Kami

Kami's history begins when a young Namekian child is sent to Earth from the dying Planet Namek. Growing up on Earth, this Namekian desired the position of Guardian but was told he could not assume the role while evil existed within him. He expelled his dark half, creating King Piccolo, and ascended to the Lookout as Earth's new Guardian. From this perch, Kami observed the world for centuries, creating the Dragon Balls and training select warriors to protect the planet.

Kami first directly involves himself in the series by training Goku for three years before the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. He later attempts to seal Piccolo Jr. using the Evil Containment Wave but fails. During the Saiyan Saga, Kami guides the fallen Z Fighters to King Kai's planet for training. His most significant decision comes during the Cell Saga, when he agrees to permanently fuse with Piccolo to combat the Android threat. This fusion erases Kami as a separate entity but produces a Namekian warrior powerful enough to challenge Imperfect Cell, and it necessitates Dende's appointment as the new Guardian.

Kami is foundational to Dragon Ball's mythology. He is the creator of Earth's Dragon Balls, the original source of the wish-granting power that drives the entire series. His existence is tied to Piccolo's through their shared origin, meaning that if either one dies, the other perishes as well, and the Dragon Balls cease to function. This linkage creates tension throughout the original Dragon Ball and early Dragon Ball Z, as killing Piccolo would cost the heroes their ability to revive the dead.

His decision to fuse with Piccolo is a selfless act that effectively ends his individual existence. By merging with his evil counterpart, Kami acknowledges that the division was never meant to be permanent and that true strength comes from wholeness rather than purity. This act also passes the torch to Dende, ensuring that Earth's Dragon Balls continue to function while freeing Piccolo to fight at his full potential.