Yūya Sakaki

"The fun has just begun!"

- Yūya's catchphrase.

Yūya Sakaki ( Sakaki Yūya) is the main protagonist of the Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V anime. He is a born-entertainer who attends the You Show Duel School to advance his Dueling expertise and become an "Entertainment Duelist", a specific type of professional Duelist, similar to his father. He has three known dimensional counterparts: Yūto (from the Xyz Dimension), Yūgo (from the Synchro Dimension), and Yūri (from the Fusion Dimension). He is one of the Lancers.

Appearance
Yūya appears as an average height boy for his age. He has hair that is maroon, following with green on top of it. He wears dark-ish yellow goggles that a blue star on the right-eyed lens and wears it on his head that he uses to cover his eyes when he's sad or about to get tears in his eyes. His eyes are crimson. He wears a neck belt. He has a blue pendant around his neck. He wears a jacket which is his Maiami Second Junior High School uniform, that he wears it as a cape. He wears pants of his choice that are green with two pockets on both right and left sides. He also wears a brown belt. He wears pink shoes. He wears red wristbands, one on each wrist.

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

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

During Riding Duels, Yūya wears a Riding Dueling suit. He wears a predominantly red jumpsuit with a secondary white trim and orange markings, and with padded knees. The chest of his jumpsuit is grey. Yūya wears a jacket with the same color scheme as his jumpsuit that flares out above the hips, and black-backed white gloves. His helmet is visorless; Yūya's own googles serve as a substitute.

Personality
Yūya is a fun-loving and energetic boy. He is very theatrical and loves to entertain people, traits he seems to inherited from his father, Yūshō Sakaki. He idolized and loved his father very much and wishes to become an entertainer like him one day. After his father disappeared during an important match, Yūya was left heartbroken and traumatized by the event because his beloved father was labeled as a "coward". To cope with his father's disappearance and beat people to insulting him about his father, Yūya acts like a fool, leaving his friends and other people baffled by Yūya's behavior and believes he doesn't take things seriously. Because his father was so famous, his friends and other people seems to have high expectations of Yūya to live up to his father's reputation while simultaneously quick to bring up Yūshō's "cowardice" or scold him for his clownish actions. Only after Yūya defeated Strong Ishijima, he finally dropped his foolish acts.

Yūya has shown to have a good deal less self confidence. As such, when he finds himself cornered or something happens that breaks his confidence, he tends to pull his goggles down so nobody can see his eyes. At times like these, he ends up recalling lessons from his father, or relies on support from his friends or mother to regain his confidence and continue the Duel.

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

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

As Yūya becomes more involved in the Interdimensional Domination, added with repeated incidents of triggering The Awakening and continuous problems that he faced one to another, Yūya progressively finds it more difficult to entertain with dueling, becoming more vulnerable to emotional breakdown, easily depressed and even hostile and impatient. While Yūya's desire to protect his friends became stronger, this unfortunately also made Yūya without himself realizing started to slowly losing his track of his way of Dueling, focusing on becoming stronger to defeat his enemies rather than for the sake of bringing happiness to all people in the Four Dimensions despite staying true to his belief, occasionally needing his family or friends to remind him. Only during his rematch against Jack that Yūya fully regained his will and philosophy, allowing him to partly achieve his goal of bringing happiness to people.

Yūya can be charismatic in his own way, mainly due to his kindness, generosity, determination, and philosophy as Entertainment Duelist that both directly and indirectly influence others. His strong attachment and loyalty to those he cares for also managed to turn a lot of people into friends and admirers. While some of his enemies may sees this trait as naivety, some also respect his determination as a fellow Duelist.

When Awakened, Yūya is collected and cold, speaking no more than necessary. However, when witnessing Yūto's memories of the Academia's attack on the Xyz Dimension and seeing the Knight of Duels being turned into cards by the Obelisk Force in front of him, Yūto's hatred towards the Fusion Dimension spills into Yūya, turning him even more aggressive and ruthless. This is worsened when the darkness inside him consumed him, making him desire to harm his enemies to the point he enjoys it, as shown when he smiled maliciously at the Obelisk Force.

Etymology
The syllable "Yū" in this character's name comes from the "Yū" in the Rōmaji of "Yu-Gi-Oh!" ( Yūgiō, lit. King of Game) and past 4 main characters' first or last names of the series (Note: There are other ways to write "Yūya" in Japanese). Sakaki (榊), also known as Cleyera japonica, means "Divine Tree" in Japanese.

Yūya's name may also derived from Yūya, a powerful Egyptian courtier during the eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt, father of Tiye, the Great Royal Wife of Amenhotep III. When the latter died, his son ruled the Ancient Egypt as Amenhotep IV, but later changed his royal name for Akhenaten, whose namesake may have inspired Akhenaden, the father of Priest Seto and uncle of Atem.

Background
In his childhood, Yūya sat by himself crying when his father, Yūshō Sakaki came in to cheer him up. He gave him advice on laughing whenever he felt down and used Yūya's pendant to explain that if Yūya was happy, the happiness would swing back at him. At another unknown point in his childhood, he lost his Pendant in a park, and cried when he was unable to find it. His father learned of the incident and reaffirmed the statement that Yūya should look up and laugh whenever he felt like crying. Yūya did so, locating his Pendant hanging from a tree branch. At a later point, before the duel against Strong Ishijima, Yūya got worried since his father's opponent is strong, but Yūshō assured his son that he will do his best, so Yūya must do his best to at Junior Youth Championship. Yūya said that he wanted to be a Duelist just like his father when he grew up, and his father said Yūya's got it a bit wrong. He said instead of being like him, Yūya should always be himself. Yūya and his mother, Yōko Sakaki, watched the final Duel between Yūshō and Strong Ishijima. When Yūshō did not show up, Yūya ran to the bottom of the stands, saying that his father would appear, and challenged Ishijima to a Duel until his father arrived. Yōko pulled Yūya from the stands as he continued to protest. As the resulted, he was bullied for these remarks, constantly being called as "a son of a coward", even being challenged to a Duel directly by Gen Ankokuji, one of the disciples of the Gongenzaka Dōjō who admired Ishijima and wanted to represent him, but he was protected by Gongenzaka.

For the past few years before the story, Yūya trained hard his Dueling skill and asked for help to Gongenzaka's Dōjō to find him opponents for Duel so he can fulfill the requirements to enter the Junior Youth Championship.

Discovering Pendulum Summon
Yūya and Gongenzaka were engaged in a Duel in You Show Duel School to recruit future students, they were interrupted when Yuzu accidentally broke the Solid Vision machine. Nico Smiley then came and offered Yūya a chance to fulfill his desire of Dueling Strong Ishijima in his father's place, but this upset Yūya who was reminded of his father's disappearance. Eventually, he left the school and sat by himself, remembering the time when his father told him to stay positive when he felt down. He later made his way to the Dueling arena to participate in Ishijima's Duel, dressed as a clown. Yūya sneaked up behind Ishijima and taunted him behind his back before revealing himself, much to Ishijima's shock and anger. Yūya apologized for his actions before commencing the Duel. He put up a good performance for the half of the Duel until Ishijima managed to counter Yūya's play with his own Action Card, "Miracle". "Odd-Eyes" was then destroyed by "Barbarian King", pushing Yūya to a corner and making him lose hope until he remembered his father's words, regaining the courage to continue. Suddenly, his pendant reacted with three of his Effect Monsters - "Stargazer Magician", "Timegazer Magician" and "Odd-Eyes Dragon", transforming them into Pendulum Monsters, while "Odd-Eyes Dragon" was transformed into "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon". Using his his new monsters to support "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon," he destroyed "Barbarian King" and wiped out Ishijima in a single attack, winning the Duel. Afterwards, he was swarmed by people asking about the Pendulum Summon that he'd performed, though he seemed unaware of the details himself and didn't seem to remember exactly what had happened. The You Show Duel School received a flood of applicants, all eager to learn how to Pendulum Summon. Yūya and Yuzu had an exhibition Action Duel. On his second turn, Yūya attempted to Pendulum Summon again, but the Summon failed. Theorizing that it might only work when he was in a pinch, he urged Yuzu to attack him with all she had, but the Summon failed again and Yuzu defeated him. He showed Yuzu and the applicants his Pendulum Cards afterwards, annoying the applicants as they thought that Yūya might have cheated against Strong Ishijima and they couldn't use the Summon without the Pendulum Cards. All but Tatsuya left, though the boy believed in Yūya, and Gongenzaka encouraged Yūya to support his fans. Yūya agreed, vowing to master Pendulum Summoning. He finally did so, replicating the conditions of his Duel with Strong Ishijima after 291 Duels against Gongenzaka, though the ordeal left him sleeping through his math class the next day.

Duel Against Shingo Sawatari
After the day ended, Tatsuya, Ayu and Futoshi arrived, eager to see the Pendulum Summon. They were interrupted by a student of the Leo Duel School, Shingo Sawatari, who admitted he was a big fan of Yūya's Pendulum Summoning, and after learning that they were going to see a Pendulum Summon, offered the use of the Center Field at LDS. Shingo showed them around, and Yūya was impressed by the various courses the school had on different Summoning forms. At the Duel Field, three of Shingo's friends approached them, and Shingo asked if he could show them Yūya's Pendulum Cards. Yūya was reluctant, but he agreed, holding out "Stargazer Magician" and "Timegazer Magician". Shingo swiped the cards and showed them to his friends, then he stated that he was keeping them for himself, suggesting that Yūya Duel to get them back. With Yuzu, Ayu, Tatsuya and Futoshi held hostage, Yūya had no choice. The Duel didn't go well for Yūya since not only there were Traps that reduced the ATK of his monster but they also put his friends at risk. Shingo then proceeded to use the two Pendulum Monsters that he had stolen to Pendulum Summon three monsters himself, much to Yūya's shock. Yūya began to grieve for the sake of his friends, but regained his confidence when he drew "Block Spider", using it in conjunction with "Mimiclay" against Shingo to defend himself. Yūya later used "Empty Fishing" to regain his two Pendulum Monsters and used them to save his friends from falling before defeating Shingo. After losing to Yūya, Shingo sent his friends to take back "Timegazer Magician" and "Stargazer Magician", but they were intercepted by a boy named Sora Shiun'in, who knocked them unconscious with his lollipop stick and declared himself wanting to be Yūya's apprentice.

Duel Against Sora Shiun'in
The next day, Yūya woke up after having a dream about being the world champion, only to find that Sora had followed him home, eating breakfast with him and his mother after he sweet-talked the latter. As the day went on, Sora continued to follow Yūya to school, randomly appearing in front of him and calling him "Teacher", even to the You Show Duel School where he asked Yūya to Duel him so he can see the Pendulum Summon. Yūya at first refused, but after Sora pleaded with his cute face, Yūya agreed under condition that if he win, Sora must stop pestering him and if Sora win, he can become Yūya's apprentice and following him around.

As the Duel started, Yūya seemed to easily gain the upper hand until Sora performed Fusion Summon, summoning Death-Toy Scissors Bear, destroying Yūya's "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon". However, Yūya able to turn the tide after realizing that "Odd-Eyes" didn't go to Graveyard, but back to Extra Deck, countering Sora's monster with his Pendulum Monsters and won the Duel. After the Duel, he reminded Sora of his promise, so Sora instead decided to become his friend, calling him by his first name. Despite Yūya's protests, an enthusiastic Shūzō accepted Sora into the You Show Duel School and went to get the paperwork. Yūya asked Sora where he'd learnt to Fusion Summon, with Sora claiming it was normal from where he came from, confusing Yūya that Sora might be a foreigner.

You Show Duel School vs Leo Duel School
Several days after defeating Shingo, Yūya and his friends were eating ice cream while waiting for Yuzu and Ayu, but only Yuzu came back. Ayu told him that Yuzu was trying to stop Shingo from getting his revenge on Yūya, prompting Yūya raced to the warehouse where Yuzu had been, finding her unharmed, only for Yuzu to ask was he the one who defeated Shingo, much to his confusion. This was furthered when the next day Yuzu abruptly asked Shūzō if their school taught Xyz Summoning, much to Yūya's and Shūzō's confusion. After it was clarified that they didn't, they heard Gongenzaka arguing with someone. Confused, Yūya found him with Shingo's friends, who all claimed that Yūya had attacked Shingo and hospitalized him, much to Yūya's surprise and confusion, and furthermore, Yuzu had also witnessed the incident. Yūya denied that he'd attacked Shingo, but the conversation only intensified when Himika became involved. His friends were convinced that Yūya had not attacked Shingo, even Yuzu, who had been doubting her own conclusions. Regardless, she stated, Shingo had lost and their School's name tarnished. The group realized that Himika was using the incident as an opportunity to add the You Show Duel School to LDS when she proposed a Duel between schools, best out of three. If her Duelists won, she would buy the You Show Duel School. Yūya vowed to fight, refusing to let the Duel School that his father had founded with the intent to teach Entertainment Dueling be taken over by one interested in money and power. He requested to Duel first, despite Sora trying to do so, and ended up facing Hokuto Shijima, LDS's top Xyz-user. Hokuto's tactic counter Yūya's Pendulum Summoning by returning "Odd-Eyes" to Yūya's hand, as well as barring Yūya's way when he attempted to find Action Cards. Hokuto's expertise with the Action Field puts Yūya at a disadvantage and purposefully in danger, and even though Yūya manages to withstand Hokuto's monster until it runs out of Overlay Units, Hokuto simply brings out another, then uses the first one as Xyz Material to Xyz Summon "Sacred Ptolemys Messier 7". Hokuto again timed his attacks to hurt Yūya, resulting in a building collapsing around Yūya as he grabbed an Action Card. Yūya was able to survive, commenting that if he had fled, it wouldn't have been exciting, and he countered with the card, inflicting damage to Hokuto for the first time. Hokuto went into a rage for being damaged for the first time in 40 Duels, and reduced Yūya to 200 Life Points, raining down meteors on Yūya, who was only just able to dodge them. Yūya proceeded to switch his "Stargazer Magician" and "Entermate Turn Toad" around with "Entermate Trampolynx", allowing him to counter "Pleiades'" effect and keep "Odd-Eyes" on the field, then used "Magical Star Illusion" to boost the ATK of all of his monsters by their total Levels. The effect was applied to Hokuto as well, but since his Xyz Monsters had Ranks rather than Levels, he received no bonus, and Yūya proceeded to wipe out the rest of Hokuto's Life Points.

Duel Against Reiji Akaba
The next two Duels resulted with Yuzu lost against Masumi Kōtsu and Gongenzaka tied against Yaiba Tōdō. A furious Himika proposed a tie-breaker Duel between Yūya and Masumi, the two winners, and Yūya prepared to face her, but before they could begin, a mysterious grey-haired Duelist, Reiji Akaba arrived. He claimed that he would put an end to this. Yūya seemed to be in the lead due to Reiji's permanent magic card that reduced his own LP. However, Reiji turned the tide to his favour when he used counter magic to not only regain his LP but also perform Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz Summon all at one turn. Everyone were shocked further when Reiji also able to Pendulum Summon, cornering Yūya. Before they could continue, Reiji received a call from his employee, Nakajima, and he gave Yūya the win. He told Yūya his full name when asked before he departed.

Duel Against Shūzō
Yūya was shell-shocked that Reiji had been able to Pendulum Summon. Tatsuya encouraged Yūya to teach them about his Pendulum Summoning, but Yūya yelled that Pendulum Summoning wasn't his anymore and he tried to run off, only for Shūzō to stop him. Shūzō told him off for running, pointing out that reality wouldn't change if Yūya fled from it, despite the fact that other people could Pendulum Summon had shown up. Shūzō pointed out that one day the world could be overflowing with Pendulum Cards, given Reiji's status as the CEO of the Leo Corporation. He ordered Yūya to Duel him, so that he could beat Yūya's pessimistic personality into shape. They Dueled in Yūshō Sakaki's signature field, and Shūzō told him he'd show Yūya what a real Entertainment Duel was like. Yūya protested at his Duels being called fake, and Shūzō claimed that Yūya's Duels were not comparable to his or Yūshō's. Forcing Yūya to reveal his hand, Shūzō harassed him, and Yūya Dueled for a turn without using his Pendulums, despite having both his Magicians in his hand. When Yūya's attack failed, he claimed that Yūshō's Duels were more entertaining than Shūzō's, a fact that Shūzō agreed with. Shūzō pointed out that Yūshō's Duels weren't always like that and initially attracted criticism, but eventually, the jeers became cheers.

He told Yūya that to open a door to a new world, one with courage had to push it, and Yūya had opened a new door called "Pendulum." But they wouldn't be exclusive to him anymore, soon anyone could Pendulum Summon. To prove it, he took control of the Magicians and used them to Pendulum Summon more monsters. Shūzō commented that Yūshō would have been overjoyed and improved his skills, while Yūya was shocked instead, and encouraged Yūya to set and example and hone his skills. but ended his turn without attacking and returned the Magicians to Yūya (due to his card conditions). Regaining his confidence and taking a step forward with courage, Yūya defeated Pendulum Summon three monsters and used them to defeat Shūzō.

Pre-Maiami Championship
The next day, as he messily ate lunch with Yuzu, Shingo approached them, commenting that he heard Yūya attacked someone again, though he knew Yūya wasn't the culprit, and he called Yūya's Pendulum Summoning cowardly as only Yūya could do it. Shingo vowed to get his hands on the new Pendulum Cards being developed by LDS and defeat Yūya, saying that he'd be waiting at the Junior Youth Championship before departing. Yūya remembered that he couldn't join the Championship, as his win rate was only 56% rather than the required sixty. Yūya tried to find someone to Duel all day, but they all refused. Tatsuya worked out that if Yūya defeated his next four opponents, he'd be able to qualify. Yūya bemoaned the fact that his win against Ishijima was causing people to think he'd get a free pass, which was completely a misunderstanding since it was only an exhibition match. He then realised that there were four of his friends right there - but they all refused; Ayu, Tatsuya and Futoshi as they were only in elementary school, and Yuzu because she and Yūya had Dueled many times before and she'd already qualified. Yuzu suggested asking Gongenzaka for help, but Yūya decided against it, as Gongenzaka had helped him too much in the past and Yūya wanted to get stronger by himself.

He arrived at You Show to find Nico Smiley there, who offered him a free pass into the Junior Youth Championship as the Duel Committee acknowledge Yūya's victory against Ishijima. Yūya declined, not wanted to be given special treatment, but he was able to get Nico to set up his next four Duels. He then was asked by Shūzō to find Yuzu, and he found her with Sora and Masumi at the warehouse. He was immediately interrogated by both Masumi and Yuzu regarding the Black-Masked Duelist, but had no clue what they were talking about. Sora mediated the situation by distracting Masumi and explained to Yūya that he'd been teaching Yuzu to Fusion Summon. When he explained that he'd found his next opponents, Sora asked Yūya about entering the Championship, and Yūya explained that if he won six Duels in a row, Sora would be able to enter.

Duel Against Michio Mokota
After reorganizing his Deck the following day, Yūya noted that his mother was bringing in more stray animals, including Sora, who was eating with them again. They wished each other luck, but Yūya ended up having to skip breakfast since the new recipe his mother was making was taking too long. He arrived at the Cuisine Duel School to Duel Michio Mokota, and they Dueled in the "Action Kitchen," a field that Michio demonstrated skilful knowledge of. Yūya was having a difficulty in getting Action Card since he didn't have any energy after skipping breakfast and he was distracted by how delicious-looking Michio's monsters were. Fortunately, Yōko arrived with Michio's recipe that she has changed, and Yūya eagerly devoured it, and then leapt for the Action Card again, using it in combination with his Trap to survive the attacks. On his next turn, he drew his "Illusion Balloon" Magic Card and Pendulum Summoned again, Summoning all five of his destroyed Pendulum Monsters from his Extra Deck. Michio returned all of his "Royal Cookmates" to his hand again and destroyed all five of Yūya's monsters, but Yūya had been counting on this, and he used this to trigger "Illusion Balloon," the balloons appearing as the breakfast Yōko had made for him. He excavated the top five card of his Deck, and the final one was his "Entermate Hammer Mammo," which was thus Special Summoned with enough ATK to wipe out Michio's Life Points, winning Yūya the first of the four remaining Duels that he needed to qualify. Michio took the loss gracefully, telling Yūya he'd see him in the Junior Youth Championship.

Duel Against Eita Kyuando
As Yūya was due to Duel at the Quiz School the next day, after having several of Michio's recipes that had been prepared by his mother, he stayed up late watching quiz shows, but this had a negative effect on his concentration. The next day, while having a walk, he was suddenly pursued by three LDS students led by Mr. Sawatari, who still believed Yūya to be the person who had attacked Shingo. Fleeing, unaware of the reason behind his pursuit, Yūya was saved by the intervention of an Xyz Duelist, Shun Kurosaki, who proceeded to Xyz Summon a monster that dealt real damage to the LDS students and seal them in cards, while knocking Yūya himself out. Nico Smiley later found Yūya, who babbled about a monster that destroyed the area, but there was no visible evidence of the encounter. Nico asked if Yūya had been sleeping, and Yūya admitted that he'd stayed up all night doing quizzes, dismissing what happened as a dream.

Yūya then Dueled Eita Kyuando from the Clarity Duel School. Although Yūya lost most of his Life Points due to the "Quiz" Action Cards, "Quiz Monkey", and "Sphin-Quiz", he eventually won using the effects of "Entertainment Resurrection - Reborn Force", "Entermate Cast Change", and "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon".

Growing Pendulum Summoning
The next day, Yūya remembered Nico Smiley congratulating him from his two recent Duels. Yūya noted that Nico didn't seem so excited, with Nico replying that it's the Pro Duelists' job to be excited. He told Yūya that the Entertainment Duelists surpassed the wildest imagination of the audience. Yūya took his pendant off his neck and swung it around. He restated surpassing the audience's imagination and how his father stole the hearts of his audience, too. Yūya remembered what Reiji said about seeing further evolution in Pendulum Summoning, and was frustrated about how he couldn't see it, though. He went to Shūzō and asked what he should do, with Shūzō replying that he should move forward. Yūya commented that if he didn't know which path to take, he couldn't move forward. Later, while reading a magazine, Yūya remarked on how Yuzu was learning Fusion Summoning from Sora. He bumped into Hokuto and Yaiba who were in hurry to the warehouse where Masumi found the culprit behind the LDS attack, with Yūya decided to follow them. The trio arrived at the crime scene, only to find Masumi, Sora, and Yuzu with her cards scattered across the ground. Yūya asked Yuzu what was wrong, but she only sobbed, saying she didn't know what's going on anymore. The LDS security then arrived, prompting Sora to suggest for them to leave before getting involved. Yaiba remarked to Yūya that he still needed two more matches to join the Junior Youth Championship. Yūya asked how he knew that, and Yaiba replied that he wanted to say good luck, although it might be difficult for him, and he left. Yūya then noticed Yuzu's "Fusion" card on the ground, and guessed she accidentally forgot about it.

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

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

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

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

First Round
Yūya was up next against Shingo, who vowed to defeat him based on his misplaced grudges: first for stealing his Pendulum cards and use it to defeat him (which actually he himself was the one who stole it), second for having an Xyz user doppelgänger to hurt him (which was actually done by Yūto and Shingo wasn't hurt from the incident), and lastly was for attacking his father (which was actually done by Shun). Yūya was worried when Shingo claimed that Pendulum Summoning would be Yūya's downfall, remembering Shingo's promise to obtain LDS developed Pendulum Cards. Shingo used his new "Yosenju" cards to prevent Yūya from getting Action Cards, but Yūya was able to Pendulum Summon and counterattack with "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Entermate Drumming Kong." However, true to his words, Shingo proceeded to Pendulum Summon "Mayosenju Daibakaze" and complete his "Dizzying Winds of Yosen Village" combo, using the effects of "Dizzying Winds of Yosen Village" and "Yosen Whirlwind" to return Yūya's Pendulum cards to the Deck. Despite being cornered, with Pendulum Summoning being used against him, Yūya was enjoying the Duel, setting his remaining cards and ending his turn, then dashing off to look for Action Cards, vowing that the Duel had only just begun. Yūya was able to rouse the crowd by drawing "Magician's Card," replenishing his hand. He brought out "Odd-Eyes" again and boosted it over the ATK of "Daibakaze", but was unable to destroy it. He then used the effect of "Entermate Trump Witch" to Fusion Summon "Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon," and again traded blows with "Daibakaze." Shingo obtained an Action Card that would win him the Duel should "Beast-Eyes" be destroyed, but Yūya had found "Miracle," allowing him to use the effect of "Beast-Eyes" to win the Duel. Afterwards, Shingo generously offered to Duel Yūya any time, and they waved to the crowd as Yūya mused that this was the type of Duel that he'd been wanting, and wondered if he'd gotten closer to his father.

Meeting Yūto and Yūgo
He and Yuzu watched Sora's Duel with Shun worriedly, since they knew Shun to have been the serial attacker on LDS. He recognized Shun's monsters from when he'd encountered him, including "Raid Raptors - Rise Falcon," and warned Sora to be careful, proven correct when "Rise Falcon," decimated Sora's field. He watched in horror as the Duel continued, turning the Action Field into a raging battlefield. As the Duel reached its climax, with Shun claiming victory Sora was injured by a falling building and hospitalized.

He remained with Yuzu and Gongenzaka at the hospital to keep an eye on Sora, where the three of them compared the facts, and Yūya learned about Yūto, a Duelist who resembled him and the real culprit behind the attack on Shingo, who somehow disappeared whenever her bracelet is glowing. Yūya mused that the conflict between Sora's people and Shun's seemed to be larger than an inter-school rivalry, but before they could talk further, they overheard the guards looking for Sora, who had escaped. After calling Shūzō, Yūya headed off to Central Park, finding Sora Dueling Yūto. Yūyaundefineddecided to interfere after hearing Yūto’s intention to defeat Sora as the first step to save his friend, Ruri. He Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" on his first turn, but to his surprise, he experienced a burning sensation in his chest as it faced off against "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon." He attacked with the intent to destroy both monsters and revive "Odd-Eyes" next turn, but Yūto blocked the attack, playing around the effect of "Timegazer Magician." Sora angrily told Yūya to get lost, claiming that Yūto was his prey. Yūya demanded answers, revealing what Yuzu had told him. Before Sora could continue, he was returned to the Fusion Dimension forcibly. With Sora disappeared, Yūto no longer has any reason to continue the Duel and both decided to call off the Duel. Yūto then explained about the Four Dimensions to Yūya as well as the destruction of his homeland at the hands of Fusion Dimension. Yūya was skeptical, but told Yūto that Dueling is not a tool for conflict, but to bring happiness to people. They were interrupted by the arrival of a Duelist on a D-Wheel, who crashed into a streetpost, and revealed that he too resembled Yūya and Yūto, whom Yūto referred as “Pawn of Fusion”. The Duelist stated that his name is Yūgo and challenged Yūto for a rematch since they were interrupted before. Yūya watched the Duel in shock as the Duelists ran around agily, and experienced the same burning sensation when Yūgo, a Synchro user, called out "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon." The sensation intensified when Yūto retaliated with "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon," causing the two Duelists to seemingly become possessed and violent. Realizing this wasn't right and objected for them to use Duel to relinquish their hatred, Yūya interfered by first trying to convince Yūto. Yūya managed to calm Yūto down by reminding him of his homeland, but was unsuccessful in calming Yūgo, who proceeded with his battle phase. Before the shockwave could hit Yūya who was defending Yūto behind him, Yūto pushed Yūya aside, taking the shockwave in his stead. Yūya quickly rushed to Yūto’s side to help him, but then his “Odd-Eyes” and Yūto’s “Dark Rebellion” resonated, engulfing them in a bright light. Yūto entrusted Yūya with his “Dark Rebellion”, telling him to bring smiles with Duel using his power before he and Yūgo disappeared. Yuzu, who shortly arrived on the scene, found Yūya collapsed.

Second Round
Yūya remained unconscious for two days, and when he finally awoke, he was surprised to hear it. Yuzu informed him that the first round of the Maiami Championship was ending today. He learned that Mieru had lost in an OTK and that Futoshi had also been defeated by Reira, who had used Synchro Summoning this time. When Yuzu mentioned that he might know all about Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Summoning, Yūya told her what Yūto had told him about the world being made up of Four Dimensions, and that the Fusion Dimension, where Sora lived, and the Xyz Dimension, where Yūto and Shun lived, were at war. Then he told her about Yūgo, who also looked like him, and who Yūto had called a "Pawn of Fusion". He theorized that maybe Yūgo had been the one who captured Ruri, then went to look at the "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" card Yūto had given him, telling Yuzu that Yūto had given it to him after saving him from "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon", but he remembered nothing after that. He also wasn't sure what happened to Yūto, or why he gave him "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon". He expressed his confusion about why both Yūto and Yūgo looked just like him, and was surprised when Yuzu told him that Ruri supposedly also looked like her. He realized that Shun may know something about the four dimensions, and they both went to Centre Court to ask him. When they arrived, Yūya was greeted by Gongenzaka, who hugged him, and Shūzō, who said that both he and Gongenzaka were really worried about him. Futoshi, Ayu and Tatsuya also arrived and were happy to see that he was okay. Futoshi apologized for losing his Duel against Reira. Yūya consoled him by saying that he should give Reira the shivers next time, until he suddenly remembered Sora claiming that there were no second chances in battle, and froze. Mieru then appeared, delighted that he had woken up, and went to kiss him, but he simply dodged her and went to talk to Masumi, Hokuto and Yaiba, who were also there. He asked to see Shun, as he had a lot of questions to ask him, but Yaiba told him that Shun wouldn't even give him the time of day. He suggested that Yūya and his friends should come and watch his next match, and they did. Yūya watched in shock as Isao Kachidoki, Yaiba's opponent, violently attacked Yaiba in competition for Action Cards and emerged as the victor. He was further amazed to discover that he would face Isao in the next round. He reflected that Yūto had told him to make everyone smile with his Dueling, and he resolved to do so against Isao.

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

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

Yūya & Dennis vs. Ken Umesugi & Makoto Takeda
At the final round of the championship, which was a Battle Royale Duel, Yūya was up against two Ryozanpaku Duelists, Ken Umesugi and Makoto Takeda. Like in the Duel against Isao, their violent Dueling methods not only prevented Yūya from getting Action Cards but also prevented him from attacking them. This quickly put Yūya at a disadvantage since he was also afraid of losing himself like when he Dueled Isao, until a LDS transfer student, Dennis Macfield, saved him and joined the Duel as Yūya's tag partner. Yūya was exasperated by Dennis' admiration for his father. With Dennis' help, the tide turned in their favor. Dennis allowed Yūya to finish the Duel. Yūya Pendulum Summoned "Entermate Silver Claw" and "Entermate Whip Viper". The moment he Summoned them, "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" appeared in Yūya's mind, which almost caused him to enter his awakened state, if not for Dennis' moral support. Feeling assured, Yūya successfully summoned "Dark Rebellion" without losing himself and defeated both Ken and Makoto with the help of Dennis' "Entermage Trapeze Magican". Parting ways with Dennis, Yūya met Shun at the Ancient Ruins. Shun immediately asked Yūya what happened to Yūto and accused the former that he had done something to his comrade since Yūya had Yūto's "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon". Yūya answered that Yūto entrusted the card to him and told him to bring smiles with his Duels. Before Yūya could explain further they were interrupted by the Knight of Duelists, who were Duelling each other and purposely surrounded Shun so their attack would hit him without getting penalized. Yūya, who was beside Shun, also got caught in the attack and blown away. Sora and the Obelisk Force then appeared, shocking Yūya. He called out to Sora, but he was ignored.

Duel Against Obelisk Force
While Sora took Shun elsewhere to Duel, the Obelisk Force defeated the Knights of Duels and sealed them into cards, horrifying Yūya. The event triggered a vision of Yūto's memory when Heartland was invaded. Overwhelmed by the memory, Yūya succumbed to his rage and challenge the Obelisk Force. The enemies' cowardly tactics prevented Yūya from using Action Cards or avoiding their attacks. The Obelisk Force then taunted Yūya by mockingly showing the Knight of Duels' Duelists' cards and told him he will share the same fate, enraging Yūya further. As Yūto's memory filled his mind, Yūya and Yūto's soul merged again, causing him to summon "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" and attack Red Obelisk Force. This started to panic the Obelisk Force and they counterattacked with their monsters until Yūya's LP reduced to 800, but despite the damage he took Yūya remained unscathed and instead smiled wickedly. On his turn with 200 LP remaining, Yūya Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and then used the Pendulum effects of "Antithesis Magician" and "Synthesis Magician" to make "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" a Level 7 monster. He overlaid "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" to perform a new Xyz Summon, summoning "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon the Supreme King Black Dragon" and defeated the Obelisk Force in an instant. However, even after defeating the Obelisk Force, Yūya proceeded to go to where Shun and Sora were, ignoring a falling pillar that would have crushed him had Gongenzaka not protected him.

Gongenzaka and Mieru took Yūya to the Jungle area where he was restrained by Gongenzaka, Michio, and Teppei while Mieru used her crystal ball to see what was inside Yūya's heart. She found that there were two hearts inside him, along with a pitch black darkness. Yūya went unconscious and later awoke without remembering his duel against the Obelisk Force. He then explained what happened prior to entering Berserk Mode to Gongenzaka and the others. Hearing Mieru's explanation about the presence of another heart inside him, Yūya realized that the other heart was none other than Yūto and his anger for what happened during Academia's invasion was what triggered his change. This made Yūya wonder why Yūto, who entrusted him "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" so he could make people smile with his Duels, would let him be overwhelmed by so much anger. As he was resting, Yūya contemplated of Yūto's memories that he had saw and finally understood Yūto's anger and sadness, believing that Yūto wasn't lying when he said to make everyone and their future smile with his Duels and the one who was trying to consume him is the darkness that also within him. This made Yūya afraid for a moment until he was reminded by his father's encouraging words, making him even more resolute to Duel with the way he believed. Deciding to find his other friends out of worry, he and Gongenzaka split up with Michio and Teppei. They were then approached by Dennis who informed them where Yuzu was, but Yuzu was transported with Yūgo through her bracelet's power just as Yūya arrived. Yūya and Gongenzaka continued their search at the Ancient Ruins, but didn't find Yuzu there and proceeded to the Volcano area, only to find Sora Dueling against Hikage. Yūya immediately asked Sora to stop by shouting at him until Sora finally responded that they would talk after he defeated Hikage, which angered Yūya. Gongenzaka stopped Yūya when he was about to interfere. He pointed at Serena, whom they mistook for Yuzu, Dueling against the Obelisk Force with Tsukikage and Shun. Yūya started to be consumed by the darkness when he witnessed Michio, and Teppei being sealed into cards, followed by Hikage who lost to Sora. This caused Yūya to be momentarily taken over by darkness and he angrily confronted Sora, telling him that he was wrong. However, Yūya returned to his senses after hearing Yūto's voice that reminded him of their wish. Determined to bring back Sora's smile, Yūya challenged Sora to a Duel, which Sora accepted. He took Yūya to another side of the area so no one could interfere with their Duel.

Rematch Against Sora
Believing that Sora's smile when they first Dueled was genuine, Yūya tried to make Sora see the error of his view about Dueling, but Sora just ridiculed Yūya's belief and persisted that Dueling is to continue fighting. This made Yūya question if they were not friends anymore, which Sora confirmed because to him, his goal and victory was more important than friendship. This didn't stop Yūya from trying to change Sora's mind. He Xyz Summoned "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" and Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" with "Antithesis Magician" and "Synthesis Magician". He then used the effects of his "Magicians" to make "Dark Rebellion" a Level 7 monster. Yūya hesitated for a moment to Summon "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon the Supreme King Black Dragon", but decided to trust Yūto who told him to bring smile with Duel and Summoned it. He used its effect to destroy two of Sora's three monsters. The Xyz Pendulum Monster excited Sora, and Yūya pointed out Sora's excitement to express that Duel is for fun. Yūya then attacked using "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon", which Sora countered with the Action Card "Flame Chain" to lower its ATK, but Yūya countered back with his own Action Card, "Flame Power". As the attack of "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon" was about to hit, both Yūya and Sora tried to reach an Action Card, but the Battle Royal reached its time limit, dismissing the Action Field and thus, leaving the Duel unfinished. Yūya finally noticed that the rest of his friends were present as well before calling out to Serena whom he still mistook as Yuzu until Serena made it clear herself. Thinking that Yuzu might have been turned into a card, he turned to Sora, but Sora returned to his own dimension before Yūya could question him. Reiji then arrived with Shingo and both revealed that the Battle Royal served as a test to determine Duelists suitable to fight the Academia and the Fusion Dimension.

Rematch Against Reiji
Once Reiji revealed that he had been watching the battle and let them fight to determine who could survive the battle against the Academy, Yūya broke into tears as he thought about Yuzu, Michio, Teppei, and all the Duelists who had been turned into cards. A furious Yūya blamed Reiji for what happened to the others and tried to punch him, but Reiji easily caught his fist and instead proposed for them to Duel since they were Duelists, which Yūya accepted. Reiji activated "Future City Heartland" for them to Duel on, which reminded Shun of his homeland tragedy. Reiji asked what happened before at Xyz Dimension, but Shun couldn't say it, prompting Reiji to tell them what happened. However, before Reiji could elaborate any further, both Yūya and Yūto, still in Yūya's body, shouted at him to stop and start their Duel. Reiji immediately performed Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz Summons at once and inflicted 2000 damage to Yūya with "DDD Blaze King Temujin", slightly injuring him. Yūya asked Reiji if he was satisfied with how many people were defeated and how many people survived from the Battle Royale, while declaring that they were not his puppets. Yūya then recalled how Yuzu helped him on his Pendulum Summoning and how she tried hard to become stronger, so he would do the same. He proceeded to Summon "Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon". Reiji revealed that he knew all along that Sora was from the Academia and speculated that Yūya's ability to Summon two new Fusion Dragons was possibly from Yuzu, who learned Fusion Summon from Sora, which meant that Yūya gained his Fusion Summon ability from the Academia. Yūya replied that he'd learned Fusion Summoning because he'd seen Yuzu learn Fusion Summoning to defeat Masumi. He managed to destroy all three of Reiji's monsters and inflict 2100 damage to Reiji with "Rune-Eyes". However, before Yūya could use "Beast-Eyes" to land the finishing blow, Reiji saved himself by activating the Trap Card "DDD Contract Revision" in order to negate the damage. Reiji told Yūya that while he understood how strong Yūya's feelings for Yuzu were, feelings alone were not enough in true battle and he formed the Lancers so they could win without such naïve feelings. Yūya insisted that he had no intention to become a Lancer, but was surprised when Reiji asked if he didn't want to save Yuzu, implying that Yuzu wasn't sealed in a card. He further goaded Yūya to fight by telling him to defeat him first before rescuing Yuzu from the Academia. Ending his turn, Yūya was shocked when both his "Rune-Eyes" and "Beast-Eyes" were destroyed by Reiji's "DDD Wave King Caesar, leaving his LP at 1800. Yūya once again asked what exactly happened to Yuzu, but Reiji reminded him of their Dueling conditions; Yūya must make him repent by defeating him in Duel in the place of everyone who had been sealed into cards. This brought the memories when Michio and the others were sealed into cards and the tragedy of Xyz Dimension, causing Yūya to nearly enter Berserk Mode, but he barely suppressed it. He then summoned "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" to destroy Reiji's "DDD Wave Oblivion King Caesar Ragnarok", but this came at the cost of "Odd-Eyes" that Reiji had used to increase his monster's ATK, saving his LP. Reiji then began his counterattack and successfully destroyed "Dark Rebellion" with "DDD Duo-Dawn King Kali Yuga", reducing Yūya's LP to 800 and also injured Yūya further. Gongenzaka and Mieru intended to help him, but Yūya told them to stay back because this is his, Yuzu's, and Yūto's Duel. He stated his resolution that he would definitely save Yuzu and fulfil his promise with Yūto, declaring he must not lose to someone who would Duel for toying or hurting people. In a last ditch of effort to defeat Reiji, Yūya Xyz Summoned "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon the Supreme King Black Dragon" and seemingly gained the upper hand. Unfortunately, Reiji used his monster effect to weaken "Odd-Eyes Rebellion" and increased his monster's ATK to destroy "Odd-Eyes Rebellion", defeating Yūya. Reiji reminded Yūya that he couldn't save Yuzu with his naive resolution, but he would let him go since Yūya's mastery of Pendulum Summoning was necessary for Lancers to fight the Academy. Frustrated at his loss, Yūya swore that he needed to become stronger to save Yuzu.

Duel Against Yōko
Following the closing of the Battle Royale, Yūya and the other survivors of Battle Royale gathered at the stadium where Himika revealed to the audience the truth about what is happening, with Yūya and the others were announced as heroes. Afterwards, Yūya returned Yuzu's clothes to Shūzō and told him what happened to Yuzu. Yōko noticed Yūya's wavering behaviour, especially after Yūya declared he will become stronger and defeat his enemies, which Yōko pointed out by asking does that including Sora. Yōko forcefully challenged Yūya to a duel, and she revealed she was once the leader of a woman's Dueling gang. When a rival gang took one of her friends hostage, it was Yūshō who showed her the importance of fun duelling. Yōko told her son to never forget his smile no matter what happens, as it's important for him if he wants to make others the same. She encouraged him to make not only Sora, but also everyone to smile just like his father did to her. Following his mother's advice, Yūya regains his entertainment spirit and won against Yōko by using the Smile World from her graveyard. She then gave him the 'Smile World' magic card that bonds her and Yūshō, believing that Yūya would be okay from now on.

Departing to Synchro Dimension
The next day, Reiji gathered together the Lancers, which now include Reira. Reiji announced they will be going to recruit allies in the Synchro Dimension, where it is revealed Yuzu has been taken to, by using new trans-dimensional Duel Disks that Reiji has modified after researching Yūto's Duel Disk, causing Shun to accuse Yūya had stole it, but was silenced by Yūto who told him to trust Yūya. Yūya, unable to hear Yūto's voice, confused by Shun's sudden surprise but Shun only told him it was nothing. He and the other Lancers then set off for the Synchro Dimension.

Duel Against Securities
When Yūya arrived at the Slum area of Synchro Dimension, only Serena, Shingo, Reira were with him. While wondering about their surroundings and the location of their other comrades, they were intercepted by the Securities who mistook Yūya and Serena as Yūgo and Yuzu, challenging them into Duel, much to Yūya's objection who told them that they have just arrived. The Securities' refusal to listen got on Shingo's nerve, prompting him and Serena to accepted the challenge despite Yūya's effort to calm them down. With Shingo quickly defeated, Yūya has no choice but to Duel all the while trying to cheer up Reira with his Entertainment Duelling. Yūya's knowledge of Action Cards gave him quick advantage of the Duel, but the moment Serena defeated her opponent, reinforcements arrived, cornering the three of them. Yūya told Serena to take Reira and escape while he distract the Securities. Unfortunately, Serena's pride caused her to refuse to run away, cornering them even further. Just as they were surrounded by the Securities, they were saved by Crow Hogan and his four friends riding their D-Wheels, taking them to safety.

Yūya and the others were taken to Crow's hideout, welcomed by one of the children who lives with him, Amanda. Crow expressed his amazement that Yūya and the others were Duelling bravely while protecting Reira, stating that someone who protects children couldn't be a bad guy. Noticing that they were not from the slum, Yūya was about to tell Crow about them, but Crow didn't mind it and allow them to stay until the situation cool off, much to Yūya's gratitude. Two other children who lives with Crow then came bringing some foods and noticed Yūya and Serena whom they mistook as Yūgo and Yuzu. Hearing this information, Yūya and Serena were ready to head out to look for them, but Crow stopped them since they were targeted by the Security. Seeing Yūya's resolute face, Crow offer to look for them in their stead. After Yūya, Serena, and Shingo listening to the children's explanation about Riding Duel, Securities, Tops, and Commons, Crow returned with no information about Yuzu and Yūgo. Frustrated at being told to wait, Serena and Shingo decided to look for information by themselves despite Yūya's protest that it would make them got separated again. Reira, also wanting to look for Reiji, decided to tag along in their search, but Yūya stopped him while Serena and Shingo left. Waiting for Serena and Shingo to return, Yūya tried to make Reira smile and stop worrying about his brother, but this led to a childish argument with Crow over between food and smile which one represent happiness. The two decided to settle it with a Duel with the children watching. Unfortunately, not long after the battle started, the Security located and arrested them. Noticing that Reira has disappeared, Yūya shouted out Reira's name in panic while struggling against the Securities' hold.

The Facility
As Yūya and the others were thrown into the car, Serena assured him that Reira is fine because Tsukikage rescued him before the Securities noticed them, much to Yūya's relief. But Yūya became worried again at their present situation. Arriving at the Facility, Yūya, Shingo, Crow, and Shinji were taken to the same cell while Serena was imprisoned in solitary cell. He was reunited with Gongenzaka and Dennis who explained how they were imprisoned with Shun, who was moved into solitary cell after getting into fight with another facility inmates a few days earlier. Yūya and the others quickly got poor treatment from both the guards and inmates alike, and the only way for them to get a better treatment is by bribing the guards with their cards like money, which explained why the guards confiscated their Duel Disks but not their cards.

Duel Against Chojiro Tokumatsu
They were then called by Chojiro Tokumatsu, the leader of the Facility, who demanded for Yūya and the others to give them all of their cards if they want to live in luxury, to which Yūya and the others immediately declined. Yūya persisted that cards should not be easily compared with money and cited his belief that Duel is for fun. This angered Tokumatsu and he challenged Yūya to a Duel. Tokumatsu's lethal combo caused Yūya to significantly lose his LP every time he draw his cards. Fortunately, Yūya managed to counter the combo after he draw "Entermate Raingoat", n egating the damage by sending it to the Graveyard. Yuya activates the effect of "Entermate Teeter Totter Hopper" from the Graveyard, since he sent a card from his hand to the Graveyard, while it was in the Graveyard. This allows him to Special Summon "Teeter Totter Hopper" from the Graveyard in Defense Position. As "Teeter Totter Hopper" was Special Summoned by its own effect, it cannot destroyed by battle once per turn.

Yūya's Duel eventually reached out to Tokumatsu and other inmates who were watching the Duel. Regaining his enjoyment for Duelling, Tokumatsu abandoned his previous Duelling strategy and attacked Yūya head on. Using "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Teeter Totter Hopper"'s effect combo, Yūya successfully defeated Tokumatsu.

Great Entertainment Duel Tournament
A few days after the Duel against Tokumatsu, Shinji suggested for Yūya to join Great Entertainment Duel Tournament that will be held in Facility by Tokumatsu to liven up the Facility, to which Yūya agreed. However, Yūya then was bothered by the sudden change in Crow's attitude towards him and then met Damon, a common who was recently captured and mistook him as Yūgo, informing him how Yuzu and Yūgo attempted to warn people about the invasion of Fusion Dimension. This worried Yūya as the Securities are targeting her. Yūya's insecurities increased upon finding out that Crow and Shinji were planning on jailbreak by taking advantage of the upcoming Duel. Torn between breaking out to find Yuzu and leaving Tokumatsu and the other inmates to suffer the punishment, Yūya tried to make Crow reconsider his plan, but Crow angrily told him that they are not friends nor comrades any more and he should take care of his own friends.

During the Duel, Yūya was lost in thought about Yuzu and what Crow has told him. This made Yūya not concentrating in his Duel until he finally made up his mind to break out so he can find Yuzu. As the Duel went on, Shingo accidentally break through the wall where he found Crow, Shinji, and Damon about to escape through the air ventilation, that caused them to be found out by the prison guards. Yūya apologised to Tokumatsu for his action, telling him how he wants to save Yuzu. Feeling indebted to Yūya, Tokumatsu decided to help Yūya and his friends to get out from the Facility, assisted by other inmates who threw Tokumatsu's rare cards to draw the guards' attentions while Yūya and the others head out through the air ventilation.

Prison Break
Yūya, Shingo, and Tokumatsu successfully head out, but were ambushed by three Security Arrest Corps with their Goyo monsters. Shingo challenged three of them at once, resulting in failure. Yūya suggested for them to head to the rooftop and then jumped, much to Shingo's chagrin until Tokumatsu forced him. Yūya activated his Duel Disk as he jumped and summoned "Entermate Trampolynx" so they can land safely. Unfortunately, they were quickly driven into corner until Gongenzaka and Shun arrived to save them. Shun defeated the Arrest Corps in instant with "Raid Raptors - Rise Falcon" monster effect. Dennis, who has been watching, informed them that he had freed Serena and she already regrouped with Crow ahead of them. At the sewer, Yūya reunited with Crow, Shinji, and their friends. Yūya told Shinji his answer that he won't hesitate anymore for Yuzu's sake, something that Shinji agreed to as well for the sake of his friends. Thinking they were safe, Yūya and the others jumped into the water to swim through their way out, but it turned out to be a trap set by the Security led by Roget who had captured one of Crow's friends. Without any way out, Yūya and the others were once again captured and was about to be taken back, but the Executive Council interrupted Roget, ordering for them to be taken to their place where they will be questioned. In front of the council, Yūya and the others revealed that they came from Standard Dimension and wishes to form alliance with Synchro Dimension against the upcoming invasion by the Academia of Fusion Dimension, but Roger accused them as being the invaders themselves, much to their protest.

Roget insisted for them to be taken into the Security's custody for further interrogation, but Reiji, along with Tsukikage and Reira, revealed themselves, having told the entire story to the council beforehand. To prove their alliance, Reiji told the Lancers to participate in Friendship Cup for recruit potential Duelists to become their allies. Roget begrudgingly agreed under condition that Yūya must participate in the exhibition match against the Duel King, Jack Atlas, that will be hold a day before the championship. Yūya was at first reluctant to participate, but eventually accepted the condition once knowing that Yuzu has signed up for the Friendship Cup.

Exhibition Match: Duel Against Jack Atlas
On the day of exhibition match, while waiting for the match to begin, Yūya was wondering what happened to his friends who were taken away the day before. He then asked the attendant boy, Sam, what kind of person Jack is. Seeing the boy seems hesitant on answering his question, Yūya decided not to question any further as Sam said it's the time for him to be prepared. When the match started, Yūya got provoked when Jack declared he will defeat Yūya in three turns. Although feeling overwhelmed by Jack's presence, Yūya persisted that he will show them his Entertainment Duel. During his first turn, Yūya performed Pendulum Summon, Fusion Summon, and Xyz Summon at once, summoning "Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon". He used the combination of "Dark Rebellion's" Overlay Unit as well as "Rune Eyes'" monster effect, but Jack able to counter it with Action Card and Trap Card. Jack then told Yūya that his Entertainment Duel is nothing more but for his own satisfaction and he will show him the true Entertainment Duel. Jack immediately turned the table to his favour by performing Synchro Summon, summoning "Red Daemon's Dragon Scarlight", destroying Yūya's monsters with its effect and attacking directly, reducing Yūya's Life Points to 0 and knocking him off of his D-Wheel, winning the duel.

Friendship Cup
The next day, Yūya awoke and found himself in a room and remembered how he lost to Jack. He was then greeted by the Council who assured him that his friends are also staying in the same penthouse as he is. However, only the winner can stay, so the Duelist who lost must leave immediately. Since he lost to Jack, Yūya assumed that they came to tell him to leave, but the Council told him that it was an exhibition match, not the real match so Yūya is still allowed to stay as long as he keeps winning in the real match. The Council then cut down the communication before Yūya could ask about Yuzu. Worried about his friends, Yūya tried to leave the room only to find the door locked.

While wondering about his friends, he noticed his "Odd-Eyes" and Yūto's "Dark Rebellion" resonating just like when he met Yūto and Yūgo at the park days before, concluding that Yūgo must be nearby, which also means that Yuzu is near. This prompted Yūya to shout for Yuzu to see whether he could hear her or not. As he stated that he will end the dimensional war and bring smile to everyone across dimensions, Yūya was reminded by Jack's words of how his Entertainment Duel is nothing but for self-satisfaction, making him wondering can he bring smile to people the way he is now. Yūya began to doubt his own ability, but then his thoughts were interrupted by a card slipped into his room. Picking the "Tuning Magician", Yūya asked who is there, and the one replying turned out to be the attendant boy, Sam.

Sam asked Yūya to return that card to Jack when he beat him. Sam revealed Jack's past and how he now thinks that Jack is a traitor who has sold his soul to the Tops. He begged Yūya to defeat him in his place because Yūya understood how he felt after losing to Jack. Yūya wanted to respond to Sam's wish, but still doubting how he will win against Jack the way he is now.

Gongenzaka vs. Crow
Yūya later watched the first Duel of the tournament between Gongenzaka and Crow. He was surprised when Gongenzaka became the first person to pull off a Pendulum-Synchro Summon, and while he was disappointed to see Gongenzaka lose to Crow, he was encouraged to see that the crowd were cheering in unison, as opposed to being up in arms over their differing opinions of Jack. He wondered in horror if Gongenzaka would be returned to the Facility, and when the door began to open, he panicked, wondering if it was his turn to Duel next, since he hadn't found a way to Duel without self-satisfaction yet. Fortunately, it was simply Chojiro that had came to visit, having bribed his way out of his room with a rare card. Chojiro explained that he'd heard a rumor that the losers in the Friendship Cup would be sent to the underground garbage dump to do forced labour, where captured escapees were also sent and from where no-one had returned. Yūya was horrified by the existence of such a place and worried about Gongenzaka.

Shinji vs. Tsukikage
He then learned from the announcements that Reira would be Dueling Shinji next, and he disapproved of Reira Riding Dueling and even being in the tournament. Reira suddenly burst into the room and tightly hugged Yūya, refusing to Duel against Shinji. Reiji entered and Yūya furiously asked him why he was making Reira fight, and why he'd forced Reira to come with them. Reiji admitted that he'd told Reira to accompany them, as he needed to gain experience and was necessary in the fight against the Academia. Yūya told Reiji to shut up, and stated that Reira had been terrified and lonely since they'd arrived in the Synchro Dimension, trying to find Reiji. Yūya vowed not to let Reira fight, and to protect him himself if Reiji wouldn't. Reiji then asked Reira why he wouldn't Duel, and Reira explained that Shinji had been kind to him. Reiji realized that Reira didn't want to Duel a friend and ordered Tsukikage to Duel instead.

He left, and Reira panicked and ran after him. Reiji explained that he was pleased, not angry, since this meant that Reira's sense of self was growing. Yūya was confused by the term, and he tried to get Reira to stay with him, knowing that Reiji would make him fight in the future, but Chojiro told him to let Reira be, since forcing Reira to stay with Yuya would be contradictory to his original statement of Reiji not forcing him, and since Reira probably liked Reiji more than Yūya. At Sam's request, Yūya returned to his room, but remembering how afraid Reira was, Yūya turned around to confront them again but the door was already locked.

Yuzu vs. Chojiro
The next match was Yuzu against Chojiro, shocking Yūya who immediately concerned of both for Yuzu and Chojiro's well-being. As the Duel went on, Yūya was torn between Yuzu and Chojiro, not wanting either of them to lose and being sent to the underground roadwork. However, as both Yuzu and Chojiro showed their Entertainment Duelling throughout the match, Yūya realised what they were were trying to convey to him, causing him to break into tears as he once more found his motivation to duel with the way he believes.

Serena vs. Tony
While watching Serena's Duel, Yūya became worried for Serena if she lost. He then shouted towards the council that their way is wrong. He was relieved when Serena won the Duel. Throughout the night, Yūya spent his times thinking of his belief and as it reached morning, Yūya determined to show everyone his Entertainment Duel in the next match.

Duel Against Duel Chaser 227
Before the start of the Duel, Yūya revealed to everyone that those who lost in Friendship Cup will be sent to underground force labor, but to his surprise, none of the audiences cares about it and instead were cheering at the news with Melissa simply told him that he just need to win to avoid being sent there. Starting the Duel, Yūya tried his best to show his Entertainment Duel as he has stated before that Duel is for the sake to bring happiness. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, the audience were only entertained whenever either him or Duel Chaser 227 are Duelling in rough way. Yūya finally reached his limit when he heard the audience cheering at Duel Chaser 227's declaration to crush him, realising how worse the bloodlust from the audience. In pinch, Yūya immediately turned the tide by summoning "Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon" and relentlessly attacked Duel Chaser 227, defeating him. At the end of the Duel, Yūya regained his senses when Melissa and the audience congratulated and cheered him for winning the Duel, making him horrified once he realised what he has done and then tried to reach the injured Duel Chaser 227 who was taken away in stretch in attempt to stop him from being sent to the underground force labor but he was stopped.

Yūgo vs. Shingo
Failing to stop the Duel Chaser 227 from being taken away, Yūya was escorted back to his room, depressed over his inability to stop the Duel Chaser 227 from being taken away and unable to show the audience the Duel that he believes. He was so depressed that he didn't pay much attention to the next Duel, which is Shingo against Yūgo. While mulling over his failure, Yūya's "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" suddenly shined just as Yūgo summoned "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon". Yūya's mind became connected to Yūgo, making Yūya's Dueling style indirectly influenced Yūgo's, allowing Yūgo to win the Duel against Shingo. At the end of the Duel, Yūya was unable to remember what he was doing and then watched in dismay as Shingo being taken away by the guards after his loss.

Damon Lopez vs Sergey Volkov
As Yūya watched the Duel between Damon against Sergey with the former seemed to be in the upper hand, Yūya was distressed upon seeing the audience cheering for Damon to crush Sergey, stating that getting excited over a Duel that hurt someone and send him to underground is wrong, but was aware that he himself had done the same thing. At the end of the Duel, Yūya was horrified when Damon lost and heavily injured by Sergey. His thought was interrupted by Tsukikage, who revealed that he purposely lost so he can gain information in the underground under Reiji's order. This angered Yūya who stated that both him and Reiji never cared about their own comrades. However, Tsukikage corrected this, revealing that if Reiji was a kind of person who would abandon his comrades he would have left him long ago.

He then delivered Reira's message for Yūya: telling him to win for his own sake and prove the Lancers' worth to the people of Synchro Dimension so they can save their world by defeating Jack. Shocked by the message, Yūya wondered how he can defeat Jack while he himself doesn't know how. Tsukikage told him what Jack had said to Reira: if he want to accomplish something, he must not falter. Finally realising what Jack meant by his Dueling is conceited, Yūya regained his determination to win. Before Tsukikage left, he asked him to deliver a letter for Yuzu. In the letter, he told Yuzu that he finally understood that in order to be able to convey and make people listen to his belief, he must make himself known in the Synchro Dimension by defeating Jack since he was still a nobody in this world. Once they end the interdimensional war, they will go back to their hometown just as he promised to Shūzō, Tatsuya, Ayu, Futoshi and his mother.

Shun vs. Dennis
In the last Duel of the second day first round, Yūya was worried upon hearing Dennis will Duel against Shun, both members of Lancers, wondering why would they be set up to Duel against each other. As the Duel went on, Yūya noticed that the Duel started to become similar like the previous Duel between Shun and Sora in Maiami Championship and got confused what Shun meant by revealing Dennis' "true identity". He was shocked when Dennis summoned "Antique Gear" monsters, recognising it as the monsters used by the Obelisk Force of Academia, revealing that Dennis was an Academia Duelist. Yūya at first refused to believe that Dennis was from Academia, but then realised it was the truth once he felt Yūto's anger reacting to the revelation from inside him. As Yūto's anger spilled into Yūya, Yūto asked him does he understood his feeling, which Yūya answered that he understood, but disapproved to Duel while filled with only hatred and anger. Yūya shouted to Shun to stop using "Satellite Cannon Falcon's" effect on "Chaos Giant" as it was already enough to defeat Dennis. Unfortunately, Shun continued and brutally defeated Dennis. After the Duel, Yūya pondered on despite harbouring so much hatred and rage, Yūto told him to make people smile with Dueling. Yūya then told him that he will carry out his wish and end the dimensional war with his Dueling.

Yuzu vs. Sergey
Throughout Yuzu's Duel against Sergey, he enthusiastically cheered Yuzu, but soon realised that Sergey was planning something. This proven to be true when Sergey performed Fusion Summon and brutally sent Yuzu crashing into one of the buildings, much to Yūya's horror.

Duel Against Shinji
To make things worse for Yūya who was worried about Yuzu, he was immediately called to Duel Shinji in the next match. When Sam opened the door, Yūya frantically asked him what happened to Yuzu, but Sam didn't know. Shinji then arrived and told Yūya that it was pointless to ask Sam and there's nothing they could do to help Yuzu as that is the way of the current Tops-dominated society. Hearing of Shinji's plan to rise a revolt against the Tops, Yūya argued that it was not the time for them to Duel since Yuzu might be suffering waiting for help while they were Duelling. Unfortunately, Shinji persisted in his decision and stated that if Yūya want to say something, he must defeat him first.

Despite knowing that he needed to win for Yuzu's sake, Yūya was unable to concentrate out of concern for Yuzu's well-being, leaving him at the mercy of Shinji's relentless attack. Yūya nearly resigned to the incoming attack until Sora called him out and showed him Yuzu's helmet, indicating that she is safe. Trusting Sora's message, Yūya grabbed an Action Card to nullify the damage and began his counterattack with his "Timebreaker Magician" and "Silver Claw". When Yūya activated Magic Card "Match Pump", he drew "Tuning Magician" from his deck. Believing that every card has its own purpose regardless of its level, he summoned "Tuning Magician" at the cost of decreasing his own LP. Yūya was quickly once again at disadvantage when Shinji destroyed all of his monsters, but he once again survived by using an Action Card. Yūya drew "Resurrection of the Dead" and contemplated which monster he should revive. Having a vision of a new monster, Yūya Pendulum Summoned "Silver Claw" and "Timesword Magician" and revived "Tuning Magician" to perform Synchro Summon, summoning "Enlightenment Paladin" and use its monster effects to defeat Shinji.

Reunion with Sora
Yūya's victory over Shinji earned him a scorn from the Commons. To make things worse, Roget came and praised Yūya for his victory that also followed by the Tops. The praise misled Shinji, Crow, and the other Commons to believe that Yūya is a traitor despite Yūya's firm denial. Remembering Sora, Yūya escaped from the Duel Palace to look for him. At the Commons area, Sora dragged him into an alley and hide from the Security that Roger had sent. Hearing of Yuzu's safety, Yūya thanked Sora for his help but then turned serious when Sora reminded him that his loyalty to Professor's goal hasn't changed, thinking that Sora came to capture both Yuzu and Serena. Sora quickly denied his accusation and revealed that he came to Synchro Dimension to save Yuzu because he truly thinks of both him and Yuzu as his friends and explained his own way to save her. Sora asked Yūya to tell him where Serena was because he was ordered to bring her back, but Yūya refused to tell him because that would be the same as imprisoning her and even if he escaped back to Standard Dimension along with Yuzu, the Academia will invade eventually, telling Sora that there must be another way. Unbeknowst to them, the passing Security from before has set a wiretaps that allowed Roget to listen to their conversation and located their whereabout. Noticing the Security on the roof across the building where they were with restraining tool prepared, Yūya pushed Sora away from being caught and told him to go and protect Yuzu. As Sora reluctantly escaped, Yūya was captured and then taken by the Security to Roger's place at Public Security Maintenance Bureau.

Roget's Offer
Face to face with Roget, Yūya angrily questioned him, but Roget insisted that he did so because he was worried about him. As the Duel between Shun and Crow started, Roget showed Reiji, Reira, and the Council whom he held captive and told Yūya that he supported Yūya's belief to make people smile through Duel and proposed an alliance together. Yūya remained distrustful and stated that he believed in Sora to keep Yuzu safe. Roget revealed that he was also a member of Academia that was sent to spy on Synchro Dimension, but admitted that spending times with the residence of the dimension changed him so he wished to protect the dimension from the Academia instead. Roget tried to convince Yūya that Sora would eventually betray him by the fact that he was from Academia like himself, causing Yūya to momentarily doubt his decision. However, seeing the friendship that grew between Crow and Shun and hearing Roget ordered for Yuzu to be captured convinced Yūya to continue trusting his friends, refusing Roget's offer. His refusal led him to be thrown into a solitary prison until his next Duel. Lamenting over his inability to do anything, he remembered Sora whom he entrusted with Yuzu's safety and reaffirmed his belief in him.

Yūgo vs. Serena
While Yūya tried to open the door to no avail, his "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" started to shine and when Yūya realised it, he saw "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon" and Serena, surprising him. However, his mind soon synchronised with Yūgo and both declared that the fun has just begun. The synchronisation allowed Yūgo to Synchro summoned a new monster, "Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon" and defeated Serena. Once the synchronisation was over, Yūya was wondering whether he was dreaming about the Duel, but then seeing "Odd-Eyes" in his hand made him realised that his mind has linked with Yūgo. This made him worried because if Yūgo won, that means Serena was sent to the underground. He pondered that the phenomenon that had happened to him and people who looked like him were connected to their Dragons. Before Yūya could think any further, he was called for his next match.

Yūya vs. Crow
Before the Duel, Crow apologised to Yūya for misunderstanding him and the Lancers. Knowing he could trust Crow, Yūya revealed that he wished to show the Duel he believes and change the City by defeating Jack, but now he couldn't because Roget has took Reiji, Reira, and the Council as hostage so he can control the City. Both vowed to help each other to save their friends and started the Duel. Yūya and Crow started the first three turns with entertainment style Duel that entertained the audiences as Crow made a path for Yūya to reach the Council building to save Reiji and Reira, but this plan was ruined when Roget activated the mind-controlling chip that he placed in Yūya's helmet. The control chip forcefully synchronized Yūya with his dimension counterparts and changed him vicious, mercilessly attacking Crow with "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and then summoned "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon". He then proceeded to summon "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon", causing most of the electricity around them to lose its power. This resulted with the course change stopping midway before the courses could connect, putting both Yūya and Crow in danger. While Crow able to avoid falling using the wings of his D-Wheel, Yūya manage to survive by activating Equip Magic Card "Wings of the Supreme King" on "Odd-Eyes Rebellion", allowing it to fly and landed Yūya safely on the course. Realising something was wrong, Crow questioned Yūya's plan, but Yūya only glared at him and continued his assault. Noticing Obelisk Force's arrival, Sora jumped onto Crow's D-Wheel and asked for his help to save Yūya. Agreeing to fulfil his request, Crow summoned "Assault Black Feather - Chidori the Light Rain" to destroy "Odd-Eyes Rebellion" and short out the device in Yūya's helmet. However, Yūya activated the Equip Magic that inflicted finishing blow on Crow, defeating him. Yūya, freed from the mind control, fell unconscious on his D-Wheel. When he regained his consciousness, he saw Crow being dragged by the guards, questioning what he had done to him. Crow delivered Sora's message to save Serena, leaving Yūya reluctantly left Crow and set off to protect Serena.

Reira vs. Obelisk Force
Yūya quickly realized that the Obelisk Force had indeed arrived in the Synchro Dimension, and he drove down the streets looking for Sora and Serena. When he saw a signal flare, he realized that it might mark the location of Serena as signaled by the Obelisk Force. He arrived on his D-Wheel just in time to rescue Reira and Serena from three of the Obelisk Force. He then proceeded to defeat the three Obelisk Force with "Enlightenment Paladin", "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon", and "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon". Seeing Reira still disillusioned from the constant Duel, Yūya hugged him until he calms down. Once Reira calmed down, Yūya asked why he was with Serena, and the latter explained that Reira has been protecting her from the Obelisk Force all by himself, an action that both she and Yūya praised him for. However, their relief was short lived when Barrett and another three Obelisk Force arrived.

Duel Against Barrett
Yūya challenged Barrett to a Duel in order to protect both Serena and Reira. Barrett got the first turn and inflict 800 point damage on him using his "Beastborg Panther Predator". Yūya then Pendulum Summoned "Odd-Eyes", "Entermate Silver Claw" and "Entermate Warrior Tiger", but Barrett activated his continuous Trap Card "Beast-borg Medal of the Crimson Chain" to seal Yūya's monster's attack. Yūya tried to destroy the card by Xyz Summoned "Dark Rebellion", but Barrett once again seal its attack by activating another continuous Trap Card "Beast-borg Medal of the Iron Chain", cornering Yūya. Following "Dark Rebellion's" attack being sealed, the trap card also chained Yūya, permanently stopping him from activating any magic cards and summoning monsters unless Barrett's trap card is destroyed. Barrett asked Yūya of Yuzu's whereabouts, promising to spare his life in exchange, but Yūya immediately refused, declaring he will protect both Yuzu and Serena. The Duel was briefly interrupted by Sora's arrival who knocked out three Obelisk Forces when they were about to get Serena, followed by Yūri's arrival with another three Obelisk Forces and then Yūgo who proceeded to Duel with Yūri. Barrett once again demanded Yuzu's location as he inflicted more damage to make Yūya confessed, but Yūya kept refusing to give up. When Yūgo and Yūri summoned their respective dragons to their fields, Yūya started to synchronise again with them and entered the state of rage.

Their synchronisation led a dimensional hole appeared in the sky as they stated they have been waiting for this moment where they will become one and slowly try to reach towards the dimensional hole. However, Yuzu's arrival transported both Yūgo and Yūri away from the place and ended the synchronisation. Regaining his senses, Yūya questioned Yuzu's presence and prepared to protect her when Barrett approached despite on the verge of defeat. Commending Yūya's resolve, Barrett agreed to continue the Duel.

Duel Against Sergey
Before their Duel could reach to its conclusion, Sergey joined the Duel and defeated Barrett, but not before the latter brought back Serena with him to Academia. Freed from his bind, this time, Yūya determined to protect Yuzu from Sergey, furthered by the fact Sergey nearly killed Yuzu in their previous Duel. Noticing Yūya's anger, Yuzu told him that he looked like a different person and she didn't want to see him like that again. Hearing this, Yūya looked at the "Smile World" and remembered his parents and convinced he couldn't bring smile to the people the way he is now and it wasn't the right time to do so, but determined to protect Yuzu at all cost. Yūya summoned "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon" and destroyed one of Sergey's monsters, but Sergey countered back by activating the monster effect to destroy "Odd-Eyes Rebellion" and direct attacked Yūya, defeating him. Injured from the impact, Yūya could only watched helplessly as Sergey took Yuzu with him.

Jack vs. Sergey
The next day, Yūya reunited with Gongenzaka, Shingo, and Tokumatsu. Seeing Yūya's worn out condition, Shingo assumed it was Sora's doing, but Yūya told him that he is not their enemy. After explaining the situation, Sora and Tsukikage decided to rescue Yuzu. Yūya also wanted to go, but they told him to stay because he won't be able to do anything in his current condition. They were then interrupted by the announcement of the next match despite the riot, surprising them. They were furthered surprised when it was announced that Yūgo was disqualified so the next match would be Jack against Sergey. Refusing to stay still, Yūya insisted that he will also go to rescue Yuzu. Seeing it was meaningless to persuade Yūya, Gongenzaka volunteered to go with him. Reira begged Yūya not to leave him, but Yūya told him to stay with Tokumatsu and Shingo, much to the latter's objection. Yūya asked Shingo to protect Reira and was able to convince him with Tokumatsu's help.

Friendship Cup Final Match
After Sergey's defeat, Yūya and Gongenzaka were shocked by Roget's declaration of martial law, causing further discord between Commons and Security. He was interrupted by Yuzu who revealed Roger's real intent and begged Yūya to show the Entertainment Duel that they believed in before Roget cut off the communication. Fearing for Yuzu's safety, Yūya intended to save her, but Gongenzaka told him to trust Sora and Tsukikage. Yūya struggled with his feelings after hearing Yuzu's desperate wish until Sam arrived and delivered Jack's message for him: demonstrate the Duel he believes in their Duel. Finally realising Jack's belief, Yūya regained his spirit and headed for Duel Palace where Jack was waiting. This was difficult because the riot has blocked most of the road. Frank, Amanda, and Tanner who safely evaded the riot showed him another way to the Duel Palace. Just as they about to reach the Duel Palace, the entrance was blocked by another rioting Commons. Yūya and Gongenzaka tried to calm them down, but the Commons only view them as enemies. Fortunately, Shun, Reiji, Reira, Shingo, and Tokumatsu arrived, riding Shun's Raid Raptors monsters that allowed Yūya to enter Duel Palace midair. There, Yūya declared to everyone that he believes Duel is meant to be used to make people happy and he will show it in his rematch against Jack. Before the Duel started, Yūya declared to Jack that he will defeat him not only for himself, but also for the sake of his comrades who believes in him. As the Duel started, Jack got the first turn and Synchro Summoned "Red Wyvern". In Yūya's turn, he began his Entertainment Duel style, summoning "Timebreaker Magician" and "Entermate Radish Horse" and then increased their ATKs using "Smile World". Like in his previous Duel against Jack, he attempted another One-Turn-Kill, but Jack was able to negate his battle phase and Synchro summoned "Red Daemon's Dragon Scarlight". Jack then expressed his disappointment in Yūya's Entertainment Duel, telling him to use his own Dueling. Yūya insisted that the Entertainment Dueling that he inherited from his father was his Dueling, but Jack pointed out that Yūya has been following his father's shadow, resulting his Dueling was nothing more but an imitation of his father. This frustrated Jack who had expecting their Duel and told Yūya that he must use his own words instead of borrowing it from his father. They were interrupted by Duel Chasers who started to attack Yūya. Yūya was able to avoid the first attack using Action Card, but was at loss on how to avoid the second attack. Before the attack could connect, Jack activated "Scarlight's" monster effect to destroy all the monsters that Duel Chasers and Yūya were controlling in one swoop, leaving Yūya to face the incoming attack. Fortunately, Yūya was able to escape the damage by using an Action Card and refused to surrender since it would mean rejecting his father's Dueling. Yūya proceeded with his turn by summoning "Enlightenment Paladin" and direct attack "Scarlight", but Jack's trap card prevented its destruction, ending his turn. As Yūya's LP was reduced to 100, he lamented over the fact that even his Synchro Summon was also "borrowed" from someone else instead of his own. Only until Jack commented that it'll be good if Yūya was able to use the Pendulum method as his breakthrough that Yūya remembered that he was the first person who ever performed Pendulum Summon and didn't borrow it from anyone. Finally finding his own words, Yūya for the first time summoned a Synchro Pendulum monster, "Nirvana High Paladin" by releasing "Enlightenment Paladin" and "Entermate Cheermole". Finally getting excited, Jack responded to Yūya by performing a Double Tuning, Synchro summoning "Red Daemon's Dragon Tyrant". Facing Jack's onslaught, Yūya fiercely defended himself by using the effects of his Pendulum monsters, avoiding further damage on his LP. Jack then commented that Yūya has finally able to convey his own will, something that Yūya confirmed in his mind that everything he has learned until now was all thanks to his family, friends, and every person he has Dueled regardless of winning or losing as those Duels has nurtured him until now and that wasn't something that he could accomplish alone. Now convinced of his own Dueling that wasn't borrowed nor conceited, Yūya performed a full Pendulum Summon, summoning "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon", "Timebreaker Magician", "Entermate Radish Horse", "Entermate Rubber Mutton", and "Entermate Bubbulldog ", all five of them at once, surprising Jack and the entire audience with Yūya declared that he was fighting together with everyone else. Yūya once again activated "Smile World" to increase his monsters' ATK and then "Radish Horse's" effect to reduced Jack's "Red Daemon's". However, Jack countered it with his Trap Card and increased its ATK to 10.000. Yūya determined to speak his own words with pride and fight as the pioneer of Pendulum Summon. Yūya used "Nirvana High Paladin's" Pendulum effect to prevent his monsters' destruction and reduced "Red Daemon's" ATK by each of his monsters' battle phase. Yūya's feeling finally reached the hearts of the people of the City who were impressed by his Duel, leading to Crow, Shinji, Securities, and some residents of the City to join them in Duel Liner regardless of the martial law, all giving their support to Yūya. The support that he received encouraged Yūya to finish the Duel in his Entertainment Duel style, defeating Jack by delivering the finishing blow with "Odd-Eyes". After the Duel, Yūya thanked Jack for the Duel, referring him as "King". To his surprise, Jack shouted back that he was no longer the King, something that Yūya apologised for. As he gave the title of Duel King to Yūya, Jack reconfirmed that this was the true extent of Yūya's belief as well as the strength of "Smile World". Yūya corrected Jack, explaining that he could brought so much happiness to the people of City only because he Dueled against him. Jack then proudly announced to everyone in the City that being able to Duel Yūya was a very great honour to him as Yūya was the Duelist who could speak with him through Duel he had been waiting for. The Executive Council then interrupted and announced that after watching the result of the final match, they decided to abolish the Commons and Tops status system and dissolved the council, allowing the residents of City to live as equal, much to everyone's joy.

Reiji vs. Roget
Unfortunately, their celebration didn't last long when Sora told Yūya and the Lancers through the Public Security broadcast room that despite they were able to free Yuzu from her confinement, both he and Tsukikage were defeated by Roget who has recaptured Yuzu with intent to bring her to Academia as bargaining chip. Yūya quickly rode into the helicopter delivered by the Council, resolving to save Yuzu. Arriving at the building together with Crow and Jack who also followed, Yūya regrouped with Reira and Tsukikage who were trying to enter the room where Reiji and Roget were trapped. They were able to get in when Sora used the hacking program from his duel disk to break in. Inside, Reiji motioned them to stay back until he revealed that the Roget he was duelling against was nothing but a hologram projection while the real Roget was watching from another room with Yuzu. Roger tried to dissuade the Lancers from following Reiji by revealing his connection with the Professor, but Yūya chose to trust Reiji and demanded Roget to return Yuzu. Roget tried to escape with Yuzu, but Jack and Crow intercepted him on his way by destroying the elevator. As Yuzu fell from the elevator, Yūya caught her and the two tearfully shared a moment of their happy reunion. Roget, who turned out have survived the fall, activated the interdimensional travel device in attempt to destroy the City together with him, but it malfunctioned and Roget was sucked into a dimensional portal. Shortly afterwards, Yuzu regained consciousness and asked what happened to Roget, to which Yūya replied that while he didn't know of Roget's fate, he was glad that Yuzu is here with him and no one will take her away. Yūya told Yuzu that they will go back together, but the interdimensional travel device malfunctioned once more, creating a wormhole that sucked Yuzu as Yūya watched before he got sucked into the portal himself together with Gongenzaka, Shun, and Shingo who tried to help him.

Arrival
When Yūya came to, he found himself at Heartland together with Shun, Gongenzaka, and Shingo. While Shun going to look for other members of Resistance, Yūya, Shingo, and Gongenzaka going to look for Yuzu. Seeing how hungry Shingo was, they gathered some foods they could find and encountered some refugees, a woman with her two sons who mistook them as Academia Duelists. Yūya and the others offered the foods they have gathered to prove they mean no harm. Yūya asked the woman has she ever saw Yuzu, but she didn't and explained that the Resistance has all but been wiped out, including her husband, and she blamed everything that happened on Dueling. Yūya tried to voice his objection, but decided not to as he is aware of the fact he doesn't understand what she had been through.

Meeting Kaito
Three Academia Duelists then arrived, leading Yūya and the others to Duel them, introducing themselves as Lancers who came from Standard Dimension to stop their plan. They easily defeated the three Academia Duelists with their Entertainment Duel. Shingo attempted to turn them into cards by using their duel disks, but Yūya stopped him since they have already lost, much to Shingo's objection. The three Academia Duelists then tried to flee, but were attacked by someone on their attempt. When Yūya and the others reached them, they were already turned into cards by a Resistance Duelist, Kaito Tenjō, who mistook them as another Academia Duelists.

Powers and Abilities
As an Action Duelist, Yūya is very acrobatic and fit, having participated in physical training regimes at You Show Duel School. He can effortlessly jumped from a high place to another while still maintaining his balances.
 * Synchronization - Being in possession of one of Four Dimension Dragons and most likely related with their status as Dimensional counterparts, Yūya shows the ability to link his mind with his dimensional counterparts. In this state the personalities of both are mixed and each adopt some mannerisms of the other, speaking and moving in the same manner. This also influenced their Dueling styles, mirroring each other. When the Duel ends, the one whom Yūya synchronised with doesn't realise of the synchronisation, but Yūya able to remember, though since it happened through his mind, Yūya initially believed that it was only a dream.


 * The Awakening - Like his dimensional counterparts, Yūya has the ability to enter the Awakening. This state is triggered unconsciously, with Yūya having no recollection of what happened while entering the state. Unlike Yūto and Yūgo, the state was initially triggered not because Yūya being influenced by his Dragon (though when fighting Makoto and Ken he nearly enter it due to "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon"), but rather it was initiated by Yūto who is residing in his body. After witnessing Yūto's memories of the day the tragedy befell his homeland, Heartland, Yūya's main trigger for his awakening is whenever he's remembering Yūto's memory or anything similar happened that reminds him of the tragedy. After he was aware of the existence of the two souls within him, Yūya gained a degree of control over his awakened state either by remembering his promise with Yūto or by sheer force of will. So far, t here are four stages of Yūya's Awakening:
 * First Stage: Yuya's Madness.png this stage, Yūya's hair became frizzled and his pupils glowing. Yūya's Dueling skill significantly stronger with more stable emotion despite overwhelmed by anger. Yūya's ability to create new Pendulum cards with his pendant is also strengthened while in this mode, such as creating "Antithesis Magician" and "Synthesis Magician".
 * Second Stage:Berserk_Mode_Second_Stage.png In this stage, Yūya's hair frizzled up and his pupils glowing red and white. This stage was caused by Yūto's hatred for the Fusion Dimension and the Academy gave birth to an unknown darkness that further strengthening Yūya's Awakening, but this comes at the cost of Yūya slowly losing his humanity with his only objective is to defeat his enemies at any cost. While in this stage, Yūya continuously emit black aura and able to unleash a powerful shockwave that is beyond normal for someone from Standard Dimension. This stage also gives Yūya a strong tolerance of pain, able to stand up and barely feeling hurt even after he continuously got attacked. While in this stage, Yūya's ability to create new card with Xyz Summoning method has also increased, as seen when he successfully Xyz Summon "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon the Supreme King Black Dragon " for the first time.
 * Third Stage: In this stage, unlike the other three stages, Yūya doesn't emit any black aura but his eyes still glowing red for a moment before returning to normal. Furthermore, although Yūya entered this state subconsciously, he has complete control of his anger. However, like the previous stages, his only objective is to defeat his opponent at any cost as his Dueling become silghtly more violent. While in this stage, Yūya's Duelling ability increased to be able to evolve his card to higher level, such as evolving "Odd-Eyes Dragon" into "Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon".
 * Fourth Stage: Unlike three previous stages, this stage requires for Yūya to synchronize with all Dimension Counterparts Synchronization 2.jpg three of his dimensional counterparts who are in the same place and time as he is. In this stage, Yūya continuously emits stronger black aura and his rage is beyond control. Following this, his Duel becomes hard battle style, focusing on giving huge damage with aggressive attack. The shockwave that he unleashes is significantly stronger than the second stage, strong enough to cause massive black out almost throughout City. His tolerance for pain is also stronger than before, able to stay conscious moments after receiving strong electric shockwave.

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

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

Yūya's favored strategy typically involves getting two Pendulum Monsters with a great difference in scale (usually "Stargazer Magician" and "Timegazer Magician") and after setting them in the Pendulum Zones, promptly Pendulum Summoning as many monsters as possible. To this end, he often stalls as long as possible until he can get those cards in his hand. He later starts including cards that allow him to change which cards are set in his Pendulum Zone so he can switch his strategy depending on the situation. After using Yuzu's "Fusion" in one of his Duels, Yūya starts using cards like "Entermate Trump Witch" to Pendulum-Fusion Summon Fusion Monsters like "Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon".
 * -|Pre-Maiami Championship=

After his encounter with Yūto, he obtained "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon", adding Pendulum-Xyz Summoning to his deck, which he used for the first time against Isao Kachidoki when unintentionally invoking Berserk Mode. After that, he tends to use more Scale 3 or lower Pendulum Monsters to bring more Level 4 Monsters to Pendulum-Xyz Summon "Xyz Dragon", some of which support Xyz Monsters. During Yūya's duel against the Obelisk Force, he gains "Synthesis Magician" and "Antithesis Magician", the latter of which allows him to change his Xyz Monster's Rank to Levels, enabling him to Xyz Summon more powerful Xyz/Pendulum Monsters, like "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon the Supreme King Black Dragon."
 * -|Maiami Championship=

Yūya's Deck now includes more ways to Fusion Summon his "Pendulum Dragon" monsters and is even capable of using Pendulum Summoning to perform both a Fusion Summon and an Xyz Summon in one turn. His Deck now includes more "Odd-Eyes" monsters, even some that are not Dragon-Type. Though he still uses Action Cards, his Deck contains a larger quantity of Magic Cards than before.
 * -|Friendship Cup=

Prior to his Duel against Shinji Weber, Yūya added the "Tuning Magician" card that Sam gave to him to his Deck. During that Duel he gained the ability to Pendulum-Synchro Summon "Enlightenment Paladin", making him the second known Duelist to use all four specialized Summoning methods.
 * -|Friendship Cup Finals=

Duels
In Episode 8, Yūya's information shows he has dueled 46 times prior the qualification matches for Maiami Championship.

Trivia

 * Yūya's hair is made a joke out of, because it's green on the top and red color on the bottom, making it look like a tomato on Yūya.
 * In the first episode of Abridged Series, this was used as reference, to joke as Yūya says "Year of the Tomato", referring the series is about him. Also, in the Fruit Salad of Friendship, he is the Tomato.
 * In the Abridged Series, Ishijima called Yūya a vegetable freak until corrected by him that tomato is a fruit. This also shows that Yūya doesn't deny nor feeling offended by the similarity.
 * In Yu-Gi-Oh! collaboration drink menu, the drink that was based on Yūya is a tomato juice.
 * Yūya has a habit of putting his goggles over his eyes when he is either upset or embarrassed, something he did since he was young.
 * When Yūya Duels, he announces "Ladies and Gentlemen!" when he is about to perform a finishing move. This was actually a catchphrase created impromptu.
 * Many fans initially thought Yūya was a girl when seeing his picture at the anime cover.
 * His current self shares the same voice actor as his Fusion Dimensional counterpart, Yūri, while his child self shares the same voice actor as his Synchro Dimensional counterpart, Yūgo.
 * Strangely, despite their lack of interactions in the series so far, Yūya often interacts with Serena in the manzai episodes.
 * Yūya is one of the only three known Duelist in the series so far capable of mastering all three Summoning methods. The other two being Reiji and Reira.
 * According to interview with Yūya's voice actor, Kenshō Ono, he has several wishes regarding Yūya in future episodes:
 * He stated that his favourite part when voicing Yūya is when Yūya is in Berserk Mode and he wishes for Yūya to appear more in that state in later episodes or another Duel that ends with Yūya completely unable to control his anger.
 * He wishes to see a Duel where Yūya single-handedly defeat his opponent without any damage instead of defeating his opponent when in pinch like usual.
 * He and Director Ono would like to see a Duel between Yūya and Yūri, thinking that it would be interesting to watch.