In the short film Jungle Emperor Leo: Hon-o-ji, Bubu serves as the main antagonist. In this particular adaptation, he is established as the uncle of the protagonist, Kimba (Leo), a familial detail that adds a layer of personal betrayal to his actions.

Within this story, Bubu’s motivations center on undermining Kimba’s authority as the king of the jungle. He devises a scheme to frame a newcomer, a tiger cub named Paola, for destructive acts she did not commit. Bubu destroys several birds' nests and their eggs, then plants evidence to make it appear that Paola was responsible. He uses this manufactured crisis as leverage, arguing that Kimba’s decision to welcome an outsider into their home has brought trouble and chaos, and that Kimba should therefore step down from his position as leader.

His role in the plot is defined by this act of deception and his direct confrontation with the hero. When his scheme is exposed and his treachery is revealed, Bubu engages Kimba in a direct physical fight. The conflict culminates in a violent struggle in which Bubu loses his right eye during the battle with Kimba. This injury is significant, as he is already known for having a damaged or missing left eye, a scar from a past duel with Kimba’s father, Panja. The loss of his remaining eye in this confrontation leaves him completely blind.

His personality in Hon-o-ji is defined by cunning and opportunism, as he attempts to manipulate the jungle’s political situation for his own gain rather than relying on brute force alone. His plan involves exploiting the fears of the other animals and taking advantage of Kimba’s trusting and benevolent nature to create a rift between the king and his subjects. His key relationship is his adversarial one with Kimba, rooted not only in a desire for power but also in the extended history of conflict between his family and the reigning royal line.