Tao Pai Pai vs Master Tsuru vs Master Roshi

[GSM123]

How do these 3 rank compared to each other?

 

[Captain Cadaver]

When it came to the 22nd TB, Roshi > Tsuru >> Tao Pai Pai. Tao was arguably the most skilled despite being the weakest when considering Roshi was shocked Goku could have beaten him despite what he'd seen of Goku thus far, though Roshi had also polished his skills at this point according to Yamcha so it could go either way in terms of martial arts skill.

 

[SSJ2]

Prime Roshi = Prime Tsuru > 22nd Roshi >= Prime Tao > 22nd Tsuru > RRA arc Tao

 

[GSM123]

Well Roshi vs Tsuru is a clear one thanks to Tenshinhan. In their prime I'd say both were equals, but Roshi seemingly slacked later since his pre 22nd self was weaker than even Tao.

Tao's placement seems like a tough one though. Hard to compare how a assassin stands out compared to fighters from a Tenkaichi Budokai.

I'm going to risk saying Roshi is the best here since he would've been a tough fight for Tenshinhan if both went all out while Tao got stomped by Goku. No idea about Tsuru though.

 

[SSJ2]

Tao Pai Pai in current times isn't even as strong as King Chappa. Tao would only be superior to Man-Wolf and Panputto in the finals. It stands to reason that Tao Pai Pai is weaker in current times than he was in the past due to his performance against post-Karin Goku. Given that Roshi is in disbelief that Goku could have defeated Tao Pai Pai, it only makes sense that he is familiar with Tao's former power, which must have been above what Goku had displayed at the start of the 22nd.

 

[Captain Cadaver]

It's most likely that Roshi was likely taking into account Tao Pai Pai's skill when in disbelief, considering he'd only been an assassin for 20 years at the time he fought Goku and it's hard to imagine him suddenly getting far weaker in that time when he's far younger than Roshi or Tsuru. Skill is still an important factor at this point in the series and Pai Pai's skills and knowledge of pressure points were shown to be great enough he could kill a ridiculously durable man with only a tongue to the temple, so it's not hard to believe Goku would have had a hard time countering him or even lose if not for Karin's teaching of being able to predict his opponent's movements despite the superiority in power.

 

[SSJ2]

But even Tenshinhan speaks as if beating Tao Pai Pai is an impossible feat. It seems to me that he is unaware of how strong Tao actually is.

 

[ahill1]

Well, Tao didn't show any marvelous skill against Goku besides resorting to the sword when cornered and using the granade at the end. Outside of it, he seemed as well grounded as Goku. Consideing Tsuru's acknowledgment of Goku's ability to defeat Tao came when Goku showed more power, I think that's what was in check in their shocking reactions. So I think Tao has either got retconned (kinda how they kept referencing Freeza in the androids arc) or there was a prime Tao, which can make sense with Roshi growing consideraby weaker with age.

 

[SSJ2]

The actual quote makes it apparent that Tao Pai Pai was more hyped up than anything.

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…”

Goku even mentioned his power and neglected to mention him being skillful in the slightest. As ahill said, he resorted to several dirty tricks to try to win the fight. As a pure martial artist, even Son Gohan appeared to be far more skillful imo, and he was a mere disciple of Roshi.

 

[Spiral-Force]

Goku had the edge in both strength and skill in his fight with Tao; the combination of these factors, along with Tao's loss of composure, is what made Goku's performance so dominant. Though to be fair, there was a part where Goku felt the need to figure out Tao's moves before going for an assault late in the fight, implying Tao still posed a threat if Goku were to get careless. The anime also shows Korin and Upa expressing worry over the thought of Tao getting any stronger than he already was.

 

[GSM123]

Yeah the idea of Tao being past his peak doesn't fly, specially if we're using that to argue old man Roshi is above him.

The moves Goku used to beat Pamputto where enough to make Tsuru think Goku indeed defeated Tao, so fighting prowess was definitely a factor. Him beating Kuririn was just the final nail in the coffin. Calling someone "strong" doesn't concern only to power since lacking skill would make that power worthless, think of how Popo says Goku has incredible power but is weak. "Strong[er than I thought]" is also what Goku says after warming up with Cell despite already knowing Cell is stronger than his best.

Has Roshi ever really met Tao? He could be going with reputation as well. We at least know Tenshinhan has met Tao before, but that doesn't mean much since he doesn't really talks about Goku vs Tao again after telling Tsuru about that.