Dan Kuso evolves from a 12-year-old protagonist in *Bakugan Battle Brawlers* to a 17-18-year-old by *Mechtanium Surge*. Originally from Wardington with parents Miyoko and Shinjiro Kuso, he relocates to Bayview during *Gundalian Invaders*, gaining Julie Makimoto as a neighbor.
Initially impulsive and hot-headed, Dan relies solely on brute strength in brawls, chasing victory regardless of consequence. This strains his bond with his primary Bakugan, the Pyrus Dragonoid Drago, leading Dan to discard him after defeat. A subsequent loss to Ryo prompts reconciliation and marks Dan's evolution towards incorporating strategy and partner respect, though his fierce competitive drive remains. His personality matures across seasons: early frustration during planning phases gives way to developed patience and leadership, directing allies in critical *Gundalian Invaders* and *Mechtanium Surge* missions. Despite this growth, occasional hypocrisy and recklessness resurface, notably under Mag Mel’s psychic manipulations in *Mechtanium Surge*, which temporarily fractures his team bonds.
Dan's core relationship is his bond with Drago, transforming from friction to an unbreakable partnership. Drago undergoes multiple evolutions: Dragonoid to Fusion Dragonoid, including temporary forms like Neo Dragonoid, Cross Dragonoid, Helix Dragonoid, Lumino Dragonoid, Blitz Dragonoid, Titanium Dragonoid, and Dragonoid Destroyer. Dan tactically employs additional Bakugan, including temporary partners Pyrus Apollonir, Pyrus Dragonoid Colossus, Haos Reptak, and borrowed Bakugan like Ventus Hawktor. His arsenal expands with mechanics like Battle Gear (Silver JetKor, Explosix Gear), Mobile Assault Vehicles (Raytheus, Jakalier), BakuNano (Sonicanon), Mechtogan (Zenthon, Zenthon Titan), and Battle Suits (Doomtronic, Defendtrix).
Key relationships include a rivalry-turned-friendship with childhood friend Shun Kazami, a sparring dynamic with Runo Misaki culminating in a post-series date, and mentorship of allies like Jake Vallory. Dan consistently extends second chances to former enemies, offering redemption to figures like Spectra Phantom, Ren Krawler, and the Vexos.
Narrative arcs chart his rise to #1 brawler rank by *Battle Brawlers'* end, liberating New Vestroia from the Vexos, defending Neathia against Gundalian invaders, and overcoming Mag Mel’s psychic interference in *Mechtanium Surge*—which temporarily cost him his leadership before he reclaimed it. His combat record fluctuates, with increased losses in *Mechtanium Surge* due to psychological strain, yet he retains legendary status across multiple worlds.
Dan's appearance evolves: his iconic goggles shift from hexagonal to elliptical and finally rectangular shapes. Outfits transition from a red overcoat with yellow sleeveless shirt to sporting armored knight wear in *Gundalian Invaders* and layered jackets with jeans in *Mechtanium Surge*. Abilities extend beyond brawling to telepathy, clairvoyance, and a "Switch Code" psychic link with Drago enabling Mechtogan summoning—until Mag Mel’s defeat severs the connection.
He closes his journey maintaining his title as the universe’s top brawler alongside Drago, embarking on new adventures.