Even the preliminary rounds of the 23rd Martial Arts Tournament are more brutal than those of years past. Eventually eight people come out on top to advance to the final rounds: Tien, Tao, a strangely familiar girl, Goku, Krillin, Piccolo, Yamcha, and a bumbling man known as Hero. Everyone is worried that Tao will defeat Tien in the first match, but Goku is certain that Tien is stronger.