Yuma Tsukumo

Yuma Tsukumo is the main protagonist of the Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL series. He is a young Duelist who aspires to be the greatest, despite his amateur skills. He finds himself unwillingly partnered with a Dueling spirit called Astral. Together, they search for the "Numbers" cards to recover Astral's scattered memories, becoming a Number Hunter while developing his Dueling skills along the way. After winning the World Duel Carnival, Yuma is the Duel Champion of Heartland City.

As Yuma bonds with Astral and helps him recover his "Numbers" cards, Yuma learns the truths that connects him to his destiny through his beloved father, Kazuma Tsukumo, and draws more into the interdimensional war between the Astral World and Barian World.

Appearance
Yuma has tan skin, red eyes, and black and red spiked hair that points out and upward. In every outfit he wears, Yuma is always wearing the Emperor's Key around his neck, which is hung by a black string. He owns a white and yellow Duel Gazer with a green lens, matching the color scheme of his ace, "Number 39: Utopia". Yuma bears a striking resemblance to his father, Kazuma Tsukumo, but has inherited his mother's red eyes.

In his regular attire, he wears a red Duel vest with a white hood and a purple sleeveless shirt with a green "D" symbol, standing for "Duel". Yuma also wears white pants with designs of three orange moon crescents attached to one another with yellow outlines at the bottom, a white brown-stripe belt, and black with blue streaks shoes with white straps. Other accessories includes a brown finger-less glove on his left hand, a black protective pad on his right elbow and a thick, dark blue bracelet with light blue gems and red outlines on his right wrist.



When in his school attire, he wears a white shirt with red-lined sleeves and collar, a red tie, blue pants and brown shoes. In his nightwear attire, he wears a red-white t-shirt, grey pants, and sometimes green slippers, but Yuma mostly goes barefoot around his house. During the Heartland Academy festival, Yuma wore a "Temtempo the Percussion Djinn" cosplay.

Personality
Yuma is a hasty, energetic, and cheerful young boy who likes to challenge himself to do anything that seems impossible, which he normally fails at. Undaunted by his failures, he states that doing these challenges gets him fired up and will eventually accomplish what he sets out to do. He calls this challenge his "Kattobingu" spirit ("feeling the flow" in the dub), which his father taught him. Even Yuma would sometimes doubt himself when depressed, yet he'd still go through with his trials, such when he had shown up for his Duel with Reginald Kastle. Yuma told Astral it was because of his promise to his father is the reason he doesn't to do things halfway, believing it was like "betraying" his father if he did so.

Yuma greatly loves his parents and treasures Emperor's Key they gave him, shown when he was depressed when Shark broke it and nearly had a panic attack when he lost it, but really just ran out the house without it. In his house, Yuma sleeps in the treasury attic full with memories and artifacts of his parents' adventures and trips instead of his own bedroom. He looks up to his father and carries on his challenging, never-give-up spirit and catchphrase "Kattobingu". It was said that Yuma picked up his personality from his father's spirit and his mother's affection.While he tries to hide it, Yuma quite sensitive on the subject of parents and misses them. Astral says that deep in Yuma's heart, he struggles with the sadness of losing his parents and tries to live up to their teachings. Many have pointed out how similar Yuma is to his father, Charlie McCay told Kari how Yuma had inherited his father's "Kattobingu" spirited, and Vetrix and Quinton commented how Yuma and Kazuma shared the same beliefs in bonds and friendship. Dr. Faker has also noted how much Yuma is similar to Kazuma, especially when Yuma assisted Kite Tenjo in trying to save him.

Forthright and honest, Yuma is shown to assist others if they are in trouble, despite their protests, as he challenged Shark to reclaim Bronk Stone's Deck. Yuma even challenged Nistro and Dextra to a Duel in order to defend Flip (who cheated other participants), who's punishment is having his Deck confiscated and Nistro planning to physically punish him. Yuma believes Duelists cannot be bad people and believes a Duel to be a clash of souls. Yuma's good-nature appears to make him naive as he believed that Flip really had good intentions, even after his friends had warned him he was a swindler from the start. Even after Vector exploited Yuma's trusting disposition, Yuma resolved that he would not allow this deceit color his perspective and doubt everyone he meets.

Due to his short-temper and stubbornness, Yuma is easily annoyed, and frequently clashes with Astral. Yuma tends to disobey Astral's instructions when they Duel, which leads to him making mistakes. He only starts obeying when he is about to lose, as he believes the Duels are his and listening to him would mean he needed help to win. As the series progresses, Yuma and Astral start working together, mostly after he called Astral his friend. Although, Yuma still gets upset sometimes when Astral tried to instructed him, and tell him to stay out of his Duel because he has his own "plans". Impetuous and clumsy, Yuma also appears to have a habit of forgetting important things such as the Emperor's Key on his way to school, officially registering for the World Duel Carnival, his invitation to the finals party, and even his Heart Pieces on the day of the finals. Yuma would sometimes even fail to execute any high jumps or dynamics, causing him to trip over his feet. Also, when Yuma is too absorbed in his own mind, he forgets about other actions he did or is performing. Such actions usually make his friends and others regard Yuma as an "idiot", much to the latter's annoyance.

Yuma wants to be a Duel Champion, but tends to sleep and slack off at school, and doesn't generally use strategies during Duels. Unlike Yugi Muto, Jaden Yuki, and Yusei Fudo, he was an amateur knowing only the basics, but as the series goes on, Yuma's Dueling abilities are starting to slowly increase. He can Duel opponents like Cathy and Lilly without Astral telling him what to do (though this only happens when he Duels seriously, seeing how he is still defeated with ease in friendly Duels), but he still relies on him to help him out at difficult times. Yuma's skills have improved greatly enough that he was able to hold his own against both Dextra and Nistro until Astral came back to execute the final winning move. Having been tutored by Astral, his skills have grown even more during his one-on-one Duel with Trey. Eventually, Yuma is able to Duel on equal standing against Shark in their third rematch with little to zero advice from Astral. He is able to duel on equal terms with Kite during their rematch. He is able to duel on comparable level with people under control by the Barian World on his own and even impressing Gilag. He also Dueled with the Barian, Alit, on equal standing without any advice from Astral. While Astral was incapacitated after the forced cancellation of Dark Zexal, Yuma was able to narrowly survive Vector's turn in a situation where all he had was Number 39: Utopia, and a number of monsters in the Graveyard. During that turn he remained calm and focused, to the point where he remembered that he needed to forcibly send the card he needed from his deck to the Graveyard in order to make use of it.

Yuma seems to have a positive effect on the people he Duels, Mr. Kay claimed that Yuma has a "sun-like" power and that people who have contact with Yuma has their hearts "illuminated" without noticing and usually restoring something they lost in their heart. After his Duel with Shark, he stopped stealing others Decks and the two eventually became friends. After defeating Flip, he gave up his conniving ways and became an honest person. After defeating Nelson Andrews, he helped him repair his relationship with his mother and become his own person instead of living in the shadow of his ESPer Sparrow persona. After defeating Cathy, she began to gain more confidence and started hanging out more with Yuma and his friends instead of always hiding from others. After defeating Kaze, he was able to let go of his anger after being stopped by Yuma from slashing a statue and started studying again under his former teacher. The Barian, Alit, considers him a worthy opponent and establishes rapport with him after being defeated.

Abilities
Yuma has the natural ability to see and hear Astral, and was shown multiple times that he is capable to talk with Astral telepathically. However, Yuma's power seems to stemmed from his strong spirit and worldview of "Kattobingu", should he ever loses his will, Yuma would be unable to see and hear Astral or see his Emperor's Key.

After The Door opened for Yuma, he and Astral gained the power of ZEXAL, which causes Yuma and Astral to merge their souls, leaving Yuma with most of the body's control. With this, Yuma/Astral wears a white spandex suit with red armor plating, his right eye becomes golden like Astral's left one, his hair turns gold and he gains a golden aura. They also earned the cards such as "ZW - Unicorn Spear" and "ZW - Phoenix Bow" through an ability called "Shining Draw".

Etymology
Like the protagonists of the other series, Yugi Muto, Judai Yuki (Jaden Yuki) and Yusei Fudo, his name contains the syllable "Yu".

His surname, "Tsukumo", can be translated as "ninety-nine" which is the amount of "Number" cards he and Astral are looking for. The name "Yuma" can mean evening or horse, which explains the horse symbol on Yuma's soccer uniform from the "Stadium of Dreams" Field Spell Card and the name of "Dark Horse" by Mr. Heartland.

History
Yuma grew up with his loving parents, Kazuma Tsukumo and Mira Tsukumo, older sister Akari Tsukumo, and grandmother Haru Tsukumo. Since he was young, Yuma has been going to the same school as his childhood friend, Tori Meadows, since their families has always been good terms with each other. As a child, he got the constant attention and affections of his parents, to his sister's chagrin. Very close to his parents, he would sometimes go on camping trips or rock climbing with his father.

Due to his poor Dueling skills and constantly proclaiming that he will become a Duel champion, Yuma was frequently teased by others. One day, after losing a Duel against a few classmates and was teased about it, Yuma became depressed and sad. His father noticed this, and took him camping in the mountains to cheer him up and have a "man talk". Despite his father attempt to cheer him up, Yuma remained to sulk and refused to talk about his problems.

When his father begins to tell him about the "other universe", Yuma perked up and was encouraged to always challenge and to strive for hope. When asked about his aim, Yuma answers by saying his aim is to become the Duel Champion. Although, Yuma mentions how people laugh at him, his father told him not to care about it, and never to give up on that drive and to always continue for it. After a friendly Duel and before he was about to go sleep, Yuma asks his father what his dream is, to which his father answers by saying his dream is to go to the end of the world. Yuma laughs at this because the Earth is round and there no end, and the two laugh together at the notion.



When his father was found after the snowstorm accident, Yuma noticed Emperor's Key in his hands and stared at it. Sometime later, he Dueled against some bullies and lost, then was mocked to the point of tears welling up in his eyes. Then his father showed up, shouting him encouragement and tossed him in the key. Moved by this, Yuma started to always wear the key and do "Kattobingu". After his parents went missing and were assumed dead, he is looked after by his grandmother and Kari, who began to forbid him from Dueling, but he still does it behind her back. Although, unknown to Yuma, she did this because of her promise to their parents to protect him, and that their father warned her about being careful with Yuma's Duels because one day a great destiny would awaken from one of his Duels.

One day at school, Yuma shouts out his ambition to his class and was mocked by Bronk Stone. Angered, Yuma challenged him to a Duel and lost, but continues to Duel him ever since. The two eventually become friends, but Yuma still regularly lost to Bronk.

Sometime after gaining the key, a door shaped like the head of a demon, wrapped in chains started haunting Yuma in his dreams, causing him to have the same nightmare almost every night. In that dream, he meets the door upon a old zig-zag raised path and a voice says; "Whoever opens this door will obtain a new power, but in exchange will lose what they appreciate the most.", and seems to make his key react to this. However, Yuma always wakes up before he can open it and appears to never told anybody about his dreams.

Pre-World Duel Carnival
Yuma is plagued by nightmares of a demonic gate and a voice says that whoever opens this door will receive a new power but in compensation they will lose their most precious thing. Yuma wonders about his most precious thing as the key lights up, but the ground below him suddenly crumbles away causing him to fall into an abyss.

Waking up, Yuma falls out of the hammock in his attic and commentating that he is having that same dream again. Then he notices that his clock strikes at 8 o'clock and realizes that he is late for school. Yuma moans at Kari for not waking him up, but she tells Yuma that he's in middle school, he should wake himself up, causing Yuma to pull a face. Dashing outside, Yuma bids goodbye to his grandmother Haru, but when asked if he had breakfast, he insists that he doesn't need it and is late. His grandmother is unhappy by this and catches the collar of his shirt with her broom and lifts him off the ground, and demanding that he eats, which he complied.



Yuma rushes through the neighborhood and leapfrogs over a Litterbot and caused it to spin out of control. As he continues running, Yuma runs into Bronk, who leaps in front of him on his skateboard, and declares a race to the school. Accepting the challenge, Yuma races in front, but when they proceeded to run down a flight of stairs, Bronk kicked a Litterbot into Yuma's path, causing him to hit the bot and his belongings to fall out of his messenger bag, including his Deck. As a couple of the Litterbots go rampant in order to pick up what they perceived as litter, Yuma, insulted, screamed at them that what they were calling "trash" was his Deck.

At Heartland Academy, Yuma tried completing various tasks ranging from his '20 stack challenge' to swimming the length of the pool, which he failed to do and was laughed at by his classmates. When Tori asked why did all of those things since he going failed at, Yuma explains that she just doesn't understand and that the important thing is to keep fighting and as long as you don't give up you will someday succeed. Grasping his key, Yuma says the key opens many possibilities and with it he feels that he can do anything.

During the school break, Yuma witnessed Bronk losing his Deck to Reginald Kastle in an Ante Duel. When Yuma stood up for Bronk, Shark asked Yuma what was most precious to him, to which Yuma looked down at his pendant. In response, Shark breaks Emperor's Key in two and kicking a piece into a the bushes. Shark still offers a chance to get Bronk's Deck back by Dueling him with his own Deck on the line on the line on Sunday. Later at night, Yuma suffers the same nightmare and then spends the entire day depressed and sad. After school, Yuma was confronted by Bronk about Dueling Shark, which is Yuma planning to do, and was touched that Bronk recovers the missing piece of key.



At night, Yuma plans to use a Deck constructed by his father, as opposed to his usual Deck, but doesn't understand how to use the cards properly. During the Duel, Yuma makes several amateur mistakes and Shark quickly gains an advantage. As Shark taunts him to give up, Yuma argues that he isn't someone like that because he has always believed in himself. Ripping off the key from around his neck, Yuma states that his "Kattobing" will never disappear, as the key begins to shine brightly. Yuma then finds himself in front of the demonic door again. He is given to the opportunity to open it, and does so with Emperor's Key. After he opens it, a mysterious figure flies towards Yuma who is then trapped within a sphere made of blank cards. The sphere shatters and Yuma is returned to the park where he is still Dueling Shark. A dark force is then seen enveloping Shark and he Xyz Summons "Number 17: Leviathan Dragon". Surprised at Shark's power, Yuma begins to feel as though he wouldn't be able to win. However, a strange entity appears next to him and tells him to stand up and win.



The entity reveals himself to be Astral, a Duelist from another world, shocking Yuma. As Yuma talks with Astral, he notices his friends, and everyone else, cannot see him. Astral tries to take over Yuma's Duel, stating that he has to win at all costs with Yuma complaining that it was his Duel. Astral tries to order Yuma around, intentionally or not, to gain the advantage against Shark. However, Yuma refuses to listen to Astral as he is taken down each turn. When Astral informs him that his own life fades as Yuma's Life Points decrease, Yuma takes Astral's advice and uses "Monster Reborn" to Special Summon "Gagaga Magician" from his Graveyard. Astral gifts Yuma with "Number 39: Utopia", an Xyz Monster. Yuma has never owned one before and was excited, and Summons it by overlaying "Gagaga Magician" with "Ganbara Knight". Astral states that "Utopia" is the power he has entrusted to Yuma and that he must use it to win the Duel. With this card, Yuma made a comeback, and manages to pull off a win using it in a combo with "Double or Nothing!". Shark is returned to normal, and returns Bronk's Deck as promised, which Yuma thanks him for. As Shark leaves, Yuma tells Shark he had a lot of fun and says they should Duel again someday just for fun.

With this win, Yuma begins to gain a following around his school, as Shark was known to have pro-level Dueling skills and Yuma famed for having amateur ones. One day, the network at school mysteriously went down, and Yuma's teacher, Mr. Kay, allowed them to use the day to Duel instead, as they could not access their virtual textbooks with the network down. Yuma Dueled his class's chairman, Caswell, but Astral was not present, so Yuma did not have access to his Extra Deck of "Numbers". As a result, he lost a crushing, one-turn defeat without inflicting a single point of damage to Caswell. When Kari picked Yuma and Tori up from Heartland Academy and tells them that she managed to find the location of the person who uploaded the Crashbug Virus, that being in the school's library thus forcing Yuma and Tori to scope the location out for anyone suspicious.



Yuma and Tori suspected Caswell of being responsible for the network going down, but he would eventually lead them to the real culprit, Mr. Kay. Mr. Kay had been possessed by one of the "Numbers" and Duels Yuma using "Number 34: Terror-Byte" and the "Crashbug" series. After arguing with Astral, Yuma is able to overcome him only through Summoning both "Utopia" and "Leviathan Dragon". Mr. Kay revealed that he had no ill intentions and simply wanted to bring happiness to the city with a virtual "Crashbug". Astral determined through this that the "Numbers" amplify the emotions that their vessel already had, malicious or not.

At school, a student named Flip approaches Yuma to ask for his autograph for defeating Shark and eventually gifts him with a "Baby Tiragon" card in return. Yuma is quite excited to have his own Xyz Monster, but Tori and Bronk's reservations about Flip and their several attempts drag him away from Flip prevented him from accepting it. After school, Yuma receives the fan-mail containing the "Baby Tiragon" card, and was question by Kari if he been Dueling even though he was forbidden to. Unknown to Yuma, Flip framed him in many incriminating situations of mischief and emailing the pictures to his classmates. The next day, Yuma was confronted by his classmates and tried to defend himself, but no one believes him due the pictures and everyone, except for Bronk and Tori, to avoided him. Depressed, Yuma goes to the Heartland Shopping Mall, and finds Flip, who challenged him to a Duel.



To what Yuma thought was going to be a friendly Duel against Flip, but it turned out be far from it. The "Baby Tiragon" card was a trap, and Flip steals "Utopia" via the effect of "Ultra C". Flip then revealed that the autograph Yuma signed was a contract agreeing to ante his Deck in the Duel. Flip goes on to steal "Leviathan Dragon" as well, and appeared possessed by both "Numbers". Astral is sealed in an orb of light as his power weakens, but urges Yuma to protect "Baby Tiragon". Yuma does so and uses its effect to let "Stinging Swordsman" attack directly. With his Continuous Trap Cards returned to his hand, Flip loses the "Numbers" and they return to Yuma. Yuma wins the Duel with them, and attempt to return "Baby Tiragon". Flip tells him to keep it and the two leave the Duel as friends.

Sometimes later, Astral is watching a TV show while Yuma is asleep, becomes interested in the hero: "Different Dimension ESPER Sparrow" as he appears to be from a different dimension also. Yuma is woken up by the sound of the episode and switches it off, only to be bugged by Astral about him believing Sparrow may know something about his memories. Yuma tries to explain it's all fiction, but after failing to convince Astral, he reluctantly switches the TV back on, even though the episode has ended. The next day, Yuma arrives at school to Duel someone, only to be prodded by Tori and Astral to visit Sparrow, who's shooting a scene in town. Flip causes a distraction to get them inside, where they see Sparrow practicing alone for his shoot. Astral, still believing TV is real, grows wary of the costumes to the side of the set, and in an attempt to convince Astral they're not real Yuma ends up being flung about in the air by a hook. While Astral ponders over whether Yuma can fly as he can, Yuma drops his Deck in front of Sparrow, who grows concerned.



After Yuma drops to the ground, he is saved from being in trouble with the security by Sparrow, who discovering Yuma is a Duelist, and takes him to his dressing room. Pleased to meet a Duelist, Sparrow gives Yuma back his Deck and Yuma happily agreed to have a Duel with Sparrow upon his request. After Sparrow was spooked at the sight of a spider, Yuma laughs at his sudden change in demeanor and learns that Sparrow is nothing like his character off set. Hearing his situation, Yuma comforts him by saying he should be himself, with the latter telling him his real name, Nelson Andrews. The two become friends, but before they can Duel Nelson's mother forces Yuma out. Before he left, Yuma promise Nelson that they will Duel someday, but Nelson's mother continuing to push him out, leaving Nelson to sorrowfully say "Nelson Andrews doesn't matter" and that no one can save him. On the streets, Yuma laments on Nelson's tough star life, with Astral asking Yuma why Sparrow is also called Nelson, which finally Yuma convinces Astral TV isn't real. After he grows disappointed Nelson can't tell him about his memories, Yuma asks Astral if he's lonely, only for Astral to reply he doesn't know what the word means. Yuma explains, but instead of answering, Astral explains he thinks Nelson may be lonely. Meanwhile, Nelson is possessed by a "Numbers" card and attacks several people in town, taking his TV persona as his real one. After hearing about it, Yuma and Astral head off to find him and does eventually find Nelson, only to learn he is possessed and under the impression he is Sparrow.

Yuma knows he must Duel him to set Nelson free, but then he reveals his "Numbers" card - "Number 83: Galaxy Queen", which puts Yuma in tough spot. Seeing on the Number is like Nelson's soul, Yuma calls Tori and tells her to bring Nelson's mother to the site of the Duel. As Yuma is push into a corner by Nelson, Yuma proclaimed that he will save Nelson. When, Tori shows up with Bronk and Mrs. Andrews, Yuma explains how Nelson is the one attacking people. When Nelson's mother tries to talk to him, he only brushes her off, but Yuma tells her how watch the Duel and sees how Nelson views her. Yuma and Astral debate whether the attack will go through, and they finally decide that they must, if they want to free Nelson. Yuma attacks Galaxy Queen with Utopia, "Hope Sword Slash!", but Sparrow has one last Trap: Star Sparrow Forever!, reviving ESPER Star Sparrow with zero ATK, but it is still obliterated and so is Sparrow's Life Points.



Astral absorbs "Number 83" from Sparrow's body, Nelson returns to his normal self and reunites with his mother, causing Yuma to remember his own mother. Later, Yuma, Tori and Bronk are walking on a bridge as Yuma talks about the day's events. When Yuma and Tori get into an argument, Shark rides by on a motorcycle and observes Yuma, but Yuma didn't notice. Later, Yuma and Astral watch the conclusion of the ESPER Sparrow show, and Astral makes Observation No. 10 - "The parent-child relationship is something I understand".



One day at school, Bronk says that it's strange that Yuma never once won a Duel against him, but has been winning against many powerful opponents recently. Tori asks what's wrong with that and Bronk responds that bringing it to them is more suited for losing. Bronk speculates that Astral may really exist, as Yuma only began to win after he started talking about him. Yuma enters the room and says "Hi", seemingly unaware of that fact that's he's wearing leather pants and an over-sized fur coat. Yuma asks why everyone is staring, and Tori tells him she can't take it anymore. She says that she knows it isn't polite to comment on someone's fashion sense, but that she needs to do so in this case. For the last three days, Yuma has shown up to school in strange outfits, being the last one shown a bee costume. Tori tells him that everyone will laugh is he keeps dressing like that and pulls out a standing mirror and tells Yuma to see for himself. He looks horrified, and Bronk asks how he wasn't aware what he was wearing. Tori goes on to tell him that that's not all - strange things have been showing up around him lately; lunch box was decorated fancily, he suddenly got a 100% on a test and yesterday he was actually able to clear the jump he usually misses in gym class. Astral appears and tells him he's been watching, it happened again last night - someone came into his room and messed with his things. Yuma asks why Astral never told him, Astral only responds that Yuma never asked him. With Astral already there, he doesn't believe that adding more strange things to the room isn't unnatural. Yuma throws off the fur coat and vows to find the person responsible, but Tori teases him that his being full of spirit doesn't change how terrible his outfit is, and Yuma responds that it's not as if he enjoys dressing this way. She tells him he has absolutely no fashion sense. Yuma asks about her, and she retorts that, at least, her fashion sense is better. Yuma asks her to show him, and she tells him they'll go shopping this Sunday to buy Yuma new clothes, which he agrees and told her to met at 3PM at the shopping mall.



The next day, Yuma is waiting for her at the mall, surprised she's late, but then group of cats approach Yuma, with the one at the front having a note in its mouth. When Astral is startled by the cats, Yuma asks if he's scared of cats, but Astral responds that its only because he hasn't yet recorded them in his observations. Yuma jokingly tells him that cats are very sensitive to the supernatural, so they can definitely see Astral, who responds that it seems the cats are looking at Yuma. Noticing the note, he picks it up and sees it's tied with Tori's hair ribbon. He reads it, and determining that Tori has been kidnapped, he followed a cat to a cat-theme mansion.

He bursted through the front doors screaming Tori's name, to find a parlor is full of more cats, and many statues and paintings of cats. A girl emerges from upstairs and welcomes him, introducing herself as Cathy Katherine, but telling him to call her "Cat-chan". Astral says he recognizes her, and tells Yuma she's always staring at him from afar. Yuma seems to know her, but thinks about it, and says he has no idea who she is, to Cathy's disappointment. Yuma asks where Tori is, and why Cathy would do something like this, she responds that it's because Yuma's hopeless. Yuma seems confused and tells her to just give Tori back. Cathy turns around and says that she will if Yuma can beat her in a Duel, but she wants something if she wins. Yuma questions if Numbers are involved and Astral says that if that's the case, they have no choice, but to win, but Yuma tells him that there is no need to tell him that. Throughout the Duel, Cathy tries confessing to Yuma that she loves him, but Yuma defeats her with "Baby Tiragon" and Astral attempts to collect her "Number" before realizing she did not have one. Yuma walks over to Cathy to help her up and asked her where Tori is, making Cathy blush.

Afterward, Yuma finds out that Tori was at the park the whole time, playing with Cathy's cats. As they walk to school the next morning with Bronk, Tori tells them that she was forced to play with the cats and that Yuma should stop being so angry with her. Yuma angrily insists that he's not angry with her as Cathy walks up to them, saying "Good morning." and Yuma responds with a "Hey!". As Cathy walks off happily, Bronk asks who that was, and Tori tells him not to be rude since that girl is in their class. When they can't remember her name, Yuma tells them her name is Cathy, and that she's a strong Duelist. Jealous, Tori says she didn't know that and Bronk asks if Yuma figured out who was messing with them. Tori says she has to go and walks ahead of them, leaving Yuma confused. Astral floats above and documents his eleventh observation - "Yuma still doesn't understand the feelings of women".



One day Yuma is late for school, and dashes across a crosswalk when traffic is cleared, but nearly gets run over by someone on a motorcycle. The driver pulls over and Yuma angrily asks if he didn't see the lights change. He sees that the driver is Shark, who says nothing and pulls away. In class, Caswell grabs Yuma's Deck to and look through it for the Number cards, but couldn't find them. When Yuma says that he only has them when Astral is with him, Caswell then tells Yuma that his victory's over Shark and Flip were due to the Number and questions him about his skills. So Yuma decides to fight Shark again, but Bronk tells him that Shark hasn't been showing up to school lately and how after losing to Yuma, Shark's reputation dropped dramatically and rumors say he's been hanging out with some rough-neck "bad people".

Later, Yuma wanders the streets, remarking that his friends don't understand - he's much stronger than he was before. Later on, Yuma to find Shark, but is cornered by Chills, Scorch and their goons, then was lifted off the ground by his ankle. Luckily, Shark steps in and tells them to back off, leaving Yuma and his friends alone. When Yuma challenged Shark, he refuses to Duel and Yuma was shocked learning Shark to give up Dueling.

The next day, Yuma then proceeds to chase Shark and annoy him by requesting a Duel until he accepts. As the Duel progresses, Shark's burn strategy begins to take its toll on Yuma, who vows not to uses "Numbers". However, Shark tells him use his "Numbers" anyway, so Yuma brings out "Utopia", but it was not enough, as Shark weakened it with "Friller Rabca", then proceeded to negate its effects and destroy it with his "Black Ray Lancer". With a final direct attack from "Aero Shark", Yuma lost the Duel, losing his pride along the way and was devastated. As Yuma bet his pendant in the Duel as a prize, but when Shark took it, he threw it behind him onto the ground beside Yuma, saying that it wasn't worth destroying as well as warning him not to bother him again.

After this, Yuma Duels Bronk without the Numbers only to lose a grand total of 20 times in a row. Eventually, Bronk stops Dueling Yuma for lying to him about using the Numbers. On the way to school the next day, Yuma catches up with Bronk, asking him if they can Duel today, but Bronk simply says he can't Duel with him anymore. Yuma shakes it off, saying there are plenty of other people to Duel with anyway. When Astral appears and tells him that it doesn't matter who he Duels with right now because Yuma, who usually at least use basic strategies in his Duels, but he isn't even doing that anymore - he's simply recklessly attacking over and over again. Yuma asks what he means, Astral responds that Yuma is irritated about losing to Shark. Astral says that Shark is indeed a very talented Duelist, but that is not the only reason he won.

Yuma again asks what he means and Astral says that Shark thoroughly studied Yuma's Deck and found the weakness of the "Numbers", but Yuma really knows nothing about Shark. Yuma thinks back to when Bronk speculated that something happened to Shark at Nationals and goes to do research on Shark. In the school library, Yuma and Tori goes on on the computer and find information, the article calls Shark the "tarnished champion candidate". They read that Shark was disqualified for peeking at his opponent's Deck before a Duel began. Tori says it's hard to believe that's why Shark was disqualified, but Yuma says it can't be true - the Duel he had with Shark was not with the type of person who would cheat like that.

After school, someone called Weasel runs up to them and says that 2 brothers in the gang Shark is affiliated with, is going to rob a powerful Deck in Heartland Museum and are going to place the blame on Shark. Despite Tori's complaints, Yuma heads to the Museum and is in time to stop Shark, Scorch, and Chills from robing the Museum and challenges them to a Duel if they win they can have "Number 39: Utopia".



Shark warned Yuma not to be concerned for him, but Yuma said he wouldn't leave him alone to steal the Deck. Yuma also pointed out that Scorch and Chills were just using him, that their hideout is not a place for him to stay, and that both Yuma and Shark are comrades. Shark then decides to Duel with Yuma against Scorch and Chills in a 2-on-2 Tag Duel. During the Duel, Yuma is amazed that Shark could Xyz Summon "Aero Shark" and inflict damage on his first turn, but Scorch summons Number 61: Volcasaurus and with it destroys both their monsters and reducing them to 2400 and 1100 Life Points. Having all their moves countered and with the appearance of Chills' "Number 19: Freezadon", which gave "Volcasaurus" its Overlay Units back, Shark and Yuma were pushed into a corner.

Then Shark revealed what he had suspected Scorch and Chills were cheating by ordering their Decks so they would know what cards were in each others hands, so what they would draw, and they had rigged their D-Pad's Shuffle systems. When Chills tells Shark that he had cheated back at the National Duel Circuit, who said it was because he was afraid of losing, then they start mocking him for it, but Yuma defends Shark. Yuma says there was nothing wrong with being afraid of losing, which is why he used Numbers when he Dueled Shark, unaware that Tori and Bronk were near by listening.



After summoning "Utopia" and having it prevented from attacking by Chills's trap "Avalanche", Yuma used its effect to protect Shark from attacks, which would have caused him to lose. After having "Utopia" and the newly summoned "Black Ray Lancer" destroyed by "Volcasaurus", Shark narrowly avoids losing from a direct attack by using the trap "Final Offering", ending the battle phase and giving Yuma a card needed to win.

After eliminating Chills by forcing him to use his "Compensation Exchange" trap, which saved Volcasaurus by taking damage equal to its ATK, Yuma used "Monster Reborn" to bring back Shark's "Black Ray Lancer" and equip it with Shark's "Armored Xyz" he entrusted to him earlier. It allowed Yuma to give "Lancer" the properties of "Utopia", letting it destroy "Volcasaurus" and attack directly for the win. Bronk and Tori run up congratulating him for winning, and Yuma apologizes for lying. Bronk, with some urging from Tori, accepts the apology and asks for a Duel with him, which he happily accepts. Before Shark leaves, Yuma tries to return "Armored Xyz" to him, but Shark comments that his card was able to improve Yuma's game, allowing him to keep it. Yuma gets little annoyed being called a "no-good Duelist", making Shark smile and walk off as Yuma smiles and watches him.

While at the shopping mall, a criminal takes several people hostages, and Yuma's Duel Gazer rings to have asks him where he was. Yuma tried to lies being saying he still at school, but Kari knew he was there because she can see him on the news. Kari orders Yuma obtain her a scoop she can on the occurrence, but before he could get close to the scene, Kite Tenjo and Orbital 7 caused the time to freeze. Yuma and Astral wasn't affected by this and realized that they could move around in this frozen time. Yuma learned that a Duel was taking place and saw that the criminal is possessed by a "Numbers", he tries to get closer. Due to several blockages, Yuma arrives to finds the criminal, aged and continuously saying "Number Hunter". Yuma to figure out what happened, time start flowing again, and the Heartland police grab and attack him, which ends up on the news.



Since Astral learn that there is someone else collecting Numbers just like them and can somehow stopped time, he warns Yuma that someone might for them, but Yuma wasn't worry and it. At school, Bronk tells Yuma, Tori, and Caswell that the neighboring city has built a new Duel plaza, and the group decides to go there next Sunday. On the way back from the Duel plaza, it starts to rain, but as Yuma and Tori are looking for shelter, a truck is about to hit Tori. Yuma shoves her, putting himself in the way, then time suddenly stops again and they hear the same whistling they heard in the mall. They find themselves confronting the Number Hunter, who ties Yuma to a Duel Anchor stopping him from escaping and then Duel with their "Numbers" on the line. As Duel begins, Yuma watches as Kite has Summons "Number 10: Illumiknight" and "Number 20: Giga-Brilliant" and shortly after Summons his ultimate monster, "Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon".



When Orbital 7 the Kite tells him to extract every drop of Yuma's soul, and Yuma asks what he means, he learns that when Kite that when he collects a Number, he steals the owner's soul. Yuma fights back with Number 39: Utopia and Number 17: Leviathan Dragon, but the hunter overpowers Yuma. However just before he can deal the finishing blow on Yuma, the robot informs him that his little brother has collapsed the Hunter cancels the Duel. Kite breaks the Duel Anchor from Yuma and tells him that his name is "Kite Tenjo" and to remember it well, and leaves starting time again. As time resume, the truck that almost hit Yuma and Tori to drive past, splashing water all over him. Falling to the ground, Yuma begins cry out of anger from almost losing to Kite so easily and asks what is "kattobingu" and what's being a Duel Champion. Yuma says that this way he could never be a Duel Champion, and then cries out in frustration. Yuma then falling into a state of depression and with his pride was severly hurt.



Shortly after Tori and Bronk inform Yuma of a tournament known as the World Duel Carnival, Haru Tsukumo convinces Yuma to go to a Duel Sanctuary to train in Dueling by asking him to do an errand. While there, Yuma Dueled the Sanctuary's master, Roku, he learned about what the monsters go through during all Duels and that he'll become better for understanding their struggle. Eventually, Roku's old apprentice, Kaze, appears and defeats the Roku, wanting to claim the Duel Sanctuary's Legendary Deck. However, Yuma interferes with his search and a Duel beings between them. Soon though, Kaze is revealed to have a Numbers, "Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja".

After seeing his Number monster, Yuma begins to doubt his skills, but Astral tells him to believe in Roku's teachings, for they will lead to victory. With his and the monsters' feelings in mind, Yuma manages to defeat the Number monster and win. After being released from the Numbers and being accepted back to the Sanctuary, Kaze thanks Yuma. Kari, who was watching Yuma's Duel, realized how much he had grown through Dueling, and allowed him to do so, as long as he didn't overdo it. Before he leaves, Roku gives Yuma the Duel Sanctuary's Legendary Deck and tells him to prepare for the World Duel Carnival as many strong Duelists will be participating.



After putting together his new Deck, Yuma is prepared for the World Duel Carnival. However, Astral, still shaken up from his Duel with Kite, has his own doubts about it. Yuma eventually learns through a possessed Cathy that his friends are being held captive by Fortuno, a servant of Kite. Astral, scared of losing, was against the Duel, but Yuma eventually persuaded him and the two made off to face against Fortuno. Fortuno introduces himself as Kite's servant and tells him that Kite would be watching this Duel himself, scaring Astral, but not damaging Yuma's fiery spirit.



Once their Duel got started, Fortuno Summoned "Number 16: Shock Master" and the two were against the wall. However, Yuma managed to defeat the Numbers monster only to be shocked when Fortuno Summons his other Number Monster, "Number 11: Big Eye" and uses its effect to take control of Utopia. Also, throughout the Duel, Fortuno keeps sealing Yuma's summons up to the point where they think there's nothing else they can do. Astral was frightened about losing, but when Fortuno offers Yuma the deal of handing his Number monsters in exchange of his friends, Astral becomes willing to be sacrificed. Yuma refuses and when they eventually find out that the "Kite" watching them was nothing more than a statue, they once again gain hope. With a new power, Chaos Xyz Evolution, Yuma and Astral both CXyz Summon "Number C39: Utopia Ray" and defeat Fortuno. Astral then claims both numbers and Yuma saved his friends with the latter thanking Astral. Annoyed, Yuma then walks off in a fit due to his friends ignoring him.

One day at school, Mr. Kay tells Yuma's class that next Saturday is a Visitor Day. Bronk asks Tori which of her parents is coming, then noticing Yuma is listening, and apologies because his parents are absent. Yuma says its okay and he doesn't mind. When he arrives home, he notices both Haru and Kari have plans next Saturday, so he decides not to ruin their plans and not tell them about the Visitor Day. At night, Yuma looks sadly at picture of his parents before going to sleep. In the morning, Yuma overslept as usual and left the house in a hurry, not noticing he forgot Emperor's Key. As Yuma was about to leave, he bump into Kari, who finds it strange that Yuma has classes on a Saturday, but Yuma was able to avoids her questions. While waiting at a crosswalk, Yuma notices he lost his key and skipped his classes to look for it.



After looking it for a while, Astral asks Yuma about his parents and Yuma fondly tells him about his father and how he obtained The Emperor's Key, and how he gave it to Yuma, teaching him the "Kattobingu" challenge. After finding the key in his attic, Yuma goes back to school just in time for P.E. class. Yuma spend the time watching his friends jumping over boxes when Kari and Haru arrived, finding out about the Visitor Day and realize that Yuma didn't tell them. Yuma was surprised, but happy when they cheer for him, who once again challenges jumping 20 stacks. Smiling, Yuma sees the stacks as a mountain, and seeing that his parents' spirits watching over him. Astral realizes everyone loves Yuma and cheers for him too, then Yuma leaps toward the boxes with his family and friends cheering him on.



After obtaining "Number 96: Dark Mist", he and Bronk got into a fight over being reckless in the Duel. Yuma spend the next day ignoring Bronk at school, but also remembering the day they met and became friends. While Tori urged Yuma to make up with Bronk, Yuma told Astral the Bronk wasn't his friend, with the latter being right front of him. When Yuma tried to solve the situation, Bronk accidentally knocks the Emperor's Key, causing Number 96 to take control of Astral. Just before the evil "Number" fully takes control of Astral, he tells Yuma to give his "Utopia" to Bronk so that he can Duel Number 96, and free Yuma and Astral. During the Duel, the Dark Mist manipulated and controls Yuma, who was forced to his cards to Duel for the it. On Astral's orders, Yuma pretended to be overtaken by 96 to fool it into destroying a card that Bronk could win without. Once Bronk re-summoned Utopia, he managed to defeat Number 96 and frees Yuma and Astral from its control.

After school one day, Yuma and his friends discover a duckling, which leads them to discover the Litterbot washed up on shore with the mother duck inside. After setting the mother duck free, Tori asks Yuma to fix the Litterbot, though Yuma had no clue of what to do. Due to one of the cables being severed, Tori helps by lending one of her heart pins to bind the cable, and Yuma was able reviving the broken Litterbot. After reviving, the Litterbot forms a bond with Yuma and fallow him back to his house, to his dismay. After the Litterbot defeats Yuma in a Duel, the Litterbot takes Tori's ribbon and ties it on itself leading Tori to assume it's a girl Litterbot, naming it Lillybot, which Yuma shortens to Lilly. Then Yuma and friends enjoy the day with Lilly - playing basketball, skateboarding, and beating both Yuma and Bronk in a Duel. At night, Yuma lets Lilly stays in Yuma's garage. Unknown to Yuma, the thief activates the control forcing Lilly to steal for him again, but not before she dropped one of her cards, which is "Star Light, Star Bright". The following morning, after finding Lilly's card and Yuma discovers that Lilly is involved in the recent thefts in the city. Yuma and friends search for Lilly and confront the jewel thief. However, he manages to get away as Lilly causes distraction. Yuma Duels Lilly hoping that he can snap Lilly out of the thief's control. During the Duel, the thief triggers a 1-minute countdown to blow up the Litterbot, but Yuma successfully stopped the countdown by defeating Lilly.

One night, Yuma learns from Astral about the structure and ship in the Emperor's Key, making him fall out his hammock out of shock. Yuma questions Astral about the key, but Astral tells him that the structure looks like a giant puzzle and something might happen if the Numbers are collected. In the morning, Yuma was apparently late for school and was running through the hallways, having forget he has swimming in gym class today. At the pool, Yuma and Caswell get into an argument, who claimed his key is dangerous. Though Yuma says it isn't, Casewell insists and reminds him that Yuma's key hurts his head. Yuma decides to go to his locker and put the key there, wondering if Astral will be fine, but he decides to leave. Later, Yuma and his classmates discovers the locker room in a mess, and his Emperor's Key was stolen. Yuma searches frantically for it only to find that Kite and Orbital 7 has the key with Astral still inside, and that Shark's soul was stolen.



After recruiting Mr. Kay to use a virus to find the location of Kite's hideout, Yuma, along with Bronk, Tori, Cathy, and Caswell go there, only to find that the doors are sealed shut. As he is giving up hope, Tori slaps him, bringing him back to his senses and reminding him of "Kattobingu". The group begins to pull on the doors, only for them to open by Mr. Kay's bug. They go inside, looking for the Key, but are intercepted by Orbital 5 and Orbital 6. Yuma kicks the former in the face, but is spurred on by his friends, who say they will distract the robots while he looks for the Key. He does find the area with the key, but the door is locked. He is unable to open it, but discovers a picture of Kite and a mysterious young boy. After Orbital 7 arrived, the door opened and the robot attacked Yuma, but got his drills get stuck in a wall, giving Yuma the chance to enter the lab and find his key.

Yuma is called to The Door once again after his Deck begins to glow, with it telling him that, while he will lose his most precious thing as the price for the power it gave him, someone is interrupting their agreement, prompting him to fly through it and obtain the power of ZEXAL. He sees Astral's Duel with Kite, and wanting to help, does jump through, to which Astral initiates an Xyz summon, using the both of them as material. The two reappear as one, their bodies and souls overlayed together. Yuma continues the Duel in place of Astral, who tells him that their next draw would decide whether they won or lost. He calls out Shining Draw, getting the newly created "ZW - Unicorn Spear", using it as an equip card on "Number C39: Utopia Ray", giving it the ability to negate Kite's "Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon's" effect, destroying it. Kite then uses his trap, "Photon Shock", giving them both the damage from that battle, ending the Duel in a Draw. Yuma questions Kite as to why someone like him would do something as devilish as steal peoples' souls for the Numbers, prompting him to say that he sold his soul to the devil long ago, and that his reasons were none of his concern Kite then gives Shark's soul back.



The building begins to self-destruct and Yuma's friends waits outside for him, but think it too late after it explodes. Yuma appears from out of the rubble, the Emperor's King around his neck once again. While celebrating his safety and the return of the Key, he notices Kite flying away from the area.

The next day, while running to school, time suddenly stopped, and only Yuma and Astral are able to move. Kite invaded Astral's memories, causing him to fly through the places where they Dueled so far. When time resumed again, Kite appeared telling him that they will settle their score in the WDC.

World Duel Carnival Preliminaries
A few days before the World Duel Carnival starts, Yuma waited for his Heart Pieces, but they didn't arrive as Yuma forgot to register online. When his friends reminded him, he quickly tried to register, but the registration time had already finished. Yuma panicky immediately ran into a building to ask for a Heart Piece, but the guards didn't let him enter until Mr. Heartland appeared and gave him a Heart Piece. Afterwards, with Yuma and Tori talks about how he can finally fulfill the promise he made with his father to become the Duel Champion. Astral tells Yuma that he must win since the tournament should have many Number holders. Yuma tells Astral that he doesn't plan on just winning, causing Astral to asks Yuma why he doesn't plan on fully winning since that would mean Yuma wouldn't be fulfilling the promise he made with his father. Yuma explains to Astral that he has thought to himself for a long time about what Dueling means to him. Yuma tells him that ever since he met Astral, he started to win despite losing all the time before, but when he lost against Shark and Kite, he understood that he could lose something important from losing for the first time, but he never hated Dueling despite it.



Yuma tells Astral that Dueling means bonds and connection to him, and that Dueling and fighting are different. Astral doesn't want to agree to him since he would disappear if he lost, but Yuma tells Astral that he understands how he feels and will do anything to save him. However, Yuma has realized that there is something exceeding winning and losing. Astral asks Yuma what he will do about Kite, where Yuma answers that he will lose his soul if he lost, but it won't change his Dueling. Then Tori worries what would happen if Yuma really lost his soul, but Yuma tries to comfort Tori and promises to win the tournament. The day the WDC started, Yuma went to the opening ceremony and listens to Mr. Heartland explains the rules. Just after the Carnival starts, Striker hits Yuma in the face with a soccer ball filled with cards, challenging him to a Duel.



Striker quickly reduces Yuma's Life Points and prevents him from attacking with his Soccer-themed Deck. During the Duel, Striker reveals that he used to play soccer in his older brothers' team, but Striker doesn't play as a team, so he quit the team and started Dueling instead. Yuma manages to win the Duel with his new Xyz Monster, Muzurhythm the String Djinn and reminds Striker that he likes to play soccer and rejoins his brothers' team. Striker gives Yuma his Heart Piece, earning his first Heart Piece.



Yuma's second opponent is Cody Callus. Cody thinks that a Duel is only about power and uses the Xyz monster with highest ATK so far. Yuma proves him wrong by defeating him without using any Xyz Monsters, instead, he reduced his monster's ATK to 0 and destroyed it with "Kurivolt" who only has 300 ATK and inflicted effect damage. With Cody's defeat Yuma now has 3 Heart Pieces; however, so far, only two pieces fit together, meaning Yuma will still need to collect three more fitting pieces. His third opponent was Anna Kaboom, who was always carrying a cannon with her, which reflects in her Duels since she uses a beatdown strategy through effect damage. Even though Yuma defeated her, it was revealed she wasn't an actual participant in the tournament so she couldn't give him a Heart Piece. As Anna flew away, she thought of Yuma and developed a crush on him, along with a feeling of hatred immediately after, because those thoughts distracted her, causing her to smash her head against the railroad and she blamed him for it.

Yuma's fourth opponent was Tombo Tillbitty, who plays by the rules of "Basket Rule" meaning he had to pull a vegetable from a basket at random and eat it every time he wanted to attack. Yuma was not able to attack for most of the Duel because he pulled a tomato every time he was about to attack and he said he hated tomatoes until Tori said that if he lost she would force Yuma to eat his food and Duel meals with tomatoes every single day. Scared of the thought of it, Yuma forced himself to eat one and after that, he thought that Tombo's tomatoes were delicious. Yuma won the Duel by summoning a new Xyz monster "Melomelody the Brass Djinn" and using "Gagaga Girl's" effect gaining his fourth Heart Piece. His fifth opponent was Charlie McCay, who plays cards with Die Roll effects and possess "Number 7: Lucky Straight" that gives luck to the player who has it, so Charlie wins all the Duels he plays. Charlie also used this card to steal cards and other things, among them being one of the Numbers, "Big Eye", so Yuma chased him and challenged him to a Duel on top of a train. Yuma defeated him because he "split the sun in two", as Charlie said that if the sun is split in two, the luck of "Number 7: Lucky Straight" would run out. Yuma destroyed Charlie's "Sun Scale", which symbolizes the sun, and then Summoned "Number C39: Utopia Ray" for the win. After that, Charlie returned the stolen Number card to Yuma and receiving "Lucky Straight" as well.

During the second day of the WDC, Yuma and Tori Meadows went with Bronk and Caswell met with the Asian Champion, Quattro, in a clearing for a Duel. Although Yuma was wary of Quattro due to Shark, Quattro seemed kind, Yuma changed his opinion of him until Quattro activated the card Gimmick Box, he showed his real face, which is cold and malicious. He started to make suffer Caswell and Bronk, causing Yuma to become angry. After the Quattro's win, Yuma challenged him to a Duel, but Shark arrives and challenged him too, but Quattro went away. Trey, who is Quattro's brother, challenged Shark to a Duel, and Yuma watched it. Throughout the Duel, Yuma worried about Shark, but cheered him on and was happy that he won. After the Duel, Yuma is irritated by whats going on with Shark and Quattro, and angrily says "Dueling isn't a tool for revenge!". Despite Tori's attempts to take his mind off it, Yuma snaps at her for trying to cheer him up, in which Tori walks away hurt. After a request from his sister to look for a Duelist named Cameron Clix, he wonders where Tori went, and Astral clarifies that he said some hurtful things to her, which he denies. Upon running into Cameron, they Duel, with Tori's life at stake due to Cameron's prediction with his photo. When Cameron summoned his "Numbers" card, Yuma was pushed into a corner. However, Astral told Yuma to ignore the photo's Cameron showed him. By doing so, Yuma was able to summon "Number C39: Utopia Ray" and win the Duel. Unfortunately, this didn't stop the prediction of Tori's fate, but Kite and Orbital 7 showed up and managed to safely put the ship on the ground, which Yuma thanked him for. With Tori safe, Yuma got his fifth Heart Piece and "Number 25: Force Focus".



Later, he Duels Nistro and Dextra in Flip's place, as Flip collected Heart Pieces using his "tricky ideas" until Nistro and Dextra found out. He Duels without the help of Astral, as Astral is being cornered inside Emperor's Key by "Number 96: Dark Mist", he is unable to use the Numbers and is struggling against the teamwork of Nistro and Dextra. As the Duel continues, their combination overpowered Yuma and drastically lowered his Life Points. On an attempt to turn the Duel around, Yuma managed to Summon "Utopia", surprising Nistro and his partner as he holds a "Number" card. After noticing their Photon cards, Yuma identifies them as being affiliated with Kite, and told them that he has Dueled Kite. Unable to counterattacked, Yuma gave up hope when they reduced him 100 to Life Points, but Astral returned and was briefly visible to everyone watching the Duel - revealing to Nistro and Dextra he is in possession of the Original Number. With Astral's help, Yuma execute a winning move and won the Duel.

Afterwards, Yuma gather together with Tori, Flip, and Bronk, who tells how Caswell is doing. Flip comments that Yuma is the only one to have one in their group while Astral reminds him that the remaining contestants in the WDC are quite the competition as only strong people remain. Then Cathy appears behind Yuma and shows him that she gather three Heart Pieces. Yuma congratulates her on getting the Heart Pieces, and then shows her the four that he's collected. Suddenly, a dog snatched Yuma's Heart Piece and ran off, but Cathy uses her ability with cats to search for dog's whereabouts for him. When managing to locate where the dog had gone, Yuma was shocked when a dog, named Roscoe spoke to the gang. After Cathy challenged the dog to a Duel, Yuma watches anxiously since his Heart Pieces are on the line. Yuma was shocked when the talking dog was revealed to actually be a little girl named Pip. As the Duel continues, Yuma sees Pip growing nervous and encourage her to "Kattobingu" and his his friends fallows suit. Yuma cheers for Pip when she managed to win the Duel, but remembers his Heart Pieces were on the line. As the sun begins to set, Yuma stop sulking after Pip gave him back his stolen Heart Pieces.



Later at night, Yuma encounters Hart Tenjo wondering the streets, and bared witness to his power. Upon Astral's request, Yuma takes Hart to his home and formed a friendship with him. When Hart wonders out in the night, Yuma went after him, but notice that Hart was beginning to panic when they noticed the helicopter. On Astral's advised, Yuma quickly gave Hart a caramel and promised to take him to see his brother Kite, which calms him down, and then found out the helicopter which was piloted by Quinton. Quinton brainwashes Hart and takes him in his helicopter as Yuma yells Hart's name as it flew away. Walking home, Yuma was confronted by Nistro and Dextra, which Yuma kicked the former in the crotch in order to escape from his gripped. Yuma and Kite agreed to teamed up to find him and break into an abandoned gallery, beginning a Tag Duel against Trey and Quattro.



As the Duel begun, Kite used his field spell, which injured everyone else, including Yuma. Yuma got upset that Kite would hurt his own partner, but Astral reminded him that they were there to save Hart. As the Duel continued, Yuma tried to protect Kite, while playing his Number, much to Trey, Quattro and Quinton's surprise, but it is destroyed by "Number 15: Gimmick Puppet Giant Grinder". Nonetheless, Yuma fights back using "Number C39: Utopia Ray", but Quattro manages to stop the damage from the attack and play "Number 40: Gimmick Puppet of Strings", much to Yuma's shock. After Kite was on the verge of defeat, Yuma told him to stand up, because if he didn't, Yuma asks him who else would protect Hart. Upon seeing Kite's new energy enveloping him, he lets him sacrifice his monsters and unleash "Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon", which wins them the Duel. Afterwards, Yuma learns from Quinton that his father is still alive in the Astral World. Although he decides to go there in hopes to find his father, he is stopped by Tori and his family along with Roku. Yuma decides to Duel Roku so he can leave. Despite faring well, he recklessly disregards Roku's Face-down Trap card "Mirror Force", which destroys all his monsters, and is then finished off by "Arcana Knight Joker". After some words from Roku, he comes to his senses, realizing he shouldn't run away or abandon Dueling.

During the next day, Yuma was ready to leave his house while lamenting how Roku was gone when he woke up. However, his grandmother assure him that Roku left relief that Yuma has chosen his path, which left him wondering what path he has taken. Kari said it is him winning the World Duel Carnival and becoming champion. Touched by his family's support, Yuma hurries outside to find his friends all gather to cheer him on. While walking, Yuma proclaimed on about winning anyone in the finals, but stopped and wonder about his path he choose again. Astral said that he shared Yuma's confusion, and reminds Yuma about others - Kite, Hart, Shark, and his father - whom he all wants to save. Yuma includes Astral too and say that he won't lose to anyone no matter what, making Astral smile. Yuma notice his friends listening, and said that he'll find a way to make everybody happy. When Yuma show his friends that he needs only one more Heart Piece, they started to search for a weak Duelist for Yuma, to his annoyance. Later, Flip calls Yuma to a plaza, where he happily finds Nelson Andrews as "The Sparrow" Dueling against Nistro, where both Duelists are also happy to see him. Throughout the Duel, Yuma watches in awe and cheers for both sides. The Duel gets him excited, and spend most of his time bantering with Astral about Nistro, Nelson, and the moves they played. After Nelson lost, Yuma goes up to him and was happy that he had fun. He was little surprised, but touched when Nelson thanked Yuma for teaching him that Dueling was for fun. When Nistro came to them, Yuma finds out the he enter the WDC in order to Duel against him, and Nistro tells Yuma that he will be waiting in the finals. Yuma then listen to Nelson explaining how he can make others happy through Dueling and hearing Nelson's encouragements, Yuma thanks him for helping him realized his path and promised that he will always "Kattobing".

Later, Yuma can't find anyone to Duel against and desperately searches for an opponent. However, Yuma encounters a fallen Duelist and learned how violent Shark has became. Yuma found Shark at a construction plant and tried to questions his behavior. When he tried to leave, Yuma challenges Shark to a Duel, which he accepts. However, Yuma doesn't make any attempts to attack Shark and let him take his anger out on him. Once Shark realize this, Yuma's plan succeed and manage to make the "Number"'s darkness over Shark disappeared. After Yuma reaffirm his friendship with Shark, Yuma gets a call from his grandma to learn that Trey was at his house. Despite initial hostility, Yuma ends up befriending Trey, who was amazed by the artifacts in Yuma's room that his father found. After spending part of the day with Yuma and his family, Trey remembers how his family used to be and challenges Yuma to a Duel, who wished to know Trey's feelings and talk more.



During the Duel, Yuma tried to reason with Trey and shocked by his sudden change in personalty. Trey then uses his new powers to erase Yuma's memories of "Kattobing" and his father's teachings. Due to the power of Trey's Crest, Yuma is unable to see Astral or the Emperor's Key. Without his "Kattobing", Yuma also becomes weak and cowardly, and wants to surrender the Duel. Trey refused to let Yuma quite the Duel and brutally attacked him, causing Yuma to nearly fell off the highway until his friends saved him. With some help from his father inside the Emperor's Key and Astral using the his bit of power, Yuma was released  from Trey's influence and regained ability to see the key and Astral. Upon returning to normal, Yuma learned that Trey destroyed Astral, which makes him mad and cried for his friend. Remebering the lessons Astral gave him, Yuma proceeds to use "Number 39: Utopia" and later "Number C39: Utopia Ray", but Trey counters with Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis.



Trey uses the Trap card "Final Prophecy" to protect "Atlanto", but doesn't realize that the card opens a portal to the Barian World. Trey's Crest starts damaging his body, but Yuma manages to convince Trey to work together with him to revive Astral. Using the ZEXAL power, Yuma and Astral performed a Shining Draw - "ZW - Phoenix Bow", and equipping it to "Utopia Ray", Yuma defeated Trey. and "Atlanto". After Yuma's victory over Trey, Trey gives Yuma his "Numbers" and a Heart Piece and leaves asking Yuma to save his family. Obtaining Trey's Heart Piece and two "Numbers", Yuma completed his Heart Pieces and advances to the WDC finals.

World Duel Carnival Finals
After Yuma advanced to the finals, he goes to the finals party and brought his friends along, but forgets his invitation. Flip helps him and his friends sneak into the party, they get caught again, but Nistro appears and helps them get into the party. During the party, Yuma notices Kite talking to Quinton and tried to reach them, but to no avail and then tried looking for Shark. After Vetrix interrupts Mr. Heartland's speech and reveals himself, Yuma realizes that he is the one Trey was talking about during their Duel and leaving Yuma confused. After Flip's antics cause a mess at the party, Yuma found Kite on his way out and asked how Hart was. Kite told him not to concern himself with that and focus on the confrontation the two will surely have in the finals. Yuma agreed, only to hear Kite telling him that it's not Yuma he's looking forward to defeating - it's Astral, much to Yuma's annoyance, but smiles as Kite left.



On the morning of the Finals, Yuma sleeps outside the stadium, as not to be late again. Upon boarding his Duel Coaster car, he realizes he forgets his Heart Pieces, as they are required to start. Yuma's sister and his friends work together to get his Heart Pieces to him, and he starts the course, with Tori in the passenger seat next to him by mistake. He notices many of the Duels and the quick victories of the other Finalists. Yuma is cornered by the Triad of Terror and forced into a Duel formation, making a 3 on 1 Battle Royal against him. However, Anna, and her sacrifice as well as Nistro's interference, Yuma was able to defeat the Triad of Terror but only has 600 Life Points left.

Yuma enters the underground sector and realizes that only 8 Duelists can go to the Duel Fields, so he rushes to find someone but doesn't realize a Trap point. The Trap throws a boxing glove that punches him and inflicts 200 damage to him twice. Yuma then encounters another trap point, and slows down in desperation. The trap card, "The Paths of Destiny", still activates. Yuma tosses a coin for its effect, and since the coin landed on heads, Yuma recovers 2000 Life Points. He then proceeds to save Nistro who was about to be eliminated by Quinton. Yuma guides Nistro to "The Paths of Destiny" and tells him to use it to recover his Life Points. Yuma leaves but once again runs into the boxing glove Trap, but this time it punches Tori, which makes her mad.



Later, Yuma unintentionally drove his Duel Coaster car into Jungle Field where Dextra and Vetrix are Dueling. At first during the Duel, Yuma has faith that Dextra win against Vetrix, given the advantage she has. However, Vetrix manages to pull himself out and beat Dextra with only 100 Life Points. After Vetrix removes her memories of Kite and leaves her emotionally scarred, Yuma vows to Duel Vetrix for her sake.



After the Duel, Yuma and Tori run into Orbital 7, who was looking for Kite and crashed into his Duel Coaster. Remembering Dextra's request, Yuma told Orbital to show him the way to Kite and finds him Dueling with Quinton on the Space field. Upon crashing into the field, Yuma relays his message to Kite about Dextra after her Duel with Vetrix, and gets angry with him after he shrugs off the information. Afterwards, Quinton tells the story of what happened to Yuma's father, who was shocked upon finding out what happen to his father and his connections to Vetrix and Dr. Faker. Yuma stayed to watch the Duel between Quinton and Kite, and cheers Kite on. Yuma's actions were questioned by Quinton, who point out that Kite is Faker's son, and Faker betrayed Kazuma - and he is a Number Hunter who will hunt Yuma as well. Yuma says he knows that, but adds that he has Dueled Kite and that means they are friends, and Kite is also his goal. After Kite successfully defeated Quinton, Yuma converses with Astral on how Vetrix and Dr. Faker's plans began as Astral came to his world. Yuma concludes that that his father wants him and Astral to stop them, and proclaimed he will fight against those "stubborn adults".



While on his Duel Coaster, Yuma muttering about defeating Vetrix and Dr. Faker, and expressed his anger how they used their sons as tools. After Astral told Yuma that he feels a strong pulse coming from the left side - the same one given off by the crests of Trey and Quinton - Yuma heads off towards that direction in hopes of finding Vetrix. However, Yuma wanders into the field where Shark and Quattro were having their final showdown. Yuma cheers Shark on and worries for him as he summon Number 32: Shark Drake onto the field. When Vetrix appeared before Yuma, he listens to Vetrix explaining his plans concerning Shark. While watching Shark suffer under Quattro's combo with Number 40: Gimmick Puppet of Strings, Yuma tried to save Shark and urged them to stop the meaningless fighting, but was restrained by Vetrix's chains from the Barian World. Yuma continues to rant, saying that those who Duel become friends - it shouldn't be used to hurt people. Vetrix compares how Yuma really is just like his father, Kazuma, who always talked about Yuma, bonds and making people happy. Vetrix tried to convince Yuma to get revenge on Dr. Faker for what he had done to Kazuma. Vetrix say that if that happens, darkness will be born from Yuma's heart and then spread, but Yuma lashed out on him and said he won't forgive Vetrix's actions. Vetrix says that's very good - darkness is being born in Yuma's heart from his anger, and urges Yuma to hate both him and Dr. Faker.



When Shark turned the tide with "Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss", the chains were broken and Shark won the Duel. After Quattro left through the portal, Shark told Yuma he would not forgive him if he got in the way, which only made Yuma more determined to reach the finals.



Afterward, while thinking about the Duels he witnessed, Yuma carelessly runs into the "Cementery Bomb" trap reducing his Life Points to 100. Finally after to the "Desert Field" field, Yuma began his Duel against Nistro. Wanting a fair fight against Yuma, Nistro activates the trap, "Heroic Gift", that restores his Life Points back to 4000. However, still shaken up from seeing the other Duels, Yuma plays a more defensive strategy, which disappoints Nistro. Astral tells win he can't win the way he's playing now and that Yuma is afraid, but Yuma rebuff him and continue playing his way. After Nistro told Yuma must come at him with his true Dueling, Yuma realized he must bet everything on this Duel. Returning to offensive style, Yuma began to Duel up to Nistro's expectations. Midway through the Duel, racks of the Duel Coaster abruptly end and they flung onto the ground below, and the field switched to "Sunset Showdown". Accepting Nistro's wish to finish the battle using their respective ace monsters,Yuma Summon "Number 39: Utopia" through the effect of Nistro's "Xyz Xtreme !!". Using his "Double or Nothing!" combo, Yuma increased the ATK of "Utopia" and defeated "Heroic Champion - Excalibur", thus winning him the Duel. Yuma and Nistro exchanges words, with the latter giving him "Excalibur" and wish Yuma luck in the finals.



At night, Yuma celebrated his making it to the semifinals with his friends and family at his house. While eating and proclaiming he would become Duel Champion with his Deck, Yuma noticed his Deck was missing and panicked. Tracking his Deck through Heartland City, Caswell told Yuma his Deck was in Heartland, which prompted Yuma to bang at the doors. After many failed attempts, Yuma infiltrated Heartland by being "recycled" by the Litterbots along with Tori and Bronk. Successfully entering Heartland Tower, Yuma learned from Astral that Hart was here and decided to go see him. After letting his friends handle a security robot, Yuma and Astral entered Hart's room. Yuma talked to a comatose Hart about still being in the World Duel Carnival and his goals. Tearing up, Yuma began to blame himself for letting Hart fall into Vetrix's hands. Yuma's teardrop dripped into Hart's face and was transported into Hart's mind with Astral. Here, Yuma and Astral listened to Hart's request to save his brother, Kite, and then were transported back into the room. Conversing with Astral, Yuma was unsure what to do with Hart and the Numbers. Then an oversized hologram of Dr. Faker confronted them, and Yuma learned Dr. Faker's goal to rule the Earth. Being dropped through a hole, Yuma met up with his friends and got his Deck back. The next day, the semifinals began, and Yuma was matched-up with Shark. In a hallway leading to the arena, Yuma told Astral he would become champion for sure and vowed to resolve everything himself and runs out.



Upon enter the Duel Tower, Yuma noticed there was something wrong with Shark as he made no attempt to defend against his attacks, which caused him to easily reduces Shark's Life Points. When Shark began to counterattack, Yuma realized that Vetrix influenced him, and his Life Points was quickly dropped. While trying to bring Shark to his senses, Yuma held out until he finally managed to summon "Number 39: Utopia", which he needed to fulfill his plan. He attacked with "Utopia", negated his own attack and activated "Bonds of Rival", which gave him control of Shark's "Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss", allowing Shark to recover from Vetrix's influence, but forcing himself to suffer the darkness. Yuma had a way to get rid of "Shark Drake Veiss" by releasing "Bonds of Rival", but that would make the "Number" possess Shark again. However, Yuma knew if he didn't, he'd have to take the effect of "Heraldry Catastrophe", which could defeat "Utopia" and make Astral disappear. Shark, who could not stand watching Yuma in pain, activated "Marine Snow Seal", banishing "Shark Drake Veiss" and causing himself to take 1000 damage, giving Yuma the win. After the Duel, Shark reminded Yuma that he was a good friend and thanks Yuma for saving him. As Shark was flown off to the hospital, Yuma vowed to inherit Shark's will and win against Vetrix.

Later, Yuma meets up with Kite as he enters the arena for his match with Vetrix, telling him not to lose as they have a score to settle with each other. With Kite's permission, he hop onto the platform to watch the Duel close up. During the Duel, Yuma starts to notice the Kite seems to be physically in pain because of the Photon Transformation, and asks Orbital 7 if anything is wrong with Kite. He is then excited to see Kite attempt a One-Turn Kill move with Dyson Sphere, but is surprised on Vetrix being able to negate the attack. When Vetrix reveals his face as Hart, he offers to sever the connection between Vetrix and Hart so Kite can concentrate on the Duel. He then hops on Orbital 7 in glider mode and flies to Hart. Yuma invaded Heartland Tower and managed to enter Hart's mind to find Vetrix appearing in the form of a dragon. Yuma slew it with "Number 39: Utopia", severing Hart's connection to Vetrix and allowing Kite to continue the Duel. Yuma continues to watch the Duel through a screen, until he saw Kite cornered by Vetrix and rush back to the Duel Tower. When he arrived, Kite had just lost the Duel and his "Numbers" to Vetrix, Yuma runs to a comatose Kite and unsuccessfully tried to wake him up.



Having had advanced to the final match, Yuma goes against Vetrix in the Sphere Field, which would allow Dr. Faker to gather the energy of the "Numbers" Vetrix and Yuma would wield, as its effect allowed "Numbers" to be easily Summoned. Yuma confronted Vetrix about his sons' fates, and he revealed the price they paid by wielding crests, while telling Yuma how it was his father whose words inspired him to survive. Yuma told Vetrix of his promise to Trey to save his family, and would fight for Vetrix's sake as well. When Vetrix queried Yuma did not want revenge on Faker, Yuma insisted his father would not want that, but Vetrix suggested that perhaps his father's own plans of revenge had already begun - the appearance of Astral in this world. The Duel began, and using the "Sphere Field" effect, Yuma summon "Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja" to destory Vetrix's "Number 56: Gold Rat". Vetrix responded by bringing out three "Numbers" in a single turn - "Number 10: Illumiknight", "Number 30: Acid Golem of Destruction" and "Genome Heriter". Yuma survived via the effect of "Armor Ninja" and "Half Guard" and was able to match Vetrix's move by Summoning "Number 17: Leviathan Dragon", "Number 34: Terror-Byte" and "Utopia".



Using his "Numbers", Yuma managed to destroy all of Vetrix's "Numbers", putting him at a disadvantage. However, Vetrix made a comeback by Summoning "God Medallion Coat of Arms", which absorbed the effects of all of Yuma's "Numbers" and reduced him to 500 Life Points. Using the power of ZEXAL, Yuma and Astral then performed a Chaos Xyz Evolution and Summoned "Number C39: Utopia Ray", equipping it with "ZW - Lightning Blade".When they attcked with "Utopia Ray, the "Coat of Arms"'s effect negated the attack, but Yuma survived with the effect of "Lightning Blade". Yuma narrowly survived Vetrix's next attack by using "Half Unbreak", and proceeded to use the power of ZEXAL again to perform the "Final Shining Draw" and equip "Utopia Ray" with "ZW - Tornado Bringer". Vetrix evaded this move with "Heraldry Burst", but Yuma was able to overlay his two "ZW -" monsters to Xyz Summon "ZW - Leo Arms". Using its effect, Yuma was able negated the effects of "Coat of Arms" and boosted the ATK of "Utopia Ray" enough to defeat Vetrix and was named the "Duel Champion" of the WDC. Faker absorbed the "Numbers" of both players with the Sphere Field and nearly absorbed the Duelists themselves.Yuma wielded "Lightning Blade" with his own hands and saved Vetrix, similar to when his father tried to save Vetrix once before. Vetrix was confused as to why Yuma rescued him, Yuma insisted that everybody can change, and that his family needed him. After Vetrix releases the souls he capture, he let go of Yuma's hand and thank Yuma for he done as he fell into the core, much to Yuma's horror. Yuma is then captured into the Sphere Field and transported to Heartland Tower in front of Faker.

While trapped in the Sphere, Yuma learns of Faker's purpose of the WDC to gather "Number" cards for the Sphere Field Cannon as a power source. Angered by all problems Faker has caused, Yuma tries to punch him, but Faker reveals his appearance in the Sphere Field is just a hologram. As Yuma becomes exhausted by being in the Sphere Field., Astral apologizes to him, saying it's all his fault since he wasn't strong enough. Yuma denies it, and says Hart needs saving more than he does right now. When power suddenly drops, Yuma feels relieved and was surprised to see his rescuers Kite, Shark, and Tori. When Astral undoes ZEXAL, Yuma was given "Number 39: Utopia" and "Number 32: Shark Drake" and was told to save Hart and the Astral World. Yuma is then send out of the Sphere Field bubble and reunite with his friends. When Faker appeared before them, Yuma gives Shark "Shark Drake", and ask him and Kite to lend him their power. Yuma challenged Dr. Faker while the three Duelists hold their ace cards high in the air.

As the duel beings, Yuma takes the first turn for the group and instantly summon "Utopia". Despite Shark and Kite's warnings about Faker's plans, Yuma recklessly declares an attack on Number 53: Heart-eartH. When Faker activates from "Heart-eartH"'s effects to give "Heart-eartH" more attacks points then "Utopia", Yuma uses his "Double or Nothing! combo, only to have it countered and revives 1250 points of damage. On Shark and Kite's turns, Yuma lets them use his "Utopia" that was equiped with Shark's "Shield Fin" to inflict 5600 damage to Dr. Faker. When they thought Kite had defeated Dr. Faker, Yuma was shocked to see Dr. Faker had summoned another "Number" in "Number 53: Heart-eartH's" place.

As the Duel continued, Faker's new "Number", "Number 92: Heart-eartH Dragon" continued to torment the trio, even banishing Yuma's "Number C39: Utopia Ray". As Shark and Kite's turns comes, Yuma worry for them as their injuries worsen, even though they told Yuma not to. When Kite managed to summon Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, he reduced Dr. Faker down to 150 Life Points. After the attack, Dr. Faker came clean about his actions and why he committed them. After revealing it was Vector who ordered him to do such things in order to save Hart, Yuma, Kite and Shark decided to go after Vector. However, Vector emerged from a portal and possessed Dr. Faker, continuing the Duel by resurrecting "Heart-eartH Dragon".



As Yuma and his friends are push into a corner by Vector, Hart was able to free Astral, who then fuses with Yuma into ZEXAL. Yuma draws "ZW - Ultimate Shield and Normal Summons it, bringing back "Number C39: Utopia Ray", "Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss" and "Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon" to the field, before equipping it to "Number C39: Utopia Ray". With the power of Kite's "Neo-Galaxy Eyes" and Shark's "Shark Drake Veiss", Utopia Ray's attack raises to 16600 and defeats Vector. As Heartland Tower starts to collapse, Yuma went after Kite, who was trying to save Faker off a ledge. Yuma was able to grab the end of Kite's Duel Anchor, but struggled to keep the two from falling. When Faker asks why Yuma is helping him, Yuma says he doesn't like Faker, but realizes he was just trying save Hart, making Faker be reminded of Kazuma. Unexpectedly, Vetrix appears saying Faker committed "many sins", Yuma plead with Vetrix to abandon his revenge. Suddenly, Vetrix used his crest saves everyone and transported them to the outskirts of Heartland. Afterwards, Yuma said that he hasn't received his prize for becoming champion of the WDC, and reveals his wish to have one last Duel with Kite, saying they still have a score to settle. Kite happily accepts Yuma's request to determine the "true" winner of the World Duel Carnival.

Later, Yuma express his excitement to duel Kite again to Astral, recalling all the times when they dueled and their Tag-Team Duel. Once Kite had arrived, Yuma starts off with the duel, and the two exchanges blows on equal ground. Throughout the duel, Yuma shows much fun he's having and commenting on Kite's dueling. When Kite was about give up, Yuma tried to cheer Kite up and encourages him to continue. While Yuma was able to match Kite evenly, and was able to summon both "Utopia" and "Utopia Ray" to his field, he was eventually defeat by Kite. However, Yuma was okay with the loss and told Kite that he will beat him one day. Afterwards, Yuma collapses from the exhaustion and beings to take nap, muttering "Kattobingu" in his sleep.

Barian Invasion
After the WDC ended, Yuma dreamed about The Door again, which told him the someone will take Yuma's most important thing away from him. As the ground crumbles, Yuma wakes up in class, falling out of his desk. As Yuma talks to his friends, girls from the upper grades surround him. Yuma enjoys the attention from the girls, but is disgusted when they only request for him to help them get other WDC participants' autographs. While walking home, Yuma encounters Shark and requests a duel, but the latter declines in order to visit his sister. When Gilag arrived in Heartland, Yuma was able to sense him as Shark got a call from the hospital about Rio Kastle. Yuma went to the hospital with Shark to hear Rio muttering about someone coming to take something important. This reminds Yuma of his dream, and realizes that his important thing that would be taken away is Astral. Yuma then gets a call from Bronk's Duel Gazer, but is shocked to find a Barian-brainwashed Fuma, who tells him to meet him at Heartland Academy to duel with the Numbers at stake. Fearing Astral will be in danger, Yuma gave the Emperor's Key to Tori and ran off to school to duel Fuma. When the duel began, Yuma was able to lower Fuma's Life Points to 2500, but Fuma used "Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force" card and Summoned his "CXyz" monsters, "CXyz: Machine-Armored Djinn, Engeneral", pushing him into a corner. As Yuma struggled against Fuma and "Engeneral", Yuma was about to give up since he could not think of a way to win the duel. However, after Tori showed up and returned the Emperor's Key to Yuma, he and Astral were able to make a comeback using a combination of "Number C39: Utopia Ray" and "Numbers Impact". Afterwards, Yuma discussed the upcoming battle against the Barian World with Kite and Shark, with Yuma believing that the three of them can overcome the Barians.



While racing with Bronk to school, Yuma ends up crashing to the ground because of a cat, and then bumps into Rei Shingetsu. Yuma is surprised when he learned Rei is a fan of his and finds his overzealous admiration disturbing. Yuma is then forcefully dragged by Rei over the city to make it to school, which ends up tiring Yuma out. During lunch, Yuma complains about Rei and then learns that pro-duelist Daisuke Katagiri is visiting the school for lessons. Yuma is eager to duel Katagiri, but finds out he can't since he is banned from attending his special lesson. Later, Rei promises to get a Duel from Katagiri on Yuma's behalf and runs off, with Yuma following him. When Yuma sees that a Barian-brainwashed Katagiri brutally defeated Rei, Yuma immediately begins a Duel with him. At first, Yuma plays defensively to withstand Katagari's aggressive strategy. Even by Summoning "Number 34: Terror-Byte", Yuma was pushed into a corner, but Yuma was able to summon "Number C39: Utopia Ray" and defeats Katagiri. Afterwards, Yuma is exhausted and accepts Rei's offer to carry him on his back. Yuma officially befriends Rei and is then carried off by a running Rei while hanging half-off his back and screaming.

While at school, Yuma sleeps through the voting of class representative, with him being against Caswell. Unknown to Yuma, Rei was the one who nominated him, and won 20 to 19. When Tori woke him, Yuma expressed no interest in being class representative, but changed his mind once his classmates voiced their support to him. During lunch, Yuma slept through it and missed hearing about Caswell becoming "Special Disciplinary Commander". As Caswell and the rest of the disciplinary members starts enforcing harsh rules on the students, especially Yuma. When Yuma has enough, he confronts the Student Council President, Mamoru Jinguji, and challenges him to a duel to get rid of the rules. However, Yuma is forced to play by the school's rules, such as returning his "Gagaga" monsters back to the hand for "breaking" the school dress code, rendering him incapable of damaging Mamoru. When Yuma convinced Caswell to throw away the role of disciplinary commander, Yuma was able to play normally, but then found out Mamoru is under the control of the Barian World. Mamoru Summoned "CXyz: Saimon, the Disciplinary High Priest", but Yuma managed to bring out Utopia and win the duel. Afterwards, Yuma talked to Rei about giving his role as class president back to Caswell since he is more suited for the role.



After school, Yuma was talking to his friends when Chitaro Ariga, head of the Manga Research Club, asked to be a model for his manga. Chitaro showed Yuma his drawing of Yuma as a super hero, which made Yuma very ecstatic. When Chitaro asked Yuma's about his "weakness", Yuma only replied he doesn't have one. After witnessing Shark being rude to Chitaro, Yuma walked over to Shark and lightly commented on how harsh Shark was, but Shark simply said that he was stating the truth. Later, Yuma went to pay a visit to Rio Kastle with Tori and Rei, but encountered Shark who told them that his sister is missing. When a Barian-brainwashed Chitaro appeared and challenged Shark to a Duel, Yuma watched and cheered Shark on. As Shark was losing due to Chitaro threatening Rio, Yuma and Rei goes to search for Chitaro's sketchbook in hopes to find his weakness. At school, Yuma found Chitaro's manga about his Duel and informed Shark over his Duel Gazer that it ends with Shark losing and Rio not being saved. Yuma encouraged Shark to keeping fighting for his sister, and cheered when he finally won over his Duel Gazer. The next day, Yuma and his friends looked at a normal Chitaro's drawing of a samurai-hero Shark, which Yuma thought was cool. When Yuma asked for his character drawing, Chitaro shown him a drawing of Yuma as a weak commoner, where he was not the hero. When his friends and Astral teased him about it, Yuma expressed his annoyance by jumped into the air and yelling.

At school, Yuma found Shark sneaking around in a panicked state and asked if it was the Barians again, but it turns out he was simply avoiding his sister, Rio. When Rio goes up to her brother, Yuma and his friends properly met Rio for the first time. During lunch, Yuma and his friends listen to Rio talk about her brother and found out Shark has mention him to her. When Rio pronounces "Kattobingu" wrong, Yuma showed some annoyance, but they were interrupted by a large group of boys who wanted Rio as their manager for their club. As Rio defeated all the clubs with ease, Yuma shows great awed towards "Shark's sister" and is very impressed by her skills. After Rio beat the basketball team, Yuma asked why Rio go so far at things and learns she only does it so she can be strong for Shark. When Rio was invited to the Ikebana Club, Yuma and his friends tagged along and met the leader, Aika Hanazoe. Using a formed of hypnosis, Aika was able to put his friends asleep, but Yuma was able to stay awake thanks to Astral. Yuma confronts Aika, who told him she simply wanted lured Yuma and Rio as a way to get the "Numbers" from him and Shark. Knowing she being used by the Barian World, Yuma challenge her to a Duel, but his leg was numb and prevent him from getting up right away. However, a conscious Rio told him that she will Duel in his place, and then Yuma proceed to watch Rio Duel against Aika outside. During this, Yuma banter with Astral and cheered for Rio, although he ends up annoying her by repentantly called her "Shark's sister". After Rio won, Yuma tried to come up with a new name to call her by without making her mad, but begins to argue with Astral. This made Rio giggle, and she revealed to Yuma that she is glad that Yuma kept her brother from changing into the feared person she heard about, to Yuma's surprise. While walking home, Yuma talked to Shark about how cool his sister is, and was surprised when he found out Rio's strong fear of cats.

While racing with Bronk to school, Yuma accidentally ran into Alit and ruined his attempt to wooed Tori, unbeknownst to Yuma that he was a Barian in human form. As Alit tried to make various attempts on Tori, Yuma inadvertently continued to thwart them all. Later, Yuma found a note from Alit, who challenged him to an “an all-out duel between men with Tori on the stake” and met him on the roof. During the Duel, Astral warned Yuma that Alit might be an assassin from the Barian World. Yuma summons his own Xyz monster, "Gauntlet Launcher", and manages to win by countering Alit's own counters. Afterwards, Rei and Tori arrived to let Yuma know that Tori was okay, to his confusion. Upon the loss, Alit developed a shining to Yuma and declares him his rival, which Yuma happily accepted and playfully fist bumps with Alit as a sign of friendship.

While Dueling with a student after school, Yuma was dragged by Rei into a classroom to find Tori and Cathy arguing about who should be the Numbers Club's female mascot. Although, Yuma and Rei tried to calm everybody down, their friends and Rio's arguing became worse and they refused to speak to one another the next day. While walking home, Yuma and Rei met Gilag, who suggested they hold a "Sports Duel Tournament" to help their friends make up, which they agreed to. However, Gilag told Yuma if he was able to make it into the final round, he must lose on purpose. Yuma agreed to this; unbeknownst to him, this was simply a plot for Gilag to take his "Numbers". The next day, Yuma participated in the event and was paired up with Shark, who led them into first place. Before the final duel, Yuma was partnerless, since Shark dropped out of the tournament, but Yuma forced Gilag to take Shark's place, putting the latter in a very awkward situation. At first, Yuma planned to lose on purpose to Tori and Cathy as he promised, but learned the two were brainwashed by the Barians' power and started to Duel seriously. Yuma was able to summon "Utopia" and used Gilag's Trap card to defeat both girls and returned them to normal. Although the girls didn't remember what happened, they wished for a rematch against Yuma, but Yuma refused and ran away from them.



One night, Yuma had a nightmare about losing Astral to a terrifying-looking dragon and becomes anxious about protecting him. The following day, Yuma lacks his usual energy and solemnly focuses on way to beat the "CXyz" monsters, making his family and friends worry about him. Hoping to make him feel better, his grandma told Yuma to go the Duel Sanctuary to deliver some items to Roku with Tori. However, Yuma learns from Kaze that their master is away on a trip, much to his disappointment. In the Statue room, Kaze discusses with Yuma about his frustrations, and receives two cards Roku has left for him - "Overlay Chain" and "Overlay Bullet". The next day, Yuma thinks over how to use the cards for offense and defense, but Tori cheers him up and they play by a waterfall together. On their way back to the Dueling Sanctuary, Yuma meets the Barian, Misael, who immediately uses his Barian's Sphere Cube to surround Yuma, and challenged him to a Duel with the "Numbers" at stake. Determined to protect Astral, Yuma instantly summons "Number 39: Utopia", and equips "Overlay Chain" to protect its Overlay Units from "Rank Up Magic - Barian's Force". However, Misael countered by summoning his own "Number" card, "Number 107: Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon", terrifying Yuma as it resembled the exact same dragon that appeared in his nightmare. Using "Tachyon Dragon"'s abilities, Misael destroys "Utopia", knocking Yuma back into the Sphere Field and dealing real damage to him, causing him great pain and making him unconscious. As Yuma was too weak to continue the duel, Kite arrived and takes Yuma's place in the duel. When the Sphere Field started to disintegrated, Yuma was sent falling onto a cliff side. Although Shark tried to rescue him, the ledge gave out and both of them fall into a crater.

Yuma and Shark survived the fall, but they were heavily injured and were sent to hospital. While recuperating, Yuma was haunted by Misael's power and sulked over how he nearly lost Astral. Downhearted and depressed, Yuma also suffered from nightmares about facing Misael and losing. While going for check up, Yuma left the Emperor's Key on his bed and found out it was taken by Shark when he returned. On the roof, Yuma was challenged by Shark to a Duel and played definitively, allowing Shark to deal lot of damage to him. As Shark makes his final attack, Yuma was about to give up, but still wishes to keep dueling with Astral, which brings him to his side. Yuma and Astral summoned out "Heroic Champion Excalibur" and win the Duel using its abilities. Yuma then was told by Astral the Shark's reason for Dueling with Yuma was to help him. Greatly touched, Yuma tried to give Shark a hug as thanks, but the latter was pushing him away. After being discharged from the hospital, Yuma went to school and met up with Rei when they were approached by many Barian-brainwashed Duelists from their school. Worried about Rei, Yuma and Rei were forced to run until they were surrounded at the Heartland pier. Luckily, Shark, Tori and Rio came to help them fight off the Duelists. While Yuma was defeating a Duelist, a brainwashed Rei captured him from behind and learned that Gilag was a Barian. Yuma was about to be finished off when Alit arrived and protected him, defeating all the other students in the process. Yuma was slightly upset upon learning that Alit was also allied to the Barians and accepted his challenged to a Duel, whom activated a "Sphere Field". Yuma and Alit instantly summoned out their ace monsters, engaging in a battle of counter traps. Yuma managed to destroyed "Leadblow" by countering its ability and becomes excited by the Duel with Alit.

As the Duel continued, Yuma wanted to make his Duel with Alit "special" and asked Astral to unite with the power of ZEXAL. They Xyz Summoned "Number C39: Utopia Ray", forcing it to tie in battle with Alit's "Number 105: Battlin' Boxer Star Cestus", destroying both of them. Both players revived their ace cards with "Xyz Stand-Up". With the effect of "Rank-Up-Magic Barian's Force", Alit Summoned "Number C105: Battlin' Boxer Comet Cestus", which pushed Yuma into an even tighter corner. However, Yuma was able to defeat Alit with "ZW - Eagle Claw" and win the Duel. Yuma rushed to Alit and told him that he hoped they could Duel again soon. Yuma became upset when Alit just shook his head and told Astral that he could take his "Number" and his soul, which Astral failed to do. Although Yuma didn't want him to go, Alit then bid farewell to him, but Yuma quickly focused on Astral, whose body was fading after being in the "Sphere Field".

Days later, Yuma and Rei were chased by dogs after Rei tried to find a shortcut to school. They arrived to school late, slightly injured, but Yuma didn't mind since they had their daily "thrill quota". As Yuma was walking home, Gilag issued a challenged to him for the "Numbers" tomorrow and was told to bring Rei with him. Yuma learned that Alit had been hurt and Gilag believed that Rei was responsible. Confused, Yuma stressed over what to do, but Astral told him to worry about it later. The next morning, Yuma asked Rei if he really hurt Alit, but was cut off when Rei told him he found another short route to school and told Yuma to trust him; Yuma replied that he did. After school, Yuma and Astral went to the meeting place without Rei and told Gilag that he didn't believe what he said. Then Rei appeared and asked Yuma to join the Duel. Yuma compiled, against Astral's wishes, even though Rei was a terrible Duelist. During the Duel, Yuma was forced to defend himself as Rei made many mistakes, which caused their Life Points to decrease quickly. Astral told Yuma that protecting Rei was too dangerous, but Yuma refused to abandon him. Then Astral collapsed from being in the "Sphere Field", leaving Yuma worried that he and Rei would duel Gilag alone. With Astral inside the key to heal, Yuma gives the key to Tori and was forced to play the defensive when Gilag's "Number 106: Giant Hand" destroyed his "Utopia". When Rei started to play differently, Yuma was surprised by his sudden change of character and shocked that he had "Rank-Up-Magic Limited Barian's Force". Yuma used it to change "Number 39: Utopia" to "Number C39: Utopia Ray V" and win the Duel. Yuma then learned of Rei's true identity as an "Barian Guardian" and kept this a secret from Bronk and Tori on Rei's request. At night, Yuma and Rei speak in private about his mission to defeat the evil Barians and promised to keep this a secret from everybody else. Yuma agreed to be Rei's "subordinate" and excitedly jumps into the air, nearly falling of his roof as a result.

At school, Yuma and Rei went to the old gym hoping to find Gilag and Alit, but they weren't there. Yuma wanted to bring Astral in on their secret so he could help them, but Rei denied this and convinced Yuma to keep the secret. Later, Yuma was worried about Astral staying inside the key too long and took the key to the infirmary. Yuma was then suddenly sucked into the key and was challenged to a Duel by the Shadow Giant. During the Duel, the Giant brought out his "Unformed Void, the Fictitious King", with Yuma summoning out "Number 61: Volcasaurus" and Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis", but the Giant was able to use "Unformed Void"'s ability to counter Yuma's attack and destroy "Atlandis". On the verged of losing, Dark Mist appeared before them and told them that Yuma might get hurt if they lose. Yuma tried to stop Astral from siding with Dark Mist, but he released "Number 96: Dark Mist" out of fear for his safety. Reluctantly, Yuma used Dark Mist's card to destroy "Unformed Void" and win the Duel. Afterwards, Yuma and Astral talked with The Door and was shown Astral's true memories, learning his mission is to obtain a powerful card, known as the Numeron Code, which can shape worlds. They were then transported outside the key, Yuma explained everything that had happened to Rei and Tori.

During gym class one day, Yuma was happy that he was given his own "Barian's Guardian" badge from Rei. He then became curious when Rei started to ask him about Kite, but their conversation was cut off when a soccer ball hit Yuma in the face. Later, Yuma was challenged to a Duel by Orbital 7, who had a misunderstanding with Lilly's position with him. Although Yuma was confused by the situation, he went along with the Duel and won using his "Djinn" monsters. In Orbital's last attempt to "free" Lilly, Yuma was hit by a laser beam from Orbital 4, but was only slightly burned and his hair was comically turned into an afro. Once Tori cleared up the misunderstanding, Yuma laughed when he found out that Orbital liked Lilly. Later, Yuma paid little attention to his friends' discussion about Bronk winning over Rio's affections and Shark's approval. Oblivious to the rumors about him and Rio dating, Yuma was confused when Bronk spoke to him and sparked Rio's anger. Yuma observed the Duel between the siblings, cheering for both of them. After they resolved their misunderstanding, Yuma wondered about why they fighting in the first place, causing a jealous Tori and Cathy to pinch him and saying he didn't need to know.

During the Heartland Academy Cultural Festival, Yuma and his friends hosted a Monster Cafe, with Yuma cosplaying as "Temtempo the Percussion Djinn" when Anna blasted her way in to see him. Then Rei came running in to inform him about a "Couple Duel Tournament" with the pro-Duelist team Tobio Habara and Umimi Habara, which excited Yuma and voiced wanting to participate. Inside a bathroom stall, Rei and Yuma discussed about the Barians might be at the festival and they are to look for them. Yuma readily cooperated with the mission, but was sidetracked in favor of eating until Anna came back to force him to be her partner in the tournament. As the duel began, Yuma and Anna began bickering, which greatly affected their Dueling performance, resulting in the destruction of Anna's "Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max" as well as having to face off against the pair's "Supercolossal Sky Palace Gangaridia". Using "Half Unbreak", Yuma managed to survived a direct attack from "Gangaridia" and was pleased to get the couple's praise. Although Yuma tried to work together with Anna, he was forced to endure her selfishness and was enraged how she Tributed his "Gauntlet Launcher" via "Grade-Up" to revive her "Gustav Max".



After Umimi was revealed to be brainwashed by Vector, Yuma protected Anna from the large amount of damage she would have taken from Umimi's "CXyz: Supercolossal Sky Fortress Babylon". Anna used "Devoted Love" to enable Yuma to draw "Rank-Up-Magic Limited Barian's Force", but was questioned by Astral when he saw the card and asked Yuma where he got it. To keep his promise to Rei, Yuma lied to Astral, claiming that he got it after defeating Gilag. Yuma brought out "Number C39: Utopia Ray V", winning the Duel and setting Umimi free. In the evening, Yuma chatted with Tobio when Umimi shoved Anna towards him, accidentally causing the pair to fall down a flight of stairs. One night, Yuma got an urgent call from Rei and rushes to his aid. When Yuma arrived to the location, he saw Rei Dueling a Barian in a "Sphere Field". Once the Barian retreated, Rei told Yuma that the Barian was Vector and gave him new cards to use against any Barians. The next day, Yuma excitedly looks over his cards when his friends spied him and figured out the cards has something to do with the Barians. While walking home, Yuma and his friends were attack by Vector and Yuma became trap in a "Sphere Field". Yuma and Astral found out was that Vector was the same Barian that possessed Dr. Faker. They then engaged a Duel against Vector, and was quickly put into a pitch when he stole "Limited Barian's Force" and destroyed "Utopia" with his "Number 66: Master Key Beetle". When Rei came to support Yuma and told him to believe in his deck, Yuma was able to draw "V Salamander" and summon out "Utopia Ray V" to win the Duel. Vector than try to abduct him, but captured Rei instead, who stepped in for him, leaving Yuma distraught.

Yuma continued to shout out in a hysterical state when Kite arrived and slapped him back to his senses. In Heartland Tower, Yuma explains Kite and Shark everything that happen with Rei and Vector, stating that he will go and save Rei. As Yuma watch Kite and Shark bicker about how to find Rei, the tower shook and they race outside to see the Different Dimension Airship from the Emperor's Key outside. Astral told them that they can use the ship to get the Barian World, which excites Yuma and the four of them were to set out tomorrow. On his way home, Yuma was pestered by his friends, whom were kept out of Heartland, until he blurts out some info of his mission, but ran home before he could said anymore. During dinner, Yuma acts overly kind to his family, which freaks them out. While looking over the cards Rei gave him in bedroom, Yuma told Astral that he'll save Rei no matter what in spite of the tough battle ahead of them. At dawn, Yuma tried to sneaked out from his window, but was caught by his family. However, Yuma was glad that they respected his decision and gave him some food for his trip. At the tower, Yuma met up with his friends and some unexpected company, but was touched they would come with him. They entered the ship and Yuma stirs the ship into takes off, but an array of monsters begin assaulting the ship. Yuma and the others went to the exterior, using their ace monsters to battle with them until a portal sucked them in. At the "D.D. Ancient Battlefield - Sargasso", Yuma was greeted by Vector and demand that he return Rei to him. Vector complied and transported an unconscious Rei in front of Yuma. Vector implied to Yuma that Rei might be dead, which devastated Yuma and making him fall to his knees as he reflects his time with his friend. Enraged, Yuma engaged Vector in a Duel, he quickly summon out "Number 39: Utopia" and taking on the damage inflicted by "Sargasso" effect. As his angry grows, Yuma's eagerness to win and save Rei caused to Duel recklessly, even refusing to listen to Astral's warnings. Yuma to reach his breaking point with Vector's taunting and Summon "Number C39: Utopia Ray V" and reduce Vector's Life Points to 1300. When Vector vanished after the attack, Yuma thought there was way to save Rei, but then Rei suddenly awaken and transformed himself into Vector. Yuma was confused and believed Vector was impersonating "Rei", but Vector clarified that the "Vector" Yuma had Dueled before and was Dueling up until now was merely an illusion, and the real him was "Rei" all along. Vector explained to him that he masquerading as "Rei Shingetsu" in an effort to befriend Yuma and further his plans against him. Yuma was enraged and saddened by the sudden revelations, he angrily goes for an direct attack, Vector used "Vain - Despising Betrayal" to mill Yuma's "V" cards and most of his Deck, leaving him with three cards left. Dealing with Astral confronting him about his secrets and Vector's cruel torment, Yuma was pushed to an emotional breaking point, with farther by Vector claiming that he had put his friends in danger, and screamed.



Using "Number 104: Masquerade Magician - Shining", Vector reduced Yuma's Deck further as "Sargasso" reduced his Life Points, putting him in desperate situation. Already under pressure, Yuma blamed himself for not thinking more about the risks of trusting "Rei", and Vector chided him for keeping secrets from his partner, calling Yuma a "traitor", who just wanted to be friends with him more than with Astral. Then a black hole formed, which threaten to swallow up the spaceship with his friends inside, Vector suggested that Yuma may be able to save him if he relinquishes all of his "Numbers". Yuma becomes conflicted between saving Astral and saving his friends, but his friends urges him to keep Dueling and letting him know that they believe in him, giving Yuma hope. After apologizing to Astral, they attempt to use ZEXAL, but Vector increased the growing distrust in Astral while Yuma unsuccessfully tried to bring Astral to his senses. Astral's entire body turned dark and he forcefully initiated ZEXAL with Yuma, resulting them turning into Dark ZEXAL.



With Astral in control of Dark ZEXAL, Yuma's conscience wakes up before a large Astral-shaped tower and believed it to be Astral's heart, he enters the tower to save him. Yuma met Astral, who believes that Yuma is no longer his friend and had betrayed him. A tearful Yuma apologizes profusely, saying that he was at fault and is sorry for what he had done. Seeing the evil taking Astral over, Yuma charged towards Astral and embraced him, pushing both of them out of Astral's mind and undoing Dark ZEXAL in the physical world. Yuma was able to stay conscious from the forced reverse, and Shark and Kite told Yuma to halt "Utopia's" attack, telling that he will lose otherwise. Yuma ended the battle, but "Sargasso" whittle down his Life Points. Vector suggests that Yuma surrender since he has only 100 Life Points left, but Yuma refuses, saying that he will always fight to protect his most important thing; his friends. Yuma manages to defend himself from "Number C104: Masquerade Magician - Umbralis" by discarding "Utopia Ray V" and summoning "Utopia", as well as taking advantage of the cards Vector sent to his graveyard. Yuma begins his turn, drawing the last card in his Deck, "Rank-Up-Magic Limited Barian's Force", but he then collapses next Astral. Astral told Yuma that he can't trust him, but Yuma was happy Astral was giving him a second chance and touched his palm. The two then perform a new ZEXAL Morph, called ZEXAL II, signifying a new bond between them. They perform a "Re-Convert Universe", changing "Limited Barian's Force" into "Rank-Up-Magic - Numeron Force", evolving "Utopia" into Chaos "Number 39: Utopia Ray Victory" and defeated Vector. Since ZEXAL II's appearance causes "Sargasso" to self-destruct, Yuma and the others return to Heartland. Yuma and Astral re-kindle their bond and declare that their battles are only beginning, but Yuma is determined to improve.

Legendary Number War
Later at school, Yuma attempted to do his 20-stacks jump, but got distracted when he sensed the presence of Don Thousand, causing him to crash into the boxes. On the roof, he, Tori, Shark and Rio were brought aboard the spaceship by Astral, who informed them of the "Numbers" scattered across the world. He also shows Yuma the message from Kazuma, saying they needed to obtain the seven legendary "Numbers" cards before the Barian World does. As they headed to their first location, they ended up crashing into Durbe and the ship landed them into a jungle. As Durbe was in human form, Yuma and the others did not recognize him; regardless, Yuma protected him from a bear. Yuma wanted to help the mysterious, injured boy "Nasch", but got into a disagreement Shark when he told Yuma not to trust others so easily. They then heard Tori's scream and ran to a temple where she and Rio were, and had to get rid of the snakes surrounding them. Yuma and the girls ended up being separated from Shark and Nasch after a trap activated and was forced to go down separate paths. While debating with the girls about weather he should trust Nasch or not, Yuma arrived in the legendary "Number"'s chamber and met Mach, the guardian protecting the card. Mach challenged Yuma to see if he was worthy to hold the Sacred "Number", but Yuma learned that Shark's and Nasch's lives were also on the line and had to win quickly to save them. Yuma learned that his attacks helped open the way for Shark and Nasch escape the passageways, but come at the risk of receiving damage from Mach's traps and spells. When Yuma summons out "Utopia", Mach brings out his Number, "Number 44: White Sky Horse - Sky Pegasus" and forced Yuma to take more damage to keep "Utopia" on the field. With Nasch providing them information of a legend about a hero and his pegasus, Yuma was told to keep protecting "Utopia". However, he was torn what to do once Nasch revealed to be Durbe, and Shark said that Yuma should destroy "Utopia" instead of keeping it on the field. Ultimately, Yuma decided not have doubt in everyone and chooses to protect "Utopia", and managed to bring out "Utopia Ray Victory" to win the Duel. After Mach vanished, Yuma obtained "Sky Pegasus" and spotted a "Conqueror's Coin", an item his father had a habit leaving behind after exploring a dangerous place. Outside the temple, Yuma tells Astral and Shark that he will continues to have trust in others, even if others might take advantage of it, since it's the only thing he can do.

Going to South American, Yuma and co arrived at an abandoned castle, and listen to Rio speak of legend about a ruthless prince. Venturing around, Yuma accidentally triggering some traps that lead him and his friends inside the cages of the central colosseum and met Vector again. Yuma challenged him to a Duel, but was only released from his cage onto a small platform. Using Yuma as a hostage, Vector arranged for a Duel between Astral and Dark Mist, who had obtained the sealed "Number". However, whenever Dark Mist takes damage, Vector would set off deadly traps aimed towards Yuma, each with the potential to kill him.

Manga biography
The manga is set in an alternate universe than the anime and as such contains different events. Like in the anime, Yuma along with Astral is collecting the "Number" cards, which starts off similar to the anime, but then spans off to a different storyline.

Non-canon appearances
In the non-canon episode, Aim For Number 1 in the World!, Yuma was forced by Tori to visit her friend Summer at the Gymnastics building. While Yuma was watching the athletes in wonder, Taiki pushed past Yuma and knocked him to the ground. The two argued, then Taiki left. Afterwards, Summer told Yuma how Taiki lost at a gymnastics competition, so he does not take part in them anymore. When Yuma and his friends were walking home, they find Taiki staring at the river. Yuma then challenged him to a Duel. Taiki refused initially, but Yuma taunted him, saying that Taiki was afraid to lose to him. Taiki accepted the challenge and the Duel began. As the Duel progressed and Taiki was one the verge of victory, he noticed Yuma's Set card, and his fear of failure took hold of him. He attempts to change tactics, but Yuma tells him that it does not matter how many times he loses because he loves Dueling. After Yuma loses, Taiki says that his new goal is to never lose again. Yuma approves of this and encourages him to do his best.Kohei Uchimura appears and Yuma appears to admire him, although he does not know who Kohei really is. Later, Yuma and his friends bid farewell to Taiki and Kohei, with both Duelists saying that they will "Kattobingu" from now on.

Tori Meadows
Yuma has been friends with Tori since childhood and appears to care for her very much. Tori has shown many signs to have a crush on Yuma, such as annoyance at Yuma's adoration with Cathy's Dueling abilities, which she doesn't show towards male Duelists that Yuma admires. She blushes whenever Yuma makes a friendly comment towards her-and is also evidenced when she is worried about Yuma, to which the latter makes a kind gesture by putting a hand on her shoulder, saying he will be all right.

Yuma has gone out of his way to protect Tori many times such as when he thought Cathy had kidnapped her, which also allowed him to Duel without the assistance of Astral or any of the Numbers, winning him the Duel. During the usual scene when Yuma puts on his D-Gazer, he isn't wearing his casual Dueling smile, showing his absolute seriousness for victory so he can find her. When Tori was about to be run over by a truck, Yuma pushed Tori out of the way, placing himself in her position, which if Kite Tenjo didn't pause the time, would have resulted in Yuma being critically injured or causing his death.

When he entered the lair of Fortuno, who had kidnapped Tori, Bronk, Flip, and Caswell, he only called out to Tori despite clearly seeing the others held captive as well. Yuma's caringness towards Tori start becoming more obvious during the first day World Duel Carnival, when Yuma helps Tori escape from Cody's Excavation machine and Anna Kaboom's cannon blasts. When Yuma realized that Astral was gone he looked at his friends, but seemingly only believed Tori, showing he takes her word over the others'. He also has a considerable amount of trust in her, as he entrusted the Emperor's Key to her while he went to duel Fuma to protect Astral.

Kari Tsukumo
Yuma and Kari has a typical "brother-sister" relationship, having a tendency to argue with each other. Kari has a habit of making Yuma search for scoops she can use, even if it puts her brother at risk. Kari also doesn't allow Yuma to Duel, much to Yuma's chagrin, though Yuma finds ways around it. Yuma doesn't seem to sympathize with Kari very often, seen when she is depressed about apparently failing to make a delivery, Yuma ignores her completely. Likewise, Kari doesn't seem to sympathize with Yuma much either, and seems to blame him initially for things he had nothing to do with.

Despite their tendency, they do genuinely care about each other, Kari often instructing Yuma not to Duel to protect him. Before their parents went missing, they trusted Kari to look after Yuma, relying on her to protect him. At first, Kari was reluctant, but her mother told her that it was her duty as the "big sister" and they won't always be there for Yuma, so he will rely Kari to supported him through any hardships. Yuma affectionately refers to her as "Nee-chan" meaning older sister in the Japanese way, showing he also cares for her. He also was concerned when he heard her scream. After realizing she can't stop Yuma from Dueling, she allows him to Duel as long as he doesn't overdo it.

Bronk Stone
When they were young, Bronk is first shown to make fun of Yuma's losing streak at Dueling and laugh at him in class. This provoked Yuma to challenge him to Duel him over and over again, despite always ended up losing. Bronk came to admire Yuma's fiery, "never-give-up" spirit, and they eventually become friends. As young teenagers, Bronk is Yuma's constant Dueling partner, though Yuma still lose regardless. Bronk would also make fun of Yuma's "Kattobingu" challenges and laugh mockingly whenever Yuma fails. While having a brash treatment, Bronk does about care about Yuma, evident when he found the broken piece of Yuma's pendant and is present when Yuma Duels Reginald in order to recover Bronk's Deck.

Being friends since childhood, they are shown to trust each other enough for Yuma to entrust Bronk his "Utopia", and Bronk to Duel Number 96: Dark Mist to rescue Yuma and Astral. Due to the many Duels they had, both boys are very adapted to each other Deck, knowing each of their cards and tactics.

Astral
When they first met, Yuma had mixed feelings about Astral when all he did was tell him how to Duel during his Duel with Shark. Though Astral was insightful and was always thinking about what his opponent would be capable of doing, Yuma ignored his advice and continued playing his way. Eventually, Astral figured out a way to have Yuma listen to him and over time, Yuma began trusting Astral more and more with each Duel. They are shown on numerous occasions to be able to talk telepathically.

After the Duel with Kite Tenjo, the two realized that they needed the other's skill. They grew closer to one another during the Duel with Fortuno when Yuma admits to Astral that he considered him as his friend and unlocked Number C39: Utopia Ray and eventually gained the ability to overlay their souls together using the power of ZEXAL.

At times, Yuma didn't openly admit that he was worries or care about Astral, usually feigning anger and yelling at him, which only makes Astral smile because he knew Yuma's true feelings. In dire situations, Yuma openly showed concern and proclaimed he would do anything to protect him from danger. It shown that Yuma deeply cares for Astral as he couldn't believe Astral would leave and as he cried for his death. Astral has shown many times how much he cares about Yuma, willing to give up his life for Yuma's safety. Astral has also been seen smiling more since Yuma told him that he is his friend, and encourages Yuma to never give up. Later, it was revealed that Astral has been teaching Yuma how to Duel, since one day he'll disappear and Yuma will have to fight alone. He also said that when he disappears, he would want to leave proof that he exists in Yuma's memory and heart. After Astral was revived, Yuma was greatly relieved as he cried tears of joy.

Nearing to the WDC finals, Yuma and Astral converse on what to do with the "Numbers" and their situation with Hart Tenjo. Yuma is torn between helping Astral or healing Hart, but Astral assured Yuma that he will follow whatever path Yuma choose as his partner. During Yuma and Shark's Duel, Yuma was to make a choice between saving him or Shark, but Astral tells Yuma that will let him make the decisions. During this, Yuma told Astral that he is a very important friend to him. When Vetrix told them that the "Numbers" could destroy the world, Astral questioned Yuma about it, Yuma denied this claim, saying he trusts Astral and would let Astral use the "Numbers" for good. During the Duel, Astral told Yuma that he can rely on him to defeat Vetrix and Yuma says he couldn't do it without him.

After Yuma dreams about being warned by The Door that someone is planning to take something most important thing to him, he feared that he will lose "[his] Astral". Not willing to put Astral in danger and be taken away from him, Yuma left his key to Tori in order to protect him and goes to duel with a Barian-brainwashed Fuma by himself. During the duel, Yuma thinks that he the only one that can protect him and reflected how Astral is always the one protecting him. In the key, Astral can receive the damage Yuma takes and knows Yuma is dueling alone, which disappointed him since they are "partners". Once Astral got to Yuma, Yuma confined to Astral about his dream and states how he couldn't protect him. However, Astral told Yuma that he was proud of him and that he's a true friend, and will not forgive anyone who hurts him. After nearly losing to Misael and become shaken, Yuma and Astral grew even closer as they reaffirmed their desires to Duel together.

After Vector revealed he was Rei and that Yuma hid this from him, this caused Astral to lose some trust in Yuma, resulting in their inability to turn into ZEXAL and resulting in Astral's corruption, bringing about Dark ZEXAL. They eventually reconciled and reformed their bond, resulting in ZEXAL II.

Reginald Kastle
Yuma's relation with Shark starts before they Dueled each other and became rivals, and although they never met before that, Yuma knew that he was the school's bully. He had just defeated Bronk and took his Deck, claiming a weakling didn't need it. Yuma stood up for him and in a twist of events, Shark crushed Emperor's Key and accepted Yuma's challenge. With their Duel underway, Shark was overtaken by "Number 17: Leviathan Dragon" and quickly Summons it to put Yuma in his place. However, with the appearance of Astral and Yuma's new Xyz Monster, Number 39: Utopia, Shark loses the Duel and his "Number".

Soon after, Shark falls into the "wrong crowd" and stops Dueling all together, but with persistence from Yuma, Shark agrees to Duel him again. Despite his "Numbers," Yuma loses to Shark, who then tells him to never interfere with his life. However, Yuma disobeys this after learning of why Shark was the way he was. The two then have a Tag Duel against Scorch and Chills, also carried "Numbers" that supported each other. Despite that, Shark was able to aid Yuma, who protected him from any damage, and give him the final trump card that would defeat the two brothers. As a sign of respect for Yuma, he allowed him to keep the card he won with.

Mr. Kay made a remark that Shark had changed due to Yuma's influence and now he sees Yuma as a friend and ally. Although friends, Shark doesn't hang around Yuma as much as his other friends, due to his aloof nature, but is shown to have a soft spot for him. In addition, Shark often reflects on his time with Yuma, even watches Yuma from afar when he sees him. Despite his distant nature, Shark is willing to open up to him (to an extent), but tends to push him away sometimes. In turn, Yuma admires Shark and worries about him if he does anything he thinks is wrong or dangerous. When knowing things concerning Shark, Yuma would focus his attention on helping him and putting himself in harm's way, even sometimes ignoring or lashing out on his friends or Astral if they tried to stop him.

Throughout the World Duel Carnival, their friendship becomes strained as Shark became focused on revenge on Quattro and continually told Yuma "Don't get involved with me" when they met. When Yuma learns how violent Shark had become, Yuma challenged him to a Duel, in which Yuma made no move to attack, and let Shark take his anger out on him. He was angry at Yuma's persistence and the Number's influence causes him grow more aggressive. Eventually, Yuma tells Shark he doesn't want to see the way he is now, shocking him, and is followed by his stomach growling. As Shark watches Yuma and Tori shout at each other, he smiled and the darkness in his heart disappeared. Shark then cancelled the Duel, claiming that seeing Yuma being an "idiot" made him lose his drive. Before walking away, Shark tells Yuma that he would meet him in the finals and they exchanged smiles.

During the WDC party, Yuma tried looking for Shark, showing his concern for Shark, and because he has something to ask him, but couldn't find him. During the finals of WDC, Yuma stumbles across Shark's Duel with Quattro and stayed to cheer him on. When Shark Summoned "Number 32: Shark Drake", Yuma worried about him due to the "Number"'s influence, and cried out to Shark as he was brutally attacked eight times by Quattro. As the Duel continues, Yuma tried to pull Shark away from the "Number's" influence, but Shark eventually gives into it. After Shark wins the Duel, Shark set his revenge on Vetrix and told Yuma he won't forgive him if got in his way, straining their friendship once again.

In the semi finals, Yuma and Shark were matched-up to Duel each other, with Yuma eager to settle their rivalry. Unknown to Yuma, Vetrix was influencing Shark through the power of his crest, but Yuma does notice how emotionless and different Shark is. During the Duel, Vetrix made Shark think Yuma was the one to hurt his sister, which made Shark hate Yuma and attack him ruthlessly. Yuma tried to make Shark remember the times they Dueled together, how Shark tried protecting his Emperor's Key from Kite, and how much their bond means to him. Yuma also told Shark that his goal is to be Duel Champion and defeating Vetrix and Dr. Faker wasn't worth losing him. To return Shark to normal, Yuma took control of "Number C32: Shark Drake Veiss" and suffered while the "Number" tried to control him. Shark was able to regain his senses and begins to worry for Yuma. When deciding to save Shark or Astral, Yuma couldn't choose and said that Shark is a very important friend to him. To save Yuma, Shark got rid of his remaining Life Points to banish "Shark Drake" and give Yuma the victory. Afterwards, Shark told Yuma how during the Duel that he could hear Yuma's voice and thanked Yuma for saving him. Smiling, Shark then encourages Yuma to win and beat Vetrix, with Yuma promises to carry on his will.

Later, when Shark awakes in the hospital and sees that Yuma's Dueling with Vetrix in the Sphere Field, he begins to worry and rushes over to the Duel Coaster Stadium, calling out Yuma's name as he goes. He then enters Heartland Tower to save Yuma and puts himself in danger in the process, showing how much he cares for him. Shark was even willing to team up with Kite and Orbital 7 to rescue Yuma, despite his hostility towards them. When Yuma challenges Dr. Faker to a Duel, Yuma gave back Shark "Number 32: Shark Drake", asking him to help him, and the latter joins Yuma with a smile. During the Duel, Yuma and Shark supported each other well with their cards, as well as Shark teasing Yuma when he's getting doubts. When the Heartland Tower started to crumble, a piece of concrete was about to hit Yuma before Shark pushes him out of the way to protect him, taking the hit instead.

When the Barian World began to target Yuma for the "Numbers", Shark worried for Yuma's well-being and chases after him when he goes to Duel Fuma, even leaving his sister to go after him. When talking to Rio, Yuma learned that Shark often talked about him to her, to his surprise. She told Yuma that she believed it's because of Yuma that her brother hadn't changed and thanked him for being a good influence on Shark. Also, Shark began to spend more time with Yuma as they started to walk home together after school. When Yuma fell towards a cliff ledge, Shark once again put his life in danger to try to save Yuma from falling,. Recuperating in the hospital, Shark was extremely upset how downhearted Yuma was acting and, in his typical gruff fashion, snapped at him. In order to get through to him, Shark swiped the Emperor's Key and lured Yuma into a Duel. With help from Astral, Yuma got his fighting spirit back, much to Shark's happiness. When Astral told Yuma what Shark's true purpose was, Shark denied it, but Yuma was greatly touched. Trying to show his gratitude, Yuma tried to give Shark a hug, only to be pushed away by him.

Kite Tenjo
As rivals in hunting "Numbers", Yuma and Kite see each other as enemies. Kite first thought Yuma was a regular "Numbers" Holder and tried to get his Number. During the Duel, Kite was surprised that Yuma used 2 "Numbers", and identified him as Number Hunter, but looked happy to have a rival. After their first Duel, Yuma became depressed over his near loss and developed a fear of Kite. However, this was short-lived and Yuma become more confident when facing Kite, despite knowing the dangers. Yuma was shown to respect Kite's Dueling skills, calling him "scary", but strong.

When Yuma interfered in Kite and Astral's Duel, which ended in a Draw, Yuma asked Kite why he is collecting Numbers. Kite only answers that he sold his soul to the devil in exchange of his brother's sake. Determine to Duel Yuma, Kite told Yuma that they will settle their score in the World Duel Carnival. Knowing that Astral helps Yuma, Kite sees Astral as his rival instead of Yuma, whom Kite considered as "just an idiot".

Despite their differences, they joined up to rescue Hart from the Vetrix Family, which resulted is a Tag-Team Duel. Kite seems to have grown to respect Yuma as he begins to call him by his first name, however he still doesn't see him as his rival and still dislikes him. During the WDC finals, Yuma often made an effort to be friendly with Kite and cheered him on in his Duels, and even considered him as a friend. During the finals, Kite seemed to gain greater respect for Yuma, letting him watch his duel with Vetrix. Kite also appeared to soften up to Yuma due to the many times he showed concern towards Hart, though he never outwardly showed it. During the duel with Dr. Faker, he began to value Yuma and Shark as his friends. After their duel against Vector, Yuma proclaimed that his WDC wish was for Kite's family to live happily in peace. Amused and smiling, Kite says it was none of his business, but Yuma then revealed his real wish - to Duel Kite again to settle their score. Kite happily accepted the challenge, addressing both Yuma and Astral, while finally acknowledging Yuma as a rival. Yuma greatly looked forward to Dueling Kite again, and openly showed excitement throughout their Duel. Kite also thought about Yuma's never-give-up attitude and how much he enjoyed dueling. When Kite was about to surrender due to losing his passion to Duel, Yuma encouraged him to continue, calling Kite his "goal". When Kite won the duel, Yuma promised to beat Kite one day, which the latter accepted, saying that Yuma can Duel him as many times as it takes to achieve that goal.

Ironically, there is some resemblance between Kite's and Yuma's Dueling styles, as both seem to prefer a more offense-based strategy, and their Dueling styles were at least somewhat compatible when they Tag Dueled. This may have some relation about the similarities Yuma and Kite have that Astral himself has observed. At first, Kite denied being compared to Yuma, but seems to have somewhat acknowledged this when he asked Astral for support during their Tag Duel.

Hart Tenjo
Having seen Hart's picture before, Yuma first met Hart by seeing him walking in the middle of a busy street and recognized him as Kite's brother. When an up coming truck was about run Hart over, Yuma tried to protect him. After Hart had blown a huge hole in the truck, Yuma kindly let Hart come home with them and let him stay for the night. Yuma was also happy when Hart finally started to eat something and enjoyed his time at dinner. At night, Yuma let Hart sleep in his hammock and covered him with a blanket.

While Hart was having a power surge, Yuma ran into the explosion and hugged Hart, telling him "you're not alone" and promise to bring him to his brother. Also, Yuma helped Kite rescue Hart from the Vetrix Family, and showed great concern when Hart was found unconscious. Yuma seems to have grown close to Hart, while speaking to him in his mind he ask Yuma and Astral to save his brother, Kite. When Vetrix used his connection to Hart to hurt Kite, Yuma rush to Heartland Tower to save him and severed his link to Vetrix. Likewise, Hart also care deeply about Yuma as he always doing things for his sake. Hart is also grateful towards Yuma for helping his brother overcome his guilt. When Hart heard that Yuma was injured, Hart was very concern about him and wanted to visit him at the hospital, even wanting to see Yuma on his own if Kite didn't go with him.

Trey
Trey first took interest in Yuma during their Tag-Team Duel against each other, and was amazing at how he would keep sacrificing himself for Kite's safety. On the other hand, Yuma thought of Trey as an enemy because he is part of the Vetrix Family, but he learned that he likes all the artifacts that his dad had found, and let him stay at his house for lunch. Yuma thought that they had become friends, but Trey thought of his childhood and asked Yuma for a Duel. When the Duel commenced, Trey said he wanted to defeat Yuma because it would help his family. In that Duel, Trey became an uncontrollable monster, by the power of his Crest, which cause him to very brutal to Yuma, and had supposedly killed Astral, causing Yuma great anger and sadness. After unleashing the card, Final Prophecy, which pulled them into another dimension, Trey had a change of heart and used the power of his crest to help Yuma bring Astral back and asked them to defeat him. When Yuma won the Duel, and found Trey laying on the ground, Yuma quickly came to his side to help him up. Having developed a friendship with Trey, Trey asked Yuma to save his family before he disappeared with leaving behind his two "Number" cards and a Heart Piece. After the Duel, he said the he will save Trey's family. During his Duel with Vetrix, Yuma mentions his promise to Trey, and that he will fight with all he has for Trey's sake. After Trey had awoken from his coma and Yuma had reformed Vertix, Trey and his family was watching the duel between Yuma and Kite from a bridge. Before leaving with his family, Trey took once last glance at Yuma, and silently admiring and promising to meet him again someday.

Rei Shingetsu
Before Yuma and Rei even met each other, Rei already knew Yuma because he won the World Duel Carnival and is a big fan of his. They first met when Rei crashed into Yuma on the way to his first day school, which annoyed Yuma upon the first impression. However, Rei was ecstatic to met Yuma, in albeit fanboyish fashion, and referred to Yuma as the "crown jewel" of Heartland Academy and Heartland City. At first, Yuma found Rei troubling after forcefully dragged him through odd "shortcuts" to make it to school and complained to his friends about him, even though Rei was just trying to make sure Yuma wasn't late. Rei even tried to get Yuma a Duel with with pro-Duelist Daisuke Katagiri, without Yuma's consent. When a Barian-brainwashed Katagiri dueled Rei to find Yuma, but Rei refuses to give him any information and is brutally defeated. During Yuma's Duel with Katagiri, Rei implored Yuma to run away when Yuma was losing, but Yuma refused and said he's going to win for Rei too. After winning, Yuma officially befriends Rei and let him carried him on his back when he offer to.

As Rei became more involved in Yuma's life, Rei gave unyielding support to Yuma through everything, with or without Yuma's consent and/or knowledge. When their class for class president, Rei nominated Yuma, which Yuma was unaware of until Rei told him, and it was Rei's vote that allowed Yuma to win. Mysteriously and secretly, Rei was also shown to watch Yuma from afar when others are not during any Duel he has with the Barian World's brainwashed minions or anything related with the Barian World and Yuma. Even before they met, Rei witness Yuma Duel with Fuma from a window inside the school and smiled as he watch Yuma and his friends. Rei seems to only be concerned with Yuma when it come to the Barian's minions, as he went along with Yuma instead of staying to watch Reginald Kastle's Duel with a brainwashed Chitaro Ariga. As they become closer, Rei to follows Yuma wherever he goes, and Yuma sometimes forced Rei into joining him in his "Kattobingu" challenges, despite Rei's protest.

When Gilag accused Rei of hurting Alit, Yuma became doubtful and began to question his character. After seeing Rei's usual good-natured intentions, Yuma restored his faith in him and tried to keep him out of danger. Rei found out about what Yuma was doing and was saddened that Yuma didn't trust him as a friend and was leaving him behind. In their Battle Royal, Yuma did his best to protect Rei, even though it hindered him against Gilag. When he saw how Yuma was willing to defend him at all costs, Rei started to protect Yuma and revealed his true nature as a Barian's Guardian. They worked together to defeat Gilag and formed a new monster from their bonds, "Number C39: Utopia Ray V". Later, Rei explained to Yuma about his mission and told him that he needed to keep it a secret from everybody else. He also told Yuma that he sincerely considered him as a friend and jokingly told him that he will be his "subordinate" from now, which Yuma excitedly agreed to. Yuma also gained a level of admiration and respect for Rei, finding his position of "Barian's Guardian" amazing and dutifully followed any of Rei's orders. When Vector tried to abduct Yuma, Rei shielded Yuma and got captured instead, which left Yuma greatly shocked. Wanting to save Rei, Yuma traveled to the Barian World, only to find Rei's seemingly lifeless body and was devastated that he lost his friend.

As "Rei" is the newest addition to Yuma's circle of friends, Yuma calls "Rei" by his supposed last name "Shingetsu" instead of his first name like Yuma does with his other friends, and "Rei" used the honorific "kun" when addressing Yuma to signify their budding friendship. Upon "Rei" falsely revealing his position as "Barian's Guardian" and recruited Yuma as his underling, they established a superior/subordinate relation when working together, addressing each other as "Officer Shingetsu" and "Detective Yuma" receptively.

Later on, "Rei" revealed that he was Vector in human form, which devastated Yuma. Vector explained it was a cruel, elaborated plan to get closer to Yuma and orchestrated his downfall. With the friendship he once hold dear revealed to be a lie, Yuma was furious and became emotionally and mentally distraught. With repairing his bond Astral, Yuma recovered from Vector's cruelty, though Vector still takes pleasure in taunting him in his human form.

Deck
Yuma uses a "Xyz One Turn Kill" Deck, which is supported by the powerful "Number" cards and focuses on performing Xyz Summons. He has a high number of Trap Cards, which mostly protect his monsters and reduce battle damage. He can support his monsters with some ATK boosting cards, like "Wonder Wand", "Blustering Winds", "Bound Wand", and "Double or Nothing!". His signature card is "Number 39: Utopia". Like his other "Numbers" however, he can only use it when Astral is fighting by his side. His main strategy focuses on bringing out "Utopia" and make it strong enough to beat the opponent.

After his time at the Duel Sanctuary, Roku gave Yuma the "Duel Sanctuary Legendary Deck". According to Roku, the Deck is appropriate for Yuma and should answer his feelings. Yuma combined elements from both this Deck and his first Deck into a single Deck. Also, if Yuma and Astral believe in their possibilities, they gain the power to Chaos Xyz Evolution "Utopia" into "Number C39: Utopia Ray". Using ZEXAL, he can create Zexal Weapons cards which gives Number C39: Utopia Ray extra attack points and abilities.

In the World Duel Carnival, Yuma seems to be focusing on fighting less with his "Numbers", instead he uses normal Xyz Monsters against opponents that lack "Numbers" of their own. This is due to him feeling that it is unfair to use "Numbers" against a non-"Number" user.

Yuma's Deck has parallels with those of Yugi Muto, Jaden Yuki and Yusei Fudo. Like Yugi, he uses a Deck which previously belonged to a relative. Like Jaden, he obtains a new Deck which he combines with his original Deck. Like Yusei, he makes extensive use of his series' new mechanic. Like the three of them, his ace card, "Number 39: Utopia" has 2500 ATK.