One year later, the relationship between the two young Saiyans on Mt. Paozu has become unusual and unspoken. It is driven by instinct rather than conscious thought. Gohan observes a primitive form of loyalty and protection, which is different from the gentle affection he taught Goku.
Tatsu's Protective Instinct:
Tatsu's aggression remains a defining trait during the day. He often becomes angry, and his games are more violent than Goku's. However, Goku is the only being toward whom he does not direct aggression. It's a territorial instinct; Goku is his "pod neighbor" and, therefore, his to protect.
The nighttime ritual:
As the sun sets, a strange ritual begins. Tatsu prevents Goku from straying too far, herding the smaller Saiyan into their sleeping area. Gohan often finds them curled up together, with Tatsu forming a protective barrier around his younger companion. This behavior is animalistic, likely a holdover from the crèches of Planet Vegeta where infants were grouped together for safety.
The "soft spot": This is the only time Tatsu's aggressive demeanor softens. With his cousin sleeping beside him, Tatsu's wild eyes become calmer. He instinctively places an arm or leg protectively over Goku, a habit that began almost immediately after he was given the name Tatsu. It is the only display of affection Gohan has seen from the older boy.
A Complicated BondRivalry and kinship: The relationship between Goku and Tatsu is complex. Tatsu's aggression often clashes with Goku's more playful nature. He can be possessive and gruff. Yet, if any other creature approaches Goku at night—a wild dog, or even Gohan himself—Tatsu responds with a ferocious, territorial snarl.
Unconscious learning: Tatsu's unconscious protection of Goku mirrors the earliest stages of Saiyan familial bonds, as seen with Bardock and Gine. While most Saiyans were detached, there was a primitive loyalty among comrades and, in rare cases, family. Tatsu, without a head injury to erase his instincts, relies on this core Saiyan trait. He does not love Goku in a human sense, but he has an unbreakable loyalty to his small, cheerful companion.Gohan watches this with a mix of awe and worry. He sees the raw, untamed nature of the Saiyan race, but also the potential for a deeper form of loyalty. He knows that his task is to not only civilize Tatsu, but to channel this instinct into something more kind and conscious. For now, he allows the quiet ritual to continue, knowing that for Tatsu, this is the only way he knows how to care.