The evolution of *Dragon Ball* transformations reached a pinnacle with the introduction of Super Saiyan 4 in *Dragon Ball GT*. This transformation represented a significant escalation in the power levels of Goku and Vegeta—until the arrival of *Dragon Ball Super* and *Dragon Ball Daima*—as it unlocked capabilities that dwarfed previous forms. Interestingly, the concept of Super Saiyan 4 was hinted at earlier through a character from *Dragon Ball Z*, namely Yamoshi, who is steeped in the lore of Saiyan history.
Super Saiyan 4 made its debut in the *Dragon Ball GT* episode “Goku’s Ascension.” This transformation redefined Goku’s fighting prowess, elevating his abilities to new heights and making him a daunting force against his adversaries. However, it also introduced a sense of ego tied to the immense power, which occasionally hindered Goku from delivering an even more decisive victory over his foes.
Super Saiyan 4 is often regarded as one of the few highlights of the contentious 64-episode run of *Dragon Ball GT*. This transformation laid the groundwork for the subsequent power scale, long before *Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods* introduced the Super Saiyan God. Notably, Yamoshi, often referred to as the “Legendary Super Saiyan,” provided an early narrative thread that anticipated the emergence of Super Saiyan 4.
Yamoshi Likely Attained Super Saiyan 4 Before Its GT Introduction
Yamoshi Transformed Into a Golden Ape in *Dragon Ball GT*
Yamoshi was first introduced in the *Dragon Ball Z* episode “Goku’s New Power,” where a flashback depicted a Saiyan in the Great Ape form with distinctive yellow fur. This scene, which suggested that Yamoshi appeared in his Golden Great Ape state, acted as a prelude to the Super Saiyan 4 transformation that would only be fully realized later in *Dragon Ball GT*.
Considering that Yamoshi was shown in the Golden Great Ape form during this pivotal moment, it’s plausible he could have subsequently transcended to Super Saiyan 4. This prospect is enhanced by his designation as the “Legendary Super Saiyan,” suggesting he possessed unique potential as a once-in-a-millennium warrior. Supporting this theory, the *Dragon Ball GT: Perfect File* materials indicate that Yamoshi likely achieved Super Saiyan 4 prior to his demise, bridging the lore between past and future transformations within the series.
Yamoshi May Have Been the First Super Saiyan 4, Goku Perfected It
Goku’s Transformation in *Dragon Ball GT* and *Dragon Ball Daima*
While Yamoshi is often cited as the first Saiyan to potentially achieve Super Saiyan 4, Goku truly perfected this form. Though Yamoshi’s abilities remain shrouded in mystery—officially, he was linked only to the original Super Saiyan form—his legacy suggests a deeper connection to future transformations. Goku’s power, especially when fused with Vegeta to form the powerful Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta, showcased abilities that transcended even the expectations set by Yamoshi.
In conclusion, while there’s no conclusive evidence confirming Yamoshi’s ascension beyond the first Super Saiyan form, the notion persists. His title as the “Legendary Super Saiyan” suggests that he could also have accessed advanced transformations. Ultimately, the hints dropped about Yamoshi in *Dragon Ball Z*, along with his visual representation as a Golden Great Ape, effectively set the stage for the introduction of Super Saiyan 4 in *Dragon Ball GT*.