During the Universal Survival Saga storyline, both characters utilize a matching pair of magical earrings known as Potara (ポタラ) which allow them to merge into a single being known as Kefla (ケフラ, Kefura), whose resulting power rivals that of series protagonist Son Goku.

Caulifla's characterization has been described as "arrogant, ambitious, and eager for a challenge",[2] while her visual design is reminiscent of a wild, "lawless child" with an unparalleled "battle sense".

Her feelings of jealousy towards other individuals who interact with Caulifla would emerge as a strong trigger for her to manifest an uncontrollable transformation into an immensely powerful and highly muscular Super Saiyan form, though her personality is warped into a crazed opposite of her usual self.

[4] Kale originated as a concept inspired by Broly, a menacing and immensely powerful Saiyan villain from the Dragon Ball animated film series.

On the other hand, Kale's hair turns a shade of green when she transforms, which mirrors Broly's Legendary Super Saiyan form, and enters a trance-like fury in a similar manner as the Berserkers of Old Norse legend.

[11][3][12][13][14][2] The reveal of Kale's transformation in episode 93 of the original Japanese Dragon Ball Super anime drew an enthusiastic response from viewers on social media.

[7] Megan Peters from ComicBook.com called Caulifla a brash Robin Hood figure, who "breaks the law to help those who cannot help herself", and liked that she is not portrayed as a mindless criminal in the manga as she is depicted as prioritizing the needs of others over hers.

[13] Saris also singled out Caulifla's attainment of the Super Saiyan form in Episode as a "landmark moment" for the entire series, and praised the visual representation of the gathering energy in her body,[17] though he remarked in his review of Episode 100 that the depiction of Caulifla's rapid growth in power level is problematic and makes the struggles endured by the series' main characters in the past "seem silly by comparison".

[19] In his review of Episode 93 of Dragon Ball Super, Saris said Kale "steals the show", from her emergence as a sudden threat for the other tournament competitors to her abrupt shift in personality.

[17] Saris noted that the show competently handled Kale's "wild transformation into a crazed warrior", showcasing her immense power and uncontrollable rage while being different enough from Broly in terms of personality.

[25] The final battle between Kefla and Goku in his Ultra Instinct form, where she is presented as "extremely energetic and aggressive" while he seems "impossibly calm and composed", was considered a series highlight by multiple commentators.