Overview of Katchin in Dragon Ball
- Katchin, recognized as the most formidable metal in Universe 7, appears sporadically in the Dragon Ball franchise.
- This unique metal may have ties to the Glinds, as it is wielded by the Supreme Kais.
- A more potent variant, known as Kachi Katchin, was utilized to construct the arena for the Tournament of Power.
Katchin, also referred to as Katchintite in various adaptations, is celebrated as the hardest metal within the Dragon Ball universe, specifically in Universe 7, where iconic characters like Goku and the Z Fighters reside. Despite its notable strength, Katchin has seen limited practical applications since most Z Fighters prefer unarmed combat. Its introduction took place in Dragon Ball Z episode 250, titled “Out from the Broken Sword,”where Supreme Kai Shin summoned a massive block of Katchin to evaluate Gohan’s capabilities with the Z Sword. The block’s formidable nature was demonstrated when it shattered the Z Sword, even under Gohan’s immense power.
The metal appears again in the manga only, specifically in Dragon Ball Super chapter 16, “Future Trunks’ Past,”wherein a future version of Shin summons Katchin to prepare Future Trunks for Babidi’s impending threat. However, their training was interrupted, leaving the block unused. Its third notable appearance occurs in chapter 23, “The Potara’s True Worth,”where the Fused Zamasu uses Katchin blocks offensively against Goku and Vegito. Furthermore, Katchin appears in Dragon Ball Daima, where Dr. Arinsu employs it as collars to track residents of the Third Demon World. Given its association with the Glinds, Katchin may feature more prominently in future Daima arcs. Additionally, Katchin has appeared in various Dragon Ball video games, typically serving as a formidable obstacle.
Defining Katchin
Can Katchin defeat Goku?
In essence, Katchin represents the most resilient metal in Universe 7. It is usually portrayed as a dark, gray or black metallic substance, typically formed into smooth cubes measuring approximately 3 meters on each side. In Dragon Ball Daima, the Katchin collars seen on Demon Realm civilians are displayed in red, though it remains unclear if this is due to a coating or an alteration in the metal’s properties during collar creation.
“This is Katchin, said to be the hardest metal in the universe.” — Supreme Kai Shin to Goku
The precise origins of Katchin remain a mystery—its scarcity or availability is yet to be established. While some video games depict Katchin as found on Earth, such representations are not considered canon within the anime or manga realms.
Interestingly, the term “Katchin”derives from a Japanese onomatopoeia that depicts the sound made when swords clash. Additionally, the Japanese term can also be pronounced “Katchinko,”effectively translating to “Katchin Steel.”
Understanding Kachi Katchin
The metal that forms the Tournament of Power arena is an even stronger iteration called Kachi Katchin. While Katchin is famously regarded as the toughest metal in Universe 7, Kachi Katchin holds the title for the most durable metal across the entire multiverse, according to the Grand Priest.
It’s worth noting that in the Dragon Ball Super anime, the term Kachi Katchin is specifically used; however, the manga does not clarify the substance employed for the arena, leaving a possibility that Kachi Katchin might solely exist in the anime world.
Is Katchin Indestructible?
In short, Katchin is not indestructible. As highlighted earlier, Kachi Katchin is recognized as a stronger variant of Katchin, used specifically for the Tournament of Power arena. Fans will recall that the arena faced considerable destruction during the tournament events, particularly in the pre-tournament match featuring Gods of Destruction Iwan, Liquiir, and Arak. Additionally, Shin has demonstrated that he can break Katchin collars crafted by Dr. Arinsu, but this involved the use of magic rather than pure physical force.
Glinds and Their Connection to Katchin
Summoning and Manipulation of Katchin
The Glinds, the enigmatic race responsible for selecting Supreme Kais, possess an intuitive connection to Katchin. Notably, Supreme Kai Shin and Zamasu from Universe 10 have displayed the ability to manifest Katchin blocks seemingly at will. It remains unclear whether they conjure these blocks from thin air or transport them from another location. Dr. Arinsu, who designed the Katchin collars in the Demon Realm, is also identified as a Glind and shares a familial tie with Shin, having originated from the same tree. Furthermore, Shin showcased a magical spell capable of breaking Dr. Arinsu’s Katchin collars, reinforcing the idea that the Glinds have unique capabilities regarding this metal.
Despite the apparent innate talent of the Glinds in harnessing Katchin, this skill may not be restricted solely to their kind. In episode 7 of Dragon Ball Daima, Shin notes that the spell he used to disrupt Panzy’s collar can be taught to others. This suggests the potential for others to learn how to manipulate Katchin, opening avenues for broader engagement with this extraordinary material.
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