Krillin appears in Dragon Ball GT as a retired martial artist who has settled into a quiet domestic life. He is visibly older than in earlier adventures, his hair now streaked with gray and a thick mustache covering his upper lip, and he favors casual, everyday clothing instead of his traditional orange gi. Having long since stepped back from active combat, he devotes his time to his wife Android 18 and their daughter Marron, often finding himself the subject of their gentle teasing in lighthearted domestic scenes. His personality remains kind-hearted, loyal, and good-natured, though his role in the story is primarily that of a loving husband and father rather than a frontline fighter.

In the narrative of Dragon Ball GT, Krillin shares a warm reunion with Goku despite Goku’s childlike transformation, underscoring the enduring friendship that began when they trained together under Master Roshi. His most significant story moment occurs during the Super 17 saga. When a brainwashed Android 17 attacks, Krillin tries to reach out to him and succeeds in freeing Android 18 from her own brainwashing, but Android 17 turns on him and kills him. This tragic event emotionally devastates Android 18 and becomes a driving force for her to confront her brother. Krillin remains dead for much of the remainder of the series until the finale, when he is revived by the Dragon Balls and reunited with his family.

Throughout Dragon Ball GT, Krillin’s core motivation is the protection and happiness of his family. He provides emotional stability for Android 18 as she grapples with her brother’s actions, and his presence anchors the series’ theme of hard-won peace. While he was once one of Earth’s most talented and resourceful martial artists, known for techniques like the Destructo Disc and clever tactical thinking, the series does not showcase him in battle. Instead, his development is reflected in his transition from a warrior to a devoted husband and father, and his brief but emotionally charged appearances highlight the human cost of conflict even for those who have chosen a quiet life. His key relationships remain his deep, supportive partnership with Android 18, his affection for Marron, and his unshakable bond with Goku, all of which reinforce his role as a symbol of loyalty and enduring friendship in the Dragon Ball world.