Mercenary Tao
From The Character Database
| “ | Pleased to kill you.
|
„ |
| ― Tao |
Mercenary Tao, also known as Tao Pai Pai 桃白白, is a renowned and highly skilled assassin in the Dragon Ball series. He is the younger brother of Master Shen and plays a significant role as a major antagonist in the Commander Red Saga.
Tao charges exorbitant prices for his assassination services, normally demanding ten billion Zeni per kill, but he offers special deals, such as the five billion Zeni (50 million in the Japanese version) discount he gave Commander Red for their 20th anniversary.
| Names | Mercenary Tao, Tao Pai Pai 桃白白, General Tao, Cyborg Tao, Master Tao, General Tao Pei (Harmony Gold dub) |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Human |
| Occupation | Assassin, Mercenary |
| Origin | Dragon Ball Chapter 85: "Taopaipai the Assassin"殺し屋゛桃白白゛Koroshiya “Taopaipai”lit. "The Hitman, "Tao Pai-pai"" July 29, 1986 (Weekly Shōnen Jump, 1986 #35) |
| Alignment | Evil |
| Age | 325 |
| Created By | Akira Toriyama |
| Height | 178 cm (5ft 10in)[1] |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs)[1] |
Appearance[edit | edit source]
Tao appears to be in his late 40s or early 50s, despite being centuries old. He has small, beady eyes, a pointed nose, and a thin mustache. His hair is tied into a braided ponytail. Tao's signature outfit is a pink chang pao (Chinese men's long coat), with the kanji for "kill" (殺, satsu) on the front, emphasizing his career as an assassin. In the English dub, the kanji is translated to "Kill You."
When Tao was younger, he had a bald head and wore a purple Mutaito Training Academy gi, which indicated his time in martial arts training. After his transformation into a cyborg, much of Tao's body was replaced with robotic components, though his lower face and hair remained organic. His cyborg appearance includes a domed skullcap and red, telescoping eyes. Despite his transformation, Tao continues to wear the same chang pao from his fully human days, though in Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure, his coat is colored blue instead of pink.
Personality[edit | edit source]
Mercenary Tao is portrayed as a deeply sadistic and evil character throughout the Dragon Ball series. He takes pleasure in killing, viewing his missions not merely as jobs but as opportunities to indulge in his brutality. Tao has no moral reservations about murdering anyone, including children, which he demonstrates on multiple occasions. This is evident when he expresses his willingness to kill "any man, woman, and child" for the right price during his pitch to the Red Ribbon Army. He also tries to murder the child Goku and coldly dismisses Upa, telling him he is lucky to have survived after Upa attempted to avenge his father, Bora's death at Tao's hands.
Tao's sadistic nature is not limited to his work as a hired assassin. He enjoys his reputation as a cold and ruthless killer, and he makes every effort to live up to it. In the Funimation dub, Tao refuses to pay a tailor for making his clothes, explaining that paying would tarnish his fearsome reputation. He offers to kill someone for the tailor instead and, when the tailor refuses, kills him as well. Tao often displays a dark sense of humor, such as when he quips that he nearly hit Bora and Goku with his flying log on purpose because he is a hitman.
Despite his vicious nature, Tao shows cowardice when confronted with an opponent he cannot defeat. For example, after being outmatched by Goku, he begs for mercy and pretends to repent, only to try to kill Goku with a grenade while his guard is down. He also kills out of anger or frustration, such as when he murdered Mr. Satan's martial arts mentor for making fun of his hairstyle. Interestingly, Mr. Satan survived their encounter, though it is unclear if Tao spared him or if Mr. Satan was simply lucky or resilient enough to survive.
By the time of Dragon Ball Z, Tao remains as ruthless as ever but has developed a fear of Goku, acknowledging Goku’s immense power. This fear prevents Tao from attacking Gohan after realizing he is Goku’s son. Tao resorts to trickery rather than direct combat with Goku, using puzzle rings to distract him and steal his jacket containing four Dragon Balls. However, Goku quickly solves the puzzle and uses Instant Transmission to catch up to Tao. Realizing his plan has failed, Tao accepts defeat and tries to save face by congratulating Goku for solving the puzzle.
Although Tao is still a lethal assassin and a danger to those weaker than him, he has learned caution when dealing with powerful fighters like Goku and Tien Shinhan. This cautious approach reflects his recognition of the limits to his power and his desire to avoid another crushing defeat.
Biography[edit | edit source]
Mercenary Tao, born in Age 459, played a significant role in the Dragon Ball series, particularly during the Red Ribbon Army Saga. He was born two years before the King Piccolo Wars, in which his older brother, Shen, participated. In the anime, Tao was a student at Master Mutaito's training academy, where he often outperformed his brother, sparking a rivalry between them that grew over time. A trivial incident involving a spilled bowl of rice was enough to cause a rift between the two. Though it is never explicitly explained, Tao appears to have attained some form of immortality, as he lived for over 200 years and began his career as a mercenary at the age of 279.
Tao also crossed paths with Mr. Satan and the Master of Satan Castle at a bar in South City, where they mocked his hairstyle. In retaliation, Tao killed the master and severely injured Mr. Satan. Despite his brutal nature, Tao was a mentor to young Tien Shinhan during his time with the Crane School and had a significant influence on Tien's development.
Dragon Ball[edit | edit source]
Red Ribbon Army Saga[edit | edit source]
Tao's most famous appearance came during the Red Ribbon Army Saga, when he was hired to eliminate Goku, who was disrupting the Red Ribbon Army's plans by defeating their operatives and taking their Dragon Balls. When General Blue failed his mission, Commander Red offered him a chance at redemption by challenging Tao. Tao, arrogantly confident in his abilities, promised to defeat Blue without using his hands or feet. True to his word, Tao easily evaded Blue’s attacks and killed him with a precise strike using only his tongue, proving his value to the Red Ribbon Army.
Instead of using an aircraft to reach Goku, Tao famously threw a pillar from the Red Ribbon Army Headquarters and rode it to the Sacred Land of Korin. Upon arrival, he confronted Goku and Bora, a guardian of the land who had previously defended against the Red Ribbon Army. Despite Bora's strength and determination, Tao effortlessly overpowered him and killed him by impaling him with his own spear.
Seeing Bora's death enraged Goku, who attacked Tao. However, despite Goku's strength, Tao easily defeated him with his Dodon Ray technique, believing he had killed him. Tao only recovered three Dragon Balls from Goku's backpack and did not realize that Goku had survived the attack, thanks to the Four-Star Dragon Ball hidden under his outfit.
After Tao's uniform was damaged by Goku’s Kamehameha, he traveled to a nearby town, intimidating the local tailor into making a new uniform for free. Over the three-day period, Tao also forced the townspeople to provide him with luxuries like a hotel room. During his stay, a sniper attempted to assassinate him, but Tao effortlessly deflected the bullet with his slipper. When the tailor finished the uniform and asked for payment, Tao refused, saying that paying would damage his ruthless reputation. Instead, he offered to kill someone for the tailor, who declined. Tao then killed the tailor with a Pressure Point Attack.
Once Tao’s uniform was completed, he returned to the Sacred Land of Korin to retrieve the missing Dragon Ball. Upa attempted to defend the land by throwing an axe at Tao, but Tao dodged and attacked Upa, demanding information about the Dragon Ball’s location. When Upa refused to answer, Tao threw him at Korin Tower, only for Goku to rescue him. Tao, surprised by Goku’s survival, engaged him in a rematch. However, Goku, who had trained with Korin by climbing the tower, was much stronger than before, and Tao couldn’t land any hits on him.
In desperation, Tao drew his sword, but it was broken in a clash with Goku’s Power Pole. Realizing Goku had become too powerful, Tao decided to climb Korin Tower himself to obtain the Sacred Water, believing it would grant him the same strength. Tao managed to ascend the tower and encountered Korin, who recognized Tao’s malicious intentions. Korin tricked Tao by giving him the useless Sacred Water, making Tao believe he had become stronger. Tao left the tower and descended on the Dark Nimbus.
When Tao challenged Goku again, he performed only slightly better, but still could not defeat him. Tao, not wanting to damage his reputation, pretended to surrender. As Goku was distracted, Tao threw a grenade at him, planning to kill him. However, Goku quickly kicked the grenade back, causing it to detonate near Tao, seemingly killing him.
Piccolo Jr. Saga[edit | edit source]
In the Piccolo Jr. Saga, Tao is rebuilt as a cyborg after his defeat at the hands of Goku, with the help of his brother Shen and the money he earned as an assassin. Now known as Cyborg Tao, he enters the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament with the goal of exacting revenge on Goku and Tien Shinhan. During the preliminary rounds, he brutally defeats Chiaotzu, revealing his intent to kill Tien for betraying him and to seek retribution from Goku for ruining his reputation.
When Tao faces Tien in the tournament, they have a tense standoff. Tao struggles to find any weakness in Tien’s stance and attacks, but Tien easily dodges and counters, knocking Tao to the ground before he can even comprehend what happened. Recognizing that Tien has become much stronger, Tao reluctantly gives him credit. Despite this, Tao refuses Tien’s offer to leave the tournament to avoid embarrassment, as Tien still respects him for teaching him how to fight.
Determined to win by any means necessary, Tao resorts to underhanded tactics. He uses a concealed knife to slash Tien’s chest, permanently scarring him. Tien denounces Tao for losing his honor and the pride of a warrior. Although Tao is disqualified for using a weapon, he ignores the rules and continues fighting, openly admitting that he only entered the tournament to kill Tien and Goku, not to win. He even threatens to kill the tournament announcer when asked to leave the ring.
Tao attempts to use his Super Dodon Wave against Tien, believing it will finish him off. However, Tien effortlessly nullifies the attack with a Kiai and then knocks Tao unconscious with a single punch. Tien then carries the defeated Tao to his brother, Master Shen, who leaves the tournament in disgrace, carrying Tao away.
Mystical Adventure[edit | edit source]
In Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure, Tao is known as General Tao, one of the main antagonists alongside his brother, Master Shen. Together, they plot to take control of the kingdom of Mifan, ruled by Emperor Chiaotzu. To further their scheme, they have Pilaf, Shu, and Mai create a Global Dragon Radar, and after its completion, Tao attacks the Pilaf Gang. Using the radar, Tao and Shen manipulate Chiaotzu's army into collecting the Dragon Balls for them by secretly stealing his beloved "wife" Ran Ran.
When Lieutenant Blue nearly exposes their plot by revealing where Ran Ran is hidden, Tao kills him just before the start of Chiaotzu's tournament. During the event, Tao is ordered to kill Bora in front of the crowd. Easily dodging Bora's attack, Tao throws him into a spear held by a statue, killing him. Enraged by Bora's death, Goku attacks Tao, but after his clothes are damaged by a Kamehameha, Tao retaliates with a Dodon Ray, blasting Goku far away to Korin Tower.
After changing his clothes, Tao heads to where Goku landed, using a pillar from the castle as transportation. On his way, he passes through Penguin Village, where he is humorously knocked off the pillar by Arale's rock throw. After falling, Tao tries to ignore Arale, but Goku arrives and a confrontation begins. However, Arale and the Gatchans tie Tao’s ponytail to a tree, stopping him momentarily. After freeing himself, Tao uses the Dodon Ray on Arale, only to find it has no effect. The Gatchans retaliate by shooting beams at Tao, and he resumes his fight with Goku.
Tao tries to fake a surrender by shaking Goku's hand and then steals Goku's Dragon Ball. He flees in a vehicle from a capsule and launches two missiles at Goku and Arale. However, both Goku and Arale deflect the missiles back, causing them to destroy Tao’s vehicle, killing him in the process.
Dragon Ball Z[edit | edit source]
Cell Saga[edit | edit source]
In the Cell Saga of the anime, Tao makes two notable appearances, though he is absent from the manga.
In his first appearance, Tao is working as a personal bodyguard for Mr. Borbonne, who runs a shelter claiming to protect people from Cell. Their scheme is disrupted when Gohan arrives in the village. Mr. Borbonne's regular bodyguards fail to stop an elderly martial artist, Mr. Lao, so Tao is called in to handle the situation. After a brief fight, Tao has Mr. Lao on the ground and prepares to finish him with the Super Dodon Wave. Gohan steps in to protect the old man, blocking the attack. When Tao recognizes Gohan’s resemblance to Goku, he becomes fearful. Initially relieved when Gohan tells him his name, Tao's fear returns after learning Gohan is Goku's son. Realizing he's in over his head, Tao cuts down a pine tree to escape, quitting his job as Borbonne's bodyguard.
In Tao’s second appearance, he is hired by Vodka, a gangster who wants to use the Dragon Balls to become emperor of the world once Cell is gone. When Goku arrives to retrieve two Dragon Balls Tao has collected, Tao initially doesn't recognize him in his Super Saiyan form. After Goku reveals his identity, Tao is shocked to see his former rival grown up. Goku greets Tao amicably despite their past, and Tao, getting over his shock, proposes a challenge. Tao gives Goku a set of puzzle rings, claiming if Goku can solve them by dawn, he will receive the Dragon Balls; if not, Tao will take Goku’s Dragon Balls. While Goku works on the puzzles, Tao steals his jacket, which contains Goku’s Dragon Balls, and flees with Vodka and his gang.
However, after solving the puzzle rings, Goku uses Instant Transmission to teleport to Tao's location, catching up to him effortlessly. Tao and Vodka can only watch in shock as Goku, unaware of their deception, politely retrieves his Dragon Balls with no further resistance. Tao’s last concern is whether he is still getting paid for his failed attempt.
Powers and Statistics[edit | edit source]
Tier: At least High 8-C, higher with Dodonpa | Unknown, at most 5-C, likely 5-C with Super Dodonpa
Key: Human Tao | Cyborg Tao
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Master Martial Artist, Immortality (Type 1), Acrobatics, Swordsmanship, Ki Manipulation (Basic Level), Pressure Point Strikes (As seen here), Possibly Flight (As a master of the Crane School which teaches flight, he should be able to do the same), Explosion Manipulation (Via a Grenade), Accelerated Development (Training; Physical Stats)
Attack Potency: At least Large Building level (Fractured General Blue's skull with his tongue,[2] overpowered pre-training Goku with ease with a single kick.[3] Casually threw a pillar 2300 kilometres in a short timeframe[Note 1][3]), higher with Dodonpa (Tao almost killed Goku with his Dodonpa,[3] with the latter was only saved by his Grandpa's Dragon Ball.) | Unknown, at most Moon level (Even though Tien Shinhan was still stronger than him, he managed to give Tien a cut); likely Moon level with Super Dodonpa (Master Roshi was concerned for Tien when he fired the attack)
Speed: Hypersonic combat speed (Threw a pillar at 10,000 kph and caught up to it in a quick leap so that he could ride it through the air) | At least Hypersonic combat speed (Faster than before)
Lifting Strength: At least Class M (Capable of throwing stone pillars 2300 km[Note 2] and overpowered Bora with two fingers) | Unknown
Striking Strength: At least Large Building level, higher with Dodonpa | Unknown, at most Moon level (Managed to cut Tien Shinhan[4]); likely Moon level with Super Dodonpa
Durability: At least Large Building level (Tanked Goku's Kamehameha[3] with only his clothes getting blown off, which punched through an underwater hill, but is significantly less if he is hurt) | Unknown, at most Moon level (Managed to get up from a casual strike from Tien Shinhan[5])
Stamina: Superhuman. (He possessed enough stamina to battle with Goku)
Range: Standard Melee Range, Hundreds of Meters with ki blasts and attacks | Standard Melee Range, Tens of Kilometers with ki blasts and attacks
Standard Equipment: Regular Tao uses pillars, ki attacks, and brute strength. Cyborg Tao uses a concealed knife and the Super Dodonpa, an arm cannon that fires ki attacks with a larger area of effect than his normal Dodonpa.
Intelligence: At least Gifted (Possesses mastery of various martial arts techniques and skills, years of experience fighting both powerful and diverse enemies who have various abilities and powers. Is a combat/tactical genius for the most parts)
Weaknesses: Tao is extremely arrogant | None notable
Attacks and Techniques:[edit | edit source]
- Pressure Point Attack: Tao uses his tongue or fingers to pierce the opponent's temple, striking their pressure point and killing them. He does this with General Blue, stating that he does not need his hands to kill the man, and later to the tailor that he forced to make a new copy of his uniform.
- Flying Pillar: Tao throws a pillar (or something similar, like a tree) into the air in a certain speed and direction, then jumps on it, riding it to his destination. The pillar may also strike the opponents at the landing spot.
- Dodonpa: The Crane School's signature technique. A superheated ray fired from the tip of his finger.
- Swordsmanship: From a capsule, Tao brings out a sword for fighting.
- Ultimate Final Strategy: Tao launches his pillar at that opponent, however, Tao's opponent kicks him, in which he begs for mercy to make his opponents drop their guard. When Tao's opponent will then walk away, Tao pulls out a hand grenade and throws it at his opponent.
- Grenade: Used to end the Ultimate Final Strategy technique.
- Hidden Blade: After Tao became a cyborg, he is able to disconnect his left hand to reveal a retractable knife.
- 3D Scan Mode: A mode that allows for advanced scanning of enemies. Cyborg Tao uses this before unleashing his Super Dodonpa.
- Super Dodonpa: After Tao became a cyborg, he is able to disconnect his right hand to reveal a built-in cannon which can fire an enhanced Dodon Ray. This technique also has lock-on capabilities and is Cyborg Tao's ultimate attack.
Trivia[edit | edit source]
- Name Variations: Tao is known as "General Tao Pei" in the Harmony Gold dub of the late-1980s Dragon Ball anime, and as "Taopaipai" (one word) in Viz's manga adaptation. Funimation's dub of Dragon Ball Z mistakenly calls him "General Tao" and erroneously identifies him as a leader of the Red Ribbon Army. Goku also mistakenly refers to him as General Tao in Episode 135, "Battle of the Eight." The "General Tao" designation comes from Mystical Adventure, where he is actually a general; however, he does not hold this position in the main series.
- Name Pun: The name "General Tao" is a pun referencing a popular chicken dish in American Chinese cuisine, reflecting Akira Toriyama's practice of naming characters after food.
- Pinyin: The actual pinyin of his name is "Tao Baibai," while the Japanese version is "Momo Hakuhaku."
- Outfit Inscription: The back of his outfit says "KILL YOU!" which is altered to just "YOU!" in some dubbed versions, creating confusion. In the Blue Water dub, the phrase was completely removed.
- Design Details: His teenage self in "The Time Room" resembles the tallest bully from the Orin Temple. In the original design, Cyborg Tao had the right side of his face covered in metal and appeared bald.
- Puzzle Connection: The Super Dodon Wave cannon used by Mercenary Tao later holds puzzle rings featured in "The Puzzle of General Tao."
- Video Games: In Budokai Tenkaichi and Budokai Tenkaichi 3, he can fly, but he lacks the Crane School's signature flying technique in both the manga and anime, as well as in Budokai Tenkaichi 2. In Budokai Tenkaichi 3, he is referred to as General Tao.
- Voice Changes: In the German dub of Dragon Ball, Tao is given a robotic voice after becoming a cyborg, but he speaks normally in DBZ.
- Kanji Meaning: The kanji in his name can be translated as "Peach White White." Toriyama intended for it to sound cute and Chinese, contrasting with his deadly assassin persona.
- Localization: In Poland, Tao was renamed "Kryminator" (a pun on "kryminał" - crime story), while in the French dub, he retains the name TaoPaiPai. In the Vietnamese dub, his name is translated as Hongbaibai (Red/Crimson White White - 红白白).
- Crane Hermit Reference: In the Japanese version of the anime, the Crane Hermit refers to him as "Pai Pai," suggesting it might be his surname.
- First Assassin: Tao is the first professional assassin contracted to kill Goku, with Hit being the second in the Dragon Ball Super anime. Tao is unique as he is the only assassin directly hired by one of Goku's enemies; in contrast, Hit's contract was issued anonymously by Goku himself for a rematch.
