Movie
Description
In the alternate world presented in Dragon Ball Movie 3: Mystical Adventure, the character known as Hermit Crane, or Tsuru-Sen'nin, serves as the primary antagonist. He is depicted as a cunning and manipulative minister in the royal court of Mifan, a position that belies his treacherous nature. Rather than the rival martial arts master seen in the main series, this version of Hermit Crane is a political strategist who has ingratiated himself with the young emperor, Chaozu, to orchestrate a secret plot for power.
Driven by ambition and a desire to control the kingdom, Hermit Crane conceals his true motivations behind a facade of loyalty. He feigns a desire to help the childlike Emperor Chaozu find his lost bride, Ran Ran, by proposing the collection of the seven Dragon Balls to summon the eternal dragon Shenron. In reality, this scheme is a cover for his and his associates' plan to overthrow the emperor and seize control of Mifan for themselves.
Within the story, Hermit Crane is the mastermind behind the villainous faction. His key relationships are defined by his use of others as instruments for his goals. He is allied with his younger brother, the deadly assassin Tao Pai Pai, who acts as his primary enforcer. He also commands the loyalty of his student, Tien Shinhan, whom he expects to assist in the coup against Chaozu. Hermit Crane initially manipulates the Pilaf Gang to build a Dragon Radar, only to have Tao Pai Pai dispose of them once they are no longer useful, demonstrating his ruthlessness. When the loyal military officer General Blue uncovers evidence of his conspiracy, Hermit Crane has Tao Pai Pai kill him without hesitation to protect his plan.
The character's development is tied to the failure of his scheme. His plot ultimately unravels due to the intervention of the tournament participants, including Goku and Master Roshi, and the defiance of his own pupil. Confronted with Tien Shinhan's refusal to betray his friend Chaozu, Hermit Crane faces a direct challenge to his authority and is ultimately defeated by his student's power. This defeat leads to the collapse of his conspiracy, allowing the young emperor to see his true nature.
In terms of abilities, Hermit Crane is a formidable martial artist, though his actions in this film are primarily those of a strategist. He is capable of using ki-based techniques, including the Dodonpa, a powerful beam fired from his finger. He is also able to employ the technique of flight, known as Bukujutsu, a skill he taught to his disciples. His martial arts prowess, however, is ultimately secondary to his scheming, and his physical defeat comes not from the heroes but from his own former student, Tien Shinhan, using the powerful Tri-Beam technique.
Driven by ambition and a desire to control the kingdom, Hermit Crane conceals his true motivations behind a facade of loyalty. He feigns a desire to help the childlike Emperor Chaozu find his lost bride, Ran Ran, by proposing the collection of the seven Dragon Balls to summon the eternal dragon Shenron. In reality, this scheme is a cover for his and his associates' plan to overthrow the emperor and seize control of Mifan for themselves.
Within the story, Hermit Crane is the mastermind behind the villainous faction. His key relationships are defined by his use of others as instruments for his goals. He is allied with his younger brother, the deadly assassin Tao Pai Pai, who acts as his primary enforcer. He also commands the loyalty of his student, Tien Shinhan, whom he expects to assist in the coup against Chaozu. Hermit Crane initially manipulates the Pilaf Gang to build a Dragon Radar, only to have Tao Pai Pai dispose of them once they are no longer useful, demonstrating his ruthlessness. When the loyal military officer General Blue uncovers evidence of his conspiracy, Hermit Crane has Tao Pai Pai kill him without hesitation to protect his plan.
The character's development is tied to the failure of his scheme. His plot ultimately unravels due to the intervention of the tournament participants, including Goku and Master Roshi, and the defiance of his own pupil. Confronted with Tien Shinhan's refusal to betray his friend Chaozu, Hermit Crane faces a direct challenge to his authority and is ultimately defeated by his student's power. This defeat leads to the collapse of his conspiracy, allowing the young emperor to see his true nature.
In terms of abilities, Hermit Crane is a formidable martial artist, though his actions in this film are primarily those of a strategist. He is capable of using ki-based techniques, including the Dodonpa, a powerful beam fired from his finger. He is also able to employ the technique of flight, known as Bukujutsu, a skill he taught to his disciples. His martial arts prowess, however, is ultimately secondary to his scheming, and his physical defeat comes not from the heroes but from his own former student, Tien Shinhan, using the powerful Tri-Beam technique.