After Goku defeated the dangerous Majin Buu, peace has returned to Earth. Chi-Chi wants Goku to get a job, so he works as a farmer. For his purported role in saving Earth from Majin Buu, Mr. Satan has been awarded with 100 million Zeni that he does not want. He decides to give the money to Goku, who gives the money to Chi-Chi, so she would let him train. Meanwhile, somewhere in the depths of space, Beerus, the God of Destruction, has awakened from his slumber. Keen on battling the worthy opponent that appeared to him in his visions, Beerus and his attendant, Whis, set out to discover who this opponent is.

Goku goes to King Kai's planet to train with King Kai. Meanwhile, Vegeta, Bulma, and Trunks take a family trip to a resort. Somewhere in space, Beerus and Whis scour an alien planet in search of dinosaur meat. They are confronted by the planet's strongest dweller, but he proves to be no match for them. Shortly afterwards, Beerus destroys the planet in order to have another vision of his destined opponent â?" the Super Saiyan God.

Fearing what might happen knowing that the God of Destruction is awake, the Old Supreme Kai and Supreme Kai urge King Kai to ensure that Goku never finds out about Beerus. However, Goku overhears the conversation and becomes curious. Meanwhile, Beerus learns of Goku's existence and decides to pay him and King Kai a visit.

It's Bulma's birthday, and she celebrates it on a cruise ship. Nearby, the Pilaf Gang are poor and hungry. They're searching for the Dragon Balls, which just happen to be on the same cruise ship as Bulma birthday party. Beerus arrives at King Kai's planet.

Beerus and Whis arrive on King Kai's planet and detect Goku's presence. While he is initially disappointed that Goku does not know what a "Super Saiyan God" is, he agrees to test his strength in a sparring match. Goku attempts to fight him in all of the Super Saiyan transformations, but Beerus effortlessly defeats him in two strikes. Beerus and Whis head for Earth shortly afterwards, while King Kai uses his telepathy to warn Vegeta ahead of their arrival.

Beerus and Whis arrive on Earth, where Bulma's birthday party is underway. Initially, Vegeta is paralyzed by Beerus' presence as he recalls a childhood encounter with the deity. Bulma invites Beerus and Whis to the party, and the two develop a love of Earth food. When Majin Buu steals all the pudding, Beerus attacks him.