What Is Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies About?
The premise of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies in 315 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a far‑flung kingdom, the land trembles under the shadow of a cursed monarch whose hunger seems endless. Legends speak of the Dragon Balls—six luminous orbs capable of granting any wish—and of a mysterious dragon that awakens when they are gathered. The king’s relentless quest for these artifacts has turned the countryside into a place of whispered fear, where ordinary villages cling to hope amid an ever‑present threat.
Pansy, a fierce and determined young woman from one such village, can no longer stand the cruelty that festers around her home. Inspired by stories of a reclusive sage who once taught the greatest warriors, she sets out for the remote island where Muten Rōshi, the legendary turtle hermit, resides. Her journey is driven by a simple, powerful promise: to defend her people and find a way to end the king’s insatiable appetite.
Along the way she encounters an unlikely band of allies. Goku, a boy of prodigious strength raised in solitude on a mountainous plateau, exudes a pure‑hearted curiosity that balances his raw power. Bulma, a sharp‑tongued teenager armed with a curious device that can locate the Dragon Balls, brings ingenuity and relentless optimism. Yamcha, a wandering desert fighter, carries a mix of bravado and hidden vulnerability, while Oolong, a shape‑shifting pig with a mischievous streak, adds comic relief and surprising insight. Beside them, Puar, a loyal companion with a gentle spirit, binds the group together with quiet devotion.
United by a common purpose, these diverse travelers form a fragile but hopeful fellowship. Their quest hints at ancient training, whimsical inventions, and the kind of camaraderie that can turn even the most daunting odds into a chance for redemption. As they draw nearer to the king’s imposing stronghold, the tone shifts between light‑hearted adventure and the looming tension of a world on the brink, promising a tale where bravery and friendship may just tip the scales.
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 1,108 words (about 5 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In a distant kingdom, the soldiers of King Gurumes, Shûichirô Moriyama are tearing through villages and farms in a ruthless hunt for Blood Rubies (リッチストーン, Ricchi Sutōn; Ritch Stones). These precious stones are not only coveted treasures but a source of power for a ruler whose greed has grown so great that it has cursed him into a hulking, purple beast with an insatiable hunger. Gurumes hopes to lift his curse and secure his throne by gathering all the Dragon Balls, but his path to power is blocked by a brave, evolving group who refuse to bow to tyranny. His two relentless enforcers, Pasta Mami Koyama and Bongo Gorô Naya, prowl the land, pushing people to the brink as they search for the legendary orbs and the wish-granting dragon they unlock.
A rebellious and determined girl named Pansy, after witnessing her father suffer a brutal beating at the hands of Bongo in defense of her home, takes it upon herself to seek help and end Gurumes’s cruelty. Her courage sets the stage for a journey that binds together unlikely allies who must learn to trust one another if they are to stop a powerful tyrant from dooming many lives.
Meanwhile, a young boy with a monkey tail and extraordinary strength named Goku, Masako Nozawa in voice, lives a life of solitude high on Mount Paozu. He is in the midst of a simple, wild existence when he crosses paths with Bulma, Hiromi Tsuru a blue-haired teenager armed with a Dragon Radar that can locate Dragon Balls. Bulma’s device initially frightens Goku, who believes she is a monster, but his honest curiosity soon gives way to trust as he learns she is human and that they share a goal: to collect the Dragon Balls before Gurumes’s forces do. Goku reveals that his own Dragon Ball was given to him by his late grandfather, and the pair quickly becomes a makeshift team as danger closes in.
The plot thickens when Pasta and Bongo swoop into Goku’s home, stealing his Dragon Ball and replacing it with a golden coin before escaping in a high-speed jet. Goku’s first display of power comes with his trusty Power Pole, which he uses to wreck their craft and begin a chase that will lead him toward new allies and harder choices. As night falls, Goku and Bulma encounter Oolong, a shape-shifting pig with a cheeky streak, who tries to slip away when the two confront him. The shapeshifter’s true form is exposed only after Goku asserts his strength by toppling a large tree, and their subsequent pursuit lands them in Yamcha’s desert domain.
Yamcha the Desert Bandit, Toru Furuya, and his companion Puar, Naoko Watanabe, confront the trio. A clash of skills ensues—Goku duels Yamcha with weapon-based combat and the pair trade moves like Yamcha’s Wolf Fang Fist and Goku’s Rock-Paper-Scissors technique. The duel, however, is interrupted when Bulma arrives, and the two outsiders decide to join forces with her, Pansy, and Oolong to pursue the Dragon Balls. Yet Yamcha harbors his own private ambitions, including a desire to conquer his shyness around girls, a plan that he hopes to realize with a wish, even as Puar voices skepticism about chasing fame or romance.
Seeking refuge and guidance, the group learns about Master Roshi, the Turtle Hermit, a legendary martial arts master living on a remote island. Roshi, Kohei Miyauchi at the microphone, initially creates skepticism about the newcomers, testing them with the legendary Flying Nimbus Cloud—an honest rider’s ride. Goku proves himself worthy by summoning and riding the Nimbus with courage, while Yamcha is decisively shown up by the boy’s pure heart and strength. Roshi agrees to teach them the ways of training, but only if Bulma can bring a Dragon Ball to prove her sincerity—an odd barter that foreshadows the more humorous and cunning moments to come. To avoid a direct encounter with Roshi’s tests, Bulma enlists Oolong to transform into her own form, a ruse that temporarily buys them time to continue their quest.
Trouble follows on the heels of their alliance as Pasta and Bongo launch a direct assault on Master Roshi’s island. Bulma’s Dragon Ball is stolen, and Roshi’s home is destroyed, prompting a powerful display as Roshi powers up and channels the Kamehameha to destroy the intruding submarine and drive the enemy away. Despite this setback, Pansy remains determined and asks Roshi to join her cause in stopping Gurumes, though he declines, insisting that Goku and Bulma have the strength to carry the day with their friends and resolve.
With the journey reinvigorated, the team makes their way to Gurumes’s palace. They are immediately met by the king’s air force, forcing Bulma, Oolong, and Pansy to parachute away while Goku holds off Bongo in an aerial clash that ends with Goku sending the foe crashing through a wall. Yamcha and Puar infiltrate the palace, reuniting with the others as the stakes rise. The confrontation with Gurumes escalates as the king’s curse and appetite intensify, transforming him into a towering, monstrous figure that looms over the throne room. Gurumes lunges to seize the final Dragon Ball, intent on a last, devastating wish.
Goku attempts the Kamehameha, a signature move learned from Master Roshi, but the mighty burst fails to crush the mutated tyrant. In a crucial turn of strategy, Bulma realizes that the other six Dragon Balls lie hidden inside Gurumes’s own stomach. She retrieves her own Dragon Ball and, with a bold throw, releases Shenron, the mighty wish-granting dragon, from Gurumes’s body. Shenron’s presence grants a single wish and, in a moment of solemn mercy, Pansy wishes for a peaceful, beautiful land once more. The wish also reshapes the land—the Blood Rubies vanish, the soil becomes fertile again, and Gurumes himself reverts to a small, bald, naked man as his power dissipates.
The aftermath brings a sense of quiet resolution: Gurumes’s tyranny ends, Gong-Gong?—though not mentioned here—ceases, and the immediate danger passes. Yamcha and Bulma begin a new chapter in their relationship, and Goku departs to continue his training at Master Roshi’s island, ready to grow even stronger and more compassionate in the face of future adventures.
This retelling preserves the core beats of the tale: the corrupt king’s hunger for Blood Rubies and the Dragon Balls, the unlikely alliance of Goku, Bulma, Yamcha, Oolong, Puar, and Pansy, the guidance of Master Roshi, the dramatic confrontation in Gurumes’s palace, and the magical resolution that restores peace to the land. It remains faithful to the original moments while expanding the narrative flow with a clearer sense of character motivation and the emotional threads that connect each step of the journey.
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Gurumes's tyranny and the Blood Ruby hunt” to “Shenron and the ending”. 14 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Gurumes's tyranny and the Blood Ruby hunt
King Gurumes devastates farmers' lands in search of Blood Rubies, spreading fear across his kingdom. His enforcers Pasta and Bongo carry out raids and are tasked with collecting Dragon Balls to fuel his power. The king's curse has transformed him into a monstrous, insatiable purple giant who believes the Dragon Balls can lift the curse.
When:Early Where:Gurumes' kingdom
- 2
Goku meets Bulma on Mount Paozu
Goku, a boy with a monkey tail, lives alone in the wilderness when he encounters Bulma, a blue-haired girl searching for Dragon Balls with a Dragon Radar. He learns Bulma is a human and that his own Dragon Ball was given to him by his late grandfather. The two decide to team up to pursue their goals.
When:Daytime Where:Mount Paozu
- 3
Pasta and Bongo steal Goku's Dragon Ball
Pasta and Bongo infiltrate Goku's home and steal his Dragon Ball, leaving a gold coin as a decoy. They escape in a fighter jet, but Goku uses his Power Pole to pursue them and defeats them.
When:Evening Where:Goku's home
- 4
Oolong revealed and Yamcha encounter
Goku and Bulma meet Oolong, a shapeshifting pig who joins the journey after being unmasked. They land in Yamcha the Desert Bandit's territory, triggering a brief duel with weapons before Bulma arrives and the trio retreats.
When:Night Where:Oolong's camp and Yamcha's territory
- 5
Pansy seeks Master Roshi's help
Pansy explains her people's plight under Gurumes and pleads with Master Roshi the Turtle Hermit to help. The group learns more about the Dragon Balls and the hope they offer to restore peace.
When:Night Where:Oolong's camp
- 6
Yamcha and Puar head toward Master Roshi's island
The next day, Yamcha and Puar prepare to reach Master Roshi's island to remove Goku and friends from the mix while pursuing the Dragon Balls for themselves. Yamcha even jokes about wishing away his shyness around girls as part of their plan.
When:Next day Where:Desert
- 7
Gurumes gains five Dragon Balls
Gurumes already holds five Dragon Balls and expects the remaining two to come to him soon. He remains furious and hungry, ready to unleash his power to secure the rest.
When:Daytime Where:Gurumes' palace
- 8
Master Roshi’s island visit and Nimbus test
The team arrives on Master Roshi's island, but Yamcha reaches first and frames Goku as someone trying to steal Roshi's shell. Roshi summons the Flying Nimbus to test honesty, and Goku proves worthy by riding it, prompting Yamcha to retreat.
When:Daytime Where:Master Roshi's island
- 9
Bulma tricks Roshi to secure Dragon Ball
Roshi offers to give Bulma his Dragon Ball only if she reveals herself, but Bulma uses Oolong to transform into her own image and deceives Roshi, allowing the deal to proceed. The Dragon Ball exchange continues as planned.
When:Daytime Where:Master Roshi's island
- 10
Pasta and Bongo attack Roshi's island
Pasta and Bongo arrive in a submarine and attack the island, stealing one of Bulma's Dragon Balls and destroying Roshi's house. Enraged, Roshi powers up and destroys the submarine with a Kamehameha.
When:Night Where:Master Roshi's island
Show the other 4 events of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Pansy pleads again; plan to confront Gurumes
Pansy asks Roshi to join the effort against Gurumes, but Roshi declines, believing Goku and Bulma are enough. The team resolves to travel to Gurumes's palace and end his cruelty.
When:Evening Where:Master Roshi's island
- 12
Assault on Gurumes's palace
The team reaches Gurumes's palace and is attacked by the king's air force. Bulma, Oolong, and Pansy are shot down, while Goku duels Bongo in the air and Yamcha and Puar infiltrate the palace to join the others.
When:Daytime Where:Gurumes's palace
- 13
The giant battle and the Dragon Balls inside Gurumes
Gurumes grows to a gigantic size and attacks the group, crushing Bongo in the process. Goku's Kamehameha fails to stop him, and Bulma realizes the other six Dragon Balls are inside Gurumes's stomach, prompting a dramatic rescue.
When:Final battle Where:Gurumes's palace
- 14
Shenron and the ending
Bulma throws her Dragon Ball into Gurumes's mouth, and Shenron appears to grant a wish. Pansy wishes for her land to be peaceful and fertile again, and Gurumes is reduced to a small, bald man. Yamcha and Bulma begin dating, while Goku heads back to Master Roshi to train for the next adventures.
When:After the wish Where:Gurumes's palace
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 monkey-tailed boy with extraordinary strength living in the wilderness. He is naive yet fiercely loyal, eager to test himself and protect his friends. His rapid learning and fighting prowess drive much of the adventure.
- 💪 Hero
- 🐵 Prodigy
- B(
Bulma (Hiromi Tsuru)
Played by Hiromi Tsuru
A blue-haired genius armed with a Dragon Radar, relentlessly curious and resourceful. She uses wit and technology to navigate dangerous situations, often catalyzing the team’s plans. Her boldness helps balance Goku’s strength with clever problem-solving.
- 🧠 Genius
- 🚀 Resourceful
-
Pansy (Panji no haha) (Reiko Suzuki)
Played by Reiko Suzuki
A rebellious girl determined to save her homeland from King Gurumes. She drives the group's mission with courage and a clear sense of justice. Her determination helps anchor the team’s purpose.
- 🦸 Heroine
- 🎯 Determined
- Y(
Yamcha (Toru Furuya)
Played by Toru Furuya
Desert bandit with a swagger and a deep fear of beautiful women. His bravado masks insecurities, but he contributes skill and strategy in battles. He evolves through the adventure, forming bonds with the group.
- 🕶️ Cunning
- 🧭 Wanderer
- P(
Puar (Pûaru) (Naoko Watanabe)
Played by Naoko Watanabe
Oolong’s friend and ally in the shadows, capable of assisting in plan and reconnaissance. They provide comic relief while supporting the team’s efforts. Their presence helps the group navigate tricky situations.
- 🤖 Sidekick
- 😄 Helpful
- O(
Oolong (Naoki Tatsuta)
Played by Naoki Tatsuta
Shape-shifting pig with mischief and opportunism. He often shifts forms to get out of trouble, but his shifts also reveal loyalty to friends. His comedic antics lighten tense moments while advancing the plan.
- 🦄 Trickster
- 🐷 Shape-shifter
-
King Gurumes (Gurumesu) (Shûichirô Moriyama)
Played by Shûichirô Moriyama
A tyrannical ruler whose kingdom is ravaged in search of the Blood Rubies. His curse turns him into a colossal monster driven by hunger, making him a formidable foe. His desire to erase his curse drives the central conflict.
- 👑 Villain
- 🌀 Cursed
-
Pasta (Pasuta) (Mami Koyama)
Played by Mami Koyama
One of Gurumes' enforcers, cunning and loyal in the pursuit of the Dragon Balls. She is cruel and efficient, orchestrating plans to capture the heroes. Her alliance with Bongo intensifies the threat.
- 🪤 Schemer
- 🗡️ Enforcer
-
Bongo (Gorô Naya)
Played by Gorô Naya
Gurumes’ other enforcer, brash and dangerous with aerial combat abilities. His clashes with the heroes provide action-filled moments. He meets a quick end as the story escalates.
- ⚔️ Warrior
- 🐯 Aggressive
- MR
Master Roshi (Kame Sen'nin) (Kohei Miyauchi)
Played by Kohei Miyauchi
The Turtle Hermit and martial-arts mentor who trains Goku. He embodies humor and wisdom, introducing the iconic Kamehameha technique. His island is a crucial hub for training and planning.
- 🧠 Mentor
- 🥋 Master
- S
Shenlong
Played by Kenji Utsumi
The dragon who emerges to grant one wish once the Dragon Balls are gathered. This celestial force is the turning point, restoring peace and reversing the king’s curse. The dragon’s appearance marks the climax of the quest.
- 🐉 Deity
- 🔆 Wish-granting
Where and When Is Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies Set?
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies is set in Mount Paozu, Gurumes' Kingdom, Master Roshi's Island, Yamcha's Desert and…. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Mount Paozu, Gurumes' Kingdom, Master Roshi's Island, Yamcha's Desert, Gurumes' Palace
The story unfolds across a rugged mountain home (Mount Paozu) and a tyrannical desert kingdom ruled by King Gurumes. Battles swing between Gurumes' opulent palace, Master Roshi's peaceful island training ground, and the dusty deserts where Yamcha roams. The many locations are tied together by the quest to collect the Dragon Balls and lift a dangerous curse.
- 🗺️ Fantasy
- 🏰 Kingdoms
- 🏝️ Islands
What Are the Themes of Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Adventure, Power and Friendship.
-
01
Adventure
A globe-spanning quest to locate the Dragon Balls drives the narrative. The group confronts traps, enemy forces, and personal fears as they journey from the mountains to the sea and back again. The film emphasizes courage, initiative, and the value of first-hand discovery through teamwork.
-
02
Power
The Blood Rubies curse and Gurumes' transformation into a gigantic appetite-fueled monster show how hunger for power corrupts. The Dragon Balls become a source of ultimate potential, capable of granting wishes that change fortunes. The battles highlight control, responsibility, and the limits of brute force.
-
03
Friendship
The team-up between Goku, Bulma, Pansy, and others illustrates how friendships form under pressure. Differences in personality and goals are overcome through trust, jokes, and shared danger. The resolve to help Pansy’s homeland reinforces the theme of collective effort over individual greed.
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
An energetic and action-packed animated adventure that feels like a classic hero's journey, blending lighthearted humor with determined optimism as a group of young fighters unite against a greedy king.
- action-packed
- hopeful
- adventurous
- playful
- determined
- energetic
- friendship
- good vs evil
- martial arts
- greed
Content notes: cartoon violence, child endangerment.
Quiz
How well do you remember Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies? Test yourself on the story.
