Goku’s made a lot of controversial decisions throughout Dragon Ball history. From the many times he’s given enemies who just tried to murder him and his friends Senzu Beans to permanently reviving Frieza of all people in Dragon Ball Super, Goku’s judgement isn’t always ideal, to say the least – but it does always save the day. Goku gives Piccolo a Senzu Bean and gets a lifelong ally out of it. Goku gives Cell a Senzu Bean and Gohan becomes the strongest person alive. Frieza may be revived in Super, but Universe 7 couldn’t have won the Tournament of Power without him.
The recurring thread in all of Goku’s most controversial moments is that he knows what he’s doing, even if no one else can see it. Dragon Ball DAIMA has continuted this trend as of Episode 4, “Chatty.” While he can’t hide his excitement over the idea of going on another Dragon Ball hunt, Goku’s decision to prioritze the Dragon Balls over rescuing Dende is actually genius and might very well be the difference between life & death the deeper the main cast get into the Demon Realm. Dende is in danger, but there’s nothing Dragon Balls can’t fix and Goku’s not wrong to put the baby on the back-burner.
Goku Just Can’t Pass Up a Challenge
Son Goku is an inherently selfish character. This does not mean he’s a bad person or has ill intentions, but he is primarily motivated by his own desires – whether that be getting stronger or seeing the world. Goku will help people in need, especially those he cares about most, but he doesn’t go out of his way to play the superhero like Gohan literally does as Great Saiyaman. For Goku, the most important thing is challenging himself. So much so, that a lack of challenge is eventually what kicks off Dragon Ball Super‘s story.
The moment Glorio tells Goku that the Dragon Balls are located across the three Demon Realms – each guarded by a Tamagami – Goku can’t help getting visibly excited at seeing each one, even if it means they don’t go after Dende right away. Goku’s excitement doubles when Glorio tells him just how powerful the Tamagami are and the fact he’ll need to fight them to steal each Dragon Ball. Goku obviously cares about Dende’s safety as evidenced by the previous episodes, but it’s painfully clear his main motivation is making the most of the Demon Realm in typical Goku fashion.
The Supreme Kai understandably tries to tell Goku that they cannot leave a baby for death, so Goku suggests they use the Dragon Balls to regain their bodies. Interestingly, Glorio suggests that they use the Dragon Balls to save Dende instead and then use the Earth’s Dragon Balls to wish themselves back to normal. While Goku gleefully accepts this plan, it’s odd Glorio would make this suggestion at all – until you remember that Glorio knows Earth’s Dragon Balls grant multiple wishes and that Shenron still has two more in stock: one to turn the kids back into adults and one Glorio can take for himself.