Does Roshi Know How Strong Tao Was/Is Personally?

[Let's Go Fearless!]

It seems the way Roshi talked about Tao implies that he just know Tao's power based on heresay.

Chapter: 120, P11.1-2
Context: Goku revealed that he defeated Taopaipai. Tenshinhan did not believe it.
Jackie Chun: “Did you really…take down Taopaipai…?”
Goku: “Huh? You too, gramps? I did so! It wasn’t easy, though…him being so strong and all.”
Jackie Chun: “Taopaipai…said to be the world’s Number One assassin…and this lad…he…he…”

Thoughts?

 

[Captain Cadaver]

The "said to be" part would suggest Roshi only knew about him through what he'd heard and given he had personal knowledge of how strong Tsuru Sennin was, may have used that as a benchmark and heavily overestimated Taopaipai's strength or skill.

The statement would suggest Roshi never expected Goku to be capable of beating Tao with what he knew prior despite his strength 3 years ago, so Roshi overestimating Taopaipai is the only route that makes sense.

 

[SSJ2]

Wouldn’t Roshi be considering Tao Pai Pai’s prime power? Considering how close he was to Tsuru in his prime, I doubt he wouldn’t have a good grasp on Tao’s power.

 

[Captain Cadaver]

Wouldn’t Roshi be considering Tao Pai Pai’s prime power? Considering how close he was to Tsuru in his prime, I doubt he wouldn’t have a good grasp on Tao’s power.

Taopaipai was only 2 at the time of Mutaito's death and it's difficult to say if Roshi and Tsuru Sennin had much contact after the death of Mutaito. Even if they did, Taopaipai didn't start his career as an assassin until he was 279, so it's very unlikely Roshi ever got a chance to witness his capabilities first hand, prime or otherwise.

 

[SSJ2]

How do you know that?

 

[Captain Cadaver]

Well, I can't say for sure if Roshi did or didn't, as we quite literally have nothing to go on as far as a timeframe of when Roshi last met Tsuru Sennin. Them recognising each other at the 22nd TB would suggest it was after old age occurred in them, though Tsuru could've easily just seen pictures of Roshi in meia pertaining to Goku and Kuririn in the 21st TB, whilst his unique outfit would have Roshi recognise him. For what it's worth, the anime suggests that they ceased contact not long after Mutaito's death and as that's the most we have as far as official material, I'd see it as evidence for them having limited interaction afterwards.