When Emperor Chiaotzu's wife disappears, he receives a glimmer of hope from Master Shen, who claims that by gathering the seven dragon balls, he can summon the eternal dragon to bring her back. Meanwhile, Goku and Krillin participate in the World Martial Arts Tournament, overseen by the Emperor. As Bora and his son Upa strive to protect the dragon ball they stumbled upon from the Emperor's menacing forces led by the sinister Shen and General Tao, Bulma embarks on her quest for the dragon balls alongside Yamcha, Puar, and Oolong.