Yuma Tsukumo

Number Hunt
Yuma was plagued by nightmares of a demonic gate, with a voice saying that whoever opens this door would receive a new power but in compensation they would lose their most precious thing. Yuma wondered about his most precious thing as the key lit up, but the ground below him suddenly crumbled away causing him to fall into an abyss. Waking up, Yuma fell out of the hammock in his attic and commented that he was having that same dream again. Then he noticed that his clock struck at 8 o'clock and realized that he is late for school. Yuma moaned at Kari for not waking him up, but she told Yuma that he's in middle school, he should wake himself up, causing Yuma to pull a face behind her back. Dashing outside, Yuma bid goodbye to his grandmother, Haru, but when asked if he had breakfast, he insisted that he didn't need it and is late. His grandmother was unhappy by this and caught the collar of his shirt with her broom and lifted him off the ground. She demanded that Yuma eat something, and he complied. Yuma rushed through the neighborhood and leapfrogged over a Litterbot and caused it to spin out of control. As he continued running, Yuma ran into Bronk, who leaped in front of him on his skateboard, and challenged him to a race to school. Accepting the challenge, Yuma raced in front, but when they proceeded to run down a flight of stairs, Bronk kicked a Litterbot into Yuma's path, causing him to hit the bot, causing his belongings to fall out of his messenger bag, including his Deck. As a couple of the Litterbots went rampant in order to pick up what they perceived as litter, Yuma, insulted, screamed at them that what they were calling "trash" was his Deck. At Heartland Academy, Yuma tried completing various tasks ranging from his "20 stack challenge" to swimming the length of the pool, which he failed to do and was laughed at by his classmates. When Tori asked why he did all of those things since he going failed at, Yuma explained that she just didn't understand and that the important thing was to keep fighting and as long as you don't give up, you will someday succeed. Grasping his key, Yuma said the key opened many possibilities and with it he felt that he can do anything. During the school break, Yuma witnessed Bronk losing his Deck to Shark in an Ante Duel. When Yuma stood up for Bronk, Shark asked Yuma what was most precious to him, to which Yuma looked down at his pendant. In response, Shark broke Emperor's Key in two and kicked a piece into the bushes. Shark offered Yuma a chance to get Bronk's Deck back by Dueling him with his own Deck on the line on the line on Sunday. Later at night, Yuma suffered the same nightmare and then spent the entire day depressed and sad. After school, Yuma was confronted by Bronk about Dueling Shark, which Yuma planned to do, and was touched when he learned that Bronk recovered the missing piece of the key.t night, Yuma planned to use a Deck constructed by his father, as opposed to his usual Deck, but didn't understand how to use the cards properly. During the Duel, Yuma makes several amateur mistakes and Shark quickly gained an advantage. As Shark taunted him to give up, Yuma argued that he wasn't someone like that because he had always believed in himself. Ripping off the key from around his neck, Yuma stated that his "kattobingu" would never disappear, as the key began to shine brightly. Yuma then found himself in front of the demonic door again. He was given to the opportunity to open it, and does so with the key. After he opened it, a mysterious figure flew towards Yuma, who was then trapped within a sphere made of blank cards. The sphere shattered and Yuma was returned to the park where he was still Dueling Shark. A dark force enveloped Shark and he Xyz Summoned "Number 17: Leviathan Dragon". Surprised at Shark's power, Yuma began to feel as though he wouldn't be able to win. However, a strange entity appeared next to him and told him to stand up and win.The entity revealed himself to be Astral, a Duelist from another world, shocking Yuma. As Yuma talked with Astral, he noticed his friends, and everyone else, couldn't see him. Astral tried to take over Yuma's Duel, stating that he had to win at all costs with Yuma complaining that it was his Duel. Astral tried to order Yuma around, intentionally or not, to gain the advantage against Shark. However, Yuma refused to listen to Astral as he was taken down each turn. When Astral informed him that his own life fades as Yuma's Life Points decreased, Yuma took Astral's advice and uses "Monster Reborn" to Special Summon "Gagaga Magician" from his Graveyard. Astral gifted Yuma with "Number 39: Utopia", an Xyz Monster. Having never owned an Xyz Monster before, an excited Yuma Summoned it by overlaying "Gagaga Magician" with "Ganbara Knight". Astral stated that "Utopia" is the power he has entrusted to Yuma and that he must use it to win the Duel. With this card, Yuma made a comeback, and managed to pull off a win using it in a combo with "Double or Nothing!". Shark was returned to normal, and returned Bronk's Deck as promised, which Yuma thanked him for. As Shark left, Yuma tells Shark he had a lot of fun and said they should Duel again someday just for fun.With this win, Yuma began to gain a following around his school, as Shark was known to have pro-level Dueling skills and Yuma was known for having amateur ones. One day, the network at school mysteriously went down, and Yuma's teacher, Mr. Kay, allowed them to use the day to Duel instead, as they could not access their virtual textbooks with the network down. Yuma Dueled his class's chairman, Caswell, but Astral was not present, so Yuma did not have access to his Extra Deck of "Numbers". As a result, he lost a crushing, one-turn defeat without inflicting a single point of damage to Caswell. When Kari picked Yuma and Tori up from Heartland Academy, she told them that she managed to find the location of the person who uploaded the Crashbug Virus, which was in the school's library. Kari forced Yuma and Tori to scope the location out for anyone suspicious.Yuma and Tori suspected Caswell of being responsible for the network going down, but he would eventually lead them to the real culprit, Mr. Kay. Mr. Kay had been possessed by one of the "Numbers" and Duelled Yuma using "Number 34: Terror-Byte" and the "Crashbug" series.After arguing with Astral, Yuma was able to overcome him by Summoning both "Utopia" and "Leviathan Dragon". Mr. Kay revealed that he had no ill intentions and simply wanted to bring happiness to the city with a virtual "Crashbug". Astral determined that the "Numbers" amplify the emotions that their vessel already had, malicious or not. At school, a student named Flip approached Yuma to ask for his autograph for defeating Shark and eventually gifted him with a "Baby Tiragon" card in return. Yuma was excited to have his own Xyz Monster, but Tori and Bronk's reservations about Flip and their several attempts drag him away from Flip prevented him from accepting it. After school, Yuma received the fan-mail containing the "Baby Tiragon" card, and was questioned by Kari if he been Dueling even though he was forbidden to. Unknown to Yuma, Flip framed him in many incriminating situations of mischief and emailed the pictures to his classmates. The next day, Yuma was confronted by his classmates and tried to defend himself, but no one believed him due the pictures and everyone, except for Bronk and Tori, avoided him. Depressed, Yuma went to the Heartland Shopping Mall, and found Flip, who challenged him to a Duel.Yuma thought he would have a friendly Duel with Flip, but it turned out be far from it. The "Baby Tiragon" card was a trap, and Flip stole "Utopia" via the effect of "Ultra C". Flip then revealed that the autograph Yuma signed was a contract agreeing to ante his Deck in the Duel. Flip went on to steal "Leviathan Dragon" as well, and appeared possessed by both "Numbers". Astral was sealed in an orb of light as his power weakened, but urged Yuma to protect "Baby Tiragon". Yuma did so and used its effect to let "Stinging Swordsman" attack directly. With his Continuous Trap Cards returned to his hand, Flip lost the "Numbers" and they returned to Yuma. Yuma won the Duel with them, and attempted to return "Baby Tiragon". Flip told him to keep it and the two leave the Duel as friends.Sometime later, Astral was watching a TV show while Yuma was asleep. "The Sparrow". He was fascinated by the show as the Sparrow appeared to be from a different dimension as well. Yuma was woken up by the sound of the episode and switched the TV off, only to be bugged by Astral about him believing Sparrow may know something about his memories. Yuma tried to explain it's all fiction, but after failing to convince Astral, he reluctantly switched the TV back on, even though the episode ended. The next day, Yuma arrived at school to Duel someone, only to be prodded by Tori and Astral to visit the Sparrow, who was shooting a scene in town. Flip caused a distraction to get them inside, where they saw the Sparrow practicing alone for his shoot. Astral, still believing the show was real, grew wary of the costumes to the side of the set, and in an attempt to convince Astral they're not real, Yuma ended up being flung about in the air by a hook. While Astral pondered over whether Yuma could fly as he can, Yuma dropped his Deck in front of the Sparrow, who grew concerned.[49]

Yuma meets Fuya Yuma meets The Sparrow. After Yuma dropped to the ground, he was saved from the security by the Sparrow, who discovered Yuma was a Duelist, and took him to his dressing room. Pleased to meet a Duelist, the Sparrow gave Yuma back his Deck and Yuma happily agreed to have a Duel with the Sparrow upon his request. After the Sparrow was spooked at the sight of a spider, Yuma laughed at his sudden change in demeanor and learned that the Sparrow is nothing like his character off set. Hearing his situation, Yuma comforted him by saying he should be himself, with the latter telling him his real name, Nelson Andrews. The two become friends, but before they could Duel Nelson's mother forced Yuma out. Before he left, Yuma promised Nelson that they would Duel someday, but Nelson's mother continued to push him out, leaving Nelson to sorrowfully say "Nelson Andrews doesn't matter" and that no one could save him. On the streets, Yuma lamented on Nelson's tough star life, with Astral asking Yuma why the Sparrow was also called Nelson. This let Yuma convince Astral that TV wasn't real. After Astral grew disappointed that Nelson couldn't tell him about his memories, Yuma asked Astral if he's lonely, only for Astral to reply he didn't know what the word meant. Yuma explained it, but instead of answering, Astral told him that he thought Nelson may be lonely. Meanwhile, Nelson was possessed by a "Number" card and attacked several people in town, taking his TV persona as his real one. After hearing about it, Yuma and Astral headed off to find him. They eventually did find Nelson, only to learn he was possessed, and under the impression he was the Sparrow.[49]

Younger Yuma and his mother Yuma thinking about his mother. Yuma knew he had to Duel Nelson to set him free, but then he revealed his "Numbers" card - "Number 83: Galaxy Queen", which puts Yuma in a tough spot. Seeing that the "Number" was like Nelson's soul, Yuma called Tori and told her to bring Nelson's mother to the site of the Duel. As Yuma was push into a corner by Nelson, Yuma proclaimed that he would save Nelson. When Tori showed up with Bronk and Mrs. Andrews, Yuma explained how Nelson was the one attacking people. When Nelson's mother tried to talk to her son, he brushed her off her off, but Yuma told her how watch the Duel and sees how Nelson views her. Yuma and Astral debated whether they should attack, and they finally decided that they must, if they wanted to free Nelson. Yuma attacked "Galaxy Queen" with "Utopia", but Sparrow had one last Trap: "Star Sparrow Forever!", reviving "Esper Star Sparrow" with 0 ATK, in order to save "Galaxy Queen". Despite this, Nelson lost the Duel. Astral absorbed "Galaxy Queen" from Nelson's body. Nelson returned to his normal self and reunited with his mother, causing Yuma to remember his own mother. Later, Yuma, Tori and Bronk walked on a bridge as Yuma talked about the day's events. When Yuma and Tori got into an argument, Shark rode by on his motorcycle and observed Yuma, but Yuma didn't notice. Later, Yuma and Astral watched the conclusion of "The Sparrow" show, and Astral made Observation No. 10 - "The parent-child relationship is something I understand".[60]

1 - Cathy in Yuma's room Yuma, sleeping as Cathy sneaks around his room. One day at school, Bronk said that it was strange that Yuma never once won a Duel against him, but had been winning against many powerful opponents recently. Tori asked what was wrong with that and Bronk responded that bringing it to them was more suited for losing. Bronk speculated that Astral may really exist, as Yuma only began to win after he started talking about him. Yuma enters the room and said "Hi", seemingly unaware of that fact that he was wearing leather pants and an oversized fur coat. Yuma asked why everyone is staring, and Tori told him she couldn't take it anymore. She said that she knew it wasn't polite to comment on someone's fashion sense, but she needed to do so in this case. For the last three days, Yuma had shown up to school in strange outfits; the last one was a bee costume. Tori told him that everyone would laugh if he kept dressing like that and pulled out a standing mirror, telling Yuma to see for himself. He looked horrified, and Bronk asked how he wasn't aware what he was wearing. Tori went on to tell him that that was not all - strange things had been showing up around him lately: Yuma's lunch box was decorated fancily, he suddenly got a 100% on a test and yesterday he was actually able to clear the jump he usually missed in gym class.[61]

Astral appeared and tells him that he had been watching; it happened again last night - someone came into his room and messed with his things. Yuma asked why Astral never told him. Astral responded that Yuma never asked him. With Astral already there, he didn't believe that adding more strange things to the room wasn't unnatural. Yuma threw off the fur coat and vowed to find the person responsible, but Tori teased him that his being full of spirit didn't change how terrible his outfit was, and Yuma responded that it wasn't as if he enjoyed dressing this way. She told him he had absolutely no fashion sense. Yuma asked about her, and she retorted that at least her fashion sense was better. Yuma asked her to show him, and she told him they would go shopping this Sunday to buy Yuma new clothes, which he agreed to, and told her to meet him at 3PM at the shopping mall.[60]

Yuma and Astral surrounded by cats Yuma and Astral surrounded by cats. The next day, Yuma was waiting for Tori at the mall, surprised she was late, but then group of cats approached Yuma, with the one at the front having a note in its mouth. When Astral was startled by the cats, Yuma asked if he was scared of cats, but Astral denied this and claimed that it was only because he hadn't recorded them in his observations yet. Yuma jokingly told him that cats are very sensitive to the supernatural, so they can definitely see Astral, who responded that it seemed the cats are looking at Yuma. Noticing the note, he picked it up and sees it was tied with Tori's hair ribbon. He read it, and determined that Tori has been kidnapped. Yuma followed a cat to a cat-themed mansion. He burst through the front doors screaming Tori's name, to find a parlor is full of more cats, and many statues and paintings of cats. A girl emerged from upstairs and welcomed him, introducing herself as Cathy Katherine, but told him to call her "Cat-chan". Astral said he recognized her, and told Yuma she was always staring at him from afar. Yuma seemed to know her, but after thinking about it, he said he has no idea who she was, to Cathy's disappointment. Yuma asked where Tori was, and why Cathy would do something like this. She responded that it was because Yuma was hopeless. Yuma seemed confused and told her to just give Tori back. Cathy turned around and said that she will if Yuma could beat her in a Duel, but she wanted something if she won. Yuma questioned if "Numbers" are involved and Astral said that if that's the case, they have no choice, but to win, but Yuma told him that there was no need to tell him that. Throughout the Duel, Cathy tried confessing to Yuma that she loves him, but Yuma defeated her with "Baby Tiragon" and Astral attempted to collect her "Number" before realizing she did not have one. Yuma walked over to Cathy to help her up and asked her where Tori is, making Cathy blush.[60]

Afterward, Yuma found out that Tori was at the park the whole time, playing with Cathy's cats. As they walked to school the next morning with Bronk, Tori told them that she was forced to play with the cats and that Yuma should stop being so angry with her. Yuma angrily insisted that he was not angry with her as Cathy walked up to them, saying "Good morning." and Yuma responds with a "Hey!". As Cathy walked off happily, Bronk asked who that was, and Tori told him not to be rude since that girl was in their class. When they couldn't remember her name, Yuma told them her name was Cathy, and that she's a strong Duelist. Jealous, Tori said that she didn't know that and Bronk asked if Yuma figured out who was messing with them. Tori said she had to go and walked ahead of them, leaving Yuma confused. Astral floated above and documents his eleventh observation - "Yuma still doesn't understand the feelings of women".[60]

Shark nearly runs over Yuma Yuma is nearly run over by Shark. One day Yuma was late for school, and dashed across a crosswalk when traffic was cleared, but nearly got run over by someone on a motorcycle. The driver pulle over and Yuma angrily asked if he didn't see the lights change. He saw that the driver was Shark, who said nothing and pulled away. In class, Caswell took Yuma's Deck to look for the "Number" cards, but couldn't find them. When Yuma said that he only has them when Astral is with him, Caswell then tells Yuma that his victory's over Shark and Flip were due to the "Number" and questions him about his skills. So Yuma decides to fight Shark again, but Bronk tells him that Shark hasn't been showing up to school lately and how after losing to Yuma, Shark's reputation dropped dramatically and rumors say he's been hanging out with some rough-neck "bad people".[34]

Shark earns the Emperor's key Shark takes away the Emperor's Key. Later, Yuma wandered the streets, remarking that his friends didn't understand - he was much stronger than he was before. Yuma found Shark, but was cornered by Chills, Scorch and their goons, then was lifted off the ground by his ankle. Luckily, Shark stepped in and told them to back off, leaving Yuma and his friends alone. When Yuma challenged Shark, he refused to Duel and Yuma was shocked learning that Shark gave up Dueling.The next day, Yuma then proceeds to chase Shark and annoy him by requesting a Duel until he accepts. As the Duel progresses, Shark's burn strategy begins to take its toll on Yuma, who vows not to uses "Numbers". However, Shark tells him use his "Numbers" anyway, so Yuma brings out "Utopia", but it was not enough, as Shark weakened it with "Friller Rabca", then proceeded to negate its effects and destroy it with his "Black Ray Lancer". With a final direct attack from "Aero Shark", Yuma lost the Duel, losing his pride along the way and was devastated. As Yuma bet his pendant in the Duel as a prize, but when Shark took it, he threw it behind him onto the ground beside Yuma, saying that it wasn't worth destroying as well as warning him not to bother him again (in the dub, Shark throws the key to the ground telling Yuma to keep it as a reminder of the Duel).

After this, Yuma Duels Bronk without the "Numbers" only to lose a grand total of 20 times in a row. Eventually, Bronk stops Dueling Yuma for lying to him about using the "Numbers". On the way to school the next day, Yuma catches up with Bronk, asking him if they can Duel today, but Bronk simply says he can't Duel with him anymore. Yuma shakes it off, saying there are plenty of other people to Duel with anyway. When Astral appears and tells him that it doesn't matter who he Duels with right now because Yuma, who usually at least use basic strategies in his Duels, but he isn't even doing that anymore - he's simply recklessly attacking over and over again. Yuma asks what he means, Astral responds that Yuma is irritated about losing to Shark. Astral says that Shark is indeed a very talented Duelist, but that is not the only reason he won. Yuma again asks what he means and Astral says that Shark thoroughly studied Yuma's Deck and found the weakness of the "Numbers", but Yuma really knows nothing about Shark. Yuma thinks back to when Bronk speculated that something happened to Shark at Nationals and goes to do research on Shark. In the school library, Yuma and Tori goes on on the computer and find information, the article calls Shark the "tarnished champion candidate". They read that Shark was disqualified for peeking at his opponent's Deck before a Duel began. Tori says it's hard to believe that's why Shark was disqualified, but Yuma says it can't be true - the Duel he had with Shark was not with the type of person who would cheat like that.

Shark partners up with Yuma Shark partners up with Yuma. After school, someone called Weasel runs up to them and says that 2 brothers in the gang Shark is affiliated with, is going to rob a powerful Deck in Heartland Museum and are going to place the blame on Shark. Despite Tori's complaints, Yuma heads to the Museum and is in time to stop Shark, Scorch, and Chills from robing the Museum and challenges them to a Duel if they win they can have "Number 39: Utopia". Shark warned Yuma not to be concerned for him, but Yuma said he wouldn't leave him alone to steal the Deck. Yuma also pointed out that Scorch and Chills were just using him, that their hideout is not a place for him to stay, and that both Yuma and Shark are comrades. Shark then decides to Duel with Yuma against Scorch and Chills in a 2-on-2 Tag Duel. During the Duel, Yuma is amazed that Shark could Xyz Summon "Aero Shark" and inflict damage on his first turn, but Scorch Summons "Number 61: Volcasaurus" and with it destroys both their monsters and reducing them to 2400 and 1100 Life Points. Having all their moves countered and with the appearance of Chills' "Number 19: Freezadon", which gave "Volcasaurus" its Overlay Units back, Shark and Yuma were pushed into a corner.

Then Shark revealed what he had suspected Scorch and Chills were cheating by ordering their Decks so they would know what cards were in each others hands, so what they would draw, and they had rigged their D-Pad's Shuffle systems. When Chills tells Shark that he had cheated back at the National Duel Circuit, who said it was because he was afraid of losing, then they start mocking him for it, but Yuma defends Shark. Yuma says there was nothing wrong with being afraid of losing, which is why he used "Numbers" when he Dueled Shark, unaware that Tori and Bronk were near by listening. After Summoning "Utopia" and having it prevented from attacking by Chills's trap "Avalanche", Yuma used its effect to protect Shark from attacks, which would have caused him to lose. After having "Utopia" and the newly Summoned "Black Ray Lancer" destroyed by "Volcasaurus", Shark narrowly avoids losing from a direct attack by using the trap "Final Offering", ending the Battle Phase and giving Yuma a card needed to win.

Yuma protecting Shark through Number 39's effect Yuma and Shark during their Duel with Scorch and Chills. After eliminating Chills by forcing him to use his "Compensation Exchange" trap, which saved "Volcasaurus" by taking damage equal to its ATK, Yuma used "Monster Reborn" to bring back Shark's "Black Ray Lancer" and equip it with Shark's "Armored Xyz" he entrusted to him earlier. It allowed Yuma to give "Lancer" the properties of "Utopia", letting it destroy "Volcasaurus" and attack directly for the win. Bronk and Tori run up congratulating him for winning, and Yuma apologizes for lying. Bronk, with some urging from Tori, accepts the apology and asks for a Duel with him, which he happily accepts. Before Shark leaves, Yuma tries to return "Armored Xyz" to him, but Shark comments that his card was able to improve Yuma's game, allowing him to keep it. Yuma gets little annoyed being called a "no-good Duelist", making Shark smile and walk off as Yuma smiles and watches him.

While at the shopping mall, a criminal takes several people hostages, and Yuma's Duel Gazer rings to have asks him where he was. Yuma tried to lies being saying he still at school, but Kari knew he was there because she can see him on the news. Kari orders Yuma obtain her a scoop she can on the occurrence, but before he could get close to the scene, Kite Tenjo and Orbital 7 caused the time to freeze. Yuma and Astral wasn't affected by this and realized that they could move around in this frozen time. Yuma learned that a Duel was taking place and saw that the criminal is possessed by a "Numbers", he tries to get closer. Due to several blockages, Yuma arrives to finds the criminal, aged and continuously saying "Number Hunter". Yuma to figure out what happened, time start flowing again, and the Heartland police grab and attack him, which ends up on the news.Yuma facing two Number monsters Yuma facing two "Number" monsters.Since Astral learn that there is someone else collecting "Numbers" just like them and can somehow stopped time, he warns Yuma that someone might for them, but Yuma wasn't worry and it. At school, Bronk tells Yuma, Tori, and Caswell that the neighboring city has built a new Duel plaza, and the group decides to go there next Sunday. On the way back from the Duel plaza, it starts to rain, but as Yuma and Tori are looking for shelter, a truck is about to hit Tori. Yuma shoves her, putting himself in the way, then time suddenly stops again and they hear the same whistling they heard in the mall. They find themselves confronting the Number Hunter, who ties Yuma to a Duel Anchor stopping him from escaping and then Duel with their "Numbers" on the line.[64] As Duel begins, Yuma watches as Kite has Summons "Number 10: Illumiknight" and "Number 20: Giga-Brilliant" and shortly after Summons his ultimate monster, "Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon".

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

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

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

Yuma checking the Secret Deck's cards Yuma and his friends checking the Legendary Deck's cards. After putting together his new Deck, Yuma is prepared for the World Duel Carnival. However, Astral, still shaken up from his Duel with Kite, has his own doubts about it. Yuma eventually learns through a possessed Cathy that his friends are being held captive by Fortuno, a servant of Kite. Astral, scared of losing, was against the Duel, but Yuma eventually persuaded him and the two made off to face against Fortuno. Fortuno introduces himself as Kite's servant and tells him that Kite would be watching this Duel himself, scaring Astral, but not damaging Yuma's fiery spirit. Yuma and Astral do Chaos Xyz Change Yuma and Astral perform a Chaos Xyz Evolution. Once their Duel got started, Fortuno Summoned "Number 16: Shock Master" and the two were against the wall. However, Yuma managed to defeat the "Numbers" monster only to be shocked when Fortuno Summons his other "Number" monster, "Number 11: Big Eye" and uses its effect to take control of Utopia. Also, throughout the Duel, Fortuno keeps sealing Yuma's Summons up to the point where they think there's nothing else they can do. Astral was frightened about losing, but when Fortuno offers Yuma the deal of handing his "Number" monsters in exchange of his friends, Astral becomes willing to be sacrificed. Yuma refuses and when they eventually find out that the "Kite" watching them was nothing more than a statue, they once again gain hope. With a new power, Chaos Xyz Evolution, Yuma and Astral both CXyz Summon "Number C39: Utopia Ray" and defeat Fortuno. Astral then claims both "Numbers" and Yuma saved his friends with the latter thanking Astral. Annoyed, Yuma then walks off in a fit due to his friends ignoring him.

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

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

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

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

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

Orbital 7 misses Yuma Orbital 7 misses Yuma. After recruiting Mr. Kay to use a virus to find the location of Kite's hideout, Yuma, along with Bronk, Tori, Cathy, and Caswell go there, only to find that the doors are sealed shut. As he is giving up hope, Tori slaps him, bringing him back to his senses and reminding him of "kattobingu". The group begins to pull on the doors, only for them to open by Mr. Kay's bug.[20] They go inside, looking for the Key, but are intercepted by Orbital 5 and Orbital 6. Yuma kicks the former in the face, but is spurred on by his friends, who say they will distract the robots while he looks for the Key. He does find the area with the key, but the door is locked. He is unable to open it, but discovers a picture of Kite and a mysterious young boy. After Orbital 7 arrived, the door opened and the robot attacked Yuma, but got his drills get stuck in a wall, giving Yuma the chance to enter the lab and find his key.

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

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