Kyōya Tategami is a central figure in the Beyblade: Metal Fury storyline, having first appeared earlier in the Metal Saga as a formidable rival and later evolving into one of the Legendary Bladers. He is a Blader of the Four Seasons, representing Spring, and wields the bey Rock Leone, which later upgrades to Fang Leone. His background begins with him as the leader of the Face Hunters, a gang of bladers who bullied others and stole Beypoints, but his defeat at the hands of Gingka Hagane sets him on a path of growth. After being manipulated by the antagonist Daidoji and undergoing a harsh training ordeal in Wolf Canyon, Kyōya briefly becomes consumed by violence and loses sight of his bonds. However, a subsequent battle with Gingka helps him remember the true meaning of beyblading, and he later allies with Gingka and his friends to defeat the Dark Nebula organization.

Personality-wise, Kyōya is fiercely proud, independent, and driven by an intense desire to become stronger. He values strength above all else and initially views beyblading as a means to dominate others, but he gradually comes to respect his opponents and cherish the spirit of fair competition. His motivations center on surpassing Gingka as the top blader, yet he also feels a deep sense of responsibility when the world is threatened. In Metal Fury, he is drawn into the quest to stop the evil god Nemesis, and he accepts his role as a Legendary Blader even though he initially resents the idea of a predetermined destiny.

Within the story, Kyōya serves as Gingka's ultimate rival and a key ally. He joins the group of Legendary Bladers—alongside Gingka, Kenta, King, Chris, Aguma, and Ryuga—to confront the forces of destruction. Despite his lone-wolf nature, he willingly cooperates when the stakes are high, and his powerful battle instincts make him a crucial asset. His relationship with Gingka is defined by mutual respect and a constant drive to outdo one another, while his bond with Benkei Hanawa, a loyal follower from the Face Hunters days, shows a softer side; Benkei remains devoted to Kyōya even after they part ways. He also interacts with the younger blader Yuki Mizusawa, who helps inform the group about the Legendary Bladers.

Kyōya’s development is marked by a shift from a ruthless bully to a honorable warrior. His early arrogance and aggression are tempered by defeats and the support of others, leading him to embrace a more selfless purpose. By Metal Fury, he has matured into a calm and focused blader who channels his ferocity only when necessary. His notable abilities revolve around his lion-themed special moves, which emphasize raw power and wind-based attacks. These include Lion Gale-Force Wall, a defensive vortex; Lion 100 Fang Fury, a rapid barrage; Lion Wild Wind Fang Dance, a swirling offensive maneuver; and his ultimate technique, King Lion Tearing Blast. With Fang Leone’s 4D system, his attacks gain even greater force and precision, making him a formidable opponent even among the Legendary Bladers.