Daniel "Dan" Kuso, the central protagonist across the Bakugan Battle Brawlers series, originates from Wardington. He later moves to Bayview due to his father's work, becoming neighbors with Julie Makimoto, and eventually resides in Bakugan City at the Battle Brawlers Headquarters by Mechtanium Surge. His parents are Miyoko Kuso, who enjoys yoga, and Shinjiro Kuso, sharing Dan's impulsive nature and love of pudding. Initially a brash, power-obsessed 12-year-old, Dan prioritizes winning without strategy, causing conflicts with his partner Bakugan, Drago. This recklessness led to him discarding Drago into a river after a loss and resulted in multiple Bakugan banished to the Doom Dimension. A pivotal defeat by Ryo forces Dan to reconcile with Drago and adopt strategic thinking, though he retains his competitive drive and occasional impulsiveness. His personality evolves significantly; by Gundalian Invaders, he demonstrates increased patience and leadership, directing Jake Vallory to rebuild shield generators post-battle. However, Mechtanium Surge sees a temporary regression where overconfidence leads him to dismiss allies, exacerbated by psychic manipulation from Mag Mel via the "Switch Code" telepathic link he shares with Drago. This link grants clairvoyance and telepathic abilities but also causes hallucinations and loss of control. Training allows him to manage these powers, regain emotional stability, and apologize for his behavior. Dan consistently exhibits loyalty, entering the Doom Dimension to stay with Drago and offering redemption to former enemies like Masquerade, Spectra, and Ren Krawler. His determined mindset is captured in his catchphrase, "We're in it to win it!". Romantically, he shares mutual but unspoken feelings with Runo Misaki, culminating in a movie date after the first season. He maintains close childhood bonds with strategic counterpart Shun Kazami and Marucho Marukura, forming the core trio of the Battle Brawlers. Later friendships include Jake Vallory and Fabia Sheen, who develops a brief crush on him. His appearance evolves per season: a red overcoat, fingerless gloves, and hexagonal goggles in the first season; a gold-trimmed coat and suspender-like straps in New Vestroia; a collared red jacket with elliptical goggles in Gundalian Invaders; and a red jacket with a black collar or white shoulders in Mechtanium Surge. For athletic activities, he wears black sportswear with red trims. His primary Bakugan partner is the Pyrus-attributed Drago, evolving through Neo Dragonoid, Cross Dragonoid, Helix Dragonoid, Lumino Dragonoid, Blitz Dragonoid, Titanium Dragonoid, and Fusion Dragonoid forms. Dan also temporarily partners with other Bakugan, including Apollonir (who perishes), Dragonoid Colossus (deceased), and Haos Reptak. He utilizes various combat aids like Silver JetKor (Battle Gear), BakuNano, Mechtogan (Zenthon, deceased), and Mobile Assault vehicles. His battle record includes development-driving losses: three in Battle Brawlers, three in New Vestroia, two in Gundalian Invaders, and eight in Mechtanium Surge. Key battles include early wins against Shuji, a draw against Masquerade, and a disqualification loss to Anubias costing him the #1 ranking in Bakugan Interspace. Dan achieves legendary status across multiple worlds for saving New Vestroia from the Vexos and Vestal's Alternative Weapon System, aiding Neathia against Gundalian invaders, and preventing Mechtanium Surge catastrophes. The "Switch Code" bond enables summoning Mechtogan but facilitates Mag Mel's mental interference, resolved through a climactic battle in the reverse dimension. Post-series, Dan is recognized as the universe's strongest brawler and resumes his journey with Drago.