absurdity of Roshi’s character—his pervy antics and age gap—to create a weirdly compelling dynamic. They twist his usual comic relief into something darker or more nuanced, where his mentorship becomes a veil for unspoken longing. The tension often stems from Bulma’s frustration with his behavior, which evolves into a grudging familiarity or even attraction. It’s a risky premise, but when done right, it explores power imbalances and the blurry line between admiration and something deeper. Other fics take a softer approach, aging Roshi down or giving him a redemption arc where he genuinely grows past his flaws. These stories focus on emotional vulnerability, like Roshi reflecting on his immortality isolating him from meaningful connections. Bulma’s brilliance and stubbornness become the bridge, with their banter turning into genuine chemistry. The best versions don’t ignore the creep factor but use it as a hurdle they overcome, making the eventual romance feel earned. It’s a niche trope, but when writers commit to the character growth, it’s oddly satisfying.

The Dragon Ball universe has so many ancient beings that it's hard to pin down who truly holds the 'oldest' title! Master Roshi is definitely up there—he's over 300 years old by the time Goku meets him, thanks to the immortality granted by the Eternal Dragon. But then you have characters like Kami, who's technically the same age as Piccolo since they were once one being, and their origins stretch back centuries. Even Whis and the Angels are practically ageless, existing since before time was a concept. Roshi feels ancient compared to humans, but in the cosmic scale? He's practically a spring chicken. What fascinates me is how Toriyama plays with time. Characters like Zamasu or the original Kaiōshin have lived for eons, yet Roshi’s longevity stands out because he’s so… human about it. He’s seen civilizations rise and fall, yet still gets flustered over magazines. That contrast makes him feel older than some literal gods.

I've always been fascinated by how fanworks explore Master Roshi's loneliness, especially through unexpected romantic pairings. In many 'Dragon Ball' fanfics, writers delve into his centuries-long life, portraying his isolation as a sage who outlived everyone he loved. Some stories pair him with younger characters like Bulma or Android 18, not for cheap laughs but to highlight his yearning for connection. These romances often start as playful or transactional but evolve into something deeper, showing Roshi's growth from a lecherous old man to someone capable of genuine vulnerability. What stands out is how authors use humor and tenderness to balance his flaws. A fic I read recently had Roshi bonding with Chi-Chi over shared loneliness—she as a widow, he as an immortal. Their dynamic wasn’t romantic in the usual sense, but it peeled back layers of his character, revealing a man who’s tired of hiding behind jokes. The best works don’t erase his pervy side but contextualize it as a defense mechanism, making his eventual emotional openness feel earned.

Master Roshi is an absolute legend in the 'Dragon Ball Z' universe! His role goes far beyond just being the quirky old man with a love for the ladies; he’s a vital cornerstone in the development of many characters, especially Goku and Krillin. When Goku first trains under Master Roshi, it's not just about physical strength; Roshi teaches them the importance of balance between power and discipline. I mean, can you picture a young Goku without that crazy Kamehameha wave? Roshi's methods might seem outlandish at times—who can forget that hilarious turtle shell training?—but they shape Goku’s determination and work ethic. Roshi’s impact isn’t limited to Goku, either. He mentors Krillin, who goes on to become a formidable fighter himself. The old master fosters a deep friendship between Goku and Krillin, which we see bloom throughout the series. Plus, his wisdom isn’t just theoretical; Roshi has so many battle experiences that when he offers advice, you know it’s coming from a place of genuine knowledge. This is little discussed, but his character also taps into a more profound philosophical side of martial arts, emphasizing the importance of peace and understanding. Even in the later arcs, Master Roshi remains relevant. His surprising moments of strength demonstrate that age doesn’t equate to weakness. He’s always there when the main characters need a boost of morale, spitting wisdom like it’s second nature! I feel like without him, 'Dragon Ball Z' would lack that nuanced touch of mentorship and camaraderie.

I've stumbled upon some intriguing fanfics that peel back Master Roshi's lecherous facade to reveal a surprisingly complex emotional core. One standout is 'The Hermit's Burden,' which explores his guilt over outliving his students and the loneliness of immortality. The fic juxtaposes his perverted antics with flashbacks to his younger, more idealistic self, creating a poignant contrast. It’s not just about cheap laughs; there’s genuine pathos in how he uses humor to mask pain. Another gem, 'Whiskey and Turtle Shells,' delves into his relationship with Master Mutaito. Roshi’s vulgarity here is framed as a coping mechanism for unresolved grief. The author cleverly ties his womanizing to a fear of deeper connections—after all, fleeting lust is safer than love that might vanish like Krillin or Goku someday. The prose is raw, with drunken monologues that hit harder than a Kamehameha.

I’ve spent way too much time diving into 'Zootopia' fanfics, and the way Nick’s past trauma shapes his dynamic with Judy is chef’s kiss. Some writers lean hard into his abandonment issues, painting him as someone who’s learned to keep walls up—until Judy bulldozes through them. There’s this one fic where he flinches at unexpected touches, and Judy slowly teaches him it’s okay to trust again, using small gestures like sharing a meal or letting her fix his tie. It’s not just about big dramatic moments; it’s the quiet scenes where he realizes she won’t leave like others did. Other stories take a darker route, linking his hustler persona directly to childhood neglect. Judy becomes his anchor, but the conflict comes from his self-sabotage—pushing her away 'for her own good.' The best fics balance this with Judy’s stubborn optimism; she doesn’t 'fix' him but gives him space to heal. Trauma isn’t a plot device; it’s woven into his sarcasm, his reluctance to rely on anyone. The payoff is always when he finally says, 'I need help,' and Judy’s already there.

I keep coming back to 'Like Jewels in the Sun' by Sunchipzz on AO3. It's a Chichi/Vegeta pairing, which sounds insane on paper, but the author builds it from this moment right after the Saiyan Saga where she's stranded with him. It isn't about sudden attraction; it's about two deeply stubborn, proud warriors forced into proximity, dealing with grief and survival. What makes it unique is how it treats their respective love for Goku. It's not a replacement, more like a parallel path forged in shared understanding of loss and duty. The romance is glacial, built on grudging respect that morphs into something fiercely protective. The prose has this almost mythic quality that fits the Dragon World. For something completely different, 'Circuit Breaker' is a Bulma/Android 18 AU where they're rival engineers in a tech corporation. The romance is a slow-burn hate-to-love scenario filled with brilliant technical banter that feels totally in character. It's a sharp, modern take that still captures their competitive spirits.