*Cooler watches as his younger brother Frieza destroys the Saiyan home world. His henchmen prepare to destroy a space pod fleeing the doomed planet that is transporting a Saiyan infant to Earth; but Cooler allows it to go, accounting that it is Frieza's responsibility. More than twenty years later, this Saiyan, Goku, defeats Frieza. After learning of his brother's death, Cooler takes his men – Salza, Neiz, and Dore, on a mission to reclaim his family's honor.

On Earth, Cooler's forces ambush Goku and his friends while they are on a camping trip. Goku is badly wounded when he protects Gohan from an energy blast launched by Cooler. Krillin and Oolong find shelter in a cave with Goku, while Gohan travels to obtain the magic Senzu beans that can heal his father.

Cooler orders his men to completely obliterate the forest, believing Goku is in hiding. After obtaining the beans, Gohan is ambushed by Cooler's men before Piccolo arrives to save him. Piccolo kills 'Dore and Neiz, but Cooler arrives and impales him with an energy beam. Salza manages to track Gohan to the cave and destroys the beans. However, Gohan successfully heals Goku with a spare one. Krillin and Gohan are quickly defeated by Salza but Goku soon emerges.

Cooler taunts Goku by further injuring Piccolo. Goku incapacitates Salza and attacks Cooler. After Goku proves to be a worthy opponent, Cooler reveals that he discovered a new transformation above Frieza's capabilities. Goku is pummeled by Cooler, who boasts and mocks him. However, after seeing a bird die from wounds inflicted by their fight, Goku reflects on the well-being of his loved ones. Goku retrieves the deceased bird and transforms into his Super Saiyan form, using his energy to revive it.*