Summary

• Piccolo's training of Gohan was a step towards redemption, driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy for himself.
• Despite starting as enemies, Piccolo and Gohan's bond grew strong, with Piccolo becoming like a father figure to Gohan.
• Gohan credits much of his strength and growth to Piccolo's influence, solidifying Piccolo's legacy beyond his own expectations.

Piccolo's training of Gohan in Dragon Ball Z is one of his first steps towards redemption, although it doesn't really seem that way when one reads the beginning of the arc. Kami, however, was able to see through Piccolo's actions and identify his real motive at the time: to have a legacy.

In chapter 13 of Dragon Ball Z, Piccolo is seen setting Gohan up for his survival training, and mentions that Gohan should "curse his fate" as Piccolo has, should he be displeased with the situation. Kami and Mr. Popo are shown watching this exchange from the Lookout, and discuss how Piccolo has changed. They agree that it's strange that Piccolo would train his enemy's son, but Kami speculates that Piccolo has foreseen his own death, just as Kami has.

Since the fates of both Namekians are linked, when Piccolo dies, so will Kami, and vice versa; That's when Kami realizes what Piccolo is doing.

Piccolo Wanted Gohan to Be His Legacy

With his own demise on the horizon, Kami speculates that Piccolo is attempting to leave something behind, something that proved he existed as an independent entity--even if that something was the son of his nemesis. By training Gohan, Piccolo's efforts could have an impact on the world after he was gone, and there would be someone who knew and ed him, even if it wasn't in a positive sense. Piccolo wanted to have some sort of legacy, independent of his own father.

Piccolo and Gohan grow close over the course of his training, although it takes quite a while for them to warm up to each other. Given the situation, Gohan is the only person who could've possibly gotten to know Piccolo, as he never knew Piccolo as an enemy. Piccolo eventually comes to care for Gohan, so much so that he's willing to sacrifice himself to save Gohan's life. Piccolo its his feelings, and his gratitude for finally having a friend in this world.

Piccolo's Redemption Gave Him the Greatest Legacy

Piccolo's relationship with Gohan ends up being one of the strongest in the series, with Piccolo basically becoming a part of the family, especially once Pan is born. Gohan sees Piccolo as a father figure, especially since Goku is dead and in Otherworld for much of his youth. While Piccolo surely never expected to become so close to Gohan when he began training, this closeness actually helped him to achieve what he originally sought to do.

For Piccolo, redemption opened the way to a greater legacy than he ever could've expected. Piccolo would go on to train Goku and Vegeta's sons, Goten and Trunks, as well, helping them to master the Fusion Dance as part of the effort to defeat Buu. It would also lead to him finding his people, the Namekians, and learning about their culture, giving him a sense of belonging for the first time. That would ultimately give Piccolo the strength of will to finally reunite with his other half, Kami, during the Android Saga, becoming a whole person once again.

Piccolo in Dragon Ball Super does things, like babysitting Pan, which he never would've even dreamed of doing in his earliest appearances, and he legitimately cares for her as if she were his own. There's certainly an argument to be made that Piccolo is a better grandfather-type figure than Goku has been in that regard, as he has been seen with Pan far more rarely than Piccolo has. Piccolo ittedly doesn't always have the best judgment when it comes to children, but there can be no doubt how much he cares.

Piccolo Has Come A Long Way From His Start

Piccolo went from being one of the Earth's greatest threats to one of its most fervent protectors, ensuring him a place among the heroes of Earth. Piccolo's heroics would eventually extend beyond Earth, too, as he participated in the Tournament of Power, in which the fate of the entirety of Universe 7 was on the line. Piccolo was an essential combatant in the tournament, working together with Gohan on strategy and eliminating five opponents over the course of the anime's arc.

No matter what happens to Piccolo, he'll be ed as a hero from this point onward, ensuring a legacy all his own, but his influence on the next generation of fighters can't be overstated. With Gohan, Goten, and Trunks all having learned from him at various points, Piccolo's techniques and training have played a major role in shaping these young fighters. He also plays a key role in helping Gohan to raise Pan, watching over her when her parents are busy. In Dragon Ball Super's Super Hero arc, Piccolo would also be shown training Pan from a young age.

Now, Piccolo really does have a legacy in Gohan, and to a lesser extent, Pan. Gohan is now one of the strongest fighters in the universe, and he credits much of his strength and growth to Piccolo's influence. While he may have begun this task with a selfish desire to leave something behind, his willingness to grow and become a better person actually helped to achieve that goal in the end. Piccolo's redemption was brought about by his desire to leave a legacy, and that redemption gave the beloved Dragon Ball Z character a greater legacy than he could've imagined.

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