7 Shocking Secrets Of Master Shen: The Crane Hermit’s True Power And Dragon Ball Super Update
Master Shen, also known as the Crane Hermit (Tsurusen'nin), remains one of the most enigmatic and crucial antagonists from the original Dragon Ball saga, yet his full story is often overshadowed by his more famous rival, Master Roshi. As of December 21, 2025, fans are still digging into the deep lore surrounding the founder of the Crane School, whose influence shaped the early lives of powerful characters like Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu. His legacy is one of the franchise's most compelling tales of martial arts rivalry and corrupted teachings, making him a true pillar of the series' history.
This deep dive explores the shocking secrets of Master Shen, from his true power level and his complex relationship with his infamous brother, Mercenary Tao, to a surprising nod from the modern Dragon Ball Super era. Prepare to uncover the dark side of the martial arts world that the Turtle School fought so hard to overcome.
The Crane Hermit's Complete Biography and Profile
Master Shen's life is inextricably linked to the history of martial arts in the Dragon Ball world, serving as the dark mirror to the benevolent Master Roshi. Here is a breakdown of his essential profile:
- Full Name: Shen (鶴仙人, Tsurusen'nin, lit. "Crane Hermit")
- Affiliation: Founder and Master of the Crane School (Tsuru-sen-ryū)
- Notable Students: Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu
- Family: Older brother of Mercenary Tao (Tao Pai Pai)
- Training Master: Master Mutaito, alongside Master Roshi
- Rivalry: Master Roshi (Kame-sen'nin)
- First Appearance: The 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament Saga (Manga Chapter 113, Anime Episode 84)
- Key Techniques: The Crane School style, which includes the *Dodonpa* (a powerful finger beam) and teaching *Bukuujutsu* (the ability to fly using Ki)
- Status: Presumed alive, though his current activities remain unknown after the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament.
7 Shocking Secrets About Master Shen and the Crane School
The rivalry between the Turtle School and the Crane School is the foundation of early Dragon Ball martial arts lore. Master Shen and Master Roshi were once friends and fellow students, but their differing philosophies led to a schism that defined the World Martial Arts Tournaments for years.
1. His True Power Level is Surprisingly Low (But Not Insignificant)
While Master Shen was a terrifying presence in the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, his actual fighting power, when compared to the rising generation of Z Fighters, was relatively modest. During the Tien Shinhan Saga, Master Shen's official power level is cited at approximately 120. This places him slightly below his rival, Master Roshi (who was around 139), and even below his former student, Tien Shinhan (who was around 140 when suppressed). This low number is actually a testament to the growth of Goku and his friends, as Master Shen represented the peak of the old generation's martial arts masters, only to be surpassed by the new era.
2. The Crane School Taught the Z Fighters to Fly
One of the most fundamental abilities in all of Dragon Ball—the ability to fly, or *Bukuujutsu*—was originally a signature technique of the Crane School. Before Goku and the others learned to manipulate Ki for flight, Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu were the only ones who could fly, showcasing the technical superiority of Shen's teachings in certain aspects. The Turtle School focused on raw physical labor and Ki mastery (like the *Kamehameha*), while the Crane School emphasized specific, often lethal, Ki-based techniques like the *Dodonpa* and aerial movement.
3. He and Roshi Trained to Defeat King Piccolo
Master Shen and Master Roshi were both disciples of the legendary Master Mutaito, an ancient martial arts master who tragically sacrificed his life to seal away the evil King Piccolo using the *Mafuba* (Evil Containment Wave). This shared, traumatic experience is the root of their entire existence. While Roshi was inspired to teach his students to protect the world, Shen was twisted by the event, focusing on power and revenge, leading him to adopt a more ruthless and corrupted style of teaching. The fact that they both survived the era of King Piccolo's initial reign highlights their immense longevity.
4. Master Shen is NOT Kami in a Human Body
A common point of confusion for fans is the character "Shen" who appears during the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament. This character is actually Kami, the Earth's guardian, who borrowed a human body to secretly enter the tournament and defeat Piccolo (who called himself Majunior). Master Shen (the Crane Hermit) is a completely separate character. The similar names are a source of frequent mix-ups, but the Crane Hermit's story effectively ends after his students abandon him, while Kami's story continues into the Saiyan and Namek Sagas.
5. His Brother is the Infamous Mercenary Tao
Master Shen is the older brother of the notorious assassin, Mercenary Tao (Tao Pai Pai), one of the most ruthless villains in the original series. This family connection immediately establishes a lineage of villainy and corruption. While Shen himself was a martial arts master who ran a school, his brother was a cold-blooded killer-for-hire, reflecting the dark path Shen's philosophy had taken. The fact that two of the most powerful and long-lived martial artists of the era were siblings—one a hermit master and the other a notorious villain—is a significant piece of lore.
6. His Students Eventually Rejected His Teachings
The entire arc of the Crane School culminates in failure. Master Shen's two star pupils, Tien Shinhan and Chiaotzu, eventually realize the error of their master's ways. During the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament, Tien is forced to choose between Shen's ruthless, power-hungry path and the honorable, selfless path championed by Master Roshi and Goku. Tien's ultimate decision to reject the Crane School's philosophy is a pivotal moment, signaling the end of Shen's influence as a major antagonist and cementing the moral superiority of the Turtle School.
7. He Received a Recent Update from the Dragon Ball Super Artist
In a major nod to the original series and a sign of his continued relevance, official Dragon Ball Super manga artist Toyotarou recently unveiled brand-new artwork showcasing Master Shen. This modern spotlight confirms his status as Master Roshi's one-and-only teaching rival and demonstrates that the character is still on the minds of the franchise's creators. While he has not appeared in the main Dragon Ball Super storyline, this new artwork keeps his lore fresh and fuels fan speculation about a potential future cameo, perhaps in a flashback or a brief appearance alongside Roshi.
The Enduring Legacy of the Crane Hermit
Master Shen's character is a perfect example of a martial arts master whose pursuit of power corrupted his soul. His rivalry with Master Roshi is more than just a competition; it's a philosophical battle between two opposing ideals: the pursuit of personal glory versus the pursuit of selfless strength and honorable teaching. The Crane School's emphasis on lethal techniques and prideful power stands in stark contrast to the Turtle School's focus on humility, hard work, and protecting the innocent.
Despite his villainous nature, Master Shen's impact is undeniable. He trained Tien Shinhan, who went on to become one of Earth's greatest defenders, and his school's techniques, like *Bukuujutsu*, became standard for the Z Fighters. His story, and the eventual defection of his students, serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing ego and rivalry to overshadow the true spirit of martial arts.
For fans looking to revisit the roots of the series, understanding Master Shen is essential. He is the original dark master, the shadow to Roshi's light, and a character whose influence continues to resonate in the enduring lore of Dragon Ball.
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