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Nah, Gohan has the same growth potential; he was the first to reach SS2 in the Cell Games, even before Goku and Vegeta. The only downside to half-Saiyans is that they don't have the innate drive to fight and grow stronger. Gohan would much prefer to read and study than to fight, but when he does fight he surpasses everyone.
Gohan would much prefer to read and study than to fight
I always chalked that up to his desire to please his overbearing mother, Chi Chi. Sure, Gohan isn't a warrior at heart- but when he's taken away from the influence of his insane mother and placed in the care of Piccolo (well, I suppose he was kidnapped; semantics), he behaves very differently.
If Goku was more dedicated as a father, and didn't always puss out to Chi Chi's demands, he could've raised Gohan to be an absolute MONSTER, with Piccolo's help.
Ever see Dragonball Abridged? It's hilarious, the running joke about Piccolo being Gohan's true father figure, while Goku is basically oblivious to the feelings and needs of his own firstborn son.
It's not just him, Trunks also has the same reluctance to fight. Chi Chi definitely had an impact, but he only ever wanted to be with his father, which is why he fought.
Speaking of DBZ:A, it kinda sounds like you haven't watched the entire series, as this exact point comes up in I think Ep.48 or so? Also, Gohan's performance in the four-part Ep.50 is insane.
Also, DBZ:A is where I know all of my DBZ lore lol, so I could be completely wrong, but TFS did an amazing job, so I like to think their take on the lore is accurate (because this (youtube.com) is perfect Vegeta).
(also, inb4 necro)
I know the episode you're talking about- where Gohan finally transforms into Super Saiyan 2 (aka ultra mega Saiyan), and he turns extremely cold and ruthless, he's beating the shit out of Cell, he says something like "I hate this. I hate the feeling of my fist crashing into things. I hate the taste of blood in my mouth. The only thing I hate more than fighting right now.. is you, Cell."
He doesn't say that in the original. He does say something similar, but I still am of the opinion that Gohan is a warrior at heart, but his mother and upbringing placed such importance on study that he is at war with himself constantly. He even has an existential crisis over this in Dragon Ball Super.
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