Dragon Ball is a universe where the impossible becomes reality. Fans have witnessed characters being revived numerous times thanks to the Eternal Dragon Shenron, who can grant any wish, including bringing back the deceased.
The central hero of the series has been resurrected with the help of the dragon balls several times, as have many other characters. However, Shenron’s wish-granting abilities have limitations, which were notably evident at the conclusion of the Cell Saga.
After Gohan’s victory over Perfect Cell and Future Trunks’ return to his timeline, the Z fighters attempted to revive Goku. However, Goku declined, preferring to remain deceased to protect Earth from further trouble.
The Limits of Shenron’s Power
In a heartfelt moment, Krillin then attempted to use the dragon balls to transform Androids 17 and 18 back into humans. Unfortunately, this wish couldn’t be fulfilled, as Shenron apparently cannot alter advanced technological constructs like androids.
Androids 17 and 18 were originally created by Dr. Gero during the Android Saga of Dragon Ball Z. They were remarkable specimens, activated by Dr. Gero after Android 19’s defeat by the Z fighters. These androids initially appeared calm, fully aware that Dr. Gero held a remote that could deactivate them at any moment.
When the Z fighters approached Dr. Gero’s laboratory, panic ensued, leading Dr. Gero to accidentally drop the deactivation button. Android 17 seized the opportunity, grabbing and destroying the button, effectively liberating himself and Android 18 from Gero’s control.
Following Dr. Gero’s demise, the Androids embarked on their own path. They later played crucial roles in the Cell Games during the Cell Saga and were eventually absorbed by Cell. Following Goku’s victory over Perfect Cell, the Z fighters sought to revive him using the dragon balls. However, Goku intervened, preferring to stay deceased to preserve Earth’s peace.
Consequently, Krillin made an alternative wish to Shenron, hoping to restore Androids 17 and 18 to their human forms. According to series creator Akira Toriyama, the androids were originally human siblings named Lapis and Lazuli, who were transformed into androids against their will by Dr. Gero.
Unfortunately, Shenron was unable to fulfill this wish. The dragon explained that the androids possessed powers beyond his comprehension, making it impossible to alter them.
This limitation likely stemmed from the androids’ unique status as cyborgs, a fusion of human and machine. Shenron’s inability to understand or manipulate their technological enhancements prevented Krillin’s desired transformation.