Dan Kuso is the central protagonist of the original *Bakugan* series through *New Vestroia*. At 15 during *New Vestroia*, he resides in Wardington with his parents before later moving to Bayview. His signature *New Vestroia* attire features a gold-trimmed long-sleeved overcoat with dark shoulder pads over a light blue sleeveless shirt, white pants with grey pinstriped accents, black boots, and fingerless gloves consistent with earlier designs. He continues wearing hexagonal goggles, though their style eventually alters. Initially impulsive and overconfident, Dan prioritizes victory over strategy, leading to actions like discarding his partner Bakugan Drago into a river after reckless decisions cost other Bakugan their freedom. Following a defeat by Ryo, he reconciles with Drago and gradually adopts more tactical approaches, securing wins against elite opponents. His frustration during covert missions lessens by *Gundalian Invaders*, demonstrating increased patience and leadership, such as directing allies to rebuild shield generators post-battle. In *New Vestroia*, the Six Legendary Soldiers forcibly separate Drago from the Perfect Core, reverting him to Neo Dragonoid. Dan reunites with Drago to fight the Vestal occupation, joining the Resistance—Mira Fermin, Ace Grit, and Baron Leltoy—to dismantle the Vexos' dimensional controllers suppressing Bakugan sentience. Key conflicts involve Spectra Phantom, who corrupts Neo Dragonoid using Forbidden Ability Cards after defeating Dan. Drago is purified and returned when Spectra loses a duel against Apollonir; Apollonir sacrifices his attribute energy to trigger Drago's evolution into Cross Dragonoid. Dan and Drago later combine with mechanical Bakugan components to form Maxus Dragonoid against Prince Hydron. Dan achieves a temporary evolution to Helix Dragonoid by absorbing all six attribute energies from the B.T. System, destroying it to save New Vestroia. He subsequently allies with former adversaries Spectra and Gus Grav to stop King Zenoheld's Alternative Weapon System. His primary Bakugan in *New Vestroia* are Neo Dragonoid and Cross Dragonoid, supplemented temporarily by Apollonir and Bakugan Traps like Pyrus Scorpion or Ventus Atmos. He utilizes Battle Gear including Silver JetKor and Silver Explosix Gear in later seasons. His journey spans four seasons, concluding in *Mechtanium Surge* at age 18, where he struggles to control Fusion Dragonoid's unstable powers and confronts Wiseman's faction. Throughout, he maintains rivalries and complex alliances with figures like Masquerade, Spectra, and the Gundalian invaders, operating from the Battle Brawlers Headquarters in Bakugan City. His relationships include unresolved romantic tension with Runo Misaki and steadfast friendships with Shun Kazami and Marucho Marukura.