Frieza assisted Goku in defeating Jiren primarily because he developed a measure of respect for the Saiyan warrior during the intense battles of the Tournament of Power. This surprising and temporary alliance was crucial for Universe 7's survival.
During the high-stakes Tournament of Power, where the very existence of their universes hung in the balance, Frieza found himself in an unprecedented situation, forced to fight alongside his arch-nemesis, Goku. His decision to help stemmed from a surprising evolution in his perspective and the dire circumstances:
- Developing Respect: Despite their long-standing animosity, Frieza began to grudgingly acknowledge Goku's immense power, resilience, and unwavering spirit. This wasn't a sudden shift to friendship but a pragmatic recognition of Goku's capabilities as a fighter, especially when facing an overwhelmingly powerful opponent like Jiren.
- Gratefulness for Goku's Naiveté: Surprisingly, Frieza even showed gratefulness for Goku's naïve nature. This characteristic, often seen as a weakness by Frieza, may have made Goku predictable or even presented unexpected opportunities within the chaotic environment of the tournament, proving beneficial in their joint effort.
- Uncanny Synchronization: Their final, desperate assault on Jiren showcased an astonishing level of teamwork. Frieza fought by Goku's side with perfect synchronization and understanding of each other's techniques. This unexpected cohesion in battle was so profound and effective that it even shocked Vegeta, who had witnessed their intense rivalry and countless conflicts for decades. It demonstrated that, under extreme pressure, they could achieve a level of coordinated combat rarely seen.
- Strategic Necessity: For Frieza, winning the tournament was paramount to his own resurrection and freedom. Defeating Jiren was the immediate obstacle, and Goku was the strongest, most capable ally available to achieve that objective. A temporary alliance, despite their history, became a strategic necessity for mutual survival and victory.
Ultimately, Frieza's assistance was a complex blend of his self-serving ambition, a surprising development of respect for his arch-nemesis, and the dire need for a collective effort to overcome Jiren and ensure Universe 7's victory.
Key Factors in Frieza's Decision
To summarize the multifaceted reasons behind Frieza's aid to Goku in the final moments of the Tournament of Power:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Evolving Respect | Frieza gained a pragmatic, albeit limited, respect for Goku's power and resolve during the intense conflict. |
| Gratefulness for Naiveté | Frieza showed appreciation for Goku's innocent nature, finding it an unexpected asset or simply amusing. |
| Uncanny Synchronization | Their combined assault on Jiren demonstrated perfect understanding and coordination of their techniques, surprising even close allies. |
| Tournament's Stakes | The dire situation of the Tournament of Power necessitated their temporary alliance for Universe 7's survival. |
