Yuya Sakaki

Yuya Sakaki (, Sakaki Yūya) is the main protagonist of the Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V anime. He is a born-entertainer who attends the You Show Duel School to advance his Dueling expertise and become a "Dueltainer", a specific type of professional Duelist similar to his father. He has three known dimensional counterparts: Yuto (from the Xyz Dimension), Yugo (from the Synchro Dimension), and Yuri (from the Fusion Dimension). According to Zuzu Boyle, he and his counterparts are drawn to each other. He is one of the Lancers.

Appearance
Yuya is a young teenage boy with crimson eyes, and dual-colored green and crimson hair of average length sticking out in downwards pointing spikes all around his head in a similar manner to Jaden Yuki, with the exception of one short-upwards pointing spike of green hair. He wears his good-luck charm pendant on a simple string around his neck, and a buckled choker, and a pair of golden goggles with orange lenses on his forehead, with a blue star obscuring the right lens.

Yuya wears a simple red t-shirt with a thick, silver-buckled brown belt over it, green pants with what appear to be "Deck pockets" on each leg, and magenta shoes, as well as crimson wristbands. He also wears his gold and red lined white school jacket over his shoulders like a cape, in a similar manner to Yami Yugi.

When entering Berserk Mode, Yuya's eyes begin to glow a luminous red, while his hair becomes frizzled and sticks up on end. When the darkness inside Yuya takes over the Berserk Mode, he continuously emits a dark aura from his body.

On occasion, Yuya is rendered in 3D. This usually happens when he is riding "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" or any of its evolved forms. His hair and attire's colour scheme is based on the Summoning method that he specializes in, in this case Pendulum Summoning; half green and half orange/red.

During Turbo Duels, Yuya wears a Turbo Dueling suit that bears resemblance in form to Yusei Fudo's. He wears a predominantly red jumpsuit with a secondary white trim and orange markings, and with padded knees. The chest of his jumpsuit is grey. Yuya wears a jacket with the same colour scheme as his jumpsuit that flares out above the hips, and black-backed white gloves. His helmet is visorless; Yuya's own googles serve as a substitute.

Personality
A fun-loving and energetic boy, Yuya is very theatrical and loves to entertain people, traits he seems to inherited from his father, Yusho Sakaki. He idolized and loved his father very much and wishes to become an entertainer like him one day. After his father disappeared during an important match, Yuya was left heartbroken and traumatized by the event because his beloved father was labeled as a "coward". As Yoko Sakaki had stated, Yuya acts like a fool merely to beat people for insulting him about his father disappearing. Yuya even joked about his father when Gong brought up the fact that he should act more serious about his Duels like his father. However, after his Duel with the Sledgehammer, during which he reportedly "reinvented" himself, Yuya displays a more serious demonomer, saving his theatrical persona for his finishing combos. Due to Yuya's initial buffoonery, his friends and other people are often baffled by Yuya's behavior and believes he doesn't take things seriously. Because his father was so famous, his friends and other people seems to have high expectations of Yuya to live up to his father's reputation while simultaneously quick to bring up Yusho's "cowardice" or scold him for his clownish actions. During his Duel with the Sledgehammer, Yuya proved to be quite clever and skilled in Action Duels, having learned everything from his father.

Similar to Yugi Muto, Yuya has shown to have a good deal less self confidence than the protagonists in the previous series. As such, when he finds himself cornered (for example when Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon was destroyed in his Duel against Sora Perse), or something happens that breaks his confidence (like when Declan and Silvio used Pendulum Summoning), he tends to pull his goggles down so nobody can see his eyes. At times like these, he ends up recalling lessons from his father, or relies on support from his friends or mother to regain his confidence and continue the Duel.

Yuya has a habit of putting his goggles over his eyes when he is either upset or embarrassed, something he did since he was young. When Yuya Duels, he announces "Ladies and gentlemen!" when he is about to perform a finishing move.

Initially, Yuya was more emotionally vulnerable regarding Pendulum Summoning, believing it to be a power granted only to him. When both Declan and Silvio Pendulum Summoned, he was speechless, but coaching from Skip and the lessons he learned during his Qualification Duels have turned him into a Duelist that enjoys the challenge set before him, and he smiled as he was cornered by Silvio when he Pendulum Summoned in their rematch.

Yuya believes that Dueling is for the purpose of making people happy, and he is disgusted when it is used for war. However, confrontations with his dimensional counterparts and learning about the four dimensions as well as the crisis between them start making him doubt his ability to entertain people with Dueling. His Duel against Isao further hurt his optimism after using Berserk Mode and winning brutally using Yuto's card.

As Yuya becomes more involved in the Interdimensional Domination, added with repeated incidents of triggering Berserk Mode, Yuya progressively finds it more difficult to entertain with Dueling, and stops using his usual phrases like "Ladies and gentlemen!" (in the dub, his catch phrase is "Swing into Action"). He becomes more hostile and impatient, such as when Declan revealed that the Battle Royal was a test to recruit Lancers which led to many of his friends becoming sealed in cards. Even before this, Yuya tends to be impatient and demanding in his attempts to uncover information about the conflict between the dimensions or sensitive topics.

However after the Duel against his mother, Yuya regained his belief that he could make people smile through Dueling, along with the wish to end the conflict between the Four Dimensions, and he demonstrated this against Security. Despite this, his efforts to entertain with Dueling in the Synchro Dimension are frequently thwarted, and these in addition to other problems such as Declan's treatment of Reira and Jack's comments about his Dueling have greatly increased his frustration. This can cause him to become more aggressive and Duel violently similar to when he is in Berserk Mode, as shown during his Duel against Duel Chaser 227.

The first time he entered Berserk Mode, Yuya was collected and cold, speaking no more than necessary. However, when witnessing Yuto's memories of Duel Academy's attack on the Xyz Dimension and seeing the Knight of Duels being turned into cards by the Obelisk Force in front of him, Yuto's hatred towards the Fusion Dimension bleeds into Yuya, making him even more aggressive and ruthless. This is worsened when the darkness inside him consumed him, making him desire to harm his enemies. Subsequent bouts of Berserk Mode are triggered by reminders of the invasion of the Xyz Dimension. .

Yuya can get depressed very easily from matters such as witnessing his friends being sent to the forced labor of City to conflict as simple as Crow Hogan telling him that he no longer wants to be his friend. Yuya's depression is very prominent in the Synchro Dimension part of the series.

Abilities
As an Action Duelist, Yuya is very acrobatic and fit, having participated in physical training regimes at You Show Duel School.

Like his dimensional counterparts, Yuya is able to enter the state of Berserk Mode, an involuntary ability that activates when he is sufficiently angered, catalyzed by either the influence of the Four Dimension Dragons or his Dimensional Counterparts. This causes him to enter a state of rage that drives him to win the Duel, no matter what it takes, and heightens his concentration to the point that he blocks out all sounds except for his opponent's voice. When in this state his own voice becomes deeper and noticeably more menacing.

After accidentally absorbing Yuto's soul and merging with him, Yuto's memories begin to spill over, allowing him to see fragments of his counterpart's past. When triggered, the shock and trauma that comes with them can cause him to go berserk and become influenced by Yuto's own hatred, which makes him vulnerable to the control of an unknown darkness that slowly tries to consume both of their souls. After becoming aware of this, Yuya eventually gained a degree of control over his anger and thus the Berserk Mode, becoming capable of snapping out of it by force of will.

While under the control of the darkness, Yuya is able to unleash powerful shockwaves that is beyond normal for someone hailing from the Standard Dimension.

Being counterparts, Yuya shows the ability to sync with Yugo when the latter is Dueling. However, unlike Yuto, he has complete sync with Yugo, capable of seeing and experiencing everything that Yugo experiences. In this state, Yuya and Yugo act as if they were one person, speaking, moving, and responding in the exact same manner. When the Duel ends, both of them appear to be unaware of what happened in that brief period of time. Yuya is capable of retaining his own thoughts while in sync though he gradually loses the ability to distinguish between himself and Yugo, as seen when he worried that his victory would send Silvio to the underground facility when it would have been Yugo's victory that would do the deed.

Etymology
Like the protagonists of the other series, Yugi Muto/Yami Yugi, Jaden Yuki, Yusei Fudo, and Yuma Tsukumo, his name contains the character「遊」(Yu). He is the first protagonist whose surname only contains one character.

His given name contains the characters for "game" and "dart". His surname「」(sakaki) refers to the Cleyera japonica, an evergreen tree that has relevance in Shinto ceremonies, where it acts as a conduit for kami. It is also part of the Shinto creation myth, during the section in Amaterasu retreats into a cave after Susano'o torments her, where it is strung with jewellery and mirrors as part of a successful plot to draw Amaterasu from the cave and restore light to the world.

History
In his childhood, Yuya sat by himself crying when his father, Yusho Sakaki came in to cheer him up. He gave him advice on laughing whenever he felt down and used Yuya's pendant to explain that if Yuya was happy, the happiness would swing back at him. At another unknown point in his childhood, he lost his Pendant in a park, and cried when he was unable to find it. His father learned of the incident and reaffirmed the statement that Yuya should look up and laugh whenever he felt like crying. Yuya did so, locating his Pendant hanging from a tree branch. At one point, Yuya said that he wanted to be a Duelist just like his father when he grew up, and his father said Yuya's got it a bit wrong. He said instead of being like him, Yuya should always be himself.

He also looked at Gong's purely Monster Card composed Deck at another point, discussing Gong's philosophy of not using Action Cards. Gong explained that Action Cards were too risky if one were to rely on them, though Yuya claimed that that was the exciting part about them.

At a later point, Yuya and his mother, Yoko Sakaki, watched the final Duel between Yusho and The Sledgehammer. When Yusho did not show up, Yuya ran to the bottom of the stands, saying that his father would appear, and challenged The Sledgehammer to a Duel until his father arrived. Yoko pulled Yuya from the stands as he continued to protest. He was bullied for these remarks, even being challenged to a Duel directly by Gen Ankokuji, one of the disciples of the Gongenzaka Dojo who wanted to represent The Sledgehammer, but he was protected by Gong and comforted by Zuzu.

Pre-Maiami Championship
Yuya and Gong were engaged in a Duel in You Show Duel School to recruit future students. As Gong called out to Yuya to Duel in a one-on-one match, he boldly made a stage performance with "Hippo Carnival" and started to dance. After Zuzu Boyle accidentally broke the Solid Vision machine, Yuya fell to the ground, but he managed to make a quick recovery and pulled a funny face after seeing Tate looking concerned. At the lounge, Yuya was frustrated that he couldn't entertain his audience, much to the annoyance of his friends. When Nico Smiley offered Yuya a chance to fulfill his desire of Dueling the Sledgehammer in his father's place, Yuya became upset. Eventually, he left the school and sat by himself, remembering the time when his father told him to stay positive when he felt down. He later made his way to the Dueling arena to participate in the Sledgehammer's Duel, dressed as a clown. Yuya snuck up behind the Sledgehammer and taunted him behind his back before revealing himself, much to the Sledgehammer's shock and anger. Yuya apologized for his actions before commencing the Duel. He put up a good performance with "Performapal Hip Hippo" and used the Action Cards that were scattered around the battlefield to save himself. Yuya eventually Summoned "Odd-Eyes Dragon" in an attempt to defeat the Sledgehammer's "Battleguard King", which had been weakened by "Wonder Balloons", but the Sledgehammer managed to counter Yuya's play with his own Action Card, "Miracle". "Odd-Eyes" was then destroyed by "Battleguard King", pushing Yuya to a corner and making him lose hope. Remembering his father's words, Yuya regained the courage to continue. Suddenly, his pendant reacted with three of his Effect Monsters - "Stargazer Magician", "Timegazer Magician" and "Odd-Eyes Dragon", transforming them into Pendulum Monsters, while "Odd-Eyes Dragon" was transformed into "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon". Using his Spellcaster-Type Pendulum monsters, Yuya performed the first Pendulum Summons, Special Summoning "Performapal Sword Fish", "Performapal Whip Snake" and "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon", to the amazement of the audience. Using his new monsters to support "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon," he destroyed "Battleguard King" and wiped out the Sledgehammer in a single attack. Afterwards, he was swarmed by people asking about the Pendulum Summon that he'd performed, though he seemed unaware of the details himself and didn't seem to remember exactly what had happened.

The You Show Duel School received a flood of applicants, all eager to learn how to Pendulum Summon. Yuya and Zuzu had an exhibition Action Duel, though Yuya received a swat from Zuzu's fan beforehand for not taking it seriously. He portrayed her as a fan of the Sledgehammer looking for revenge after being put on the spot. On his second turn, Yuya attempted to Pendulum Summon again, but the Summon failed. Theorizing that it might only work when he was in a pinch, he urged Zuzu to attack him with all she had, but the Summon failed again and Zuzu defeated him. He showed Zuzu and the applicants his Pendulum Cards afterwards, annoying the applicants as they thought that Yuya might have cheated against the Sledgehammer and they couldn't use the Summon without the Pendulum Cards (in the dub, the applicants mainly thought Yuya cheated). All but Tate left, though the boy believed in Yuya, and Gong encouraged Yuya to support his fans. Yuya agreed, vowing to master Pendulum Summoning. He finally did so, replicating the conditions of his Duel with the Sledgehammer after 291 Duels (247 in the dub) against Gong, though the ordeal left him sleeping through his math class the next day. When asked the answer to a problem, he bolted upright in his seat and began to recite his Pendulum Summon chant, before trying to wriggle his way out of the situation by stating that the answer was "the right one," earning him a swipe from Zuzu's fan.

After the day ended, Tate, Ally and Frederick arrived, eager to see the Pendulum Summon. They were interrupted by a student of the Leo Institute of Dueling, Silvio, who threw three sucker-tipped darts at Yuya. He admitted he was a big fan of Yuya's Pendulum Summoning, and after learning that they were going to see a Pendulum Summon, offered the use of the Center Field at LDS. Silvio showed them around, and Yuya was impressed by the various courses the school had on different Summoning forms. He was briefly distracted by someone noticing him, and rejoined the others. At the Duel Field, three of Silvio's friends approached them, and Silvio asked if he could show them Yuya's Pendulum Cards. Yuya was reluctant, but he agreed, holding out "Stargazer Magician" and "Timegazer Magician". Silvio swiped the cards and showed them to his friends, then he stated that he was keeping them for himself, suggesting that Yuya Duel to get them back. With Zuzu, Ally, Tate and Frederick held hostage, Yuya had little choice. He took the first turn and used "Performapal Whip Snake" to make his way around the "Dark Town's Prison Tower," attempting to find Action Cards, but not only were they Traps that reduced the ATK of "Whip Snake," but they also put his friends at risk. Silvio then proceeded to use the two Pendulum Monsters that he had stolen to Pendulum Summon three monsters himself, much to Yuya's shock. Yuya began to grieve for the sake of his friends, but regained his confidence when he drew "Block Spider", using it in conjunction with "Mimiclay" against Silvio to defend himself. Yuya later used "Empty Fishing" to regain his two Pendulum Monsters and used them to save his friends from falling. He then Pendulum Summoned "Performapal Kaleidoscorp", "Performapal Turn Toad", and "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and defeated Silvio with them. After losing to Yuya, Silvio sent his friends to take back "Timegazer Magician" and "Stargazer Magician", but they were intercepted by a boy named Sora Shiun'in, who knocked them unconscious with his lollipop stick and declared himself as Yuya's apprentice.

The next day, Yuya woke up after having a dream about being the world champion, only to find that Sora had followed him home. As the day went on, Sora continued to follow Yuya to school, appearing in front of him and calling him "teacher". Later, Sora met Yuya at the You Show Duel School, where Sora wanted to Duel Yuya. Yuya initially refused to Duel him, but after Yuya's friends and Skip supported Sora, Yuya gave in and reluctantly accepted the Duel. Yuya added two conditions to the Duel: if he won, Sora would stop following him and calling him teacher, but if Sora won, he would continue to follow him. Yuya managed to Pendulum Summon his ace monster, "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" along with his other "Performapal" monsters, but then Sora Fusion Summoned his monster, "Frightfur Bear". Sora proceeded to destroy and equip "Hip Hippo" to "Frightfur Bear," also effectively slowing Yuya down in mobility and powering up his "Frightfur Bear" so that it was even stronger than "Odd-Eyes." When Yuya tried to retaliate the next turn, Sora had two copies of the same Trap ready for him, "Punch-in-the-Box," which bypassed the effect of "Timegazer Magicican," and weakened "Odd-Eyes" to the point that it could be destroyed with ease. Yuya immediately went on the search for an Action Card to protect it, but Sora grabbed it first and also used it to protect his monster from Yuya's Trap. Depressed at the loss of his ace monster, Yuya hid his eyes behind his goggles, believing that he had lost. He then remembered a time from his childhood where he'd lost his pendulum, and his father reminded him to look up and laugh when he felt like crying; Yuya had done so and then found the pendulum. He did so now, much to the surprise of everyone watching, and then he saw an arrow on his Duel Disk that was pointing to his Extra Deck - "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" had been sent to the Extra Deck instead of the Graveyard, and thus prevented Sora from completing his combo. Emboldened by this, Yuya took his next turn, bringing out both "Performapal Cheermole" and "Odd-Eyes" in a Pendulum Summon. Using "Cheermole" and "Sword Fish" to reduce the ATK of "Frightfur Bear," Yuya finished Sora off with an attack from "Odd-Eyes." After the Duel, he reminded Sora of his promise, so Sora instead decided to become his friend (annoying Yuya by using Yuya's first name). Despite Yuya's protests, an enthusiastic Shuzo accepted Sora into the You Show Duel School and went to get the paperwork. Yuya asked Sora where he'd learnt to Fusion Summon, with Sora being evasive by claiming it was normal from where he came from, frustrating Yuya with his evasiveness.

After experiencing a sensation that he was being talked about one day, Yuya was waiting with Frederick, Tate and Sora for Yuzu and Ally to get back with ice-creams; however, only Ally returned, telling Yuya that Zuzu was in danger. Yuya raced to the warehouse where Yuzu had been, finding her unharmed, and she asked if something had been his doing, much to his confusion. Zuzu remained preoccupied next day, leaving Yuya to attempt to prevent Sora from eating in class, which worked futilely. She abruptly asked Skip if their school taught Xyz Summoning, much to Yuya's and Skip's confusion. After it was clarified that they didn't, they heard Gong yelling "that Yuya would never do such a thing". Confused, Yuya found him with Silvio's friends, who all claimed that Yuya had attacked Silvio and hospitalized him, much to Yuya's surprise and confusion, and furthermore, Zuzu had also witnessed the incident. Yuya denied that he'd attacked Silvio, but the conversation only intensified when Henrietta became involved. His friends were convinced that Yuya had not attacked Silvio, even Yuzu, who had been doubting her own conclusions. Regardless, she stated, Silvio had lost and their School's name tarnished. The group realized that Henrietta was using the incident as an opportunity to add the You Show Duel School to LID when she proposed a Duel between schools, best out of three. If her Duelists won, she would buy the You Show Duel School. Yuya vowed to fight, refusing to let the Duel School that his father had founded with the intent to teach Entertainment Dueling be taken over by one interested in money and power. He requested to Duel first, despite Sora trying to do so, and ended up facing Dipper, LID's top Xyz-user.

Dipper immediately brought out his "Constellar Pleiades," which he used to counter Yuya's Pendulum Summoning by returning "Odd-Eyes" to Yuya's hand, as well as barring Yuya's way when he attempted to find Action Cards. Dipper's expertise with the Action Field puts Yuya at a disadvantage and purposefully in danger, and even though Yuya manages to withstand "Pleiades" until it runs out of Overlay Units, Dipper simply brings out another, then uses the first one as Xyz Material to Xyz Summon "Constellar Ptolemy M7". Dipper again timed his attacks to hurt Yuya, resulting in a building collapsing around Yuya as he grabbed an Action Card. Yuya was able to survive, commenting that if he had fled, it wouldn't have been exciting, and he countered with the card, inflicting damage to Dipper for the first time. Dipper went into a rage for being damaged for the first time in 40 Duels, and used "Constellar Tempest" to reduce Yuya to 200 Life Points, raining down meteors on Yuya, who was only just able to dodge them. Yuya proceeded to switch his "Stargazer Magician" and "Performapal Turn Toad" around with "Performapal Trampolynx," allowing him to counter "Pleiades'" effect and keep "Odd-Eyes" on the field, then used "Magical Star Illusion" to boost the ATK of all of his monsters by their total Levels. The effect was applied to Dipper as well, but since his Xyz Monsters had Ranks rather than Levels, he received no bonus, and Yuya proceeded to wipe out the rest of Dipper's Life Points.

Yuzu was up next, Dueling the Fusion Specialist, Julia Krystal. Yuya supported Zuzu, telling her to win, but Zuzu was still distracted by recent events and she was defeated by Masumi, much to Yuya's horror. He ran over to her after the Duel, and the two ended up embracing until Masumi snarkily took note of it. Zuzu quickly and violently shoved Yuya away, much to his surprise. He reassured her that it was all right that she had lost - they just had to win the next Duel, was all. The next Duel was between the Synchro user Kit Blade and Gong, who took Sora's place after Sora bowed out. Skip raised the stakes to ensure that if their Duelists won, LID wouldn't bother them again. During the Duel, Yuya reassured the watchers that Gong was fine despite not going after Action Cards, as this was how he Dueled. He was proven right, as Gong was able to nearly win, but eventually forced the Duel into a draw. Gong apologized to Yuya, who reassured him it was thanks to him they'd been able to get a draw. A furious Henrietta proposed a tie-breaker Duel between Yuya and Masumi, the two winners, and Yuya, donning his goggles, prepared to face her, but before they could begin, a mysterious grey-haired Duelist arrived, Declan Akaba. He claimed that he would put an end to this.

As they stood in the Duel Arena, Zuzu, noting that Yuya wasn't his normal self, urged him to laugh and smile. Yuya did so, stating that bright and fun entertainment was his motto, realizing that he couldn't forget that. Skip made the Action Field Yuya's favorite, "Athletic Circus" after Declan reassured Yuya that the choice did not matter. Declan took the first turn at Yuya's offer, and Fusion Summoned "D/D/D Blaze King Temujin," but the cost was placing three Continuous Spell Cards that would inflict 3000 damage to him on the field. Yuya attempted to counter with "Whip Snake," but Declan was able to use an Action Card to evade the attack, but now he had four "Covenant" that would all inflict 1000 damage to him during his next turn. Declan observed that Yuya seemed to be very kind, though he called such kindness useless on the stage of battle; despite being given the option to end his turn and win, Yuya was hesitating. Yuya Set a card and ended his turn, but Declan nullified the damage he would take by sending the "Covenants" to the Graveyard and drawing a card for each one with "Lease Laundering." Yuya admitted that he'd thought it to be too good to be true, and that he wouldn't have liked to win that way, as he wouldn't have been able to show off his Entertainment Dueling that everyone was anticipating. Declan asked Yuya if he meant Yusho's Dueling, much to Yuya's shock. He asked if Declan knew his father, to which Yaiba shouted from the sidelines that of course they knew him; he was the coward that ran away. Declan yelled at the LID Students to be silent, before apologizing for his outburst and explaining to Yuya that of course he knew Yusho, the man who had brought them their current Action Duel, he respected Yusho from the bottom of his heart. Declan then proceeded to Synchro Summon "D/D/D Gale Overlord Alexander" and Xyz Summon "D/D/D Wave Overlord Caesar." Despite Declan having three powerful monsters, Yuya weathered his attacks with "Hippo Carnival." He complimented Declan on bringing out a Fusion, Synchro and Xyz monster, and he admitted that while he didn't control any of those, he had his own unique power of Pendulum Summoning. Declaring his Entertainment Dueling that only Yuya Sakaki could do, he Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Performapal Fire Mufflerlion," using "Mufflio's" effect to allow "Odd-Eyes" to destroy two of Declan's monsters and then using an Action Card to allow it to destroy the third. Declan simply used "Caesar's" effect to revive them all, though at the cost of taking game-ending damage on his next turn, and then he destroyed them all with "D/D/D Resource Management" to add two more "D/D" monsters to his hand. Yuya admitted that he was looking forward to whatever Declan had in store for him, then jokingly claimed he was kidding. Declan returned the compliment, and told Yuya to confirm whether Pendulum Summoning was unique to him with his own eyes. Declan proceeded to Pendulum Summon three copies of "D/D/D Hell Armageddon the Cruel End Overlord", all with 3000 ATK, and devastated Yuya's monsters, leaving him with only 350 Life Points left. Shocked, Yuya demanded to know where Declan had gotten Pendulum Monsters, but Declan refused to answer, and Skip had to get Yuya back in the Duel. He Pendulum Summoned his destroyed monsters back, along with "Performapal Partnaga" and he formed a plan to destroy all three "Hell Armageddons" with "Odd-Eyes," "Fire Mufflerlion" and his Set card. He destroyed the first, but this activated the effects of the other two to gain the ATK of the destroyed monster, boosting the other two to 6000 ATK. He ended his turn in shock - and then the Pendulum Monsters in Declan's Pendulum Zones malfunctioned, reducing the range of their Pendulum Scale to 2 and 5 and destroying the remaining "Hell Armageddons." Declan began to laugh, and he claimed to have seen the possibilities for further evolution in Pendulum Summoning. Before they could continue, Declan received a call from his employee Claude, and he gave Yuya the win. He told Yuya his full name when asked before he departed.

Yuya was shell-shocked that Declan had been able to Pendulum Summon. After Sora's comments that it had been Yuya's efforts alone that had kept the school safe, Tate encouraged Yuya to teach them about his Pendulum Summoning, but Yuya yelled that Pendulum Summoning wasn't his anymore and he tried to run off, only for Skip to stop him. Skip told him off for running, pointing out that reality wouldn't change if Yuya fled from it, despite the fact that other people could Pendulum Summon had shown up. Skip pointed out that one day the world could be overflowing with Pendulum Cards, given Declan's status as the CEO of the Leo Corporation. He ordered Yuya to Duel him, so that he could beat Yuya's pessimistic personality into shape. They Dueled in Yusho Sakaki's signature field, and Skip told him he'd show Yuya what a real Entertainment Duel was like. Yuya protested at his Duels being called fake, and Skip claimed that Yuya's Duels were not comparable to his or Yusho's. Forcing Yuya to reveal his hand, Skip harassed him, and Yuya Dueled for a turn without using his Pendulums, despite having both his Magicians in his hand. When Yuya's attack failed, he claimed that Yusho's Duels were more entertaining than Skip's, a fact that Skip agreed with. Skip pointed out that Yusho's Duels weren't always like that and initially attracted criticism, but eventually, the jeers became cheers. He told Yuya that to open a door to a new world, one with courage had to push it, and Yuya had opened a new door called "Pendulum." But they wouldn't be exclusive to him anymore, soon anyone could Pendulum Summon. To prove it, he took control of the Magicians and used them to Pendulum Summon more monsters. Skip commented that Yusho would have been overjoyed and improved his skills, while Yuya was shocked instead, and encouraged Yuya to set and example and hone his skills. but ended his turn without attacking and returned the Magicians to Yuya (due to his card conditions). Regaining his confidence and taking a step forward with courage, Yuya Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and two new "Performapals", "Performapal Stamp Turtle" and "Performapal Spikeagle," and then he used the effects of his monsters and the assorted Action Cards he found to switch Skip's "Guts Masters" to Defense Position and thus prevent them from using their effects, allow "Odd-Eyes" to inflict piercing damage, and attack all of Skip's monsters, allowing him to win. Skip over-dramatically faked a death scene and Yuya responded just as dramatically, until Zuzu smacked her father with her fan. Yuya vowed to train harder and be a Duelist like his father.

The next day, as he messily ate lunch with Zuzu, Silvio approached them, commenting that he heard Yuya attacked someone again, though he knew Yuya wasn't the culprit, and he called Yuya's Pendulum Summoning cowardly as only Yuya could do it. Silvio vowed to get his hands on the new Pendulum Cards being developed by Leo Corporation and defeat Yuya, saying that he'd be waiting at the Junior Youth Championship before departing. Yuya remembered that he couldn't join the Championship, as his win rate was only 56% rather than the required sixty. Yuya tried to find someone to Duel all day, but they all refused. Tate worked out that if Yuya defeated his next four opponents, he'd be able to qualify. Yuya bemoaned the fact that his win against The Sledgehammer was causing people to think he'd get a free pass, something that he didn't want, and then realized that there were four of his friends right there - but they all refused; Ally, Tate and Frederick as they were only in elementary school, and Zuzu because she and Yuya had Dueled many times before and she'd already qualified. Zuzu suggested asking Gong for help, but Yuya decided against it, as Gong had helped him too much in the past and Yuya wanted to get stronger by himself. Yuzu, who also wanted to do so, departed, asking Yuya to tell Skip that she wouldn't be at Duel School that afternoon. When a confused Yuya wondered why she'd left, Ally slyly suggested it was because Yuya had forgotten to thank Zuzu as well. Yuya freaked, but it was too late to fix his mistake. He arrived at You Show to find Nico Smiley there, who offered him a free pass into the Junior Youth Championship. Yuya declined, not wanted to be given special treatment, but he was able to get Nico to set up his next four Duels. He found Zuzu, Sora and Masumi in the warehouse that Silvio had been attacked in after he was sent there by Skip Boyle. He was immediately interrogated by both Masumi and Zuzu, but had no clue what they were talking about. Sora mediated the situation by distracting Masumi and explained to Yuya that he'd been teaching Yuzu to Fusion Summon. When he explained that he'd found his next opponents, Sora asked Yuya about entering, and Yuya explained that if he won six Duels in a row, Sora would be able to enter.

After reorganizing his Deck the following day, Yuya noted that his mother was bringing in more stray animals, including Sora, who was eating with them again. They wished each other luck, but Yuya ended up having to skip breakfast since the new recipe his mother was making was taking too long. He arrived at the Cuisine Duel School to Duel Michio Mokota, and they Dueled in the "Action Kitchen," a field that Michio demonstrated skillful knowledge of. Michio swarmed the field with weak monsters, and Yuya used "Whip Snake" and his own Action Card to counter Michio's, giving Michio the opportunity to place his destroyed "Cookmates" in his "Food Cemetery." This in turn allowed Michio to bring out his "Royal Cookmates," which, when Yuya Pendulum Summoned next turn, force-fed his monsters until they were destroyed, but returned to Michio's hand. In a bind, Yuya was able to take advantage of the damage to add two "Performapals" to his hand, ready to Pendulum Summon the next turn, but which would lock him out from his others for the turn. This in turn allowed Michio to add two more "Royal Cookmates" to his hand. Drawing a Trap card, Yuya knew it couldn't help him and he lept for an Action Card, but his hunger prevented him from reaching it. He tried Pendulum Summoning again, but his monsters were force-fed and destroyed again by the Royal Cookmates, and Yuya reluctantly ended his turn again with the Trap card he'd drawn. Michio then proceeded to bring out all of his "Royal Cookmates" and used their effects to double the ATK of one of them four times, to 4800. Yoko arrived, surprised at Yuya's struggle, citing it due to not having breakfast (Yuya himself was getting slightly distracted by how delicious the monsters looked.) She tossed him Michio's recipe, but wrapped in pancakes, and Yuya eagerly devoured it, and then leapt for the Action Card again, using it in combination with his Trap to survive the attacks. On his next turn, he drew his "Illusion Balloons" Spell Card and Pendulum Summoned again, Summoning all five of his destroyed Pendulum Monsters from his Extra Deck. Michio returned all of his "Royal Cookmates" to his hand again and destroyed all five of Yuya's monsters, but Yuya had been counting on this, and he used this to trigger "Illusion Balloons," the balloons appearing as the breakfast Yoko had made for him. He excavated the top five card of his Deck, and the final one was his "Performapal Elephammer," which was thus Special Summoned with enough ATK to wipe out Michio's Life Points, winning Yuya the first of the four remaining Duels that he needed to qualify. Michio took the loss gracefully, telling Yuya he'd see him in the Junior Youth Championship.

Yuya later went to find Zuzu again, unaware that her bracelet had activated just before he'd shown up, having been sent after her again by her father. He wondered why she wasn't coming to Duel School anymore. As he was due to Duel at the Quiz School the next day, after having several of Michio's recipes that had been prepared by his mother, he stayed up late watching quiz shows, but this had a negative effect on his concentration. As he walked down the street, he was suddenly pursued by three LDS students led by Mr. Sawatari, who still believed Yuya to be the person who had attacked Silvio. Fleeing, unaware of the reason behind his pursuit, Yuya was saved by the intervention of Shay, who proceeded to Xyz Summon a monster that dealt real damage to the LID students and seal them in cards, while knocking Yuya himself out. Nico Smiley later found Yuya, who babbled about a monster that destroyed the area, but there was no visible evidence of the encounter. Nico asked if Yuya had been sleeping, and Yuya admitted that he'd stayed up all night doing quizzes.

Yuya then Dueled Eita Kyuando from the Cram Duel School. Although Yuya lost most of his Life Points due to the "Quiz" Action Cards, "Quiz Monkey", and "Sphin-Quiz", he eventually won using the effects of "Performance Resurrection - Reborn Force", "Performapal Curtain Call", and "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon".

The next day, Ally, Frederick and Tate noticed Yuya seemed bothered and wondered why. Yuya remembered Nico Smiley congratulating him from his two recent Duels. Yuya noted that Nico didn't seem so excited, with Nico replying that it's the Pro Duelists' job to be excited. He told Yuya that the Entertainment Duelists surpassed the wildest imagination of the audience. Yuya took his pendant off his neck and swung it around. He restated surpassing the audience's imagination and how his father stole the hearts of his audience, too. Yuya remembered what Declan said about seeing further evolution in Pendulum Summoning, and was frustrated about how he couldn't see it, though. He went to Skip and asked what he should do, with Skip replying that he should move forward. Yuya commented that if he didn't know which path to take, he couldn't move forward. Later, while reading a magazine, Yuya remarked on how Zuzu was learning Fusion Summoning from Sora. Dipper intercepted him, and they told each other to watch where they were going just before they recognized each other. Yaiba then reminded Dipper that they had to go. Yuya asked what happened, and Yaiba replied that Masumi found the culprit of the recent attacks. The trio arrived at the crime scene, only to find Masumi, Sora, and Zuzu with her cards scattered across the ground. Yuya asked Zuzu what was wrong, and she sobbed, saying she didn't know what's going on anymore. The LID security then arrived, and Masumi ran toward them apologizing. Sora told Yuya and Zuzu they should probably go. Yaiba remarked to Yuya that he still needed two more matches to join the Junior Youth Championship. Yuya asked how he knew that, and Yaiba replied that he wanted to say good luck, although it might be difficult for him, and he left. Yuya then noticed Zuzu's "Polymerization" on the ground, and guessed she accidentally forgot about it.

He was due to Duel Mieru Hochun the next day, but slept in and arrived late, bumping his head on his desk and mixing up his cards at his house and cartwheeling down the stairs to land in a position to see up Mieru's skirt. Mieru whacked him on the head with her crystal apple for that. Yuya's bad luck continued into the Duel, drawing high-Level monsters and low Scales, leaving him with a dead hand and forcing him to pass, allowing Mieru to take an early lead with her Flip Effect Monsters, and then her Ritual Monster, "Prediction Princess Tarotrei." Fortunately, Yuya was able to draw "Timegazer Magician," allowing him to Pendulum Summon five powerful monsters and boost "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" to 3700 ATK, but his monsters were all frozen in Defense Position by the effects of Mieru's Flip Monsters, which "Tarotrei" could freely trigger. Mieru then had "Tarotrei" read Yuya's fortune, the Towers card, which indicated a destructive future for Yuya. Mieru told him to stop the match to avoid that future. Yuya refused to let his dream be ended there, but Mieru used her Flip monsters to set up a combo that wiped the field of his Defense Position monsters and dealt him damage. She continued to urge him to surrender, even sealing Yuya's draw with "Draw Lock," which Yuya would need to dispel with an Action Card. Yuya began to search, eventually finding one as the chandelier of the Duel Field began to collapse around him. Sprinting hard, Yuya was able to grab the card and survive the fall, apparently having changed his future. He drew on the next turn, but he'd drawn Zuzu's "Polymerization," as was disheartened, believing that he couldn't use it. He then received a vision of a sealed monster, and he Pendulum Summoned again, then returned his "Magicians" to his hand and Summoned "Stargazer Magician," then fused it with "Odd-Eyes" to create "Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon," which was able to attack multiple times and win the Duel. He returned Zuzu's "Polymerization" to her, and they shared a touching moment that was broken up by the infatuated Mieru, inciting swift rebuke from Zuzu. He had to tell Sora that they wouldn't be having a party until Yuya had qualified for the Championship, much to Sora's disappointment.

Waking up the next day, Yuya found both his house and the Duel School empty save Nico Smiley, who took him to the Gongenzaka Dojo to Duel Gong. Gong revealed that in order to get a serious match from Yuya, he'd arranged it so that they were both one win away from entering the Junior Youth Championship, much to Yuya's shock. He didn't know if he could defeat Gong like that, but their Duel commenced on the "Sword's Graveyard" field that Gong had Dueled Yaiba on. Gong brought out his "Big Benkei" early, and Yuya fought back with "Performapal Silver Claw," and Action Cards. But on his next turn, Gong proceeded to Synchro Summon "Superheavy Samurai Warlord Susanowo." Yuya was shocked that Gong had Synchro Summoned, and even more so when his father attempted to stop the match, believing that Gong had stolen the technique. Gong revealed that he had instead requested instruction from Yaiba, and he drove Yuya back with "Susanowo." Yuya assembled a hasty defense by Pendulum Summoning, and he was only barely able to survive the turn. He Pendulum Summoned again, bringing out "Hip Hippo" so that he could Tribute Summon "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon," and was able to use his "Performapal Lizardraw" to draw "Performapal Trump Witch," thus allowing him to Fusion Summon "Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon." Though he defeated "Susanowo," Gong was able to revive it, so Yuya had to leap for an Action Card to pay the cost of his "Dangerous Draw," gambling everything on his next draw. He drew "Big Return," which allowed him to re-use his "Trump Witch's" effect to Fusion Summon "Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon," attacking to win the Duel. His friends, who had been secretly watching the Duel, congratulated him afterwards, including Gong, who reassured Yuya that he still had a chance to enter the Championship.

First Round
The day of the Championship, Yuya stood on the bridge looking at the Dueling Arena, while swinging the pendant in front of him. He remembered the day before his father's Duel with the Sledgehammer. After the recollection, Yoko chided Yuya, telling him that she just got a call from Zuzu. She said that Yuya should be worrying there, pointing at the stadium. At the stadium, Yuya arrived just in time, butting heads with Gen Ankokuji, and he was selected to give the oath of fair play. Though he initially messed up, he composed himself and gave a speech about his father, earning the applause of the stadium. He was shocked to see Shay, the Duelist that had saved him from the LID top team, standing among LID students, who claimed that Shay had always been one of them. Yuya learned that his first match was to be against Silvio Sawatari the next day. He watched Frederick, Ally, and Zuzu's Duels, supporting them all.

On the second day, a man carrying Gong's sash ran into Yuya, and another man snatched the sash up. Yuya and the first man gave chase, but Yuya had been lured into a trap by the two, who had been sent by Ankokuji to harm Yuya, thus distracting Gong during the match. Yuya was able to not only defeat them and get the sash back, but also entertain them with his "Hippo" cards. He arrived at the match and threw Gong's sash to him, and watched as Gong proceeded to defeat Ankokuji.

Yuya was up next against Silvio, who vowed to defeat him based on false accusations. Yuya was worried when Silvio claimed that Pendulum Summoning would be Yuya's downfall, remembering Silvio's promise to obtain Leo Corporation developed Pendulum Cards. Silvio used his new "Yosenju" cards to prevent Yuya from getting Action Cards, but Yuya was able to Pendulum Summon and counterattack with "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Performapal Drummerilla." However, true to his words, Silvio proceeded to Pendulum Summon "Mayosenju Daibak" and complete his "Yosen Lost Tornado" combo, using the effects of "Yosen Whirlwind" and "Dizzying Winds of Yosen Village" to return Yuya's Pendulum cards to the Deck. Despite being cornered, with Pendulum Summoning being used against him, Yuya was enjoying the Duel, Setting his remaining cards and ending his turn, then dashing off to look for Action Cards, vowing that the Duel had only just begun. He was able to use Silvio's own card effects against him with his "Nameless" Trap Card, returning the "Yosenju" to the Deck in the End Phase. He still had to survive the turn, however, but had already located the "Great Escape" card, allowing him to end the Battle Phase, despite initially appearing to have been buried in the rubble of a building. He counterattacked next turn with "Drumming Kong," but Silvio still had the ingredients to Pendulum Summon Tributes for "Daibak." Yuya was able to survive the turn, and both Duelists enjoyed the match immensely, Silvio urging Yuya to Pendulum Summon next turn. Yuya was able to rouse the crowd by drawing "Magician's Card," replenishing his hand. He brought out "Odd-Eyes" again and boosted it over the ATK of "Daibak", but was unable to destroy it. He then used the effect of "Performapal Trump Witch" to Fusion Summon "Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon," and again traded blows with "Daibak." Silvio obtained an Action Card that would win him the Duel should "Beast-Eyes" be destroyed, but Yuya had found "Miracle," allowing him to use the effect of "Beast-Eyes" to win the Duel. Afterwards, Silvio generously offered to Duel Yuya any time, and they waved to the crowd as Yuya mused that this was the type of Duel that he'd been wanting, and wondered if he'd gotten closer to his father.

Meeting Yuto
He and Zuzu watched Sora's Duel with Shay worriedly, since they knew Shay to have been the serial attacker on LID. He recognized Shay's monsters from when he'd encountered him, including "Raidraptor - Rise Falcon," and warned Sora to be careful, proven correct when "Rise Falcon," decimated Sora's field and again created real shockwaves. He watched in horror as the Duel continued and Sora revealed that his people had attacked Shay's homeland to hunt them for fun. As the Duel reached its climax, with Shay claiming victory, Yuya, horrified by the battlefield the Duel had descended into, begged them to stop, as this wasn't Dueling. Sora was injured by a falling building and hospitalized, Yuya desperately trying to reach him.

He remained with Zuzu and Gong at the hospital to keep an eye on Sora, where the three of them compared the facts, and Yuya learned about Yuto, a Duelist who resembled him and the real culprit behind the attack on Silvio. Yuya mused that the conflict between Sora's people and Shay's seemed to be larger than an inter-school rivalry, but before they could talk further, they overheard the guards looking for Sora, who had escaped. After calling Skip, Yuya headed off to Central Park, finding Sora Dueling Yuto. When Yuto Summoned "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon," Yuya realized that it could wipe Sora out if it used both of its Overlay Units, but Yuto only used one and attacked, showing mercy. Yuya ran over to Sora, trying to get him to rest, but Sora refused. Angered by Yuto hurting his friend, Yuya joined the Duel. He Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" on his first turn, but to his surprise, he experienced a burning sensation in his chest as it faced off against "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon." He attacked with the intent to destroy both monsters and revive "Odd-Eyes" next turn, but Yuto blocked the attack, playing around the effect of "Timegazer Magician." Sora angrily told Yuya to get lost, claiming that Yuto was his prey. Yuya demanded answers, and learned that Shay and Yuto were from the Xyz Dimension, and that Sora had been sent from the Academy. Before Sora could continue, he was returned to the Fusion Dimension forcibly.

Yuto and Yuya called off the Duel, and Yuto explained about the four Dimensions to Yuya. Yuya was skeptical, but told Yuto that Dueling shouldn't be used for fighting as it was by the other Dimensions. They were interrupted by the arrival of a Duelist on a Duel Runner, who crashed into a streetpost, and revealed that he too resembled Yuya and Yuto. Introduced as a Pawn of Fusion, the Duelist stated that his name was Yugo, and he quickly challenged Yuto to a Duel. Yuya watched the Duel in shock as the Duelists ran around agily, and experienced the same burning sensation when Yugo, a Synchro user, called out "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon." The sensation intensified when Yuto retaliated with "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon," causing the two Duelists to become possessed and violent. Yuya managed to calm Yuto down, getting him to call off his attack, but was unsuccessful in calming Yugo, who proceeded to claim victory. Yuto saved Yuya from the shockwave, and Yuya ran to his defeated doppelganger, begging him to stay with him. Smiling, Yuto handed Yuya his glowing "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon," asking Yuya to use his power to bring Duels with smiles to the world, and both he and Yugo vanished in a glow of blue light. Yuya sat there in shock, collapsing as Zuzu arrived.

Second Round
Yuya remained unconscious for two days, and when he finally awoke, he was surprised to hear it. Zuzu informed him that the first round of the Maiami Championship was ending today. He learned that Mieru had lost in an OTK and that Frederick had also been defeated by Reira, who had used Synchro Summoning this time. When Zuzu mentioned that he might know all about Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Summoning, Yuya told her what Yuto had told him about the world being made up of four dimensions, and that the Fusion Dimension, where Sora lived, and the Xyz Dimension, where Yuto and Shay lived, were at war. He also told her that he had found Sora Dueling against Yuto, until he watched Sora disappear. Then he told her about Yugo, who also looked like him, and who Yuto had called a "Pawn of Fusion". He theorized that maybe Yugo had been the one who captured Ruri Kurosaki, then went to look at the "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" card Yuto had given him. When Zuzu asked him about it, he said that Yuto had given it to him after saving him from "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon", and that he remembered nothing after that. He also wasn't sure what happened to Yuto, or why he gave him "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon". He expressed his confusion about why both Yuto and Yugo looked just like him, and was surprised when Zuzu told him that Ruri supposedly also looked like her. He realized that Shay may know something about the four dimensions, and they both went to Centre Court to ask him.

When they arrived, Yuya was greeted by Gong, who hugged him, and Skip, who said that both he and Gong were really worried about him. Frederick, Ally and Tate also arrived and were happy to see that he was OK. Frederick apologized for losing his Duel against Reira, saying that he was so shocked by Reira's Synchro Summon that he got the shivers. Yuya consoled him by saying that he should give Reira the shivers next time, until he suddenly remembered Sora claiming that there were no second chances in battle, and froze. Mieru then appeared, delighted that he had woken up, and went to kiss him, but he simply dodged her and went to talk to Masumi, Dipper and Yaiba, who were also there. He asked to see Shay, as he had a lot of questions to ask him, but Yaiba told him that Shay wouldn't even give him the time of day. He suggested that Yuya and his friends should come and watch his next match, and they did. Yuya watched in shock as Isao Kachidoki, Yaiba's opponent, violently attacked Yaiba in competition for Action Cards and emerged as the victor. He was further amazed to discover that he would face Isao in the next round. He reflected that Yuto had told him to make everyone smile with his Dueling, and he resolved to do so against Isao.

After watching Gong's victory against Yuzo Tanegashima, Yuya proceeded to Duel against Isao. Isao's violent Dueling method put Yuya at a disadvantage by preventing him from getting any Action Cards. Yuya finally managed to obtain one, but this came at the cost of his Life Points being reduced to 100. Cornered and at the edge of defeat, Yuya once again experienced a burning sensation in his chest and then saw of vision of Yuto, during which Yuto's soul merged with Yuya's. After this vision, Yuya's personality drastically changed. He used the Action Card he got to clear his cards and then Pendulum Summon "Performapal Camelump" and "Performapal Silver Claw", which he then used to Xyz Summon "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon", much to everyone's shock. Without any hesitation, Yuya used its effect to defeat Isao, which stunned the whole audience. Once the Duel was over, Yuya returned to normal. Seeing Isao kneeling in defeat, Yuya tried to help him stand, but Isao rejected his help. Yuya then turned to his friends and the audience who were shocked by Yuya's actions, making Yuya question himself about what he had done.

The next day, Yuya and the others were watching Zuzu's match. Unlike his friends, Yuya was not very enthusiastic in cheering Zuzu on because he was still depressed with his previous victory against Isao. However, Yuya started to regain his resolve when he saw the smiles on the audiences' faces while watching Zuzu's Dueling and once again remembering Yuto's words to Duel with smiles. Overcoming his depression, Yuya smiled happily at Zuzu when she won, finally regaining his spirit.

Battle Royale
At the final round of the championship, which was a Battle Royal Duel, Yuya was up against two Ryozanpaku Duelists, Ken Umesugi and Makoto Takeda. Like in the Duel against Isao, their violent Dueling methods not only prevented Yuya from getting Action Cards but also prevented him from attacking them. This quickly put Yuya at a disadvantage until a LDS transfer student, Dennis Macfield, saved him and joined the Duel as Yuya's tag partner. Yuya was exasperated by Dennis' admiration for his father. With Dennis' help, the tide turned in their favor. Dennis allowed Yuya to finish the Duel. Yuya Pendulum Summoned "Performapal Silver Claw" and "Performapal Whip Snake". The moment he Summoned them, "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" appeared in Yuya's mind, which almost caused him to enter his berserk state, if not for Dennis' moral support. Feeling assured, Yuya successfully summoned "Dark Rebellion" without losing himself and defeated both Ken and Makoto with the help of Dennis' "Performage Trapeze Magician".

Parting ways with Dennis, Yuya met Shay at the Ancient Ruins. Shay immediately asked Yuya what happened to Yuto and accused the former that he had done something to his comrade since Yuya had Yuto's "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon". Yuya answered that Yuto entrusted the card to him and told him to bring smiles with his Duels. Before Yuya could explain further they were interrupted by the Knight of Duels Duelists, who were Duelling each other and purposely surrounded Shay so their attack would hit him without getting penalized. Yuya, who was beside Shay, also got caught in the attack and blown away. Sora and the Obelisk Force then appeared, shocking Yuya. He called out to Sora, but he was ignored.

While Sora took Shay elsewhere to Duel, the Obelisk Force defeated the Knights of Duels and sealed them into cards, horrifying Yuya. The event triggered a vision of Yuto's memory when Heartland was invaded. Overwhelmed by the memory, Yuya succumbed to his rage and challenge the Obelisk Force. The enemies' cowardly tactics prevented Yuya from using Action Cards or avoiding their attacks. The Obelisk Force then taunted Yuya by mockingly showing the Knight of Duels' Duelists' cards and told him he will share the same fate, enraging Yuya further. As Yuto's memory filled his mind, Yuya and Yuto's soul merged again, causing him to summon "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" and attack Red Obelisk Force. This started to panic the Obelisk Force and they counterattacked with their monsters until Yuya's LP reduced to 800, but despite the damage he took Yuya remained unscathed and instead smiled wickedly.

On his turn with 200 LP remaining, Yuya Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and then used the Pendulum effects of "Xiangke Magician" and "Xiangsheng Magician" to make "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" a Level 7 monster. He overlaid "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" to perform a new Xyz Summon, summoning "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon" and defeated the Obelisk Force in an instant. However, even after defeating the Obelisk Force, Yuya proceeded to go to where Shay and Sora were, ignoring a falling pillar that would have crushed him had Gong not protected him. Gong and Mieru took Yuya to the Jungle area where he was restrained by Gong, Michio, and Teppei while Mieru used her crystal ball to see what was inside Yuya's heart. She found that there were two hearts inside him, along with a pitch black darkness. Yuya went unconscious and later awoke without remembering his duel against the Obelisk Force. He then explained what happened prior to entering Berserk Mode to Gong and the others. Hearing Mieru's explanation about the presence of another heart inside him, Yuya realized that the other heart was none other than Yuto and his anger for what happened during Academia's invasion was what triggered his change. This made Yuya wonder why Yuto, who entrusted him "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" so he could make people smile with his Duels, would let him be overwhelmed by so much anger. As he was resting, Yuya contemplated of Yuto's memories that he had saw and finally understood Yuto's anger and sadness, believing that Yuto wasn't lying when he said to make everyone and their future smile with his Duels and the one who was trying to consume him is the darkness that also within him. This made Yuya afraid for a moment until he was reminded by his father's encouraging words, making him even more resolute to Duel with the way he believed. Deciding to find his other friends out of worry, he and Gong split up with Michio and Teppei. They were then approached by Dennis who informed them where Zuzu was, but Zuzu was transported with Yugo through her bracelet's power just as Yuya arrived.

Yuya and Gong continued their search at the Ancient Ruins, but didn't find Zuzu there and proceeded to the Volcano area, only to find Sora Dueling against Hikage. Yuya immediately asked Sora to stop by shouting at him until Sora finally responded that they would talk after he defeated Hikage, which angered Yuya. Gong stopped Yuya when he was about to interfere. He pointed at Selena, whom they mistook for Zuzu, Dueling against the Obelisk Force with Tsukikage and Shay. Yuya started to be consumed by the darkness when he witnessed Michio and Teppei being sealed into cards, followed by Hikage who lost to Sora. This caused Yuya to be momentarily taken over by darkness and he angrily confronted Sora, telling him that he was wrong. However, Yuya returned to his senses after hearing Yuto's voice that reminded him of their wish. Determined to bring back Sora's smile, Yuya challenged Sora to a Duel, which Sora accepted. He took Yuya to another side of the area so no one could interfere with their Duel.

Believing that Sora's smile when they first Dueled was genuine, Yuya tried to make Sora see the error of his view about Dueling, but Sora just ridiculed Yuya's belief and persisted that Dueling is to continue fighting. This made Yuya question if they were not friends anymore, which Sora confirmed because to him, his goal and victory was more important than friendship. This didn't stop Yuya from trying to change Sora's mind. He Xyz Summoned "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" and Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" with "Xiangke Magician" and "Xiangsheng Magician". He then used the effects of his "Magicians" to make "Dark Rebellion" a Level 7 monster. Yuya hesitated for a moment to Summon "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon", but decided to trust Yuto who told him to bring smile with Duel and Summoned it. He used its effect to destroy two of Sora's three monsters. The Xyz Pendulum Monster excited Sora, and Yuya pointed out Sora's excitement to express that Dueling is for fun.

Yuya attacked using "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon", which Sora countered with the Action Card "Flame Chain" to lower its ATK, but Yuya countered back with his own Action Card, "Flame Power". As the attack of "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon" was about to hit, both Yuya and Sora tried to reach an Action Card, but the Battle Royal reached its time limit, dismissing the Action Field and thus, leaving the Duel unfinished. Yuya finally noticed that the rest of his friends were present as well before calling out to Selena whom he still mistook as Zuzu until Selena made it clear herself. Thinking that Zuzu might have been turned into a card, he turned to Sora, but Sora returned to his own dimension before Yuya could question him. Declan then arrived with Silvio and both revealed that the Battle Royal served as a test to determine Duelists suitable to fight the Academy and the Fusion Dimension.

Different Dimensions
Once Declan revealed that he had been watching the battle and let them fight to determine who could survive the battle against the Academy, Yuya broke into tears as he thought about Zuzu, Michio, Teppei, and all the Duelists who had been turned into cards. A furious Yuya blamed Declan for what happened to the others and tried to punch him, but Declan easily caught his fist and instead proposed for them to Duel since they were Duelists, which Yuya accepted. Declan activated "Future Metropolis Heartland" for them to Duel on, which reminded Shay of his homeland tragedy. Declan asked what happened before at Xyz Dimension, but Shay couldn't say it, prompting Declan to tell them what happened. However, before Declan could elaborate any further, both Yuya and Yuto, still in Yuya's body, shouted at him to stop and start their Duel.

Declan immediately performed Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz Summons at once and inflicted 2000 damage to Yuya with "D/D/D Blaze King Temujin", slightly injuring him. Yuya asked Declan if he was satisfied with how many people were defeated and how many people survived from the Battle Royal, while declaring that they were not his puppets. Yuya then recalled how Zuzu helped him on his Pendulum Summoning and how she tried hard to become stronger, so he would do the same. He proceeded to Summon "Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon". Declan revealed that he knew all along that Sora was from the Academy and speculated that Yuya's ability to Summon two new Fusion Dragons was possibly from Zuzu, who learned Fusion Summon from Sora, which meant that Yuya gained his Fusion Summon ability from the Academy. Yuya replied that he'd learned Fusion Summoning because he'd seen Zuzu learn Fusion Summoning to defeat Masumi. He managed to destroy all three of Declan's monsters and inflict 2100 damage to Declan with "Rune-Eyes". However, before Yuya could use "Beast-Eyes" to land the finishing blow, Declan saved himself by activating the Trap Card "D/D/D Contract Revision" in order to negate the damage.

Declan told Yuya that while he understood how strong Yuya's feelings for Zuzu were, feelings alone were not enough in true battle and he formed the Lancers so they could win without such naïve feelings. Yuya insisted that he had no intention to become a Lancer, but was surprised when Declan asked if he didn't want to save Zuzu, implying that Zuzu wasn't sealed in a card. He further goaded Yuya to fight by telling him to defeat him first before rescuing Zuzu from the Academy. Ending his turn, Yuya was shocked when both his "Rune-Eyes" and "Beast-Eyes" were destroyed by Declan's "D/D/D Wave Overlord Caesar, leaving his LP at 1800. Yuya once again asked what exactly happened to Zuzu, but Declan reminded him of their Dueling conditions; Yuya must make him repent by defeating him in Duel in the place of everyone who had been sealed into cards. This brought the memories when Michio was sealed into a card and the tragedy of Xyz Dimension, causing Yuya to nearly enter Berserk Mode, but he barely suppressed it. He then summoned "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" to destroy Declan's "D/D/D Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok", but this came at the cost of "Odd-Eyes" that Declan had used to increase his monster's ATK, saving his LP.

Declan then began his counterattack and successfully destroyed "Dark Rebellion" with "D/D/D Kali Yuga the Twin Dawn Overlord", reducing Yuya's LP to 800 and also injured Yuya further. Gong and Mieru intended to help him, but Yuya told them to stay back because this is his, Zuzu's, and Yuto's Duel. He stated his resolution that he would definitely save Zuzu and fulfill his promise with Yuto, declaring he must not lose to someone who would Duel for toying or hurting people. In a last ditch of effort to defeat Declan, Yuya Xyz Summoned "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon" and seemingly gained the upper hand. Unfortunately, Declan used his monster effect to weaken "Odd-Eyes Rebellion" and increased his monster's ATK to destroy "Odd-Eyes Rebellion", defeating Yuya. Declan reminded Yuya that he couldn't save Zuzu with his naive resolution, but he would let him go since Yuya's mastery of Pendulum Summoning was necessary for Lancers to fight the Academy. Frustrated at his loss, Yuya swore that he needed to become stronger to save Zuzu.

After the Duel, Yuya became despondent as he and the other Lancers appeared before the audience and Nico announced the winners of the Battle Royale. He remained in this state even as Henrietta and Declan explained the Lancers' formation. After the announcement, Selena gave Zuzu's clothes to Yuya and left with Declan. At sunset, Yuya, Mieru, and Gong met with Yoko, Skip, Ally, Frederick, and Tate. The latter three congratulated Yuya and Selena (who they mistook for Zuzu) for winning the Battle Royale, but he did not return the sentiment. Yuya returned Zuzu's clothes to Skip and sadly explained that he couldn't protect her because she was taken to another dimension. He and Mieru revealed that it was not Zuzu who was with them the whole time, but Selena, a girl who happened to resemble Zuzu. After the explanations, Yoko led Yuya away and told the others to come to an abandoned arcade. There, she ambushed them on a motorcycle, calling herself the leader of the Maiami Queens, "Shooting Star Yoko". She forced Yuya into a Duel with her, but he fled and Yoko started to chase him and reveal her past. Eventually, Yuya agreed to the Duel. During the Duel, Yoko took control of his monsters with "Legendary Boss Red Queen the Biker Goddess" and attacked him with them. Through these attacks, Yoko told her son that his father, Yusho, was the one who saved her years ago. She also reminded Yuya that he was missing the burning passion his father held. Yuya realized what his mother meant, and Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" on his next turn, then used Yoko's "Smile World" to power up his monsters and defeat Yoko.

Yoko congratulated Yuya on the victory and he renewed his vow to save Zuzu and Sora. The next day, Declan announced that the Lancers would be departing for the Synchro Dimension to recruit more allies. Using their upgraded Duel Disks and the "Dimension Mover" cards, the Lancers left the Standard Dimension. .

Yuya, Selena, Silvio, and Reira arrived at the Synchro Dimension, but they were separated from the other Lancers. There, the Security ambushed them, as they mistook Yuya and Selena for the wanted Yugo and Zuzu. Yuya tried to reason that they just arrived, but Selena and Silvio leaped headfirst into the Duel the Security forced them into, ignoring his warnings. After Silvio lost in an OTK, Yuya was forced to join as well and tried his best to protect Reira and get him to smile, despite his introverted personality, in addition to attempting to entertaining Security. Despite Selena's victory, more Security officers arrived and cornered the Lancers. Before Yuya's Duel could continue, a Synchro user and other Turbo Duelists grabbed him and the Lancers and escaped Security.

The Synchro user, Crow Hogan, expressed his admiration for Yuya's defense of Reira, and offered for Yuya and the Lancers to stay at his place until events had calmed down. Yuya was somewhat displeased when Silvio claimed that Yuya was his apprentice, and after Silvio revealed where they'd come from, he backed him up. Two of the orphans that Crow took care of, Frank and Tanner, returned with stolen food, and as they were being told off by Crow, the orphans asked why Yuya and Selena had been at a cafe earlier. Yuya and Selena realized that the kids were talking about Zuzu and Yugo, and wanted to go and find them, but Crow explained about the class system of the Tops and the Commons and that Security would be looking for them. Crow offered to go and look for them himself. Yuya remained at Crow's house, where Frank and Tanner explained the history of Turbo Dueling to the Lancers. Crow returned empty-handed, so Selena decided to go and look herself after deeming Crow's efforts useless. Yuya protested, since Crow had already done so much for them, but Selena and Silvio left regardless, though Yuya was able to stop Reira from leaving. He and Reira remained at Crow's place for the next couple of days, Selena and Silvio heading out each day to look for the Lancers. One of Crow's friends who had assisted in rescuing them, Shinji Weber, arrived with food for the kids, and warned Yuya not to get the kids in trouble. As the kids ate, Yuya and Crow conversed about Reira's timid nature, but the conversation eventually devolved into an argument about what was most important; a full stomach or a smile on one's face, Yuya claiming that a full stomach meant nothing if you couldn't smile. Eventually, he and Crow decided to Duel to settle their argument. Yuya Pendulum Summoned on his first turn, and in response, Crow swarmed the field with his "Blackwing" monsters and Synchro Summoned "Assault Blackwing - Raikiri the Sudden Shower". Their Duel was interrupted by Security, who had tracked the returning Selena and Silvio back to Crow's hideout. Security arrested all the Lancers save Reira, who was nowhere to be found, much to Yuya's panic.

Yuya was taken to the Facility, learning on the way that Tsukikage had rescued Reira. Shinji, who had been captured as well, explained that there could only be one place that they were going. When they arrived at the Facility, Selena was taken to solitary confinement, and she cautioned Yuya not to make a scene. Yuya's Duel Disk was taken, but he was allowed to keep his Deck. The group were taken to a cell, where they met up with Gong and Dennis, who had been captured the previous day. Gong almost crushed Yuya in a powerful hug, and Dennis explained that Shay was in solitary confinement as well. The newcomers were bullied in the cafeteria and Yuya witnessed prisoners giving away their cards in exchange for preferential treatment. He was shocked to learn that Gong had done so, until Gong's lackies explained that Gong had done so for them. The group were then taken to the boss of the prisoners, Chojiro Tokumatsu, who ordered thenm to hand over their cards for preferential treatment, and Yuya refused, given that he wasn't planning on remaining in the prison. Chojiro decided to take them by force and Duel Yuya. He used his "Cardian - Ameshikou" to damage Yuya when he drew and his "No Cheaters Allowed" Continuous Trap Card to prevent Yuya from Pendulum Summoning. Yuya learned that Chojiro's combo prevented him from drawing his own cards, a stark departure from Chojiro's previous philosophy that Crow and Shinji informed the two of them of. In a tight spot, Yuya was able to set up an infinite loop that prevented him from taking damage when he drew, forcing Chojiro to draw cards. Chojiro and the watching prisoners began to enjoy the Duel, driving Yuya into a corner with "Cardian - Inoshikacho", but Yuya was able to destroy Chojiro's Trap Card and set up a combo that allowed him to win. The following day, Damon, a friend of Crow and Shinji's was admitted, and Yuya received better treatment from Chojiro in the prison. Yuya learned that Crow was planning to escape from the prison and he tried to go along, but Crow refused to let him. Shinji and Chojiro convinced Yuya to take place in a Duel Tournament between Yuya, Chojiro and Silvio, but Yuya was distracted for most of the tournament, until he saw Gong and Crow encouraging him and Dennis leaping into the prison's upper levels. Realizing that they were all going to escape, Yuya continued the Duel with passion, but events went awry when the guards discovered Crow, Damon and Shinji escaping. Yuya aided in restricting the guards with "Hippo Carnival", and was confronted by Chojiro, who was furious that Yuya had used the Duel for such purposes. Yuya explained about Zuzu to Chojiro, and Chojiro attempted to by time for Yuya, but was saved by his lackies, who tossed rare cards all over the place to distract the guards. Yuya seized his chance to excape through the air duct that Damon had exposed, following Chojiro and Silvio. The group ended up pn the roof, where they were challenged by the Arrest Corps. The group fled after an ineffectual attack by Silvio, Yuya cushioning their fall with "Performapal Trampolynx". Gong intervened, but his attempted attack lock was broken by the Arrest Corps "Goyo King". Shay arrived and wiped out the Arrest Corps with "Raidraptor - Rise Falcon". Meeting up with Dennis, Crow, Damon, Shinji and Selena, the escapees began to swim away from the Facility, but they were arrested again by Jean-Michel Roger, the Director of Security. Before they could be returned to the Facility, enforcers from the Executive Council requested that the Lancers and the accomplices be brought to them. The Council and Jean interrogated them, and Yuya explained their intentions and their origins, in addition to the conflict with Duel Academy. Declan, Reira, and Tsukikage, who had already been talking with the Council, backed them up. The Council agreed to test the Lancers strength in the Friendship Cup, and Jean suggested that Yuya be the opponent for Duel King Jack Atlas' exhibition match.

The Lancers were separated, though the Council reassured them that they would be unharmed, and Crow urged Yuya to crush Jack, who he called a traitor. Yuya asked Sam, his attendee, about Jack, though Sam was somewhat timid in his response. Yuya apologized for putting him on the spot. He entered the arena as a Turbo Duelist, concerned about Dueling while driving a Duel Runner. Jack entered the arena next, and while Yuya was irritated that Jack predicted how the match would go, he was intrigued by Jack claiming that his Dueling was entertainment. He was relived upon starting the Duel that the autopilot would allow him to Duel as he normally did. Jack brought out "Red Wyvern" on his first turn and urged Yuya to come at him with all he had, and Yuya in response, performed both a Pendulum-Fusion and Pendulum-Xyz Summon to bring out "Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon". He used the Action Card "Mirror Barrier" to block Jack's retaliation and dropped him to 300 LP in one shot with "Dark Rebellion". Jack used his own Action Card, "Underworld Evasion", to block Yuya's final attack with "Rune-Eyes" and revived "Red Wyvern" and the Tuner monster "Red Resonator".

Dropping back, Jack told Yuya that his Dueling was only self-satisfactory, and far from entertainment, then he proceeded to Synchro Summon "Scarlight Red Dragon Archfiend" and wipe Yuya's field with its effect, then attack directly for the win, blasting Yuya from his Duel Runner. Yuya was furious that Jack had badmouthed his father's Dueling, and he yelled at Jack not to make fun of it before passing out and being taken to his quarters in the penthouse.

Yuya woke up in the penthouse, where he pondered his loss to Jack, who hadn't just won, but had dictated the flow of the Duel. He was greeted by the Executive Council via hologram. They explained that he would stay in the penthouse as a participant in the Friendship Cup; the Duel with Jack having been only an exhibition match, Yuya was still in the tournament. They cautioned him that this would not be the case if he lost again. Yuya noticed "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" resonating, and he theorized that they were reacting to Yugo's "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon". Realizing that Zuzu must be in the penthouse as well, he passionately vowed to rescue her, no matter what. Sam then approached the room, sliding a "Tuning Magician" through the doorframe and asking Yuya to return it to Jack and defeat him. Sam claimed that Jack's time at the top had made him arrogant to the point of giving Sam the low-ATK, low-Level card and telling him that it suited him best.

Yuya later watched the first Duel of the tournament between Gong and Crow. He was surprised when Gong became the first person to pull off a Pendulum-Synchro Summon, and while he was disappointed to see Gong lose to Crow, he was encouraged to see that the crowd were cheering in unison, as opposed to being up in arms over their differing opinions of Jack. He wondered in horror if Gong would be returned to the Facility, and when the door began to open, he panicked, wondering if it was his turn to Duel next, since he hadn't found a way to Duel without self-satisfaction yet. Fortunately, it was simply Chojiro that had came to visit, having bribed his way out of his room with a rare card. Chojiro explained that he'd heard a rumor that the losers in the Friendship Cup would be sent to the underground garbage dump to do forced labour, where captured escapees were also sent and from where no-one had returned. Yuya was horrified by the existence of such a place and worried about Gong. He then learned from the announcements that Reira would be Dueling Shinji next, and he disapproved of Reira Turbo Dueling and even being in the tournament. Reira suddenly burst into the room and tightly hugged Yuya, refusing to Duel against Shinji. Declan entered and Yuya furiously asked him why he was making Reira fight, and why he'd forced Reira to come with them. Declan admitted that he'd told Reira to accompany them, as he needed to gain experience and was necessary in the fight against the Academy. Yuya told Declan to shut up, and stated that Reira had been terrified and lonely since they'd arrived in the Synchro Dimension, trying to find Declan. Yuya vowed not to let Reira fight, and to protect him himself if Declan wouldn't. Declan then asked Reira why he wouldn't Duel, and Reira explained that Shinji had been kind to him. Declan realized that Reira didn't want to Duel a friend and ordered Tsukikage to Duel instead. He left, and Reira panicked and ran after him. Declan explained that he was pleased, not angry, since this meant that Reira's sense of self was growing. Yuya was confused by the term, and he tried to get Reira to stay with him, knowing that Declan would make him fight in the future, but Chojiro told him to let Reira be, since forcing Reira to stay with Yuya would be contradictory to his original statement of Declan not forcing him, and since Reira probably liked Declan more than Yuya. At Sam's request, Yuya returned to his room, and he turned to confront Declan again in anger, but the door closed and locked him in. He also watched Zuzu's Duel with Chojiro, and realized that Zuzu was trying to reach out to him. He was happy that Zuzu was able to win, but regretful that Chojiro was sent to the underground labor facility. His concerns were renewed after Selena's victory against Tony Simon, and in disgust he derided the idea of the Friendship Cup. He Dueled against Duel Chaser 227 in the second day of the Friendship Cup, and his entrance was booed by the crowd. Yuya attempted to protest against the Friendship Cup for sending the losers to do forced labor, but to his utter shock neither the crowd of Commons nor Melissa Claire saw anything wrong with that. 227 urged Yuya to either Duel him or surrender, and Yuya traded blows with the Duel Chaser's "Goyo" Synchro Monsters, but briefly hesitated before making a game-winning attack with "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon", allowing 227 to seal Yuya's attacks with "Battle Lock". To his surprise, 227 brought out a Fusion Monster, "Goyo Emperor", and took control of most of Yuya's field. The crowd's bloodlust for battle rather than entertainment briefly set Yuya off, causing his eyes to glow in their berserk state. Yuya then consciously Special Summoned "Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon", used its effect to destroy "Goyo Emperor", reclaimed control of his monsters, then brutally attacked with "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" for the win, deliberately knocking 227 out of his Duel Runner. Initially downcast at the win, Yuya attempted to stop the staff from taking the injured 227 away. He was returned to his room by Sam, and didn't pay attention to the next Duel between Yugo and Silvio until Yugo Synchro Summoned "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon". Yuya's "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" began to react to "Clear Wing", and Yuya began mimicking Yugo's moves and words, while during the Turbo Duel, Yugo took on some of Yuya's mannerisms. The effects ended after Yugo was victorious, and Yuya watched helplessly as Silvio was taken away.

Yusho Sakaki
Yusho is Yuya's father. Yuya greatly loves and admires his father and dreams to become a professional Entertainment Duelist like him. It is also through Yusho's Duelling Yuya developed his belief that Duelling is for fun and makes people happy. Despite his father's sudden disappearance, Yuya continues to respect and admire his father, believing there's a reason for his disappearance and dislikes when someone make a fun of his father.

Yoko Sakaki
Yoko is Yuya's mother. Although not as close as Yuya did with his father, Yuya is also in a good relationship with his mother like a normal mother and son. Yoko understood how her son was feeling when Yusho disappeared and is supportive of Yuya's dream to become a professional Entertainment Duelist like his father. She would help and take care of Yuya in any way she can when he is in trouble, as shown when Yuya was unconscious for two days after his meeting with Yuto and Yugo. However, Yuya is sometimes flustered whenever his mother's fondness for cute boys get the better of her.

Zuzu Boyle
Zuzu is Yuya's childhood friend and one of Yuya's closest friends. To Yuya, Zuzu feels like an older sister and he cherishes her greatly. She is someone who has always been with him, an irreplaceable existence. Zuzu is supportive of Yuya and would help him whenever he is in trouble and defending him when someone make insulting him. Zuzu also acts as a "straight man" in a comedic act with Yuya, usually beating him with her paper fan when he angered her in any way. Behind this, she harbours feelings for Yuya more than just a friend. This feeling is made apparent when Zuzu blushed when Sora mistook her as his girlfriend, she blushed heavily when accidentally hugged Yuya that caused her to push him away, and jealous if Mieru makes advances towards him or calling him "darling". Unfortunately for Zuzu, Yuya is oblivious of her feelings towards him and so far only think of her as his close friend, furthered by the fact that he protested at the prospect of dating with crude strong girl like Zuzu when Sora mistook her as his girlfriend. However, he may have some feelings for her as well as he cries when he realizes Zuzu was gone after the Academia attacked Maiami City (unaware that she teleported to another dimension with Yugo previously). Her feelings for Yuya is also what drove her to become stronger so she can protect him and the others. Out of Yuya's friends in the series, Zuzu is the one who is mostly beside Yuya. Yuya is also supportive of Zuzu and is grateful for all her help for years. When she is depressed, Yuya always gives his encouragement to steer her spirit. Yuya's bond with Zuzu is shown to be very deep, as shown during the aftermath of Battle Royal, Zuzu is the one whose well-being Yuya cares the most as he states how Zuzu is the one who is always by his side from the very beginning and it was also thanks to her he was able to grow his Pendulum Summoning.

Gong Strong
Gong is Yuya's childhood friend and one of his close friends. When Yuya was bullied for defending his father, Gong was the one who protected Yuya from the bullies and is quite protective of him. For years, Gong also helped Yuya on finding an opponent for Duel with his dojo's connection, something that Yuya is very grateful for. His friendship with Gong made Yuya at first hesitated when he has no choice but to duel with him to enter Maiami Championship out of fear it would make Gong lose his chance to enter as well. Gong cares for Yuya and worry whenever something happened to him, usually giving him a hug after he is confirmed to be fine.

Frederick, Tate, and Ally
Yuya acts as somewhat an older brother figure for the three of them, who in turn refers to him as "Yuya-oniichan" (Japanese version only). Yuya always teaches and cheers them in their duels, serving as emotional support for them when they lost and encourages them not to give up. Frederick, Tate, and Ally admire Yuya and sometimes also like to tease him for his obliviousness about Zuzu's feelings for him.

Sora Perse
Yuya at first was annoyed and flustered when Sora followed him everywhere and insisted for him to make Sora his apprentice, but they eventually get along well. Yuya thinks Sora as a dear friend and cares for his well-being, defending him when he appeared to be in trouble and expressed concern when he was injured. Sora, on the other hand, admires Yuya after he saw his match and insisted to be his apprentice, but then decided to become his friend after he lost in the Duel. Sora has shown great interest towards Yuya for many of his achievements in Duels that he claims to always be beyond his expectations. However, while Sora truly thinks that Duelling with Yuya is exciting, he claimed that he was just playing around as his loyalty to the Academia and their goal is more important to him than their friendship. Despite this and seeing Sora change people into cards in front of his own eyes, Yuya still considers Sora as his friend and is determined to make Sora smile and enjoy Dueling like when they first Dueled.

Yuto
Athough they both had only met for a short time, Yuto developed a strong trust towards Yuya who believes that Dueling is for the purpose to make people smile and give them happiness, something that Yuto himself truly wishes for. This is what made Yuto entrusted Yuya with his "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon". Yuya, on the other hand, was initially wary and skeptical of Yuto, but Yuya's kind nature made him concerned for Yuto's well-being when he was injured and he understood that Yuto actually don't want to hurt anyone, protecting him when Yugo started his turn and intended to attack. Even though Yuya doesn't understand what Yuto expected from him, Yuya resolved to make people smile with Dueling like Yuto told him to. Yuto's last words are also what reminds Yuya of his Dueling beliefs twice in the series when he started to lose his confidence. After experiencing the possession caused by Yuto's anger and sadness, Yuya started to understand Yuto's suffering and opted to believe in Yuto who wishes for peace instead of blaming him for the consequence of his brutal Dueling method, which in turn made Yuya even more resolute to fulfil his wish.

Despite their similar goals and desires, Yuto's personality and experiences are in stark contrast to Yuya's. Even though both wish to make everyone smile with Dueling, while Yuya's persona is entertaining, Yuto's, on the other hand, is dark and cold. It is also his own anger, and not Yuya's, that has driven Yuya into acts of rage; initially, Yuya is afraid of this, though he later decides to believe in Yuto. These differences establish Yuto as a foil to Yuya.

Declan Akaba
During their first duel, Yuya was respectful and friendly to Declan, and was impressed by his ability to use Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz. He gladly showed Declan his entertainment dueling and enjoyed Declan's compliments. He was shocked when Declan Pendulum Summoned and suggested Pendulum's evolution, and now considers Declan a rival, and was motivated to face him again.

However, any respect Yuya had towards Declan was immediately lost when Declan revealed that the Battle Royal was a test to recruit Lancers and that he plotted for his friends to fend off the Fusion Dimension invaders which resulted in many of them being sealed in cards. Yuya now held a grudge towards Declan and blamed him for the loss of his friends and Zuzu's disappearance, and even tried to punch him out of anger. Angered by his indifference, Yuya refused to join the Lancers and only accepted to Duel Declan to force him to repent. During the Duel, he played aggressively, neither smiling nor using his entertainment techniques at all.

During their Duel, Declan was indifferent to Yuya's attitude, and did not tell him the truth about Zuzu's disappearance, in their Duel in order to test his abilities. He only told him the truth after their Duel just when they were heading to the Synchro Dimension, where Zuzu also was. Despite having accepted to join the Lancers, Yuya continues to be hostile towards Declan, and his opinion of him further soured when he learned how he treated Reira.

Selena
When he first saw her, he mistook her for Zuzu due to their similar appearance. Yuya and Selena generally get along well, given their shared goal of rescuing Zuzu, but Selena's impatience and hot-headed nature tend to clash with Yuya's more patient and pragmatic nature.

Silvio Sawatari
When he first met Silvio it was a setup for their first of two Duels. Yuya was forced to Duel Silvio as he had been forced into a corner to save Zuzu and the younger You Show students from Silvio's trap. After he defeated Silvio the first time, the two became rivals. Their rivalry was renewed when they were set to face one another in the 1st round of the Junior Youth Championship. According to Yuya, the match was a "real" Entertainment Duel because it was capable of exciting the crowd and leaving them on the edge of their seats. The strength of Silvio's "Yosenju" Deck forced Yuya to give it his all from the get-go of the tournament. The conclusion was entailed with a standing ovation from the audience for their great efforts. This led to Silvio putting aside his grudges and becoming a friendly rival for Yuya. The match itself had a profound effect on Yuya in addition. Their more friendly relationship is shown later on in the Synchro Dimension when Silvio told Yuya how excited he was to show off their Entertainment Dueling to the Synchro Dimension during the prelude of the Friendship Cup in front of the Executive Council.

Reira Akaba
When Lancers arrived in the Synchro Dimension and were split up, Yuya immediately noticed Reira's concern over Declan's whereabouts and his shyness. Yuya quickly became protective of Reira and made it his goal to make the young boy smile. When Yuya was arrested by Security he was more worried about Reira's safety than his own and was relieved when Selena confirmed that Reira was fine. When Reira was scheduled to Duel Shinji in the Friendship Cup and ran off to Yuya, Yuya angrily scolded Declan for forcing Reira to participate in the tournament and demanded to know why he made Reira a Lancer, worried that Reira was too young to face the dangers that being a Lancer comes with.

Deck
Yuya uses a "Performapal" Deck, which consists of animals dressed in carnival attire, referencing his passion for entertaining people. Though most of his monsters have relatively low ATK, they have various useful effects to fit a variety of situations such as allowing multiple attacks, ATK/DEF manipulation, etc. Yuya also uses Trap Cards in the same manner, though they commonly require his monsters to be destroyed to activate, taking advantage of the fact that Pendulum Monsters are sent to the Extra Deck when destroyed. Due to the way he Duels, Yuya doesn't have many Spell Cards in his own Deck, opting to use Action Cards he finds on the field to circumvent this. In fact, Yuya claims that one of his specialties in Action Duels is his ability in finding Action Cards. During the Duel against the Sledgehammer, Yuya gained access to the Pendulum Summon mechanic to Summon multiple monsters at once. When Pendulum Summoning, he typically uses a combo with "Magician" Pendulum Monsters to Pendulum Summon monsters of a wide array of Levels.

He also Summons high mobility monsters to help him grab Action Cards, primarily his "Performapal Hip Hippo", "Performapal Whip Snake" and "Odd-Eyes" monsters. Prior to obtaining his Pendulum Monsters, his ace monster appeared to be "Odd-Eyes Dragon", but it was transformed into "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon".

Yuya's favored strategy typically involves getting two Pendulum Monsters with a great difference in scale (often "Stargazer Magician" and "Timegazer Magician") and after setting them in the Pendulum Zones, promptly Pendulum Summoning as many monsters as possible. To this end, he often stalls as long as possible until he can get those cards in his hand. He later starts including cards that allow him to change which cards are set in his Pendulum Zone so he can switch his strategy depending on the situation.

Pre-Maiami Championship
After using Zuzu's "Polymerization" in one of his Duels, Yuya starts using cards like "Performapal Trump Witch" to Pendulum-Fusion Summon Fusion Monsters like "Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon".

Maiami Championship
After his encounter with Yuto, Yuya obtained "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon", adding Pendulum-Xyz Summoning to his Deck, which he used for the first time against Isao Kachidoki when unintentionally invoking Berserk Mode. After that, he tends to use more Scale 3 or lower Pendulum Monsters to bring out more Level 4 monsters to Pendulum-Xyz Summon "Xyz Dragon", some of which support Xyz Monsters. During Yuya's Duel against the Obelisk Force, he gains "Xiangsheng Magician" and "Xiangke Magician", the latter of which allows him to change his Xyz Monster's Ranks to Levels, enabling him to Xyz Summon the powerful "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon".

Different Dimensions
Yuya's Deck now includes more ways to Fusion Summon his "Pendulum Dragon" monsters and is even capable of using Pendulum Summon to perform both a Fusion Summon and an Xyz Summon in one turn. His Deck now includes more "Odd-Eyes" monsters, even some that are not Dragon-Type. Though he still uses Action Cards, his Deck contains a larger quantity of Spell Cards that before.

Duels
Before his Duel with Dipper O'rion, Yuya competed in forty-six Duels, with an approximate win rate of 56%. Some of the opponents he Dueled off-screen include the following Duelists: