Early DB Ki Sensing

[SSJ2]

What is your take on this? In RRA, Goku mentions that he can feel the presence of the Pirate Robot, and that it is not human. Shortly after, Roshi mentions that Blue is formidable for the fact that he was able to conceal his power aura. Does this mean here was full blown ki sensing at this point, or what?

 

[p123]

Goku has been sensing ki since his introduction when he can sense the villager's presence in the town Oolong is terrorizing.

 

[SSJ2]

That's true, but is he sensing power or simply presence?

 

[Pyro]

Presence is different from power. Even we can sense when someone is around us, although it's a very rough thing.

 

[SSJ2]

Are you a human?

 

[Evil Vegeta]

It was pretty inconsistent early on. He might've sensed at times, but there were times (Tao, Old Daimao) where he obviously didn't sense anything. He only could tell how strong they were once they started beating his ass. Goku powered-up from the Super Holy Water and quickly realized that the demonic power he was sensing was Daimao. That pretty much implies he didn't sense him beforehand. I believe Karin was pretty surprised at that, too. It might be something that just got better the stronger Goku got.

The one who proved to be the most consistent early on was Tien.

 

[SSJ2]

He only could tell how strong they were once they started beating his ass.

To be fair this happens a ton in Z too even with incredible ki sensors.

 

[Evil Vegeta]

But unless they're completely suppressed, they could at least sense them and get a feel for their power. Not the full-extent, but something.

Goku pretty much judged Old Daimao on his look ("I don't care how you change your looks" after he removed that robe) rather than any Chi-sensing.

 

[Let's Go Fearless!]

He was able to smell people on his early days though.

 

[withheldforprivacy]

The first mention of ki was in 22nd, when Roshi stated he could feel Goku's ki. In retcon, we can
say Roshi had been a ki sensor all along, Goku became one after drinking the water and the humans
got this ability at Kami's.