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. His skin color bright and normal. Yūya and his dimensional counterparts shares striking resemblance.

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, leading his friends and other people are often 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 Berserk Mode and winning brutally using Yūto's card.

As Yūya becomes more involved in the Interdimensional Domination, added with repeated incidents of triggering Berserk Mode, Yūya progressively finds it more difficult to entertain with dueling, and stops using his usual phrases like "Ladies and gentlemen!". He is also become more vulnerable to emotional breakdown and even hostile and impatient. This 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 people despite staying true to his belief, occasionally needing his family or friends to remind him. When in Berserk Mode, 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 that eerily resembles Yūri.

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 one point, 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. 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 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 - "Magician of Astromancy", "Magician of Chronomancy" 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.

Yūya vs. 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 "Magician of Astromancy" and "Magician of Chronomancy". 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 "Magician of Chronomancy" and "Magician of Astromancy", 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.

Yūya vs. 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 "Magician of Astromancy" 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. 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.

Yūya vs. 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. 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.

Yūya vs. 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 Mammoth," 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.

Yūya vs. 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 Cram 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 Curtain Call", 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.

Yūya vs. 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 Flip Effect Monsters, and then her Ritual Monster, "Tarotray the Sibylla." Fortunately, Yūya was able to draw "Magician of Chronomancy," allowing him to Pendulum Summon five powerful monsters and boost "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" to 3700 ATK, but his monsters were all frozen in Defense Position by the effects of Mieru's Flip Monsters, which "Tarotray" could freely trigger. Mieru then had "Tarotray" 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 Flip Monsters to set up a combo that wiped the field of his Defense Position monsters and dealt him damage. She continued to urge him to surrender, even sealing 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 "Magician of Astromancy," 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.

Yūya vs. 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 Graveyard" 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 Samurai Warlord 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 Drum Kong." However, true to his words, Shingo proceeded to Pendulum Summon "Mayosenju Daibakaze" and complete his "Yosen Lost Tornado" combo, using the effects of "Yosen Tornado" and "Yosen Realm 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 "Magician of Chronomancy." 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.

Yūya vs. 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 Lacoodown" 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 berserk 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 Magician". 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 Duels 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.

Yūya vs. 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 "Destruction Magician" and "Creation Magician" to make "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" a Level 7 monster. He overlaid "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" and "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon" to perform a new Xyz Summon, summoning "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon" and defeated the Obelisk Force in an instant. However, even after defeating the Obelisk Force, 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 "Destruction Magician" and "Creation 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", 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 Metropolis 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 Overlord 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 Academy 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 Modification" 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 Overlord 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 Caesar Ragnarok the Wave Complete Oblivion Overlord", 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 Kali Yuga the Twin Dawn Overlord", reducing Yuya'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" 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.

Yūya vs. 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' spell 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.

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.

Yūya vs. 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 Seesawhopper" 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 "Seesawhopper" from the Graveyard in Defense Position. As "Seesawhopper" 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 "Seesawhopper"'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 Roger 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 Roger, 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.

Roger 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. Roger 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.

Yūya vs. 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 Demons Dragon Scarlight", destroying Yuya's monsters with its effect and attacking directly, reducing Yuya'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 Yuzu's well-being. As the match goes on, Yūya realised what Yuzu and Chojiro 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.

Yūya vs. 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 roadwork, but none of the audiences cares about it and 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 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's cheers at Duel Chaser 227's belief, resulting the darkness inside Yūya taking over him. In pinch, Yūya immediately turned the tide by summoning "Odd-Eyes Saber Dragon" and relentlessly attacked Duel Chaser 227, defeating him. Yūya regained his senses when Melissa and the audience congratulated 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 in attempt to stop him from being sent to the underground roadwork but was stopped.

Powers and Abilities
Like his dimensional counterparts, Yūya has the ability to enter Berserk Mode. This state is triggered unconsciously, with Yūya having no recollection of what happened while entering the state. Unlike Yūto and Yūgo, the state was 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 entering Berserk Mode 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 Berserk Mode either by remembering his promise with Yūto or by sheer force of will. During the match against Duel Chaser 227, Yūya is capable of subconsciously entered this state without losing himself. There are three stages of Yūya's Berserk Mode:
 * First Stage:  Berserk Yuuya appears.jpg 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 "Destruction Magician" and "Creation 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 Berserk Mode, 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. 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 "Supreme King Black Dragon - Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon" for the first time.
 * Third Stage: In this stage, unlike two previous stages, Yūya doesn't emit any black aura nor his hair frizzled 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 mind. However, like the previous two stages, his only objective is to defeat his opponent at any cost as his Duelling become 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".

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 "Magician of Astromancy" and "Magician of Chronomancy") 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". 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."

Duels
In Episode 8, Yūya's information shows he has dueled 46 times.

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.
 * 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.
 * Many fans initially thought Yūya was a girl when seeing his picture at the anime cover.
 * He shares the same voice actor as his Fusion Dimensional counterpart, Yūri.