Goku’s pursuit of Ultra Instinct has pushed his limits beyond imagination, yet true mastery continues to elude him. Despite his incredible growth, he faces an uphill battle in fully harnessing this divine technique. The core of his struggle lies in his very nature his passionate Saiyan instincts clash with the serenity required to maintain Ultra Instinct. This contradiction makes it difficult for him to fully embrace the technique’s true essence.
Ultra Instinct demands a level of mental and emotional control that doesn’t come naturally to someone like Goku. While he thrives in high-pressure battles and constantly breaks through limits, this very trait disrupts the stillness and clarity needed for Ultra Instinct. The constant push-and-pull between his fighting spirit and the calmness required for the form makes mastering it a challenge unlike any other he has faced.
The Emotional Battle Within
One of the biggest hurdles preventing Goku from fully controlling Ultra Instinct is his inability to completely suppress his emotions. As a Saiyan, he gets excited in battle, thrives on competition, and experiences bursts of power driven by emotions like excitement or anger. This is the opposite of what Ultra Instinct demands—absolute inner peace and a mind free of distractions. His tendency to get fired up often destabilizes the form.
Maintaining Ultra Instinct isn’t just about physical power; it requires extreme mental concentration. Goku has to completely clear his mind, allowing his body to move instinctively without hesitation. This level of focus is difficult to sustain, especially in prolonged battles against overwhelmingly strong opponents. The longer he fights, the more exhausting it becomes to stay in the state, making it an unreliable asset at times.
Unlike beings such as Whis, who exist in a state of Ultra Instinct at all times, Goku has to force his body and mind into it. This unnatural adaptation makes it harder for him to maintain the technique for long. While he can tap into its power, the strain of holding onto something that doesn’t come naturally makes full mastery a distant goal.
Goku has managed to partially use Ultra Instinct through different stages. His initial form, known as Ultra Instinct Sign, allows him to instinctively dodge attacks but makes it difficult for him to go on the offensive. He has had moments where he accessed the complete form in battle, but these instances have been brief and often triggered by extreme circumstances.
Despite these challenges, Goku continues to, pushing the limits of what a mortal Saiyan can achieve. His relentless drive to improve ensures that, while Ultra Instinct remains a struggle, he will keep refining his technique. With enough training and experience, he may one day fully master this divine ability.
