Gohan, Kuririn, and Bulma must outwit pirates and the Red Ribbon Army in order to retrieve the last of the Dragon Balls, which can grant any wish in the world.
In their search for seven Dragon Balls, Goku and Bulma encounter several obstacles, including the Turtle Hermit, the shapeshifter Oolong, the bandit Yamcha, and the Ox King of Frypan Mountain.
Intrigue surrounds the "Strongest-Under-the-Heavens" Martial Arts Tournament as Tenshinhan tries to avenge his master, whose brother was killed by Goku.
Goku has made it to the Tenka'ichi Budokai, the world's #1 martial arts tournament, but the competition is stiff. Will Goku be able to defeat Kuririn and the other five finalists to become the champion?.
In the Strongest Under the Heavens martial arts tournament, Goku, Kuririn, and Tenshinhan face mighty enemies, such as a cyborg assassin, a strange young woman with a grudge against Goku, and a new and improved Piccolo.
In the final round of the Strongest Under the Heavens tournament, it comes down to Goku and Jackie Chun, the mysterious, powerful old man. After the tournament, Goku continues his quest for the seven Dragon Balls, but the evil Red Ribbon Army wants them too and Goku must stop their plans.
At the end of the "Strongest Under the Heavens" martial arts tournament, only Goku, Piccolo, and Shen remain. The audience flees for their lives as Goku finds himself fighting alone for control of the world.