Masaru, the playable male protagonist from Galar's games, appears in animated form during the Darkest Day crisis. Residing in Postwick, he starts his journey upon receiving a first partner Pokémon from Champion Leon, alongside friend Hop. Leon endorses Masaru for the Gym Challenge, where he collects eight badges across Galar amid Team Yell's disruptions, qualifying for Wyndon's Champion Cup.

Before his championship match against Leon, Macro Cosmos chairman Rose reawakens Eternatus, triggering a second Darkest Day. Masaru partners with Hop and the legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta to confront Eternatus. He weakens and captures Eternatus, resolving the crisis, then defeats Leon to become Galar's Champion.

In this animated depiction, Masaru employs his fully evolved starter Inteleon for tactical mobility, gliding during the Eternatus battle. He wears a gray beanie, a red T-shirt with a Poké Ball-like logo, blue jeans featuring green tartan-patterned pockets, and brown shoes. His portrayal shows a notably darker skin tone than his game artwork, though lighter than Hop or Leon.