Goku's Doll

Mr. Popo finally agrees to provide Goku with an opponent for hands-on training and reveals his creation: a clay doll shaped exactly like Goku, complete with identical techniques and fighting ability. The only difference is that the doll has no wandering thoughts, no hesitation, and no emotional interference. It fights with absolute clarity, using the same moves as Goku but executing them with flawless precision.

The Mirror Match

Goku struggles enormously against his own duplicate. Every time his mind drifts even slightly, the doll capitalizes on the opening. The fight forces Goku to confront a truth that Mr. Popo has been trying to teach him: his greatest weakness is not a lack of power or technique, but a lack of mental discipline. After a grueling battle, Goku believes he has won when the doll stops moving, but in reality, the clay figure simply ran out of energy. The distinction matters. Goku has not yet surpassed himself. Exhausted, he falls asleep on the Lookout floor while, far below, Tien, Krillin, Yamcha, and Chiaotzu journey toward Korin Tower to begin the next phase of their own training.

The clay doll represents the ideal version of Goku: one who fights without distraction. Mr. Popo's eyes on the doll's face serve as a visual reminder that this is not truly Goku, but a construct built to teach a lesson. The exercise perfectly illustrates how much potential Goku leaves on the table due to his undisciplined mind.

The Road to Korin

Tien leads the group toward Korin Tower with clear purpose. Having heard how both Goku and Master Roshi trained there, he sees it as the logical next step. The four warriors' journey on foot mirrors the pilgrimages of martial artists throughout Dragon Ball's history.

The doll's energy expiring before Goku can truly defeat it is an important detail. It prevents Goku from falsely believing he has mastered concentration. Mr. Popo's training philosophy is rooted in honesty, and the fact that Goku did not actually overcome the doll's discipline keeps the lesson open for future growth.