TV-Series
Description
Gao Mikado hails from a family dedicated to Mikado-style Aiki-jujutsu at their dojo. A childhood obsession with winning led him to accidentally injure an opponent, an event that instilled lasting guilt and fundamentally reshaped his approach to competition. This trauma causes him to consciously avoid focusing on victory in Buddyfights, fearing a resurgence of that destructive mindset. He holds profound admiration for his deceased older brother, Yota Mikado, creator of the "Mighty Sun Fighter" comic. Gao actively embodies this heroic persona, striving to protect others and refusing to abandon those in need – a principle demonstrated when rescuing Kiri Hyoryu from bullies. His catchphrase, "Eclipsing the darkness with flames and brightening the hearts of the mistreated, The Mighty Sun Fighter is here!" reflects this adopted identity.
Beginning as a lonely transfer student at Aibo Academy, Gao's life transforms when he pulls a Buddy Rare card, summoning Drum Bunker Dragon and igniting his Buddyfighting journey. Despite his novice status, he defeats experienced fighters like Tasuku Ryuenji, sparking a lasting rivalry and friendship. He forms Team Balle du Soleil with friends Baku Omori and Kuguru Uki for the ABC Cup tournament. During this event, he grapples with aggressive tendencies, particularly evident in a one-turn victory against Rouga Aragami where his excessive force pushes Rouga away, reinforcing Gao's commitment to fun and friendship over winning.
Gao's fighting style evolves significantly. He primarily uses Dragon World decks, starting with Armordragons and later incorporating Thunder Knights after accepting their synergy despite initial reluctance. A tendency to leave his center vulnerable is countered by shield cards and protective spells. When Drum temporarily departs for training, Gao loses interest in Buddyfighting until encountering Kazane Fujimiya reignites his passion for the game's thrill. During this period, he partners temporarily with Dragowizard, Qinus Axia, and experiments with other worlds: Magic World for Dragowizard, Dungeon World for Brave Drum, and later Thunder Knights variants.
In Triple D, Gao partners with Bal Dragon, a newborn hatched from a mysterious egg. They compete in the World Buddy Cup to become the world's strongest fighters. This season highlights Gao's mentorship of Bal while confronting antagonists like Kyoya Gaen and Doctor Gara, who covet Bal's "Ultimate Dragon Power." Gao's protective instincts trigger his Dragon Force of Anger, manifesting fiery wings and enhancing combat abilities, especially after Bal is poisoned. His Triple D deck centers on the Sun Dragon archetype, utilizing Bal's ability to become an Impact Monster.
Later, Gao joins the Buddy Police in Hundred, utilizing Hero World and Crimson Battler decks supporting fist-type items. He suffers his first loss to Ikazuchi, breaking his long winning streak and triggering a crisis of confidence. In X, chosen as Dragon World's representative for the World Buddy Masters, he bonds with the unruly Demon Lord Dragon Batzz. Their Thunder Emperor's Fangs deck employs the Overturn mechanic. Gao eventually moves to America, concluding his main storyline. In Ace, set years later, he appears offscreen as Paruko Nanana's husband and father to sons Yuga and Haru, his legacy continuing through Yuga's adventures.
Key relationships define Gao's journey. His first buddy, Drum Bunker Dragon, leaves temporarily for training, causing Gao to question his purpose until Drum returns. With Bal Dragon, Gao becomes a nurturing mentor. His partnership with Batzz involves taming the destructive demon lord. He maintains friendly rivalries with Tasuku Ryuenji and Noboru Kodo, while complex dynamics with Rouga Aragami evolve from hostility to mutual respect. He later marries Paruko Mikado, solidifying a bond hinted throughout earlier seasons.
Gao possesses Future Force, enabling him to manifest cards physically. This power initially activates involuntarily during danger or rage, though he later learns control. His Impact cards can evolve, such as transforming Gargantua Punisher into Roaring Slash!! Gargantua Punisher!!, reverting when given to others. His Buddy Skill manifests as a golden hoverboard for flight alongside Drum. Trained in martial arts, Gao excels in hand-to-hand combat, though his temper can provoke reckless actions.
Beginning as a lonely transfer student at Aibo Academy, Gao's life transforms when he pulls a Buddy Rare card, summoning Drum Bunker Dragon and igniting his Buddyfighting journey. Despite his novice status, he defeats experienced fighters like Tasuku Ryuenji, sparking a lasting rivalry and friendship. He forms Team Balle du Soleil with friends Baku Omori and Kuguru Uki for the ABC Cup tournament. During this event, he grapples with aggressive tendencies, particularly evident in a one-turn victory against Rouga Aragami where his excessive force pushes Rouga away, reinforcing Gao's commitment to fun and friendship over winning.
Gao's fighting style evolves significantly. He primarily uses Dragon World decks, starting with Armordragons and later incorporating Thunder Knights after accepting their synergy despite initial reluctance. A tendency to leave his center vulnerable is countered by shield cards and protective spells. When Drum temporarily departs for training, Gao loses interest in Buddyfighting until encountering Kazane Fujimiya reignites his passion for the game's thrill. During this period, he partners temporarily with Dragowizard, Qinus Axia, and experiments with other worlds: Magic World for Dragowizard, Dungeon World for Brave Drum, and later Thunder Knights variants.
In Triple D, Gao partners with Bal Dragon, a newborn hatched from a mysterious egg. They compete in the World Buddy Cup to become the world's strongest fighters. This season highlights Gao's mentorship of Bal while confronting antagonists like Kyoya Gaen and Doctor Gara, who covet Bal's "Ultimate Dragon Power." Gao's protective instincts trigger his Dragon Force of Anger, manifesting fiery wings and enhancing combat abilities, especially after Bal is poisoned. His Triple D deck centers on the Sun Dragon archetype, utilizing Bal's ability to become an Impact Monster.
Later, Gao joins the Buddy Police in Hundred, utilizing Hero World and Crimson Battler decks supporting fist-type items. He suffers his first loss to Ikazuchi, breaking his long winning streak and triggering a crisis of confidence. In X, chosen as Dragon World's representative for the World Buddy Masters, he bonds with the unruly Demon Lord Dragon Batzz. Their Thunder Emperor's Fangs deck employs the Overturn mechanic. Gao eventually moves to America, concluding his main storyline. In Ace, set years later, he appears offscreen as Paruko Nanana's husband and father to sons Yuga and Haru, his legacy continuing through Yuga's adventures.
Key relationships define Gao's journey. His first buddy, Drum Bunker Dragon, leaves temporarily for training, causing Gao to question his purpose until Drum returns. With Bal Dragon, Gao becomes a nurturing mentor. His partnership with Batzz involves taming the destructive demon lord. He maintains friendly rivalries with Tasuku Ryuenji and Noboru Kodo, while complex dynamics with Rouga Aragami evolve from hostility to mutual respect. He later marries Paruko Mikado, solidifying a bond hinted throughout earlier seasons.
Gao possesses Future Force, enabling him to manifest cards physically. This power initially activates involuntarily during danger or rage, though he later learns control. His Impact cards can evolve, such as transforming Gargantua Punisher into Roaring Slash!! Gargantua Punisher!!, reverting when given to others. His Buddy Skill manifests as a golden hoverboard for flight alongside Drum. Trained in martial arts, Gao excels in hand-to-hand combat, though his temper can provoke reckless actions.