What Is Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies About?
The premise of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies in 307 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a realm where ancient wishes are said to bend reality, a restless monarch named Gurumes pursues the legendary Dragon Balls, hoping the power they grant will finally quiet a hunger that threatens to consume his kingdom. The quest casts a shadow over the countryside, turning fields once fertile into places of quiet desperation, and hints at an uneasy balance between mythic ambition and the lived lives of ordinary people.
From a modest village, a determined young woman called Pansy watches the king’s growing appetite with growing alarm. Knowing that only a true master of martial wisdom might stand against such a force, she seeks out Master Roshi, the eccentric Turtle Hermit whose reputation for both humor and hidden strength has spread far beyond his secluded island. Their meeting sparks the first flicker of resistance, a reminder that even the smallest voice can echo loudly when it calls for justice.
Joining the cause are a handful of unlikely companions. Goku, a wild‑hearted boy raised in isolation with a fierce, untamed power, finds his world colliding with that of Bulma, a clever and curious teenager equipped with a sharp mind and a knack for invention. Alongside them wander Yamcha, a roguish wanderer whose bravado masks a softer core, and Oolong, a shape‑shifting pig whose antics provide comic relief even as tension builds. Their contrasting personalities create a lively, unpredictable dynamic that fuels both the film’s humor and its sense of adventure.
As the kingdom’s armies march forward, the assembled heroes must navigate rugged mountains, lush forests, and mysterious islands, each step bringing them closer to a confrontation that threatens the very soul of the land. The tone balances high‑spirited comedy with pulse‑quickening action, inviting the audience to wonder how courage, friendship, and a dash of mischief might tip the scales against a ruler whose appetite knows no bounds.
What Happens in Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
The complete story of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies, from the first scene to the last, in 793 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Shûichirô Moriyama as Gurumesu ushers a ruthless regime in his kingdom, with his two chief enforcers, Mami Koyama as Pasuta and Gorô Naya as Bongo, hunting Blood Rubies (リッチストーン, Ricchi Sutōn) to break a curse that has turned him into a growing, purple monster hungry for more. As his curse intensifies, the king hopes to redeem himself by gathering the seven Dragon Balls and making a single wish. In the countryside, a rebellious young figure (a girl named Pansy in the tale) experiences the brutal consequences of Gurumesu’s ambition when her people are harmed, fueling her resolve to seek help.
In Mount Paozu, a young boy named Goku, renowned for his monkey-like strength and a powerful tail, lives in isolation until a blue-haired teenager named Bulma arrives with a Dragon Radar, intent on collecting Dragon Balls. When the two cross paths, Goku initially mistakes Bulma for a monster, but she clarifies she’s human, and he reveals a Dragon Ball his late grandfather gave him. Their fragile trust begins to form as Bulma’s quest overlaps with Goku’s own journey. Soon, Pasta and Bongo seize his Dragon Ball, leaving behind a gold coin and triggering a clash that ends with Goku wielding his trusty Power Pole to turn the tide.
Night brings a comedic, chaotic encounter with Oolong—the shape-shifting pig—who tries to dodge trouble by transforming and escaping, only to be knocked down by Goku’s strength when pursued. The trio then stumbles into Yamcha the Desert Bandit and his companion Puar. A lively duel erupts, with Yamcha showing off his Wolf Fang Fist and Goku demonstrating his Rock-Scissors-Paper moves, until Bulma’s timely arrival defuses the stand-off. Yamcha’s fear of beautiful women, a running gag, complicates things further when he faces Bulma directly, and a brash bite of fate—his stubborn pride—forces him to retreat along with Puar.
Meanwhile, Pansy describes the suffering of her people and pleads with Bulma for help, hinting that Master Roshi the Turtle Hermit is the one who can best counter Gurumesu. The looming threat continues as Gurumesu amasses the remaining Dragon Balls and intensifies his search, threatening to unleash his full hunger upon the land.
The friends finally reach Master Roshi’s island, but Yamcha has beaten them there and tricks Roshi into thinking Goku is there to steal his shell. Roshi tests the truth by calling down the Flying Nimbus Cloud, which only an honest rider can jump onto; Goku passes, while Yamcha acknowledges defeat and promises to return. Roshi’s generosity seems convenient—he offers a Dragon Ball to Bulma—until Pasta and Bongo strike Roshi’s home from a submarine, destroying the structure and forcing Roshi to unleash the legendary Kamehameha to drive them away. Pansy asks Roshi to aid her cause, but the Turtle Hermit steps back, insisting that Goku and Bulma have the tools they need to help her.
Back on the move, the party advances to Gurumesu’s palace, where aerial forces push them into a brutal confrontation. Bulma, Oolong, and Pansy are shot down; Goku battles Bongo again, sending him crashing through walls with the Power Pole, and Yamcha and Puar infiltrate the palace to join the others. Gurumesu—driven by curse and appetite—grows to a gigantic size, squashing Bongo and pressing his attack on Goku as he seeks the last Dragon Ball. When the Kamehameha fails to finish the monster, Bulma spots a crucial detail: the remaining Dragon Balls are not in the palace vault but inside Gurumesu’s own stomach. She risks everything, hurling her Dragon Ball into the creature’s mouth.
From Gurumesu’s belly, Shenron—the Eternal Dragon—erupts and offers to grant a single wish. The group watches as Panji’s wish for a peaceful, beautiful land is granted, and Shenron then releases all the Blood Rubies, restoring fertility to the countryside. Gurumesu is transformed back to a small, bald, naked man, his hunger quelled and his curse lifted. With the crisis concluded, Yamcha and Bulma begin dating, and Goku returns the gold coin to Pasta before heading off to Master Roshi’s island to continue his training. The adventure closes on a hopeful note: the world is saved, the Dragon Balls have fulfilled their purpose, and the friends part ways with new resolve to continue their journeys.
Finally, the tale is marked by a blend of action, humor, and the steady push toward growth for its young leads, all under the shadow of Gurumesu’s curse and the ever-present lure of the Dragon Balls. Shûichirô Moriyama and Gorô Naya help anchor the drama with strong villainous presence, while Masako Nozawa and Hiromi Tsuru give voice to Goku and Bulma, guiding their companionship through moments of danger and discovery. The climactic wish by Shenron brings resolution, and the journey toward mastery continues for Goku, who remains ready to train harder on the road ahead.
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Goku meets Bulma and learns about the Dragon Balls” to “Aftermath and new beginnings”. 12 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Goku meets Bulma and learns about the Dragon Balls
While out fishing in the wilds of Mount Paozu, Goku meets Bulma, a girl searching for Dragon Balls with a Dragon Radar. He initially mistakes her for a monster, but quickly learns she is human and that his grandpa gave him a Dragon Ball before he died. This encounter kicks off their unlikely partnership.
Where:Mount Paozu
- 2
Pasta and Bongo steal Goku's Dragon Ball
Pasta and Bongo arrive at Goku's home and steal his Dragon Ball, leaving behind a gold coin as a decoy. They flee in a fighter jet, but Goku uses his Power Pole to thwart them and reclaim the Dragon Ball. The theft sets the stage for the group’s journey to Master Roshi's island.
Where:Goku's home, Mount Paozu
- 3
Oolong, Pansy, and Yamcha collide with the group
That night, Goku and Bulma encounter Pansy being chased by Oolong, a shapeshifting pig. Goku proves his strength by destroying a large tree, and Oolong's true form is revealed. Unbeknownst to them, they have crossed into Yamcha the Desert Bandit's territory, foreshadowing a later clash.
When:Night Where:Oolong's camp / Yamcha's desert territory
- 4
Pansy reveals her quest to Master Roshi's help
In the camp, Pansy explains Gurumes' cruelty and that she must find Master Roshi to help stop him. The group learns that Roshi could be the key to ending the Blood Ruby oppression. This motivates their pursuit toward Roshi's island.
Where:Oolong's campout
- 5
Yamcha and Puar plot to reach Roshi and the Dragon Balls themselves
The next day, Yamcha and Puar prepare to travel to Master Roshi's island to pursue the Dragon Balls and confront Goku and Bulma. They plan to use the Dragon Balls for their own wishes and to distance themselves from the others. This sets up the rivalry that will unfold at Roshi's island.
When:Day Where:Desert / Yamcha's territory
- 6
Gurumes has five Dragon Balls; the hunt continues
King Gurumes already possesses five Dragon Balls and covets the last two. His curse and hunger drive his hunt for the remaining stones. Meanwhile, our heroes set course for Gurumes' palace to confront him and recover the Dragon Balls.
Where:King Gurumes' Palace
- 7
The team reaches Master Roshi's island and Roshi tests them
Goku, Bulma, and Pansy reach Master Roshi's island, but Yamcha arrives first and tricks Roshi into thinking Goku is there to steal his shell. Roshi tests the air with Flying Nimbus, and Goku rides it successfully, proving his honesty. Bulma evades Roshi's test by using Oolong's disguise to secure a Dragon Ball.
Where:Master Roshi's Island
- 8
Pasta and Bongo attack; Bulma's Dragon Ball is stolen
Pasta and Bongo arrive in a submarine and attack Roshi's island, stealing one of Bulma's Dragon Balls and destroying Roshi's house in the process. Angered, Roshi powers up and destroys the submarine with a Kamehameha, driving the invaders away. The setback leaves Bulma's Dragon Ball missing and the team regrouping.
Where:Master Roshi's Island
- 9
Goku and friends head to Gurumes' palace; the air war begins
The team journeys toward Gurumes' palace and is immediately attacked by the king's air force. Bulma, Oolong, and Pansy are shot down, while Goku duels Bongo in an aerial battle and defeats him. Yamcha and Puar infiltrate the palace and join the others.
Where:King Gurumes' Palace
- 10
Gurumes grows monstrous and battles the heroes
Fueled by his curse and hunger, Gurumes grows to a gigantic size and crushes Bongo. Goku tries the Kamehameha against the giant, but it fails to destroy him. Bulma realizes the other six Dragon Balls are inside Gurumes' stomach, setting up the final move to defeat him.
Where:Gurumes' Throne Room
- 11
Shenron is summoned and the final wish is made
Bulma throws her Dragon Ball into Gurumes' mouth, and Shenron rises from Gurumes' body to grant a wish. Pansy wishes for her land to be peaceful and beautiful again, and Shenron removes all Blood Rubies, restoring fertility to the land. Gurumes is transformed into a small, bald, naked man, ending his tyranny.
Where:Gurumes' Palace
- 12
Aftermath and new beginnings
The Blood Rubies are removed and the land becomes fertile again, bringing relief to Pansy and her people. Yamcha and Bulma begin dating as a consequence of the events. Goku returns the gold coin to Pasta and heads to Master Roshi's island to train with the Turtle Hermit.
Where:Gurumes' Palace / Master Roshi's Island
Who Are the Main Characters in Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
11 characters, among them Son Goku (Masako Nozawa), Bulma (Hiromi Tsuru) and Pansy (Panji no haha) (Reiko Suzuki): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- SG
Son Goku (Masako Nozawa)
Played by Masako Nozawa
A young, strong-willed fighter living in the wilds of Mount Paozu. He shows fearless determination, a pure heart, and a growing curiosity about the wider world. His bond with Bulma and the others grows as they face challenges and learn to trust one another. He wields the Power Pole and trains toward Master Roshi's teachings.
- 💪 Strength
- 🧒 Protagonist
- 🐵 Monkey-Tailed
- B(
Bulma (Hiromi Tsuru)
Played by Hiromi Tsuru
A bold, tech-savvy girl on a quest to collect the Dragon Balls. She combines clever schemes with scientific know-how, often driving decisions with practical solutions. Her curiosity and determination push the group forward, even when she needs to outwit strong foes.
- 🧠 Intelligence
- 🚗 Gadgetry
- 💃 Confidence
-
Pansy (Panji no haha) (Reiko Suzuki)
Played by Reiko Suzuki
A brave young girl whose people are suffering under Gurumes' cruelty. She initiates the journey to seek help from Master Roshi, showing resilience and a willingness to lead for the good of her homeland. Her resolve anchors the team during their toughest moments.
- 🦸 Heroic
- 🧭 Leader
- 👧 Youth
- Y(
Yamcha (Toru Furuya)
Played by Toru Furuya
A desert bandit with a sharp mouth and a notable fear of beautiful women. His rivalry with Goku adds humor and tension, but he also reveals moments of cunning and resourcefulness. He fights to claim Dragon Balls for himself, testing the group’s cooperation.
- ⚔️ Combatant
- 😂 Humor
- 🧭 Rival
- O(
Oolong (Naoki Tatsuta)
Played by Naoki Tatsuta
A shape-shifting pig whose antics provide comic relief but also practical help when tricks are needed. His shifts in form create unpredictable moments that complicate or aid the group’s mission. Despite self-interest, he contributes to the collective effort when it matters.
- 🪄 Shape-Shifter
- 😂 Comic Relief
- 🐷 Animals
- P(
Puar (Naoko Watanabe)
Played by Naoko Watanabe
Yamcha's loyal sidekick with a light-hearted presence and a willingness to jump into danger. Puar often supports the team with quick movements and help from the shadows, aiding in reconnaissance and battles. Their companionship adds balance to the group dynamics.
- 🧭 Scout
- 🐾 Loyal
- 🗡️ Support
- MR
Master Roshi (Kame Sen'nin) (Kohei Miyauchi)
Played by Kohei Miyauchi
An aging, eccentric martial arts master who provides guidance and training. He embodies a blend of wisdom and humor, offering strategic insight while enjoying the lighter moments with his students. His leadership helps anchor the team’s growth.
- 🎓 Mentor
- 🥋 Martial Arts
- 🧓 Wise
-
King Gurumes (Shûichirô Moriyama)
Played by Shûichirô Moriyama
A tyrannical ruler driven by a cursed hunger for Blood Rubies. His insatiable appetite mutates him into a colossal foe, challenging the heroes to end his reign and restore the land to peace. He is the central obstacle that tests the group’s courage and teamwork.
- 👑 Villain
- 🩸 Curse
- 🌀 Monstrous
-
Pasta (Pasuta) (Mami Koyama)
Played by Mami Koyama
One of Gurumes' main enforcers, confident and ruthless in pursuing the Dragon Balls. Alongside Bongo, Pasta orchestrates attacks and schemes to thwart the heroes, presenting a dangerous obstacle in the palace battles.
- ⚔️ Enforcer
- 🧭 Strategist
- 🎯 Pursuer
-
Bongo (Gorô Naya)
Played by Gorô Naya
A formidable enforcer who commands air and ground assaults against Goku and friends. His capabilities in combat heighten the stakes as the team pressures Gurumes' defenses. He embodies the physical menace of Gurumes' forces.
- 🛡️ Warrior
- 🌀 Menace
- 🛩️ Assault
- S
Shenlong
Played by Kenji Utsumi
The dragon who appears when the Dragon Balls unite, offering to grant a single wish. Shenlong's intervention resolves the curse and restores fertility to the land, marking the turning point of the climax. His presence emphasizes the magical stakes of the quest.
- 🐉 Dragon
- ✨ Wish-Granting
- 🌀 Fates
Where and When Is Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Set?
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is set in Mount Paozu, King Gurumes' Kingdom, Master Roshi's Island, Gurumes' Palace and…. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Mount Paozu, King Gurumes' Kingdom, Master Roshi's Island, Gurumes' Palace, Yamcha's Desert
Mount Paozu is the rugged, forested homeland of Goku where his adventure begins. King Gurumes' Kingdom is a war-torn realm driven by a desperate search for Blood Rubies. Master Roshi's Island serves as a remote training retreat for the Turtle Hermit, while Gurumes' Palace is the fortress where the curse and hunger culminate in a dramatic confrontation. The desert regions around Yamcha provide a harsh backdrop for encounters with bandits and rival pursuers.
- 🏔️ Mount Paozu
- 🏰 Gurumes' Kingdom
- 🏝️ Master Roshi's Island
- 🏜️ Yamcha's Desert
What Are the Themes of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Adventure, Hunger and Power and Teamwork.
-
01
Adventure
A quest to collect the Dragon Balls drives the narrative, pushing Goku, Bulma, Panji no haha, and their allies through varied landscapes. The journey is filled with sudden battles, discoveries, and alliances formed on the road to restore balance.
-
02
Hunger and Power
King Gurumes' curse amplifies his appetite and aggression, turning a kingdom into a place of danger as the Blood Rubies drive his transformation. The craving for power threatens the land, forcing the heroes to find a way to stop him before more damage is done.
-
03
Teamwork
Despite initial distrust and rivalries, the group learns to unite their strengths. Goku's strength, Bulma's gadgetry, Oolong's mischief, and Roshi's wisdom combine to outwit foes and break the curse that haunts Gurumes' realm.
What Kind of Film Is Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced, action-packed adventure that blends martial arts battles with playful humor and a classic quest narrative, resulting in an energetic and ultimately triumphant feel.
- adventurous
- playful
- energetic
- friendship
- triumphant
- whimsical
- quest for power
- martial arts
- curse
- greed
Content notes: cartoon violence, child endangerment.
Quiz
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