Introduction

Would Kid Goku be an S-class hero in the world of One Punch Man? This question combines elements from both universes, merging Goku's power and personality with the unique dynamics of One Punch Man's hero society. It's a fascinating exploration of how Goku's character and abilities might fare in such a setting. Let's dive into the reasoning behind this hypothesis.

Why Goku Might Not Be S-Class

It's not a matter of power or ability, as Goku possesses significant strength. However, there are underlying reasons why he wouldn't qualify as an S-class hero.

Lack of Interest in Recognition: One of the key differences is that Goku doesn't seek recognition or join the heroic ranks solely for prestige. He fights to challenge powerful opponents, not for a badge or accolades. Saitama, on the other hand, joined the Hero Society partly for recognition, even if he viewed it as a "hero for fun." Joining the Hero Society: Unless someone convinces Goku that joining the Hero Society would help him get stronger opponents, he would have no drive to participate. This highlights how genuine motivations play a crucial role in roles and societal expectations. S-Class Criteria: Even if Goku were to join, he would face significant hurdles. The leader of A-class, Sweet Mask, wouldn't allow Goku to advance without surpassing his current heroic standard. Given that Saitama, despite his tremendous strength, began as a C-class hero, it is likely that Goku would start with a similar rank.

Strength and Ability

At His Strongest: Kid Goku, during his training on Namek, reaches light-speed and moon-level strength. He possesses incredible martial arts skills and the ability to gain strength from each fight, assuming no severe injuries. His comprehensive powers would make him a formidable opponent in the OPM world, though not necessarily unbeatable. He might struggle against Boros, as this character represents extreme strength and endurance in the OPM universe.

At His Weakest: At the start of his journey, Kid Goku is on par with other OPM heroes in terms of strength. He can lift one ton, jump several times his body length, and is around a small building level. His starting strength would place him at a B-class hero at the best, with insufficient power to rival many of the tougher opponents without additional enhancements.

Specifying even his most powerful form, Oozaru, helps. In this state, Goku could potentially become a god-level threat or at least a dragon-level hero. However, in his Oozaru form, he would have to contend with other dragons with comparable or greater power levels, which would alter the balance of strength and recognition in the Hero Society.

Intelligence and Behavior

Intelligence: Kid Goku's intelligence is a key factor in determining his hero rank. In the OPM world, intelligence and problem-solving skills can be as important as strength. Goku, with his simplistic view of heroism, would likely be seen as lacking in sophistication. His approach to fights and achievements might be simplistic and unrefined, potentially hindering his ascent to higher ranks.

Behavior: His behavior in battles would also play a significant role. Goku, known for his straightforward and unapologetic demeanor, might not fit well into the structured and hierarchical systems of the Hero Society. His tendency to eat defeated opponents without much thought (e.g., the Deep Sea King) would be seen as neither heroic nor professional by the standards of other heroes.

Conclusion

While Kid Goku possesses immense physical power that would position him for S-class status, his lack of interest in recognition and his behavior and intelligence fall short of the expectations set by the Hero Society. His journey in a world like One Punch Man would be more about adapting to societal norms than about his raw power. Furthermore, without external motivation or a specific goal, he might struggle to climb the ranks even if he had the strength.