// Gotcha.
Actual in the ROF movie, Goku was using a form dubbed Saiyan Beyond God, even in the manga counterpart he was using it in sparring session with Whis. So he could tap into that power without having the need to transform.
Seeker.
It's always been a transformation. The fact Gohan needs to trigger it like he does with Super Saiyan through rage further adds credence to it.
Also the fact Dragon Ball Super makes more blatant.
// Would love to know y’all’s thoughts but do you consider ‘ mystic / ultimate gohan ’ a transformation like super saiyan or is it his new base? Kind of like how after BOG Goku and Vegeta could use their divine ki without going God form.
To say Gohan was intimidated would have been a lie, he’s faced worst than whatever bad day this guy had been going through. As the finger warned him, he cemented himself in his decision to stay rather then run with his tail between his leg. ——
—— seeing if you could have met the standards of a Saiyan. ❞
Naturally he knew it was an excuse to see how far Gohan and Cabba had came along. To see if new potential can measure up to the old prodigy.
Stepping into the terrain, the hybrid would have glimpsed over to @sixthsdisciple, arms fixated upon his chambers while lifting to reveal clenched fists to the other.
❝ I know you came here looking for Vegeta, but he gave me the liberty to test you. Said something about ——
Eyes looked up at the individual floating above him. Naturally, there was a brief power burst from Gohan, a shockwave albeit minuscule erupted from beneath his feet before he floated upwards to meet him on an eye level.