Power Pole

The Power Pole (Nyoi-Bo in Japanese, meaning "Compliant Pole" or "Staff That Obeys One's Will") is a red magical staff with the ability to extend and retract to virtually any length at its wielder's verbal command. Its name reflects its nature: the staff obeys the will of the person holding it.

Although Goku primarily used it as a combat weapon throughout the original Dragon Ball series, the Power Pole's true purpose is far grander. It was designed to serve as a physical bridge between Korin Tower and the Lookout, connecting the earthly realm to the domain of Earth's Guardian. When commanded to extend between these two points, the staff locks into place and creates a climbable path between the two sacred locations.

The Power Pole is extremely durable and virtually indestructible under normal circumstances. It originated with Korin, who passed it to Master Roshi. Roshi eventually gave it to his student Grandpa Gohan, who in turn left it to his adopted grandson Goku. The staff became one of Goku's most recognizable possessions during his childhood adventures.

Goku carried the Power Pole throughout the entirety of the original Dragon Ball series, using it in countless battles from his earliest encounters with the Red Ribbon Army through the World Martial Arts Tournaments. He relied on it heavily in his youth, when his martial arts skills were still developing and the staff provided crucial reach and striking power.

The Power Pole's most important narrative moment came when Goku used it to bridge the gap between Korin Tower and the Lookout for the first time, discovering Kami and the higher world above. After that, the staff remained fixed in place as a permanent connection between the two locations.

As Goku matured and his power grew beyond anything a physical weapon could enhance, the Power Pole saw diminishing use. By the time of Dragon Ball Z, Goku had largely stopped carrying it, relying entirely on his own abilities. The staff has made occasional reappearances in later media; Goku's sons Gohan and Goten have both been depicted using it in certain continuities, and it remains a staple accessory in Dragon Ball video games.