Kaio-ken

Kaio-ken
Inventor	King Kaio
Users	Goku (U4, U6, U7, U8, U11, U12, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, U20) Vegetto Uub Kulilin (U9) Videl (U9) Trunks (U9) Tien (U9)

Kaio-ken ( Kaiōken, lit. "Realm King Fist") is a powerful amplification technique that multiplies one's capabilities in a single "heartbeat", thus increasing their power and speed and enabling them to inflict serious damage to opponents who are considerably stronger than them.

Invented by King Kaio, Goku is the only person ever to use it successfully in most universes. However, the downside of the Kaio-ken is that it takes a heavy toll on the user's body, making them more vulnerable to enemy attacks. While in the state, the user's aura color becomes crimson. The technique requires the use of ki control to handle it properly.

Overview

As a result of the Kaio-ken, the user's base power level, strength, speed, and even sensory awareness greatly increase for an instant. With hardcore and dedicated training, the length of activation can be increased. This change is quantified as doubling the user's power level for the base Kaio-ken technique. This short burst of power beyond the body's normal maximum output comes at the cost of increasing the flow of ki within the user's body, taxing it and requiring great skill and concentration to keep under control. The uprise of ki flowing inside could easily obliterate them, and even when kept under proper control still causes intense muscle spasms, pain and weakness after prolonged use.

Whilst already a useful technique in its base form, the technique's true potential is in its ability for the power multiplier to be stacked, from doubling of the base Kaio-ken to a tripling, quadrupling and even further. The limits of the multiplier appear to be linked to the user's body toughness in addition to experience, so a user is able to increase his durability and base strength through training and in turn gain an even higher power multiplier from the Kaio-ken.

When using the Kaio-ken, the user gains a red and exploding aura, and in turn, their whole body and clothes acquire a reddish tint. The power of the aura also bristles the user's hair and clothes if they have any. Unlike other transformations (like Super Saiyan), the Kaio-ken must remain with its aura active all the time. If the user is not very used to the technique, it generates great stress to their body, enough to increase the muscle mass and blood pressure (in the form of popped out veins). The technique can also generate large amounts of heat from the user's body whilst being activated, creating steam rising from their body.

Although rare, users can gain crimson eyes during the activation of the technique.

Mastery & Multiplication

Many versions of Goku learned to use at least Times 10 without showing not only any visible changes, but in a prolonged manner. The highest multiplication used was X20. Both instances was against Freeza, which inevitably was the final time Kaio-ken was used in battle. Uniquely in Universe, Goku's maximum multiplication is just X10.

At age 17, Uub was at the same level as Goku where he can use it without any visible changes and too use the X20. Now aged 20, it greatly hinted that Uub can push the Kaio-ken even further with his 'Maximum Kaio-Ken".

Trunks when in his prime had a maximum multiplication of X10.

It remains unknown how far Kulilin, Videl, Tien, or Vegetto could push it.

Advanced State

Kaio-ken Transcendent

While the exact parameters are unknown for achievement, but using this state greatly multiplies the user's power to immense levels. It allowed Uub to utterly overpower Goku when using Super Saiyan 3, something his 'Maximum Kaio-ken' failed to do. But using this form is a true double edge sword since it greatly injures the user during activation. When over, the user won't even be able to stand anymore.

Users

Universe 4

Goku was the only user of this technique before he was forever absorbed by Majin Buu. It was last seen during the battle against Freeza on Namek.

Universe 6

Like most universes, Goku is the only user capable of using this technique. It was last seen during the battle against Freeza on Namek.

Universe 7

Like most universes. Goku is the only user of this move. Goku was last seen using it during his battle against Nappa and Vegeta on Earth. It unknown if he ever uses it again since this universe changes the moment all available Namekians fuse to become 'Gast Carcolh', whom slains Freeza on Namek.

Universe 8

Like most universes, Goku is the only user of this move. It was used in the battles against Nappa and Vegeta on Earth. Famously Goku used it during his final battles against Captain Ginyu and Freeza. His maximum was X10.

Universe 9

Many of the Human combatants from this universe know this technique:

The likes of Kulilin and Videl has shown to use it multiple times. Tien can use it as well, doing so against Zen Buu in the novel. Trunks can also use this technique, which in his prime was ten fold. It is unknown if Yamcha can use it too.

Both Kulilin and Tien learned it after dying and meeting King Kaio.

Universe 11

As usual, only Goku is aware on how to use it. It was last seen during the battle against Freeza on Namek.

Universe 12 & 14 & 15 [Future 'Timelines']

Only Goku is capable of using this technique. In all three universes he is last seen to be using it against Freeza and years later dies from the fated heart virus.

Universe 16

Like many other universes, Goku is the only person to master this technique until he forever fused with Vegeta. Though unseen, Vegetto has this technique as well, inheriting it from Goku upon being born. It was last seen during the battle against Freeza on Namek by Goku.

Universe 17

Goku, and probably Cell are the only ones capable of using this technique. It was last seen during the battle against Freeza on Namek by Goku.

Universe 18

Just like in the canon series, Goku also has this technique, though he has yet to be seen utilizing it. He was last seen using it during the battle against Freeza on Namek.

Uub also knows the technique, learning it from Goku during his training.

Universe 20

Similar to the other universes, Goku is a user of this until he willingly became absorbed by Good Buu to combat Broly. It was last seen during the battle against Freeza on Namek.

Uub has also demonstrated the ability to use the Kaio-ken, identical to his Universe 18 counterpart.

Usages and Power - Canon

In the same time period for Universes 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20, it was first mentioned by King Kaio when he desired to teach Goku it, a power he could never master himself. After some training Goku learns to master it, feeling confident in his capabilities to use it. Upon facing Nappa and Vegeta and powering up to a power level over 8,000, Goku informs them that he won't use the Kaio-Ken just yet, making Vegeta to reiterate the name of the technique. When Nappa decided to attack both Gohan and Kulilin, Goku showcases for the first time by using it to cripple Nappa upon doubling his power. Goku then explains the effects to Gohan and Kulilin. Upon battling Vegeta, at the Saiyan prince's request, Goku uses Kaio-ken to briefly overwhelm Vegeta. However a kick to the face cancels the technique. When Vegeta uses his real power and starts overwhelming Goku, he uses "Kaio-ken X 2", but fails to make a difference as he gets further injured. Seeing no chance, Goku decides to use the X3 to change the flow of the battle. Upon using the three-fold, Goku completely dominates against Vegeta that leaves the prince unable to believe he been surpassed. Upon engaging against Vegeta's Galick Gun, a Kaioken X 4 empowered Kamehameha became strong enough to overwhelm Vegeta. The after effects leaves Goku so drained that a friendly slap from Yajirobe causes him unbearable agony. When Vegeta becomes an Oozaru, Goku uses the Kaio-ken one last time to evade a attack, but fails to dodge another blow before using it again to flee from a blinded Vegeta. This makes it the last time it was seen in the Saiyan saga, where his ultimate limit is X4.

In the same time period for Universes 4, 6, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20, it was used again in the next saga. Upon going into space with a time of arrival of six days for Planet Namek, Goku immediately begins training in heightened gravity to handle the higher multiplication levels of Kaio-ken. Upon completing his training in 100X gravity, Goku believes his body can now handle the Kaio-ken X10. When battling Captain Ginyu, Goku was about to use the Kaio-ken to free himself from the full-nelson, but the commando let go before he could do so. When asked to use his full power, Goku uses the Kaio-ken to double his power level, reaching 180,000 that surpassed Ginyu's maximum. When Goku powers down and tells them that this level is nothing when he uses it in 'bursts', it convinces Ginyu that he must be a true Super Saiyan. Upon confronting Ginyu in his own body, Goku felt confident that Ginyu could never pull off the Kaio-ken, let alone even use half of his power since he wouldn't be able to control his ki, which becomes true in the end. Upon facing Freeza who began using 50% of his true power, Goku was using Kaio-ken X10 just to stay alive, though his mastery at this point was great enough that it showed no visible changes. When the situation became desperate, Goku was forced to use the Kaio-ken X20 and fire a powerful Kamehameha, but it failed to put Freeza down. Due to the after effects, Goku instantly became weaker and noted that the Kaio-ken at such a level was too much for him. Ultimately this was the last time the Kaio-ken was seen or mentioned in the canon series.

Usages and Power - History & Specials

In Universe 8, Goku at first thought about using his 'maximum Kaio-ken' to free himself from Guldo's paralysis spell. But his first true demonstration of the technique was upon engaging against Captain Ginyu. When Freeza arrives, Goku uses it many times against the Frost Demon's various transformations. Once Freeza decides to execute him, Goku activates the technique to severely pummel Freeza in his first form. After getting attacked by Freeza in his third form, Goku decides to use Kaio-ken X10 to even have a chance. Managing to gain the advantage, Goku quickly hits Freeza with a powerful Kamehameha wave. Believing he has won and telling Freeza to give up, Goku powers down as Freeza ascends to his true form. Upon using his strongest multiplication, which is X10, he perishes when Freeza decides to kill him at all costs.

In Universe 18, Uub first demonstrates it against Mr. Buu during their second sparring match in Age 789, five years before the Multiverse Tournament. At the time he could only double his base power level. In Age 791, during their third and final spar, Uub reveals his maximum multiplication, being X 20. He can also use the lower multiplications without showing any signs of change, akin to what Goku did once against Freeza on Planet Namek

In Universe 20, Uub uses this as a final bid to combat against Broly on a ruined Earth.

Usages and Power - Multiverse Tournament

First Round

Videl displays this move against Captain Ginyu (still in King Cold's body), though remains inferior throughout the battle.

Second Round

Kulilin uses this move at various stages during his match against both Tapion and Hildegan.

Third Round & Majin Rebellion

Uub uses this move during his battle against Majin Buu.

Videl uses her maximum to help kill the Majinized Cell Jr. that invaded their apartment.

Fourth Round

Uub used his Maximum Kaio-ken during the first half of his fight against Goku. When things heated up, he used the Kaio-ken Transcendent to gain a massive edge over Goku.

Trivia

• Instead of saying the multiplication name for the Kaio-ken, all the users in DBM use vague names to describe their multiplier (Kaio-Ken Next Level, Kaio-ken Power One, Stronger Kaio-ken, Maximum Kaio-ken, Kaio-ken Max, etc). If not, different synonyms are used instead of 'times' such as "Kaio-ken Level 10".
• So far the only universes who haven't displayed a Kaio-ken user is 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 13, and 19.
• Reason why Kakarotto never learned Kaio-ken in Universe 9 is due to him being killed by Coola as a baby. However it may be possible he could have learned it in Otherworld when older if proven worthy.
• While not visually shown or confirmed in the manga, but in the anime the Kaio-ken sound effect plays as Goku finishes off Butta. Nonetheless it could be possible Goku used it against Butta, but didn't have any changes.
• Despite never seen to be using it, Vegetto likely possesses this technique since Goku is part of his being.
• Salagir believes that Kaio-ken has no effect on Super Saiyan, thus they cannot be combined.
• According to Salagir, Zen Buu [whom absorbed Goku in Universe 4] is already overpowered and having Kaio-ken makes no sense to have for a being that virtually 'infinite'. Plus Salagir doesn't fully see Buu as a 'living being', so he doesn't feel right giving him this ability.
• According to Salagir, he had no intentions for Ultra Buu to use it since it for 'weak people'. This applies for Cell as well since Kaio-ken has already been done and doesn't want to utilize it.
• In one Twitch Stream, Uub from Universe 20 had a note above his panel that says "Kaioken X100', greatly implying this was the level he was using. Salagir mentions that "Uub in a Kaioken which is bigger than anything we have ever seen."
• Pan always had a interest of learning Kaio-ken due to her belief she couldn't achieve Super Saiyan, but Goku always refused to teach her since she didn't need it.
• As stated by Salagir, Son Bra doesn't possess the Kaioken technique. Also he doesn't intend for Cell to use it either, stating in a personal email "He says he can do Genkidama in the manga. As for Kaioken, he is perfect, so this technique certainly won't affect him. I don't intend to make him use it". In a Twitch Stream, Salagir reiterated his intentions for him to have Cell to not use it.
• The only time Goku shouts "Kaio-ken times two" was briefly during the battle with Vegeta, in order to dodge an incoming energy blast. However, there appears to be no actual difference between the Kaio-ken and 2x Kaio-ken. As of now there doesn't seem to be any DBM released information if Salagir views them as being identical or different.
• Due to many of the films that contained Kaio-ken never occurred (World's Strongest, Tree of Might, The Return of Coola, etc), the likes of "Kaio-ken Times 100" or the sheer coincidence that False Super Saiyan makes the same sound as Kaio-Ken from the Lord Slug film doesn't exist. And do to "Coola's Revenge" has been revised in DBM that didn't show the battle between base Goku and Coola, it is unknown if Goku used Kaio-ken without showing no signs of change like he did in the DBZ film before Coola transformed.

Gallery

Uub using Kaio-ken. Drawn by Gogeta Jr

Goku activating Kaioken

Goku confronting Freeza

Goku using his Maximum Kaioken Kamehameha

Goku struggling to prevail against Freeza

Uub using Kaio-ken 20X Kamehameha

Uub Kaioken Multiplication. Twitch Stream.