Who can say for sure whether Goku’s decision to stay dead was a good one or just another example of his recklessness? In the Cell Saga, Goku’s decision to stay in the Other World after sacrificing himself to save Earth is one of the most iconic and contentious events in Dragon Ball Z. It was a common theme in DBZ for a long time that Goku was somewhat to blame for the spate of attacks on Earth by various villains. From the Saiyans and Mecha-Frieza to Dr Gero and the Androids, everyone and their mother tried to get their hands on the great Saiyan. Was Goku’s decision to remove himself from the game in order to protect Earth the right one?
Goku’s proclivity for unleashing mayhem is as well-documented as his proclivity for saving the day. Dragon Ball Super has magnified this issue to an excruciating degree, bolstering the theory that Goku, either through his deeds or simply by being, is a continual threat to everything and everyone he comes into contact with. No one could dispute with Goku when he said it was in the best interest of Earth if he didn’t return this time.
As of the end of the Cell Saga, Gohan was considerably more powerful than his father; it was an uncommon situation for the series’ most beloved Saiyan to find himself. The fact that Gohan was devastated to hear that his father had decided to stay in the Other World only made Goku more confident in placing the Earth’s security in his hands. When Goku says that Gohan is so powerful that he has nothing left to teach him, a Saiyan understands that Goku has fulfilled his role as a father and is done with him. Not that Goku had ceased caring for his son, but rather that he was confident in the fact that his son would be OK without him.
Others may have seen Goku’s decision to leave for the Other World as a sacrifice, but he may have seen it as a chance to expand his horizons. As Goku is known for his selfishness, it’s not surprising that he would have no qualms about abandoning those he cared about most in order to pursue his own goals. In order for Goku to have a fulfilling life, he relies on the support of his family.
It’s not like Goku’s decision had any real-world repercussions. In the seven years, he was gone, the Earth was the most tranquil it had ever been during his lifetime. To say that turmoil was already in the air when Goku arrived back on Earth would be an understatement. While it’s true that Babidi and Majin Buu didn’t have any ill will against Goku, it’s almost amusing how quickly seven years of peace can be upended by the return of Goku. The fact that Gohan had become so weak necessitated his presence. It’s impossible for Goku to have known that his son would stop training after his father was gone.
He made the proper decision in the end. While he was away, the Earth was absolutely safe, and he demonstrated that he could protect it from beyond the grave when the time came. Gohan was able to lead the life he had always dreamed of, while Vegeta was able to adapt to life on Earth and become a full-fledged hero. I don’t know. Goku may not have been able to vanquish Majin Buu had he not spent more time practising in the Other World.
