Abheet Gupta 
The recently concluded Dragon Ball Daima took fans on a nostalgic journey, bringing back the adventurous and mystical side of the Dragon Ball universe. However, the most exciting aspect of the series was undoubtedly Goku’s Super Saiyan 4 transformation in Episode 18. With Daima wrapping up in an emotional tribute to Akira Toriyama, this transformation has sparked widespread speculation about what’s next for the franchise. The hype around SSJ4 has reignited interest in an age-old fan-favorite transformation—Super Saiyan 5, which might finally become canon in the final arc of Dragon Ball Super!
Why Goku Never Used SSJ4 in Dragon Ball Super
One of the biggest mysteries now is why Goku never used Super Saiyan 4 in Dragon Ball Super. With Daima showcasing this transformation, fans are left wondering if the upcoming Dragon Ball Super finale will address this inconsistency. There are multiple ways Dragon Ball Super could explain this. A second season of Dragon Ball Daima could provide the answers, tying into the main continuity of Super. Dragon Ball Super manga has already found ways to canonize Dragon Ball Super: Broly and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, meaning SSJ4 could follow suit.
One possible explanation is that SSJ4 can only be accessed in the Demon Realm, preventing Goku from using it outside. Another theory is that Goku and his allies lost all memory of their time in the Demon World, explaining the absence of SSJ4 in Super. It is possible Neva made them forget their memories to protect the demon world from potential threats. Regardless of how it is explained, the introduction of SSJ4 in Daima has made its existence undeniable, and it could serve as the foundation for something even greater—Super Saiyan 5.
How Goku Might Transform to Super Saiyan 5 in Dragon Ball Super Final Arc
The Dragon Ball Super anime concluded with Goku unlocking Ultra Instinct, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its continuation. Since then, the manga has covered major arcs, including the Moro arc, Granolah arc, Gas arc, and the Super Hero arc. As it stands, Goku has mastered True Ultra Instinct, Vegeta has perfected Ultra Ego, Gohan has ascended to his Beast form, and Piccolo has become Orange Piccolo. Broly has also joined the Z-fighters, adding immense power to their ranks.
Yet, despite these incredible power-ups, the greatest threat remains—Black Frieza. In his brief appearance, Black Frieza effortlessly defeated both Goku and Vegeta at their peak, proving that he is the ultimate villain of the DBS saga. If Goku is to stand a chance against him, he will need to evolve beyond even True Ultra Instinct. This is where Super Saiyan 5 comes in.
With his recent exposure to SSJ4 in Daima, it is highly likely that Goku will recall this transformation in his fight against Black Frieza. By fusing the primal power of SSJ4 with the divine nature of True Ultra Instinct, Goku could achieve the long-awaited Super Saiyan 5 transformation. Much like its fan-made depictions, SSJ5 in canon could retain the characteristics of SSJ4 while incorporating the white, ethereal glow of Ultra Instinct. This would elevate Goku to a level of power never seen before, allowing him to surpass his limits once again and bring DBS to an epic conclusion tying all ages and era of DB fans together.
The Legacy of Super Saiyan 5
For years, Super Saiyan 5 has been a mythic transformation in Dragon Ball fan circles. Originating from Dragon Ball AF fan art and theories, SSJ5 was often imagined as a hybrid of SSJ4 and divine transformations, featuring white fur, elongated hair, and immense power. While it was never canon, its concept persisted, influencing fan discussions and even official designs in games and promotional material.
With Dragon Ball Daima bringing SSJ4 into focus once again, the possibility of SSJ5 becoming a reality has never been higher. The upcoming DBS finale has all the right conditions for this transformation to finally debut, giving Goku the ultimate power to overcome Black Frieza and conclude the saga in spectacular fashion.
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