TV-Series
Description
Genio delle Tartarughe, also widely known as Muten, is a venerable martial arts master who first appeared in the original Dragon Ball series and continues to play a significant role in Dragon Ball Super. His background is that of a student of the great Mutaito, a rival to the Crane Hermit known as Shen, and the younger brother of the fortune teller Uranai Baba. He lives on a small island accompanied by his pet turtle, a companion from whom his title is derived. Having consumed the elixir of life, his age is extraordinary, and by the time of the events in Dragon Ball Super, he is approximately 350 years old, making him the longest-living ordinary human in the series.

In terms of personality, Genio delle Tartarughe presents a complex mix of traits. In peaceful times, he is infamous for his lecherous and perverted behavior, often seeking out beautiful women and idling away his days. However, beneath this facade lies a profound well of wisdom and a disciplined master of martial arts. He is the one who taught foundational techniques and philosophies to some of the universe's strongest fighters, including Goku, Krillin, and Yamcha. His motivation often stems from a desire to pass on his knowledge and to protect the Earth, though for many years before Dragon Ball Super, he had chosen to live as a retired hermit, stepping away from active combat after the battle against the demon king Piccolo.

The character's role in the story of Dragon Ball Super marks a significant return to form. After years of being relegated to a background or comedic role, it is discovered that Muten had been hiding his true latent power all along. This hidden strength makes him a valuable asset when the Universe 7 team is being assembled for the Tournament of Power. He is recruited to join Goku, Vegeta, and the other warriors to fight for the survival of their universe. During this tournament, he demonstrates an incredible resurgence, using his centuries of experience to eliminate several opponents from other universes when raw power alone would not be sufficient.

His key relationships are central to his character arc. He is the respected and beloved former master of Goku and Krillin, and seeing his students grow to surpass him is a source of both pride and motivation. His relationship with Vegeta is also notable during the Tournament of Power; witnessing the old master push himself to his absolute limit, Vegeta shows him deep respect and convinces him to step down from the fight, honoring his efforts and promising to take over the battle. Even the God of Destruction, Beerus, expresses admiration for Muten’s skills and tactical mind.

The character development in Dragon Ball Super focuses on him confronting his own retirement. He trains specifically to overcome his weaknesses, such as losing control of his senses at the sight of an attractive woman, which had previously left him vulnerable in combat. By participating in the Tournament of Power, he sheds his role as merely a relic of the past and proves that a true master's experience is an invaluable weapon, earning him a final, glorious moment in the spotlight. Regarding his notable abilities, Genio delle Tartarughe is the inventor of the signature Kamehameha wave, a technique he created after years of training and which he famously taught to Goku. He has also mastered other advanced techniques, such as the Mafuba, a sealing technique used to trap powerful evil beings, and his fighting style relies on precision, skill, and ancient techniques rather than the brute force of the Saiyans. His longevity is maintained by consuming the Paradise Plant, which grants him extended life, allowing his wisdom to be passed down through multiple generations of warriors.