Jinzouningen 16-gou

Android 16 is calm, reserved, and remarkably peaceful for a machine designed as a weapon. He enjoys observing birds and other animals and avoids unnecessary violence. His desire to kill Goku is initially presented almost like a programmed obligation rather than personal hatred.

He is also courageous and protective. When confronted with a threat to the entire planet, 16 has no hesitation about entering battle even when the odds are against him. His appreciation for nature makes Cell's destructive ambitions fundamentally incompatible with everything he values.

Android 16 is entirely artificial rather than a cybernetically modified human. His internal reactor provides effectively inexhaustible energy without the detectable ki signature of ordinary living fighters, allowing him to fight at full output without conventional fatigue.

He is considerably stronger than Android 17 and Android 18 when first activated. His forearms can detach to expose energy cannons used for Hell's Flash, while Rocket Punch launches his fists as high-speed projectiles. He can also track power levels using internal sensors rather than sensing ki naturally.

His body contains a powerful explosive device intended as a final measure. Bulma and Dr. Brief secretly remove the bomb while repairing him, leaving him unable to detonate it when he later attempts to destroy Cell.

Android 17 and Android 18 discover 16 inside Dr. Gero's laboratory despite Gero repeatedly warning them not to activate him. Once released, 16 accompanies them in their search for Goku but displays little interest in attacking anyone else.

When Cell attempts to absorb 17 and 18, 16 finally demonstrates his full combat strength. He battles Cell directly and temporarily proves capable of matching his first form, using his mechanical construction to surprise an opponent accustomed to reading ki.

After Cell reaches his perfect form, 16 is badly damaged and later repaired by Bulma and Dr. Brief. At the Cell Games, he attempts to sacrifice himself with his internal bomb, only to discover it has been removed. Cell destroys his body, but 16's severed head survives long enough to speak to Gohan. His final appeal tells Gohan that protecting what he loves sometimes requires releasing his restraint. Cell then crushes 16's head, triggering Gohan's transformation into Super Saiyan 2.

Dr. Gero creates Android 16 and programs him to kill Goku, but considers him a failure and orders that he remain deactivated.

Android 17 and Android 18 activate 16 against Gero's wishes and become his traveling companions. Although their personalities differ considerably, 16 cares about their safety and confronts Cell to prevent their absorption.

Goku is 16's programmed target, though 16 displays no comparable hostility toward Goku's friends or other innocent people. Cell becomes his true enemy because of Cell's threat to 17, 18, Earth, and the natural world.

Gohan shares 16's reluctance to harm others unnecessarily. 16's final words encourage Gohan to stop suppressing his power when innocent life is threatened, and his destruction at Cell's hands becomes the immediate catalyst for Gohan's Super Saiyan 2 transformation.