The original Dragon Ball series follows the adventures of a young boy named Goku, who embarks on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls—magical orbs that, when gathered, summon a dragon capable of granting any wish. Goku, an exceptionally strong yet naive child, teams up with a teenage girl named Bulma, who is initially searching for the Dragon Balls and convinces Goku to join her on the journey. Throughout their journey, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including the desert bandit Yamcha, the shape-shifting pig Oolong, and the powerful martial artist Master Roshi. The series blends martial arts, humor, and fantastical elements, creating a unique adventure as Goku learns about his mysterious origins and grows as a fighter.

As Goku continues his journey, he becomes involved in numerous martial arts tournaments, where he battles increasingly powerful opponents, including the skilled fighter Tien Shinhan and the merciless assassin Mercenary Tao. The story evolves from a lighthearted quest into more intense and dramatic battles, particularly when Goku faces off against the Red Ribbon Army, a powerful organization seeking the Dragon Balls for their own nefarious purposes. The series culminates in Goku's epic battle against King Piccolo, a demon who threatens the world. Through training and determination, Goku ultimately defeats Piccolo, setting the stage for his continued adventures in the later series, Dragon Ball Z.