Yamcha NEARLY became the Main Character
Something about the King Piccolo Saga I really liked is that it had a theme of history repeats itself. It's shown mostly through
Roshi trying to redeem his past failures and avenging his students much the same way his master before him did the same
And King Piccolo having his way and dominating the world by force, instilling fear and dread in everyone's hearts (including many of his followers).
The story has a split narrative of Goku and Tien both going through different trials and tribulations to break this cycle and thanks to a combined effort (mostly Goku with some assists from Tien) by the skin of their teeth do they manage to save the world and change their fates to die like all who opposed King Piccolo before.
BUT if say anything detrimental happened to cause Goku's and Tien's defeat then the cycle would continue. The natural successor to King Piccolo's opposition would be the last surviving Martial Artist, Yamcha, and his allies.
THAT'S RIGHT, YAMCHA, WOULD NATURALLY BECOME THE MAIN CHARACTER.
I know, I know. You probably think this is an automatic game over. Nothing against good ol' Yamcha, but King Piccolo was just an absolute monster that would've become even more terrifying with time as he expanded his forces with minions like Drum and gained an ever tightening grip over the Earth's populace.
Normally you would think, its over until Raditz shows up to change management, but not necessarily. I'd say that this lone wolf's got a shot at success. It's a small chance, but if he stayed under the radar and plays his cards right, he could potentially pull off what Goku and Tien managed in the story, eventually.
I won't focus on specifics because what's truly interesting is how Yamcha best fits in this narrative of a repeated cycle of history.
Yamcha is the new Master Roshi.
As the last surviving student with the duty to stop King Piccolo, he would train his frustrations, regrets, fears, and doubts away.
Why Tien is NOT the new Master Roshi
I used to think Tien was in that role, but it's not quite right. He fits the bill for the most part as he was forced to watch Roshi and Chiaotzu die in front of him and deciding to shoulder the responsibility in their absence. But since Tien's Evil Containment Wave training and attempts to end King Piccolo's reign is meant to be acts of atonement for his past sins as an assassin in training. While noble, it's not quite the same as Roshi who fought to the bitter end alongside his fallen brothers in arms. Since he never actually got the chance to try anything against King Piccolo.
Why Yamcha IS the new Master Roshi (but not a blatant rip off)
Yamcha, on the other hand, is more of the taking on the position, mindset and duty of being the last one to take up the fight.
Roshi after his first defeat continued his training, isolated and alone. Probably filled with frustrations and regrets, until his Master finally returned with the Evil Containment Wave.
Similarly, Yamcha likely would be doing the same thing as what a younger Roshi did. After being motivated by the memories of his fallen friends and the still living ones, would do everything in his power to continue the fight, atoning for his own personal weaknesses and failures the best way he could. (I imagine him and Bulma would partner up as co-leaders for the cause) He started .
Addressing Yamcha and the gang's attempt to fight King Piccolo: They were simply late to the party. If King Piccolo won and he would've been on route to celebrate his victory by blowing up a city by the time the gang arrived.
They would however be just in time to see the aftermath and maybe if Yajirobe didn't get caught up in the struggle, could catch them up on what they missed, and provide as a middle man between them and Korin.
Heck Yamcha might just make the decision to head to the tower right there and then to undertake the same training as Goku and do whatever must be done. And Bulma might just get sick of watching from the sidelines and start inventing stuff. Who knows, maybe she'd make her own offensive battle suit (that Commander Black used) and go full Iron Man on King Piccolo
Yamcha, armed with Korin's wisdom/training, possible aid of Yajirobe/Bulma, and the driving force of the fallen: Goku, Krillin, Roshi, Tien and Chiaotzu; and of the living: Bulma, Oolong, Puar, and Launch; pushing him forward. (And a slim possibility of divine intervention of Kami and Mr. Popo as Kami feels responsible for King Piccolo and aiding Yamcha would be preferable to taking his own life) Yamcha and his allies over time, could become a force strong enough to stop King Piccolo and maybe, if they're lucky like Kid Goku was, even get Kami to revive the Dragon Balls and wish back the dead. (though Piccolo Jr would have beef with Yamcha rather than Goku and the power scale would probably start returning to normal as Z runs it's course)
Author's Note: This thought experiment went through my head at work and I thought I would share this here. Don't know if anyone will care enough to read this but here it is anyway. I hope you enjoyed it.
