Gao Mikado is the central protagonist of the Future Card Buddyfight franchise, concluding his journey in *Future Card Buddyfight X: All-Star Fight*. Profoundly influenced by his deceased older brother Yota Mikado, creator of the "Mighty Sun Fighter" manga, Gao adopts the mantle of the Mighty Sun Fighter. He wears a reversible jacket with sun motifs and is driven by an unwavering commitment to protect the vulnerable, often announcing himself with the declaration: "Eclipsing the darkness with flames and brightening the hearts of the mistreated, The Mighty Sun Fighter is here!". Trained in Mikado-style Aiki-jujutsu at his family dojo, Gao possesses significant martial prowess. However, an early incident where his aggressive, win-at-all-costs attitude led him to accidentally injure an opponent instilled a lingering fear of obsession with victory. This past initially made him approach Buddyfighting with caution regarding wins and losses. His personality blends optimism, fierce loyalty, and a strong belief that Buddyfighting can forge friendships, even with former adversaries like Kyoya Gaen. This trusting nature and quickness to forgive can become vulnerabilities. Beneath his cheerful exterior lies a volatile temper, leading to reckless actions when enraged, such as delivering a harsh one-turn knockout against Rouga Aragami or destroying Disaster's base. These actions sometimes inadvertently caused problems, like Drum Bunker Dragon temporarily leaving him or Kiri Hyoryu joining Rouga and accepting a Dark Core, events for which Gao expressed regret. His journey involved reconciling his heroic ideals with the unintended consequences of his strength. Gao's Buddyfighting journey began after drawing a Buddy Rare card in class, leading to a challenge against the undefeated Tasuku Ryuenji, whom he surprisingly defeated. This victory sparked a legendary winning streak and established his deep rivalry and friendship with Tasuku. He formed Team Balle du Soleil with Baku Omori and Kuguru Uki, competing in tournaments like the ABC Cup and Gaen Cup. Throughout the series, he partnered with three primary buddy monsters: 1. **Drum Bunker Dragon (Fang Slade Terrestrial XIV):** His first buddy, hailing from Dragon World. Their partnership defined Gao's early decks focused on Armordragons and later Thunder Knights. Drum temporarily became an Omni Lord during the conflict against the Hundred Demons and Yamigedo before returning to Dragon World to lead his clan. 2. **Dragon of the Sun, Bal Dragon (Super Sun Dragon, Balle Soleil):** Gao's second buddy during Triple D, a newborn Sun Dragon. This partnership utilized the Sun Dragon archetype and Impact Monsters. Gao acted as a mentor figure to Bal, and their bond triggered his Dragon Force of Anger transformation when Bal was poisoned by Doctor Gara. 3. **Demon Lord Dragon Batzz (Barlbatzz Dragoroyale the First):** His third and final buddy in Buddyfight X, ruler of the Thunder Empire in Dragon World. This partnership utilized the Thunder Empire flag and the Overturn mechanic. Their bond deepened significantly, leading to forms like Dragonificator Gao, where Gao merged with Batzz, and culminated in Batzz's ultimate form, Turbulent Warlord, Barlbatzz Dragoroyale. Gao possesses unique abilities tied to his "cat-like eyes," granting powers distinct from the Buddy Police: * **Future Force:** Initially activating involuntarily during danger or rage (causing memory loss), he gained control during the Gaen Cup final. It manifests as a golden aura, elongates his hair, and allows him to manifest Buddyfight cards into reality. * **Card Evolution:** He can evolve Impact cards (e.g., Gargantua Punisher!! into Roaring Slash!! Gargantua Punisher!!), though the evolved form reverts if given to another fighter. * **Buddy Skill:** A golden hoverboard emblazoned with a sun, enabling flight alongside his buddies. * **Dragon Force:** Unlocked by anger witnessing Bal's poisoning, it grants a fiery aura, wings, and enhanced combat abilities, later evolving into Dragon Force, "Style of Impact" featuring elemental punches. * **Draconification/Dragonificator Gao:** A dangerous technique merging him painfully with Batzz's power, used to unleash attacks like Impact Thunder X Tempest Buster. * **Future Force DX:** His ultimate form, combining Future Force, Dragon Force of Anger, and Dragonificator Gao. His fighting style often involved aggressive tactics that left his center vulnerable, relying heavily on shield counters. Later decks, like the Fifth Omni-lord deck or Thunder Empire, increased his fragility, requiring damage or low life to maximize effects. While initially maintaining an undefeated streak of 999 wins off-screen, he eventually suffered his first canonical loss to Ikazuchi, triggering a crisis of confidence and a temporary retirement from Buddyfighting before rediscovering his passion. Within *Future Card Buddyfight X: All-Star Fight*, Gao participates in the GGG Cup, a special tournament organized by Guru in his honor before his impending move to America. This event serves as a culmination of his journey, featuring his strongest rivals and all three of his primary buddy monsters – Drum, Bal, and Batzz – united within a single deck. This "All Your Powers Combined" approach allowed him to utilize mechanics and archetypes from across his entire career. Key moments included his match against Kanata Ozora, explicitly showcasing the unity of Batzz, Drum, and Bal, and his final duel against his enduring rival and friend, Tasuku Ryuenji. By the conclusion of *All-Star Fight*, Gao Mikado departs for America, transitioning into family life as the husband of Paruko Nanana (Paruko Mikado) and father to sons Yuga and Haru Mikado.