Summary
The Tri-Beam is amongthe most formidable energy techniquesin all martial arts. Developed a long time ago, its history traces back to the legendary disciples of Master Mutaito, who first wielded it against King Piccolo’s dreaded Demon Clan. However, it would be Tien Shinhan who popularized this dangerous attack through his intense battles in the World Martial Arts Tournaments of theDragon Ballseries.
With his signature Tri-Beam, Tien showcased tremendous skill and perseverance in the series and pushed his abilities to their absolute limits against opponentslike Goku and Piccolo Jr.While the attack packs unparalleled destructive force, its use comes at great risk. Each time Tien forms the distinctive diamond shape with his hands and releases the massive energy beam, he shortens his lifespan. Through continuous training and modification, Tien refined the Tri-Beam into upgraded variations. Let’s take a closer look at this technique.
Manga Debut
Chapter 133, “Desperation Move”
The tri-Beam is a powerful energy technique used by the martial artist Tien Shinhan. To perform this attack, Tien gathers energy in his hands and forms a vaguely diamond-shaped energy tunnel. He does this by keeping his fingers together on each hand and overlapping the index finger of one hand with the pinky finger of the other. His thumbs also overlap to complete the shape.
Once the energy tunnel is formed, Tien focuses on his target and visualizes it inside the diamond shape. He then shouts “Tri-Beam, ha!” while unleashing alarge yellow energy beamfrom his hands towards the target. This beam is powerful enough to destroy whatever it hits. Tien can even fire this attack with one hand after losing an arm in battle.
However, there is a big drawback to using the Tri-Beam. Not only does it drain Tien’s life energy while firing, but prolonged use of the technique can end up killing the user if too much energy is depleted.Master Roshi also warned thatevery time Tien uses the Tri-Beam, it shortens his lifespan slightly, meaning that each use comes at the cost of some of Tien’s life.
Chapter 373, “The New Cell”
The Neo Tri-Beam is an upgraded variation of Tien Shinhan’s signature Tri-Beam attack. To perform it, Tien brings his hands together with just the tips of his fingers and thumbs touching, forming a triangular space. He then focuses his vision on his target through this triangle.
After gathering sufficient energy, Tien shouts “Neo Tri-Beam, ha!” and unleashes multiple Tri-Beams in quick repetition by shouting “Ha!” again with each burst fired. The number of repeated blasts depends on how much he chooses to utilize this technique.
Like the standard Tri-Beam, the Neo Tri-Beam carries the major downside of severely draining Tien’s life force with each use. Prolonged use of this attack can seriously harm and potentially kill him by depleting his energy reserves. However, its damage output is said to be 100 times greater than Tien’s base power level, making it an incredibly destructive upgraded version of hissignature energy cannon skill.
Chapter 218, “The Last Blast”
While Tien Shinhan’s standard Tri-Beam and more advanced Neo Tri-Beam variations pack immense destructive power, an even more formidable style exists within his repertoire: the Spirit Tri-Beam. This version differs in that it can be executed using only one hand, allowing Tien to employ it even when gravely injured. To perform the Spirit Tri-Beam, Tien focuses all of his remaining lifeforce energy on his right hand. He then moves his hand forward, forming half of the traditional Tri-Beam position.
From this stance, Tien can unleash a powerful energy blast. By concentrating all his spirit and will into a single-handed blast, the Spirit Tri-Beam serves as Tien’s ultimate last resort technique. It allows him to still pose a threat even when facing overwhelming odds and on the verge of defeat.
Applications of the Tri-Beam Technique
The Standard Tri-Beam Technique
Duringthe King Piccolo warsbefore the events of the originalDragon Ballseries, the disciples of Master Mutaito used the Tri-Beam technique against King Piccolo’s Demon Clan. However, they were all killed except for Master Shen and Master Roshi.
Tien first used the Tri-Beam during the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament in his fight against Goku. Later at the 23rd tournament, he fired a Tri-Beam to blast a hole in the ground, allowing everyone to take cover fromPiccolo Jr.’s explosive attack.
During the Cell Games, Cell’s genetically engineered offspring, known as the Cell Juniors, tried firing Tri-Beams at Super Saiyan 2 Gohan, but to no avail. Tien also defended Mr. Satan and Dende from Super Buu’s assault by destroying the villain’s finger beam with his own Tri-Beam.
In more recent events, Tien has continued to employ his signature technique against formidable opponents, such as during his battle inthe Universe Survival Saga. Through determination and self-improvement, Tien has honed the Tri-Beam into a formidable attack.
The Neo Tri-Beam Technique
Tien first displayed his mastery of the Neo Tri-Beam techniqueagainst Semi-Perfect Cell. Though Cell was far superior in power, Tien kept him continually blasted with repeated bursts of the Neo Tri-Beam. This stalled Cell long enough for Android 18 to escape with the injured Android 16. While the attack did no true damage to Cell, he couldn’t break free from the constant blasts pushing him deeper into the crater.
I might just be a pothole in the road to you big guy, but it’s going to be one heck of a deep pothole!
However, utilizing the Neo Tri-Beam took a heavy toll on Tien’s body. Overexerting himself led to exhaustion, causing Tien to collapse unconscious. Before Cell could deliver the final blow, Goku arrived via instant transmission and safely transported Tien and Piccolo back to The Lookout to recover.
During the Tournament of Power, Tien once again demonstrated the power of the Neo Tri-Beam. He eliminated The Preecho from the arena by successfully landing multiple blasts to knock him out of bounds. Later, Tien targeted Harmira with the technique, leading them to mutually eliminate one another in a close confrontation.
The Spirit Tri-Beam Technique
Tien utilized the Spirit Tri-Beam during his fierce battle with the Saiyan Nappa. Fed up with Nappa effortlessly defeating his comrades, including Chiaotzu’s suicide attack, Tien pushed his body to its absolute limit. Channeling every last ounce of ki into his right hand, he fired the one-handed Spirit Tri-Beam skyward at Nappa.
Chiaotzu… I won’t let your sacrifice be in vain - I promise! This Saiyan goes down right now - or I’ll be with you again soon, Chiaotzu! Now… TRI-BEAM!!! HAAAAAA!!!
Unfortunately for Tien, while the technique inflicted heavy damage, blasting right through Nappa’s armor, it wasn’t enough to finish off the powerful Saiyan himself. The Spirit Tri-Beam’s tremendous power came at the cost of Tien’s own life. Completely drained after the blast, Tien collapsed and died, with his final attack only wounding but not slaying Nappa.However, Vegeta acknowledged thatwithout blocking the attack, the Spirit Tri-Beam may have succeeded in defeating Nappa, displaying just how much destructive force Tien summoned for this ultimate last-resort maneuver. While it didn’t achieve victory, the attack showed Tien’s overwhelming resolve and spiritual strength until the very end.
The Tri-Beam technique cultivated by Tien Shinhan through immense training has endured as one of the mostpowerful and recognizable attacksin theDragon Balluniverse. Through variations like the Neo and Spirit Tri-Beams, Tien has demonstrated his martial arts mastery and ability to evolve this devastating energy wave attack against even the greatest opponents. The Tri-Beam stands as a testament to Tien’s relentless fighting spirit and serves as a key part of his formidable arsenal.
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Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is a franchise by Akira Toriyama which follows the adventures of Goku, a powerful warrior who protects the earth with his group of friends. A recent title from the series is Dragon Ball: The Breakers, an action style game where 7 players have to survive being hunted by the Raider.
