Commander Red

Commander Red built the Red Ribbon Army into a global military force capable of threatening nations, fielding advanced technology, employing assassins like Mercenary Tao, and constructing artificial humans through Dr. Gero's research. Under his command, the army launched a worldwide campaign to locate and seize all seven Dragon Balls, deploying soldiers, vehicles, and resources on an enormous scale. To outside observers and even most of his own officers, this appeared to be part of a plan for world domination.

The reality was far more petty. Commander Red wanted the Dragon Balls to wish himself taller. Extremely self-conscious about his short stature, Red had convinced himself that his height was the only barrier between him and the respect he craved. He used the most powerful military organization on the planet, sacrificed countless soldiers' lives, and waged war on a global scale, all to address a personal insecurity.

When his second-in-command, Staff Officer Black, discovered the true nature of Red's wish, he was horrified. Black had watched soldiers die believing they were fighting for a cause, only to learn that their commander intended to waste the Dragon Balls on vanity. Black confronted Red and, in a moment that was both shocking and narratively justified, shot him dead. Black then assumed command and attempted to stop Goku himself using a battle mech, but he too was defeated.

Commander Red's legacy extended far beyond his death. The Red Ribbon Army's infrastructure survived his demise, most critically Dr. Gero's android research program. Gero's creations, including Android 17, Android 18, and Cell, became some of the most dangerous threats the Z Fighters ever faced. In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, the Red Ribbon Army was revived yet again under Magenta, Red's son, who inherited both his father's organization and his petty vindictiveness. Red's decision to build an army ultimately spawned threats that plagued Earth for decades.