TV-Series
Description
The character known as Number 17 was originally a human delinquent named Lapis, who was kidnapped alongside his twin sister Lazuli by the scientist Dr. Gero. They were both subjected to extensive bio-organic restructuring at the cellular level, transforming them into "artificial humans" known as androids or cyborgs. Number 17 is distinguished by his status as a "perpetual energy" model, housing an internal reactor that grants him limitless stamina and the unique ability that he does not tire from physical exertion. While he does not require food for sustenance, he does need to consume water. Due to the slower decay rate of his artificial cells, his aging process is significantly decelerated.
In his first appearances during the conflict with the androids and the biological terror Cell, Number 17 was characterized by a cold, arrogant, and sadistic demeanor. He and his sister killed their creator, Dr. Gero, for attempting to control them and pursued the goal of killing the hero Goku not out of programming, but simply for entertainment, treating the whole affair as a game. Following his death at the hands of Cell and his subsequent revival by the Dragon Balls, Number 17 undergoes a profound transformation in the intervening years. By the time of the events in Dragon Ball Super, he has become a calm, composed, and dedicated individual. He finds fulfillment working as a professional park ranger and guard on a remote, massive royal nature preserve. In this role, he is an outstanding protector who does not hold back against poachers, demonstrating a newfound love for nature and a desire to live in peace. This role is well-suited to his preference for solitude and self-reliance, and it aligns his values with the simple order of the natural world. He is described as a gentleman towards nature, contrasting his past as a violent delinquent. During this period, he marries a zoologist and starts a family, having one biological child and adopting two others, living happily in an isolated house within the park.
Number 17s primary motivation in Dragon Ball Super is the protection of his family and the island he is sworn to defend. This duty is his highest priority, leading him to initially refuse Gokus invitation to join the Tournament of Power, as he is unwilling to abandon his post to poachers even for a few hours. He possesses a peculiar, almost fatalistic worldview, at one point expressing that he could accept the destruction of the universe as a natural course of events. Ultimately, he is persuaded to participate not by a promise of reward, but by the challenge and the inherent interest of the competition.
Number 17 plays a crucial and strategic role in the Tournament of Power as a member of Universe 7s team. He is an invaluable asset, utilizing his inexhaustible stamina and signature energy barrier to protect his allies, outmaneuver opponents, and execute clever tactics. He proves to be one of the most durable and resourceful fighters, engaging powerful enemies such as Dyspo and even Jiren, the tournament's strongest warrior. In a key moment, he appears to sacrifice himself to shield Goku and Vegeta from a devastating attack, but it is later revealed that he survived by exploiting the fact that androids lack a detectable ki signature, allowing him to hide his presence. As the last fighter from Universe 7 remaining on the arena, he is declared the official victor of the tournament. Demonstrating his complete character evolution from a selfish killer to a selfless hero, Number 17 uses his wish on the Super Dragon Balls not for personal gain, but to restore all the erased universes, saving countless lives.
His key relationship is with his twin sister, Number 18, with whom he shares a deep bond. He also develops a mutual respect with Goku, whom he finally meets and battles for the first time during the recruitment for the tournament, fighting on par with Gokus Super Saiyan Blue form to a certain extent. His development from a villainous youth to a heroic family man and guardian of nature is a central aspect of his character.
Number 17s notable abilities include his infinite stamina, making him immune to fatigue in prolonged battles. His most versatile technique is his energy barrier, which he can use to shield himself and others, as well as offensively to trap or ram opponents. He is a highly skilled martial artist with exceptional speed and reflexes, capable of holding his own against universe-level threats. Because he is human-based, he has the capacity to grow stronger through training, which he has clearly done in the years between the Cell Games and the Tournament of Power, achieving a tremendous increase in power. He is also immune to standard ki sensing, as his energy cannot be detected in the same way as a normal fighters.
In his first appearances during the conflict with the androids and the biological terror Cell, Number 17 was characterized by a cold, arrogant, and sadistic demeanor. He and his sister killed their creator, Dr. Gero, for attempting to control them and pursued the goal of killing the hero Goku not out of programming, but simply for entertainment, treating the whole affair as a game. Following his death at the hands of Cell and his subsequent revival by the Dragon Balls, Number 17 undergoes a profound transformation in the intervening years. By the time of the events in Dragon Ball Super, he has become a calm, composed, and dedicated individual. He finds fulfillment working as a professional park ranger and guard on a remote, massive royal nature preserve. In this role, he is an outstanding protector who does not hold back against poachers, demonstrating a newfound love for nature and a desire to live in peace. This role is well-suited to his preference for solitude and self-reliance, and it aligns his values with the simple order of the natural world. He is described as a gentleman towards nature, contrasting his past as a violent delinquent. During this period, he marries a zoologist and starts a family, having one biological child and adopting two others, living happily in an isolated house within the park.
Number 17s primary motivation in Dragon Ball Super is the protection of his family and the island he is sworn to defend. This duty is his highest priority, leading him to initially refuse Gokus invitation to join the Tournament of Power, as he is unwilling to abandon his post to poachers even for a few hours. He possesses a peculiar, almost fatalistic worldview, at one point expressing that he could accept the destruction of the universe as a natural course of events. Ultimately, he is persuaded to participate not by a promise of reward, but by the challenge and the inherent interest of the competition.
Number 17 plays a crucial and strategic role in the Tournament of Power as a member of Universe 7s team. He is an invaluable asset, utilizing his inexhaustible stamina and signature energy barrier to protect his allies, outmaneuver opponents, and execute clever tactics. He proves to be one of the most durable and resourceful fighters, engaging powerful enemies such as Dyspo and even Jiren, the tournament's strongest warrior. In a key moment, he appears to sacrifice himself to shield Goku and Vegeta from a devastating attack, but it is later revealed that he survived by exploiting the fact that androids lack a detectable ki signature, allowing him to hide his presence. As the last fighter from Universe 7 remaining on the arena, he is declared the official victor of the tournament. Demonstrating his complete character evolution from a selfish killer to a selfless hero, Number 17 uses his wish on the Super Dragon Balls not for personal gain, but to restore all the erased universes, saving countless lives.
His key relationship is with his twin sister, Number 18, with whom he shares a deep bond. He also develops a mutual respect with Goku, whom he finally meets and battles for the first time during the recruitment for the tournament, fighting on par with Gokus Super Saiyan Blue form to a certain extent. His development from a villainous youth to a heroic family man and guardian of nature is a central aspect of his character.
Number 17s notable abilities include his infinite stamina, making him immune to fatigue in prolonged battles. His most versatile technique is his energy barrier, which he can use to shield himself and others, as well as offensively to trap or ram opponents. He is a highly skilled martial artist with exceptional speed and reflexes, capable of holding his own against universe-level threats. Because he is human-based, he has the capacity to grow stronger through training, which he has clearly done in the years between the Cell Games and the Tournament of Power, achieving a tremendous increase in power. He is also immune to standard ki sensing, as his energy cannot be detected in the same way as a normal fighters.