| “ | Your heart is cold and ruthless. It warms my own. Proceed. | „ |
| ~ Tsurusen'in |
Tsurusen'in, or Master Shen in the Funimation dub, is the archenemy of Kamesen'in (Muten Roshi), the Turtle Hermit, from the original Dragon Ball series and one of its six main antagonists (along with Pilaf, Assistant Black, Commander Red, Piccolo Daimao, and Ma Junior). The Crane Elder, he was the former mentor to Tenshinhan and Chaozu and the older brother of Tao Pai Pai. Master Shen is the main antagonist of the Tienshinhan Saga and a supporting antagonist of the Piccolo Jr. Saga.
Personality
Tsurusen'in and Kamesen'in arguing.
Just like his younger brother, Tsurusen'in is extremely sadistic and unforgiving, and is not above murdering anyone who stands in his way, even his own former students. He is also very boastful and arrogant, believing himself to be flawless. It's implied that those traits are from the disappointment with his former master during King Piccolo's first reign of terror.
However, Tsurusen'in is not all evil: He genuinely cares for his brother, and will never release King Piccolo, knowing what the Demon King would do to the world.
Biography
Past
Tsurusen'in at one point was supposedly friends with Roshi back in their young days training under Mutaito as they are seen together in some of Roshi's pictures. It was the death of Mutaito in the hand of the malevolent King Piccolo that turned him into the person that he is today.
Tienshinhan Saga
Tsurusen'in and his students.
Roshi meets up with him again at the 22nd Tenkaichi Budokai to have his students defeat Roshi's students who did well at the last one. When Tsurusen'in learns that Son Goku was responsible for his brother Tao Pai Pai's supposed death, he orders Tenshinhan to kill Goku in the final round.
Tsurusen'in and Chiaotzu.
On one of the nights of the tournament, he attempted to assassinate Goku but failed. At the final round of the tournament, he had Chaozu use telekinesis to freeze Goku so that Tenshinhan could kill him. But the three-eyed warriors rejected the help and wanted to beat him with his own skills, which Chaozu agreed to.
Tsurusen'in became mad about this and threatened to kill Chaozu before Roshi blasted the twisted martial arts master out of the arena with a Kamehameha wave so they can fight fairly. After that, Tenshinhan and Chaozu left the Crane Elder because of his evil ways.
King Piccolo and Piccolo Jr. Sagas
One time, in an anime filler arc, when Goku traveled back in time to train with Mutaito, he saw a young Tsurusen'in and Roshi fight over Fanfan. He kidnapped her and made them defeat him to get her back. By the time of the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai, Tsurusen'in came back with his brother Tao Pai Pai, who was mechanically modified and was set against Tenshinhan. Tenshinhan defeated Tao and Tsurusen'in carried his unconscious brother out of the arena, swearing he will get revenge. He never appeared in the series again after that point; therefore, it is unknown if he ever attempted to get revenge against Tien or the rest of the Turtle School.
Quotes
| “ | A shame all that knowledge was wasted on a loser like you. | „ |
| ~ Tsurusen'in to Tenshinhan. |
| “ | Nice to see you've come out of your shell, Master Roshi. (Master Roshi: Hm. Hermit Crane, what a surprise. After all these years, you're still alive.) Heh heh heh. The lines on your face are just as deep, old friend. | „ |
| ~ Tsurusen'in meets Roshi again. |
| “ | Inadequacy is always such a tough pill to swallow, but it sure beats public humiliation. | „ |
| ~ Tsurusen'in. |
| “ | (Goku: Why did you attack me back there?) Grr! My motive is obvious! You murdered my brother! (Goku: Not on purpose! He attacked! I defended myself!) Tao is dead! I don't care how it happened. You're still going to pay! | „ |
| ~ Tsurusen'in explains his motive to Goku. |
| “ | Let me get this straight. You're saying my little brother Tao was killed by one of Master Roshi's feeble-minded students!? (Tien: Well...uh... yes, Master, but I...uh... I assume it happened on accident. Someone killing Tao is no accident! It's impossible! Especially if you're assuming it was one of Roshi's scum! | „ |
| ~ Tsurusen'in vows to avenge his brother, Tao Pai Pai. |
| “ | My brother's cybernetic implants not only gave him a body but increased strength beyond human potential. Tien Shinhan nor any of you fools can stand a chance against him! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! The fight was over before it began! | „ |
| ~ Tsurusen'in. |
Gallery
Trivia
- The name Shen in the original Japanese version belonged to another character, who Kami possessed to fight Piccolo Jr. Since it was given to Tsurusen'in in the Funimation dub, the character's name was changed into Hero.
 Villains
| ||
|
Pilaf Gang Red Ribbon Army Crane School King Piccolo's Demon Clan Other Video Game Exclusive Movie | ||