Sometimes, I think some rather random things. I don’t know if they are worth sharing or appropriate (well, the answer is probably a resounding “NO” on both counts there, actually), but, now they’re out there. And you can’t unread them. You’re welcome. 

The real battle of the gods

Well, let’s break some things down for a second – It may not be a landslide, but in a showdown between Sho’Nuff and Hercule, the outcome is likely dependent upon the rules of the match. Hercule is STRONG, but he hasn’t ever tapped into his ki; he relies purely on physical strength to win his matches. This might in part be so because once the Z-fighters removed themselves from the 天下一武道会(Tenkaichi Budoukai) tournaments, there were no other fighters on Earth who had pushed themselves to a similar level, and therefore Hercule never HAD to learn to tap into his ki as a power source. So perhaps through more fighting, intense rivalries, and mental training, he could eventually learn how to use ki to become stronger, but until he is forced to, and presented with the opportunity to consider that prospect seriously, he will never grow beyond his peak physical strength. In fact, it might be actually be the fault of the Z-fighters and Cell for changing so dramatically the scale of the tournament’s battles. Competing at their level of intensity would preclude lower-level fighters from meaningful participation – they simply wouldn’t be able to bridge the gap in ability – and thus lead to Hercule’s incredulity and halted development.

All of that said, IF Hercule learned to tap into his ki, he would be a much stronger fighter. His strength and standing as champion are at least partially valid. But Sho’Nuff HAS learned to tap into his ki – and he believes strongly enough in himself to continue pushing and enhance his use of that power. He has demonstrated considerable strength against ‘Bruce Leroy’ and all those he defeated in his campaign to become the undisputed Shogun of Harlem. In fact, he’s kind of like a low level Z-fighter – more than adequate in strength alone to hold his own against Hercule at his current level. But if Sho’Nuff were in the world of Dragonball, he would be sure to seek out Goku and the other fighters, forcing himself to grow. He would embrace the challenge instead of running away like a punk.

They’re both on a similar level in terms of physical strength alone, but Sho’Nuff has the ki advantage, the will to learn, and the courage to challenge himself. Hercule doesn’t. Hercule CAN’T win. So, who’s the master? Sho’Nuff.

-Namakemono