Was Piccolo Daimao already old when he fought Mutaito?

[SSJ2]

I know it was hundreds of years prior to current events, but do you think he was already past his prime then? Roshi recognized him right away and made no comment on his appearance.

 

[Captain Cadaver]

The official timeline present in Daizenshuu 7 makes it apparent he started his attack as soon as he was formed. Kami not picking up knowledge of the Mafuba until his resurgence also supports this when it suggests things occurred too quickly for him to view for long or that it was before he gained the ability to view events clearly from his palace. This is further supported by anime flashbacks.

Roshi recognising Daimao isn't surprising as, regardless of having aged, a big green creature with the same facial structure, clothing and the Ma kanji showing clearly on their shirt is a dead giveaway.

 

[SSJ2]

I completely forgot that this panel existed. This is all we need.

 

[SSJ2]

Somewhat related, but how did Mutaito, Roshi and Tsuru all survive the initial battle with Piccolo? That seems rather hard to believe as we have been shown that Piccolo shows no mercy. It is made to sound like Mutaito developed the Mafuba after fighting Piccolo.

 

[Captain Cadaver]

Daimao only really started to have a no mercy approach as a result of being trapped in the Mafuba, so it'd be understandable for him to go easy on them during their first encounter. The anime's interpretation of events seems to fit best, with Daimao arrogantly letting those 3 go after destroying Mutaito's school and Mutaito then training to develop the Mafuba.

 

[SSJ2]

Does the anime show their initial fight or only the aftermath?

 

[GSM123]

I think the anime shows the initial attack as well.

But I'm not sure if we should be taking the anime for granted here. It tells a different story with Tsuru leaving after the school was destroyed, while in the manga Roshi makes clear he was there when Mutaito died.

 

[Captain Cadaver]

The anime shows the fight, though it ultimately amounts to Daimao toying with Mutaito with his eye beams before leaving.

But I'm not sure if we should be taking the anime for granted here. It tells a different story with Tsuru leaving after the school was destroyed, while in the manga Roshi makes clear he was there when Mutaito died.

That is true, though that change is the only one we're given and is the only real source we have on a full coverage of the events. I do agree it may make more sense for Mutaito to have sealed Daimao in their first encounter though, considering it makes it less likely Kami would stay ignorant of the Mafuba if Daimao's rampage went on for too long.

 

[GSM123]

I think Roshi implied Mutaito took a while to create and perfect the mafuba, so not sure if it was the first encounter.